Once Upon a Time

Many years ago, I tried to keep a diary -- it was the thing to do in high school. It wasn't a very successful venture as I was (and still am) a bit scattered. I do remember using it to write down MOMENTOUS happenings. As these events didn't occur very often, most of the pages in the diary were blank.

I want to use this blog to record some of my random thoughts about knitting (my current obsession) and life in general. My life at the moment is on hold as I wait to hear if I will be moving in two weeks to another state. My daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter (the light of my life) moved last year. Now there is another granddaughter on the way. I am desperately seeking a position closer to them.

A new job seems to be in the offing, but I won't know until this week. If the job comes through, I will have to throw clothes in a suitcase and leave almost immediately. One would think I would have better sense than to attempt something like this, but staid old lady that I am, I seem to enjoy the challenge of life on the edge.

KNITTING

I have done quite a bit of knitting recently, all for other people. I never seem to get around to knitting for myself although I have several items in my stash that are just waiting for me to get around to them. Many people I know are having babies, so I am enjoying the pleasures of making tiny garments that make folks go "awwwwwwww" in squealy little voices.

I have finished two EZ surplices (pattern found in the spring/summer 2007 VK). For both of them, I used a US size 6 circular needle and a lovely imported English yarn in a DK weight. (Is British DK closer to US worsted weight?) The surplices turned out to be approximately 6-month size, just what I had hoped. The fact that the yarn is acrylic did not bother me in the least. I am one of those practical knitters who realize a new mom does not have a lot of time for handwash/lay flat to dry. The yarn is called "Marble". It has heathery tweedy colors that gently self stripe The first little sweater was for a baby girl. I used the purple/lilac/white yarn. I had two balls of yarn, but I only needed one for the surplice sweater, so I made a cute little hat and booties to match. Sadly, I never got a picture of it - one of those finished the gift moments before it had to be wrapped for the shower. The second was for my daughter's new nephew. It was done in shades of blue/gray/white. I also made a hat to match that one. I haven't mailed it yet. If I can figure out how to post a picture, I will add one later.

My favorite project of the moment is a christening gown for my new grandchild who is expected to arrive in November. I found the pattern online. It is a free pattern called Tapestry by Judy Lamb. You can see it here: http://www.geocities.com/jewedyknit/tapestry.htm I really like this pattern - simple, elegant , and not too girly. We know this baby is a girl, but if I am knitting an heirloom, it should be gender neutral. I am using Filatura diCrosa Zarina (a washable merino - soft, soft, soft!) in white, of course. I will post progress pictures as soon as I learn how to do that.