The I’m Addicted To My Touchscreen Phone Fingerless Gloves

It’s always difficult for me to find gifts for the Mister. For one, he is not a very materialistic person. And for two, the things that he actually spends money on are techy gadgets and it’s difficult if not impossible for me to surprise him with something like that. This year was particularly difficult because we’re buying the townhouse and so we are trying not to buy anything new until after the move. (Closing is in 7 days!)

Ever the crafty gal, I decided to knit him some fingerless gloves so that he can keep his fingers warm, walk the dog, and stay connected to his new touchscreen phone. A true multitasker, he is.

I’ll update with more details and a pattern later today at some point in the future.

 

Tangled Up in Blues

Did I mention that my little pester had a yarn fetish? Well, this is an example of a Post-Estherized skein of yarn:

The yarn is Bluebell Sock Yarn from Crazy 4 Dyeing. It was included in a wonderful package sent to me by Carmell for the Knitter’s Coffee Swap.

We all know how much I love books. I never thought I could love them more until I realized this use. Grab a small hardcover book and tuck one end of a tangled skein of yarn inside. Wrap the yarn around the book as you make your way through the maze of thread. When you’re finished you can wind the ball straight off the book. Bonus: Here’s a great video-tutorial on how to wind a center-pull ball by hand (from knittinghelp.com).

Good Friday/Weekend/Shabbos!

 

My First Swap: Knitters’ Coffeeswap

QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Whole bean is the freshest way to go.
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Loaded.
3. Regular or flavored? Regular.
4. How do you drink your coffee? French pressed, big mug, a bit of creamer, and a good book.
5. Favorite coffee ever? This is like choosing a favorite child! Right now I’m really enjoying the Tatoosh Blend from Zoka Coffee Roaster. I really like the medium-dark roasts.
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? I think I’m only mildly fussy. I’m not so much a snob that I won’t drink coffee made from supermarket beans if that’s what’s in the cupboard, but I prefer something more fresh than that usually.
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Something chocolate-hazelnutty, a good book, some knitting…
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? Nothing I can think of at the moment.
9. Yarn/fiber you love? Natural fibers, soft.
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Anything that is scratchy and feels like plastic or that involves fun fur or other weird textures.
11. What’s on your needles? Two scarves, one pair of Monkey Socks, an afghan, a couple of kippot, and maybe something lacey next week.
12. Favorite colors? I’m in a very aqua and chartreuse phase right now. I’m also attracted to a lot of dusty/earthy tones. I like color. I don’t like fluorescents or too much pastel, but anything else is pretty much a go.
13. Allergies? Nope.
14. Anything you really love, really don’t like, or just need to get off your chest? I really love books, science, rain, and Heroes. I really dislike driving. And I can’t wait to find out who my partner is.

 

Monday Monday

When I added myself to the Free Fabric Friday drawing over at Sew, Mama Sew the blog, an email from Kristen asking me to pick out two fabrics from Heather Ross’ West Hill collection was the last thing I expected. Which makes finding this nifty little package in my mailbox on Saturday all the more enjoyable:

Matrioshki on beige and adorable tadpoles

My entire weekend was wonderful like this. We slept in, walked around the market, made a quick trip to the library, and even caught a few garage sales. And, oh do I have a treat for Thursday! I can’t wait to share my latest find.

I also have a finished object (*gasp*):

We went over last night to meet Baby Boy and these items were gifted. The booties ended up being simple toe-up baby socks with picot edging, sans pattern. Here is also a tiny kippah for Baby to wear during the ceremony. It is crocheted from a basic Star of David pattern. I am happy to add that the family is doing well and Baby is absolutely gorgeous, tiny, and sweet.

 

Happy Friday!

On the heels of my last post, I have another wip to show off. But this one takes precedence over the rest of the list. Can you guess why?

We’re going to a bris next week! I had lost all track of time and had not even begun baby gifts. Fortunately, I had this beautiful ball of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in Whitewater sitting in my stash for just such an occasion. I found this pattern through Knitting Pattern Central’s directory. The mock cable seems to be a bit much for the colorful yarn, so I’ll probably go with one of the other seemless booty patterns listed there, but that’s okay because with the top edge curling like that, I’ll want to redo this anyways. (Hey, it’s a pretty darned nice job of it, considering I’m wearing a splint.)

I’m quite looking forward to the bris. That may sound weird if you’ve never been to one. You may envision a crowd of people standing around to watch a little snip-snip, but it’s so much more than that. It will be an exciting evening of laughter, speeches, song and dance, and of course of meeting the new little one.

Ah, babies are everywhere these days. While I was out yesterday, I encountered so many women pregnant or schlepping their children around (or both).  It was both refreshing and a disturbing little reminder that I have not yet joined those ranks. My mother had three children in school by the time she was my age! Of course, she had three marriages and two divorces under her belt too. She worked hard and did the best that she could, but I’ve always told myself that I was not going to follow that path; First education, then career, love, and finally family (chronologically). But, in this odd place between education and career, where love seeps in, images of what my life could have been abound and for just one moment, just one, I wish I were that pregnant woman, waddling through the craft store, searching for the perfect fabric for the nursery. Then I have to remind myself that that me is a long way off and for good reason. Until then, I should adopt a puppy and knit wonderful booties for the babies in my life. (The puppy will be coming by the end of the summer, fingers crossed!)

To you, my dear readers (more seem to be visiting each day!), I wish you (pick all that apply):

Happy Summer! Happy Friday! Happy Shabbat!  Happy Weekend!