Schrodinger's Kittie

It’s not the best quality photo – but, here is the bonnet that is going to be going to Megan for her first baby.  I’m done with the front, left section of the jacket that will be going with it…I really need to step on it with the knitting.  The thing is, I’ve found, I knit more when I have a couch or chair to sit on rather than just my bed.

When I moved to California and left all my furniture behind in Austin, my bed became my defacto couch, chair and sleeping surface…and, interestingly, my knitting has suffered because of it.

However!!  Thanks to mi novio’s wonderful talent, I now have a knitting bag extrodinare.  It’s based off of his Mamacita design – a diaper bag.  Strange, I know – but…Mamacita is not your typical diaper bag.  It’s a glorified hobo bag.  What he did for me was turned the bottle sleeves into drawstring pockets on one side (the front of my bag) and removed them all together from the other side.  This way, my knitting is easily available.  The drawstring pockets are slightly larger than the bottle sleeves, allowing me to comfortably carry two skeins of yarn and a project.  With all the additional pockets and room, I can carry my project book/magazine and all my notions in the ‘knitting’ area – and still have the central section of the bag to be my ‘real’ purse and the back section to give me easy access to my cell, sunglasses, keys, badge for work, etc.

It is perfect because it eliminates the need to carry my tote (my old knitting bag) and my purse.  It’s all in one.  And, on those occassions when my knitting bag is just more than I want to haul around, he made me what I’ve been calling a “bambina” – he’s calling a “chiquita” – it’s an adorable, little bag that’s just big enough to carry my wallet, comb, lip gloss, keys and cell phone.  And, best of all – it matches my knitting bag. **grins**  How great is that?

So, with such a wonderful gift – I’ve been back to knitting while standing in queue and otherwise finding five minutes here or there with nothing to do with my hands.  It’s getting me back on the knitting track so I can do this to my poor Loki.

Well, I’ve finished the soon to be new grandbaby’s (well, Mike’s grandbaby #7) bonnet. Just have the jacket and booties left to do. In the spirit of never having enough projects on the needles, I started working on Mica’s shawl…and, continued work on Mike’s socks and Paco’s kiddo’s baby blanket. Though, seriously, by the time I finish that blanket, the kiddo will be a toddler.

I suppose my priority list should be Megan’s jacket and bonnet and booties (won’t take long) and Paco’s kiddo’s blanket. Then I can split my time between Mike’s socks and Mica’s shawl. Given how fine Mica’s shawl is, I’ll need the break. I’m making here the “Cobweb Crepe Shawl Project 5″ from Heirloom Knitting by Sharon Miller.  I don’t have any photos; but, when Mike gets back from Mazatlán, I’ll ask him to take some photos of the projects.

Or, I’ll see if I can get my camera in working order.  It’s being really weird, lately, and burning out batteries within minute – literally.

I really haven’t been up to a whole lot with Mike gone.  On Wednesday, I got hit with a migraine for the first time since December.  I’m 90% sure it was stress and depression combined that kicked it off.  Though I’m not sure depression is the right word.  Maybe “the mopes” would be better.

I had oral surgery on the 19th and the stitches got caught in my toothbrush on Thursday and ripped out.  It has hurt like crazy ever since.  I’m just hoping nothing gets infected.

Anyway – back to my knitting…and, I’ll work on getting those photos up!

So, I’m sure a lot of you figure I’ve totally given up on knitting. That isn’t the case, though it has been very slow.

I finished up the seed block blanket I was working on and gave it to Mike. No photo of the finished project. I’ll try to get one the next time I’m down on Liberty. He absolutely loved the blanket. It’s the perfect size for traveling on the bus or just curling up under. I certainly wouldn’t use it as a afghan; but, it suits the purpose for which it was created. That purpose being a small blanket for tossing over your lap or used while traveling. It’s big enough to cover you in a bus/airplane/car seat without being obnoxious.

There are currently two projects in the works. One is a baby blanket for Paco’s latest addition. I’ve been designing/working on it for forever, it seems – and, it’s slowly coming to a finish. I figure by the time the newborn is a toddler, I should have it finished. Here’s hoping it actually lays flat when I finish – I’m working from the outside in, which is always a challenge. For some reason working outside in has more issues with laying flat than working from the center out.

I had to order more yarn.  I had no idea I’d burn through so much!  I get a feeling this blanket is going to be a lot larger than I anticipated.  Not a problem in the least – but, when you figure I’m working on US 3 / 3.25 mm size needles…well, it does take a bit of time to finish a project.  Especially when you get a bit bored by the repetitive nature of the pattern.  I do enjoy how it is turning out, mistakes and all.  The people receiving it will love it no matter what it looks like; but, it’s nice to be happy with something you are designing and creating yourself.

As there is so much of just a single stitch (knit, knit, knit, knit…yeah), the project can get a bit tedious at times, so I am also working on a pair of twisted rib socks for myself.  They are being knit on a pair of US 1/ 2.25mm needles.  I lost the band to the yarn so I’m not sure exactly what it’s called, though I know it’s a German import.  I love it…except that it splits like crazy!  Ah well, c’est la vie.  I like how it feels knit up; and, will enjoy wearing them after I’m done…and, it serves its purpose of giving me a break from the incessant knit stitch from the baby blanket.

We went out dancing at Swallow’s Inn, last night.  I’d forgotten how much I love that dance floor.  It’s tiny, but a pure joy to dance on.  Mike and I were receiving all sorts of compliments from people.  It was a little disconcerting; but, I do have to admit it’s nice to have your ego stroked like that, sometimes.  I always enjoy listening to the Honky Tonk Kings.  They are a good band that understands the difference between good listening music and good dancing music.  I wish more bands could figure that out.  They had a good number of people up from San Diego to support them, which I thought was wonderful.  Ken even showed up – which was a surprise.  For some reason, I’d believed he wasn’t going to be there.  I always enjoy getting to dance with him.

As for the Honky Tonk Kings…they will always have a special place in my mind/memories.  I originally met them when they played at Swallow’s Inn in August.  They were the group that wound up causing me to start making the drive south to San Diego and the Renegade every weekend. Which is where/how I met Mike.  Lot to be thankful for, there. Amusing that the guy who the first thing I noticed was that he was in my way has wound up being such an intrinsic part of my life.  Isn’t it interesting how life takes its various twists and turns to get you someplace you had no idea you needed/wanted to be?

Speaking of said fellow…I think it’s time I grabbed my knitting and went and curled up with him for a while to watch one of our favorite shows, “How It’s Made“.  And, if it strikes his fancy, maybe I’ll make a London broil with Yorkshire pudding and English peas (or green beans) for dinner.