sweater update w/ new photos

    Once again, I am updating you on my sweater. Sometimes it must seem that I do nothing else. I am just so excited about this sweater, I can't even express in words. Last night, I finished the left sleeve! There was much SQUEEEing of pleasure!


    I was originally going to put a thumb hole in it, then I changed my mind. Well, last night when I tried it on for Hubs to see, and he wanted me to put them in. So I decided I would, after all.


    Here's a photo of the completed sleeve, with the beginnings of the other one:

And here are a couple featuring the thumb hole:

 

 

    And that's all for today, folks!

a recent, disturbing turn of events

    To begin this story, I need to go back to the beginning of my relationship with my Hubs. The very first night we spent together, in fact. Even though he was kind of young, he was extremely thoughtful. He got us a room in a local hotel. That's when I found out that he snored. He didn't just snore, he SNORED. It was worse when he was over tired, which he was that night.


    The only way I got any sleep that first night was during his quiet periods. I managed to get accustomed to his snoring, eventually. To this day, I have no pity whatsoever for these women who complain about their mates snoring. If I can get used to it, so can anyone else. I even found it rather soothing. In fact, the nights that he would fall asleep in his recliner, I would wake up after a few hours, because he wasn't there, snoring. I'd go out to the living room and make him come to bed.


    So, for nearly twenty five years, I've slept well with this. The only problem he's had with me, is that I used to grind my teeth in my sleep. Until recently, that was the only complaint he had.


    Apparently, I've begun to snore, myself. It's too funny, because Hubs complains about it. And he tells me that he knows that he snores, and doesn't know how I've put up with it for so long. That he is amazed that I never killed him in his sleep.


    Just this morning, he asked me if I had taken a certain medication before bed last night. I told him no, I hadn't. I asked him if I had snored a lot last night, and he said no, that I hadn't snored at all! So perhaps we have found the cause. I just won't take that medication before bed any more. At least, on the nights he has to sleep well, and get up early for work.


    And that's what is disturbing, at least to me. I have no desire to snore. It's funny, but I've never heard myself snore. I've been sort of awake, some of the times he says I've been snoring, and I haven't heard it.

my left arm

    I guess "sleeve" would be a more appropriate word, but "my left arm" sounds cooler. I've been knitting and knitting, and here's the progress on my left sleeve:

     And just for shits and giggles, here's a closer view:

    I've completed five decrease repeats, and currently working towards the sixth decease round. Woot! I am supremely excited about the fact that there will be no seams whatsoever to sew after I'm done! I've some a long way since my first cardigan; which had five separate pieces to be sewn together.


    If I had chosen the other option for the sleeves, there would be just two ten stitch long seams to sew. Either way, it's not bad!


    I sure hope you, my dear readers, aren't getting too tired of me tooting my own horn here. This is such a thrill for me, I don't think you can even imagine. The final thrill will be to get a photo of me wearing the finished sweater!!


    Right now, I'm watching vintage Doctor Who episodes on Netflix, and after the current episode, I will be taking a short break, to get some dishes washed. And perhaps to put a load of laundry in the washer. Then it will be back to Doctor Who and knitting. At least until it's time to put the laundry in the dryer. TTFN!

hope I'm not boring you!

    Much more progress on the sweater since my last post! Yesterday afternoon, I did the neckline/collar, and it came out really well. I am pleased, to say the least.

    This photo really shows what the color of the yarn looks like, at least it's the closest of all the photos, so far. The others look too blue.

 

 

Now here's a photo of the whole sweater, with the beginnings of the left sleeve:

 

 

    I'm really zooming along now! Although I may have to put the sleeve stitches on double points when it gets smaller. The pattern says to use two circ's, but I don't know that method. Even though I'm not all that comfortable with DP's, as long as it's started, I can manage. Like when I used them to finish the hats I made. I was prouder of that accomplishment than of making a whole cardigan!   

 

 

   Hubs and I were going to go to Sam's club today, but the weather isn't co-operating. So we stay home, and think warm thoughts. Perhaps we can go Thursday, his next day off. I hope so.

 

                                    

 

 

new sweater pics

    I knitted my fingers to the bone last night, and managed to get through the purl rows, and most of the last bit. It turns out that instinct is a good thing. I was very excited a while ago, as I bound off my sweater body, and watched as it rolled right up to the purl rows.


    Here is a photo of the sweater bottom, before bind off:

    And here it is after!

    Now on to the next challenge. According to the pattern, the sleeves are next, but I want to do the neckline. So guess what I'm gonna do? That's right, the neckline. After all, I'm the boss of me.


    

real sweater progress!!

     I am so excited, I can hardly contain my joy. I just tried my sweater on, and it fits! Not only that, it's also long enough! Yesterday, I transferred it to my 60" circular, so I could do this. I was nervous about it. Tonight I finally gave in, and we have excellent results!

    After discussing with my knitting expert yesterday, I shall now begin the anti-roll rows that she recommended. Two rounds of purling should do the trick, according to Miss Kim. Then I just have to do the sleeves and the collar/neckline. I'm looking forward to that.

my adventures out in the cold

   My day started with my alarm going off 8:15, I set it so I wouldn't miss Stitch n Bitch again. Made it to Stitch n Bitch. It was really cold out...


    We had our breakfasts, and some quality knitting time. Then I remembered, after I got home, that I was supposed to go to Bonny's house after SnB. I put my coat back on and went to Bonny's.


    After I got home from there, I didn't put my house clothes back on, as I had to go to the mall in a few hours to pick up my paychecks. So I hung around, read some more, and actually finished The Iron Druid Chronicles book 3. I then promptly ordered book four for my nook, and began to read that one.


    Finally the time arrived for me to leave for the mall. I went down there, got my checks, then went to JCP to visit Bonny again. I remembered to stop at Joann Fabrics on the way home. My son had asked me to make another cat toy for their cat, and his new foster brother. I had searched every knitting/crochet bag I could find in my house, and couldn't find the flat plastic rings I knew I had left over from the last time I made the cat toy. I bought more rings.


    Then I could drive to the credit union and cash my checks, and do a little grocery shopping. A very little, as it turned out. I also stopped by the Karate school, and told my son about the rings, and showed him the new ones. He was pleased.


    Now I am home, and have changed back into my house clothes. The few groceries are put away. I am warm and comfortable again.

                                                              The End

sweater update w/ photo!

    My yarn holding finger is recuperating, so I'm taking it slowly. I have progressed pretty far, I think the body of the sweater is nearly complete. I'm waiting for Stitch n Bitch tomorrow, to ask my expert the best way to stop the whole frakking thing from rolling up. It's gotten to a pretty good length, and I don't want it rolling up to my waist.

   
    So here is the promised photo. I am very excited about it, I can't wait to finish it.

my bizarre dream

    This morning, after Hubs left for work and I fell back asleep, I had a very weird dream...


    I dreamed that my palms and fingers kept turning a dark blue/purple. Sometimes the whole palm, sometimes blotchy. It would come and go. I went to the doctor more than once, but whenever I went, the color was absent. They could find nothing wrong, or any explanation.


    Then, one day, I got a call from my daughter, who had it too, but it was her lower face, and blotchy on her neck and upper chest. It also ran down her arms. She had known about my problem, so she called to tell me that she had gotten a diagnosis. She told me to get right to the doctor and be tested. Apparently it was caused by stress! A very unique symptom of PTSD.


    So off I went to the doctor, again; at least this time the color was there on my hands. Sara's color also came and went, like mine. At least the last time I went, he was able to see the color, as it hadn't faded away yet.


    The color was really dark, like a bad bruise, but it didn't hurt. Very strange. And stress is totally out of my character. I very rarely stress about anything. I give all problems to the Universe, and what happens, happens.


    I wanted to get this dream down before I forgot it. Don't you hate when you have a great or weird dream, then you can't remember it later? I find it really helps to tell yourself the story of the dream after you wake up, while you're still in bed. That way, even if you forget the actual dream, you'll remember the story.  Which is just as good, to my way of thinking.

last remnants / medical stuff

    I still have the last remnants of this cold, and I'm still taking the antibiotics. Yippee. I'm still coughing a bit, but the sore torso muscles are gone. Another yippee.


    I tried knitting this morning, and my finger is better, if still a little stiff. But there was no pain! This merits a third yippee.


    I have more doctor appointments coming up, with my primary as well as specialists. I decided to get a complete physical. I just felt we've been concentrating on my  pulmonary problems for so long, I want to check on everything else.


    I first saw the dermatologist, because of the dark(ish) stripe running up my thumbnail. Whatever you do, if you have something like that, DON'T google it!! I got the literal shit scared out of me by the horror stories. The prevalent word used was CANCER.... complete with stories about having to get the thumb amputated... and photos. The good news was that the stripes in the photos were very much darker than mine.


    My primary doctor  thought it was probably nothing, but thought it should be checked out by the dermatologist, who took a sample for testing. I should hear the results within a week.

    My beloved primary also wants me to have all these tests done. I probably will, but I won't be happy about it. In two weeks, it all begins. I will keep you updated if there's anything to report, I promise.


    And finally, here's the photo of my sweater! It looks like it's working again.

    This was taken a while ago. I haven't bothered to take a new one, but now I will! Perhaps I can post it tomorrow!

a well earned rest

    Today I went to work, and did my four hour shift. I helped chop vegetables for a new concoction thought up by The Awesome Store owner, Loraine. Equal parts red peppers, carrots, squash, celery, onions, green peppers, and I don't remember what else. Everything got cup up, then mixed in big batches. After that it was my job to fill jars with the mixture.


    Tomorrow she will be pickling all the jars. Along with all the jars of brussel sprouts that I trimmed and stuffed into jars today also.  It was very interesting to be in on the beginning of a new product for the store!


    Even though I only work part time, I really enjoy it. As I haven't worked full time in nearly four years, even this part time gig is kicking my ass. I get so sore, and my back aches for days afterwards. But I think it's totally worth it. I've actually lost a little weight in the last few months!


    It will probably take me a few days to get over the soreness and stiffness. After I got home today, before I could stiffen up, I washed all the dishes in the sink. And my knitting finger is starting to be less sore too. I will give it another day or two before I start knitting again, though. All in all I'm going to have a well earned rest!

I think I was knitting too much, is that even possible?

    My yarn finger hurts. It's actually sore! I may have been knitting too much, even though I doubt it's possible. So I have therefore decided to cease and desist the pain causing activity for a few days.


    Watching myself knit, I realize that I hold the yarn with my index finger and throw it with my middle finger. I don't know if that's normal, but it works for me.


     It just so happens that I downloaded three new books on my nook, and I've been reading them. They are a series, The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne. They are named, in order, Hounded, Hexed and Hammered. I've finished the 1st, and started the 2nd. I am enjoying them immensely.


    I feel much better today, well enough that I went to work. I put in my four hours and then came home. I still enjoy working at the Awesome Store! Then I will turn  around and do it again tomorrow. Since the Hudson Valley Marketplace has closed, we are at the original flagship store in Hyde Park, on 9G. That's where they do all the cooking and pickling and stuff. It's fascinating!


   

feeling better / sweater update

   I woke up this morning feeling much better! My ribs are sore from coughing so much, but I haven't coughed nearly as much today. I just might be well enough to go to work tomorrow! I was worried about that.


    As I was feeling so much better, I went out this morning and ran a few overdue errands. I had to go to the supermarket, the bank, the drug store and the cigar store. After I got back, I treated myself to some Netflix. After this show is over, I'm planning on washing some dishes, then I'll settle in for some more viewing. I do love my British mysteries...


    I am knitting as I watch TV, I am getting anxious to get this sweater done. I just started the seventh skein of yarn. I believe I shall have plenty to finish the whole sweater. If I have enough left over, I was thinking about making a matching hat. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.


   

In which I forget what day it is.

    I am sick. I am tired all the time, and coughing my brains out. It was so bad this morning, I got up at about 8, and by 8:30 was headed back into bed. I totally forgot it was Friday, and I should have been getting ready for Stitch n Bitch.

  I was in bed until 11:00, and when I finally got up, I saw that I had a text message from my friend Bonny. She said she didn't know I was sick! I wondered how the heck she found out.... then remembered that I missed Stitch n Bitch.


    In the whole time I've been a member of that group, I've never missed a session. There was one session where I didn't feel so good, and left early, but I've never totally spaced about it completely!  I feel awful about it. I guess it just go to show how sick I really am.


    I've been on antibiotics for a couple of days now. I think I might be starting to feel better. Time will tell.

my visit to the Doctor

   After promising at the end of last year, I finally scheduled my visit to my Doctor. I got very lucky, as usually, it takes about two weeks to get an appointment. I called yesterday, and he actually had an opening today!


    It's a good thing I called when I did, because the night before I called, I started not feeling well. My usual danger signs, trouble breathing (well, more than usual), and a general heaviness in my chest. I also started coughing that evening too.


    And, as promised, I asked him about my cold hands. Just for you, Purl... He felt my wrists, and assured me that my circulation is normal. I am probably experiencing spasms in the veins in my wrists. He tells me it's possible, with my condition and some of the meds I take. PHEW. So it's not anything to worry about.


    He put me on an antibiotic for my upper resp. infection, and we scheduled blood work, and a complete physical for next month.


    As I didn't feel very well at all today, I didn't get any knitting done. After I got home from babysitting this morning, I made and drank my coffee. But I was so tired, I found myself falling asleep in my chair. Eventually I gave up and went in to my bed to lay down. I slept for a couple of hours, when I finally fell asleep.


    I actually did get to knit, after my Dr. visit, while I was waiting for scrips. That can take a while sometimes, so I broke out my sweater and knitted for a while. I didn't get much done, as the nice nurse came out with the scrips pretty quickly. It was the end of the day, after all. I'm sure all the ladies were getting anxious to get home.

Sweater progress

     I'm excited to report that my sweater is coming along swimmingly! I'm very excited about it. I am currently past all the raglan increases, and the sleeve stitches are on scrap yarn for later knitting. So that means I'm working on the body, just knitting around and around and around. It does get boring, but I'm keeping the end result firmly in mind.


     I did change the pattern a little bit. In the original, there are a few decreases for shaping, then increasing again. I skipped the decreases, and just did increases. I want it nice and comfortable. This yarn is so soft, I can't stand it, and I can't wait to wear it! I just hope I have enough yarn to make it as long as I want it, with enough to make the sleeves longer too.


     I was going to tell a few stories about my beloved Hubs, but I changed my mind. He feels I share too much here, and I thought I'd protect his privacy a bit. There is one story I can tell however. Last night, I was watching TV in the living room, and he was in the bedroom. I don't remember what I was thinking, but I had a realization. I went in to the bedroom, and shared it with him.


    It suddenly occurred to me that he has been married to me for half of his life. We just celebrated our 24th anniversary last month. I don't think he appreciated my pointing that fact out to him. It's the little things that bring us the most happiness, isn't it?

all caught up

    I am all caught up on my sweater, I've been knitting so much my yarn finger hurts. I didn't post yesterday, as I worked all day, and after I got home my entire body stiffened up and I couldn't move. It's been a long time since I worked more than four hours in a row.


    I will take photos of my sweater progress, I just hope that the blog site lets me post them. I haven't been able to post photos for a little while. I've no idea why.


    I do have a query, about knitting. Can anyone tell my why, when knitters start a project, they want to change things? For instance, with my sweater, I want to make it a bit longer, and the sleeves too. I want to put thumb holes in the longer sleeves. I guess I really know the answer, don't I? To make the project perfect for us. A little tweak here and there won't hurt anything, right?


   Well yee-ha everyone! Happy knitting!

returning to "normal"

   I think the funk might be over, for the most part. YAY! I finished the Gamer Gloves, and delivered them today. As I spoke to daughter this evening, via facebook, she told me her hubs was wearing them. Good! I hope they keep his hands nice and warm. I was wondering of perhaps he might be able to drum in them? Maybe he'll try. We shall see.


    This means that I could finally start my sweater. I must confess, I had already started it. When I went to Stitch n Bitch yesterday, I took the box of yarn with me, so I could honestly say the yarn was still in the box. My mama didn't raise no liars.


    My mama was very creative! I remember a few times when I was a teenager, and there was a boy calling me on the phone. If I didn't want to talk to him, mom told me to go get in the bathtub. I did, very reluctantly, but I could hear her telling the boy that I couldn't come to the phone, because I was in the tub. She was big on honesty.


    Then there was the time she told me to stand behind her, and as she twisted around, looking for me, I moved with her. Then she tells the caller that she doesn't see me, I must not be around. Or the time she told me to go stand out on the stoop. She told the caller, that time, that I wasn't in the house... Yup, I learned a lot from my mama. She was, and still is, a devious woman that you don't want to cross.

the yarn goddess'll getcha

    That's right, she will get you, if you have negative feelings whilst crafting. Those negative feelings go through your hands and into your project. I've seen it time and time again, but I was still guilty of it while working on those darn Gamer Gloves.


    You see, I didn't want to make them in the first place. But I had promised my daughter that I would make them for her hubs, and I couldn't put it off any longer. I was going to have to make them. Unfortunately, it was with unwillingness that I started them, and they have given me nothing but trouble ever since.


    So after the whole frogging incident, my friend Kim mentioned that perhaps the mistake was made because of my negative attitude towards the gloves. I realized she was right, so when I re-started them yesterday morning, I concentrated on how much son-in-law will love them, and how they would keep his hands nice and warm while playing his video games.


    Positive attitude creates a positive experience. I'm still in my funk, but I think things are starting to get better. Every day that passes gets me more finished with the gloves, and closer to my sweater! Happy dance!


   Update: To my surprise, I actually finished the gamer gloves last night! I even sewed/crocheted the seams. (I crocheted one and sewed one)  The whole "having to redo" thing went by really quickly once my attitude changed!


    Also, I'd like to thank Jenn J. for her comment on the other day's "funkytown" post. It really gave me a chuckle, and at that moment, I started leaving funkytown behind. Thanks Jenn!!

crochet disaster!

    I am, right now, very near tears of frustration. I had to frog nearly half of the nearly finished 2nd Gamer Glove. I had lost stitches somewhere.


    At first I thought the rows were shorter just because I was crocheting tightly. But I broke down and counted the stitches. It was difficult because of the small size, but I lost 2 or 3 stitches somewhere just before the thumbhole row. No matter how I stretched it, it wouldn't go. So I frogged it.


    I found the mistake, and am having to redo the stupid glove. Looks like I'll be in funkytown for a while. I wonder if casting on my sweater would make me feel a bit better? I hardly ever make promises to myself, just because I know I would probably not keep them. I like to think of myself as being flexible that way. Circumstances change, I should be able to change also. It's just so frustrating. These will be my last pair of the gloves, and I'm not enjoying making them. I just want it over with. It's a good thing I like my son-in-law!

my trip to funkytown

   After careful reflection, I do believe that's been my problem lately. I seem to be in a funk. When I open up my laptop, and think it's time to write my blog post for the day, there's nothing there. Nothing comes out. I get frustrated, and shut the thing down.


    I have been writing darn near every day for about a year and a half. At some points, I had so much to say that I would have posts pre-written, sometimes by three days! But now, I got nothing. I know I haven't run out of stories, I just can't think of anything right now.


    So, if I don't post for a while, I am still in funkytown. I hope you will all hang in there with me. Those of you who know me personally, know that this is very unusual for me. I'm usually upbeat and cheerful, some have likened me to Mary Poppins. It's just that right now, I'm having trouble keeping my beat up.


    I am working on those Gamer gloves, as often as I can. I actually just compared the second to the first, and it's almost done!! Maybe three more rows to go. I think I see light at the end of the Gamer Glove tunnel! Methinks it's almost sweater time!!

no updates at this time

    There are no updates at this time. The Gamer Gloves are still kicking my ass, I can only do a few rows at a time. Other than that, nothing. is . going. on. It's been too cold to go outside. There's nothing good on television. Hubs is home from work, it's a two day off stretch, and even though we (said with clenched teeth) "enjoy spending time together", at this point, we are spending it in separate rooms. He's watching TV in the bedroom, myself in the living room.


    Although yesterday, I did get to help out a friend who had sick baby guinea pigs. I was honored to drive them to the hospital, where they were checked by the Vet. They will both be okay. I am relieved. I can't wait until next week, when I will get to meet them properly.

in which I make a decision

    You have to know by now that these Gamer Gloves are kicking my ass. In days gone by, I could whip out a pair in no time at all. These days, however, it's getting harder and harder.

  
   It could be because I don't crochet all that much these days. It could be that I'm having to use my absolutely least favorite size hook in the whole fracking world, a G. I have always hated that size hook for some unknown reason. Well, that size and anything smaller than that.


   I feel I must state for the record that the fault is not with the recipient of the gloves, my son-in-law. I adore him, he makes my daughter very happy. And for that reason alone, he is still breathing. And he likes cats.


    Let me get to the point here. I do hereby vow and affirm, in this public forum, that I shall never again even think about making anyone, at all, for any reason, fingerless / gamer gloves, hand warmers, or any variation of this item.


    Now I just have to finish the last glove, crochet the seams up, then wash and deliver them. And that will be the end. Finito.   > sigh< of relief....

Gamer Glove report / still being good

     I am still working on the Gamer Gloves. I went to Sara's today after work, to fit one to her hubs' hand. I think two more rows will do. Then I can work more on the second one, until it's the same size as the first. Then I will crochet them up, wash them, and deliver them.  Then I can move on to my SWEATER!


    It's been so hard keeping my promise not to cast on the sweater before the Gamer Gloves are done. But they are almost done now, so things are good! I still can't post a photo, but you have my word all the yarn is still in it's delivery box.


     I'm sorry I haven't had much to say lately. I'm sure things will turn around at some point. I hate funerals, I hate death. Why is it that even at the advanced age of 93, we think they will just keep on going? We are surprised to hear they are gone? R.I.P Grandma Doris. You will be greatly missed.


   


  

My yarn's here / A promise kept

   Apparently, my yarn was delivered yesterday. Unfortunately, it was delivered to the house in Fishkill. I swear, I changed the delivery address when I ordered it! Anyway, we had to go down to Fishkill today anyway, so I was able, at long last, to get my yarn in my hands!


    I had a picture, but the computer isn't cooperating tonight. Hopefully, I will be able to add it at a later time. I am so excited to finally get my yarn! So far, I'm keeping to my word about finishing the Gamer Gloves before casting on the sweater. SO FAR.....


    As to the promise I kept, Hubs and I got an awesome Schwinn LowriderTricycle for grandson Mason for Christmas. When we were all leaving my brother's house, his big sister Chloe asked if she could have one too. I told her I would look for one, and if one was to be had, G-pa and I would get it for her.


    Today, as we shopped in Sam's Club, they had some!! This is the first time we'd seen them since before Christmas. So now Chloe has a cute, pink, low rider, and Mason has his red one. I brought it to her this afternoon. She was thrilled! I got to spend a few hours with my grandkids, they are so cute.


   Next time I go visit, I'll bring my camera, so I can get photos to show you. If the laptop decides to cooperate.

still patiently waiting

    I'm still waiting for my yarn to come. I will check the mail today, after 11 am, that's when the  Post Office says all mail is distributed to the boxes. So I will watch Doctor Who, take a shower and then go to the Post Office.


    If the yarn doesn't come today, I am hoping for tomorrow. But that will give me more time to work on the Gamer Gloves. I've had to quit for the last couple of days, as my hands really hurt. I'm surprised at that! In years gone by, I've had my shoulders hurt from crocheting too much, but never my hands. I know knitting uses different motions, and it can be hard for knitters to crochet, for that reason.


    I didn't think that my wrists and hands would lose the feel for the crocheting motions so quickly! I'm going to Bonny's in a little while, and will take the current glove with me, to work on while we watch a movie. Hopefully I can stick to my promise to myself, but really, I don't see that happening. The lure of the new sweater cast on will be too much to resist.

The rules for outside lights

    I have to do this post, because the new neighbors apparently have no clue. I'm talking about the lights we all have over/near our front door.

Rule #1 - The light is only to be put on at night.

#2 - At night, it is only to be put on under certain circumstances, such as -
        a) When the family, or any members thereof, are out.
        b) When you are expecting company, or food delivery.

#3 - After family members are all home for the night, or guests have left,
        TURN OFF THE LIGHT.

    The only times these rules are to be ignored is on Halloween, when turning the light on after dark means you are participating in trick or treating, and have candy to give out.

    Thank you for your attention. These new neighbors must never have lived in a house before. It makes me crazy to see their light on all the time, when it's obvious that everyone is home. I mean, all the cars are there, turn off the fracking light.