Finish-itis

Along with a "no-good, dirty rotten, miserable" cold, I also find myself with a case of finish-itis. The other day I sorted out my knitting and was surprised to find a few...ahem...unfinished items. These items include:
-matching generic sock (second sock syndrome) to make for daughter with cold feet
-second sleeve (syndrome) for the Cobblestone pullover. I can't believe how far I've come on this project, only to screech to a halt now...(I think I can....I think I can...I think I can...)
-the top half of this gorgeous hat (may I call this a toque?), Jared Flood's Koolhaas featured in

Holiday Knits 2007 from Interweave. It's a beautiful pattern but don't knit it at night, in a van, on the 401 as you need to see the pattern evolve (not to mention fix your mistakes right away). As a result, this is take 2 for me!
-magnum opus (perhaps one day), the Peacock Feathers Shawl from Fiddlesticks Knitting. I think I bit off more than I can chew on this one!
-seaming and buttons for my Baby Surpise Jacket (at least this one is knitted up)
...and, just to make matters worse (or better, depending on how you look at it), this has arrived from Webs

...my wool for the Tilted Duster! This project must wait, however, as I have joined a Tilted Duster KAL on Ravelry which doesn't begin until January 1st.

Just think, if I get all these finished (with the exception of the magnum opus), I will be way ahead on my Christmas knitting!

Dionaea muscipula

Otherwise known as:

...that's right, Jaws. After a summer day trip to the amazing Toronto Zoo, Thomas came home with a little "pet" - this Venus Flytrap! Two weeks ago Jaws was not looking good at all. He became quite dried out and most of his leaves and stems turned black. However, with a little TLC he seems to be making a speedy recovery and has sent up some new green growth. Soon it will be time for another fly...

Extreme Makeover...

Same dog....

...same day...

...it's amazing what a good stylist can do!

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton

Success Story

Here's my sister Ingrid who is a Running Room success story. She started with the Learn to Run program just a few years back and has now progressed to this ... posing with the John Stanton, founder of the Running Room!!! (Not to mention all the 5K's, 10K's, and half marathons under her belt too.)


Way to go, BB!

A little running...a little knitting...

Saturday was my first "cold weather" run and I didn't enjoy the cold air in my lungs and the wind in my face. Fortunately, about halfway through the sun did come out, the wind died down, and it was almost enjoyable. This winter will be the big test for me to see if I can keep up with this running thing. I suppose I could opt to take it indoors once in a while and use the track at the "Y."

Winter and knitting, on the otherhand, were made for eachother. Having finally reached the armpits on the Cobblestone I am ready to cast on for the sleeves. I am feeling optimistic that one day it will be finished and so have ordered wool for my next project, my very own Tilted Duster (pictured on the cover of the Fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits).

I have even gone so far as to order the suggested Berroco Peruvia in the colour "Marron" (#7107). Can't wait!

Random Acts of Knitting

Although the Cobblestone is coming along, I did have to tear out about 10 rows after discovering a mistake in the garter stitch down one of the sides. I have recovered, and am now working my way back up to the yoke. This is nice knitting, round and round...and round and round...but doesn't make for very exciting pictures.



Instead, here are a couple of previously finished objects. On the left is a pair of very soft baby socks made from leftover Austermann Step sock yarn with aloe and jojoba oil. This is a self-striping yarn but on these tiny socks the colours only changed twice, from the ribbing to the heel and then from the heel to the toe. The other project is a generic dishcloth made from Bernat Cotton.