I Love Homemade Gifts
This large box is what has been tormenting me ever since it arrived. I had absolutely no idea what it could be. All I know is that it was from my folks and Bill was in on it.
Finally I was able to open it Christmas morning. This is what I found.
This is what my dad wrote:
“July of this year, Bill e-mailed me wondering if I’d be interested in building a new gate for you since the one you had was in very poor condition. I told him I’d be happy to take on the project. During my visit in October, I discussed the gate with Bill. When I returned home, I began designing the gate in my mind. I concluded the original gate design really did not suit the style of your home or your family. The gate I built is my vision of what the gate should be, four parts of a whole with the whole being the family. It depicts four different personalities in your family, each going different directions, but held together as a family unit – The Childs.
The cedar used in building the gate was originally the beams in our basement bar room. The cedar is clear, heart wood, old growth cedar timber. When we remodeled the basement level, I saved the beams and recycled them for the green movement.”
I was completely shocked and touched by his gift. Homemade gifts are the best. Thanks Dad!
Blog Catching Up
A mighty quick recap since I feel like I’ve been blogging all day…
Halloween
Jane Goodall, and A Hairy Eyeball, and why not?!
Knit Crochet Party-Nov. 16th
Thanks to everyone who came. It was so much fun, and relaxing. It was great to break in the new room.
Grandparents Visits in November
Ella’s Sweater Photo Shoot in October
One of my favorite pictures from Ella’s photo shoot.
Current Project Updates
Really Bill, I’ll finish this before you die.
A cardigan for my new niece.
This project isn’t done yet. I WILL finish it.
Whew! All caught up. Now maybe I can be a better blogger. I blame Ravelry.
Finished Project: Tangled Yoke
Project Specs:
Pattern: Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed
Needles: 0, 3, 4
Size: 36″
Pattern Alterations: 1/2 ” longer in the sleeves, otherwise followed the pattern.
The buttons are too heavy for the flimsy button band. If I was doing this over, I’d pick up fewer stitches for the button band. But I may get around to sewing some fabric or ribbon to the inside of the band, and attaching lighter weight buttons. Otherwise I love this sweater. It’s very comfortable.
My Blog Links: Tight Tangled Yoke Neck, Tangled Yoke Errata?, , Tangled Yoke Errata?
Finished Project: Sharlene Scarf
Project Specs:
Pattern: Crocheted Woven Stitch Pattern with fringe
Yarn: Valley Yarns 8/2 Tencel and Brooks Farm Riata
Hook: J
Size: 60″
Sharlene at work is an amazing crocheter. She came in one day with a finished scarf I knew I just had to make. This is my version of it. I finished this in one weekend. Could I possibly be turning into a crocheter?
Finished Projects: The Rhinebeck Guilt
Feeling a little guilty about my fun weekend, I knit two things while at Rhinebeck this year for Ella and Liam.
Project Specs:
Pattern: Woodin
Yarn: Scrap yarn
Needles: 10.5
Project Specs:
Pattern: DROPS Design Headband
Yarn: Leftover Lorna’s Laces Worsted from my raglan sweater
Needles: 7
Ella’s wearing this ALL of the time. She love’s it.
I never get around to blogging about Rhinebeck. Must be a busy time of the year for me. Here’s the one photo I took. It’s of the pre-opening tailgate party our group had.
Finished Square: 9
Horizontal Chain
Still don’t love slip stitch. But it blocked out nicely.
Finished Project: Sweet Pea Sacque
Project Specs:
Pattern: Sweet Pea by Knitting at KNoon
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino: 4 02, 1 101, 1 11
Needles: US 0, 1, 2, 3
Size: newborn
Pattern Alterations:
• jogless stripes: 11 rows green, 1 row brown, 3 rows white, 1 row brown.
• 1 band of reverse stockinette around middle
• reverse stockinette on cuffs and neckband instead of garter stitch
• picked up 44 stitches for each arm and decreased every 6 rows down the arm
Dealing with the shoulders and weaving in all those ends nearly drove me crazy. But I like the finished product.
The jogless stripes I tried were mostly effective. But I did have to do a little duplicate stitch on two of them to make them look better.
This is for my new niece Amelia. I hope it fits. She is a big baby, over 9 1/2 pounds and 22 inches long. Born a week early at home. I’m looking forward to seeing her in March.
