There has been knitting - I swear!

I have a serious case of startitis.  Christmas is coming faster than you thing.  We're past the less than 3 months mark!  I have a ton of things to do on my list, and I am starting to think about whittling that list down.  I need some serious knitting time, but I also have a zillion other things on my plate right now, so the knitting time isn't likely to happen, at least as much

And funny enough, I feel not at all like starting the Christmas projects.  Who can knit Christmas projects when it's still 20 degrees C outside?  And when I've got sewing to do for my upcoming trip?  And when I'm being swayed by the siren song of other beautiful textures and colours?  Besides, isn't Socktoberfest starting soon???

What have I been working on, you may ask??  Well, in the past few weeks, I've started these:

Undulating Rib Socks, modified for toe up
See Jayne Knit Superwash Sock in Monach Butterfly

And these, the Chrysanthemums Mittens in MeiMei Sock Yarn in Cream, and Araucania Ranco Multy in Perfect Jeans:

The mittens were actually further than that, but I've had to tink them back due to operator error.

And then there are the projects without photos.

The yo, K2Tog scarf I started last night out of Estelle Drake.  I have a good excuse for starting ANOTHER project.  I was in the house, the socks were in the car and I didn't feel like going back outside.  And I was tired and needed a brainless project to add some colour and texture to my wardrobe.

And the baby sweater out of Sirdar Denim Chunky.  It's from a heavily modified pattern that is turning out in weird proportions.  It may go the way of the lily pad, but I haven't had the heart to do it yet.

See...there has been knitting :)  With hopefully more knitting time this weekend when the weather turns cooler and rainy.

Tough Day

Today is a tough day for me.  Just one of those days where the world feels like it is out to get you.  It's a kick-you-when-you're-down kind of a day.  The kind of day you feel it like a fog just behind your eyes.  I'm not going to let it get the better of me though.  I'll pull out the knitting needles and meditate for a bit, just to focus and re-centre.

In the meantime, and on a happier note, I've finished these:

The Secret Knitting.  Well, hopefully secret for the recipient anyway.  They're toe up socks, plain vanilla construction, with an after-thought heel. Apparently, I need more practice with the Kitchener stitch.  And maybe a better guide.  Funny thing is, I usually research everything to the n-th degree, except this time I grabbed a book and just went to it.  Shoulda grabbed another book, or a cup of coffee and a video or something.  I'm not impressed with the way it turned out, but after blocking they're not too bad.

And, more Secret Knitting:

Who? Mittens, free Rav pattern.  I used Sirdar Eco Wool DK.  Next time I will add a few rows between the cuff and the start of the pattern, to accommodate our "man-hands."  Hopefully these will do for the time being.  I just have to add the buttons for the eyes and they'll be off to the recipient. 

What's next on the needles?  Something for someone who's day is much worse than mine right now, I'm sure.  I've cast on the Lace Trim Chemo Cap, out of Mirasol Chirapa in the Olive colourway

I chose this colourway because I was told the recipient likes earth tones, and I figured the yellow would brighten her day.  The pooling is sort of looking like camouflage, which I'm not sure will be her "thing," but given that she's battling cancer, I'm hoping that she will wear this cap with courage.  It feels lovely, and the lace trim has turned out just the right amount of feminine touch to it.

Up next on the needles:

1. Chrysanthemums
2  Maine Morning Mitts out of Fleece Artist BFL Aran in yellows, greens and a touch of red.  For me :)
3. Snug Baby Jacket out of something bulky weight from my stash.  I need to do a few baby jackets, I'm a bit behind.
4.  Socks out of See Jayne Knits Monarch (perfect colourway for fall)

Counting my blessings:

1.  I am healthy.  My girls are healthy.  My parents are healthy.  My extended family is healthy.  We are blessed.
2.  I have food on the table every day.  At least three times a day.
3. I have a lovely home, with heat and hot and cold running water.  With toilets, fridge, stove, washing machine and dryer.  With comfortable beds, big windows, large rooms filled lovely furniture and lots of closet space.
4.  The sun is shining today, after a grey start.
5. I get to carpool with my oldest daughter to work every morning.  I'm enjoying the few minutes of "car talk" we get.