The Rumors Aren't True

Contrary to popular belief, I have not been snatched by aliens nor did I hit the lottery and head out on a world-wide tour (don't I wish though).  I've just been busy... plain ol' busy.

I think a little blog-burnout is at play here also.  It's nobody's fault but my own.  I stress myself out with looking for blog fodder. I always want to have knitting content, but let's be realistic.  As much as I'd love to, I don't knit every day.  Especially not during the Spring and Summer.  That said, I think Fall is upon us.  We keep telling the kids to go out and play before there's no more nice weather.   I think they're beginning to think we're lying.  lol. 

I've  been working on Daniel's Halloween costume.  Two guesses as to who he's going to be and the first one doesn't count.  Why... oh ... why did I ever sell my LK150 knitting machine?!

I have been working on the Hopeful.  You might think that I'm knitting it from the top down by looking at the photo.  Nope.  This is a clingy little number.  It's also a bit short for my longish torso.  Clingy and short on a 42-year old woman looks like she's trying to dress like a hootchie mama.  So I snipped, picked up and am adding some legnth to the bottom.  I'll probably add about two inches total.  Let's just say I won't be wearing this one to church without a jacket over it.

The Elann Esprit is PERFECT for this sweater. 

Nice and soft and S-T-R-E-T-C-H-Y.

On the neckband, I did a ssk instead of the K2tog called for in the pattern and on the reverse I just slipped that stitch.  I think it gave it a much crisper seam.  The color is a little more lavender than the photo is showing.   I love it.

We took the boys to see the pups last week.  These are the two girls:

Still don't know which one is Aggie, but I think it's a win-win situation, don't you agree?  And Aggie is the perfect name for an almost maroon and white pup.  I found a Texas A&M dog collar on the web yesterday but I need to measure the mama's neck and see about how big (or should I say small) I need it. This photo was taken ten days ago.  They'll be two weeks old tomorrow and their eyes opened today.  Hopefully I can go for a visit and get some more pictures tomorrow.

Old business to take care of...  I still have the Latvian Mittens book for the Red Cross drawing.  Katie's mom has several copies so she passed on it.  I had Joe do another drawing.  The new winner is Rossanna at Knittish. So e me your address, Rossanna, and the book will be flinging it's way over the Atlantic to you.

Comments

[Lisa]

First of all, the pups are GORGEOUS! And they look so soft and cuddly. Second, the comment about the 42 year old hootchie mamma. LOL! I know exactly what you mean. I still feel 22, I just don't LOOK 22. Sigh.

[Chris]

I could swear I saw your picture in the Globe with the caption, snatched by Aliens! Are you sure this is really Jean posting? Love the puppies! I wish allergies allowed us to have pets. Other than a fish or something hairless. I am thinking of getting an LK150, good choice? I just want it for St st and quick stuff.

[Jen]

Your hopeful is coming along nicely! I was sort of wondering about the length on it as well. I'm on the short side, so I didn't think it would be much of an issue, but there's definitely some belly baring going on in this shirt when I tried mine on after the sizing debacle. I'm glad to see that it is possible to lengthen a top even when worked from the bottom up. I may need your help if my hopeful turns out obscene when the front and back are finished. I've never snipped before!

[Valerie]

From his pix....Daniel will be the perfect HP!! (and I don't mean Hewlett Packard!) I hear you on the short length of Hopeful. Was talking with friends my age the other day...we decided that this year's women's fashion is a lot like the 7th graders going back to school after a growth spurt...sleeves, shirts, and pantlegs too short. Everyone's walking around looking like they've outgrown their clothes!

[Jessica]

Hoepful looks great. I'll take that Latvian Mittens book off your hands for you. ;)

[Kim]

You will be amazed at how much the puppies will have grown in the last 10 days.....they grow so fast! We are looking forward to winter babies here ;-)

[Theresa]

The Hopeful is turning out gorgeous! I love the color and your knitting is great too! I have been looking at this yarn because it has some great colors and a great price. I was wondering how this would work for a lace patterned cardigan for my girls...is it too stretch for that? It's not all over lace, just one panel with lots of stockinette and a little fluted/ruffled bottom. I've never seen this type of yarn worked up, so if you have time I would love to hear your input! Thanks!

[Tracy]

Hearing you loud and clear on sweater lengths for the over 40's! It'll definitely make the most of anyones assets too and what a gorgeous colour. I bet you can't wait for Aggie whichever one she might be, they both look so sweet.