The cutest thing ever

In a few weeks, check back on what I'm refering to as the the cutest thing ever. But until The Bean arrives, this little dress for Ally is topping the list.

I was itching to make this pattern by Oliver+S, and picked up the pattern and some super cute fabric from Johanna at Cloth and Bobbin about a month ago. Then I got a little nervous about making something from a pattern, since I hadn't done that before. Fortunately, Johanna decided to teach a class on the dress which wrapped up on Wednesday, and I just put the finishing touches on everything yesterday.
What I love about this pattern are all the little details such as the hem lining, the topstiching on the bodice, the contrasting bodice lining.

I have a new appreciation for making clothes. Wow - so much harder than cutting out and sewing together squares and triangles!!! I'm going to make this again when the Bean comes, or the matching little boy playsuit, depending...

So now this dress is off in the mail to Ally, who can wear it when she comes to visit her new cousin in about 7 weeks.

In the rules for the project diet, I mentioned that anything for a class didn't count as a new project. Which is why it was totally ok to get all of this fabric for a Trip Around The World Quilt and sign up for the class. The last session is 11 days before my due date - this might be somewhat ambitious. Guess only time will tell.

Oh, and I just couldn't resist starting Amy Butler's Nappy Bag. Technically, that wasn't in progress, but I had all the fabric and the pattern, so it was close to being in progress. Is that cheating? I dunno. I made the changing pad last night, and am close to finishing its little carrying case. Pictures soon...

Project Diet Progress

The project diet is actually working. Two projects down so far, and haven't started anything new (buying fabric for a planned project doesn't count...). A week or two ago the baby hat and booties made it to completion, and last night I finished up the Easy Baby Quilt for my cousin's little girl Sarah.
The hat and booties have had multiple intended recipients, but I never really thought through the idea of giving such warm things to babies in Dallas, where they are undoubtably not needed. So these are moving into the "gifts for people who are having babies" pile.

This little quilt is on its way to baby Sarah, who was named for my grandmother Sylvia. The pattern comes from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. It wasn't as "super quick and easy" as billed, possible because it was one of my first sewing projects. but it turned out well. Sarah is about six months old, and it was about time this was finished.

Next on the list is the Rail Fence Baby quilt, which is moving along. Tonight I'm working on the quilt top and maybe will even make the quilt sandwich. As long as the airconditioning stays on, it should be fine. Because its miserably $#@%n' hot outside.

A comment on testing

There appear to be varying schools of thought on all the tests during pregnancy. Some women choose not to do a lot of the tests like sequential screens or ultrasounds because of false-positive rates, or misdiagnoses. Some women prefer to do all the recommended tests. As one of the latter, I'm not sure if the women who forgo the tests also pass up other tests like the 1 hour glucose screen and I'm curious to find out. I did the one hour test two weeks ago, and after borderline results, tomorrow get to go back for the three hour test. Apparently, 75% of women who are referred for the 3 hour test do not have gestational diabetes, but its the only way to make sure. I'm hoping I'm in that 75%, but its an interesting insight into why women choose not to take certain tests. Personally, I prefer to have as much info as possible, and I'd rather live with uncertainty for a period of time while further tests are done and have the full picture rather than be surprised by something potentially major. But I see how other women see the high false positive rates as something that causes unnecessary stress and worry. My biggest concern is that I may need to give up sweets for the next ten weeks. That would suck. So I'm enjoying an early dinner of lemon pasta, in anticipation of not eating until 10:30am tomorrow. That's a long time without food for me, and a super long time without food for a pregnant me!

A comment on the footstool

A commenter, who has identified herself at "Mums" noted some dispair that the needlepoint footstool is towards the end of my list of projects, as listed on the project diet. It's an important distinction to note that its not dead last on the list, but second to last, with the Horsey Needlepoint Belt as the final project. Why is it so low on the list? Well, really because all that is left is really boring. I did the whole pattern (like 4 years ago) and now I just need to fill in the the background in black. I try to work on it every once in a while, but there is little that motivates me on this one, other than having a nice gift for my mother when its done! So to appease mums, perhaps I will edit the rules of the diet, and add the stipulation that this needs to be finished as well, before I start other projects. Now, if only I'd made a bit more progress on other projects over the past week....

Project Diet

Earlier this week I updated my "on the needles" and "in the sewing pile" list, and it looks like I have some ADD going on. Clearly there is limited discipline when it comes to starting new projects, and starting a new project is in no way related to finishing another. Don't get me wrong - I've completed a ton of crafty projects. But lately, its taking longer because so many things are vying for my attention.
So my new plan is NO NEW PROJECTS until I finish the ones in progress. I'm wondering how long this will take - can I get it all done before The Bean's arrival? or how about before the end of maternity leave? Another good question - is this really feasible, or will I be tempted by something that I just HAVE to make, or start making?
Here are the rules of my diet:

1. I will only knit projects that are currently OTK
2. I will only sew projects that are currently in the sewing pile, with the exception of that cute Oliver + S dress that I got fabric for yesterday and the nappy bag, which is a just a practical thing I'll actually need (although I have already bought a diaper bag, so need is a relative term).
   
3. Taking a class in something does not count as a new project, even if the class has homework (for example, the tab curtain class that I'm thinking about)
   
4. There are a few needlepoint projects on my "in progress" list that frankly may never be completed. Maybe the footstool These are last on the list.
   
5. Project Diet does not mean stash diet. I'm only human.

Wish me luck!!!!

Sew...

Around the holidays, I got a sewing maching, mostly inspired by Cloth and Bobbin, because I loved looking at all the fabrics. I'm not so fond of my machine - it might be a lemon - and in the next few weeks its either going to be fixed or replaced.
So, before the machine went on the fritz, I made a few things. First there was this quick little bag from which came from the PurlBee
Its a little wonky, but for my first project, I'm ok with it. Still haven't figured out how to get all the chalk lines off - maybe they'll fade with time. Right now its a project bag...

Then I took a little class called "getting to know your sewing machine" and made a cute pillow for my niece Ally. But forgot to take a picture before I sent it... Hillary, send a picture!

Then I took another class where we made a little quilt that was supposed to be a wall hanging. Once I finished the quilt top, I learned how to machine quilt, and taught myself how to bind the quilt from a book (maybe not the best idea, but it seemed to work). Since the pillow was so cute, I made the wall hanging to match. Scott took a picture, but I can't seem to find it right now.

Recently, I've been working on a baby quilt for the Bean, which I started in yet another class. The only thing that remains to be done on this is the "piano key" border. Easier said than done, but its on its way...

There are a few other projects in the works, including a really simple baby quilt that is almost done. Not quite as simple as promised, because it would haven't taken so many attempts to get it done if it was. And then there is this other quilt which I've spent what seems like tons and tons of hours cutting and piecing squares, which is becoming a bit of a pain to figure out how to put together.

But why finish these when I start yet ANOTHER project? Today I picked up an adorable pattern from Oliver + S, as well as some fabric for a cute little sundress and bloomers, maybe for Ally, maybe for my goddaughter Lucy. We'll see how this one goes.

Radio Silence

What ever happened to Crafty Caroline, you might be wondering... or might not because my blog has pretty limited readership...
Anyway, the blog went on vacation for six months during my first trimester (when I felt too crappy to do anything other than sit on the couch and moan, when I wasn't busy getting sick) and my second trimester (when I was so full of pep and energy that I didn't have time to blog). Now we're settling into trimester 3, getting ready for the arrival of "the bean" and i'm going to give this a blog thing a shot again. In the past six months, I've taken up quilting, done a bit of knitting and tried a little handspinning. Photos to follow soon!

What time of year is it?

It's Christmas time for the Jews! Its one of my fave SNL spots ever, and sums up what how Scott and I will be spending Christmas (well, maybe not circumcising squirrels, but definitely chinese food!)

FBS on the Loop Blog

Check out this link:
Loop Blog

Thanks to the nice folks at Loop for posting this! They are a fantastic LYS and a place I visit almost every time I go into Center City. It just makes me happy!

And She's Off!

On Sunday I leave for my round the world trip - three countries in two weeks. I've been planning my knitting for this trip over the past month, and likely completely overestimating how much I can possibly accomplish on flights where I would best be served by sleeping. This is possibly more thought than I've put into the presentations I'll be giving, and all the other work stuff on the agenda. But I digress (because talking about work on my blog is not my style...)
So the proposed packing list included the Clapotis, which is coming along quite nicely, and a sparkly scarf in a really cool silk yarn that has sequins in it, as well as some yarn to start some socks, and a hat I was thinking about. But is probably a lot more than is really necessary and when suitcase & briefcase space is at a premium, prioritization and being realistic becomes an necessity. So, no socks and no hat. But I will bring The Omnivore's Dilemna, which has been on the to read list for over a year, in case I finish up the knitting.
So there will be few (if any) posts over the next few weeks, but there should be a few good pics when I'm back.

One item finished, two more started

The February Baby Sweater is done! It looks pretty good - I picked up the buttons at Cloth and Bobbin, where I had intended to take the quilting class. Yes, that's right - intended. So that didn't exactly happen. A few days before the class was going to start, I learned that I was going to be out of town during two of the four classes. So it didn't make so much sense to take the class after all. Maybe I'll be able to take another beginner sewing class in January. But, really, I don't need another hobby.
Here is the FBS:
Look for this picture on the Loop blog!
I had a nice email chat with Tante Sophie - I saw the Mocha Scarf pattern on the Purl site, but wanted to order directly from the designer. Love the pattern which is quick and clever. The ruffles are picked up from the body of the scarf, creating a nice warm scarf. I'm working on the trim on the ends now - should be done soon. Isn't the brushed suri yummy? The color is called toasted marshmallow. Double yum.
The picture kind of looks like a worm...

And since I'm feeling a bit ADD today, I also started a clapotis made with Sheep Shop 3. My mom had a lot a trouble with this pattern, but so far it's going ok.

It will be a good travel project for my round the world trip, which starts on Sunday. Destinations now include Germany, the Netherlands and China. All work, for two weeks. But it should be interesting and productive. Its a long time to be away, but should be cool - I've never been to Shanghai.

February Baby Sweater

The last time I knit from an Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern, I failed miserably. I tried to make a Baby Surprise Jacket out of a really nice pink bamboo yarn, and it was a total mess. It was ripped out and restarted two or three times, and then I just gave up. The pattern didn't make sense, I kept counting wrong, and it was just a big jumble of disaster. A few months ago I was in Loop to pick up some needles, and because I have no self control, left with three skeins of Koigu Kersti and The Knitters Almanac, in addition to the needles. The February Sweater was so cute, I figured I'd give it a try, although I was a bit skeptical based on the Baby Surprise experience. I cast on for this on Thursday, and its already almost finished.
Once I got the hang of the lace pattern and figured out exactly was going on with these funky sleeves, it has been rolling right along.

One reason I got a lot of knitting time in was because we went to Dallas this weekend for Susan's birthday. It was a nice visit - although very quick. Seems like we were barely there! We'll be back in a few months once our neice, Baby B, arrives. Maybe she'll be the recipient of the FBS, although not sure how often Dallas babies get to wear wool sweaters!

Yummy

On Tuesday night, we made the perfect fall dinner. Braised short ribs, sauteed kale with apples, and polenta. Ok, the polenta was the cheating kind in the tube, but the rest of the dinner took work (most of which was done by Scott).

And last week I finished this yummy blanket for our soon to be born niece. Its the Blue Sky Alpaca Eyelet Baby Blanket knit in the worsted hand dyes. Its so soft and warm, I'd keep it for myself if it were adult sized...

Airport Blogging

What better to do in the airport when you're waiting for 2 hours for your flight than blog? I've tired of newstand perusing and my second embossed leaves sock is not far from completion, so hopefully I can save that for the flight itself.

I'm on my way home from Lynchburg, VA where I had some meetings yesterday and today. Yes, on Saturday. But its comes with the big job, so here I am in Charlotte, waiting to go home and looking forward to enjoying one day of the weekend tomorrow.

All this air travel has gotten me to thinking about all my upcoming travel, which is my scheduled "knit for holiday present time". Here are ideas on the list (recipients undisclosed!):

• Tante Sophie's Mocha Scarf (x2)


• A cool long hat using some brown and green Frog Tree and maybe matching mittens


• Jaywalkers knit using some fun Lorna's Laces


• Cashmere hat using my bargain find at String (see my stash over to the right? that cashmere. YUM)

Ok, so that is a lot of stuff to knit on a few flights, but between now and the holidays, I'll be going to Dallas and circumnavigating the globe, via Germany, The Netherlands and China, which will be tons of flight time and tons of hanging out in the hotel time. Should be enough time to finish this list and hopefuly there will be enough room in my luggage for all the fiber!

Rhinebeck Report

Would love to have gotten this up sooner, but life has been crazy. We had a great visit to Rhinebeck. We left very early in the morning from NYC:The drive up was a bit foggy

But we got there just before 9am and the sun had come out and there was no line at the gate!
I went right to The Fold and picked up a bunch of Socks that Rock
and some roving
Wait, what is a knitter going to do with roving? Well, my mom and I headed over to The Wool Room where I received some great instruction on how to use a Lendrum. It was so natural, I bought the weel.
After some more wandering around, I saw this lovely pumpkin
Guess this guy had some of the fried pickles. There was some damn good chicken pot pie, much less disturbing than lamb chops. And speaking of food, this was good year for some organic purchases, such as some locally made cheese and Organic Flour and Cornmeal
How about these cool glass pins from Moving Mud?
There were a lot of other goodies, but best of all is seeing the goats
and the sheep!

Feeling Better

Hi, Frances the cat here. Just wanted to tell everyone that I'm feeling much better these days. Things were rough for while, but my parents took good care of me, and I keep hearing them grumble about their savings account. I'm not really sure what that is, but it sounds like theirs is smaller than it was and it has somthing to do the nice people at the vet. My feeding tube came out last week, and my mom and dad have been shoving pills into my mouth twice a day. This is really annoying, and I'm going to have to get sneakier if I want them to stop. But its better than when they were shoving food into that tube thing. Well, must go eat more now (and then hide - I think they are going to give me another pill soon).

Rhinebeck here we come

Only a day until Rhinebeck and I can hardly wait for the fiber frenzy to begin. My mom and I are leaving NYC first thing Saturday morning, with all intentions of arriving by 9 or 9:30am. Since neither of us are particularly good in the early morning, hopefully we'll get there by noon. Our prep has included the following:

• A thorough review of all vendors and a preprinted map with key locations highlighted
• A set of rules for both of us - no yarn for Liza, no roving for Caroline, no new hobbies for either of us (oh, but how I'd love to hook a rug with a primitive sheep design, and my mom would be quite happy with a loom...)
• Scoping of "events" like the blogger/Raveler meetup at noon, and visiting Clara Parkes' book signing
• Prioritized purchases - i.e. spinning wheel for me like a Louet or a Lundrum

I'm not quite sure I can get lunch at the lamb booth again this year. It may be a bit too cyclical for me. Yes, they are a different kind of lamb, but it seems kind of wrong to be munch on a lamb chop while holding a big bag of wool.

There are a few things about Rhinebeck I don't quite get - planning your outfit around your most recent knitted accomplishments, the whole lamb for lunch thing, and the sheer volume of people who attend. There was actually a whole discussion on ravelry, with a ton of posts, about outfits. My outfit hadn't gotten much further than danskos... comfy feet are key.

So I'll be the one in the non-knitted objects, lugging around a crapload of roving and wool that I didn't plan to buy, chowing on lambchops. Just like everyone else there...

Embossed Leaves Progress

Continuing in the trend of the past few weeks, travel is ever present in my life. Over the past week, I've been to West Virginia, Cleveland and Boston (not Quebec) which means much knitting time. The latest project on the needles in a pair of socks, Embossed Leaves, knit in Socks that Rock from Interweave's 25 Favorite Socks.



While I was knitting on a flight from Philly to Charlotte, I sat across from a woman who told me that when she was first married, she knit one pair of argyle socks per week for her husband. The evolution of knitting from a necessity to provide clothing, to a leisure hobby is a fascinating one to me. What people once did to save money and clothe themselves, has become, for me at least, a way to make really expensive socks and sweaters. I bet the nice woman on the plane would not spend $20 on yarn for a pair of socks!
This pattern is great, although notice the nice little hole at the top of the gusset.
One sock down, another to go.

Things I'd Like

• To know exactly who thought it was acceptable to use my credit card number to buy $400 worth of jewelry in Quebec last week
  
• To sleep in my own house for more than 3 nights in a row
• To get to Rhinebeck early enough to get to The Fold before all the Socks that Rock sells out
• To find some time to get to the gym, which I joined two weeks ago and have not been to yet
• For my brain to be a bit more functional right now....
  

Uploading Loser

For all the knitters who read my blog, I'm sure you know (or have heard) what a great thing ravelry is. For those who are not knitters, its basically a site that you can use to organize all of your yarns, log your projects, and share ideas with other knitters about projects, etc. Its a great tool, but I do feel like a bit of a loser having spent 2 hours on a Saturday night loading photos of yarn and baby sweaters onto Flickr and Ravelry. I mean, as great as this tool is, it does take a lot of time to get yourself organized on there. Maybe it is faster once you've gotten all of your stuff loaded.
I'm thinking about going to Rhinebeck again this year, which will be on another weekend when I'll be a photographer-widow. Maybe I'll play Rhinebeck bingo.