Wednesday, August 16, 2017

In Which I May Be A Hot Mess

I swear it was just a week or so ago when I posted last.  I’m missing time or something.  Or maybe…


Okay, didn’t happen.  If it had, I’d have taught them how to knit.  I’d have yarn-bombed their ship.  I’d have…oh, never mind.

I have been knitting.  I knitted a totally rocking sweater using this fabulous yarn that I absolutely love.  That was months ago.  Do I have a picture of it yet?  No.  Maybe for my next quarterly post (she shames herself).

Let’s see, what random pictures DO I have to show you (flips through iPhone pictures).

The second of a pair of socks.  Just a plain sock out of my head.  Top down with an afterthought heel.  Don’t tell her, but they’re for my daughter.  They’re veeeeee - gan.  Wool-free yarn.  I like the colors and who doesn’t love self-patterning yarn?  Makes you look more talented than you really are and I’m all for that.  


Made a great shawl.  I'll make more of these.  This time, I used this yarn. Trying to bust the stash a little.

Incidentally, love Louise Tilbrook

And a “scarflette”, whatever that is.  It's from a Jimmy Beans Wool Big Beanie Bag.  Can't find the pattern on Ravelry, but it has Neapolitan in the title.  Um, yeah.

Try not to be amazed at my fabulous photography skills

I knitted a bunny for my boo using this.  She turned two in June.  TWO.  I don’t know where the time went.  And a little sweater.  I mean, I knitted a little sweater.  The sweater didn't go anywhere.  This is award-winning prose, right here people.


I think she liked it.


And speaking of grandchildren, I’M GONNA HAVE ANOTHER ONE! Long about March.  And I have been working on my baby knitting list.  Happy, happy news!  It’s what keeps me going, since in the few months since the last post, my cancer returned and we lost one of our sweet fur-babies.  But enough of that talk.  No time to be bummed when there’s a baby on the way.


I’m off to stalk baby knitting patterns on Ravelry.

Lisa

xoxo

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Blowing Off the Dust

Oh my gosh, you guys!  I promise you, I did not literally drop off the face of the earth, although for all of the dust and cobwebs on this blog, you would think so.  I am still alive and knitting, but what a journey I’ve had over the last several months.

In my last post, I shared that I had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, started treatment, then was overdosed by my (now former) oncologist and was in a lot of pain.  Since then, here’s what’s been going on:

  • Healed from the overdose (took forever, it seemed)
  • Found an online support group for this rare disease
  • Got a new oncologist
  • Began a different 12-week treatment
  • First 6 weeks were miserable - not much progress
  • Determined I was NOT gonna have surgery if I could help it
  • Pushed through the second 6 weeks
  • Treatment worked so well, I’m off of it until early June when I’ll be checked again

HURRAY!

I can’t even begin to say how grateful I am, in spite of how hard this last year has been.  Thanks to those who shared such kind words and who kept in touch as I randomly showed up on Instagram even while the blog languished.  Many of you have been so encouraging.  I don’t know what the future holds for my prognosis, as this type of cancer often recurs, but I am hopeful.

And I have yarn.  Which makes everything better.  

Christmas came and went and was smack in the middle of my treatment, so it was unfortunately overshadowed a bit by that and then during the few days that my kids, granddaughter, and my mom were here together, my beloved dachshund, Daisy, had a spell (she’s 15 years old) and I really thought I was going to lose her.  I was pretty much weepy the whole time, which is horrible, because it is always such a blessing to see my family, and my granddaughter is always a special joy (but don’t tell my kids because they think they’re still my favorites).  

Elementary Watson
Knit Picks Stroll Solids in Cork



I did finish my Christmas knitting, so my son and daughter-in-law both got socks.  I used Knit Picks Stroll Solids for both.  I didn’t get a picture of my DIL’s socks but the pattern was River Rapids Socks in colorway Sapphire Heather.  The socks for my son are pictured.









Isn't she cute?!



I made my mom a pair of Ladies Felted House Slippers in Cascade 220, colorway pink.  My mom will probably beat me for posting this picture of her, but I’m living on the edge these days.  Unfortunately, one of the slippers was too big around the heel.  So I actually owe her another gift which I’ll surprise her with when she least expects it. 









As for the grand baby, I made her an Elmo headband:

For the record, fun fir is not fun.
Loosely based off of this pattern here.

A skirt:

Sea Anemone in Malabrigo Rios - Aguas
I added buttons to the pocket later but didn't get a pic

And a hat:

Owl Be There hat in Rowan Big Wool

I also knit my boss a scarf:

Gust in Cascade Alpaca Lace - Caribbean Heather


And last but not least, I finished the black, vegan sweater.  It actually fit pretty well, thanks to Custom Fit, and my daughter actually wore it to work, so it was worth it.  This once.  Mostly.

I'll get another beating for this one.  Meh...she's adorable.

Oh, and my mom stayed on through the end of March, which was a real blessing for me and I hope for her too, since she escaped some cold weather and snow.  

*LOVE*

See you soon,
Lisa
xoxo