Sox Warrior

Has it been so long?

I made these sweaters for the twins in 2002 when I lived in the UK. It's hard to believe it's been 3 1/2 years since we were there.

I'm putting this photo up for Esther to examine (with magnifying glass? I haven't learned to link yet... Maybe I should just upload it to my flickr or yahoo photo album? let me know..). I used what she refers to as 'stockinette crochet'. In order to have a smoother fabric, I kept the yarn on the same side of the work at all times - which means that on every other row the yarn is between me and the work and the hook goes through 'back to front'. This helps to make a more uniform look to each row. Instead of having every 2 lines being together as a horizontal stripe, the stripes are smoothed out. On the back of the work each line is a defined horizontal stripe.

As Esther described, this leaves zigzags up the work, like so:
//
\\
//
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20021213twinsweaters

Aprons Ahoy!

What happens when a borderline Obsessive Compulsive gets a notion in her head at midnight? Around here that usually means she doesn't get much sleep.

Sunday evening, I was able to catch a nice nap. Refreshed, I checked my email which led me to the Tie One On page. I was inspired, to say the least. I've been tossing around the idea of making an apron for ages! I really like the idea of having one for each child to contain the baking/cooking messes to the kitchen zone. Last year, I'd made one for TJ (on which he still would like a pocket added) and one for myself which I ended up giving to a friend. I still didn't have one for myself, let alone the girls.

Sunday night, I cut and sewed an apron for BB (Butterick 3540, copyright 2002). I was trying to be practical, she's the youngest thus far and we won't know for another 5 months if this next is a boy or girl, so I tried to keep it simple. I went through my fabric stash and found the scraps from nephew J's overalls that I'd made for his birthday last year (wish I had a pic, hey Mom!! I need an image). I didn't have enough to make the stripes be vertical, so horizontal they are. I also had some scraps from my grey skirt. So, BB's apron is 2 layers of twill.. it may be a bit warm in the hotter months, but there's already a touch of autumn in the air here. The apron is also reversible!

Yesterday, I cut out the apron for AJ -and one for me! I have some quilting fabric that I seriously wonder what was in my head when I bought it.. ("Oh, that would make a cute shirt for TJ" comes to mind, but this fabric seems much too young for him now). So, the cowboys and some of that grey skirt fabric are together. I didn't have a similar apron pattern, so I used an A-line nightgown pattern and winged it. Other than the neckline being too wide, it's fine. She just needs a pocket.

My apron (Simplicity 5323, copyright 1981) actually used to be a costume. I made it a few years ago when I was in CO and worked at a grocery store. We could dress up for All Hallow's Eve if we wanted, so I would (I'd just be something pretty, not scary). I think I may have worn it once more, but it's just been following me around for years. The flowers are a bit much, so I used them to line the bib and make the ties and waistband. The "pocket" openings are where the gathers are - anything I put in there will be at the bottom of the apron! I may have to fix that.
When I put on the apron, it hung around my hips. That's too long for my taste, so I took in the bib strap a little. Then I considered the belly issue and took up the bottom of the bib. I really like it like this!

All these aprons seem to inspire others, too. TJ made french toast at 3 o'clock in the afternoon!

I also finished the blue maternity skirts from Friday, but pics were poor quality in the mirror.. And since they're dark blue, it's hard to tell what I'm showing. Will make a post of them when I get better images.

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New Duds

Problem: Wardrobe Crisis.
Solution 1: New Outfit:

Saturday morning, BB and I were the only ones awake. She and I went out to breakfast and to the fabric store. I bought one piece of fabric (a border print rayon - watch this space for eventual usage) and the elastic needed for the 2 trial skirts I made Friday. Also, the Butterick patterns were on for 99 cents, so I picked up a yoked skirt pattern.

When I had a few moments, I went through my fabric for a floral rayon that I'd purchased last year. I'd cut into it to make a dress, but had failed some basic math so that dress had never been. I no longer can find the skirt from the old dress, but did have enough yardage for the new skirt. And, I did find that other length of elastic I knew I had somewhere!

I also happened to have a matching knit fabric. In order to make the skirt belly-friendly, I wanted to use the knit for a stretchier yoke. The shape of the yoke also changed due to the dynamics of a pregnant belly. I used a smaller yoke size and larger skirt to make it a pull-on and instead of using the curved shape to the yoke, made it into 2 rectangles. The front rectangle is curved at the top to follow the belly curve when it grows more. For now, I fold it down for an under-the-bump skirt.


Because of the wearing angle of the panel, the skirt front was shortened about 4-5 inches to even out with the back hem. If you choose to make this skirt 2 options are to a)keep a body double around at a good height/angle for matching your posture so you can hem it, or b)have your sweet spouse get on the floor and measure/pin that hem at the last minute so you can quickly serge in a hem before running out the door.

For the shirt, I have a knit dress pattern that I'd bought at least 5 years ago (so, OOP). It also happens to be a Butterick, #6817. The dress is either midknee or 'above ankle' with boat neck raglan shaping. There's also a collar which I didn't have time to attach this morning (sleepy foggy brain had me cut out just the front piece and sew them together and sit there wondering where the collar facing it asked for was when the piece only said to cut 2- so I didn't have time to recut that piece plus the back collar before we headed out the door this morning). I hadn't known how long to make the shirt, so I just chopped off the dress at the adjustment line and haven't hemmed it yet. I like the short tunic length in the first photo, but here's the current actual length:

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Mystery Pattern

Sometimes there is a pattern that lurks in your collection. It was so cute, or pretty, or just intrigued you so much that you bought it, perhaps even on a whim - those dollar sales can do that to people.. Sometimes when you're going through the patterns, you come across this pattern and think sweet thoughts of it. But, never have you made it!

Sadly, I'm at a wardrobe crisis. I've been staring at my closet and trying to follow my motivation to completion. Yet I have now come to realization that the forces at work have been having a lengthy argument. The Tastes lean toward simplicity. The Needs have changed once more. The Closet and Stash cry out, "This is all we have to offer!"

I've just about completed 3 dresses that will wear well for just a couple weeks or so before being set aside for after the birth. The bump is finally arriving. My non-maternity clothes do not fit and my maternity clothes are mismatched and without enough bottoms. I prefer long A-line skirts over other styles and I'm used to separates. Dresses will be fine some days, but daily wear clothes are lacking.

I pulled out two mystery maternity patterns. I cut and sewed the skirt pattern from each. Now I seek elastic. I know I saw some around here just a few days ago!

I've had these patterns since early last pregnancy and have yet to make them. I'm beginning to wonder what I saw in the one pattern, the dress was fad-ish then, I guess. This pattern seems geared toward the larger belly pregnancies. the dress front has gathers under the bust - thankfully, the back is a smooth line that doesn't scream from the rear view, "I'm hiding something here, too!" Even the pants and skirt panel is huge. It's made from a knit, but the bottom of the panel is over 2 inches wider than the pant/skirt edge - this wouldn't shock me if it were a woven, but it's a knit panel! If I get anywhere near as big as I did when I was expecting BB, I may be able to use this skirt in the last month or two.

The other pattern has a simple A-line feel to the dress. The pant/skirt panel is the same width as the edge it connects to. I'm reasonably certain this skirt will fit a good while through this pregnancy. If only I could find that elastic.

If I head to the fabric store, I'm sure I'll also find something new to help the other wardrobe issues.

The Dress From Indonesia

My Grandpa remarried a few years ago with a lovely lady from Indonesia. The children adore her and I missed seeing them this last trip south because they were in Indonesia again (they love to go back and forth as her children are living there). On a previous trip, they brought my sister Sue a simple dress. Well, Sue doesn't wear dresses unless she has a *really* good reason. She also doesn't want to let the dress go for naught in her closet, and she certainly doesn't want to lose the connection to family. So, she gave it to me, noting that it was very large overall and may need to be altered slightly but she has no clue how. And, after all, I'm in a time of life where a tent comes in handy.


(sorry so blurry, flash didn't go off.. hmm.. I need to iron..)


Gorgeous fabric! Nice placket on the front, it's just too big overall. My basic idea is to follow the lines of the placket and add 2 pleats that run over the shoulders to bring the armscyes up to where they belong. I'll release the pleats just over the belly, about equal to the placket. That will leave plenty of room for the growing belly and take out a few inches of excess fabric.
(just pinned)

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Whose Birthday *IS* It?

(warning: pic intense)
not his

not hers

not theirs

It's MY birthday!!
and I'm gonna eat cake.

On Saturday, a lovely brown box arrived at my home.

I couldn't wait to tell about it, but it wasn't my birthday.
Now, it's my birthday!
It starts with a card and some patterns..
Then the fancy tissue (love the orange)
There's even a cake!
B-day swag!
Look, it doubles as a hat!

1981bdaygirl

1980sMessyJenn

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Ode to Parents

This is the last day that I'm "officially" half my parent's age.

Tomorrow I will no longer be 27 and in just 4 weeks Mom will no longer be 54.

Dad will still be twice the age he was when I was born until the day before my next baby is due.

My Mom is the fourth of six children.

At this time 27 years ago, my Mom was expecting her fourth child.

Now, I'm expecting my fourth child.

I wonder what Dad's doing for his birthday.

1979 Christmas

1978 Mom n me

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early family pic

M&D old photo

Dad & children

M&D wedding photo

Less Unhappy

I wouldn't say I was pleased as punch or anything, but I'm much happier with the Jays now:


It's perhaps a touch short now, but it more than makes up for the gigantasaurus gussets I had previously. I'm thinking that if I actually knit the foot to the 5.5-6 inch mark then increased the gusset as I did today, then it would be just about perfect.

Today, I went for wearable. Tomorrow I have to try to make time to redo the long one from this morning.

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Ramblings

Judy Gibson has a nice chart to help me.. The Toe-Up Jays are 70 st around (38 top, 32 bottom), so I could go with the 64 or 68 to make sense of this. She says to knit the foot to the join which should be ~3.5" less than total foot length. She suggests only increasing for the gusset 10 times altogether (not 19 times).
From Natalia's pattern: "Continue working your gusset increases every other row until you have 16 (18, 19, 21) stitches on each side outside of your markers. (you will have a total of 70 (78, 84, 92) stitches on the sole side of your sock.)"
For my 70st (lopsided) socks, I should get to ~90-94 st after gusset increases according to Judy Gibson. And the heel should be worked across 20 st down to 8...
"On the last plain round, put markers in your knitting one stitch in from either side, so you will have 38 (42, 46, 50) stitches in that middle section...
For this section (Heel Extension), we will only be knitting between the two markers."

Then pick up 15st each side to have 38 on the heel area.

I think if I rip back.. again.. (sigh).. -I can DO this- to the point at which I'd increased to ~56 st on the sole side (~94 st altogether), then do the decrease thing on the center 38 as stated in the pattern..

Let's get to work.

Of All The !!!!

Did I not mention that I haven't been feeling the groove thing with this toe-up heel bit? I started turning the heel extension and sat there thinking, "It seems kind of long." Do I continue to 'trust' the pattern? I'm a bit worried about the results.. Am I just making my Mother a pair of socks? They may be too long even for her feet.. They might fit Sarah, in that case..

I'm going to go check if there are photos of toe-ups in the process somewhere..

This just doesn't seem right..

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Early Morning (yawn)

BB's teething and was up in the night. Nursing at odd hours has become quite uncomfortable, so when I was sure she'd had a good amount, I declared myself done for the night and stayed with her. She promptly climbed over me and took over my bed.
A while later (who knows, no lit clocks in the girls' room), AJ was coughing like mad. I had her roll over off her back to keep it out of her lungs and went to find the Triaminic. I dosed her and found it hard to get back to sleep. So, around 4:30AM this morning, I went through donation items and boxed them, rotated laundry and started knitting.

(sorry so blurry, it's overcast this morning)

With Sock Wars looming in the not-so-distant future, I've decided to try to clear out my needles. This morning I was able to finish the gusset increases on the Toe-Up Jays. I'll be ready to turn the heels after a nap! Sue's Tabi socks take these needles; my goal is to finish the Jays and her socks before her birthday (which is the start date of Sock Wars).

I was asked about TJ's progress. Well, yesterday he sewed the lower back seam Wrong-Sides-Together (WST) at 1/4 inch, pinked and ironed it. Then we were quite distracted by the girls. Next up is to sew that seam Right-Sides-Together (RST) at 3/8 inch. That is a french seam in which the edges of the fabric are contained. Then we'll get to the zipper.

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TJ French seam A

Color Me Crazy

I came across this again and showed Ben. He's all over it and wants me to join. I think especially if I give his foot size, but that sounds like bending rules to me (I did give my size).



I have officially signed up. Basically, I'm given a name/size and pattern and start knitting. If I get mine done first, I send them to so-and-so and s/he/it is killed off. I receive what s/he/it hasn't finished and finish it to send to kill off the next combatant, or get killed and send what I'm working on to my killer.

The fast knitters need some 'easy' targets like me. Either way, I'll eventually end up with socks.

The Rules

1. The first rule of Sock Wars is, you must talk about Sock Wars
2. The second rule of Sock Wars is, you MUST talk about Sock Wars.
(no really, for this to be a success we need as many combatants as possible)
3. Two socks to a fight
4. One fight at a time
5. No shirts, no shoes, just socks
6. Fights will go on as long as they have to
7. If this is your first time in Sock Wars, you have to fight.

I'm thinking RED.

Sock Wars Logo

Nursing Access

Natalija asked how I make my nursing opening in the ELD 204 dress. I describe it as an upside down U. If I turn the dress inide out, and stuff an envelope in, it looks like this:

I put the original instructions next to the opening so you can see the difference. They have you cut it open from the top and maybe add elastic straps across to keep it from falling open. I just invert that and round out the top. My opening is a touch wider (I try to keep it an inch or so in from my bust points), but it stays closed when I want it to.

This is the first dress I tried this opening on. The trial was too wide across and would stay open too easily, but the general idea worked really well.

old 204 opening

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What a Day!

I may make this 2 posts because I'm not sure at this point how long this will become! And, I've got pics!

I had left my 2 dresses here for the weekend (sigh). So, today I finished the side seam, put in the sleeves and put on the daisy print ELD204 dress. All it needs is hemming and buttons! (That's generally 'wearable for a day' around here)


(See the bump?)

I altered the pattern to suit my taste: by flipping the nursing opening to an upside down U (the regular one seems to fall open), using the ELD210 square neckline option, lengthening (or shortening) the sleeves to elbow length, and altering the ties so I can apply buttons/holes when I decide where exactly they need to be:



I had called Mom on Tuesday and told her I was thinking of making a quilt from the tiny scraps of fabric that Fashion Fabrics Club sends out monthly. She was delighted to send them. In the mail today, I received a shoebox full of fabric squares:


Also, were some of Gramma's old scraps and these squares that she received at a quilt meeting:

They're replicas of 12 inch squares. I may have to make another to match or just make it into a 9 patch doll quilt with a matching pillow.

After a couple of hours, I had this:

I didn't match as I went. First I piled some next to me, then just went to the next square I pulled from the box.

Name that movie, as described by my 3yo:
Talking Calf, walking Turtles, and a big animal that's round with spiral teeth and horns..? They're walking in the snow and they talk.. The kid animals are playing in the mud and the Mommy animal says, "Come on."

Daisy204 Front

Daisy204 Tie

Scraps Box for Quilt

Gram’s Squares

Scrap Quilt

10 Years?

This weekend was my 10-year High School Reunion. Ben and i packed up the children and drove Wednesday night. It only took about 7 hours to get down to OC. We infiltrated our dear friends home at 5:30AM, and thankfully went back to sleep. That day, Ben and the oldest boy from each of our families went to visit at Ben's old company (they're doing great, supporting 6 people currently!), and Susan and I took the other 6 children shopping. I managed to find a nice dress for Saturday night and kept myself from buying any other frivolous things. I checked into the hotel and she headed back home for her midwife appointment - they're due in October with #6!

Friday, we hunted down Cyndi at her place of work. Afterward, our family had a nice quiet lunch at El Torito (one of my favorite lunch places in the area), and headed back to the hotel. I stayed with BB to give her a nap while Ben took TJ & AJ to the mall to find him some shoes.

That night we met Cyndi and her girls for a movie in the park. I thought it was pretty cool! How long has Placentia been putting these on? I think there are 2 or 3 more this summer. BB was a bit wild from excitement and fatigue, so we headed out early, but it was a nice time.

Saturday, I met my sister, Sue, and Susan and Cyndi at the nails place and got purtied up. Afterwards, Ben and I took our children to Jeff's for a BBQ. Jeff's looking better than he did last time I saw him (stress and illness passing).

That night was the Reunion. We left the children with Ben's parents' old (as in before they moved) neighbor. They did fine till bedtime.. BB still doesn't like to go to bed without me about.

The Reunion turned out to be lots of fun. I was pleasantly surprised and will have to order some photos because I forgot the camera - all weekend. Not 1 photo!! I greeted lots of people who I haven't seen in ages, several that I wouldn't mind picking up chatting with upon occasion (too bad they/we don't live closer), and some that it was just intriguing to see.

The Holmes twins got me on the dance floor, and we dragged Susan out there. Muhahaha.

And David asked me to admit that I stole his stapler in 5th grade.

(I probably did, I was a horrible klepto back then [thanks, sibs]. I'm glad I've gotten over that stage of my life!)
So, yes David, I stole your stapler.

Sunday was pleasant. We invaded our friends' house again and had a BBQ. Both my neices came. I hadn't seen RF since Jan and hadn't met BS (yes, those are her initials). My big brother and his wife (RF's parents) are doing well. SIL came, but her hubby had to work (BS' parents). And, Sue had some friends over and Ben invited Wigger and wife, too.

Funny how conversation turns to birthing when there are 2 pregnant women and a nurse around! The poor men...

Monday, we slept in nicely and headed home. I think we headed out of OC about 11:30AM and got home at 7:15PM. The girls were in bed by 9PM and we weren't far to follow.

This morning I'm considering menu planning and scheduling again. It'll be nice to go into September with a goal.

August B-day Swap sent

She got it, so I can post. She didn't have an unblurry pic of the box, so here it is. I hope you had a great birthday, and enjoy all your goodies, Jes! I can hardly wait to see what kt sends my way!

Covered Babies

This MSNBC story is about a free magazine promoting human lactation (warning: giant breast pic). Pretty much everyone interviewed was from the negative to the cover or negative to babies eating in public view. Can you imagine how many more screaming children there'd be if 'lactivists' didn't feed on demand?

Personally, I don't keep bottles for feeding (they're a waste of money). I think there may be one that goes with the breast pump, but I'm unsure where that it. I keep covered as best I can, and really that's pretty well done without boiling under some obnoxious blanket. If someone wants to see a show, they really have to try for it.

(sigh) Is it really time that I start posting each nursing mother related Bible verse that I find?

Step 1 - tucks

Discipline Dress, Day 1

Today I cleared off the sewing desk.. mostly.



I introduced TJ to the sewing machine. For the first 2 or 3 tucks, I worked a machine knot and let him sew straight. Then, I let him work the machine knot and tuck under supervision. Now, he's finishing up the rest of the tucks. I don't want to overdo it, so this is it for today. Hopefully, tomorrow we'll get to the next step -the zipper!

He's very excited at this point and keeps saying, "This is my first sewing lesson." AJ's excited, too, and was pulling pins out.. Now, she's settled with me and he's almost done!


Step 1, done.

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