Boot Socks and Kernel Scarf

Hello again knitters. Currently, I am working on two projects that I am very excited about but both are challenging. 

The Kernel Scarf (Ravelry Link) by Bonnie Sennott is a very pretty and lace scarf. This pattern has a 27 repeat of a 16 row chart. While I have never done a lace chart before, I thought this scarf would be perfect practice. However, every row is a bit challenging and rarely do they end with the correct numbers of stitches. I have not given up yet but I have restarted the project 3 times. Its probably a project that is not intended to be knit while at home with a 3 year old and 2 dogs. 

The second project I have started is Whit Knit's Little Cabled Knee Highs (Ravelry Link). These socks are really tall and knit toe up. I have never done a toe up sock before.

 Oh my, what have I gotten myself into... The cast on is such a small amount of stitches! Okay I can get through this; they quickly increase.

Actually, the increase ended up being way too big. I first made the socks in the medium size and I could fit both of my feet in them. Then, I restarted the socks in the smaller size (even going 4 stitches smaller then the smallest size: 56 stitches in the foot). I just hope the yarn is not too busy for the little cable in the back of the leg. But it will be a year before I get that far! Just kidding... I think. Hopefully, I will be back with a quick update soon. I also have to finish my mom's Christmas gift; mittens! Until next time, keep knitting.

This past week, I have decided to once again try to finish my WIPS. After finishing my friends cowl, I wanted to finish something for myself. While the weather here in WI is getting colder, it would be perfect to finish my scarf. I purchased yarn at Lakeside Fibers a while back to make the color symphony scarf designed by Jackie (the owner of Lakeside Fibers). The pattern is not on ravelry so I do not have a link. One note I have is the scarf is too short so I cast on an extra 20 stitches. If I were to make the scarf again, I would cast on even  more. 

I do love how it turned out! It's so soft from the kidsilk haze yarn. The colors are just amazing. It's one more WIP that is now complete. Pure satisfaction! I will be back soon to blog about the next WIP I am going to finish.... Until then, keep knitting.

Sallah Cowl

Hello knitters. It has been a long time since I posted. I have been so busy with work, soccer, and everything else that I have not had time to knit. However, the flu has hit our house in full force and I am home with a sick (well almost better) Nolan. However, it gives me time to knit a little while he plays with his trucks.
This weekend we are headed up to my in-laws and will meet some other family as well. I have wanted to make my knitting bestie, M, a cowl in cute fall colors for the season. I choose the Sallah cowl by Bristol Ivy (a Knitty Pattern). The yarn I choose was Madelinetosh Merino Light in Firewood colorway. I followed the pattern to a T. However, the cowl seems a bit smaller then I expected. Once I tried it on though, I really liked how it looked. I hope M does too.

 My favorite part of Sallah, is the icord edge. I love how it just ties it all together. I hope M loves it.
Off to spend the day with this crazy dude. Until next time keep knitting.

 We got back from a weekend in La Crosse, where we spent 5 days relaxing at my in-laws new house. My friend Suzanne came to visit as well and go festing! It was her first Oktoberfest. Man, we had a great time. We spent the first day at the tapping of the golden keg and getting some brats.

Then we headed to the Maple leaf 5 mile run and fun run for Nolan.

As you can see, the bear is not liking the number pinned to his shirt. No fun for him at the fun run! There is always next year. After the run we watched the maple leaf parade. It was pretty cool having my in-laws in the parade as well. Nolan waved and spotted them right away!

I was also able to find time to finish Suzanne's socks:

She loved them and I am excited to have one more project off the list! Overall, the weekend was relaxing, filled with campfires, s'mores and laughs! It was just what this family needed.

The past weekend was a quick trip to San Antonio, TX for work. The trip started off rocky with stressful flight delays. However, the rest of the weekend was fun and very quick! I am exhausted from the 3 day turnaround. A little depressed I did not find a yarn shop within walking distance of the hotel but hopefully I will while in Nashville in November. :) Keep knitting!

Updates! Well, I am working on a pair of socks for a friend, Suzanne. These socks are called Monkey socks by Cookie A.  The yarn she choose was Claudia Hand Dyed Yarns in the Ingrids Blues colorway. I love how they are turning out. I decided to knit these socks at the same time. Both socks on two different sets of dpns. I really like my progress but the socks feel like they are taking forever because they both will be done at the same time! Hopefully, by next weekend when Suzanne is visiting. 

I also decided to give embroidering a try. I really enjoy crafting and a good friend of mine makes really cute pillow cases. I thought I would give it a whirl. I decided to make the bear a set of  navy pillowcases with yellow stars. On the edge of one, I would put his initials and on the other I would use the Dr. Seuss quote: How did it get so late so soon? Here is my work in progress

This weekend we are off to Rogers for a fundraiser and just to hang out. Should be fun with lots of pictures to come! Enjoy your night.

On the soap box...

Well I have, yet another, opinion I feel the need to blog about. While raising kids is not an easy task it is extremely rewarding. It is not an exaggeration when I say it has completely changed my life. However, I also feel this "mother bear" approach towards other children too. Every child is amazing and deserves the world. 

I came across two articles today. I wish we were past this time in society; a time where people get their medical advice from celebrities.  

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/12/health/worst-measles-year/index.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/29/vaccine-schedule-autism/2026617/

What am I talking about? I am sure you have all heard the scare of vaccinating causing autism. While autism is a horrible disorder, it is in my opinion not directly linked to vaccinating your child. Several studies have shown there is no direct correlation. In addition, the study that suggested the correlation was completely invalid.

Why should I care, I mean my family is vaccinated. Well, it is a bit tricky to explain but basically vaccinations work only if everyone complies, herd immunity. However, I will give my best attempt at the understanding of how vaccinations could fail. If, unfortunately I got measles, the virus could mutate within me.  This new strand would not longer be covered in the original vaccination and anyone with the vaccination could get the mutated form and therefore get sick.

The above article published on CNN scares me. I worry about sending my vaccinated son to daycare, school and even college. He is growing up in a time where a lot of his peers may not be vaccinated and he could be exposed. As a parent, you try to do your best to give your child the healthiest life possible but in this case what can I do if everyone else chooses to not vaccinate. I can blog and hope to inform someone.

Should you read this blog and believe what I have to say... No. However, we all need to make educated decisions based on facts not what Jenny McCarthy tells you because we are all in this together.

More info:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/07/130716-autism-vaccines-mccarthy-view-medicine-science/

http://jennymccarthybodycount.com/Anti-Vaccine_Body_Count/Home.html

After a three day break, I finally went for a run! It was awesome in my new shoes! MUST KEEP THIS UP!