Penguins in Jumpers

Those of us who knit know that there is a limit to what we can make for our families and friends before they come to dread receiving gifts from us. We also know that, unless they ask for it or really seem to need it, people won't really wear or use the things we surprise them with (exception: blankets and baby things).

My Grandmother was a knitter for something like 70 years, and she used to knit preemie hats for local hospitals. I have been doing this for a while now too, and they are quick and fun to do (though old ladies in the airport always give me that "are you an unwed mother?" look).

For those who have the time and the heart for it, here is another knitting project that is actually really cute and helpful. I came across this today: a request for knitters to make penguin jumpers for those birds who have been affected by the oil spill in New Zealand. The pattern is there too as well as a photo of a penguin in his new outfit.

Baby Blanket

A dear friend of mine shared her baby blanket pattern with me, and ever since then I've been making them for family and friends who have new babies (as opposed to old babies, naturally).

This blanket was my impetus for taking a trip to N. Ireland last year. It was for my cousin's baby, Lucas. I guess I thought, "Why should the blanket have all the fun of travelling to Ireland?"

I also made one for my goddaughter using yellow, pink, and a multicoloured yarn (white background with pink, yellow, and purple speckles), but I neglected to take a photo (mainly because I was finishing it in the car on the way to her christening).

This next one is for my friend Robin and her daughter Taylor. Here is a bit of the process:

These blankets take a long time to make (especially when you can't knit at work); so I'm considering making one boy blanket and one girl blanket and just keeping them on hand. That way I can eliminate the rush to knit like 10 squares per week because you're meeting the new baby sooner than you expected.

Last Days of Freedom

With the end of my Christmas break approaching, I just can't seem to find the motivation to begin my final year of grad school. I never really thought it would be harder to work full time and go to school part time, and I miss stress free weekends when I'm deep in the midst of a semester.

So lately, I've been running around the house trying to complete all the projects and rearranging that I can never get to when I have homework looming over my head. I cleaned up the floor by my desk, cleaned out and rearranged my bureau drawers, cleaned like a madwoman, and filed away photos, bills, etc. Next I knitted myself a new pair of gloves, a couple preemie hats for the hospital, and am starting another crafty project or three. My cousin is having another baby so here comes another birth announcement and baby blanket (though the blanket can wait a tiny while...I'm still not thrilled about knitting those squares yet....maybe I need a new pattern for something different?)

My cousin Dan (who has his Ph.D.), says that halfway through grad school, you sit back and wonder, "why am I doing this to myself?" I know why I'm doing this, but some days, I'd rather knit a hat and watch Gilmore Girls.

But for now a HUGE congratulations to my friend Becca who recently finished her MFA!!! You are inspiring me to keep on going. :-)

Instruction Manual

I was looking through some old photos for something Thanksgiving appropriate. Instead I found this:

My brother Jake found my Knitting for Dummies book and modified it as a joke (poor kid has my sense of humour). I wonder if any of it could actually be applicable....

Happy almost-December and may your loved ones be easier to deal with than the thumb gusset of a glove.