Back to Normal

Yesterday was clean up day here at Chez Schavis. Bro Joe headed back to TX Saturday afternoon, and with his leaving, the party came to a screeching stop. It was so nice to have him here, and I think he had fun, but I also know that it is so good to be back home. His three boys were also back from their visit to FL.

We spent the majority of the day putting Christmas back in the closet under the stairs and the cellar. What a huge project it is. Of course, we had lots of feline help between their long naps. (I point you to Beau from yesterday's post).

New Baby/New Project

During the Holiday Hubbub, we received a message from SIL Bonnie that our sweet niece has determined that the wee babe she is carrying is scheduled to make HIS entrance on or about April 22, and will be called Hunter Michael.

Ya'll know I had to start a new project.


This is the front of a shoulder-button pullover, that will also have a matching stocking cap. I finished the back, but didn't photograph as it is pretty standard stockinette with minor neck shaping. I have found, in my limited experience, that the Brit patterns call for working the back first. This is a good thing! I tend to get a bit bored with straight stockinette, so doing it first -- and holding out for the pattern work! -- gives me a carrot at the end of the stick.

This yarn is a "Cotton Blend DK with Amicor (TM)pure for 'just washed' lasting freshness." (60% acrylic and 40% cotton). The label goes on to say that Amicor "is a speciality anti-bacterial fibre. It keeps next to the skin clothing gently fresher for extra comfort."

Has anyone had experience with this? I thought it sounded groovy at first -- keeping the baby comfy and such -- but now the idea of something chemical is a bit freaky.

Another question is for a tip I saw on a Amy Finlay video. When adding a new skein, she knits with both old and new working yarns for a few stitches, then drops the old. The idea is that the end is already worked in so there is less weaving in loss ends during finishing. I have tried it; first thought I didn't like the extra bulk; then decided that it was so minor and would never show there at the seam side. Anyone have a comment on this?

My Bestest Student!

I told ya'll a few days ago about "teaching" Gretchen to do multi-color work (when I have done nothing more than practice it myself).

It looks like I'm a better teacher than a knitter ... This is her practice work while she waits for the mailman to bring her yarn order. Is anyone else impressed? Gretchen Rocks! I tell you!

Her pattern is vintage -- from the 40s I think? -- and was the standard from which her Great Nana produced Christmas stockings for everyone in the family. Gretchen has decided to pick up the tradition and knit stockings for the spouses of her generation and the babies that are certain to arrive soon. I think it is a wonderful labor of love and I'm happy to have a knit pal just through the back fence.