And now back to our regular broadcast

I'm making a comfor shawl for our friend. I'm really enjoying the pattern - knit three, purl three staggered stockinette. The pattern is in Knitting for Peace. I dug through my stash and found the yarn - Red Heart in a color called Ocean. (Why do I stash Red Heart? Good question. I have no answer.) It's very pretty. I think four skeins will be a good size. The picture is blurry. Maybe the finished shot will be better.

I have a sleeve done on my purple sweater. Yay! It's actually looking like I could wear it. It's also an enjoyable knit. I mean, how could you not love knitting in the round? Pop in a movie and go! It took me a couple of tries to get the sleeves right, though. I really like it. It will feel great to wear it.

I'm also working on a Weasley sweater, but I haven't gotten far on it. I should have cast it on in the round - it would have gone alot faster! I don't care much for the color of the yarn, but it's wool and therefore dyeable.

I've been on a book-buying spree lately. In the past three weeks or so I've gotten five new books and to on the way. I've also picked out tons of patterns on ravelry and various sites. No wonder I can't sleep - too many things to make! I'm constantly going through my stash in my head, picturing each yarn with the patterns I like ( it's alot of mental work - I have a huge stash) and deciding what order to do them all. I also have been wanting to send a RAK to Ms Pixie for months and make some things for charity. (Ms Pixie, if you read this, please let me know if you don't want a RAK!) I just don't have enough hours for everything that needs to be done and wants to be done. But anyway, the books have been great for the knowledge quest I've been on. I've calmed down on the yarn buying for a little while. I need to use up some of what I have!

I've been listening to alot of podcasts lately and really enjoy them. I've gotten lots of ideas and information. Podcasters, keep up the great work!

One final item. This is what happens when kids get ahold of the camera:

Perspective moment

Eric and I have worked together for a long time, and he's become very good friends with his coworkers. One of his friends found out that his wife has cancer again. She's been fighting it for several years now and has been through chemo twice. Eric said that she can't go through it again. I'm not sure if it's because of her history or if the insurance is just saying no. She's going to die. I feel so awful. She and I don't really know each other more than Eric's girlfriend and Mark's wife, but I really hurt for her. I want to do something but don't know what. I'm very open to suggestions. Make a gift? Send over dinner? My problems are so miniscule in comparison.

Stick a fork in 'em, baby!

My socks are done! Woo-hoo! I finished them Friday when we were home on a snow day and have worn them twice since. They're wonderful. I've started a second pair already. I did discover, however, that I am a loose knitter. I need to go down a needle size. I'll try to remember that in my enthusiasm.

Speaking of enthusiasm, Jenny took me to a real live yarn shop. Talk about heaven! I got some Artyarns Supermarino sock yarn on sale - enough for two pair. I also got some gorgeous Araucania kettle dyed sock yarn, purple of course. It's absolutely delicious. I think I got enough for about five pair, including a big skein of Opal for Eric. I also got some beautiful merino laceweight and some alpaca-silk laceweight. We had alot of fun in there squishing the yarns and looking at the pretty colors. I can't wait to go back. Then we went to Hobby Lobby and I got some yarn to make a lapghan for Erica - well, it wasn't bought with her in mind, but when we were in the car the lapghan idea came and then it had to be for her. It's some soft, snuggly Yarn Bee yarns in black and blue. I think she'll like it.

We have had the strangest weather lately. Friday we were snowed in, Saturday it melted, and last night it snowed pretty hard with thunder and lightning. It was strangely cool.

I've decided, after several days of feeling sorry for myself, to get over my whining and do something good. So, every time the self-pity pangs start I'll be making a blanket square for charity. I have nothing to feel sorry for. There are people who have lost everything. (That's why I purchased some yummy yarn from the Sanguine Gryphon - she is giving half of her proceeds to a needy family.) I'm a selfish person and need to be less so. It's not like a square takes much, either. I have tons of acrylic and I knit rather quickly. I should count my blessings with every row, too.

Time to wrestle the kids to bed. Talk to ya later!