My Latest Obsession

Double Loop Stitch Makers

I like to use double loop stitch markers when I am increasing or decreasing in a consistent manner. Both loops on the needle indicates an increase/decrease round. One loop on the needle indicates a knit even round. I get distracted very easily, so this is an important tool for me. My friend Kim, the Knitting Wonder Woman (don't ask me how many hats she has done to my measly two), makes beautiful stitch markers, but I have trouble with the wire. Of course, it would help if I read some directions or something instead of just trying to figure it out myself. Anyway, I found a way that works for me to make stitch markers. I use 1 mm elastic cord with crimps on the end. The two on the right that have no pattern or specific colorway are very out of the box for me, but since I am over 40 now, I figure that I can be a little crazy at times.

Hospital Knitting

First, an update on Daddy. He has seen the surgeon for a check-up and is doing good. The recovery is slow, but he is making progress. We still have some new heart issues to deal with once he has healed from the surgery.

The pink purl arrows hat was finished and approved by Niece A. She often models my finished charity projects so that I can see how they fit. The yarn is Cascade 220.

I will be knitting the hat for her in a brighter pink that is washable. Her mother likes it too, but I only knit for nieces, their mothers can learn to knit.

The Purl Arrow Hat again in red for Niece K whose favorite color is red. At least it was the last time I asked. The stitch pattern does show up better in a lighter color, but I think she will like this. The child LOVES to wear hats. This yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease.

Notice anything unusual here?

I tried for three days to convince myself that the thumb was not too big. I was doing my usual rewriting the pattern. Converting to magic loop was not hard, but I didn't like the increase that the pattern called for, so I struck out on my own. At least I kept good notes and know what to do next time. Also, my faithful long-tailed cast on just did not look good in this chunky yarn (Cascade 128 this time). So I am frogging and will start over. Since then, I have learned a crocheted cast-on that looks great.

Stitch markers are in the partial mitten because Niece A was exploring my knitting bag and asking about everything. She now has a little container with various styles of stitch markers that she selected from my knitting bag.

I also finished a pair of socks that have been worn. I'll photograph after washing.

A New Knitter Was Born at the Hospital

Niece A brought her knitting bag, needles, and stash that I gave her for her birthday. We are still knitting with 4 hands, but she is doing more and more of the work. She is only 5. SIL B is counting on her to knit for the family. Her first project was a rectangle out of some variegated yarn that I had in my bag. Her imagination made it into many things. Then she wanted to knit something for Pops, but the variegated was "too girly" because it had pink. She used some of my green chunky to knit another small rectangle. She had me take it back to Pops. He asked what it was and I told him that he got to decide that part. So, he put it in his pocket and called it a green pocket ornament.

One of those moments that made me smile...

While on our way home from school yesterday, one of Mr. T's friends called for help with his math. Mr. T handled it himself. The conversation went something like "Dude, you write the = beside the problem, copy the first one, write the multiplication dot, and flip the second one." I know that it is not the typical mother's dream to hear her child discussing math, but it sure made me happy. Now, the math geek in me must go teach him the proper terms...

Unusual Excuses

I'm in my 20th year of teaching and I have heard a lot of excuses, but this is the first time I have gotten this one...

"I couldn't do my work because the guy that I steal wireless internet from put a password on it and I couldn't connect."

Later on in the class I assigned a problem from the book. The same student wanted me to write the problem on the board, because his roommate is taking the same course and stole his textbook. I couldn't help it. I said, "I guess you know how the guy felt about his wireless internet."

Another time, I had a student tell me that he couldn't do his assignment because his roommate's dog chewed the power cord to the laptop, the battery died, and she would not buy a new power cord.