The year of the ones

As 2010 drew to a close and 2011 made its beginning, we spent a quiet day at home in contemplation.

Winter decided to give us a few days of warm weather too. Seriously-50 degrees in January? All the snow melted and left us with a whole lot of blah to look at. Maegwin and I have been battling our first daycare related colds and not up for much other than watching a lot of mindless TV. Don't believe me? We're up to Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Today is the first day that Maegwin has been able to breathe well enough to really feel normally playful. On the bright side I've done a lot of knitting finishing this week. I'm hoping it is a good sign for the year to come.
First on the finished list: the blanket of doom (aka Josie and Matt's wedding gift). I wove in the ends today and got a chance to drape it about and take photos. I'm very proud of how it turned out and hope that Josie and Matt will treasure it for years to come.

Pattern: Saffron Cables by Kathy Zimmerman
Yarn: Knitpicks organic cotton in Malted Milk
Needles: size 9 Knitpicks
Mods: I did four repeats instead of the called for three because Matt is tall and I just wanted to prolong the magic-NOT! I ended up using about 20 balls of yarn which equates to 2378 yards. Yes guys, we love you that much. I started this in February 2010 and I find it fitting that the last end was worked in at the end of 2010. Here it is, all stretched out.

Second up: Vine and Leaf beret for my sister.

Pattern: Vine and Leaf Beret by Angela Hahn
Yarn: Knitpicks Risata in Spicy
Needles: size 2 Addi Turbos
Mods: I added a full repeat of the chart before decreasing. My row gauge was off and I honestly didn't feel like changing yarns once I realized it. This was a late Christmas present idea. I made her a hat last year but it ended up being too small. She has a large head, which she freely admits. I made the largest size this time and added extra room. It is currently blocking on a dinner plate and I hope this one turns out better than the last.

I have a few petals left to sew on the top of an upside down daisy hat for my friend Michelle's baby who is due January 14th. I should have that one done by the end of the weekend. I cast on for a sweater for me and I think 2011 will be the year of selfish family knitting. I want to knit at least a few sweaters, pairs of socks, and hats for me and Maegwin. Josh might get something too but he hasn't asked for anything. Maybe by next Christmas I will be feeling generous enough to knit some more gifts for people. It's not that I don't love you all, it's just that I need some me knitting.

2010 was definitely a rough year for us but it has ended on a more positive note with all of us fully employed. We've successfully raised a human for a year with no major mishaps and she continues to amaze us each day.

Her newest thing is hugging and kissing the dogs. They aren't sure what to make of it since her kisses are open mouthed baby kisses and it probably looks like she is trying to bite them from their perspective. They tend to scatter when she comes near. She hugs and cuddles her babies and us. So sweet!
She is still adjusting to daycare and going through some separation anxiety. We're down to crying just as I hand her over to the daycare people rather than as soon as we get in the building so hey it's progress, right? It did make Christmas a bit rough because she wouldn't go to anyone so pictures are just of her alone.


Since we were able to get her to bed tonight at a reasonable hour, I'm going to take advantage of some primo knitting time. May you all have a safe, happy, and prosperous 2011!