Chicago Trip

Well, let's see, even though I've been to the train station plenty of times, I got lost on the way there and couldn't even figure out how. On the way home I realized that they've completely ripped up the ramps which then made sense. I was never super lost because I could figure out where I was, just not how I got there. Anyway, we made the train but couldn't figure out why the parking lot was totally packed and then the train was packed too... took me a bit to realize that there was an awful lot of Badger red on the train. Apparently there was a game down in Evanstown. This was the only trip where I've seen standing room only on the Metra.

Anyway, we got there, I knit part of a sock on the way down. We saw the Christmas windows at Marshall Fields (ok, Macy's but I just can't get used to that). They were better this year, the last couple years Macy's hadn't done as well as the old windows. This one was a cute poem about how Santa and the elves use the power of Belief to collect and answer all the letters to Santa that are sent from around the world.

We had thought of going to Navy Pier to see a Yu-gi-oh Regional Tournament but we got started later than we had planned and decided against it by the time we got there. As usual the Lego store was good, but packed with people and hot. (I don't know what it is but it's ALWAYS hot there) But now we have some Legos and tomorrow will be Lego Pajama day.

Somehow on the way back to the train, I ended up on the lower streets which was a little frustrating as I kept looking up going "I want to be up THERE" but at least I always could tell where I was. We walked really fast to catch the train but got there fine. On the trip back we had to pick up some of those same Badger fans and the conductor on that trip was having fun with them. "anyone wearing red outerwear pays double today"

Over all it was a pleasant day. And the weather was great, I can't remember another trip that we didn't even have to wear coats!

Hope everyone has a good weekend - Dfly

Bizzy Chevy Socks

First, I finished these socks ages ago, back in August. I wore them the other day and it occurred to me that I never posted them as I was waiting for permission. These are again designed by the wonderfully sweet Shannon of Unwind Yarns. The pattern is called Bizzy Chevy Socks due to the Chevron stitch pattern. The yarn is also one of hers, called Shiraz in the "For the Boys" colorway. It’s wonderfully smooshy, these are one of my favorites to wear just for pure comfort.

The pattern is well-written and the stitch pattern is simple to follow, I actually knit on these during last season’s Stitch N Pitch game. I do think that the pooling of this particular pair wasn’t quite what I wanted, I love the look right around the ankle where the color repeats are shorter where you can see more of the zigzag effect, but that's a property of this colorway. I will definitely be using the pattern again with some self-striping yarn or a yarn that has shorter color bits that maybe won't pool.

Conversations with Myself

Wow, last time I blogged was September, I really should blog, it’s been a long time. What can I blog about? Well there’s… no, wait that’s a little personal to put public. OH, I made a… but that’s a Christmas present and so-and-so actually looks at my blog. Oh, I did … well that’s a little embarrassing… Oh I knit a… crap another Christmas present.

That conversation has been going around and around my head for awhile and yet I feel like I have nothing to share... So what does that leave?

1. I’m working on some Christmas presents and you’ll see them after the holidays.
2. Things at the new condo are still really good, I think this is one of the best decisions I’ve made
3. We’re happy, healthy and of sound mind. (well as much as we ever are)
4. I’m going to try to get healthier so I’ve joined WW just recently. Normally I hide this but maybe doing it “publicly” will be good incentive.
5. Now that AJ’s a bit older, he’s spending more time with his friends which means I get some more time to see mine which is making a happier me.
6. Work is still going really well, I had a good review recently and I’m still loving this job. (another one of the best decisions I’ve ever made)

So, not to leave it totally empty, here’s a picture of some afghan squares. They are approximately 12” squares. (putting them next to each other, I see that one of them may have to be redone) I need 12 of them to make a lap sized blanket for my grandmother to use while she watches TV. (she’s a very tiny woman, so 3x4 will be plenty)





I will post again soon as I have some test knit socks to share with you. Until then, happy crafting!

-DFly