Changed my name

"Busy" should be my midde name. Since retiring once and for all a couple of years ago, it seems I have been on the go nonstop. Summer is always busy because I very much enjoy having my grandkids whenever they want to come over, which is nearly every day. When school began this year, and their mother, my daughter, went back to work full time, I took on the role as daycare provider. I absolutely love it!!! I love purposeful routine in my life, and they provide that, along with lots of hugs and kisses. I love teaching them new things, and "papa Chris" has a lot of fun with them as well. Last week, he taught Oliver, our youngest grandchild, how to draw several different stars. He came home from kindergarten obsessed with making stars. It was the cutest thing ever! hahaha Can you believe kindergartners now learn basic math? And my sixth grader is doing Algebra...I know!!! I'm not sure what my eighth grader is learning...she seems to whiz through everything on her own and brings home the grades to prove it. Ok, bragging is over with, but I was leading into something...

In spite of caring for my grandchildren and being so busy with them, I managed to knit up hats for them this past week while they were at school. The two youngest ones chose a fair isle pattern beanie that I had a lot of fun knitting up. This is the Rudensk pattern by janelleknits, and is a very fun, easy pattern to knit! I let the "littles" choose the color they wanted and got them done just in time for a big storm we're in the midst of here in Northern California as I type this.

 

Their older brother chose just a plain beanie with a tiny bit of slouch and wanted a royal blue color. While I used acrylic for the littles hats (you never know if they will get left on the playground never to be seen again), I decided since I hate using acrylic yarn, I would use Berroco Vintage worsted weight which is a wool blend. Yes, it costs a little more for a better yarn, but my grandson is more responsible with his things than the littles are. He loves his new beanie and keeps thanking me for it. Now he wants socks and you know what? Because he is so appreciative of what I do for him, and I love him so much, he just may get them!! Oh, I didn't use any particular pattern for this beanie. I just casted on 88 stitches on US size 7 needles and knitted the 2x2 brim for approx. 2 inches. I then changed to US size 8 needles and continued till I had 6 inches total, then began my decreases. It fits him perfect!

 

I'm currently working on my granddaughter's that she chose...Hot Toddy, by Thea Colman (babycocktails on Ravelry). This is such a beautiful pattern that called for a beautiful yarn, so I paid a visit to my LYS a few days ago to pick up the Berroco above and some Dream in Color Classy for my g-daughter's, in the colorway Malibu Sail. I am loving knitting with this yarn!! I had never tried it before, but I'm so so glad I purchased it. It's easy on my hands and has wonderful stitch definition for all of the cables in this pattern! The top photo is a more true representation of the color. I can hardly wait to see this on my granddaughter! I even bought some of the same yarn in a natural color to knit me the same hat. I love wearing hats and this one is so cute!!!

 

Since I last posted, my brother received his scarf and called me to tell me it's exactly what he had in mind and how much he loves it! It made all that monotony of knitting the same thing over and over all worth it.

In other news, I've put myself on a sweater knitting hiatus, which I will explain in a couple of weeks. Until then, it will be hats, mittens, cowls, socks and shawls. And spinning...lots more spinning!

 

My plan is to try to get back to regular blogging, even if it's just a small post to keep in touch with you. I hope you're have a joyful holiday season!