Why Projects Get Delayed, Frankly

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Although my parents stayed in Florida to celebrate the holiday with my sister and her family and friends, DD Jessica hosted both sides of her family in her new house and a new era was born. Throughout our 30+ years together we celebrated Thanksgiving either with my in-laws who lived out of state, or occasionally my own parents. Now that my family is settled on two coasts, and Bob's parents are no longer alive, we moved West to be closer to our children and celebrate the holidays with them. That kind of fell apart the first year, as DD planned her 10th HS Class Reunion in CT to coincide with Thanksgiving. This year, however, was different, but in a nice way. DD & SIL invited both of their families to their new home. Also, they are expecting my first grandchild in May, so it was extra special. The food was abundant, with everyone contributing their specialties (mine was the stuffing, a basic recipe handed to me by my father-in-law, but which my son insists is "the taste of Thanksgiving". It was quite the feast, complete with tin foil 'care packages' sent home for all. Jess & Andrew and I ventured out on Black Friday to hit the outlets and made a few little purchases, including a bit of layette stuff ('though it's early, we could not resist all the little ducks and little a"T's". Next month we might know the gender, and shopping can begin in ernest. (I'm old fashioned and enjoyed the suprise of not knowing the sex, but as long as everyone else is going go know, then at least I"ll know what color yarn to buy!!) Anyway, there was much knitting this long holiday weekend, with a bit of interruption. As I settled down to finally finish off a sweater I have angonized over for more than a year, I was delayed yet again. I lied when I said Jess was bringing us our first grandchild. Actually, that honor was awarded to Andrew who brought us Frank. Just as I was about to sew up the sleeves and pull in the ends, Frank snuggled in. What's a grandma to do? After his nap I sewed up the arms and now just have to pull in the ends and Jess will be mucho surprised when she gets this sweater for her birthday in a couple of weeks. I think it is going to be exactly the way I wanted it with room for a little tummy expansion throughout the winter. She doesn't think I'll ever finish this. HA! One thing about setting an aborted project aside is that later on you can rip it out and start anew as if it is indeed new yarn, etc. I found the perfect, simple pattern in Interweave Knits Fall 2006 edition. The photo is a bit fuzzy, but it's made with Merino Frappe and is quite soft...kind of mohairy. Must assign credit to my very loyal companion, Maggie, who is always at my feet and loves to be in our photos. My hotpads were quite a hit, as well! I didn't get photos of all three, but Andrew claimed the red one for his own (thought no one would want it because it might be too bright) and Jess's friend wants me to make her some. I'm luring Jess back into knitting by telling her how easy it would be for her to make these herself as gifts for her friend. I did go a bit nuts buying up skeins of color combinations of Lambs Pride, but be aware that the heathered colorways make furry hotpads. The kids like that, though! This is the visit where Andrew wants me to teach him to knit. He wants to make himself a beanie. Wish me luck. Last, but not least, I've finished one pair of Christmas gift socks. Either for DH or DS, not yet sure, began a second pair and explored my Arrowhead Lace project. Practiced for several hours last night, and I think I've settled on a project for our January SnB swap. Piece by piece I am meeting my goal of completing wips. Just have to sew up my Mom's sweater and finish the picot edge in time for her December birthday. So, since I haven't had much to blog about, I decided to stop until I did. I guess I'm back into my blog!