Knitting

Project Catch-Up (Socks)

Posted on by Dan

Over the next couple of days I will do my best to post some/most of Virginia’s finished projects that have failed to make it up here. Obviously, there has been a lack in scratchcrafty goodness on the blog, but that doesn’t mean that we weren’t making stuff (or, more accurately, it doesn’t mean that Virginia wasn’t making stuff, she definitely was. I, on the other hand, had plenty of time, but little energy, so not a whole lot to show from me).

Socks are good, portable projects, and there was plenty of sock knitting happening while I was laid up in the hospital. The following represent, I think, half of the socks knitted during the last few months. For those wanting to know more specific details on these projects, or see the rest, they have been Raveled here.

Socks (5 of 52PPIII)

Socks (6 of 52PPIII)

Socks (7 of 52PPIII)

Socks (8 of 52PPIII)

Socks (9 of 52PPIII)

Socks (10 of 52PPIII)

Next up, mittens.

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Gearing up for consolidation round #2

Posted on by Dan

Met with the oncologist on Friday, and even though my body is still taking its time to get the white blood count up, he thought I was ready to start my second round of consolidation on Monday. So, what do you do to prepare for another round of chemotherapy? You do whatever you can to enjoy the days leading up to it, because chances are it’s going to suck (I think that’s actual medical terminology) again.

So, we did what any normal couple would do on a beautiful summer Sunday. We prepared a picnic and headed for the park.

Picnic at the Park

Picnic at the Park

After a hearty lunch, a chapter or two and a leisure stroll back to the car, we stopped at the Birchwood for treats (key lime pie for me, carrot cake for Virginia) and iced coffee.

Back at home, the afternoon was still beckoning us to stay outdoors, so we sat out on the deck and created some scratchcrafty goodness (for those new to this blog, that’s typically spinning and knitting around here).

Virginia Knitting

Superwash Colonnial

Note about the yarn: The spinning of this yarn was interrupted back in March, but I decided to take advantage of feeling energized and finish it up today. This is a skein of 3-ply superwash colonnial wool, spun from about 3 oz. of dyed top, totaling 330 yards. Surprisingly, I was able to keep it the same wpi’s as when I first started. Some skills don’t get rusty, even with cancer.

Speaking of which… nah, I’ll stop talking about that for now and just enjoy the rest of the evening. I think there’s probably some more spinning on tap and an episode or two of The Avengers.

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Look! Knitting content ahead

Posted on by Dan

I am, as usual, behind in getting projects posted to this blog. I think I have a legitimate excuse for the most part, but on this lazy Sunday morning I’m going to try to get caught up. Virginia, with lots of time to knit (usually watching me sleep in my hospital bed), has finished quite a few projects—lots of socks, some scarves, a couple of sweaters and a blanket or two (some of these are still on the needles).

I won’t post everything in one post, but will start with two of the finished projects.

Glace Bits ‘n’ Bobs
This sweater was improvised by Virginia using some leftover Rowan Cotton Glace. It’s actually been finished for a few weeks, but as anyone who’s tried to take a picture of themselves will understand, had to wait for my arrival back home to make a photographic record of it.

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Another perfect summer top… although I’m partial to stripes.

Baby Log Cabin Blanket
Some friends of ours are due any minute to have a baby boy. Virginia knit this log cabin blanket using Fleece Artist Merino 2/6… soft, cuddly and machine-washable.

Baby Log Cabin Blanket

We are looking forward to meeting Baby B!

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Caring, Warming Blanket

Posted on by Dan

On Friday we received a very beautiful and generous gift from our friends at The Yarnery in St. Paul. Pooling together talent and stashes many of the employees contributed to this body and heart warming blanket.

Caring Blanket

It did come as a sweet surprise and we are both touched by the time and effort (and organizational prowess) that went in to creating this.

Caring Blanket

Caring Blanket

Thank you so much for this. I have already made good use of it, especially during my naps and rests during the day. I’ve definitely been needing extra covering as my body still seems to have a hard time keeping me feeling warm (even during the past 75º days, but especially now since it’s back in the 40’s). And, since I start my second round of treatment on Monday, I have a strong feeling this will be seeing a lot more use in the coming weeks.

Caring Blanket

It’s hard to pick a favorite square, they all offer interesting color and texture. I do have to say, though, the owls on the corners are a nice touch—like watchful sentries making sure the warmth stays in.

Thank you, again, for putting this together.

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Baktus

Posted on by Dan

With 31 days in the hospital you’d think I’d be able to get some scratchcrafty projects started and/or finished. Alas, being under the weather for most of the time, I did not do much. Virginia, on the other hand, had lots of time to knit while she hung out at my bedside. Among the four or five pairs of socks finished, she started and finished this nifty shawl.

Baktus

The pattern is Baktus, a free pattern by Strikkelise.

Baktus

It is knit with a combination of Koigu and Cherry Tree Hill fingering yarn.

Baktus

The socks are viewable by clicking on the Flickr link on the sidebar. I think she worked on some other projects, but I have hard time remembering what all was going on for the two weeks or so that I was feeling the worst. So, there might be some other project posts in the next little while. And, I have to say, it feels good to be able to post something other than life in the hospital, cancer treatments, and such.

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