Knocked down but not out

So April pretty much kicked me in the arse. I had the flu which then turned into bronchitus. I was sick for a total of six weeks. That sucked. I was so miserable that I didn't even want to knit or read my favorite knitting blogs. It was bad people. I only took a couple of days off from work during the worst of it. I kept pushing through, thinking it's going to get better in a few days. It was a loooong few days. I've recovered and am back to my 'normal' self. Sigh. It's been a long time since I've been that sick. I will not be taking my good health for granted anytime soon.

There was some knitting in early April. My good friend Michelle was having a baby boy and I wanted to knit something for the shower.

This is a male version of the Tulip sweater made popular by the Yarn Harlot (scroll down to her June 5th entry) last year. I bought my kits from Threadbear Fiber Arts. The kits aren't on their website anymore, but they might put one together for you if you call. I know there are other yarn stores that sell the kits also.

Project: Dream in Color Tulip Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy
Needles: KnitPicks Options US Sizes 7 & 9
Start: End of March 2008
Finish: April 6, 2008

Thoughts: I love this yarn and will definitely be using it for more projects in the future. It's soft and the colors are incredible. Each one is rich and beautiful. Truly a joy to knit with. One thing I was surprised by was the gauge. This is considered a worsted weight yarn with the suggestion of using US size 7 or 8 needles to get gauge. I am a loose knitter and usually have to go down a needle size or two in order to get the required gauge for a project. With this yarn I had to go up to a size 9. That's the first time that ever happened. Hmm. I'm still scratching my head over this. I was not knitting tighter than I normally do, so I think the yarn is a little finer than a worsted. Has anyone else experienced this with Classy?

More recently I made a pair of Fetching for a friend's birthday.

Project: Fetching by Cheryl Niamath
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, color 330012 (a lilac)
Needles; KnitPicks Options DPNs US size 5
Start: May 18, 2008
End: May 18, 2008

Thoughts: This is the fourth pair I've made and I think it makes a nice gift. The pattern is simple, yet interesting. And they can be knit up in a day. Quick & easy. Pretty too.

Other than that, I'm still working on my Noro shrug and I'll be bringing the grey Cable & Rib sweater out of hibernation to finish the last front piece, so her up and add a zipper.

Now I've saved the best for last. April wasn't all bad. I had some major furry therapy.


We got two new kittens! I'd like to introduce you to Cooper & Milo. Cooper is on the left, Milo on the right. This picture was taken by the breeder just before we got them. They're from different litters and even though they're only 11 days apart, Cooper is almost twice the size of Milo.

This is the day we brought them home.

Their first date with the groomer.






And ready for their closeups.




Jeff and I are having a lot of fun with them. It has been 16 years since I've had a kitten. I forgot how energetic and playful they are. It's good to have some furballs in the house again. It doesn't feel right without them. And I've discovered that they like yarn as much as I do! hee hee