I need to get out more often. I took a trip to AC Moore today, and was completely shocked at the assortment of yarn they were proffering. Last time I'd been, they had Red heart, Red Heart, and some Lion Brand wool-ease. Now, it's a veritable yarn shoppe, complete with "dazzle", LOL! As if we needed more proof that knitting is the *in* thing to do, the craft giant store is now carrying Sirdar yarns.



I did manage to snag some nice cotton acrylic blend that isn't as sproingy as Cotton-Ease, I think it will have a much crisper drape and show stitch definition very well. And although I am an admitted fiber-snob, I did pick up some super soft and fluffy TLC Amore, it was begging to be made into something baby-licious.



As promised here are the pics of the halter and the stitch markers :)



Deja vu, no?




And the first two sets of markers:


And the second set:


My fave is the fish set, I love those beads!!

So I've officially decided that I have no original ideas. Blah. I finished up a halter top for myself about 5 weeks ago, a maternity halter. Very cute, seed stitch top section, ties at neck. Was gonna finish writing up the pattern, even contemplated submitting it to the Knitty book, but never got around to finishing the largest size number crunching. Imagine my surprise when I check knitty this weekend, and there's *my* halter top in the Summer Surprise! Ack-good thing I didn't submit it, LOL! It's freaky how similar my top is to the Cleo version. More proof that there really is nothing new under the sun. Ah, well, at least I got a sexy maternity top out of it ;) Promise to post a pic as soon as I charge the digi batteries so you can see for yourselves just how alike great minds think.



In other knitting news, I've got a great idea for a new kid's design (which will probably show up in someone's else pattern in the next IK, with my luck lately!), but can't find a suitable yarn for it. Want something simple, slightly crisp, sport or Dk weight, and must be easy care since it's for a kid. My mind is a complete blank. Any suggestions?



I made myself some pretty neat stitch markers this weekend after being inspired by a friend's georgeous beaded necklaces. They came out very cool, I think. Again, pics when batteries have life.



That's it for now...

I actually have a lot of knitting related stuff to share today :) I'm working on a new pattern for a stuffed star for sister-in-law's new baby. The nursery is a moon and stars theme, so I thought a cute stuffed star would eb cute for the crib (that hopefully will never get used, cause I'm trying to convince SIL that co-sleepign will yield more sleep for everyone). It's made in a bright sunshine yellow cotton-ease, and I have to admit, I like this yarn. It knits up nicely, pretty crisp stich definition, and it was cheap, which is always good.



On another cheap note, I'm swatching for a Noro Silk Garden scarf for myself. It's yummy, a pretty pale green with slubs of various colors. I have no idea how old this yarn is, I got if ages ago at Goodwill in a huge bag of Noro yarn for $10 (there were like, 15 skeins of various Noro yarns in this bag.) Wooo-hooo!!! I'm guessing since I'll be big and feeling frumpy this winter, I will anticipate needing to pamper myslef by knitting a pretty scarf (which will also serve to distract attention from the monstrous bump I will have come November!)



Lastly, I made myself some stitch markers with beads that have been sitting around forever, waiting patiently for inspiration to strike. They are really quite beautiful, and as soon as the battery is charged in my digi, I will dutifully snap pics for your enjoyment.



Today was a good day. I slept in, DH took the boys to swim at the Y, then everyone napped, and we went fishing at the local park. Went for water ice afterwards, and now I'm looking forward to an evening of old movies and swatching for my scarf. Life is good.

I know I've been awful about blogging. But, to be honest, I've done nothing but knit soakers for the past 4 months. Not that I'm complaining, I'm thrilled my biz is keeping me so busy, but now that I'm pregnant the primal urge to knit warm fuzzies for the babe is kicking in. I NEED my therapeutic knitting back! So, hopefully I'll have oodles to show very soon!