Am I winning yet

There is not yet a baby, which is a good thing in the knitting department and I’m quite pleased by it, though Meg less so, to be truthful.

I’ve been quietly sending “not quite yet sweetie” messages out into the universe, and so far it’s working.  I did decide, after the last blog post to add another repeat of the lace – it seemed silly to make a short term knitting decision when this will be a long term grandchild, and I knew I’d be happier in a year with this choice than I was with it in the moment – so my nine rounds to go turned into 25 rounds to go, and I poured on the burn.

(I know, that is such an incredibly hip thing to say that you can hardly stand it.)  I dedicated a few days of really intense knitting to the thing, and I’m happy to announce that the body is done, and I, gentle readers, have made it all the way to the edging.

This blanket has almost a thousand stitches in a round now – and that means I have to work around two thousand rows of the edging to get around the thing and have it cast off. It’s about 55 repeats of the edging pattern, plus a little more to get around the corners. I’m almost to the first corner now, which means I am at the exact point in the process where it feels completely hopeless.  Elliot’s coming for a sleepover tonight and that’s always good for a chunk of knitting time – he goes to bed early and easily, bless him. (He remains the sweetest child to ever walk the earth, I tell you. It makes me wonder if this next babe will be the end of all peace, but let’s worry about that when we see what sort of vibe the kid is rocking.)

I took a little blanket break earlier in the week, partly because I was bored to the point of chewing my own arm off, and also because almost everyone I know who’s ever had a knitting injury can point to a wicked knitting jag that did it. I think it’s pretty important for your hand health to keep mixing it up.  (Do you know what makes it hard to get a repetitive strain injury? Not repeating things. It’s not like I’m going to knit less, but I can keep knitting with variety. That wee break meant that I finished the sweetest little onesie.  So darling I can hardly stand it. Soft and warm, perfect for the first few weeks or so.

Pattern:Tiriltunge Newborn Onesie Yarn: Rosy Green Wool Merino d’Arles in Mistral. It took about 1.5 skeins, and I used a 3mm needle.

It is just about  perfect.  I loved this yarn a lot, and the result is charming, cozy, was pretty easy to knit if you keep your wits about you (and I do.)  I think it’s going to fit too – and may be a hair big, which is perfect, because new humans grow so quickly.

I also spent a little time restoring some old knits, ones that were mine when I was a baby, of all things – but I’ll tell you about that tomorrow.  Trust me, we’re going to need something to break up the blanket monotony.

39 thoughts on “Am I winning yet

    • As a retired Physical Therapist, I will tell everyone that you should have AT LEAST 2 projects at a time on different size needles to give your hands a break. So, here’s your excuse to have several projects going at a time!

  1. Your new grandbaby will look adorable in that little onesie, and the blanket will wrap her in love. Knit on Stephanie, she’s coming soon!

  2. Fabulous edging and a darling onsie! Meg looks like she will be a couple more days maybe and I’m certain she is sending “c’mon mom, get it done” messages to the universe.

  3. I am thinking that dear Meg is going from apple shaped to pear shaped in the baby area. Or will saying that jinx anything? I hope not. By the looks of things .. soon, very soon. I have a coworker that was due on this next Saturday and the baby decided to arrive yesterday, a bit early, but clearly he was ready. Healthy 8 lbs.

  4. I think that is because there are 2,000 stitches around the blanket. The edging uses one stitch and casts on the other needed stitches to create the “row” of edging. She is now knitting (perpendicular) her way around the blanket, if that makes sense.

  5. Wonderful news that there is still time to finish! Glad to see everyone still can smile too. Pop is the right word I think.
    I think the onesie is perfect and perhaps I will have an opportunity to knit one soon! 🙂 … time will tell. Meanwhile the great blankie continues, I look forward to seeing all blocked and ready.

    Many Blessings sent to you and your family.

  6. I’m so sorry, but I think I’ll be voting for Meg to have the baby … wow. The WIP pictures are so gorgeous and the blanket will look stunning (to be honest, I’m curious about the symbolism this time).
    The onesie is very cute!! It’s fascinating, I wouldn’t have made it, but it’s beautiful – the moss-cable-lace combo is really rocking it with the buttons!!

    Good luck to you – and Meg!!

  7. The onesie looks great, and Meg looks more than ready for that baby to make her debut! We’re down to the wire now! Will Stephanie’s hands hold out? Does she have enough yarn? Will Elliot want an espresso before bedtime? Has the Toronto airport spotted a stork on its radar yet?

  8. Well, I wouldn’t call it blanket monotony – it’s a race, after all!

    The onesie looks snug and warm and beautiful. Meg looks ready for you to be finished with that blanket. Glad you are being careful about injury, however, as that would delay the blanket even longer. Can’t wait to see what you created. (Could we get a link to Elliott’s blanket to compare?)

  9. I mean, entertaining, great writing, and the knitting looks fabulous!

    But.

    HOW DOES MEG LOOK SO TIDY AND PRETTY AND FANTASTIC WITH A TODDLER AND THIRD TRIMESTER???

    I am BOGGLED by how well and amazing she looks! I would be a mess by that point!

  10. Has anyone consulted Penny the dog about how she will cope with a new pack member? I note that the adorable onesie has a pattern of pawprints, so perhaps the new human will bring out all her protective instincts.
    Mazel tov to all concerned. Meg looks great.

  11. Love the onesie! I too am laboring (pun not really intended) on an edging that is not quite as massive. The baby has already been born and I’m aiming for getting it to him before he walks. I hope Meg gives birth at a “Shaah tovah” at the right and good time.
    Jeremy

  12. That onesie is darling, and suddenly I’m wishing I had a newborn to put in one just like it. Well, almost.

    The blanket is in the home stretch now, though I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it. Remember that you’re playing the long game here — even if you still have some work on it when the baby is born, it’s going to be used for many, many years to come.

  13. If anyone has advice on what to do about knitting injuries once you have them, I’d appreciate it. The joint where my right thumb meets my hand has given me trouble for over 30 years and I long ago gave up crocheting. I’ve developed a form of continental knitting that doesn’t hurt at all, but I desperately want to make this amazing afghan and yesterday I broke down and ordered the yarn. Suggestions (except for “don’t do it”) are welcome!
    https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-jackfield-tile-square

    • First, practice holding the hook in a different position (there are new hook handle styles available) using a slightly stretchy yarn. No clenching grip, on hook or yarn. Even dropping the work doesn’t need much fiddly “recovery” to get it all back on hand and hook. A therapeutic glove and a yarn guide might be helpful to those joints. No rush, a few minutes at a time of learning the comfortable positions using medium sized materials. Learn to relax with stitch patterns making [gauge] samples. Second, if any gesture hurts, stop for a bit, then try again changing your technique. Next, if available, consult physical therapist or sports medicine specialist. There may be exercises or other suggestions. Gently, with care and enthusiasm, do not be discouraged. It’s the rounds of color…..can translate to crochet or knit or embroidery or sewn. Appreciate the designer, use your capabilities.

      • In the US it would be an Occupational Therapist who does the hand therapy. Been there, done that myself. I’ve had to have injection in that joint myself and may need them repaired. My daughter – a PT may also need work done on hers of the same joint. We are both knitters and short knitting spells seems to be the first step along with better ergonomics perhaps.

        Steph the onesie is adorable – though if Meg hands on to the babe much longer it might barely fit. Interesting that you and Meg are probably confusing the universe by her being ready to meet the little one now and you hoping for holding out longer.

        Hugs to both of you.

  14. Go knit a pair of booties for the baby. That should definitely break the flow a bit, and they’re quick enough to knit up that it shouldn’t take much time at all (considering how fast you knit). And you can make them super colorful too, for something a little different. I think the baby needs some rainbow booties.

  15. That onesie is adorable! Please don’t keep your daughter waiting too long she looks like she is ready for that baby to be in the world and out of her!
    Way to rock the knitting btw!!

  16. Someone is going to be grammy again very soon. It’s the best club ever!

    Those grands are so lucky to have such a talented artist for their gram. Beautiful knits for them all.

    Brava!

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