It’s Thanksgiving weekend here, and while I’m looking forward to days of family and food, there’s no Saturday mail service here, and Monday is an official holiday so that means that if the yarn doesn’t come today it can’t possibly come until Tuesday, and the thought of that makes me want to weep a little. I know it’s no failure that matters if the blanket isn’t done and the baby comes, but right now I’m thinking about this baby arriving any minute, and not having a blanket, some part of me is screaming "YOU HAD ONE JOB" and I’m apologizing over and over. This is, I know, because my heart is leading my brain around like I’m a well trained pony at a county fair. I just like things to be so right, not because I’m an obsessive freak (okay, fine… I might be that too) but because effort and energy are how me make people feel loved, and I want this baby to feel loved, and I want his or her parents to feel loved and really, I’m me, so it’s REALLY HARD TO DO THAT WITHOUT YARN.
I’m going to take a deep breath, and acknowledge that babies who are loved half to death are born with so much less than this baby will already have, and that in the grand scheme of things this blanket is totally irrelevant…
and then I’m going to go check the mailbox again because I can’t believe this is happening.
Needless to say I’ve been knitting like a wild thing while I pace frantically around the house. These socks are the latest fruit of that hysteria. Started months ago, they’ve kicked around my purse for a while.
A round here, a round there… (pattern is my basic one from Knitting Rules
Then yesterday whammo. I was turning the heel on the second one when I picked them up yesterday, and before I went to bed there it was. A finished pair. (As an aside, have we ever talked about how hard it is to take pictures of your own feet?)
I went this morning to look up what the yarn was, and had a little laugh. (I take pictures of the ball bands now so that I can’t forget.) It’s Super Sweet Sock in "Knit City 2012" and that’s pretty funny, because in two weeks I’ll be at Knit City 2013. Crazy, right? I didn’t even think of that while I was knitting them. It’s going to be a fun thing, wearing these at that. Sock yarn harmony, if ever there was some.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to go knit the baby a hat. Or a sweater.
Or maybe another blanket – one I have enough yarn for.
C’mon yarn.
Here’s hoping that the mail truck arrives soon with your yarn! Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and that the yarn arrives so that you don’t have to anxiously await its arrival a moment longer. Good luck to you.
And that is some wonderful sock harmony 🙂
I have never yet worked out how to take decent shots of my own feet.
But I love that colour, and I love the timing on the socks.
Now we just need a mail truck…. there are 3 hours left before we know for sure it won’t come. Maybe? Maybe?
Warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your family!! I was thinking how much I love the yarn colors and then had to laugh about the sock harmony. The Universe has a reason for everything! 🙂
Good luck!! I hope it arrives. 😀
Katie =^..^=
I love them, the color and the pattern. I have many several pairs from your basic sock pattern that you mentioned.
I too am awaiting a package with yarn. My yarn does not hold the same heightened responsibility yours does at this time, so it does not matter if my yarn were to show up today or tomorrow or Tuesday, but regardless, just because I know it’s coming I want it to show up. Right. Now. I hope yours shows up soon!
Yes, go knit a hat, or sweater, or booties, or all of the above. I just knit some tiny booties as a placeholder gift. Deadline knitting all around.
What about a bsj? Every baby needs one, if you ask me. And taking photos of your own feet is so hard. The only thing that is worst is taking photos of your own hands.
Why you do always have the best green sock yarn? I can’t ever find the perfect green.
That is an excellent color for socks. At least you are finishing some holiday knitting while wiring, right?
Just explain to them that they actually have the equivalent of two entire baby blankets, when you factor in the amount of time you’ve spent obsessing about it. (Three blankets if you count the time the Blog Collective has been thinking about it.)
Those are so pretty!
I am utterly swooning over those socks. Oh, the colors! Beautiful!
The yarn will come… (And while it doesn’t you’ll get all kinds of things knitted to de-stress over its absence.)
Happy Happy Thanksgiving!! Here is to a great time with family and friends, with thankfulness for the fall harvest…and hopefully yarn for the baby blanket. From a read living across the border.
Considering that Luis is so cute he makes my uterus hurt, and his blanket was delivered after his arrival, you shouldn’t worry. I vote for a Tulip Sweater, no a bonnet that’s made in that chevron shape until you sew it together while you wait. Then some booties. With pom poms.
You are doing much better than I am knit wise. My knitting mojo has sort of left me and I do not feel like knitting much right now. Maybe I need to go pick some yarn out that I like. I have tons of WIPs to choose from also…Ideas? Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving this week! October is such a nice month in which to celebrate Thanksgiving. I think November is far too cold. Maybe the baby will think of staying put for a while. I have to check the moon phases for this weekend. Peace!
Here’s to hoping that the yarn arrives and you can finish knitting 🙂
Fingers crossed for the yarn delivery. I was waiting for something today too and Miracle Of Miracles the van turned up at the exact same time as we got home. Just like that. Not a moment before, or a moment later but just as we walked up. Who knew that was even possible?
Why is waiting so hard? But you have put the time to very good use, finishing a UFO….a project you can do with your eyes closed, something familiar and comforting. Very smart. Here hoping the truck is at your door today.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Steph – someone else mentioned Luis – I was just wondering why we haven’t seen any recent Luis photos….I assume you will remedy that this weekend? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 🙂
Keep up the sock / Christmas knitting in the waiting for baby yarn to come – your Karma will thank you later. (Unlike ungrateful recipients of wooly goodness).
Sending speedy vibes to that delivery person with your yarn!!!
I hate to tell you this, but if your yarn is coming from the US there’s a good chance it’ll be delayed longer than normal at customs due to recent events; I hope it still makes it in time though. And Happy Thanksgiving!!!
PS love those socks – Green is my fave color and that does look difficult to photograph your own tootsies, but you did a wonderful job. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
So many people on ravelry have the feet photo thing down but every time I try it makes my ankles look awful!
I love the colour of those socks! But when I clicked your link to the yarn, the colour was meh….it wouldn’t have gotten my attention at all. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, I’m really missing it this year while living in the US, not sure I can stifle my craving for all things Thanksgiving for six more weeks…
Great socks! I just finished a pair – your pattern, thank you VERY much – in Patons sock FX and they look almost identical to your new ones.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Leaning against the doorframe, weeping with laughter. “YOU HAD ONE JOB!” Really? When was that — when you were three? If I started to count how many plates you were keeping in the air just this month, I’d run out of fingers and toes. I’m absolutely sympathetic (well, the idea that the poor shivering babe wouldn’t have a blanket anywhere almost got a snort, but sympathy smacked me one)and I really, really hope it arrives today. But you need a better stick to beat yourself with — that one’s pretty limp.
Yay knit city! I’m going this year (my very first knitting event!). Plus I’m taking your class on Sunday! So stoked! It will be such an honour to meet you, this blog and your books kept me knitting when I had almost given up. Here’s hoping the yarn shows up today, but if not I’m sure you can whip up a wee toque as a “first of many” gift. And happy thanksgiving to you and yours!
I remember a post yeeeaaaaaars ago that you asked if anyone had a ball of a certain yarn, I think for someone else. Have you posted what yarn you are looking/waiting for? Maybe someone local-ish has one you could use until yours comes in the mail? I mean, think of how much MORE love would be packed into this blanket if that worked out!!! I know with a holiday weekend there will be a lot of knitting time. At least I always think there will be. Generally it is a lot of cooking and driving and non-knitting visiting time I guess. But I always bring my knitting anyway.
Also, if this is the Canadian Thanksgiving… Must mean Thanksgiving in the states is close behind… How did that happen?! After 33 years, I should not be so surprised at the passing of time. Sheesh.
I was going to suggest booties. But I think that a hat is a fabulous idea. Babies need hats all the time when they are just born, dare I say even more than a blanket? I was also going to suggest a cotton gauze receiving blanket (simple, two pieces stitched together). But perhaps that’s sacrilege around these parts. I’m clearly new here, but am getting swept away with all the excitement. If it’s any encouragement, we just experienced some luck in baby knits: my mom made a beautiful sweater for a friend whose blessingway I’m attending this weekend. Today was the last day for the sweater to make it to the party and it did! I hope that the same luck is on your side, if for nothing more than the sake of your nerves. (It would be bad on your digestion to feast with frazzled nerves.)
Happy Thanksgiving! Will You be at Rhinebeck???
I think this is one of those reasons I don’t buy yarn online. The fondling factor is another one, but it just terrifies me to have a deadline looming and having to sit around waiting for yarn. Well, okay, this is also why I don’t deadline knit. I’m the worst of selfish knitters.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
If the yarn delay goes on much longer, consider making a kicking bag for the baby. 100g of soft sock yarn (preferably machine washable), knit into a sack with a bit of ribbing on the top makes a great gift. Everyone who has ever run out of yarn for a special, time-sensitive project really feels for you, Stephanie.
Besides taking a picture of the yarn label, it can be helpful to take a picture of the bag the project is living in. Doesn’t have to be a special picture. The bag can be in the background with the early project pic, with the yarn label.
For the life of me, I don’t see how you can knit fast enough to turn the heel at noon and be done before bed. Even continental? That’s alot of knitting.
I hope that your yarn came!
I have been trying not to share the story of my yarn that was lost by the U.S. postal service. But couldn’t help myself. But I’m sure that won’t be the case for yours. I used to work as an ON labor and delivery nurse so I do understand the wait there. Of course, in this country someone is always ready with the pricing if babies wait around too long. Am keeping my fingers crossed for the yarn arrival. Lynn
I feel your pain. Sort of. I just ran out of yarn 1.5″ away from finishing the handle on a bag. I knit it to pattern (I actually knit one part shorter than recommended, because I thought I was going to run out), and I ran out.
And the place I ordered from is out of that yarn for another week.
GRR.
I am so ridiculously excited about Knit City – it will be my very first time as a vendor at a major yarn thingy, hopefully I’ll see you at the market! Sqeee!
happy thanksgiving! i hope the yarn shows up!
I Love the coloring of the socks!
Hope that yarn gets it’s arse to your door quickly as possible 🙂
I haven’t written it yet, but in my head I give stars for those internet sites that seem to know that knitters have absolutely NO patience. I order, and it is at my door in a couple of days. (5 stars.) Longer than that, it is a toss-up; I know if I need it, order from (X) company. Whether it be needles, yarn, or ???
Maybe a kickinthepants for the (we can only be as efficient as the post office) sites? Maybe we could have a worldwide vote for MOST efficient?
I haven’t written it yet, but in my head I give stars for those internet sites that seem to know that knitters have absolutely NO patience. I order, and it is at my door in a couple of days. (5 stars.) Longer than that, it is a toss-up; I know if I need it, order from (X) company. Whether it be needles, yarn, or ???
Maybe a kickinthepants for the (we can only be as efficient as the post office) sites? Maybe we could have a worldwide vote for MOST efficient?
I have often marveled at your ability to photograph socks on your own feet – am unable to duplicate your success!
Wishing you even more success in your yarn quest – surely someone will be able to help you out! Keeping a good thought…
I have often marveled at your ability to photograph socks on your own feet – am unable to duplicate your success!
Wishing you even more success in your yarn quest – surely someone will be able to help you out! Keeping a good thought…
Darn. I hate when that happens.
Love the way the color changes seem to flow from one sock to the other in diagonal stripes. Definitely a pair of socks, without being too matchy-matchy. . .;-)
A watched mail truck never delivers?
Where is the yarn coming from? Are you sure they even have it off the sheep yet? I thought it was coming to you from a store close by.You’re handling it well, in a dignified manner.Have a great holiday.
I had so much trouble figuring out how to photograph my own feet that I made extras. I now have a pair of polyester-stuffed, black-tights-covered “legs” that I made by the good old-fashioned duct-tape method.
I was inspired by someone who photographs her own knitwear on a pair of plastic mannequin legs — which are available on auction web sites for surprisingly reasonable prices. I bet you could get mannequin hands too.
With the help of a friend, I wrapped my bare legs (up to a few inches above the knee – and we did one leg at a time) in thin plastic-wrap, then applied about three layers of duct-tape strips to completely cover the plastic wrap. My friend then cut the taped “skin” carefully down the back of the leg all the way to the bottom of the heel. I eased my way out of the casing, taped the cut opening closed, then stuffed the whole thing firmly with pillow stuffing.
It took about a roll and a half of duct tape and a big bag of stuffing per leg. I think I figured that the two legs cost me about $30 US, plus an afternoon of work and a lot of giggles.
Beautiful socks ~ love the colors!
Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
Come ON, yarn!!!
This baby will arrive before the yarn hits your mailbox. What a story that will be in his/her it is a he, right? later life. “Remember every child anut Steph already loved before it was born had a blanket on its arrival? Not me, due to things beyond her willpower I got mine finished after I was born, so she knew already how I looked in real time. I am the only one she finished a blanket for after the birth. I have a very special blanket”. I get it hurts now and it will always do so a little, but then, remember you ordered in time when you realised you were running short, but postal services are in a universe of their own. Maybe somebody will arrive at your door with the same wool, maybe you can rush to the hospital with the finished blanket and hear his arrival cry and the “It’s a boy”, maybe, but is the most important thing not, also to you, “and all is well with mother and child”. I am sure when you hear that you will for a moment even forget you started, once upon a time, this blanket. Do not feel quilty or frustrated, knit a hat for him, and take a pic with the hat on his little head as soon as possible. I admit, yesterday at a woolfair here in the Netherlands, I looked for that same wool, no hope of sending that to you in time, and it was not there, but someday soon you will finish that blanket, a very special and very lovingly knit blanket it will be.
There’s a government shutdown in the US. Have you heard about it? It’s affecting practically everything and I wouldn’t be surprised if it has slowed down delivery of your yarn if the US Postal Service was in any way involved.
The government shutdown in the U.S. is not affecting the USPS. We have been receiving mail all along. I could go on a rant about how and why (IMHO) the postal service service has been going down hill for years, It’s not my place. So I will ‘ditto’ dutch Margreet @ 4:55 a.m. This baby will have a special story to tell and we all know that your not having a finished blankie for him is not due to lack of love!! And if my tellaporter/transporter machine was working…. I would get the yarn and send it to you lickity split!! May the yarn be in your hands and you too busy knitting to let us know!!
Gorgeous socks BTW. That’s my current favorite color/colorway!
Since you’re working on the border is there any reason you can finish off with a different color of yarn? Make it a design feature?
While it may be difficult to photograph your own feet, have you tried to do the same of your hands? I try to wait for my daughter, the photographer, to be around to help, but she is not always happily cooperative.
Stop. Take a deep breath. Now that I think of it, take several deep breaths. While you are doing that, remember that: 1. Making a baby blanket is a gift, not a job. 2. The prospective parents are gracious, appreciative and not worried about when they get it. 3. Paying your mortgage payment on time is an obligation. Putting food on the table is an obligation. Finishing your manuscript is an obligation. A speaking engagement is an obligation. Making a gift for someone is not.
Don’t beat yourself up over this one!!! Besides, the child will have this blanket for YEARS. A few days off at the beginning will not make a difference in the long run!
Now take those deep breaths and let it go!!!!
Those sure are purdy socks!
Yah for knit city!!!!
I’ll be there because am volunteering all.weekend.long!!!
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take a picture of your feet? I can’t even see my feet.
As to the blanket, it is okay. Really. It will treasured and loved and dragged around. And, your angst over the whole thing will make a great story. My kids love it when I tell stories about when they were babies . . . and I can already hear the beginning of this one “Did I ever tell you about your blanky, you know the one you love?”