As I was looking forward to the late night tonight and the first kisses and hugs of the year from family, I got a phone call from my aunt saying that not only my favorite great-uncle, but also my granddaddy are in the hospital.

The great-uncle is marking time. Big Daddy gave a big scare last night, but is doing a little better this morning.

"What you do on the New Year's Day is what you'll be doing the rest of the year". That's what Nanny used to say and my mama. I've found over the years that it is only partially true. The sucky New Year ends on a much brighter note and vice versa. I dislike the notion that I might be spending a big part of my year grieving. Not my favorite way to spend time.

So I will now be sitting on pins and needles most of the day by the phone waiting to hear updates and dreading the call that I pick up the phone and hear my mama or aunt crying. I'll know then. Thankfully, my boys are grown or next thing to it and my baby girl is old enough to understand. They all know about, have been through, and mostly understand the grieving process. That's usually the hardest part with kids in my experience.

Crocodile Stitch!

I was looking at some project photos on the Crochet Partners YahooGroup and found something that looked like scales! How fabulous! So I read descriptions and found out that it's called the crocodile stitch. I turned to YouTube, of course (it's usually the first thing I do when looking to learn a new stitch) and lo and behold, several videos were there. There was even one for left-handers! Groovy! So, I got out some yarn and a hook and in about half an hour, I had a uber groovy swatch of "dragon" scales:These were made with worsted weight yarn (CYCA's size 4) and a size I hook. They were very fabulous, but not quite what I was looking for. So I grabbed some Vanna's Glamour Yarn (in red) and a size E hook and tried another hook. The resulting swatch was much more like what I had in mind.

How fantastic would a tabard made with this look for cosplay! Oh my gosh! I am so excited. One of the videos on YouTube even suggested making leg warmers. That would also be fantastic :D Oh, and here's the 2 side by side:

New Definitions for Ugly Words

Someone used the work "pimpin' " in a conversation with me a while back in describing some jewelry. I didn't say anything at the time, but now as I've let it stew on the back burner for a while, I must speak out.

I cannot believe that parents do not either pay attention to what their kids are saying or don't care. Words like pimp and 'ho and tramp are not words that should ever be glamorized. As parents we spend all this time and energy in teaching our kids to be independent and empowered. By using these ugly words in this seemingly innocent manner, those who use them are degrading themselves and giving away their personal power. This is equally true for girls and boys. It has more visible effects on the girls. I found a link to an article that puts into words what I have felt for years.

Now, go read that article and I will get off my soapbox :)

FO's and UFO's

I found some sock yarn I couldn't resist. I got a swatch made up and Dorinda decided that it was the perfect yarn for her a pair of socks! So much for me a pair of socks. She picked out an eyelet pattern! There's nothing like just diving in and trying a new technique to help you learn fast. So I got them done in about 4 days! I was so excited. I figured it would take me a couple of weeks.

Now I'm on to get that baby layette set done. I'm hoping to have that confounded afghan done by the end of next week. I dislike round afghans. They start out really great, but by the time you even get halfway through, it takes forever to get one round done.

Baby Stuff

Well, a friend of mine is having a baby! I don't think it's been officially announced yet, so I can't name names. However, I can crochet the layette! I've had this kit from Mary Maxim, I think, for a couple of years. I've been bored with my stitches for a while so haven't made anything since Christmas! So when I came across this kit I decided to finally get it made.

The set includes an afghan (of course), a sweater, and a bonnet. It's all a ripple pattern in white with a row of mint green now and then and a lovely little ch-loop edging. It also came with pink yarn to make little rosettes to sew on to finished items, but I decided to wait until I know if the baby is a girl or boy before I do that. If it's a boy I can just leave everything as is. If it's a girl I'll make the roses, but probably in yellow instead of pink. The pink is nice, but I yellow roses better :D

I've got the bonnet and the sweater done and the afghan is about halfway there. I had forgotten how absolutely adorable baby sweaters are! I am so looking forward to being able to present this set to the happy parents.