Monday, October 05, 2009

Expectant Knitting

If you have been following this blog recently, you've probably noticed a sharp decrease in the my posting and crafting activity lately. I'm going to place the blame for that squarely on the fact that I'm pregnant. I'm very excited, thrilled, and elated. This has been something we've wanted for a long time, although we weren't sure would ever work out. We are expecting a little boy to join our family around January 9th.

I always imagined that I would knit up a storm for any baby I was expecting. there would be booties, hats, sweaters, toys, blankets, and any other knitted item you can think of in abundance. But when I first found out I was pregnant, I was hesitant to knit because the whole thing didn't seem real. Once I settled in with the idea a little bit and things began to look like they might work out, I had a hard time picking patterns and colors that seemed gender neutral. I couldn't decide on anything.

So I joined some blanket square swaps. The swaps are over and I've received all the squares I'm going to get, but the knitting isn't over. I need to fill in missing squares where people dropped or flaked out. Then I'll be ready to stitch them altogether and hopefully have finished blankets for the new arrival. but, I'm currently burnt out on that project so I've set it aside for a little while.

Once I completed my part of the swaps and knew I was having a little boy, I thought I'd be really ready to knit. But my newest obstacle is pregnancy induced carpal tunnel. That has just sucked all the joy and relaxation right out of knitting and spinning for the moment. I'm just starting my third trimester, so I do have a little time left before the impending arrival. Some days though, I'm only able to do a row or two before my hands bother me to much to continue. So the plan is to try smaller projects and just enjoy what I can do. I am told that this should clear up after delivery, so hopefully I can get back into the swing of things early next year.

My first little finished project is the baby socks in the picture above. I knit them from the top down using some leftover Paton's Stretch sock yarn. They are 2x2 rib over 40 stitches. I used a short row heel and toe in garter stitch so I didn't have to pick up the wraps. The socks are probably a little big for first thing home from the hospital, but I look forward to watching him grow into them.

20 comments:

Chery said...

congratulations! Nice little sockies for your expected new one.

Dave said...

Woo hoo -- congratulations!!!!

Bezzie said...

Congrats!!!! And yes--lots and lots of ribs on baby socks. They never stay on!!!

Yay for a baby boy!

Trillian42 said...

Oh, honey! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

aussiepups said...

That's lovely news! Congratulations! And don't worry about knitting now- there'll be time for that in the future, while the little one sleeps!

Zonda said...

Those are the cutest socks! Hehe..phew..I was wondering if you were going to pull a Bezzie on us ;)

turtlegirl76 said...

Oh Shannon! That's so awesome! Congratulations!!

Angela said...

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you:) Love the socks. They are too cute. I just bought the same yarn in a green to knit socks for my son. There are some really cute free baby sock patterns at Interweave. They have a short row heel and short row toe. I knit one of them up in Fixations and they came out really soft and sweet. Perfect for a baby. Have fun with the baby knitting! Can't wait to see what you come up with:)
Ang

Angela said...

Here's the link to the Better Than Booties sock patterns:
http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/14020.aspx

Sara said...

Congrats! Baby boys are fun!

Anonymous said...

Wow. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Such exciting news; I'm so happy for you. The little socks are adorable.

JennaKate said...

Congratulations and best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby!

Monika said...

OMG!!!! Congratulations!!! That's such exiting news. I WAS wondering what was up with you. I missed your blog posts.
The socks are adorable. I love the color.
I wish you all the best! :o)

Unknown said...

Aw, congratulations, Shannon! That's such great news!

Anonymous said...

Way to go!!!!! Congratulations!!! You have been missed and I'm glad it's for such a good reason. Will look forward to seeing you change the profile on your page! Maybe you should leave the dogs first though :^). CintiSue

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Congratulations Shannon!! That is sooooo exciting!!! A boy..yay!!!

Theresa said...

Found this poem about baby boys...thought it was adorable!

There’s lots of fun,
And I don’t mean maybe,
Coming to you soon
With your boy baby.
Your life will be filled
With amazing joy
By this adorable creature,
Your baby boy.
Watch him, love him,
Learn again how to play,
As your own inner child
Comes out more every day.
Take lots of time
To enjoy your son,
Because much too soon,
Childhood is done.
Congratulations on your
soon to be new treasure!

May said...

Congratulations!!!!

I totally hear you on the not posting bit. I haven't either. We're expecting our punkin around the end of March :D :D

Eeeee! Congrats again!

jackie said...

I fall behind in my blog reading and look what happens! As a person who also had a baby boy after accepting it would probably never happen, all I can say is YAY!!! little boys are a blast, and I could not be happier for you that you get to experience this whole crazy thing. Congratulations!!!

mel said...

What wonderful news Shannon, Congratulations! I'm so thrilled for you & Brad (if terribly out of the loop!) A boy! What do the swissies think? Do they know what they're in for? ;)