Red Dog Babies aka the Dutchicans

Poison Ivy vs. a condo

2007-06-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

The good news?? The Blond Bombshell(known as Caitlin) has arrived by plane. She actually flew by herself for the first time-and got bumped up to 1st class and a window seat. Being extremely blond gets her just about anything. She had a great time. We picked her up at the Detroit Airport . Her Papa left the next day with Uncle Matt and flew to Las Vegas for a Convention so it has been BB and me alone . I need a nap.
So far we have attended a graduation party, worked at the Yarn Garden while Lindsay(the new owner) went to TNNA , and have played many games of Uno and Sorry. We also hosted the Great Carsoni(grandson Carsen) for a day of play-it poured. His Mom and I both needed naps.
Some knitting has been going on. Her sweater coat(no pattern, I'm winging it--scary huh??!) is almost done. A baby dress from Bamboo (Yarn Garden) is almost done and I am almost out of Malabrigo. Thank God Lindsay ordered lots for the YG. That sweater coat is eating up the Malabrigo chunky. Caitlin is knitting a scarf from Cascade 220. One row at a sitting. Being 7 means being on the go.
The bad news? I am covered in Pois0n Ivy. I weeded one of the front gardens and ,as usual, found myself covered from head to toe in weepy water blisters. I itch. I am grumpy. All I wanted was a small Condo-one pot of geraniums and maybe a fern for the porch. I got 130 acres of which , I swear, 129.9 is covered in Poison Ivy . Sigh. Caitlin keeps telling me to stop scratching-- 7 year olds think they are in charge of everyone. I keep singing"You're Not the Boss of Me" but ,like her mother before her, she knows she is.
I can't wait to start the baby sweater on the Harlot's blog. Rob is making up kits -you can nab one after me. It is so cute and like I said, everyone I know has a grown child having a baby.
Dan comes home in the am so I may actually get to Weds. morning knitting-alone.
Oh, (gawd, this is rambling) I also ordered yarn for the Polkadot circle coat from Berroco. It is on their website-the pattern-but you can't order yarn from them so I looked up all the LYS kn Michigan that carry that particular yarn(Boho Colors) and after 22(yes, I tried locally 1st) I finally scored Boho in Chili Pepper which is what the Blond Bomshell had her heart set on. It is alot like the circle jacket on the cover of Vogue last year. Busy, Busy.
Now I just need to find more hours in the day to knit-and I still need that nap.

Hi Ho,Hi Ho, it's off to the warm south I go!

2007-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Well,
It is now official-I have a blog and Sarah Peasley has put my button on her blog!! Maybe more of you will find me now. Dan and I leave in the early am. for Savannah ,Ga. and Lady's Island, S. C.
A business trip combined with seeing our daughter and her family. It will be warm-I hope and sunny! I will get little knitting done-but will play lots of Sorry! and card games and read stories,etc. I also will get to look at lots of new jewelry at the convention and shop in Savannah while my husband takes seminars on how to be a better jeweler.
I love the area down there-not to mention the weather but I will probably only be there once more before they move to Quantico, Virginia. At least they are moving in the right direction-North!!!!! If anyone is moving to Lady's Island or Beaufort,S.C., let me know-I know of a great house for sale!!
Starting the collar on the shawl vest-the steek cutting and the armholes went well. Finishing up a moebeuis shawl and a few other projects that have been marinating forever.
Time to start packing-I am going to Guild tonight no matter what!!
Thanks, Sarah for making me official.

Many Thanks to all of You!

2006-12-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

As Sarah already mentioned, we did the exhange and WOW! That's a lot of knits!!!! As some of you may know from my blog, we immediately headed to the hospital after dropping off the knits at home to meet up with the ambulance to head to U of M hospital. Austin underwent open heart surgery to patch a Ventriculat Septal Defect in his heart on Friday. He is recovering slow but sure and we hope to all be home together in a couple weeks.

Please Please do not think we have forgotten all these lovely gifts - Noel and I both want everyone to know that we plan to delve into them ASAP and start clicking the photos ;) Our battery recharger will be put in overdrive!

Austin is still very small and swims in the tiniest of preemie caps so no knit will be outgrown. Gerrit is thriving (I'm already worrying about what our grocery bills will be like in a few short years the way this guy sucks his bottles down and I have started to count my fingers to make sure I'm didn't loose any during his mealtimes).

I feel so blessed to have become a part of the knitting community both in person and virtual - all your kindness during the loss of Eli and your continued motivation and well wishes for the boys is something that has really touched me and our family. Please accept a big virtual hug from me and the fam and well wishes to all of you for a happy holiday season. The only thing I have left to ask of each of you is to hold your family tight and dear and never forget how much you love each and every one of them even if they do things that make it hard to love them. We feel so blessed with these boys and for Elija who touched and changed us in ways that words can never explain.

The handoff!

2006-11-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

Kristi and I finally arranged a hand-off of the Dutchican's gifts this morning. Here's proof!

Look at those tubs full of gifts -- those packages are really crammed in there (thank goodness hand knits are squishy!). You guys have been SOOO generous!

Watch for baby Dutchicans appearing in adorable handknits soon!

Arrivals, Names, and great news!

2006-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

At approximately 9:30 this morning, two brand spankin' new knitters were added to the Garcia family. (I can call them knitters, right?)

Gerrit Nikolaas* and Austin Noel both weighed 4 pounds even and are breathing room air unassisted.

They will remain in the NICU for approximately 4 weeks and will be home by Christmas!!

Congratulations to Kristi and Noel on the addition of the boys to your family. Thanks for having all of the knitters along for the ride.

*Kristi please forgive me if I spelled their names wrong.

The babies are coming, the babies are coming!!

2006-11-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today the babies are coming! I just wanted to post to let Kristi and her family know that she and her boys are in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot wait to see their little faces. Peace, love and brightest blessings, my friends. :)

A hat for Elija

2006-11-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the 3rd hat I knit for the Dutchicans. By the time I got to the third hat I was in the zone. It took the least amount of time to finish. Now to make a red and white one for a little one I know. It will be just the cutest hat for Christmas time. All the best to the family on the big day!!

This will be donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation Charity a friend collects hand knit goods for. The remaining leftover yarns, yes I still have about 300+ yards left, will make a vest for some worthy child at the Reservation.

One more thing for the Dutchicans

2006-11-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

I noticed there was only one blanket made for the two boys to share. Now every baby should have their own handmade blanket, so I whipped up one. The blanket is just a giant granny square with a single crochet edging. It won't get there before the boys are born Thursday, but it should be waiting for them when they come home from the NICU.

Still here...

2006-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

As usual, I'm the last one to leave the party. Here's a little sweater that turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

Details: "Ribbon-tied Wool Vest" from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies, by Erika Knight. I made it a little longer and changed the neckline. Knit on size 3 needles out of various stash yarns (all baby wools), although of course I ran out of the grey and had to get more. Size is 6-9 months.

Thanks to Sarah for imparting upon me the mad finishing skillz. It helped!

Winners, Winners, Winners

2006-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I played phone tag tonight and when we got connected, we picked winners. It was kind of hard with the whole reaching through the phone to grab a name, but we made it work. Ok, what I really did was write names down and have my mom pull them out of a basket. Without further to do, here are the winners.

Gypsy Knits Superwash Sock Yarn to Arleta
Lorna's Laces to Bezzie
Alpaca With a Twist Fino to Julie (sorry for the confusion ladies, it was late, and you both won!)
Alpaca With a Twist Fino to Rae
Knit Picks Dye Your Own Yarn to Ren
"Red Dog Knits" color yarn to Samantha
Socks That Rock Lightweight to Sharon
Mohair Boucle to Kyra
Jaeger Super Kid to Kelly
Koigu to Connie
Knit Picks Shadow to Heidi

I'll be emailing each of you, so if you don't get an email from me, please let me know.

Want to know what all was knit? All right, I'll tell you.
38 Hats, 16 Pairs of Socks, 15 Bibs, 14 Pairs of Booties, 13 Sweaters, 11 Toys, 8 Washclothes, 4 Pairs of Mittens, 3 Vests, 2 Pairs of Slippers, 1 Blankie

That's 125 items all for the babies. You all just warm my heart and I know that there are bloggers still finishing items even though they didn't make the deadline.

Thank you for your time, generosity, love, and caring. I can't let you all know just how much I appreciate you and everything you've done for Kristi. I'm very grateful.

Another lil' sweater

2006-11-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

I didn't quite make it in time for the deadline, but the last thing I need is to be angling for more yarn anyway! But I do have another finished sweater...
PATTERN: Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater, designed by Carole Barenys, free pattern here
YARN: Patons Decor
NEEDLES: First Clover bamboo straights, then KnitPicks Options, U.S. #4, sleeves with Crystal Palace Bamboo DPNs
BUTTONS: Ladybugs, from Have You Any Wool?
NOTES: Ok, so I must confess that I was swept away by the cuteness of the buttons and didn't realize until later that I was sewing LADYbugs onto a BOY'S sweater. Much angst and fretting followed until an impatient JP said "Honey, it's for an infant. And they're BUGS! Boys like bugs!" So I guess they're ok for now!
I like the Patons Decor, but DANG it's hard on the hands...not sure how soon I'll use this yarn again. It does knit up to a nice warm tight fabric though...just right for keeping little babies warm in icy windy cold Michigan winters!

It ain't over 'til it's over!

2006-11-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's been like Christmas at my house, with packages arriving daily for Kristi's babies. There've been so many that the mail-lady has been carrying them up to the door in plastic tubs! I'm thinking about pretending I know nothing about the Dutchicans and hiding all these gorgeous handknits away for my future grandchildren. Think anyone will notice?

Just kidding!!!

My mother-in-law was visiting me today. She knows nothing about computers, or e-mail, or the Internet, although I've shown her my blog from time to time. I showed her the pile of packages from today's mail and explained to her what they were all about. We opened them together and held the tiny knitted items in our hands. She was overcome with emotion at this tangible evidence of virtual strangers from all over the continent caring so deeply for one another.

Kelli and I want to thank all of you AGAIN for your hard work, for your kindness, and for your generosity. I won't put words into Kristi's mouth (like I just did for Kelli!), but I know you're all aware of what a wonderful thing you're doing for her and for her family.

I also want to remind you that I will continue to accept handknits for Kristi's babies for as long as you continue to send them to me.

Sarah

The last couple things in the box

2006-11-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

These are the last couple things in the box I mailed yesterday. 2 fruit hats for when the boys are about 2.
And 8 baby washclothes.

Keepin' Kool

2006-11-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Well, my photo won't load... I finished a sweater last night using some warm & washable Kool Wool that I had in stash. It's mostly black, with red & purple stripes and my daughter is taking it to the P.O. for me today. You can see it on my regular blog, here, and I will try to try uploading here again later.

Good vibes and well wishes flooding across the lake from Wisconsin! ; )

finally my contribution...

2006-11-01T23:07:00.001-08:00

...to the warming of wee ~~dutchicans~~ sparticans ;-)

these will be passed into sarah's nimble hands tonight (yeah it's after midnight...i'm a night owl lol)

continuing to send positive vibes to the new family :-)

More booties on their way!

2006-11-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

I squeezed in a couple Angora Baby Booties from Last Minute Knitted Gifts for the boys. Both are made with the very washable Venice by Passport Yarn Co.

down to the wire!

2006-11-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

I'm cutting it close but i've just finished 2 sweaters for the boys. Hopefully these will keep them warm during the winter months! They will be going postal in the morning!

Gratitude

2006-11-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

I wish there was some way that I could truly express our appreciation and gratitude to each of you for your knitting, kindness, prayers, and well wishes. We have been on a very long and emotional rollercoaster and now we are just counting down the days that we get to meet these two little guys in person. Nothing could have ever prepared us for the loss of Elija and we will continue to grieve for him. His brothers will always know about their brother and Noel and I have already discussed many ways that we can symbolically pay tribute to Eli so that he will forever be remembered.

Knitting is healing. Sara's post that closed with the quote by Elizabeth Zimmerman - ""Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises"" was something that really had an impact on me. With red swollen eyes I would just stare blankly at the the corner where my knitting bag sat and never thought I would ever want to knit again. The night before yesterday's ultrasound and testing, I was so anxious I decided to pick up the sock using the yarn that Susie made for me called "Kristi's Hope" and I knit until I passed out with exhaustion. I wore the same handknit socks to the appt. as the ones when we were told we were pregnant on May 30. Hubby wants me to wear them until November 17 but I told him that could be a health hazard but did decide that I will wear them for the delivery.

Many of you have shared with me your own personal loses and tragedies and how knitting was a way for you to celebrate their lives and remain connected to that person - to grieve. I couldn't agree more. It has been healing for us to watch this site in the past week and see knitters cheering on Eli's brothers or making donations to their local charities in memory of Eli. Besides being the most stylish boys you have ever seen, I can promise you that each item will be cherished and loved. I will be reminded every time they put on a bootie, cap, sweater, bib, or play with a toy, that each stitch made was made from the heart and that you all shared with us in this rollercoaster of both sadness and celebration.

Thank you to everyone. Words just can't capture our appreciation in being the recipients of such thoughtful gifts from such special people.

I look forward to presenting my next two FO's on November 17.

Booties on the Road

2006-11-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

I finished these little jewels over the weekend and sent them off to Sarah first thing Monday morning. Much love to Kristi and Noel and the boys and the fur fam!

More in the mail!

2006-11-01T04:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been posting...I came late to the party and I have been knitting furiously! So in the mail today go:
3 bibs - All from the Mason Dixon Knitting pattern; two in 1824 cotton (I cornered the market on this stuff when it was discontinued...I am so glad it's back) and one in Cascade Fixation Bulky (which I would not use again for a bib - too stiff but will probably soften much in washing). I put a sailboat button on the blue one - I live on a lake and am sending a fresh breeze to the Dutchicans! The gold one has a Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle button (I had one left over from some other project-perfect!). The multi-colored one has a plain wooden button...it already had enough pizzaz and when covered with strained peas and carrots ought to look just wild enough!
3 sweaters
Grey one in Rowan Cashsoft DK from EZ Knitter Almanac February -the gull lace one - I thought it might be feminine but my husband absolutely was floored by it and said it was a perfect baby sweater-wants me to knit one exactly the same for our forthcoming grandson that is due in March...
Gold one in Sirdar Snuggly DK from EZ Baby Surprise - this is my "go to" sweater and I usually always have one on the needles (note this pattern makes a perfect Dulaan sweater if knit in bulky weight wool)
Demin one in Sirdar Denim Tweed DK from Placket sweater from Last Minute Gifts - the corrected version at PurlSoho.com-this was a great knit...another one that I will do again!

It's a bad picture ...not quite sure why this came out so fuzzy...too much coffee already perhaps:>)...
Thanks for letting me help Warm the Dutchicans! Virtual Baby Showers are fun!
Betsy

Keeping Tiny Toes Toasty Warm

2006-10-31T19:35:00.000-08:00

I present felted slippers for the boys to grow into.

We're Down to the Wire!

2006-10-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

Ok folks! If you haven't sent your things in yet, the final day for submissions is Nov. 2 to be included in the drawing. So if you want in on the fun your package needs to be postmarked by Nov. 2 in order to make it in the drawing.

We'll line up the prizes, get the names in order, and draw for the yarny goodness on Nov. 7. (May as well have something good to look forward to on election day right?) By my calculations (and what's been posted on the blog) we have 100 items that have been knit for Kristi's babies.

Now Sarah has informed that as of tonight (due to her handy dandy fancy spreadsheet) that we have only 1/4 of those in her hands. So, if you knit up some snuggly things for the Dutchicans make sure you get it in the mail tomorrow or Thursday if you want a chance at the prizes. :)

Some things to remember!
1. If for some reason I missed putting you up on the side bar let me know.
2. Try to post to the blog or leave a comment when you mail your package.
3. If you need Sarah's address email me (there's a button in the sidebar if you prefer) at krisdutch AT aol DOT com.
4. Don't forget to include your name, address, email, blog, and what you knit either with your items or in an email to me.

I want to express my thanks once again for all of the time and love that you have put into these gifts for Kristi. You have all enriched my life in the last few months and I look forward to the day when I can meet each one of you.

Kelli~ Knitter Bunny

A simple sweater in the mail...

2006-10-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

"Daisy" sweater from Knitty Summer 2003, Interlacements Toasty Toes in "turkish carpet." Sent off with the pony express today along with much love for the entire Dutchican family.

Thanks for letting me be a part of this baby shower, its meant quite a bit more than I'll ever be able to express.

Pile O'Hats

2006-10-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is my first Blogger post so my apologies if it's messed up.

Here is a pile o'preemie hats. I read that preemies have to wear a hat whenever they're outside of the incubator, so they don't lose heat and waste energy. The plain blue are super-preemie (under 4 lbs), and the gray one is regular preemie (over 4 lbs.). I was going to make more, but then I saw the number of preemie hats that someone else made, and I thought...no, thanks. I think we have plenty, so I started on something more fun instead.

These look rather deformed in the picture, but they're quite cute and actually head-shaped when the ribbing is stretched out. They're all washable wool (Baby Ull).

Hopefully the super-preemie ones won't be needed if the babies stay put long enough. These could possibly be donated to the hospital for future preemies if they're not needed, or when the boys are done with them.

Now I just need an address to send them to and I'll be all set!

All finish and need the mailing address

2006-10-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

Blogger isn't cooperating this morning with pictures but I finished 8 washclothes over the weekend and have everything boxed and ready to go. I'll post pics later when blogger feels like letting me.

Hats Off

2006-10-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here are the Candy Cane hats I finished last night. I loved knitting this pattern, a very easy pattern, well, once you get past the lack of pattern reading skills I have acquired lately. I started the 1st hat 3 times, the 2nd hat 2 times, and I went ahead and cast on the 3rd hat in 1 try. The last hat will be donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation Charity.
I used Shelridge Farms Superwash yarns on a size 5US needle. The pattern is from Handknit Holidays, a favorite book of mine. I hope these hats will warm the little guys and show the family how much we care.
All the best to the Dutchicans.

Elija (Eli) Domingo Garcia

2006-10-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

We are overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and well wishes and cannot express our appreciation to all of you as we grieve the loss of our baby boy. Today we made the decision to share with others his name - Elija (Eli) Domingo. We have and continue to cry so many tears but know that your kind words are comforting to us. We realized since sharing our loss how much Eli meant to so many people - we cried with our doctor today but left with a feeling of hope for Eli’s two brothers. One of us will attempt to share updates as they become available.
I know that many knitters have either made or are making items for all three babies. You are welcome to make a personal decision as to how you want to celebrate Eli and share these gifts - charities in memory of Eli or otherwise.

We came home from our appointment today to find this left outside our front door by Noel’s co-workers and we both feel it sums up what we are feeling.

To All Parents by Edgar A. Guest
“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine..” the universe said,
“For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he’s dead,”
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?”
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and shall his stay be brief.
You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.”
“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught there, I want my child to learn
I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Not hate me when I come to call to take him home again?”
I fancied that I heard them say, “Thy will be done”
For all the joy a child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”

Our love to you now and forever Baby Elija,
Mom and Dad

A sweater and some tiny socks

2006-10-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

I finished these socks before hearing the news about Baby B. My heart goes out to Kristi and her family during this devastating time.

I don't know why the pictures come out so icky in Blogger but I also finished the Easy Baby Cardi:

Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Easy Baby Cardi
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Pistachio
I hope to send these out this weekend. My love is with Kristi.

Three Bubby Bears With Scarves

2006-10-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Three Bears

Pattern: Bubby published in Knitty
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Wool, plus some scrap yarn for the scarves
Needles: US Size 3 recommended in the pattern and for the light blue scarf, US 2 for the two striped scarves
Modifications: None for the first bear, a shorter neck and shorter arms for bears two and three, and shorter legs for bear three because I ran out of yarn and had to scrounge through my scraps to finish him

First little sweater done...

2006-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I got the news about Baby B just as I was sewing on the buttons for this little sweater. Keep on posting those finished objects so that Kristi and her husband know that we're still knitting for and thinking about them and their family!

Stats:
Pattern: Easy Cuff-to-Cuff Infant Sweater, pattern here
Yarn: Body is stash-Cascade 220 Superwash (a bit deeper red than the picture shows), crochet edge is stash-Wool-Ease.
Needles: Boye metal straights, size 8
Buttons: Footballs, from Have You Any Wool?
Notes: Sized down the pattern's needles and gave the sweater a gentle tumble through the dryer to snug it up a little bit.

Grief

2006-10-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Baby B is gone, so suddenly and so unfairly. I can't even begin to fathom what Kristi and her husband are going through right now. I don’t know them well enough to interrupt their grieving process to ask what the knitters can do to help, but it just dawned on me what the knitters CAN do. We can keep knitting for the other two boys. There are two more babies in there who we can’t forget about. I think the condolences that are being left in comments are heartfelt and touching and fitting and wonderful, and when Kristi and Noel are ready they can take comfort in them – maybe they already have. But I think the knitters can also keep knitting. It’s what we do best.

I'll continue to accept your knitted gifts for Kristi's boys for as long as you continue to send them in.

"Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises" – Elizabeth Zimmerman

Please Take A Moment

2006-10-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Please go visit Kristi's blog if you are visiting us today.

Thank you,
Kelli "Knitter Bunny"

At Last

2006-10-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, finally I have started my planned gifts for the Dutchicans. Every time I thought I was going to be able to get started, there was something else that needed to get done! I was able to make 2 out of 3 pairs of socks over the weekend. The plan tonight is to get going on the 3rd pair. I'm hoping to get them done and in the mail by Friday.

Green Pair:

Yarn: Cascade Fixation

Blue Pair:

Wick

Inch Worm Pillow Buddies

2006-10-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well I finished up my last gift to Kristi, 3 inch worm pillow buddies.
I think they turned out fairly cute.

They were a pretty fun knit and definitely quick. I made all three over the weekend.

More information about them is on my regular blog: http://knit-knack.blog-city.com

Now I just have to remember to package them up and mail them off.

bunnies!

2006-10-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

i've got two out of three of my bunnies done. the other one will be on the needles soon!

i also have a hat and a pair of booties. they may be sort of large, but the hat is probably more for spring, anyway, and the booties can be tightened. i don't have any babies around to test things out on, so i don't have a very good grasp on what proper sizes are.

We're On A Roll Now

2006-10-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here's where we stand with knits so far:

Hats 23
Bibs 13
Booties 10
Socks 9
Sweaters 4 (+3 in the works)
Toys 4
Vests 3
Blankies 2 (+2 in the works)
Bonnets 1

Woo Hoo! Knitters are so cool. :) Only 2 more toys and the delivery of the WIPs and we will have surpassed my mark. That's a skein in a color of two winners choices in Alpaca With a Twist Fino that will go into the pot for prizes. (mmmm, alpaca lace weight) There are more colors available now than what is on the color card too. A coral and a buttery yellow are what I can remember at the moment.

Knit on, friends. :)

In the mail!!

2006-10-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

I am headed to the post office tomorrow to send away these lovlies. I noticed that there were a lot of hats and booties/socks being put together so I searched for something a little different and came up with this pattern. The details are a little hard to see - I took the pictures with flash, at night. It’s a great little pattern, knit flat with snaps to accommodate tubes etc but will be very nice for any baby as we all know how hard it is to get those little arms into armholes! The designer says that acrylic is nice and easy to care for but I found some really soft washable wool in my stash, MANLY colors - the red and blue are made from Shepherd Colour 4 me 8 ply, the black is Cleckheaton Country 8 ply natural. I used 1 1/2 skeins for each, about 120 yards. At first my dh couldn’t figure out why I was making these for a complete stranger - then I reminded him that Kristi posted the Empanada recipe - enough said. He just shakes his head regarding triplets - we can’t image any of our kids in triplicate!!

Enjoy!

Getting Started

2006-10-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am sooooo behind the rest of the knitters. I have been battling an upper respiratory infection for the last three weeks. It knocked me back once and I was flat on my back for four days and then just when I thought I was getting over it...WHAM...it hit me again. Today is actually my first day up and out of bed. I have however, managed to get started with these cute lil' socks, sort of my own pattern. I don't think they'll fit a preemie but maybe about a six month old. I am pretty lousy at baby sizes. It's been a long time since my nieces and nephews were little. It's a very soft acrylic DK weight, Sirdar Snuggly. My plan is to make six pair and three preemie hats. A little ambitious for me at the moment given all the wip's I have going but these knit up pretty fast so I think I can pull it off close to the arrival of the tres amigos.

Everyone needs a teddy with a scarf right?

2006-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

This little guy is knit from the "Bubby" pattern from Knitty. Plus I gave him a little scarf. (Dollar bill included for scale. )

I used Elann Peruvian Highland Wool for this little bear and stuffed him with scraps
of yarn leftover from other projects, no fiber fill in this little bear. So even should he accidentally get wet or felted, hopefully he will keep his shape.

Sadly, he has no face. My skills are not very good when it comes to putting the face on little toys. I won't show the first bear that I tried to add a face too. We don't want to scare the children.

Sweater Number Three for Me

2006-10-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Same specs as the one before, just a different color of Plymouth Encore. I started this on Thursday night and finished it this morning.

All of the little knits are so cute. I can't wait to see Kristi's face when she gets all of these handknits. :)

march of the Penguin Hats

2006-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well I finished the first portion of my gift to Kristi. 3 Penguin Hats for three Michigan babies.

I started on the second half and will slowly be working on that over the next few days.

More information on this pattern on my regular blog of http://knit-knack.blog-city.com

And Here's Another One

2006-10-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

I put the ends in after this picture was taken.

Stats:

Pattern: Jimmy Beans Sweater Set (Modified from a cardigan and knit in the round)
Yarn: Plymouth Encore
Needles: Size 6 & 8 DPNs and Circulars

I love making these baby sweaters in the round. I want to get one more finished to send. I have a lovely green to use.

If you are wondering how I modified it to knit in the round, I used the basic schematics of the Jimmy Beans pattern and then cast on to have 12 stitches in the front and alternated the knit in front and back rows with plain knit rows while knitting in the round. Other than that I followed the pattern provided. :)

my third toy!

2006-10-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

would you be scared if you saw this little guy slithering towards you...?

you really shouldn't be... he's a sweetie!

another toy!

2006-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

my second toy! this one is a pastel green (faceless) kitty with a big pink heart on his chest. he's a full foot tall (which i was hardly expecting when i started!). he's pretty firmly stuffed, but still pretty huggable. i almost want to keep him for myself, but i won't, haha!

A Little Reminder :)

2006-10-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Once you have sent off your package, please send me an email with your full name, email address, blog (if you have one), snail mail address (in case you win a prize) and the item(s) you knit. If you could include a picture, that would be great.

My email address is available on my blog and in the sidebar here under "Email me!" Sarah and I are cooking up some creative "presentation" ideas and want to make sure everyone is included

Hugs and props to the Dutchican Knitters, you make my day better every time I visit the blog(s). Yes, I have been reading up on ya'll. ;)

16 Days Left!

2006-10-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Here's where we stand on Baby Gifts. :)

12 Bibs! 18 Socks/Booties! 1 Bonnet! 2 Blankies (and 2 in the works)! 21 Hats! 1 Pair of Mittens! 3 Vests! 2 Sweaters! and 1 Toy!

That's 51 handknit items finished. 51. I can't believe how much each of you have given and I just want to thank you all for your kindness and the time you took to make each handknit.

I know the three little Dutchicans will be surrounded by knitterly love and it just warms my heart something fierce. (No really, anyone have a fire extinguisher? I think I might combust!)

As it stands we are 4 sweaters and 5 toys away from two extra prizes and I'll give you a little hint, I'm making a sweater. So really that leaves ~~3 sweaters~~ and 5 toys.

16 Days, ~~3 Sweaters~~ , and 5 Toys, will the Dutchican Knitters make it? Will there be some butt whooping because I tried to measure Kristi's belly? Will my heart combust setting my cubicle on fire? You tell me. :) ***Did I say we still needed 3 sweaters? Naw, we don't need three more sweaters to meet the quota, Amby is already knitting them!!! :) Amby rocks.

Tune in next time for more of the exciting adventures of The Dutchican Knitters!

PS anyone think of a good game to play?

PPS If I missed putting anyone in the sidebar, please let me know. I want to make sure that I give everyone credit for the items they made.

a ducky!

2006-10-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

hi everyone! i finally have a baby item to post here! i knit up a ducky...

(there are a few more details about it at my blog...)

Booties and things

2006-10-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

Love making things for babies. 6 pr of booties.
3 pr of socks for when they get a little older. Just have to finish the ends.

And a few hats.

3 Newborn Vests

2006-10-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well! I finished the newborn vests I made - I need to block them though first so will post pictures in a couple of days!

Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill

2006-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

But there are a lot of great nursery rhymes out there. Which one was/is your favorite nursery rhyme?

Mine is :

Georgie Porgie, puddin' pie
who kissed the girls and made them cry
when all the boys came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away

Why is it my favorite? Well, my brother named one of our kittens George a few years ago and we found out that George was actually a Georgette. :) So it makes me laugh when I sing it to her. (Yes, I do sing it to the cat. So. You probably talk to your computer.) ;)

If its a common rhyme the first line is fine, but if it isn't well known feel free to leave the whole rhyme. :)

Bibbikers and Noggin warmers!

2006-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have 7 premie hats and a bib so far. I figure those little guys are gonna need to be all toasty in the hospital too but feel free to let me know if you don't think the premie hats would be of use to you. Now I'm off to find my pattern book and start something else.

Finished Cardigan

2006-10-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

I finished a cardigan for the triplets. It was a great and easy knit. I hope they like it as much as I liked knitting it. :)

Pattern: Easy Baby Cardi by Knitting Pure & Simple. (This cardi is a top-down pattern).

Yarn: Sirdar Snuggley Baby DK

Three booties for thee.....

2006-10-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

finished and ready to post....

Bibs!

2006-10-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, and now that I've got the hang of this picture thing, here are the bibs I made for Kristi's boys, arranged in stacks of three. 3 x 4 = 12, so these should get Kristi and hubbo through about half a day before they need to go in the wash!!!

All worsted weight, unmercerized cottons.

Baby Genius Burp Cloths, from Maxon-Dixon Knitting (page 133).

Prizes!

2006-10-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

I never posted photos of the prizes I put in the pot, did I?

First, a hank of mohair boucle hand dyed by LynnH of ColorJoy. 150 yards, wool/mohair/nylon. Pink with a little purple mixed in.

Second, two balls of Jaeger Super Kid. Each ball is 25 gm, 112 m, 72% mohair, 28% polyamid. Multi-colored.

Third, two hanks of Koigu KPPPM. Each hank is 50 gms, 175 yds/ 160 m, 100% merino wool. Pinks and purples.

Pink, fuzzy and pink -- definitely NOT boy yarn!

A hat for Zoolander

2006-10-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

This little hat is made with Cascade fixation (cotton/elastic blend), and the pic doesn't really do it justice because it is truly the color of a tennis ball. I actually knit this hat a few months ago for the bun I am cooking.. but it came out smaller than newborn size..(plus I just found out it is the wrong color for my little pink bundle) since Zoolander is one of the bigger babes this will be a perfect fit, not to mention it is stretchy due to the elastic so you may get some mileage out of it...I just love bright colors on little ones, and I hope you do to since this hat will likely glow in the dark...

Name Game Time!!

2006-10-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Game Time for everyone participating. We're going to play the baby boy name game. Each person posts a name that starts with the letter following the last one posted.

I'm going to start the game off with the letter "A." My guess for one of Kristi's baby boy names is:

Aleron

I'm tagging the next person who reads this! Just do a quick post with the next letter. We'll stop when we get to the last participant or "Z" whichever comes first!

Tally Time!

2006-10-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, here's what we have so far:

Bibs-12
Hats-8
Socks/Booties- 8
Blankies-2
Bonnets-1
Mittens-1
Sweaters-1

How many items do we need to meet the extra prize quota? Not very many!

Socks/Booties- 1
Hats-1 ****Update! Erin knit three hats!
Sweaters-5
Toys-6
Blankies-1 **** Update! Kathy is nearly done with blankie number 3!

And remember, if we blow by this goal I'll add on another prize. We have 23 days left to knit for the Dutchicans! Anyone know any good party games that we can blog-play? Don't make me come up with one because it won't be pretty. lol

Finito!

2006-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Three mini-mite hats for the Red Dog Trips!

And I couldn't help but snap a picture of them in my hand when I scooped them up after the photo shoot!

Too freakin' cute! But not as cute as they'll be when they're atop the Triplets' noggins!

The pattern is a variation of my own Black Widow Baby hat. I made it smaller to fit more newborny sized heads.

Kristi, I would like to thank you for only have three kids at a time. If these had been quadruplets and I had to sew on another eight legs to a hat--I would have gone mad! Hee hee!

Now, um, who/where do I send them?

I'm a bootie factory

2006-10-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Somehow this pair came out matching and I made absolutely no effort to that end....I'm having so much fun making these. You guys may have opened up a big can of worms....

Wee Booties

2006-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Although Kristi and I don't know eachother I know that if we did we would be friends. I stumbled across her blog some time ago and have been reading ever since. My husband and I have a rescued red dog, found living in a culvert in a national forest. He looks just like Otis, perhaps they are long lost cousins....

When I saw this virtual baby shower, I knew instantly what I would do with my surplus sock yarn bits. Better get busy, as I have two more pair to do.....

gifts for the Dutchicans

2006-10-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

One adorable baby blanket, three bitty hats, two eensy pair of socks, one pair teeny booties, and one pair of baby mittens. I knitted the hats, and socks, and booties. My friend Cindy with no blog gave me the blanket and mittens. The blanket is such a gorgeous pattern, bobbles, and seed stitch, just adorable. Someone put a lot of work, and love into this little blankie. It is hand made out of acrylic, I think. It's almost hard to send this blanket, it's so cute. I think I might have to copy it for another pregnant friend. I'm putting another picture of the hats and socks on my blog. I can't wait for Kristi to get these. They are so cute!

A wee hat for chili...

2006-10-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

A baby with the nickname chili needs a chili red hat! I knit this little hat up with some red speckled woolease, I made it bigger than a preemie hat but smaller than a newborn so it should be just right.
Heidi

Unblocked, Bunny Hair and All

2006-10-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, marry the first picture to the second picture and you might have the true color of this little sweater. I modified the cardigan pattern that I used for Jason and Theresa's baby to make this bitty sweater. Sorry about the extra bunny hair in this one, I was knitting it at the rabbit show yesterday. :)

At just over two skeins of Mission Falls 1824 this was a great little knit. I have yarn left over to make a hat to go with this sweater AND it is sturdy and warm. No cold babies at this shower! Uh, uh.

One sweater and one hat down. One sweater and at least one hat still on the list. We'll see where my knit adventures take me next. Homework? I'm not ignoring homework to play with baby knits. Nope, not me. ;)

Prize Patrol

2006-10-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to add a little sweetness to the pot by donating a skein of some STR lightweight in Seastone to the prize booty. We are just amazed at the beautiful knitting that is happening for the boys - I spoke with my mom last night who was also a little wheepy when I told her what was going on. As many of you know, she had carpal tunnel surgery a few months back and feels terrible that she can't knit as much or as fast as she would like to for her first (and last!) grandkids- so she send her gratitude as well.

2006-09-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to taking pictures today, despite the rain and gloomy sky. This is the finished afghan I mentioned earlier in the week. LB's Pound of Love, the pattern is from the Diamond Lace Baby set in Knitting for Babies & Kids edited by Jeanne Stauffer. I have not blocked this yet (does LB PoL even need blocking?) so no measurements.

And this is the current Dutchican WIP: Pinwheel Baby Blanket from the knitlist in Bernat Softee Baby. I am guessing it is about halfway done. It will be edged in blue, of course. ;o)

Another pic of the tiniest socks ever

2006-09-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, Blogger, Stop fooling around! Hope this post turns out. Sheeshe!
Here are more pics of the tiny baby socks. I swear this is the last pic of these. At least until I pack up the box to ship it out. I'm working on a little baby hat in the same sock yarn as the blue socks. Machine washable wool, and whatever sock yarn. Mmm-Hmmm. I also have a blanket, and some mittens to add, that were given to me by my blogless friend, Cindy.
Two pair of socks, one baby blanket, one pair baby mittens, and a hat in progress. Yay!

I hope you don't mind ...

2006-09-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

I was a little bit bored and a little bit ambitious, so I thought I'd fool around with PSP a bit. I ended up making a couple of blog buttons for this KAL. I hope no one minds. No one has to use them if they don't want to. I just thought they'd be cute. :)

I have a hat!

2006-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I couldn't resist whipping out one of these little hats after I finished Jason and Theresa's cardigan tonight. So we have a pretty little hat knit from the pattern in Alter Knits in Cascade Sierra 80% pima cotton 20% wool.

I KNOW A SECRET!

2006-09-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

I picked up the yarn and pattern today. I know exactly what I'm making. I'm making. I'm making. But I can't say it out loud. 'Cause it's a secret. But it's cute. Really cute. Kristi's gotta wait till it's done. Nya nya! It's a secret. :)

Another Prize! And I wax on about knitters.

2006-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

We have another prize donated. Some GypsyKnits Superwash Sock yarn in the Winter Mountain Flowers colorway. How great is that?!

I love knitbloggers. They're more caring, generous, and thoughtful that your blood relatives at times. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you have all come together to make Kristi so happy.

You know, I've never even met Kristi. I don't know her husband's name. If she hadn't posted a pic of her wedding, I wouldn't have known what they looked like if I did chance upon them. I'm fairly sure that she wouldn't know me if I walked by her (I do not always look as shiny as I did at the Harlot signing). So you may wonder what possessed me to start up this little hotspot, this blogsite, virtual baby shower, virtual knit together. I like her. I really do.

I like to read her blog. I love the humor she has about her pregnancy. I appreciate not having incessant droning about baby movements, changes, and every little ache and pain that she is going through. I like how she casts the bad and the good into the light of day and lets them just be what they are. I love how she sprinkles in the hard stuff so that you don't notice as much how much pain, frustration, and worry she must be going through. I like her.

And you know the great thing? All of you do too.

Questions Answered

2006-09-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe people are finished with projects already!!!! WOW!!!!

I've received some questions via e-mail and comments on my blog and thought it would be easiest to try to answer them here. Sorry if this is a delayed response, I'm a little out of commission right now and my sunny disposition is gradually wearing to a sideways crab walk with this cold/flu thing - I think I have the viral culprit identified - thanks DAD!!!

Am I adverse to acrylic or do I prefer natural fibers? No aversions here on anything! Now, I don't personally wear a lot of acrylic but if I had reflux and had a nasty habit of spitting and drooling over myself (at least on a regular basis), I would embrace acrylic. Machine washable is preferred just because I would loose it if I or someone accidentally threw a hand-wash only item into the washer and dryer and it came out a big felted mess.

What do I need most? This is a little tougher to answer. We know they are going to be born small and its very probable they will be in NICU for quite some time. Once they are home they will likely be living in onesies and sleepsacks and won't be taking too many outside trips because of their fragile immune systems and because of our impeccable timing in delivering them during RSV season. We will use everything and we are not picky people - if they are wearing diapers and clothes, we plan to consider that a successful day! My favorite piece of advice I've received was someone telling me how much their baby appreciated their butt wipes warmed, in which I responded, I'll be thrilled if they are wearing diapers and I can't even make promises that they will be dry - I don't hear much from this mom anymore ;) We hope to have them more social and out and about in the spring and I have been knitting spring/summer things in 4-8 month size and fall/winter things have been 8-18 month size but really it's gonna be a crapshoot because they may all grow differently. I'm known for wearing wool sweaters, felted clogs, and wool socks in 90 degree heat, so if any of them have my inability to regulate temperature, they could be wearing heavy hand-knits all year round!

Colors or matching outfits? I promised hubby that I wouldn't put bows in their hair or tiaras - but if they want a princess party without any prompting from me, I say, bring on the magic wands and glitter! We don't plan to dress them in matching outfits at the same time unless that outfit happens to be on the top of the clean laundry pile - again, I think we'll be happy if they have clothes on! Colors? Anything goes!

Again, we want to send out heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!!!! We still just can't absorb being the recipients of such an amazing gift!

Question for Kristi (or anyone who knows)

2006-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have an aversion to acrylic? I usually knit baby items out of soft acrylic, but don't want to do that if it'll give you the heebie jeebies.

Donations

2006-09-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

A blogless friend of mine told me this morning that she has some knitted items to donate to Warm Up The Three Little Dutchicans. Isn't that neat?
Gotta go knit!!

I also have socks done

2006-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Jill checking in. I have 3 pairs of socks done, an afghan (from the stash of baby knits I seem to have) and a bonnet that just needs ribbons ready to go. Sorry I can't share any pictures right now, I missed the chance to take decent pics while the sun was out today. I am so delighted to have the chance to knit for boys! I cast on for another afghan last night and hope it will continue to go quickly. Each thing is different because my attention span is about - that long some days.

Well, blogging means less knitting time so I'm out of here. Happy knitting...stay put boys, we aren't quite ready for you yet! ;o)

Well, I did say I'd offer something good didn't I?

2006-09-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

How about some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, 100% Superwash wool, 225 yds in color number 504 Lakeview. Huh? Pretty good huh? I thought so.

It's pretty, it's soft, and it could be yours. Every item (or pair for socks) gets you an entry in the prize pool. So far we have Sarah's contributions of Jaeger Super Kid Mohair, some Koigu, and hand dyed Mohair Boucle from Lynne at Color Joy!. Plus the Lorna's Laces, a skein of undyed KnitPicks wool from Jill of SewDuckQuilts, and a skein of "Red Dog Knits" dyed yarn donated by Laura from Sugar Bunny Boulevard.

I'm big on goals when it comes to knitting. So, I'll tell you what, if we get a total of at least 9 pairs of booties/socks, 9 hats, 6 toys, 6 sweaters, and 3 blankies. I will buy one winner a skein in the color of their choice of Alpaca With a Twist Fino. It's 70% baby alpaca 30% silk lace weight, 875 yds per skein. They've introduced two new colors for this fall, a beautiful coral and a buttery yellow.

Now if we far surpass these numbers, I will buy a skein in the color of their choice for two winners. So you have six prizes without even meeting the quota. If we meet the first goal you can add a seventh prize and if we surpass it you can add an eighth prize. Pretty good odds if you ask me. ;)

Words Just Can't Express Our Thanks....

2006-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Amazing, Generous, Thoughtful, Caring …did I say AMAZING? Knitters,

We are utterly speechless and teary-eyed over here at Casa baby oven to be the recipients of this generous gift that you have given us. When I read Sarah’s post and began clicking to see an actual virtual baby shower created for the boys, the powers of a knitting community became clear - for cripes sakes, when is a knitter planning to run for President???

Wanting a family was something we dreamed about and as mom always says “be careful what you wish for, you just may get it!” (By the way. this is the same mom who carries one of many multiple genes on my side of the family). Coming from a line of knitters, it was a given that our children would follow in the tradition of wearing hand knits. Our family has a cedar chest that stores all the hats, blankets, mittens, scarves, etc that my great grandma and grandma knit for us when we were growing up– what memories – still have those pair of mittens with chew holes at the end from my childhood border collie pulling me off the toboggan ! So of course within weeks of us finding we were preggers, I casted on and began to knit. Then the following ultrasound showing twins prompted a call to my mom asking her how long she had to wear that sling from her carpal tunnel surgery and when could she start knitting again? Fast forward a few weeks to the next ultrasound and even more news (1 in 8,000 odds we were told), I accepted this was beyond me (and after I failed to convince hubby that knitting was THE new manly extreme sport).

All of you have made my dream a reality and I can promise you that each item will be cherished and cared for with love and that once they are outgrown, they will be tucked away in a cedar chest for when these boys grow up. And, if they decide to have children of their own, they can share with their children about giving, sharing, and being part of a community and maybe even teach them how to cast on!. Thanks to each one of you!

Kristi

The Jig is Up!

2006-09-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Lol! Kristi found us out on the first day. I was hoping she wouldn't read Sarah's post until tomorrow morning, but darn that girl has a nose for secrets. I won't give you all of the details, but she is very grateful and all sniffly that we would knit for her.

She dreamed of handknits for her baby, but knew she couldn't do it all by herself when she found out there were three. You have all touched her heart today with your generosity and knidness.

Let's show her what a Knit Blogger's Virtual Baby Shower looks like!!!

I have cute baby socks knitted

2006-09-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's Arleta. I'm a Michigander, and I read Kristi's blog every time she posts. It surely does get cold up here, so I already have a pair of baby socks all knitted up, and a pair on the needles. I also started a baby hat. I'm excited! This is so much fun! It is really like a virtual baby shower.

Prizes? Did she say prizes?

2006-09-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Sarah here. I'm the co-conspirator/co-host that Kelli mentioned. I've got three boys of my own, but they're not babies, they're all different ages, and I'm married to one of them. Okay, that didn't come out quite right, but you know what I mean!

I'll be in charge of getting the goods to Kristi and her little guys. I've also got a few prizes to add to the pot. There's some Jaeger Super Kid mohair, some Koigu, and a hank of a mohair boucle hand dyed by LynnH of ColorJoy!

Get those needles moving, knitters! We've got babies to keep warm!

Warm Up the Dutchicans

2006-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

So what's this all about? Red Dog Triplets? What is this, some kind of advertisement for free puppies?

Uh, no! This is about Kristi, of Red Dog Knits. She's pregnant and she doesn't have just one little baby to get ready for, she's got three. That's right, Kristi is having triplets and to top it all off they are all boys!

Now our Kristi, she's a mighty strong lady, I'll tell you, but even strong women need a little help once in a while. Kristi, like many of you visiting this blog is a knitter. She makes some gorgeous knitted items, but can you imagine knitting for not one baby, not two babies, but three?

I know I'm boggled by the staggering amount of knitting that would need to be done. So here's where I'm asking for help friends, and Kristi doesn't know a thing about it. If you are willing to knit for the triplets and would consider helping me make Kristi's knitting life a little less hectic, please drop me a comment in the comments section, or send me an email.

I'll even make the pot a little sweeter. For every donated item (or set for booties) I'll enter your name in a drawing for some yarn. I'll make it really good yarn like Regia Silk, or Claudia's Handpainted, or Lorna's Laces, or something great. So if you make 6 bibs for Kristi, you'll get your name in the pot 6 times. Who knows if I get a lot of help and handknit items, I might just up the number of prizes.

Now for the nitty gritty. Kristi wants each baby to feel special all on its own, so no matching triplet sweaters, bibs, booties, etc. Try to be creative and think about how special you would want to feel. I'm thinking of making a sweater and some mittens or maybe a couple of hats and who knows. . . I'm a little high on the wool fumes right now.

Since I'm not very close to Kristi (as in I live in Indiana, she's in Michigan) I have a ~~co-conspirator~~ co-host that has agreed to drop off knitted items. So leave me a comment when you finish your item(s) and I'll email you her address to send them on down the line. :) If you have friends that are knitting items please feel free to send them together to save on postage and time. If you live in Indiana I would be happy to pick them up if possible.

Oops! I almost forgot, if you are planning on helping Kristi please have all of your items in the mail and leave me a comment by Nov. 2. According to Kristi, the Dutchicans (half Dutch half Mexican) should arrive sometime in November. They will have to stay in the Natal Intensive Care Unit for some time, but she hopes to have them home for Christmas. I want them to have a pile of handknits to keep them warm. Michigan gets COLD!

Thanks for reading this long post and I hope that you'll join the "Warm Up the Dutchicans" campaign that I'm sort of thinking about running. :)