I'd come and save you, vw, but I feel as if I need saving myself. Work is going to be fun this week - lots to do, and I'm supposed to be observing a class all week. Yikes.

Awww...poor Anne! Maybe I should come save you! We could go yarn shopping!

Speaking of yarn...what's a good soft, kind of bulky baby yarn? I need brown. I've checked Kiddo (Crystal Place) and Plush (Berroco). Kiddo *might* work, but it's not my favorite.

And speaking of yarn, I'm currently in the process of trying to knit a nice baby blanket for DH's sister's as-yet-unborn offspring. I haven't knit for a good ten years, so it's a bit of an undertaking. Does anyone know any nice, simple patterns that might work?

I'm a crocheter, so Anne's a better resource for you, Jars. But, I'm sure she's got tons.

ETA: But, I will say, pick a nice, soft, bulky yarn that will knit together more quickly. I really love Reynold's Blossom for baby blankets.

A good, super bulky yarn is something called "Big Baby" by Muench. It's microfiber (and machine washable) but feels like really, really good wool.

Jars, a good, simple baby blanket pattern is to cast on just three stitches, and work back and forth in garter stitch (knit each row). Slip the first stitch of each row, then increase in the second stitch. Repeat this row over and over (making a triangle) until the sides of the triangle are as long as you want the blanket to be wide. Once you get to that point, change to slip the first stitch of each row, then knit the next two stitches together.

That does sound easy, Anne! Thanks! I was considering checked squares, but I don't know how neat they'd end up, considering how out of practice I am.

It works really well if you find a bulky yarn that's variegated in texture and/or color. I hope it goes well!

Ugh. I turned on the heat yesterday, and it has completely triggered my allergies and asthma in a bad way. This probably means that the heater needs a new filter, which means I'm going to have to call the landlord. But, before I can call the landlord, I must do some general picking up around the apartment and CLEAN the kitchen. Also, I should probably get the air conditioners out of the windows so he doesn't yell at me about the heat escaping.

And, all of these lovely things take time--time which I can't seem to find right now. But, if I don't want to end up in the hospital with a horrible asthma situation (or back on steroids! ICK!), I have to make these a top priority.

Where's my cabana boy?

all our house-buying~ma Cashmere

Fred Pete - much pet ma (and a wave from 1/2 of the Philadelphia crew)... hope it all works out for Teddy!