Mischief Managed

First thing this morning at our house, Phillip was awakened by pounding:

Phillip:        (dubiously) Whatcha doin' there?
 

Me:            Project Management.
Phillip:       Oh.  Because to the untrained eye, a woman swinging a hammer might look like she's starting a project.
Me:            That's not what's happening here.  This is creating a project management system, so that I can stop the swirling of soup that is happening in my brain, each time I think of another thing I'm supposed to not forget.
Phillip:        Most people would use a spreadsheet.
Me:            Have you met most people?
Phillip:        Yes, and they cannot knit.
Me:            Precisely.  Nor can they manage projects.  At least not my projects, which are many, bizarre, and diverse.
Phillip:        (bemused) Carry on then.  But you do know you can buy calendars and such for this?
Me:            Those are for regular people.  Not Knitters.
Phillip:        I love the fact that for you, Project Management involves hand tools.

L A T E R . . . 

Me:             Look dear, it's finished!
Phillip:        Cool!  Can I have one too?
Me:            Yes, but not as cool as this one.
Phillip:        Why not?
Me:            Because you don't know how to knit.
Phillip:        Fair enough.

Rare Gems prizes get mailed tomorrow.  Congratulations, Martha from Billings, who correctly guessed which skein had her name on it!

In Vest Ment

I worked on Phillip's Christmas vests on Saturday.  About 8 times.  First he came back prematurely from the grocery, forcing me to stuff both vests-in-progress into the china hutch.  Then he came back early from playing soccer in the park with Campbell ("I tried, mom, but HE got cold!"), causing me to stuff both vests-in-progress into the canned foods cabinet.  When he reappeared unexpectedly from folding the laundry (epic task calculated to occupy him until Spring), I knew my unbridled optimism had run afoul of the universe.  I crammed the vests-in-progress into the freezer, realizing there was simply no way the vests were going to happen.  Period.  Phillip was going to get (yet another) box of unsewn fabric pieces under the tree this year.

Sunday morning Phillip rose bright and early to spend the entire day with the fellas, watching the game.  Which I had known was his plan for some time, but totally forgot about.  So all that cat-and-mouse stuff the day before had been totally unnecessary.  In fact, I'd say there was a good chance Phillip figured out I was trying to be stealthy and kept popping up again just to mess with me.

So once Daddy ditched us on Sunday (good riddance), I was able to finish the vests.  After I defrosted them, of course.  Smallies modeled:

Later that night, I was starting my next project , doing what I do to figure things out, when Phillip burst out laughing and snatched up the camera:

Apparently it's hilarious that his wife, the knitwear designer, does not know how big her own forehead is.  Well, how else would I find out?

Rare Gems contest results next time, I promise!  Christmas knitters, take heart:  If I can pull it off, so can you.  Keep fighting the good fight.
 

Rare Gems, Indeed

Rare Gems are special skeins of yarn which come from Blue Moon Fiber Arts.  Available only in the Blue Moon booth at shows, retreats and festivals, Rare Gems are always gorgeous, always precious, and always one of a kind.  That's right.  The yarny glory here arranged here on my dining room table is a group of rare gems, destined for the lucky winners of last week's contest.

I have matched a name and number to each precious skein, ready to be mailed to the lucky winners.  And then a clever beast I know (who could well be described as our very own anonymous Blog Angel), suggested that I make it a contest within a contest.  What the heck?  I'm game if you are! 

Here's what to do:  Winners have been notified by e-mail, and each of their names is written on the back of one of these numbered tags.  Winners, guess which skein I have chosen for you, and if you're right, I'll send you a BONUS skein (not pictured, to retain the mystery), as well.

I'm chasing lots of deadlines at the mo (including the relentless Christmas Knitting), so this wee game is a welcome diversion to me.  Thanks for playing along.  Oh, and in case you didn't notice, every single suggestion comment from last week is getting a prize.  I know.  I have no self-control.  Not exactly news to you lot.  If you made a suggestion last week and I don't yet have your mailing address, please send an e-mail to mary@maryscotthuff.com. 

Happy knitting, guessing, and yarn-hoarding.  And thank you, Blog Angel, for your unwavering support.  The Gentle Readers and I think you are the Rarest Gem of all.