Baby Shower Selections

I've finally made my "official" baby shower selections. I had been going back and forth between a few options, but I was forced to buckle down and make a decision. After all, the shower is on January 10th. I chose the Lace Panelled Baby Blanket ("Panelled" looked kind of weird to me, so I looked it up. Apparently panelled is the British spelling of paneled.) and a simple raglan baby cardigan for which I cannot provide a link since it's only available on Ravelry. Kai is taking me to AC Moore today to buy the necessary yarn (and possibly a long circular needle). I haven't done anything "baby" for a while, so I'm kind of excited. I'm lucky enough to know the sex of the baby, so my color selection won't be limited (It's a boy.) The blanket pattern I chose is a bit lacy, but I intend to add a masculine border. I need something that will keep my interest.

In other news, I completed all of Bristow's pieces. I was going to block them on Sunday, but my apartment lost heat last week and plunged into the 40's. Needless to say, I wasn't keen on playing with water. The heat has since been fixed, so I'm thinking the blessed event will take place this coming weekend. I also started the Chevron Lace Cardigan. I'll spare you the gruesome details and just tell you that it is nearing completion. It's about waist length now with cap sleeves. I'd like it to be hip length with 3/4 sleeves, but that's just wishful thinking. I probably won't have enough yarn for the sleeves.

Ebay has become my friend over the past week or so. I've been scouring the auction giant for cheap buttons. I can't bring myself to spend $4-$8 on a card of buttons. Due to my amazing bidding prowess, I am now the proud owner of 3 lbs of "decorative" buttons and 200 Waterbury metal buttons. (Decorative - That's what the seller called them. I'll call them a smattering of different shaped, sized, and colored buttons.) I also won 3 lots of 50 buttons each. (They're baby buttons.) And I'm bidding on about 5 more 50 button lots of baby buttons. (Buttons, buttons, buttons.) When all is said and done, I'll be set for life! All I need now is a big jar. The buttons are currently residing in a mini cooler, 'cause that's how I roll.

In my queue I have a hat and a pair of gloves that need to be completed by Christmas day. I also have a dishcloth that I'd like to make, but we'll see. I'll probably start the baby stuff this week (maybe tonight!), because I can't stay focused. Oh, and I need to find pretty boxes and wrapping paper for all of this stuff. I think I might end up wrapping at my parents' house...if my mom lets me.