Meet the Clampetts

We've started packing.

The funny thing about moving 6.1 miles, with lots of time to do it in, is that packing is difficult to do. It's gone kinda like this: pick something up, think about packing it, realize it could just be tossed into the car, do just that, carry it into the new house on the next trip over. In that way we have transported a whole bunch of the kids' toys, much of my awkwardly-shaped craft stuff, a collection of old baskets, a rug, and a couple of lamps. Also at the house are a few things that we have purchased since closing on the house (I had a Craigslist problem for a while), like some bookshelves, a daybed, and a big china hutchy thing. They went directly to the new house because, of course, there was little point in bringing them here. And then almost all our tools are over there. It's a bit embarrassing, actually, to drive up to your house with piles of stuff that aren't even in boxes, like we scavenged it all on our way over; our new neighbors probably wouldn't be surprised if Buddy Ebsen climbed out of our car.

So we really started with the easy-to-pack stuff that we don't use a whole lot, like most of my books and the black hole cupboard in the kitchen. I do realize that it is a luxury to pack at such a slow pace, taking the time to gather up all the gardening books into one box and to take The Muppet Movie DVD that somehow was behind all the books over to the DVD box and place it back in its case. Unlike later when we'll just toss everything together in boxes of mystery.

Anyway, all those boxes put a huge strangle hold on the hallways so, after unsuccessfully trying to wrangle the laundry basket through it all, Mark decided he might as well load up the car again (twice). So this house is slowly getting emptied and Mark is getting quite the workout. And I'm sure our neighbors are talking. For the record, we DO plan on hiring movers for the real move, you know, when the piano goes.*

I haven't had a whole lot of time to sit down, but I have managed to finish another hat. It's the Koolhaas hat for Mark in Marine Malabrigo (mmmm...alliteration). He likes it, but he wouldn't sit still long for a picture and this was the best I could get:

You get the idea. I really enjoyed knitting it. The pattern takes no time to memorize (well, I always had the chart around, but it only took a few stitches of each row to know what I was doing) and the decreases at the top are brilliant. My plan was to knit a few rows to get a grip on the pattern, then stop and learn how to do the cables without a cable needle, but I didn't bother. Sure it was a little fiddly, but I apparently have a high tolerance for fiddling, because I just kept on going. So Mark finally has a warm hat, knit to his specifications. Just in time for Spring.

*When are we going to move, you ask? We're aiming for the 1st of May, having calculated that the kitchen should be done by then. That's the plan, anyway.

Comments

[Holly Jo]

If one must move all their belongings, this must be the way to go. :) Hope kitchen work is going well - nerve wracking I am sure.

[Kristin]

We moved that way a few times...it's interesting to say the least. I think I would find it difficult to put everything into boxes and actually have to pack. :)

[stefaneener]

Moving is so horrid (even when cushioned by Mmmmmmalabrigo) that this way seems just as easy/hard as any other way.

Well, my fantasy move, when elves come in and pack everything -- except the garbage, like the real movers did -- and move everything, and then set it all up at the new house? Yeah, that would be nice.

[sue]

Hi Kathy....exciting to get started- a dream move over 2 months I think. How you get so much knitting done is a mystery to me. You are a phenom! Re knitting- Louise says hello. I got the hand dyed silk and now to get the skill for the Clapotis!(where are those tips you mentioned?)- I did buy Fleece Artists glorious green mix for a blanket which is coming along at a break neck speed!
All seems very well here in "the scotia"....
Love, Sue

[Jody]

We made a similar move about a year and a half ago ... when Squirt was 6 weeks old. Good times, good times.

LOVE the Koolhaas hat.

[Stacey]

I've done a few moves like that. Just a few things here and there in the car, etc.
The Koolhaas hat looks good. Randy would also probably love that one, although I have given up on the idea of knitting him anything. He would never wear it unless we visited somewhere that got colder and I don't see much traveling in our future.

Anyway...sorry. Got caught up in a tangent there...

[sue]

Good luck with the moving. It really is never fun but it is a great way to clear the stuff you dont really want too. Love the koolhaas hat, it looks great. I really must get motivated and knit one.

[Karma]

Bed head sighting! :) I need to knit my hubby a malabrigo koolhaas... so yummy. And dear, I'm really sorry, but I don't envy the moving at all!