Brought to you by Cat

So I thought it was time to post some of my knitting (besides the NeverEnding Torso Sock, now complete). I'm currently working on the Nantucket Jacket (Interweave Knits, Fall 2006), and using the called-for Berroco Pure Merino. I have to say, I have never used such a squishy, bouncy yarn before! Too fun! It knits up quickly and easily, and is a great balm to my gansey-tired hands.

I laid it out to get some pictures, and Mingo decided to help. (Mingo is Domingo, the kitten. And we're calling Pavarotti, Rotti. They're finally learning their names now that they are shorter!) The back is done and passed Mingo inspection.

The kittens are incredibly interested in my knitting. Go figure. I've had to migrate everything I'm working on into zip-up bags, and everything else has to be in closed containers, or they'll be in it in a flash. Mingo has gotten pretty good at climbing into the bag when I'm not looking, and will sit there and wait for me to pull on the yarn so he can attack.

Another plus for the Pure Merino - it survives cat-attack quite well. While it does separate and look like it has been splayed, it bounces back when you give it a little tug and all the snags seem to magic-like disappear!

The fronts are almost done, and Mingo was irked that I did not allow him to complete his inspection, but both of these kittens have a penchant for chewing on circular needle cables, and will gnaw on them given the slightest opportunity.

I can't seem to get anything done around here any more without "help" from the babies. First Mingo.
Then Rotti.

I'm hoping to get this done quickly and move on to the next project. This project monogamy thing is So effective!

Size 8 needles make things go a little faster, too.

Oh, and I didn't forget about the geriatricats, either. They're a big concern. The babies still get put into the basement bathroom at night after the peeing-in-Little-Boy's-bed-twice incidents last week. I still don't know if it was marking territory, tiny bladder, or kitty-UTI, but there have been no problems since. I just got tired of washing the Kiddo's bedding every night!

Tolerance of the babies is growing. The hissing is much reduced, and everybody seems to be getting along tolerably well now. Isis still gets hissy, but Chaka is a little more friendly. He was letting Mingo play with his tail this afternoon!!

Since tail-play is part of the way cats teach kittens to hunt, I can only assume that Chaka intends to teach this little critter how to hunt. Chaka has always been my hunter, and I have no fears of mice in the house while he's around. Remind me to tell you about his hunting prowess sometime...