{Yarn Along}

Joining in with the yarn along fun today! The picture might not look like much, but now that I'm finished with the first round of baby projects, I have started on....my first sweater!! Oh how exciting this pile of grey yarn is. I'm in absolute love so far, despite having to start it twice because of silly mistakes. I'm going with a simple top down raglan, with some customized fitting. I'm hoping this will be the perfect snugly sweater, just right for layering this winter. Ravelry details are {here} This sweater high is empowering...I have been meaning to knit myself one for some time now, and even have the yarn sitting around for two more...but the size of the project was so intimidating! Babies and kids are small...there's really very little pressure, but me? Eeek! The  siren call of the pretty yarn was just too tempting to resist however, and I figured this would be the perfect summer knitting project. A promise of cooler days ahead. We are in a heat wave right now {with no a/c} and frankly the thought of wearing wool is almost dizzying, but there is something comforting about seeing it there and knowing that before I know it I will be so glad for it's warmth. And then I start day dreaming about steaming mugs of vanilla chai, and crispy leaves, and thick socks, and I'm reminded to enjoy the hot sun while it lasts.

 Now honestly this last week has been insane and I haven't read a single word of my book. Ahem. I'm still hoping to read it before the end of June...I need to get to it! 

{Finished Knitting}

Oh these sweaters. We had a baby shower last weekend for not one, but two mamas, both expecting boys and due within just a few days of each other. The blue one is the Five hour baby sweater {notes here} and knit up quickly, but definitely took more than 5 hours...but that's not really an issue, because it is such simple knitting you can work on it in front of movies and while cooking and reading and hours aside, it's finished before you know it! The striped sweater is the Little Coffee Bean Sweater {notes here} and I really, really loved this pattern. I want to find (or figure out) a pattern exactly like it for myself! The gauge is perfect and it looks so nice and tidy when it's all finished. As for reading, right now I'm mostly just busy with my new washing machine. We were without for nearly two weeks and I'm just SO excited with this new one! It's our first new one ever and it's just sooooo shiny. In moments where I can find to read a line or two, I have "The Artful Parent", and "Unconditional Parenting" on my side table...I have soooo many terrific books to read, I really need to make a set time for reading every evening or I will never make it! Joining up with Ginny for Yarn Along fun!

{Rainbows}

I suppose I should narrow down those pictures, but well...it turns out I can't. I'm obsessed. I'm working on several other projects, but since they are gifts I can't really share them yet. This rainbow though...isn't it something special? I started it with plans to pick up stitches along the edges and create a felted basket. I still might...or I might use it as a little table mat as-is...or felt it and use it as a table mat that way. Or maybe I'll hang it on the wall so I can look at it all of the time... I can't decide. (Feel free to offer your opinion in the comments!)

I'm currently attempting to read my way through these three books...although if you've ever read them you will know this is a silly plan. I need to pick one of them, grab a highlighter (or really anything except a crayon) and settle in like I'm taking a class. They are just so fabulously full of brilliant information. Information I wish I had when I started parenting, and feel like I need to learn quickly so I can do a better job with some of the issues we are working through right now. It's just that I haven't really figured out a good way to read AND parent. My brain tends to become totally consumed by one thing at a time and it's hard for me to break off one thought just because it's time for something else. You can tell this in my housework really...either the bathroom is consistently clean OR the laundry stays caught up OR dinner is promptly cooked and served every evening. It's something I'm working on... I think the key for me (or at least the first step) is in really (REALLY) reducing the amount of stuff in our home. That is my big project right now, and I have to say it's going pretty well! I'm trying to focus on filling giveaway bags instead of finding homes for things because we really do just have too much stuff in this house. I'm already feeling calmer and seeing improvements and I am excited to share the results in another week or so (it's a slow process)! 

I'm linking up with Nicole for Keep Calm Craft On, and Ginny for the Yarn Along, check out their blogs for more crafting/knitting/book goodness! :)

{Yarn Along}

Another knit for me! (To see two more finished knits look at yesterday's post!) This one is a cowl in a yummy handspun I found in this lovely etsy shop. It's a quick knit on 10-1/2's, and I'm using it as late night knitting to wind down after our busy days. I'm still reading "On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet", and I've added this lovely homemaking book to the pile. My sister recommended it and I could be more delighted with it! Ravelry details {here} Linking up with Ginny for the {Yarn Along}, tons of lovely knitting inspiration over there!

PS} Be sure to go look at Monday's post and enter the Luna Grey giveaway!!

{Yarn Along}

I'm in a blissful state of new knitting projects right now. I think I cast on for four new projects this week! No deadlines, no secrecy, just yummy yarn and a cold (which is the perfect cover for extra knitting time!), and a nice man who keeps bringing me tea. {It's so, so, SO, good to have him home! I'm ignoring the part about being half done with this leave time...} Miss Jenny is working on knitting project number 2 ~a dolly scarf. She wanted to know what was the next thing to learn about knitting, so with a little coaching we are practicing purling! Does anyone know of a good rhyme for learning the process? I did pair down the following photos, believe it or not! Proud-mama-itis for certain...

 {photo by Jenny}

 {photo by Jenny}

 {photo by Jenny}

  {we then discussed the "zoom" abilities of my camera *wink*}

I'm joining up with Ginny for the {Yarn Along} today. I don't have a picture of it, but my dear friend sent me a copy of "On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" for Christmas and I'm a few chapters in. She has excellent taste in books so I know I'll like it! What are you making these days? 

{Yarn Along}

In between blocks for the farm mat (that I still have no pictures of) I managed to crank out these cowls. The top one is a gift my swap partner in my little homeschooling mom's group. She also happens to be one of my new neighbors so it's been fun putting together a small pile of goodies for her. The cowl was quick and easy and I will be making more for sure! I'm sad to see this one go, but I certainly have more yarn -I can always make one for myself! The yarn is some delicious Brambleberry Organic Merino Bulky, always such a joy to work with! {Details at Ravelry}

The second cowl is a family gift although I wont say who, just in case she stops by here! It is knit in Malabrigo Rasta on size *19* needles!! It took practically no time and is like a cloud. {Details on Ravelry} I have another skein of rasta waiting for a few spare minutes for myself...! I'm currently reading "The Introvert's Way" by Sophia Dembling. It's a quick read, and she has a light and engaging writing style and I would definitely recommend it. I've found myself laughing several times and I'm going to make my oh-so-not-introverted hubby read it while he's home (NEXT WEEK!!)...I think it might give him some insight...and perhaps convince him that I'm not the only one of my kind. *wink* 

I'm joining the lovely Ginny for the Yarn Along today, for lots more inspiration go check out the link up!

For the Mama!

 

{That cookbook is fantastic!} 

These pictures aren't quite what I was hoping for, but that's the trade off for this lovely grey fall weather...it's perfect "sick" weather, so I can't really complain! First I thought I'd share my favorite hat! I realized over the last few months that despite having nearly 200 projects on my ravelry page, only one or two of them were for myself. I think that making things for myself is an important part of teaching my kids the value of handmade, but a part that I certainly hadn't put much time into. I am very much of the opinion that kids learn through example/imitation so if I want them to think that mama-made things are where it's at, I should probably wear a few myself. *darn* So now I'm making a point to include myself on the list of projects and it is absolutely delightful! I've made myself two hats so far and I'm working on this gorgeous "Circumnavigate" cowl, in some beautiful Luna Grey yarn...I'm really, really in love with her yarn! There aren't enough words to explain how awesome it is.

The cross stitch is an exciting new area of crafting for me. Grace and Ginny had the grand idea to organize an informal stitch along with this great winter themed cross stitch pattern. They set up a flickr group for sharing our progress, and it's been so much fun! The idea is that we started the first week of fall, and need to complete two letters and one or two motifs each week, and we will be finished in time to hang it up the first day of winter. Smart, right? And now I totally see why people like cross stitch! It's so easy to take out mistakes, and so forgiving if you decide to leave them in (don't compare my "N" with yours, okay?). The kit included really gorgeous hand dyed floss...at first I wasn't sure why that was a big deal, but the way the colors subtly shift makes for a really lovely finished piece. 

I'm still down with this bug, the boys seem to be pulling through quickly and Jenny isn't showing any signs at this point...hopefully she will be left out! My sister and brother in law (remember they've been living with us this summer waiting for their GA move?) are off to go house hunting in their new state so it's going to be a quiet week around here. I'm hoping to finish up this fall cleaning list so that I can enjoy their last few days here when they get back. For today I'm off to the store for the second day in a row because I managed to forget the ever important pullups and wipes....I still haven't found the box with our diaper covers and cloth wipes...this week is the week!

{Yarn Along}

I am linking up with the lovely Ginny again this week to see what everyone is reading and knitting! This week I'm busy working on Jenny's fall sweater....since taking this photo I have finished the body and I'm almost done with the first sleeve! I am so close on all three sweaters. Nomi's just needs the button bands re-knit on the proper needles this time (oops!), Bobby's sleeves are a work in progress, and now Jenny's is flying off the needles. {note to self stick with worsted or bulky weight yarn for sweaters from now on!}

Bobby is very fond of the "Duck and Goose" books, and Nomi has just recently discovered their delights this week. I have probably read this one a dozen times in the last two days! I'm trying to find moments to read the wonderful book "Project-Based Homeschooling" by Lori Pickert (and her great blog!). I love her writing style and even though I've just started the book, I can tell it's going to be a favorite. Lots of good stuff there...I am excited to really get into it.

Happy knitting!

{Yarn Along}

 {Ravelry}

{Ravelry}

I am joining the lovely Ginny over at Small Things today, to share what I'm reading and knitting. I just finished these legwarmers up for Jenny and Bobby's first day of school surprise. They were a huge hit, Bobby has been wearing his since he opened them...currently he is loving them as arm warmers. I really want to make some for myself and Nomi now! The patterns were just made up as I went, but I'll probably write them up and share them soon...I am amazed at how quick these were to whip up! I just started this book, and I really think I'm going to like it...if I can just find a few more minutes to read it!!

{Yarn Along}

I'm joining Ginny of Small Things today for her Yarn Along link up. It's always so much fun to see what everyone is working on and reading. This is just a sneak peak at my project, it's my sister's graduation gift so I'm trying to not give it all away. I just bound off last night...which was sort of a funny story. You see, my larger knitting needles are still in various boxes and locations in the sewing room/nursery... that wouldn't be much of a hang up, except I only ever think about it when Nomi is down for his nap or already tucked into bed. So after a desperate search of the house, I wound up using one of Bobby's chunky handled paint brushes to achieve a loose bind off. I wish I could say it was the first time I've done something like that, but there have certainly been instances of a pencil or chop stick being used in a pinch. Do you ever find yourself in this situation??

The books were a birthday gift to myself, and they just arrived last night! I'm looking forward to diving into them, I've heard good things in the blogging world about all of them, so they should be leisure time well spent. The shawl just needs blocking and then I will have better photos to share...I'm going to really focus on Nomi's green sweater next, and perhaps start a scarf for myself...? Thanks for stopping by, please say hello in the comments, I love hearing from you!