HELP!!

Tonight (yes, tonight!!) I have a Halloween party to attend.  It's not your typical Halloween party. Actually, the point of the party is to play cards (us Bernardi's... we're card sharks- if you can call Euchre players card sharks).

Joe and I play Euchre once a month with the same 12 people- card club.  In October, it is tradition to dress up in a Halloween costume for card club.  Problem is, I haven't given it much any thought.   Last year I did the same thing.  An hour before the party, I threw on some khaki shorts, yellow t-shirt, and found a large bucket to stand in.  I was the infamous YouTube Grape Lady.  Problem is, only a couple people had seen the video.

So this year there's even more of a twist- I'm eight months pregnant.  I'm sure many of you have been pregnant for Halloween and I need your suggestions.  I've browsed the internet, I'm not seeing a whole lot of options.  What's your favorite prgnant Halloween costume?  Links, pictures, stories; I want anything you've got. Ok...... GO!


PS... I don't find any inspiration from the above photo- there are no plans to paint and expose my large abdomen at this time :)

Surprise! A New (Free) Pattern

You may remember the little competition I filled you in on a couple weeks ago.  All this month over at luvunthemommyhood there has been a battle raging between comfy sews and cozy knits.

Earlier this month Shannon invited me to take a turn in the ring to duke it out in the name of handknits- I couldn't be more thrilled to get involved!  For this special occasion, I did up a tutorial for a simple (yet oh-so-comfy-cozy) cowl.   Presenting:  Frosted Glow

Show your support of handknits by stopping by and checking out the tutorial- say hi to Shannon, she's a fellow Raveler (imstitched)!

The pattern is also activated on Ravelry now, so whip one up and add it to your Ravelry project page (in support of the knits, of course!).  You can find the pattern and more information here.

Rhinebeck- What I Wore

Soon after posting Rhinebeck pics last week I got a few comments from people wondering what handknits I wore to this knitterly event.  Some knits were totally new- some you have seen before...here's the recap.

This sweater you have obviously seen a few times in the past weeks.  It is an original design that I finished the week before Rhinebeck and plan on writing up as a pattern.

The red cowl around my neck was my new Aravis Cowl that I did up in Malabrigo Ravelry Red.  I wanted to bring out the red buttons of the cardigan. I actually picked the buttons for the cardigan before I even picked the yarn!

On my head I had my freshly blocked (actually went into the car wet) Selbu Modern.  Selbu Modern was the very first pattern I 'favorited' on Ravelry and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to make one.   The great news for you is that this is a free pattern by Kate Gagnon Osborn.  If you haven't tried colorwork here's your chance!

                                           

                                                        

My mittens have made an appearance here before- back in January when I completed them.  The pattern is NHM #7 from Selbuvotter.  You can find more info on my 'Girly Mitts' on Ravelry here.

The head band in the picture was my car project on the drive out to New York.  Inspired by Anthropologie's Plaited Headwrap, it was a nice mindless knit to work on in a dark car.  I'll have more details of how I made it soon.

I think that just about sums it up, folks!  It was fun to attend a big knitting event where I felt comfortable (or required) wearing more than one handknit at a time.  What's your go-to knit?  Does something in your wardrobe get more use than other knits?

Weekend Edition

Although I am not usually one for posting on the weekends, today I wanted to share a glimpse of what many of my weekends this fall have looked like.

Many of my Saturdays have been spent getting to know local knitters at French Press Felted Slippers Workshops around my home base in Michigan.

I know I mentioned it briefly here, but a couple weeks ago I spent the day at Have You Any Wool in Berkley, MI doing a trunk show and a slipper workshop.  It was a wonderful day and a great group of ladies who came out to learn my special slipper techniques!

If you are interested and in the area, the trunk show is still being showcased at Have You Any Wool.  Here you will find hard copies of all my available patterns, with examples of finished pieces; in addition to patterns and projects which are up and coming.

Despite the due date of our little one being the end of November (really?!  just over a month left??), I do have a few classes planned locally.  Today I will be at The Knitting Circle in Milford, and in two weeks I will be back at Knitting on The Fringe in West Bloomfield.  If you are in the area- come say hi!

Rhinebeck 2010

This past weekend was the perfect weekend for my first ever Rhinebeck experience.  Not only were the trees in their peak, but the weather was also very cooperative- cool and crisp, just as an autumn day should be. Wonderfully ideal for layers of handknits :)

After a dark and rainy drive, we arrived in Rhinebeck late Friday night (technically Saturday morning), so we took our time in the AM and showed up at the New York Sheep and Wool festival at about 11.  Some of the first friendly faces I spotted were these familiar ones:

I ran into the ladies of Ravelry (Jess, Sarah, and Mary-Heather) and Melissa of Neoknits upon arrival and had a chance to catch up a bit.

The first Ravelry meet-up was at lunch time and I had a fun time seeking out people that I know 'online' (and now in real life!).

As far as the food went, I think my favorite thing was the fried pickles.  They were recommended to us by Casey and they did not disappoint!

* I know, I know... pregnant woman...pickles..I get it.  I haven't had many cravings, but I have to tell you the truth- looking at this picture is giving me a major hankering for another helping of the fried little morsels!  

Saturday afternoon Joe and I both took a class with designer Lily Chin.  This filled the day and left little time for shopping.

At the Ravelry Party, I finally got to meet Steven A in person:

*Ok...I actually met him at the Ravelry meetup, but we didn't snag a pic until the evening.

Sunday we had a little time for shopping, we even managed to visit some four legged friends (and some monkeys, too!):

Although it's hard to tell from the picture, the sheep here is kind of tiny (see poster).  Since we have been home, Joe has mentioned a few times how it would be cool to get a couple of these tiny sheep and let them roam around the yard.  He thinks its a great idea- I think they'd end up as coyote food.

Sunday evening we headed down to New Jersey to stay with some friends.  Monday was to be spent in the city and I had one tourist trap I had to see : Purl Soho!

Unfortunately for me, Purl does not open until noon- and we showed up too early.  At least I got to see the outside!

I did find a yarn shop near Central Park that I was able to stop in at. String Yarn  had the new Filatura di Crosa book I have been looking for-  I was more than happy to snag a copy.

 I know some of you have already asked what was worn on this knitterly weekend.  Some of the knits you have seen before, some were fresh FOs (loaded into the car wet from blocking!).  I will be sure to get some more pictures and give details soon!

Back From the 'Beck

We got in from our mini-vacation last night, it was a wonderful trip- such a great time of year for long car rides (and we've had our share over the past couple days).  Since we extended our trip a couple days, I'm feeling a little behind on the Rhinebeck-update post (I think I have seen five on other's knitting blogs at this point).  Today I will leave you with this and promise more of a recap for tomorrow:

Joe and I at the Ravelry party (bonus: an update of me in my 34th week of pregnancy glory! I know, it's been a while).

Rhinebeck Bingo 2010

The time has finally come, and I am so excited to be headed to Rhinebeck this weekend for the New York Sheep and Wool Festival.  

A couple weeks ago I noticed a fellow blogger mention Rhinebeck Bingo and I had to check it out.  I contacted Stitchy McYarnpants herself to get included on the list to be a square in bingo, so if you've come here because I ended up on your Bingo board- here's a look into what I'll be wearing on Saturday.

(That's right- it's my finished sweater...pattern coming soon eventually)

If that's not enough on the clues- here's another.  I'll be the crazy lady driving from Michigan when she's eight months pregnant (honestly, I feel like I should be a free space!).

Even if I didn't make your bingo board, I'd love for you to say hi.  If you will be attending Rhinebeck and haven't signed up for bingo, it's not too late- sign up closes tonight.  

Comfy Sews VS. Cozy Knits

A few months ago I came upon one of my (now) favorite blogs.  Maybe it's the excitement of my own little one on the way, but I think it's more all the great crafts that are highlighted on luvinthemommyhood that draws me to it.

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All this month, the theme on luvinthemommyhood is Comfy Sews VS. Cozy Knits.  Round one featured slippers- knit vs. sewn (go take a peek, you might see a familiar pair or two :)).

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I'm already excited to see what will be included in the next round.  Although I am a little biased toward knit slippers (really... can you blame me!?!), I think comfy sews may win out on a round or two in my book. What about you- which do you prefer???

And the Winners are...

Thanks so everyone for their participation in my first blogiversary this week- it was great to have so many to celebrate with!

Mr. True Random Number Generator at random.org provided us with the following contest winners:

For the Never Not Knitting Pattern giveaway, our winner was number 22....

Chrissy  who wrote:

Loving all of the patterns, but the Cedar Leaf Shawlette really looks devine! I entered on twitter @chrissyza as well!

And for the Knitterella Notepad giveaway, number 92- which was a Twitter entry from...

Gynnab83

here on the blog, Gynna commented: 

I absolutely love the "Knitted Sweater Note Card Set" Totally cute! Now just gotta hurry up and knit more gifts for Christmas!

Congrats to both our winners, I will be contacting each of you for your addresses. 

Before I sign off for the weekend, I need to let you in on my exciting plans.  Tomorrow I will be having my very first trunk show at Have You Any Wool in Berkley, MI.  The day begins at 10 am with a showing of all my designs.  Not only will I have the new Aravis Hooded Cowl with me, but I will also be previewing a brand new (just came off the needles last night) sweater design.  Here's a sneak peek...

If you want to see more, you'll have to stop by.  I'll be there at 10, and there's even a French Press Felted Slipper Workshop starting at 1.  Space is limited, call (248) 541-9665 to check for availability.  For those of you not in the area, I'll be sure to take some pictures to document the day and share with you next week, have a great weekend.

A Year in Review

Well, today's the day!  I have officially been a blogger for one year now- I can hardly believe it!  In honor of the first blogiversary, I figured it's as good a time as ever to take a little stroll down memory lane and look at what an exciting year it's been. 

October 7 2009- I started blogging

October 8, 2009- I set out to be an official ravelry designer by posting my first pattern

October 12, 2009- The French Press Felted Slipper Pattern was released on Ravelry

October 15, 2009- I fell in love with Fair Isle

**side note:  it's not as scary as it looks, every knitter needs to give it a go!

November 19, 2009- Found my LYS (even if it's over a half hour away- it's worth it!)

November 25, 2009- Got the joy of seeing my French Press Felted Slipper pattern on the very top of the Ravelry "New and Popular" list- what an honor!

November 29, 2009- Celebrated the sixth annual International Craft Day in the Bernardi home

(we'll give you a little more warning this year!)

December 3, 2009- Launched the Breckenrdige Cowl

Thursday, December 17-  I was Harlotized.  This may sound like a bad thing, but for a knitter, there is nothing better! (Harlotization actually occured on the 10th- crazy things happen after haroltization, and I was not able to write about it until the 17th)

December 23, 2009- Joe and I held differing opinions on the proper size of a Christmas tree

January 9, 2010- I made my debut on YouTube

January 20, 2010- A knitter is born

January 26, 2010- We started wholesaling!

February 4, 2010- We started work on my knitting studio

March 12, 2010- Montebello Launched

March 13, 2010- I met the Harlot (and Jill!)

April 19, 2010- Launched 3-in-1 Baby Booties Pattern

April 21, 2010- Made progress on the knitting studio

June 23, 2010- Made a little announcement

July 16- Continued to work on my greatest WIP to date

September 10, 2010- Joe and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary

September 20, 2010- Launched an exclusive new pattern for the Lansing Shop Hop

October 5, 2010- Launched Aravis Hooded Cowl Pattern

And that sums it up, folks!  Whether you've been around since the beginning, or are a new reader, I hope you enjoyed this little trek down memory lane.  It's been quite an exciting year for us and I can't wait to see what this next year holds!