A Teaser

Although I still haven't managed to get my "real" camera out to snap photos of sweet Sam, my phone has been my trusty companion and I've been able to open instagram a few times to capture some great moments.  

I even found time to slip a couple hand knits on my boy the other day during big sister's nap time:

Patterns:  Aviatrix and Milo Soaker (sized down for newborn)

Yarn:  Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in Mica

More Than I Bargained For

When you knit in public, do you often have people come up to you and say things like, "I wish I could learn to knit, I just don't have the patience."?

As a knitter talking to non-knitters, it's the thing I hear the most.  Ironically, I usually follow with a response something like this,  "I'm probably the least patient person you will ever meet in your lifetime.  This is the reason I must knit."

Never has this been so true as in the past week as I patiently wait for baby number two.  Since Elise was a few days early, I never expected to make it to my due date.  When I did, I was astounded.  Now, almost a whole week later, I sit thinking that this baby will never actually come out.

The answer to all my problems?  Just cast on another day-long project.  Maybe a little something like this:

Pikku Pete

Stella Pixie Hat

Milo Soakers

Joe was teasing me the other night because he swears I am working on a new project every time he looks at me.  There is probably some truth to that statement.

So, for those who were expecting a baby post, sorry to disappoint- at least when this baby arrives it will have more hand knits than we originally bargained for!

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Just in Case You Were Waiting On This

Dear most cooperative baby in my womb,

I have to admit, the past few weeks have been quite busy as we have made preparations for you.  I've had a lot on my plate, and I was praying each day that you would stay put.  Now today is the day that was assigned as your due-date, and somehow we've beaten all odds and are quite ready for your appearance.

I love the fact that you have been so obedient until this point, but now I have a new message:  We're Ready!!

And in case you were worried about your new little sweater, don't be.  It's waiting for you, too:

Yes, I know it looks a little incomplete, but the edging shall wait until you arrive.  I need to know which hat and bootie set to match, and then make the decision on which edging I will do.  So- no worries, just make an appearance!

Love, 

Mom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's true.  Today is my due date.  Since Elise was a few days early, I never thought I would make it to this point with my second, so now I admit I'm getting a little antsy.  Last night I had the first decent night of sleep that I've had all week.  I woke up early, before Joe and Elise, in order to take a long, relaxing shower and enjoy a little extra pampering time.  You know- just in case.  I'm feeling well-rested and ready for delivery (well, as ready as anyone ever wants to be I suppose).  

Will this baby listen to my plea and come today?  We all know second children are most considerate, and this babe is the product of two second children- here's hoping!

As far as the edging on my Milk sweater, I'm thinking about coordinating it with the hat and bootie sets I made last week.  So, If we end up with a little guy, it will be the variegated blue and green edging seen here: 

And if we end up with another little lady, I'll go purple:

In the original pattern, Milk has a beautiful scalloped crocheted edge.  

Photo credit: Brandy Fortune

Can't you see why I am totally in love with this wee sweater?!?  If we have a girl, I will definitely keep the crocheted edging.  If it is a boy, I may knit a moss stitch border.  I have done up a little test swatch to practice and figure out what I like best.  Of course this means more hospital knitting, but I'm no rookie when it comes to that. Elise's coming home ensemble was waiting on gender specific button and a few extra details, too.  The only real problem I foresee is that I don't actually know how to crochet- any good tutorials out there? 

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Ensemble On the Way

While my new baby booties were waiting patiently for buttons this past weekend, I had the chance to cast on another itty baby knit.

This sweater is one I've wanted to make for a while.  Even in fingering weight yarn, it will fly off the needles in no time.  Just as long as baby can hold out for another day or two...

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Ready for Tiny Toes

Since baby is behaving so well, and has stayed put until now, it will be rewarded with not just new hats, but also matching booties.

It took me a while to get around to making Saartje's Bootees, but I am so glad I finally jumped on the bandwagon.  These tiny toe-toasters knit up so quick and are such a joy to look at.

Who knows, at this rate, Baby #2 may end up with a new sweater before arrival.

Pattern: Saartje's Bootees

Yarn:  Madelinetosh Sock (green and blue variegated) 

Madelinetosh Merino Light (blue and purple)

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Boy or Girl?

After the past couple posts, a couple of you are thinking I may know the gender of Baby #2.  Well, I guess I'll really throw you for  loop in this one:

That's right.  As it was with Elise, I am clueless.  I figured I would make a purple set and a blue/green set for coming home from the hospital.

I also kind of think that with the right outfit a little girl could pull off the blue/green set, and a little boy always looks quite pleasant in purple- agreed?

If you're wondering why we don't find out the gender of our babies before they arrive, it basically all boils down to this.



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The Hardest Part

Sometimes the hardest part of a project is just picking one.

So I decided it was time to just cast on a simple hat.  I'm already feeling a little more inspired for what will come next.

Pattern: Cable Baby

Yarn: Tosh Sock in Lowland

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A Lack of Baby Knitting

With an expected date of arrival in about two weeks, you'd think I would have a stockpile of fresh knits built up for baby number two.  Unfortunately, this is not so.  In fact, I'm a little ashamed to admit, but I have *nothing* knit for this new babe.  How will ever live up to the standard of knits that Elise had by the time she was one?!

Easy- I won't.

But you gotta start somewhere, right?!?

Enter beautiful yarn:

I purchased this gorgeous Madelinetosh Merino Tosh Light (Lowland colorway) and it has been beckoning to me ever since.  

Problem is, it's hard to plan a hand knit coming home outfit for the beginning of August (especially with the way this summer has been going!).  I wish I was feeling as inspired as I was the first time around, but it's just not so.

But that's where all of you come in.  Over 800 yards of fingering weight yarn- suggestions?

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Brand New Hat... How 'Bout That

Can you tell I live with a toddler?  Our world seems to be spoken in rhymes these days as Elise is finally developing an attention span long enough to sit through select story books.

So you all remember the hat I cast on right before I left for TNNA, right?  I realized I neglected to share FO pictures, so I figure now is the time.  I wanted a new sample of my Lansing Beret to show off in my booth and I had the perfect Plucky yarn that I've been itching to use for over a year now.

It's amazing how quickly a hat whips up- especially with extra squishy yarn and a lace pattern.

I also figured this was a good time to give a pregnancy update.  Just over two weeks to go and enjoying the last few days until I am a mother of two.  Sometimes we think Elise knows a big change is about to happen because she has been on her best behavior.  I have been informed that this will all change once the new baby comes (yikes!).

But now for a couple where you can actually see the hat better:

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this pattern, it was designed for the Lansing Area Shop Hop a couple years back.  The pattern is now available on Ravelry, but you'll have to look up the Lansing Cowl in order to find it.  The pattern is a 2-in-1:  both the hat and cowl are included in one pdf download.

Pattern:  Lansing Hat

Yarn:  Plucky Handpainted DK Cashmere

Raveled: here

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Phoebe's Birthday Book Giveaway

As I posted on Monday, this week I had the pleasure of attending a book signing with author and knitter Joanna Johnson. What I failed to mention was that we also got to host the lovely Johnson family at our home for a night.

Me, Joanna, and Elise at the book signing.

Joanna and I met at TNNA 2010 (the first TNNA for the both of us) and became fast friends.  We have always made time for a quick dinner or lunch together at TNNA since then, but this visit was an extra treat.  Although it was one quick evening, we finally got to spend a little unhurried time together.  

The kids even got to explore the pond a bit and decided that they would like to stay a little longer (which wasn't possible with the book tour time constraints, but we still felt privileged that they felt that way).

Phoebe's Birthday is Joanna's third book.  She has once again collaborated with her husband, Eric, who illustrates the stories.  As with her other books, you will find knitting patterns (outfits from the story), in the back of the book.  Phoebe's Birthday also has a little something extra as it includes sewing patterns as well, even a pattern for a quilt!

*Phoebe the mouse, in 'mermouse', sewn form for the new book

Phoebe's Spool Quilt

Phoebe's Party Dress and Phoebe's Sun Romper

And now, continuing with the "Christmas in July" theme I set earlier this week (click here to enter the Stella Pattern Collection Giveaway), I have a signed copy of Phoebe's Birthday to giveaway to one lucky reader.  

Since the story is dedicated to Joanna and Eric's grandparents, I think it is only fitting to incorporate this in to the giveaway.  So, in order to be in the running, just share something about a grandparent in the comments below.  It can be a memory, a story, or just something special you like/liked about them.

Make sure to include a name, and place I can reach you if you win.  Contest will be open until Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:59 pm, with our winner announced Friday, the 27th.

If you want to learn more about the Johnson family and their work, check out their website at www.slatefallspressbooks.com

You can also find my review of Freddie's Blanket (their second book) here.

Stella Collection Giveaway

What happens when you combine the talents of this blog:

With the talents behind this one:

Along with some gorgeous yarn, and a little inspirations from the stars?  

An amazing new pattern collection, of course!

Today I am delighted to share this beautiful pattern collection with all you knitters out there- here comes the eye candy:

Suncrest:

Adhara:

Nashira:

Solaria:

Each of these patterns features a different Tanis Fiber Arts fingering weight yarn (my favorite weight to work with, btw).  You can drool over the whole collections of Tanis' yarns here.

The Stella Collection is available on Ravelry as a pdf ebook for $15.00 CAD.  You can also find each pattern available for $6.00 CAD a piece.

Now the title of this post does say giveaway, so that's just what we'll do.  I have an entire ebook to share with one lucky reader.  What do you have to do?  Just leave a comment below sharing what design you would cast on first (I think Suncrest is calling my name!). 

The giveaway will close on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winner to be announced shortly after.

Annnnnnnd..... GO!

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In Case You're In the Area...

One picture I failed to share on my TNNA post was of Joanna Johnson signing her brand new book, Phoebe's Birthday, for Elise.  

From TNNA, Joanna jumped right into a book tour and has been traveling many miles with her family in tow (more from their travels here).  Now it's Michigan's turn!  

Joanna will be at Whitmore Lake Yarn Company tomorrow, June 17th from 4:30- 5:30 signing books and meeting knitters (and seamstresses and quilters- this book not only includes amazing illustrations and knitting patterns like her first two books, but sewing patterns as well).  

If you are anywhere in the area, please make the trip out!

For more details, check out Whitmore Lake Yarn Comany's Facebook page.

Release: Like a Lamb

Last night when I came home from work I received an email inquiring as to when Like a Lamb would be released.  Well, look at that, it is July, isn't it?!


What perfect timing, as I have my new Like a Lamb all blocked and ready to show off to the world:

At first I was a little bummed to have to wait to release the pattern until now, but now that July has come, and summer is in full swing, it seems to make perfect sense.  The lace weight yarn is perfect for summer knitting.  After a few repeats, the lace pattern is simple to follow, making this wrap quite travel-able (is that a word?).  

It took me some time to finish this one, mainly because I was working on other knits during 'knitting time'.  Like a Lamb was the project that was in a bag in my purse that I could bust out at any time- waiting rooms, the beach, or socializing with friends. 

I'm super excited about this color, and have already gotten use out of the wrap in the evenings (yes, despite the heat wave we are experiencing!).

This time I used a couple skeins of Malabrigo Lace in Paris Night colorway.   I barely dipped in to the second skein, so I'll have to figure out how to use my leftovers- anyone know of any good lace-weight baby patterns out there?

Interested in making your own?  The pattern is now available for purchase on Ravelry.

psst... more info on this one on Ravelry.

Errata alert:  The first edition of the pattern was missing a "yo" in row 13.  Updated patterns were sent out on July 18, 2012.  If you need the updated version, please contact me and I can send it on.

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The Calm After the Storm

This morning I woke up feeling rested.  I slept in until I felt decent, and slowly made my way to the computer to respond to emails from the week.  The past 2 months have been this overwhelming era of travel and events, deadlines and due dates.  Between work travel, Squam, TNNA, countless weekends away for cycling trips, and the baby shower last night, there hasn't been much time to just breathe.

I've enjoyed all the going-ons and travel, but this feeling I have this morning is euphoric.   All I have to do is make it through the work day in order to get to a weekend of actually being home.  Sounds lovely, no?

Well, I'm sure you're all wondering how the gift turned out, and although I went with 1 half knitted slipper in my purse (which didn't get touched while I was there because I had the daunting task of MC'ing the night), I was still pretty impressed with what I came up with.

First up, the sweater:

The sweater was inspired by the yarn/color scheme.  I was a bit worried considering I was making it up as I went, which involves more thinking on my part (scary!), but there was only 1 major rip back, and even that wasn't so bad (maybe 5 rows when I was working on the neck).  

The colors are Madelinetosh's Tosh Vintage in Mica and Winter Wheat, the cream is Spud and Chloe Sweater.  I originally purchased the Winter Wheat in Tosh Light, which is fingering weight.  Fingering weight yarn is probably my favorite yarn weight to work with, but given the situation and quick turn around time, I was happy to switch to the worsted weight yarn.  The Tosh Light Winter Wheat is a little lighter than the Vintage, more of a yellow tone where the Vintage reads a little more Tan.  I love them both, but was originally going to go with a grey stripe.  When I found the Mica colorway, all bets were off.

Which leads me to the Milo Soaker: 

I've made it before (click here to see Elise's cute little baby bum in the Milo Soaker) and I'm sure I'll make it again.  It's a quick knit that whips up in no time, and it's cute to boot!  The pattern can be found in Vintage Baby Knits  along with many other wonderful baby patterns.  If you have a little one in your life, and you're a knitter (what an amazing combo!),  it's probably time to get the book!

I wish my camera captured the fabulous-ness of the Mica colorway, but I don't think it got it quite right.  Honestly, I think it's safe to say I have never been more in love with a color before.  It's this perfect balance of vintage-looking faded blues, and I can almost see a hint of lilac.  I can't give it enough praise, wonderful work Miss Madelinetosh!

This little hat was dreamed up as I was working on the sweater, so it too is an original pattern.  I used short row shaping to make the back flap- it may need a little more tweaking before it is ready to 'grow up' and become a real pattern, but I think it will happen sometime soon.  I only wish I had a baby to try it on to see how it works... oh wait- that will happen soon as well!

Here's where things got a little wonky.  I was home two hours before the shower and thought I would be able to whip up a pair of booties.  I found this pattern for Seamless Baby Platform Booties and thought seamless sounded faster.  I like the pattern, and how it's constructed, but at the end I was working with 5 dpns and it was not going as quickly as I imagined.  I think it would've been faster to just find something that was seamed up a bit at the end, instead of dealing with the fickleness of a bunch of dpns. 

 I did do a garter top instead of the rib suggested in the pattern, and if I made them again, I would probably make less of a 'platform' by cutting out a few garter ridges at the bottom.  They seemed a little to roomy for my liking, but altogether a cute, quick knit.

And there you have it.  I've pulled off some crazy knitting tasks in the past, but I'm particularly proud of this one.  Partly because I didn't even do a swatch until Saturday morning, partly because it's been a crazy busy week and I've forced myself to knit in odd places in order to get things done,  but mainly because  I came up with two totally original creations that didn't give me too many issues along the way.  I love how the set works together, and since I already have the yarn in Tosh Light, I may work these items up again for my babe in the fingering.  

And patterns?  After talking to so many amazing people at TNNA, I'm inspired to work a little harder- secret knitting already in the works :-)

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One Last Knit

Look what got started last night:

I leave for TNNA later today.  I realized I didn't have a sample of my Lansing Beret in with my knits.  It's just a hat, totally do-able, right?

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