The reason (or excuse)

for the lack of crafting and posts...


He growing up fast and needs a haircut. Walking running and pointing at what he wants. A joy!

A long break

It's been a big break since my last post and I've been meaning to get back to it. Slowly but surely I will find a way to work on my projects and get some posts up. I have worked on some owls, have some monkey parts to sew together... Hopefully soon I'll have pictures and a post. And somehow I'll get the holidays done too!

Birthday Hat - DONE!

It's DONE! - with a wonky "1" sewn on. It is lined in yellow with plastic canvas between to help the hat stand up and hold it's shape. I will probably need a strap to hold it on his head. I haven't decided if i'm going to attach the pompom to the top.

Party Hat - WIP

Would you believe I have a second post this month? It 's a Party Hat from Petite Purls. There's a crochet and knit version. I took out my crochet needle and got the first side done. A few more rows for the liner and it's ready to be assembled. I'm using Peaches and Creme worsted cotton from my dish cloth stash...

Doesn't he look pleased with my progress?

KP Firefighter socks - DONE!

Yay! one more pair of socks done! It takes me a month to knit a pair of socks these days. I seems to have small pockets of time that I get to knit. These stockinette socks are just the ticket! I started these last month as a gift and I just love the way the red just pops.

Since these socks are for someone else, this is also the first time I am using sock blockers. I need to get (or make) a pair of sock blockers in my size. Don't the look nice in the photo?

Now all I have to do is wrap them up and get them in the mail. I sure hope they fit!

Boy's Day 2012

Did you celebrate Boy's Day on May 5th? or as it is called now, Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)? Casey did. He dressed up in an outfit that belonged to his dad and sat with his koinoboi.

More socks - in Felici firefighter

Remember I ordered some sock yarn recently? Well, I used it to cast on another pair of simple socks. I used to avoid self striping yarn, but when you don't have time to follow a pattern, it is the best way to create socks with some interest. I picked up the Firefighter colorway and casted on a pair of socks for a friend. This will be my first gift socks to go outside of the family, without the wearer nearby to check for fit. This is also my first time knitting with Knit Pick's Felici. I love the pop of red between the neutral gray. 

I cast on 60 stitches with a 2x2 rib and plan to start the heel when the leg reaches 8 inches. Just a half inch more to go. I love mindless knitting! 

Socks - DONE!

It sure took me long enough, but I am pleased to report that I have finished the simple socks! Started waaaay back in February, these socks are done and off the needle and on my feet! AND I almost got the stripes to match.

I have a bit of each skein left over, but not quite enough for a second pair, maybe Casey will get a matching set...

What shall I do next?

Six months...

Six months!?! where does the time go? Apparently a lot of time is lost playing with this little guy. Especially when he gives smiles and giggles like this <---- However, all those smiles and giggles makes it hard to get a clean photo. Thank goodness for digital cameras, can you imagine how much film I would be using if it wasn't for a digital point and shoot or camera phones?

Happy Un-birthday, little one!

One sock!

It took me awhile, but I can proudly say that I have finished my first sock since Casey was born. YAY me... using a simple sock pattern and some self striping yarn, I work on this, not worrying about the row count. I have casted on the second side and made it past the ribbing.

Thanks for the suggestion, Lise, on using thicker yarn. I do have some toys that I want to knit using worsted weight. Lots of things in my queue to do, just not enough time. I'm just super happy to be working the needles again, with some progress to show!

Happy Spring everyone!

oh no you didn't...

oh yes, I did! Just because you casted on one side of one sock doesn't mean that you should go ahead and by more sock yarn... sayz who? On a whim, I placed an order at Knit Picks for Felici that caught my eye. B.C. (before Casey) I chose more solid sock yarn so I could knit cables and lace, which don't show up well in multi colored yarn. A.C. (after Casey) I just want to pick up my needles and can't concentrate on complicated patterns... that justifies some yarn shopping right?



Some one will have some cozy toes :)

just do it!

How do all these new moms find time to craft? Just do it! I suppose. I miss it - the creating, the yarn, the textures.. So I have some WIPs that I am going to pull out and make some time to work on.

The first project socks! Somehow during my maternity leave I have lost a bunch of socks. One side only of course. So on my list is a pair of socks. This yarn was packed in my hospital bag in preparation for the long induction that didn't happen. And they have sat neglected until now...

Two balls of Patons Kroy Socks - Jacquards Denim. I casted on 56 stitches and started with a 2x2 rib and then just knitting my way around. These will be simple socks so I won't have to keep track of a pattern. Knitting these one at a time and will count out the rows after I am done with the first.

Tummy Time!

More Casey? Of course, there is no crafting being done here... Casey is the biggest WIP I've ever worked on. This was last week, he just started holding his head up. He looks surprised, doesn't he?

Gray day... go away vog!

 Some days the sun hides from us and we get this purple hazy weather. Kinda fits my mood today - Casey had his first melt down last night. A bout of crying/screaming - tears, red face and very little sleep for mom. Then he fell asleep and all is well. He woke up with a big smile on his face as if nothing happened.

Yeah, some of my Mondays are like that too...

Let's hope for a better day today.

Hard at work

This mom needed to go back to work at the New Year. Luckily the little man is allowed to stay with me during the day. Here he is hard at work in front of the computer with Mr. Hippo and his thumb to keep him company.

(yes, that is some M&Ms to keep me happy during the day)

Mom's toy

Last year apple started a replacement program for first generation the ipod nano. I got an email but we were busy with Casey and I did not want to hunt for the old ipod. I loved this nano when it first came out, but it was pushed aside when the "latest and greatest" ipods were released. Fast forward to mid-December, I found the nano, backed it up and looked for more information on the replacement program. All indications were that Apple would replace the ipod with another 1st generation ipod. No biggie, the old one was having trouble holding a charge anyway, so I started a request for replacement. Apple sent a prepaid box via FedEx, all I had to do was pack it and drop it of at Fedex. Look what was delivered this week!

The letter says thank you for participating..... due to the demand you may receive and newer model...Yup, I got a newer model. How did I get so lucky? When Apple introduced this smaller nano, I couldn't justify the purchase just because it was "cool". Others are saying that the replacement is a 6th generation, but I don't know how to tell the difference. All I know is we got a new ipod to load and play Casey's music. Thank you,, Apple!

If you have an old nano, check it out:  ipod nano replacement

Play time

Oh, my so many things to look at on this play mat. Casey got this mat from his cousin Baylee. He likes to stare at the music box.

His favorite toy in this set is the octopus (which I forgot to bring today). He will grab on the ring and hold on for quite awhile.This mat will stay at the office and will provide a distraction for 20 minutes at a time. Thanks, Baylee!

A new toy...

Actually there were many new toys, but this is one of my favorites. It is the Soothe and Glow Seahorse by Fisher Price. It softly plays lullabies for 5 minutes, just enough time for Casey to fall asleep.

(Well, he wasn't quite ready for a nap when this picture was taken)

Hello 2012!

Here's to a year full of learning and laughter...