knitting slowly

This time of year is always so crazy busy. My little guy is finishing up fifth grade and we are busy with field trips, final projects, assemblies and transitioning to middle school. Can't believe how fast the years are flying by. Lately, I've been trying to pause and catch my breath. Also, treasuring this special time in our lives before the complicated teenage years swallow us up ;)

One of the final assignments that we've been looking forward to is Market Day. Now, truthfully, my son is more of the outdoorsy active type, so having the opportunity to craft together is quite a treat for me. We decided on something simple and which used up materials that I already had on hand: assorted colors of embroidery threads, miniature wooden dowels, plastic beads & elastic cord. After a little brainstorming, we came up with Camp Necklaces. I remember making God's Eyes when I was his age during summer camps so it was fun teaching him how to wrap the threads around the sticks.

SpunRightRound colorway Levitate

There has also been some (very slow) knitting happening. I finished my Spring vanilla socks (pictures & post coming soon) and started on a couple of new socks. The first one is a sweet pattern called Wildflowers & Honeycomb. Really enjoying this pattern and yarn combination.

Also decided to play around with designing a pair of summer socks with a new-to-me yarn from Kraemer Yarns called Saucon Sock. It's a neat blend of cotton/acrylic/nylon. Here's a close up of the stitch pattern that I am using:

Can't wait for things to slow down a bit so that I can get my knitting groove back. I'm also very behind on my blog reading/visiting. Hoping to get caught up on that soon too. Have a great rest of the week!

blog hop - creativity

Last week, Steph invited me to participate in a blog-hop about a topic that is nearest and dearest to my heart: creativity. Speaking of which, her blog is one of my favorite sources of inspiration for beautiful knits, witty writing and other hi jinks.

1.  What have been the doings/makings/scribblings at your desk/making table this week?

There is a jumble of crafty things on my desk this week. Here is the breakdown:

* 365 Things to Make and Do is a constant source of fun projects to make with the little guy. We especially love the ones involving bugs and pirates.

* Can't wait to get started on these mini embroidery kits.

* Another pin-loom coaster in progress.

* A random assortment of knitting which includes sweater ornaments, a newly started summer top, my Hitofude cardigan which is in desperate need of attention and...

* The ever-present hexipuffs.

2.  Where are you currently finding your inspiration?

The answer to this question is pretty cliched, but I find inspiration everywhere. Well, maybe not in the hubby's messy garage or my laundry room, but in everyday things like....my garden, or the hydrangeas growing just outside the front door, or the bunnies who claim our backyard for themselves, or my nieces and their budding sense of style, or the little guy's funny renditions of his favorite songs. I could go on & on & on. Also, there are so many wonderfully inspiring blogs that I love to visit. It is oftentimes very difficult to stay focused on my current projects when I see all of the beautiful knits/crochet/sewing, etc. that abound on these blogs. And then there's Ravelry. It is embarrassing to admit how many hours I spend ogling all of the gorgeous projects and patterns there.

3.  How important is being creative to you and how do you blend this with your work-life-family balance?

It is a constant juggling act most days, but I try to fit in a little time for knitting, listening to music or reading every day. Since I work pretty long shifts (12 to 14 hours), I consider myself lucky if I can knit just 15 minutes before bedtime. But then there are days filled to the brim with making, knitting, and other fun things. So it all balances out in the end. I also think it is important to teach by example. Seeing his parents knitting or creating funny motorcycle videos shows the little guy how much fun making things can be. I love seeing him caught up in his own creative ventures....most recently, composing hilarious lyrics to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody :)

Thanks, Steph, for letting me join in the fun! And now I would like to keep the blog-hop ball rolling by inviting Chris and Kepanie to play along. I so enjoy visiting their blogs and reading about their adventures in life and knitting.

Knitter's Amnesia

The Scene: A knitter is in the process of grafting the sleeves of her almost completed sweater. The air is thick with tension.

The Knitter: (mumbling under her breath) knit off, knit on....or no, is it purl off, knit on?!? Sh*t! 

The Kid: Mommy! You shouldn't swear at your knitting. 

The Knitter: (looking guilty) You must have heard me wrong. I said knit, not sh*t! 

The Kid: See! You said it again! Now I get to wash your mouth out with soap! 

The Knitter: D*mn. 

And so presenting the first in a series of Knitter's Amnesia Coffee Mugs: 

Guaranteed to get me through the Kitchener well caffeinated and without a speck of soap in my mouth. 


(linking up with the talented folks participating in WIP Wednesday over at Tami's blog)

A Present for a Crafty Girl

My youngest niece celebrated a birthday this weekend. I usually gift her with something handmade, but this year I decided to mix things up a bit and give her some tools to make her own things.

This is a wonderful book filled with cute sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch and knitting projects. But what good is a craft book without the notions to make the projects, right?

I have already bookmarked the projects that she can make me for my birthday. Call me a sneaky aunt.

BTSD

Today is a holiday that, in my opinion, rivals Christmas for its festivities, Thanksgiving for its expressions of gratefulness and New Years for its merrymaking. It even has costumes! Yup, I am talking about Back to School Day or BTSD for those in the know. After corralling the little guy onto the bus today, I danced a little jig then hurried back into my costume (pajamas). I whipped up a celebratory libation (coffee) and then took my place of honor on the couch and just reveled in the peace and quiet. The thought of long uninterrupted blocks of time to read and knit made me giddy. I even took frivolous pictures of wet leaves and shoes just because I could. And knowing that the little guy was safely tucked away in school being well cared for by wonderful teachers brought a warm, thankful feeling to my heart. Bless those teachers!

In crafty news, here are some packages to occupy my spare time. The first is from a contest that I had won hosted by Sillylittlelady. Her blog is chock full of beautiful projects and pictures. Also check out her cool designs on ravelry. I was so excited to receive these gorgeous skeins of handspun yarn. The little owl purse and buttons were totally unexpected treats.

The second package is the Daisychain ABC's kit from Alicia Paulson of Posie Gets Cozy. I can't wait to get started on this crewelwork alphabet sampler now that I have plenty of crafting time.  Hooray for BTSD!

6

My little guy turned six last week. It is such a wonder how time can seem to stand still and yet sneak by when you are not looking. I see before me now a collage of the baby he was and the little man he is today. To celebrate this most momentous of birthdays (when you're young, aren't ALL birthdays momentous?), we decided to add a little DIY flair to the usual party decorations. Over the summer, the kids have been busily crafting away using ideas found in this book. I can't recommend it enough. It has been both a fountain of inspiration and a handy way to distract the little ones while I managed to get a spot of knitting in. How proud they were to show off their creations!

They decided that a birthday bash would not be complete without masks...

...and some dashing party pins.

I couldn't let an opportunity to knit something festive slip by, could I?

Grandma L. came down from New York and baked not one, not two, but three cakes since the birthday boy could not decide. Lucky boy, since his mama has zero talent for baking.

Happy birthday little guy! We are so lucky to have you in our lives, brightening our days with your smiles and hugs.

Favorite Things: Duck Tape

In looking over the little guy's school projects from this past year, I couldn't help but notice a common theme: duck tape.

This utilitarian and multipurpose hardware staple has been a favorite of mine since elementary school. I remember my dream of fashioning a retro-looking dress out of it after watching Molly Ringwald come up with the Coolest Prom Dress Ever in the movie Pretty in Pink. Back then, the colors were limited to black, gray and white. Now there are endless colors, prints and patterns available with cool tutorials on making everything from flip flops to hats.

The following pictures show my oldest niece crafting a small project bag for her favorite knitting aunt.

Just perfect for a pair of socks in progress

365 Things to Make and Do: Felt Animals

I am so grateful to have found this book, especially after hearing "I'm bored" for the hundredth millionth time this summer. Granted, playing outside can lose its charms when the temperatures reach above the 90's. And having to come up with fun things to do indoors with three kids whose ages range from 5 to 12 is a challenge. So to keep my sanity, I pull out this book and some miscellaneous craft supplies and buy myself an hour or so of peace and quiet. Here, my two nieces are working on making some felt animals.

The book has very clear step by step instructions and wonderful pictures. It is great to watch the kids get involved in the process of making things.

And the results speak for themselves. Adorable, huh?

Mr. Cheese

Pudding II

best friends forever