nook.

under 48 hrs!

2012-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

it's crunch time, and i'm layin' it on thick... my work, i mean... but now i want some kind of peanut butter bar after writing that.. ha. i've been working hard here preparing for another craft market. i have just 18 days left to produce for "All Sprung Out". eeks!

and so there' s nothing like deadlines to give me incentive.
i think you already know that i can be obsessive when it comes to working with yarn and needles, or hooks as the case may be. call it the dutch in me, or just me being insane... but when i get a project on the brain, and i want it done fast... i'm fairly determined.

so yep. i made this in under 48 hrs. i believe that is a record. and not something i could necessairly do on a consistent basis (because then i'd really have no life). but i love the outcome, and i'm surprisingly not so tired today.
i managed to get other things done too... and owen did get my attention :)

this is meant to be a lap blanket of sorts. i remember when owen was wee, and i had to bundle him up in the stroller or the car seat.. it was so annoying to have to wrap blankets around his little legs. and then i'd not notice him kicking them off.. and the corner of the blanket would come out from under his chubby little legs, and get caught in the wheel of the stroller. oh goodness. it broke my heart when i once put a hole in a handmade blanket. not cool. not cool at all.
so with this size, you wouldn't have to worry about it.

this is loosely based on the other blanket i made.. do you remember my spring flowers blanket?
you can also see my ravelry notes on that blanket here. it was bigger...and did take me longer (i promise).

and nothing screams spring better than these lovely flowers!
i think it works for both a boy or a girl. i personally love these colours.

what do you think?
ps. i do realize that my label isn't sewn fully on... i have a confession... the needle broke as i was trying to sew, and i honestly don't know what i'm doing when it comes to switching out needles on my machine. yikes. thankfully i've got lots of girlfriends who do know what to do in this situation... sooo i'm waiting on one of them showing me. haha.

so now i'm off to continue my happy dance, and get more crafting done. i want my table looking full of lovely springy things ;) besides it's good prep for yet another market in the summer ;)

what are you up to today? do you have any spring and summer markets that you're preparing for? how do you organize your time to get a table's worth of product ready. what are your favourite decorating tips?
i'd love to hear from you! do you like the blanket? xo

blustery day

2012-03-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

it's a very windy day here for us today! we're under some heavy wind warnings out on the west coast of british columbia. already the lights have been flickering on and off... so i'm not sure how much power we'll have throughout the day.. let's hope it stays on though!

Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

how was your weekend? was it a crafty one?
this past weekend was like christmas for me! yep. our knit night groups' big ol' yarn order came in! wahoo! here's my haul. i've never ordered yarn online before. i like to be able to feel the yarn before i buy it. but i have to say, i'm not disappointed at all! i immediately swatched and cast on for a project within the hour of receiving the wool. seriously, that excited!

i'm loving the swish dk. it's sooo soft!

i snagged a couple of skeins of the stroll tonal sock yarn too. aren't the colours just lovely?

and in other crafty news, i've been a productive little bee. the boys went on a movie date on sunday leaving mama at home to craft away, and i gotta tell ya, not a minute was wasted! here's a peek...

i even snuck in a couple of loaves of bread! oh yah, the house smelled lovely... even if covered in scraps of yarn when they came home. ha.

this is our last week with the hubs at sea, so here's hoping it goes by quickly, and is as productive as the weekend was! i'd better get this post up before the power is out all together! and then grab those candles.

what are you up to today? any big crafting plans? how are you feeling with the hr of less sleep? come chat! i missed you over the weekend. xo

daisy-do

2012-03-09T09:55:00.002-08:00

it's raining cats and dogs here today, but all i see are daisies!

Source: gracieava.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

there's really nothing like a little bit of spring to inspire an awesome craft session... no?

Source: weheartit.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i have lots of crafting plans for the weekend. the hubs is home for the weekend again! and i think he'll take our little man out for a movie date so more of this can happen :)

it's a big cleaning day for us here... i figure i might as well make use of this rainy day ;) but i'm feeling energized and more than ready to tackle it. i think it's a good feeling to start the weekend on :) also, i had so much fun with the 5k that i did last weekend, i've been convinced to train for a 10k. (yikes). but i'm determined. and the dutch in me will hopefully not let me give up. :)

not only am i going to be best friends with my crochet hook this weekend, i've got those knitting needles out too! i'm going to be an auntie again soon, and my sister is hoping for some cute pixie hats for a photo shoot. very similar to these that i had made last summer...

so i'm a busy girl this weekend. and happily so, no matter how much it rains :)

what are you up to this weekend? any crafting? early spring cleaning? exciting outings? i'd love to hear about your plans! xo

getting serious

2012-03-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

we get a fair amount of rain here on vancouver island... it's not such a bad thing, because then everything is so green... but it makes for some inventive playtimes with the kiddo... especially when some serious crafting needs to get done.

Source: ana-white.com via Kaylan on Pinterest

it's time to step up my game. luckily we headed to the library earlier this week, so we've stocked up on good books and movies... but i think we're still missing something... something that will keep me crafting, and creative, and my little tot happy... oh yes... i need this:

Source: leilockheart.me via Rebecca on Pinterest

:) well maybe just the cookies will do. but i still think they'd taste better with the mug :)
yesterday didn't work out as i had planned (well my days rarely do) so today, like i said, i need to step up my game. i'm getting my craft on!
seriously. let's hope these fingers fly.

i'm also looking for recipes for ~~veal~~ pork tenderloin.

ps . it seems that blogger is making it difficult to leave comments again. so please head on over to nook's facebook page, and we can chat all away there! i love your company! xo

what do you have up for today? i'd love to hear what you're creating, be it yarn related, or food. seriously. :) shall i put on a fresh pot of coffee? would you like a cookie? xo

shrugging it off...

2012-03-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

hi there!
i can't say i know what was going on yesterday with blogger. :( but it seems that no one could make a comment on yesterday's post. so very strange.... and frustrating

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

from what i understand it wasn't just on this little blog either. i've checked and re-checked the settings to make sure i allow for everyone to be able to post a comment. whether you are a blogger yourself or not. so i apologize... for the frustrations at are blogger (for now).
i do hope it's been fixed though.

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

in the mean time, the event that i posted about yesterday? well that makes me a busy girl. i'm getting my hooks and needles out today, and plan on making today a craft day. i'm sure you understand ;)
i also promise sneak peeks very soon.

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

so let's just put our frustrations aside with yesterday's issue... and get our craft on today, shall we?

what are you creating today? i'd really love to hear about it! i could use your company today for sure! that and a vat of coffee ;) i stayed up until 1am this morning first watching the rest of season 2 of downton abbey and then starting the third book of the hunger game series. i clearly don't think i need sleep to function.
ha. come chat! i promise the coffee is on. and there's a lot of it. xo

my monday.

2012-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

i'm going to pretend that today is monday. and now you must think i'm the craziest ever. ha. one of my dear friends loves mondays. they're like her reset button for the week. you can start fresh. i like that thought. and yesterday was a blurr. i was tired! must have been just the busy weekend.
so i'm starting fresh today!

and i have an announcement!
nook. is taking part in another craft show! i had so much fun back in december, that i'm giving this another go!

so if you're on the island, please come on by for a visit! there are going to be lots of fabulous vendors, including food stands, and live music! i suppose the poster says it all ;) and if you are interested in popping on by, check out the event's facebook page. click "like" for a chance to enter a draw for a gift certificate to spend at any of the vendor's tables! wahoo!!!

i'm excited for this. but it also means, i'm a busy girl! i am working away on spring and summer items for my table! how exciting!

i think most of the time people thing of knitted items to do well in a winter market. (i mostly think that way) but i'm accepting the challenge that i've given myself to prove that they can also do well in the spring and summer!
i guess this also means i need to get moving. ha. but i'm excited. if not a little nervous. (that can be a good thing though).

have you been a vendor before? what are your favourite things about going to markets, craft shows and the like? what are your favourite things to shop for? do you get a buzz just off of the atmosphere like i do? i'd love to hear your thoughts, and chat markets with you today! i'm making fresh coffee just for the occasion ;) xo

march - national crochet month!

2012-03-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

monday already? it's ok though. i had a great weekend,- ridiculously fast weekend, mind you - but a great weekend nonetheless. i ran my first 5k! yippee! i'll get into that in a bit though. because first thing's first.
did you know that march is national crochet month?

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

it totally is.

i think crochet is a bit misunderstood. and it's funny to me that there are a lot of knitters who refuse to pick up the hook as well, but crochet is really making quite a comeback. it's not just granny squares, though the whole granny square has changed too ;)

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i'm excited about this being a month to celebrate crochet, and i plan on taking part!
of course my knitting needles will remain as busy as ever (so knitters, don't you worry). but maybe we should all pick up a hook! it will be fun! and it's a great way to enjoy yarny crafts in the warmer months (yes.. they are coming).

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

crochet is also a great use of leftover yarns. trust me. this is such a wonderful thing! i can really be cleaning up my stash, to make room for more gorgeous fibers. oooOOOoo. yes this is exciting!

i love that crochet is so versatile! and quick too. you can whip up a seat cover in no time ;) (well... depending on the size, i suppose)

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

crochet has really grown into a force of it's own. it's true!

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and i have to say i'm certainly inspired to pick up my hook. how about you? linda permann certainly has a talent for making crochet almost look like knitting! check out this adorable owl from her book little crochet.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

of course i had to run out to get the book as quick as i could :) so what do you think? are you inspired? want to give your hand a go at crocheting? i bet you do! how can you not after all of these pics? (well that's what i think anyways. haha)

Source: versusmag.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

recently a gorgeous photo of my jardain coasters were featured in mollie makes. shannon, of luvinthemommyhood is the talent behind the camera here, and she also shares a love for crochet! these would be a great project to start off the month that celebrates crochet!

Source: inanook.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

just head on over here to check out the full tutorial on how to whip up a few of these lovelies! you can also find the tutorial over on versus!

ps. here's a pic of me after the race. i had fun! and i'm looking forward to my next race :) i reached my goal of completing the race without walking at all ;) i'll be more concerned about my time next race. that being said, i ran it in under 30 min! a wonderful first experience for sure!

so what do you say? let's all pick up our hooks and get at 'er! besides look at all of the lovely colours to have our eyes feast upon! it's a great month for crochet.. indeed!

are you a fan of both knitting and crochet? or do you swing only to one side? have you always wanted to try crochet? come join in for a month of hooking! i'd love to hear of what your "must makes" are, as well as how your weekend went! come chat. i've got my yarn and needles, and hooks at the ready;) xo

run!

2012-03-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

hurrah for the weekend! spirits are high in this household! which is very good because we've got a busy weekend ahead ;) i'm starting out with a little baking, because weekends deserve it. ;) we'll do a little sweet and a little savory. it's gonna smell good here! ;)

Source: tarteletteblog.com via Katie on Pinterest

we'll be taking a small road trip to go pick up the hubs. (and then back again the following day.. ) our visit will have to be a short one this weekend but we're still excited to see him!

Source: google.com via Jamie on Pinterest

also this weekend i'm going to do something i've never done before. i'll be running my first 5k! i'm excited... and nervous. my goal isn't to be super fast (thank goodness) but to finish it. the last 9 weeks i've been running three times a week, and i've gotta say, i'm a little impressed with myself. i don't usually stick to a "workout" very long. but this time seems to be different. and i'm enjoying it! i get half an hour to myself, to listen to my tunes, and to be with my thoughts. which is a treat when the hubs has to be away, and it's just me and the kiddo all day, every day ;) i'm sure you mamas out there know what i'm talking about.
don't get me wrong, owen is the sweetest boy, but mamas need a little break sometimes too.

so i'll keep you posted on how that goes, but i'm just really excited that i'm doing it. ;)
and let's not forget knit night! i certainly love me my knitting time with my girls. i've got several projects on the "to-do" list.
i'm gonna be an auntie again sometime this month, so i've gotta get busy! i'm thinking some pixie hats are on the list :) (to start anyways)

i believe a little knitting with linen will be involved as well ;)

so tell me. what are your weekend plans? anything exciting? will you be a busy bee like me? or will you have a chance to relax and feel rejuvenated? i'd love to hear what you're up to! come and chat! the baking is about to go in the oven, and i've got lots of coffee. xo

yellow goodness.

2012-03-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

although today isn't officially the first day of spring, i'm officially welcoming it! welcome march!

Source: myparadissi.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

'tis the time for warm rains, lots of blooms, sweet smelling air, new babies, yellows, and this year, i'm going to try a few new things... one is sewing a garment (yikes)... and another would be trying an indoor garden of sorts. that one might be tricky, as we have a kitty... so i'll have to keep you posted.

Source: re-nest.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

do any of you have experience with this? i really would so love to grow herbs indoors. and i know it's entirely possible, however it's more just figuring out how to do that and keep a cat away from it. ha. hrmmm any tips would be greatly appreciated.

i'm also getting excited to use brighter colours! i have it on good authority that my knitpicks order is almost here! weeeeeee! of course, i've already gotten another wish list started. haha. but in the meantime, watching all of those hours of downton abbey have been very beneficial to my knitting... take a look at what's just about finished!

of course, i love this pattern. as it's the second time that i've knit jane richmond's classic raglan pullover. and probably not the last. and if it's something you're hankering to give a try.. check out canadian living! they're doing a kal for this pattern.. starting tomorrow! the details are on their blog.

and here's a little sneak peek at what i'll be swatching with today!

hint... it's 100% linen. this is a first for me :)
yep. spring is starting to show it's colours in this house! yippeee!! but you probably can't tell that i'm excited...

what are you up to today? what's on your needles? any big plans for spring? what is your favourite thing about this season? are you an indoor gardener? i'd love to hear any tips you may have for my impending indoor herb (and maybe more) garden! come chat! i'm about to brew a big pot of coffee. xo

teaser for spring...

2012-02-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

today is a bit of a tease... i'm all ready to be in march.... and i have to wait one more day. lol. but it's all good.

Source: ruffledblog.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

today i'm stuck down memory lane. i was very lucky to grow up on a hobby farm. and right now with spring just around the corner, flowers beginning to bloom (out here, yes.. they are)... i'm feeling even more nostalgic.

Source: beautiful-portals.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

we didn't do any farm work really. we had the big vegetable garden though, and a huge laundry line, even a split-rail fence. (love that).... and a lot of space. i miss it very much...

Source: ittybittyblog.canalblog.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i was one of those kids who learned to drive on a tractor. we really only used our tractor to mow the fields... (where we'd have our huge bonfires).
we also only heated by wood. so chopping wood, and stacking it were big jobs. at one point i even knew what kind of tree the logs would be from just at a glance, and a decent idea of how they would burn. and my mom would always have a cinnamon, or orange type potporri bubbling on the woodstove...

Source: plowhearth.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i even remember one year our family decided to try to make our own apple cider. we rented a very old cider press and it was freezing out! it was october.. but i'm sure it started snowing. we had to pound the apples into the press (which was so loud as it ran by generator) one by one, strain the pulp, boil the jugs,oh goodness what a memory! haha. we made so much apple cider! of course, we must have complained a lot because every year after that we just bought the apples and sent them off to a cider-press to have them made. ha. then we'd have warm, cinnamon-y apple cider all year long. and we'd sip it by the woodstove, while our feet and hands would thaw out.

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've been living in cities now for over a decade... but i really feel like i'm a country girl at heart. and you know, one day..... i know i'll have my dream home out in the country. it won't be fancy or anything. but we'll have space. it will be quiet. i'll have my laundry line... and my vegetable garden. i've asked for a sheep... but so far i'm not getting very far with that. ha.
i can still smell the sheets when they would come off the line... really, you sleep much better when you're wrapped in bedsheets that have been dried outside, in the sweet smelling air.

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

this definitely puts me in the mood for spring. i'll even request a sunroom, where my gals can come and sew to their hearts content. and we'll knit by the fire.
...one day... and until then, i'll be plotting my balcony garden, and trying to air dry clothes as much as i can in the small space i do have... as for the woodstove well we'll just have to get camping :) xo

are you getting excited for spring? do you have any memories that you hope to one day relive? what things are you most looking forward to for the spring? i'd love to hear about it! come chat. ... i'll pretend to put another log on the fire.... and we'll sip our coffee. xo

cable buzz

2012-02-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

i really should be more awake right now. i'm already half way through my second cup of coffee... but i still feel very sleepy ;) but i have an excellent reason. here's why. i finally started watching "downton abbey" last night. my friends really weren't kidding when they warned me that i couldn't watch just one episode. ha. i only watched two...(i did get a bunch of knitting done during that time too... so it's all good!) .... but then i had to read more of the "hunger games". i have to hurry up and finish that series... so that brought me to almost "too late to be up"... ;) ...que more coffee...

Source: tumblr.com via Bonnie on Pinterest

and then my little guy had a nightmare, and so i let him sleep with me last night. always when the hubs has to go away for work (for several days at a time), things go a little off of our normal schedule. and i tend to let a couple of things slide. so last night i let him sleep with me. and man, for a little guy, he can sure be a bed hog! ha! i was kicked most of the night. hahahaha. oh well. at least he's refreshed and ready to tackle the day with luster! (awesome)

Source: nataliedee.com via Micci on Pinterest

lol i love that pic!

aaand so i thought i'd just start out the day with something i really like... and i thought i'd share it with you... right now, it's cables... sooo gorgeous, and fluffy, and intricate, i just like them...
here's a few of my faves:

Source: blog.berroco.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: snorkaknits.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: us.asos.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

yeah.. now my day has started out right ;) of course i have more faves... but i think this is enough for today, yes?
i would love to snuggle up in a cabled sweater or huge socks, and huddle around a campfire right now. so awesome! but realistically, it is february.. so i'll have to be a little more patient ;)

do you have a favourite thing to share? something that you're just "digging" lately? do you also share my pain of purposely going to bed far too late because things like "downton abbey" and the "hunger games" call to you? do share! i'm about to have my third cup of coffee now. haha. i'll make more coffee for you! xo

"star-1"

2012-02-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

the weekend was a blast. soo fun. and crafty! our knit night was held at a pub this week. oh goodness, did we ever have fun. hahah. many laughs were had, and i'm even surprised at the amount of knitting that did happen! we were out until the wee hours of the morning. hahaa. and then we're so hard-core.. the next day we had our modern-sewing meetup. so fun!

i bought myself a sewing machine about two and a half years ago. but i'm not a very comfortable sewer. however, i'm learning and i'm eager to learn more :)

meet... "star-1" i honestly don't have any idea where he gets these names... but owen has a special thing for stars i suppose. seriously. lol.

i have stuck with safe for this project. not a whole lot of shaping.. but i think that's what makes him so uber cute! i have some anna maria horner that i thought would be perfect for this project. it's from the folksy flannel collection. and it's oh-so-soft.

this is my little own design. and trust me, he's verrry huggable. a little pillow monster is just the right addition to a reading nook for my 4 year old. (or so i am envisioning.) i thought it would be a great idea to start collecting little projects that i could use as baby gifts or shower pressies or something.. but owen is very quick to claim them. hrmmmm..... i kind of just went with it as i was sewing. with lots of tips from my sewing pals.. he came together pretty quickly. a little embroidering, buttons, and stuffing... and voila! he's not perfect. but that's what makes him so cute. i tried out my first invisible seam. (yes. first!)
(and i totally had not intended for the flowers to line up. so that's why they look crooked. ha).

this is why our modern sewing group is a big thing for me! i am learning a lot, and i have very patient friends ;) it's mostly a lot of our knit night gals, plus some other fab. sewers. we get together once a month. and it's really the perfect amount of time for us to get some sewing done without any big interruptions.

i have a goal though. i want to sew a garment for me. for spring and summer... this year..... the idea of exact measurements is a little scary for me, because i just always think i'll screw it up. haha. but as with any new craft, i need to practice, and push myself. i do have a dress in mind... but i'm still thinking on it. so i'll let ya know.. eventually ;)

as i went searching for "star-1" to take a few pictures, i realized owen has himself a cute little posse of handmade stuffies....

these have all accumulated over the years.. but i have to say, i love that they are well loved and played with.
and just in case you're wondering... the projects from left to right are:
a. monster (free pattern found here on tip junkie)
b. monster pillow (my little design)
c. "collect-star" (pattern: sheldon from knitty) more pics here
d. "socktopus" (free pattern here from knitty)
e. "muno" (pattern by michelle vess found here on ravelry)
f. "robot" (pattern: louie the lovebot by rebecca danger)
g. "star" (pattern: crochet amigurumi rudy. from michaels.com)

i tried searching for the rudy pattern, but it seems to be no longer available. also i realize there is one more:

this is kate. pattern found here on knitty. so yes. we have quite a collection of stuffies here ;) haha...
but back to the sewing... i know i can do it... but i'm a wee bit scared....
as soon as i begin tackling the project though, i'll let ya know!

thank goodness for our modern sewing meet-ups!

how was your weekend? did you have a blast? what kind of crafting did you get up to? i'd love to hear about it! do you dabble in both sewing and yarn-y crafts? do you prefer one over the other? how do you find the balance? the coffee is on, and i'm ready to chat! xo

"collect-star" aka "star-collect"

2012-02-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

i'm so happy to discover that it's friday already! who would have thought the week would fly by so quickly! this marks week one for the hubs to be gone to sea. he'll come home on the weekends, so that helps break it up. we have 3 more to go. but we've been keeping ourselves very busy. the knitting front has been good! very good....
in fact, i'd like you to meet "collect-star" ...or "star-collect" depending on what my 4 year old feels like calling him...

owen was a little jealous that mommy was getting such beautiful yarn and was making a special project for herself. not to mention he just had to say good bye to the cutest little sheep ever.... (you'll have to scroll down a couple of pics to see it)
he very politely and very firmly requested a project for him. heehee.. what a cute little guy. so of course, i obliged.

i love that he's already getting fuzzy with cuddles, play, and snuggles...i honestly have no idea where he comes up with the names.. but "star" being in the name seems to be special to him. a long time ago, i crocheted him a cute little toy... whom he promptly named "star".

i think he might have been 2? strange...
nevertheless... i love him! he was a really fun project!
the deets?

the pattern is "sheldon" by ruth homrighaus.
you may have seen it around, as it's been around since 2006... and i think i've had this in my que since then. i even had the pattern printed out a few years back....
i used 3.5mm needles, and just scrap yarn from my stash. the green and blue i think are vanna's choice, and the orange i think is patons... but i can't remember if it's decor or classic wool... don't quote me on it though ;)

honestly, i had delayed in knitting this up, because i thought it was going to be a lot more difficult than it was.
for a toy, i think this pattern was very straight-forward. no guess work. and i learned a few new techniques! (always a bonus). i expected him to be much smaller (i don't know why) but i think he's the perfect size. and certainly helped to eat up some stash yarn.
i most certainly want to make more.
i used buttons instead of safety eyes, as they are near impossible to find here. if i were to knit this for a newborn though, i'd probably just embroider the eyes.

and the best part? i just discovered that sheldon likes to play dress-up, and there are patterns available to make dress-up shells of a lion, sheep, bumblebee or a bat! how awesome is that! so far i'm just sticking with the turtle shell though, because i looove it. hee hee

as for the colour choices? that would be all owen. he really does have an eye for colour i think! and he felt like such a helper. picking the colours (and having every say on that ) as well as stuffing the legs.
already "collect-star" is loved to bits. there was much consideration made when i asked to borrow him for photographs. hahah.
the best toys are the ones that are always played with. for sure.

it looks to be a very wet day today. and this mama is super excited to have her hubby home... as well as going out to knit night! the girls and i decided to bring it to a pub this week. i'm sure it will be a blast! and so that means a boys night tomorrow night. owen and i will be creating a sign saying "boys night! no girls allowed" covered with dump trucks and spiderman stickers. can you tell he's super excited to have his daddy home? bbq chips and the wii are also requested for that night.... and i'm totally fine with that, so long as i get to be with my girls, and knit! we're also going to be meeting up the following day for the modern-sewing meet-up! and i have still yet to find a pattern to sew. help!
there will be much knitting, and cuddling, and crafting this weekend for me that's for sure!

how about you? what do you have planned for this weekend? here's wishing you a weekend full of laughter, friends, crafting, and cozy cups of tea. i'd love to hear what you're up to! come chat! xo

i've chosen a colour!

2012-02-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

choosing colours are always overwhelming for me. i don't know why that is.. but i do know that i totally appreciate all of your input on the colour for my new georgia cardigan.

Source: magpiepatterns.com via Lisa on Pinterest

i am so excited to cast this one on!
in my last post about it, i was choosing between cayenne and ginger. and then i discovered that i also could use oxblood. as there was enough yardage of that one too..

so then i put out a shout out for help on the facebook page as well.. and what do you know, there was a definite favourite....
and so, without further ado... the winning colour is...

i don't usually knit in brighter colours. but with sweet georgia yarn at my fingertips, and her colour selection.. how could i not!?
i had a very wonderful helper while trying my hand at the swift and ball winder. owen really thought it was the bees knees... yes. wouldn't you know, i always wind my skeins by hand...

i clearly would be forever knitting up this cardi if that were the case. hahah. with a preschooler (and hyper one at that) and a kitty.. these babies would never get wound!

knitting with sweet georgia yarn is such a treat for me! especially a sweater's worth! this will be by far my most luxurious cardi. i've definitely worked hard for it... and i'm using up some gift certificates. all of my sample knitting is a huge help towards this purchase.
and really, i can't think of a better pattern to knit this to. weee!

and now i've got my little preschooler wondering why i'm not working on his project right now. a new stuffie for him...which i'll probably be able to show you very soon!!!! and so i need to get a knittin'. and a swatchin'! (when he's not looking). haha.

what kind of things do you have on the go? any fave crafting going on? what yarn would be a big treat for your hands to work with? anything you're coveting? i'd love to hear about it! come chat... coffee's on, and piping hot. xo

winners! and a little baa :)

2012-02-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

i bet you've been waiting on pins and needles... haven't you? we've got winners for our "warm up to winter" kal! wahooo! but you'll have to head on over to luvinthemommyhood to see if you're one of them! and the prizes? oh my! they're pretty wicked awesome.

Source: community.thenest.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've really had so much fun with this kal. and in watching all of you lovely ladies knit up a storm! i love how many things some of you knit! amazing! truly inspirational! honestly, i can't wait for the next kal! soo soo exciting!

and don't you worry.. we'll be letting you know soon enough ;)
in the meantime.. i have a little friend here who's pretty shy about it.. but wanted to say hi.

hee hee... i'm going to be an auntie again... and we had to send these off quick as a wink, so my sister would have them for the newborn photo shoot. we're excited! we don't know if we'll have a niece or nephew.. but he/she will rock the little sac and hat. haha. obvs i'll show better pics once they're done;) and of course the little lamb just had to go along for the ride. ;)

the pattern is "lamb" by susan b. anderson. and this is the third time i've knit this up! honestly, it's such a sweet little pattern. you do need to be comfortable with dpns.. but toys, or "stuffies" as we call them are a great way to use up scrap yarn. susan has a lot of toy patterns published. she certainly has a knack for them, and they're all adorable! i totally recommend her patterns. owen was sad to see lamb go... and promptly picked out a pattern he wants me to knit up for him. i cast on last night, and hopefully most of his stuffie will be done today!
also, toys are a great way to break up the bigger projects on the needles :)

what's been on your needles these days? any little projects you like to tackle in between the bigger ones? what are your faves? it's super windy and rainy out today, so there's a lot of knittin' going on. come and chat! i'd love your company. xo

persistence pays off... right?

2012-02-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

i know that many of us already know this.. but the best things sometimes take the hardest work. working really hard for something produces incredible results...

Source: qu114.info via Kristen on Pinterest

most of the time.... and i am reminded of it today, when i stumbled upon a friend's blog... flutterflutter.
i've been feeling a little bit frustrated.. because i'm having a hard time achieving the right picture. i very honestly would much rather cast on for another project then set down my needles to snap some groovy pictures. that being said.. i really want gorgeous pictures of my work. i do work hard on the knitting, and crochet.. baking bread.. all of that good stuff... so i should work just as hard to show it to you in the way i want it to be seen.

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i have a lot of respect for photographers! it's hard! finding the right lighting, the right angles... the perfect setting to capture texture, or expression... i find it very difficult, anyways... but i'll keep working at it.... because i don't want to just show you any photo of my work, i want you to see what i see.. and why i love the process soo much..... and i promise to have something to show you soon. :)

but in the meantime.. i'd love to show you a video that i saw on rosa's blog today. rosa, the force behind flutterflutter has some very inspiring posts, and you should check her out. today's is no exception. and i just have to share this video.... and with my background in music, i just love it that much more!
what helps you to keep on going. to get what you know you can achieve if you just keep working hard...? i'd really love to hear about it! xo

breathe deep

2012-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

...i think it's safe to say that we're all really anticipating spring. don't you think so?

Source: heathersthompson.typepad.com via Mary on Pinterest

it's been a strange winter for me. and i'm more than ready to breathe fresh spring air, and to start looking for florals. :)

Source: dosfamily.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

heck, just to reach for a handknit, instead of a jacket... now that will be awesome!
i always thought that the fall was my ultimate favourite time of year... but now i'm not so sure. i loove the fall, definitely... but i'm loving the springtime more and more... hey, winter and summer aren't so bad either... buuut.. yeah, let's not talk winter today, ok?

spring is super great for being inspired for things to grow and being outside and stuff... but what about those woolens? i mean they can't be just for winter.. can they? i say no! ...clearly!

Source: google.nl via Rebecca on Pinterest

do you remember this?

i crocheted this baby up last year for a class at the cloth castle. the pattern is based on the summer garden granny square by attic24. and you can read more about it here if you'd like to.

and ummmm did you see this cotton cowl?

Source: purlbee.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

yah. pretty cute. this is the striped cotton cowl, from the purlbee.. and i think it's fairly awesome.

so you see? lots of very exciting things to look forward to this spring! and i'm totally planning on getting my hands dirty with some balcony gardening... as soon as i figure out what i'm doing ;)

how about you? are you looking forward to spring? what big plans do you have for the change of seasons? what's in your que? i'm all ears, and ready to plan with you! xo

ridiculously happy

2012-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Source: theswellsideofthepillow.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i am one happy girl today! honestly... not much can top this...

Source: molliemakes.themakingspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i can not tell you how excited i am to tell you this! i , along with shannon from luvinthemommyhood have a page in the 11th issue of mollie makes magazine!!! it wasn't too long ago now, when shannon got the email that molly makes wanted to use her photo in their newest edition of the mag.

you remember this tutorial, right? this is from when i was invited to be a part of versus. and i designed the jardain coaster pattern just for the occasion. and thanks to shannon's incredible photography skills... this pic has been scooped up!! for a full page!!! yippeee shannon!

when i started this little blog, i didn't know what to expect... well i did know not to expect things to come quickly. but i certainly started this blog with dreams in mind. you all know how much i love crafting... i just really think it's part of who we are. that we as humans need to craft. from woodworking, to gardening, farming to bread-baking, and knitting... and the list goes on...
so how awesome is it that this amazing crafting magazine wants to chat about one of my tutorials! wahoooo!

the insert says

"When Rebecca of inanook.blogspot fame was invited by Shannon Cook to share her crochet love on the Versus blog (versusmag.blogspot.com), she revealed how to make these super spiralled Jardain coasters with pretty petals. All you need is a little bit of yarn and a little bit of time and a whole set will be yours! Find out more about Shannon and her inspirations at luvinthemommyhood.com"

this is big people! and it puts the biggest smile on my face. want to know more? mollie makes is an inspirational crafting magazine, also dubbed as "the making spot" that is based in the UK. this particular issue hit shops in the UK on thursday. and i gotta tell you, i've got to get my hands on a copy!

this sweet magazine is only coming up to it's first birthday! and really it's such a beautiful collection!
make sure to head on over to mollie makes and have a big peek! they have a facebook page too.
if you want to get your hands on a hard copy in

Canada

Coles, Chapters

USA

Barnes & Noble, JoAnns

i know you can also get digital copies as well, and their site has all of the info.

i can't tell you how excited i am about this. it makes me so happy :) i'm so pleased everyone has had such a wonderful response to the jardain coasters! what an inspiration from you and encouragement, to try my hand at some more crochet goodies for you! xo

a big thank you to mollie makes for making this girl ridiculously excited , my face will hurt from smiling, almost as much as on my wedding day! and to you :) for loving to create! xoxoxox

sweater obsessed

2012-02-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

i have to say..i 'm noticing a lot of sweater love in the world of pinterest lately. that's probably because i follow a lot of knitting boards... but that being said.. there's still a lot of sweater love going around... have you noticed that too?
a little while back, i fell in love with this sweater.... i'm sure you remember, because i only couldn't stop talking about it...
but i've held restraint.. and haven't bought the yarn for it... yet. next group order though. i totally am...
and then i've been thinking so so much about this sweater lately...

Source: ravelry.com via Heather on Pinterest

it's georgia. by jane richmond. and i want to knit it soo bad. in sweet georgia yarn too. and i just might... the cloth castle has a selection of tough love sock that i'm oohing and aaahhing over. and i'm down to two colours. i could use your help :)

i got these pics from the sweet georgia website... (incase you're wondering). and the one on the left is cayenne... this is the colour that jane is wearing in her pic. but then i'm also loving ginger.
what do you think?
of course, i'm also in love with audrey. and i'm torn, because i want to knit them all up.
and i just need more time in my day to sit and knit.
tell me, i'm not the only one with this predicament. ok?

maybe it's the damp weather that's got me itching to knit sweaters like it's nobody's business, i don't know... but i'm clearly obsessed today. so while i think and ponder, and get advice from you... i'll work on my classic raglan pullover... in this yarn..

hrmmm maybe i have a yellow and orange thing going on? perhaps i should think of a different colour? honestly though, choosing colours has always been overwhelming for me... help!

alright. i'll make more coffee for you... as well as popcorn. because, that's the kind of day we are going to have. xo

warm up to winter kal time!

2012-02-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

i have to be honest with you, i'm a little sad that the "warm up to winter" kal is coming to a close! that went by fast! you have been sooo productive! and so inspiring! i know both shannon and i have looooved seeing how chatty and wonderful you've all been throughout this kal! wahoo!!! well done!
i have to say i'm pretty pleased that i knit 2 pairs of mitts! (and that's like 4 things, when you really think about it). yes i did say that right... two pairs!
you remember these, right?

but in case you didn't.. this is "red is best" by one of my besties, jane richmond. i've honestly been wearing them every day since i've bound off for these babies. they are so warm, and well perfect! haha. i really love them!
well when my hubby saw them, he liked them... a lot... so of course, i had to knit him a pair as well! and of course, jane has written a pattern perfect for men too!
wanna see?

these are "quick mittens for men" and let me tell you, they are uber quick! they literally take no time at all. my hubs has kind of smaller hands. (it's cute!) so i downsized the needle to a 5.0mm... but i had to compensate for that by knitting more rounds in the flip top part of the mitten... it worked out perfectly...as you can see ;)

he loves them! and i do too! they fit him just like a ... mitten.. haha. honestly though! he's done the whole "shake" test to make sure it doesn't fly off his hand in case he were to spontaneously jazz hands it up somewhere... (i guess you never know).... and they stayed on. and now we can go out in style! xo

i knit these in the patons shetland chunky. and it's gotta be one of the squishiest yarns i've worked with! love it. and there are still lots of leftovers. these really are the perfect mitts. and if you're looking for a last minute gift for any day... well look no further! honestly, keep these babies in mind.

oh and just because he's the cutest little thing ever...

we love this guy to bits. honestly.

but hang on.. did you know we've got prizes for you lovelies?!? to find out what they are, you have to head on over to luvinthemommyhood. she's got all of the deets there. make sure you check it out, because prizes are always awesome. and be sure you enter! you have until sunday, febuary 19th. midnight pacific time to enter.. so there is still time!

warm up to winter knit along sign up

shannon and i have really enjoyed hosting this kal! you are all so very inspiring, and just plain awesome! i mean, you did see shannon's post on all of your gorgeous work, right? ah.mazing! the next kal will be here before you know it! but we've got a pressie planned for you first. how excited are you now?

already i'm seriously looking forward to the next kal. for realz. i got a new coffee maker, and it brews some mighty fine coffee... i'm not just sayin' that though. it's true. and i've got a pot here, so come on. grab your knitting, your comfy slippers, and let's get chatting! what do you think the next kal will be about? xo

loving is easy.

2012-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

is it really mid-febuary already?? honestly. how did that happen? it's been a crazy start to the year for our little family... and i feel like we're just getting on our feet now... trying to find that oh-so-important routine... but i'm not giving up! we'll find it. we're back from our second trip to alberta since the beginning of the year. and i've got the spring cleaning bug biting at my heels.... just ready for a fresh clean start. ya know?
and with all of the hubbub of a busy start to the year... valentine's day has kind of snuck up on me.
i took a look at the calendar this weekend and went "whhhaaaaaaa???" (i bet i'm not the only one who's done that though... just sayin')

our family is not huge on celebrating valentine's day though. it's true. we're kinda frugal that way. we like to take the opportunity to say love for sure... but we don't see why money has to be spent for it. so i like finding ways to show and say love without costing much, but still being creative... so if you're fishing for ideas....

Source: justbesplendid.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

heee hee...

- plan a surprise walk.
- bring coffee, hot chocolate, tea... whatever... ;)
- hold hands
- cuddle...
- popcorn is good...
- especially with a movie, cuddled up on the couch...

i'm sure you get the idea.... i think the most important thing though is to just enjoy being with your love... and not try to fit in other things at the same time...this is the trickiest part for me.... because i'm the queen of multi-tasking. i feel almost bored with doing just one thing at a time... and that includes knitting! i usually have to read, or be brainstorming and list making (also a downfall of mine..) at the same time. and if i can be baking as well... all the better. so i have to remind myself to just focus on one thing.. and romance should really just be that... simply romantic, not busy.

Source: butterflykissesonmycheek.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

so if you're like me and see that the 14th has come quicker than expected.... try the simple, and focused valentine. even if it's just for yourself...

hmm now didn't i say something about baking? good idea!

how are you celebrating today? do you celebrate valentine's day? even a treat of yarny goodness... a coffee, you know... that little goodie that puts a smile on your face... and for you sewing friends of mine out there.. did you see luvinthemommyhood's gift to you? it's sooo cute! and i think it shows a lot of luv!!! head on over to see it! xo

sleep?

2012-02-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

i did a crazy thing. i stayed up past one a.m to read. hahah it may not sound so crazy, but it is for me, because i usually loose sleep to knit... not to read. (unless it's while i'm knitting). ;)

Source: sweetpaul.typepad.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and it's not even a book about knitting. (ha). but i certainly got lost in it. and i bet you've heard of it. it's "the hunger games trilogy" by suzanne collins
am i right? have you heard of it?

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Jessica on Pinterest

i'll be starting the second book shortly... but if i can just figure out how to prop the book open so i can knit at the same time... honestly, haha i'm loosing precious knitting time here! ;)
and speaking of knitting...

Source: halfadreamaway.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

a number of things have been flying off of the needles! so i'll soon have several things to share with you. :) stay tuned for wednesday's post on our "warm up to winter" kal with luvinthemommyhood.... ;) there also might be a sweater... (or two!) to show you... honestly, i just cast on for another one last night... :) and i've got a little pressie in the works for you.

how have you been? i've missed you all! any good books on your shelves these days? what's on your needles? i'm here to chat, and the coffee is good. especially today, because it's monday. ;) xo

hurrah for friday!

2012-02-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

are you excited to see the weekend too?

Source: homeshoppingspy.wordpress.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

thank you all very much for your well wishes to the family. grandpa gunderson will be missed greatly, but we are soo happy he had such a wonderful, and long life! just a day short of 95 years!
it's been so nice to see family again. my hubs has been most grateful, i know.

we're on our way home later tonight. so this weekend will be full of laundry and cleaning. ummmm yay? lol. i plan to get in some reading too. (new book from christmas.. and i can hardly put it down!)

Source: weheartit.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i'm sure i'll get some crafting in though. it's a must.

Source: shop.happyknits.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

how has your week been? so sorry for the quick posts this week... next week i'll be making it up to you, i promise. but i miss you all and want to hear how you're doing, and what you're up to this weekend. what crafty endevors are you up to? this girl's gotta know! xo

a tidbit for you...

2012-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

did you know? it's national sweater day!!!

haha i couldn't really believe this when i saw it. i'm thinking i must be new here though... as there is this whole big website devoted to it and everything! yes. i must have been sleeping, or out of it or just not paying attention...
in fact... the more i think about it, the more i bet i'm really the only one that didn't already know about it.. hahah.
so for the very few of you who didn't know about this.... let me indulge you...
let's start with the website! WWF and loblaw are asking everyone to lower the heat today to help conserve energy. and now the grannies are all on board to get you to wear those sweaters they've been gifting you but you never wear. haha.
i think it's a great cause!
and so i thought i'd show you a few golden finds.

Source: macys.com via Keshia on Pinterest

Source: ebay.com via Anneke on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

and my personal fave...

Source: Uploaded by user via Cynthia on Pinterest

bahahahhaah!
but in all honestly, this is a great cause! i love it! i'm totally donning my sweater today. (it's not anything like these gems, though)

how about you? did you already know about today? what's your "fave" sweater. haha. hope you're all keeping warm, without the heat turned up! come chat! xo

popping in

2012-02-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

hi there! we are still in alberta, and visiting with family... the "warm up to winter" knit along post will be up either tomorrow or next week... so stay tuned for that! but to keep you smiling, i've got a little something for you. xo

Source: stustake.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

hee heee.. poor little dinosaur!

hope you are all doing well! how is the crafting going for you? i've been fairly productive, so that's a good thing.. definitely something to clap about :) i'd love to hear what you've been working on. what kind of creative bug has bitten you lately? is it yarn related? sewing? drawing? i'd love to hear about it!! xoxxo

saying goodbye....

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

sometimes life throws us for a bit of a loop, and though we aren't always ready for it (more often than not), we do expect it... because it's life. we have to, really....
and so our little family is off to celebrate the the long, good life of a family member, and remember him well. good-byes are hard to do. and it's usually sad. there are always hard lessons in life... but they make us stronger, and make us closer as family.
and so that is what we are off to do. to be with my husband's family, and to love, laugh, cry, remember and celebrate dearly, his grandpa. we are so very grateful to have spent the time we did with him just a few short weeks ago.

i'll be taking a couple of days away from this space, to be with family. but i'll be back on wednesday. to share with you my results of the "warm up to winter" kal. see you then, dear friends. xo

i've got a crush...

2012-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

it's true.. and i seem to be the type of person who's personality is a little bit obsessive. (i'm seeing this as a good thing)....

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

it's just sooo pretty... and those cables! sigh.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i'm loving the texture... and the detail! honestly, this cardi looks soo cozy and perfect. and i'm in love. hoplessely.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i just can't stop thinking about this cardi!! the only thing i'm just not the biggest fan of is all of the seaming... but i'm sure i could get over it... afterall, it would be worth it.... don't you think?
the pattern? aidez by cirilia rose

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

but i totally don't need anything else on my plate right now. no. but if i were to knit it... i think that knit picks wool of the andes bulky yarn would do very well, wouldn't you think so? (and i like porcini or wallaby... the link to the yarn should bring you to all of your colour choices..you know, in case you wanted to tell me your fave colour for this cardi...) but i really shouldn't knit this... right?
haha and now you're probably crushing now too... well you're welcome. very much.

have you been crushing on a specific pattern lately? are you really wanting to do some selfish knitting especially after all of the gifts of christmas.. i know it was 2 months ago.. but still... isn't it about time to knit something for youself? happy weekend! xo

sometimes i surprise myself....

2012-02-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

especially when i take a look at the calendar :)

because here i was all disappointed that i hadn't finished these in time for the kal deadline (which i had set) and then i realized that hrmmm the last day of january is totally still part of the kal! i finished these babies with 10 minutes to spare on january 31. yes people, i pushed on until midnight to finish them!

and? i love them :) i made one little boo-boo that i can think of and that is making the foot a little long, but meh.. that's all good in my books.
i am a big fan of this yarn. and from what i've been hearing, you are too! these colours are fab. and i love how the stripes are turning out. pretty cool for this pattern.
at the beginning of the project, i was totally digging the small yarn and small needles. and i think i still like them, but i also think it's nice to even it out with projects on larger needles too.
it's not my only sock pattern to tackle... buuut, probably my only skew. for a while anyways.

i didn't hate knitting it at all. it's just strange to me in it's construction. and i think i've mentioned before that it would be nice to have some mindless sock knitting. sometimes the most basic of socks can be a fave. .... so long as you have the right yarn :)
when i bought the yarn for this project, i was seriously planning on using an entire skein for each sock. i got close. here's what i'm left with. ...

i just really wanted to be wearing the socks already, and i think that they were getting long enough. what do you think?

so wahoooo for me for getting them done on time! and now i've got to get knitting! babies have been born and they need some knitted gifts!! my knit night girls are all getting together to do a group order with knitpicks (so exciting when it arrives, it's like christmas day for us all!) and i'll be picking yarn for gifts.. i'll be sure to share with you once i decide on pattern and yarn! this will be my first big yarn order and i'm pretty excited!

so how about you? have you caught yourself staring at the calendar, and then realizing you actually have already accomplished something you thought you didn't? do you go together with friends to do group orders? do you stick to your guns on what you'll order or are you easily swayed to order what everyone else is ordering...'cause it's pretty. hahah let's hope that doesn't happen to me! i always love hearing from you, let's chat! have a beautiful thursday, full of little surprises :) xo

warming up to winter kal -- rockin' red.

2012-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

are we actually into february already? i find it kind of hard to believe. i feel like i'm still getting over chrsitmas. eeks! crazy. but it's all good :) the weather will start to get warmer, flowers will start to bloom (yep, out here they bloom pretty early... sorry to rub it in. lol) but a girl will still need to keep warm. i always find that the first thing to go would have to be substituting for the winter jacket.... i'm totally gonna keep wearing my knitted woolies though.... i bet you're all like that too....
sooooo since it's "warm up to winter" kal time.... wanna know what i've made so far? it's really quite perfect for this weather, i think....

and perfect for the month of february... 'cause it's red. hee hee.
and we all know red is best. :)

honestly, i love them! these are my first flip-top mittens, and i think they fit great!
i had decided that because i love knitting with my knit picks dpns that i was going to knit with them, even if they weren't the recommended needle size. haha. i ended up knitting the medium sized, and they turned out perfect for my hands!

wahoo!! so the deets... it's a jane richmond pattern (honestly, i am very predictable at this point) and i knit these in diamond yarn galway. it's 100% wool, and soo warm! these mitts really don't take up a lot of yarn, and they're pretty quick too! love them!

i'm not the only one who loves the too. hee hee. my hubby thinks they're pretty sweet, soooo i've cast on for a pair of quick mittens for men, also by jane richmond. so we'll be all matchy matchy! he picked charcoal for the colour. very manly. he'll actually be going away on an exercise for work, and will be sleeping in a tent- in february... ahem. so these mitts should totally help him keep warm. i'm knitting them with patons shetlan chunky yarn.

i can already tell they'll be an uber quick knit.

honestly, shannon and i have been so uber impressed with all of you on this kal! you've been the most friendly, talkative bunch! and soooo speedy! some of you have finished just an amazing amount of projects! and just think, there is still another week left of the kal! the lovely shannon, has actually created a roundup of your projects.. be sure to go on over to luvinthemommyhood to check them out. you all should be so very proud of your work! beautiful stuff!

and if you're thinking of still joining in, there's still time! make sure you sign up for for the kal by clicking the link below:

warm up to winter knit along sign up

start date: january 11, 2012 (but you can start any time)
end date: feb 8, 2012

make sure you sign up, so that you're eligible for prizes, and prizes are always fun :) and once you're finished your fab projects make sure you post your pics in either our ravelry group thread or our flicker group.

you guys have done such amazing work on this kal! i have been seeing some very beautiful fo's! remember, be sure to head on over to luvinthemommyhood today to see a bit of a montage, starring you! xo

lofty lofty ambitions...

2012-01-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

it's skew time! how did everyone do? i say you all deserve a big pat on the back for tackling this pattern. it's a bit of a strange pattern, construction wise... not bad, just strange... and so pat pat pat... on the back to you.

and now down to the knitty-gritty.. (get it? lol) clearly, i need more sleep. hhahaa. ok. confession time. i don't have a big reveal for you... yet. :( i really really wanted to! and i'm pretty close! but man those needles are tiny, and that yarn is so small.... and no matter how fast i knit, it just wasn't fast enough last night.
that being said....

here are my thoughts on the pattern. the outcome? very cool.. if you have the right yarn. though this is my first real sock pattern to tackle (being on small needles and all), i feel that there are many other patterns that would require a more mindless knit... not that i don't mind this, but you know. :) i did make the foot just a little bit too long. can you tell from the pic? it's looking a little baggy in the heel. oh well, lessons are always there to be learned. and very soon, i'll have a pair to show you. very very soon.
enough with the excuses. this has been a very busy month for me! and early next month, i'll be showing you lots and lots of fo's. promises.
would you like a sneak peek? of course you would :)

i know you totally know what this is... and i'm so excited it's done! too bad it's not for me :) though look what i'll be knitting mine in!!!

and then there are these....

and another of (almost) the same with this yarn..

but i'll be chatting about those two tomorrow for the warm up to winter kal that i'm hosting with luvinthemommyhood.

and i know i've already shown you kathleen. and you can read more about it here.

life happens, i know. but i'm hard on myself. i wish i had fully completed these skews within the deadline i set. but little surprises come my way, and i have to adapt. we've just found out that the hubs is off on an exercise for 2 weeks.... and he'll have to sleep in a tent. in winter. ewwwwww... of course he needs some woolies to keep him warm... and so i've had to accommodate for that. i knew you would totally understand. the reason i couldn't quite finish one knitting project is because of more knitting. haaaa... gotta love it.
but of course.. i have much planned for next month too...

so how about it. i wanna see your skews! even if they aren't completed (which is clearly allowed), send a link in the comments below so we can all see your amazing work! and i bet that by the end of the week... at the latest... you'll see mine.

how has the beginning of 2012 been for you? have you been a productive, busy bee? what are your upcoming crafting goals? i'd love to hear from you, and i've just made a fresh pot of coffee. yummmm xo

grey mondays

2012-01-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

it's fairly grey today...

Source: barewunderbar.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and it's making me more cold. :) the weekend was great! we filled it with good friends, knit night, and even a hockey game:) i have to say i'm feeling a little tuckered out. hahah. but it's all good.

Source: ravelry.com via Henriette on Pinterest

so today is for cuddles, warm wool, and a little baking. ...maybe even a nice long walk!
this girl could use a little comfort today....oh and don't worry, i haven't forgotten about skew. tomorrow is the deadline! so i'm saving my post for then :) xo

what are you up to today? how was your weekend? i'd love to hear from you! xo

finally friday!

2012-01-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

i don't know about you, but this has been a very strange week for me. i wasn't unhappy or frustrated or feeling anything negative, it just felt .... strange. lol. anyhoo.. yippee for the weekend! the hubs will be leaving soon for a couple of weeks in february so i'm going to enjoy this weekend and do my best to get my thoughts and yarn organized ;)
wanna know what i have planned? first things first:

Source: marthastewart.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

the hubs is our pancake king around here, and boy oh boy does he make a killer batch! they really are so uber fluffy and perfect. every. time. and it's becoming a weekend tradition now that he makes us pancakes! he always uses the recipe from "the joy of cooking". along with a few treats up his sleeve...mmMMmmmm. that's a very good way to start off the weekend, i think!

thrifting might be in order. it's been a while since i've done this, and spending time in a used bookstore is one of my fave past-times... you never know what you'll find!

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i don't know what it is about me and books, but they are just such a comfort to me. it kind of scares me that before too long, books will be a thing of the past... but i really love the feel of the book in my hand.... (or propped up, so that i can knit) .. but you get the idea...

Source: cn-richardson.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i'm also really looking forward to spending some quality time with the people i love. i posted about finding balance earlier this week, and it's been on my mind.. the importance of unplugging, and allowing myself be inspired and recharged by the people closest to me, and by spending more time outdoors...

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

maybe it's just been a strange winter, or something... and i ususally really love the cold, blustery days (perfect for knitting and tea), but i gotta tell ya, i'm sure looking forward to the spring! i am certainly ready for warmer weather!

Source: applepiechiclife.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

this post has been inspired by luvinthemommyhood's weekend wishes.

how about you? what are your plans for the weekend? are you just about ready to say goodbye to winter? here's wishing you a wonderful weekend, full of rest, rejuvenation, friends, family, cuddles, and well you get the idea ;) xo

confession.....

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

i think that sometimes , well no a lot of times it's hard to embrace your mistakes in knitting. you've put so . much. effort. into your overall project, and then to find out all of that work has to be ripped out? it's sad.

but i think it's important too... because we always learn from our mistakes, right? ...right??
i still really like this pattern, but my mistake came in such a rooky way. i didn't measure correctly. the size is right, but each bar of stitches are just a little bit too short.
short enough that i won't wear this. :(

but i still want to put more effort into this piece. i learned so much from it. new stitches, and techniques... (and apparently the need to be measuring correctly)...

so... once i grab another skein (in as close to this dye lot as possible) of el.d.mouzakis butterfly super 10, and take the biggest, deepest breath ever... i'll be ripping ripping ripping....
and then i'll be re-starting make up your mind by knittedbliss JC. because this pattern is totally worth it... and it deserves it...
and when it's done, it will fit like it should.

Make Up Your Mind by knittedblissJC

i know it will be worth it.. but i'm not ripping it out just yet. i'm talking about it. first step is admitting your mistakes.. ;) and once i have a few other projects finished, you can be sure i'll be toting this around with me.

how about you? do you have projects sitting on the top shelf, at the very back that you're ignoring because it just didn't turn out the way you thought it would? this isn't the only one for me... will you re-address it, and make it just the way you like? or is it going to stay in "time-out"? come chat! it's always nice to know that you're not the only one with big boo-boos. ;) xo

warm up to winter knit along - what i'm making!

2012-01-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

hello! i sooo missed you last week! it's warm up to winter kal chat time! woo hoo!

Source: tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i can't tell you how inspired i've been seeing all of your beautiful FO's, and reading all of your comments on the ravelry thread. you guys rock! it has taken me quite a while to come up with a pattern for this kal. i didn't want to knit just anything, of course... and true story, i had realized that i clearly hadn't thought ahead after i had whipped up "kathleen" by jane richmond less than two weeks before the start of the kal. hahaha. sooooo that left mitts, because "kathleen" was getting my full attention whenever i needed to don a toque. you can see pics and my notes here.
i do have a pair of knitted mitts.. but they're uber old.. and not all that warm. so it had been easily decided that's what i was knitting for the kal.

but boy oh boy, did i ever hum and haw over the pattern! honestly, there are so many good ones out there! i also needed to think of what mitts i would actually wear. what would work best for what i needed when i'm on the go. clearly, as you all know... i need to be able to keep knitting wherever i am (lol)... and then i remembered favouriting and oohhing and ahhing over "red is best". also by jane richmond. clearly i am an uber fan.

red is best by jane richmond

perfect!
and i just happen to have some diamond yarn galway in my stash. in red. (of course). the fact that these will be knit in 100% wool already guarantees that it will be a warm addition to my hands... and it's been cold this winter! i neeeed these mittens!

the pattern calls for 4.0mm dpns. (i totally have them), but i also happen to have a set of knit picks dpns. my only set. and they happen to be 3.75mm sooo close. and because i have pretty tiny hands (my rings are only a size 4.5!) and i tend to be a looser knitter, i'm so substituting for the knit picks dpns. i love them that much. ;)

i also love how jane named this pattern. do you remember the book red is best by kathy stinson? it was one of my faves as a little girl, and is definitely part of our family library.

photo from amazon.ca

i am so excited to get these mitts finished so that i can be wearing them already!

are you inspired to get knitting a pair of your own? want to join in on our kal? the finish date for this kal is feb. 8th, so you've still got plenty of time! you can pick your pattern. either a hat or mitts (or both!) and be sure to sign up for the kal by clicking the link below.. and remember you must be signed up to enter any giveaways. an important note for sure ;)

warm up to winter knit along sign up

you can keep up to snuff with chats in our luvinthemommyhood ravelry group, and be sure to check out all of the other posts here. also don't forget to grab a button to sport on your blog! you can get one from the sidebar to your right :) doesn't shannon create the best kal buttons?!
and one last thing. when you're done your beautiful project, be sure to either post pics of it in our ravelry group thread, or in our flicker group. we'd love to see what you're knitting up! already i'm seeing so many warm, and cozy knits! i love it!

make sure you stop by luvinthemommyhood to see how shannon is doing on her project. she's so speedy! xo

so what have you been creating? are you doing mittens, or a toque? or both? how are you keeping warm? i'd love to hear from you! the weather is horrid, and it's a great day for a chat and a mug of tea. xo

finding balance...

2012-01-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Source: inspireyourdreams.com via Jessica on Pinterest

we're nearing the end of january (already!) and by now a lot of us... but not all, are back into a routine from the hubub of christmas, new years, and general merry-making...
how are you feeling? are you calm and organized and feel in charge of your resolutions? or are you overwhelmed, and bogged down from so many new responsibilities....? maybe a little bit of both?
and it seems we need balance for e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g! and it's probably true... but if that is the case, why aren't i really good at it by now? because that would solve a lot of problems.

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

i myself am prone to anxiety, and would more feel overwhelmed with what's on my plate... but you know, there are more days than not when i'm feeling fairly in control.
but of course there are days when i'm barely keeping my head above water... isn't that what parenting, and life is all about though?

Source: ffffound.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've decided that there is no real routine here... nothing specifically set in stone.. until the little man heads off to school.. and that won't be for another year and a half yet... i still have lots that i have to get done in a day for sure... and i have deadlines to meet, but for now i'm totally going to enjoy the schedule (or lack thereof) we have.
and do you know what's helping me enjoy it all? believe it or not, it's me being more active. (i bet you thought i was going to get all sentimental here. ha) but i'm being for real here. i've set goals for myself, that i'll probably share with you as i achieve them... but all in all, just paying attention to what my body needs and trying just a little bit is making a difference.
and it's helping me to focus, and to deal with issues with no stress... i'm kind of loving that. wouldn't you?

Source: twitpic.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

today is a kind of damp day here.. and a good day for bread baking, and sauce making... my little man has a serious love affair with garlic toast, so i'm thinking spaghetti tonight.... yum. now i'm also off to cuddle the little dude, and get some knitting in. i've got deadlines to meet, so i'd better get knittin'!

Source: 79ideas.org via Rebecca on Pinterest

thanks for letting me get this out today. sometimes just typing it out gives me the encouragement i need to keep on. and i like starting my days out with encouragement. :) how are you doing today? how do you find your balance. what works best for you? i love hearing from you! xo

good morning!

2012-01-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

it's monday.. i'm not fully skewed yet. but i'm working on it. lol.

the more i work on this pattern the more i realize how very different it is from "normal" sock patterns. not that i'm a huge expert here... (ahem.. this is totally my first sock on small needles and small yarn.. ) but from what i can gather, it's just a strange way of constructing a sock. that being said.. i loove the outcome!
choice of yarn is definitely key. self striping is important... or a variegated i suppose.. but i think self striping would look nicest, don't you think so?

my tips so far on this pattern are... make sure to keep your notes for your first sock! you totally won't remember exactly what you did at certain points of the pattern (unless you followed it exactly as written)... so i keep my sheet close by. i separated the sections of the sock and ticked off how many repeats i did as opposed to what the pattern says. because hey, we all have different sized feet. and for knitters who don't usually do "two of" patterns.. like socks, or mitts... you have to remember that once you're done the first one... you've still got one more to knit!
seems a very simple easy to remember idea, but trust me... sometimes that very simple easy rule can just be easily forgotten. yes. really.

also, it's a very good idea to mark the center of your round. i just used a safety pin... oh and the whole dpn thing? totally doable on this sock.

i'm enjoying this kal though. and i'm feeling encouraged to knit more socks... so that's pretty awesome. i don't hate sock knitting... i'd say the first sock knitting experience so far is great!

who knows, maybe the next sock pattern i tackle will be this:

Source: ilovelowie.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

...i said maybe... :)

how about you? are you enjoying this kal so far? if this is your first sock pattern, are you encouraged to keep on knitting socks? do you have an absolute favourite pattern? do you find yourself attracted to more difficult patterns, (like lace and knee high.. lol)? i'm so in the mood to chat, and i love your company! xo

who wants a cookie?

2012-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

...and it's friday already! honestly, how did that happen?! crazy. i mean, i know our week was busy, but wow friday is here already?! i'm not complaining though. nope. i love me my weekends!
as you may or may not know, our weather has been cold, and wintery, and just not like victoria weather... so we are finding ways to bundle up and stay warm along with the rest of the country ;) one of the ways i like to keep warm, is to hang out in a warm kitchen. who's with me? oh yeah! with the oven on, and soup simmering on the stove... and knitting close by (i totally knit in the kitchen... and i suddenly need an apron that says that) lol. ...honestly, wouldn't that be awesome? yep. totally...
ahem.. where was i ? oh yes.... i had soup simmering on the stove... turkey soup actually (we saved the carcass for when we weren't sick of turkey anymore). i dug it out of the freezer a couple of days ago, and now we have hearty-warm-good-for-the-soul soup... i also made some dinner rolls to go with it. (i'll share it with you another post... as i awesomely forgot to take pics of the process).. hey. i was hungry..
but then these happened...

these made us happy... and forgetful of the cold. i bet you would like a little cheer! so here's the recipe: xo

these are an adaptation of a recipe that i have from the "more with less" cookbook by doris janzen longacre. this is also one of my go-to cookbooks. it's really one of my faves! so again...this isn't my recipe...... but i've tweaked it... so here's my version of it.

chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

375 degrees. approx 10 min.

cream together:
1 c. butter
1/4 c. peanut butter (i'm a little generous with this)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. br. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

add:
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. rolled oats
1-2 c. chocolate chips (i add whatever i have)
1 tbsp. honey
1 c. nuts (optional).. i didn't put any in this recipe this time...

mix well. drop by teaspoonful on baking sheet lined with parchment paper (you're call on the parchment paper, but it sure helps with clean up) bake at 375 for about 10 min. i sometimes found that 8 or 9 min were enough. just make sure that the cookies are turning a golden brown colour.

these are soo yummy!!! and really, they'll make you happy. promises. also, your kitchen will be warmer, so that's a bonus too...
now if only i had a wood stove in my kitchen.. that would be perfect!

what are you up to this weekend? i have plans to finish two projects and start another. it will happen, because my stubborn self tells me so. and i'm so missing my knit night girls, so that will happen too! i'd love to hear about your plans for the weekend! what's your fave cookie? come chat, i'll save a cookie..or two for you. xo

i'm here!!!

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

i'm still breathing! still alive, and i'm so so sorry to have dropped off like that... eeks! i feel like i've missed out on so much! i know it's only been two days, but i go to check my email, and my fave blogs, and i feel so behind!
but it's ok. we're back from our little vacation, and we're getting back into a routine.
let me tell you, it's just so wonderful to be back to meal planning, to have food on our house, and to be home. it's not like we were gone long or anything, it was less than a week! but i'm feeling that after all of the business of christmas, new years, birthdays, and then travel, i'm ready to slow down.... you know?

Source: xxcocochanelxx.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

so i totally wanted to give you a lovely post yesterday, and then we woke up to a winter wonderland!
we don't get that much here... sooo tobogganing it was!
and now, i'm back. and i'm focused! promise! you forgive me, right?

our mini-holiday was lovely, as i said. and was i ever glad i packed my woolies!

i wore "kathleen" a lot! with -30 and -40 temperatures, this toque was just perfect! sooo glad i knit it up :)
and speaking of knitting, i did get a fair bit done! though the projects aren't fully finished yet, i did get a lot of work done on them. one being the classic raglan pullover, by jane richmond.

this is such a speedy knit! i am aaaalmost done it, and i cast on for this baby on friday! yeah, that's a quick and awesome sweater! and keep in mind, i was visiting with family during this time! there were lots of non-knitting moments, for sure. now that i'm home and much more focused, i bet this sweater will finish up before you know it. i just bet it will.

this will be one of the classes i'll be teaching at the cloth castle. this pattern is very suitable even for the newer knitter who has a grasp of basic stitches and some pattern reading... i love jane's patterns. they are very clear and precise. no guessing... and very easy to follow. love love love.

so if you know a bit about knitting, have done a project or two, and are ready to forge ahead into larger projects, this might just be the class for you! i'd love to knit with you! our classes are always fun :) just contact the cloth castle for more info, and register! with this winter weather here, it's a good time to be a knitter. a very good time indeed.

Source: alifeofbeautyandgrace.tumblr.com via Lizzie on Pinterest

how have you been? what projects have been keeping you busy? any exciting things to share? how are you keeping warm in this wintery weather? i've missed you all! come chat, i've got my knitting right here and i'll put on the coffee.. xo

keeping up... sort of...

2012-01-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

we are still away from home... until tomorrow night. but i want to know, how are your skews coming along? i am on my second skew now... and still loving it! which is awesome, because i thought i might be one of those people who would have the "second sock syndrome" waa waaaa... but i don't. so that is good. :)

what do you think about the pattern? is it very different from any other type of sock that you've knitted before? though i don't have a ton of experience in knitting socks, this i can tell is not the average sock pattern. i do find it interesting though, and that keeps me wanting to keep on knitting.

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i am loving the tiny needles and yarn, and i'm really looking forward to when i can be donning my pair of skews! woo hoo! and who knows? this time next year i might have a drawer full of warm wooly socks. :)

Source: stamp48.com via Shila on Pinterest

and let me tell you, it seems that warm and cozy is the name of the game these days! it's cooooold here in alberta! -35 today, and -40 tomorrow. yikes. and we are even coming home to snow! fairly exciting! (and cold). hahaha so i hope we're all going to be keeping our feet toasty warm with our new skews soon!!!
in other knitting news....

Source: lastejeymaneje.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i have been knitting like a crazy lady. (but that's not really news is it...)... i cast on for a sweater on friday, and i'm almost done the body as of now. i totally think that's news-worthy! this is such an awesome pattern, and i can't wait to show you the finished product!

and how about you? did you have a good weekend? what are you up to this week? do you have lots of knitting plans? sewing? baking? i'd love to hear about it.... how are you keeping warm? xo

weekend already?!

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

how is it friday already?! this week has flown by. we are actually away from home right now, visiting the inlaws.... and our little one is recieving many many many gifts and treats and cuddles
;) i'm really really hoping for some good knitting time this weekend. i need it.

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've got a big goal in mind, and i hope i stick to it. here's hoping for a wee bit of rest too.... my sil is with me, and has experience in yoga instruction.. i could sure use some of that... so i think i'll beg her for a "home class", no?

Source: maintain-internal-heights.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

apart from that, plans for this weekend also include a trip to the west edmonton mall... some fun bread baking with my sil.. i think we might even make up a recipe!! i'll be sure to let you know how that goes... and some swimming with the little man...
yep. looks like we've got a good weekend in store!

what do you have planned for this weekend? anything new and exciting? or just the same, comforting weekend plans :) we're only an hour ahead for my body's time clock but man i'm beat. here's to a good rest this weekend! xo (knitting included)
p.s. i just realized it's friday the 13th... are you superstitious?

breather... and a vid.

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

taking a very small break today.. i hope you don't mind! we're actually in flight to see the inlaws. don't worry though... just taking today as a day off ...as it's a travel day. soo hard to post on travel days, don't you think?

sooo while i fly through the air.... i thought i'd leave you with a little knitting entertainment.
hope you like this... because i bet we can all relate... even if just a tinsy bit.. no? i'm sure you've seen this video before, it's nothing new.. but it's a gooder.
i'll be online a little later today. i'm dying to know what you've decided (if you have yet) to cast on for the KAL!

do you have any fave knitting videos? anything you can share? i'd love to know!
xo

the big reveal!

2012-01-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

can i hear a huge woot woot?!!? it's that time again!! luvinthemommyhood and i are hosting another kal! we had so much fun with the carefree cowl knit along, and we had a really hard time waiting for this one to start!
and so, without further ado....
let me introduce the:

i know you're excited now! what better timing, you're thinking, this is just what i needed! is what's going through your head right now, yeah.. we know...because for a lot of us, winter is only just starting to show it's ugly head.. we're gonna need these warm woolies... in this kal we're actually focusing on toques (hats) and mittens. you don't have to do both if you don't feel you have time, (or want to... some of us may not be toque people, it's ok) but there are just so many lovely options out there that shannon and i don't want to limit you to just one project. and if you're inspired, speedy, and just plain excited to do more than one project, then do it!!! we're excited to see how you'll warm up that topper of yours as well as your chilly fingers...

Source: nokkasili.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

let me start off by showing you my top 9 mitts (both full-on and fingerless... some of us need to keep knitting at all times despite the cold) no. we're not crazy. not at all ;)

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9

these are all just gorgeous. i love the colour work... something i have not done too much of, and cables. i think it's fun to play with texture, don't you?

and here are my top 9 toques... (hats for you non-canadians.. hee hee this girl's gotta stick to her roots!)

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9

it's hard to narrow them down, that's for sure! i love that a toque can also be fashionable.. every one of these show that :)
it seems i'm either on colourwork, or texture.. yep that's my kick these days :)

these are only some of my favourites.. you choose whatever pattern you'd like so long as it's a hat or mitts :) it certainly doesn't have to be from my faves :) have fun with it! it can be any level as well.

some tips when looking for your pattern... do you already have yarn on hand? ravelry has a great method of searching for patterns through particular yarns, you can search for a pattern even by needle size, if you have a fave you love using. honestly. if you're not on ravelry yet, you really should be. it's free, and there are soooooooo many goodies in there! don't forget to pop in our ravelry thread too! everyone is so friendly and full of tips and advice and encouragement :) promises. if you're a beginner knitter, and have never tackled mitts or a toque before, try to stick to a pattern that's fairly basic... working with dpns and also a cable needle can be a little tricky at times.... if you're hands are not used to it.
biggest tip? make sure you do a gauge swatch. particulairly if you're swapping for a completely different yarn. you want to make sure you meet the required gauge in order to ensure a proper fit. it can be disappointing to find that you've bound off for your hat, and it's either never going to fit over your noggin, or it hangs below your eyes.
head on over to this post over on luvinthemommyhood for extensive tips on gauge... and when choosing your proper yarn, be sure to check out this post.

and if you looking for either shannon or i on ravelry, you can find shannon under "luvinthemommyhood" and me under "gundyknitter" and i promise we're here to help out as much as we can!

are you interested? wanna join? of course you do...
to sign up for this kal, shannon has created a form! easy peasy! click on the link below, and that will bring you straight to the form.

warm up to winter knit along sign up

start date: january 11th, 2012 (and continuous until the deadline)
end date: february 8th, 2011
note.. you must be signed up to be entered into any giveaways.

that's not all! we know you love a good knit along!! be sure to check out our ravelry thread for encouragement, tips, and just plain good chatting :)

let's not forget the button! can't forget that!! shannon is so super talented. she's created another fab button for you to sport on your lovely blogs. either grab one below or over on luvinthemommyhood.
we are so excited for this kal! it's gonna be a good one.

i have a feeling this is gonna be a really good year! let's start it off warm and fashionable, shall we?
so grab your sticks and string, go sign up.. and let's get knitting! don't forget to go on over to luvinthemommyhood's post and catch her round-up of her fave toques and mitts!
xo

simple gifts...

2012-01-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

i think that a lot of times when people think about gift giving, there's this label involved of how much do i need to spend, ....maybe it's just me who thinks that, i dunno... but the art of simple giving gets forgotten these days...
what with busy lifestyles, just trying to play catch-up... still paying for christmas...

Source: honeyandjam.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

my favourite form of gift-giving though is in the simple things. like bread.
it's one of the things i try to do. when i have friends over for the first time (or second, if i just didn't get around to baking)... i like to send them home with bread.
i'm not trying to toot my own horn here or anything... i just really enjoy giving bread.

Source: gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've been baking our bread from scratch for years now... and recipes generally make 2 loaves... so it's really not all that difficult to just wrap up a loaf for a friend.

Source: petitekitchenesse.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

but really though, is there anything much more comforting than sitting down with a friend, or in quiet solitude... to fresh, warm bread, and a cup of tea?

Source: browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

well.. having some yarn and sticks close by, and a good book would be wonderful too, of course ;)

how about you? what's your "simple gift"? even if it's just watching someone's kids for a couple of hours, finding a good book for a friend, sending some tea their way.... a fave skein of yarn? come chat! the bread and the coffee is warm. xo

skew kal!

2012-01-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

alright! first update of the kal! woo hoo!!

well i have to start by saying socks on tiiiny needles, and with tiiiny yarn is a first for me. i have never. never. knitted with a 2.25mm for a project! (unless you count tiny little scarves for cute little snowmen) heee hee..
i gotta tell ya, i'm really enjoying this! the feel of the small needles in my hand is lovely, and so light!
that being said, anything on larger needles will really feel like it's flying off the needles. hahaha.
you remember last week.. i was here:

at the mid toe...
i found the cast on to be so strange.. and it took me a few tries to get it right.. but i find it a neat cast on! i used judy's magic cast on. you can google and find lots of links as to how to go about doing this. here's the video i used. (don't forget, toe up socks are brand.spanking.new to me!)...
the look of the sock seemed strange as i was knitting.... just an odd shape.. but it is called skewed, after all :) and they are anatomically correct. :).. well you know what i mean. haha.
also, learning the llinc and the rlinc were new stitches for me too! i'm not sure about the huge aversion to dpns for this project. i am having no difficulties with knitting with dpns. sure i have to move a few stitches here an there to compensate for the increases and decreases.. but it's nothing really... and this project is more than doable on dpns.
can't say you ever stop learning while in the life of a knitter. i love it!

i think the yarn choice is pretty important with this pattern. specifically the colour scheme... and that's always a tough one for me... i always get overwhelmed when choosing colours, hahah... but i really do think that my yarn choice for this project is wonderful. i love the way the stripes are laying out, don't you?
all in all, so far i'm having a lot of fun with this kal.
it does take more concentration than the average sock pattern (as i can imagine)... i have done slipper socks, and i figure the construction is very similar to reg. socks... just smaller yarn, smaller needles. etc...
thinking that these socks require a grafting at the heel and short rows, is a little more intense for the sock.. but i'm loving the outcome. doesn't it look awesome? i just love watching the stripes show themselves this way.
i am feeling a pretty 70's retro vibe with these socks and we're getting along just great!...

i really wanted to use up all of the skein for the first sock, but i actually just got tired.. and wanted to wear it already. hahaha.. really though, i just about did use up all of the skein, there is only a few yards left.. to lengthen the leg, i just repeated rounds 3 and 4 of the increase mini gusset.

huge props to lana holden! i couldn't imagine designing this. :)
i admit, i have been fairly speedy this first week of knitting.. but rest assured, i do have another project that's requiring my attention. i have been so caught up in skew that the classic raglan pullover was only cast on at knit night! hahaah. thankfully this gorgeous sweater pattern is so wonderfully written out, and the sweater is knit on 5mm needles.. can you say speedy sweater?

i am definitely enjoying my first experience with socks. and i know i'll knit more. i'd love to try other patterns as well, of course. my pal mae is a crazy experienced sock knitter... but she's full on top down pattern. it's her fave... but i like her skews too. :)
and if you're just seeing this now, and want to join in on the kal, please do! it's going for the entire month of january, so you've got lots of time yet.
the pattern is skew by lana holden.

how are you doing with the kal so far? any blips that have you stuck? frustrated? are you loving the pattern? enjoying watching your yarn bloom into a wonderful stripey pattern? i'd love to hear how you're doing, and see some pics of your progress!
post a pic to your blog and or your ravelry page and mention it here so we can all see!xo

new project this weekend!!

2012-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

it seems our little family is having a hard time getting into a routine this new year. have you been finding this too? we've been so fortunate that the hubs has had great holiday time. he's back to work today, and then what? it's the weekend. and next week thursday he's on vacation again. it's nice. but i'm not trying to rub it in. noo please don't think that. there are plenty of times when he has to be gone a long time... months even... so it all evens out. umm well no he's still away more, but you know what i mean.
i am determined though. i will find that routine! and our family will love it. it's the dutch in me. i can't help it. i'm just so stubborn. haha.

Source: weheartit.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

but since it's practically the weekend... let's chat about what i should be knitting... apart from this awesome skew kal.
but you'll see more of that on monday ;)
...already the classes i'll be teaching are off to a very strong start. i am so excited by this!! and the next class after the intro to knitting will be jane richmond's classic raglan pullover... for women! woo hoo!

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

sooo i need to have the sample knit up quick as a wink... because the class starts on this has been in my que ever since the pattern was released... and i was wanting to knit it up even before then (because lucky me has jane in my knit nights, so i got to see this baby early on). the class starts on the 27th... that's three weeks people! and i'm still gonna be knitting my skews... i can do it! :)
the yarn i have chosen for myself is cascade 220 (which i'll show you later), but i need to knit the store sample first..and that will be knit with diamond's galway worsted.
i've chosen a very basic colour...an off white... but you can do anything with this pattern, really.. i'm excited to begin it!!
and for those of you locals who really want to learn to knit a sweater.. this is a great class!!! and i just bet this sweater will be a staple in my wardrobe. i just bet. ;)

how is your weekend looking so far? will you get lots of knitting time in? have you found your groove for the new year yet, or are you still fine tuning the family routine. come chat! i could use your company today... and i like you. xo

the first sip does wonders.....

2012-01-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

don't you love the very first sip of coffee in the morning? (or tea, it doesn't matter).... just that first sip. i can feel it travel down into my core. giving me a warm hug and saying "good morning! let's get 'er done today!"

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

honestly, it just is the best start to my morning! and it gets me moving... even if only in the mental state at first... hey, i've got to sit and finish the coffee first!! ;)

but i actually have been somewhat productive... remember when i said some selfish knitting would do me good? well i've decided that 2012 is a good year for some serious selfish knitting ;) and i have something to show you....

kathleen is done! i really enjoyed this knit... as i do with all of jane richmond's patterns.... the instructions were uber clear, and the end result was a beautiful and quick knit! very good timing too, because we're headed off to alberta next week (don't worry, i'll still come here), and there's rumour that we could potentially be dumped with snow, and it could potentially be very very cold... so you know, i should be prepared... and fashionably so....

i really like the deep ribbing of this toque.. it just adds a sense of style to more than just a cabled toque. i also love the leaning cables.. gah so pretty. and of course, i love this yarn. i have knitted with cascade 220 heathers in sparrow before... and it's really such a beautiful beautiful grey green. looove!

yep. i'm happy with my first f.o of the year! now about this alberta thing i keep telling you about... our little family is taking a trip to see the in-laws for another round of owen's bday.. and they're leaving up the christmas decorations, so there will probably be a little bit of christmas thrown in there too :) i however, am not planning on taking time off in this space. i'm gonna bring my laptop, so i can chat with you lovely people!

some of the posts might be a little shorter... but i'll still be here. xoxo besides, i have stuff to talk about, naturally...

how has the beginning of the year knitting been going for you? any fo's you'd like to share? the coffee is especially good today, (trust me!) and i've got a mug for you. come chat! xo

fresh starts, and new skills....

2012-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

january is good for a lot of things. even if the weather isn't what we love it to be ;) but it's really is the time of year when people start things anew. and try to challenge themselves, and set goals. (hopefully realistically).
if you've read yesterday's post about my current kal, then you'll see i'm starting out my knitting year with a challenge, and i'm really having fun with it so far! it's great that i'm doing this with others, too.. because it's such a nice thing to have the encouragement of others :) especially if these people are going through it with you, right?

well guess what, knitting classes at the cloth castle are starting up in just two weeks! the very first being offered is a learning to knit series!

source: sirdar.co.uk

perfect for those of you who have made one of your new years resolutions to learn a new skill. i promise this is a very fun class! you'll be knitting 3 different projects from a book full of great beginner patterns. (and you get to keep the book!) the items are knit up in bulky yarn, so you'll have some immediate gratification :) also, it's good for the beginner to be able to really see the stitch.
the projects that we'll me knitting include a two toned scarf, a smooshy warm hat, and fingerless mitts! perfect for this chilly winter ahead of us :)

source:1.JO-ANN on ravelry 2&3: DanaMonty on ravelry

these really are fantastic patterns to learn from and to knit with. so if you're interested in learning to knit, or know of anyone who is... please head on over to the cloth castle, and sign up!
classes start in just two weeks! and of course, i'd love to knit with you. there's that too :)

and speaking of trying new things... i did my first felted project. it was fun!! and we're also considering it to be a class as well!

these knit up fairly quickly, and used galway worsted yarn. (by diamond) i think i'd like to add a strap across... something to help the slipper stay on my narrow feet a little more.. how cute!!

yep. these are a fun pattern, and i bet you'd look super cute wearing these too! ;)

so what do you say? ready to learn a new skill? you already fabulous knitters out there know of anyone who would love learning? (and lives in the area ...lol)... send them my way! i promise these classes are a lot of fun! this is the year to take charge! to learn new things, and to embark on new adventures! wanna knit?! xoxoxo also, on a side note... it's pouring rain out.. and i'm about to go out for a run. wish me luck! xo

aaaaaand go!!!

2012-01-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

there's really nothing like starting the new year off with both feet running... (is that the saying? i don't even know).
but first off... chrsitmas was so fun! we had a plan this year to complete a list full of fun family activities every day before chrsitmas once the hubs was on holidays. and i'm happy we just about got every one done :) from ice skating, to the christmas train ride, and watching the polar express on imax. we even made sure to go for a drive to see all of the lovely christmas lights, drank yummy hot chocolate, firetruck light parades, much baking... and the list goes on. so many good memories this christmas!

but it's time to get on with the new year. i'm really excited about this one, for some reason... :) just feeling really inspired, and i hope for that to continue throughout the year. i'm not usually one for resolutions.. i feel like i always set myself up for failure... but i've decided to really take charge of this year. no excuses..
so i've decided to start off the year with a KAL. i mentioned it briefly on the facebook page, and got some response... but it doesn't matter how big this is.. so long as we're doing it.. and i'd love for you to do it with me :)
so first kal of the year, here we come!

can you believe that i've never knitted real socks before? i say real, because i've done the slipper sock. you know, the bulky sock where gauge doesn't really matter kind, on big needles.. nothing on 2.5mm or smaller. so it's time i gave it a try. and because i don't want to have leftover yarn.. i want to do toe up. here's the pattern we're gonna tackle!

skew sock kal

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

pattern: skew by: lana holden.
you can find all of the ravelry projects here (well over 2,500 projects!) , and the english version of the pattern is here, in knitty.

the yarn i've chosen for my socks: Patons kroy socks. in ragg shades.
needle: 2.25mm

already i've been learning new stitches and forms of casting on! i love that i'm being challenged a bit by this!
the kal will run for the month of january, and i'll have some posts up just for the kal. i do hope you can join in! we can encourage eachother along the way, and have ourselves the coolest pair of socks at the end of the month!
i cast on last night. and i'm working at the mid toe. i'm so excited!

so what do you say, you in? i'd love to do a kal with you! no better way to start off the new year!

today is my little man's 4th birthday! why must they get so big so fast? haha. oh goodness.

here's wishing you a wonderful start to the year! let's begin this year with a bang! and new socks. :) i'd love to hear how you're doing, and what your plans are for this year! xo

taking time....

2011-12-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

is it really the end of 2011? honestly, i know that it's kind of true that the older you get, the faster the years seem to fly by... but really now... that was fast.

Source: etsy.com via Kymm on Pinterest

this has been such a wonderful year, too! and this baby blog of mine here is not even one yet! i have so enjoyed getting to know you fabulous readers, and bloggers, and crafty ninjas. ;) as i look back on this year, i realize how important this space has been to me. i have grown so much in it, as has my knitting, and my passion for creativity... and really you've given me the encouragement to do what i love... so thank you!
do you have any plans for ringing in the new year? i saw this video today by kinfolk magazine..... and it's a wonderful reminder to me of why i create. why i like to take the time to use my hands, go back-to-the-basics as it were..
i really do feel that in this world of busyness, of online connectivity, gadgets, etc.. we really forget the little things... watching something grow, writing letters the old way, reading a book... you know? just slowing down..
granted, i know that this is a struggle to fit into our busy lifestyles, but i think our ancestors were probably busier than we are... just with different things. and i hope to remind myself to take the time for these little things this year... have a look at the video, and you'll see more of what i mean :)

Dutch Oven Bread from Kinfolk on Vimeo.

it's also a reminder to me that i'd like a dutch oven :) haha birthday present, maybe. when i bake bread, i use a recipe that doesn't require as many steps.. and that's totally ok.. but it was a nice reminder of how to get other things accomplished.
at any rate, it was such a nice thing to watch this morning... and it made me excited for the new year... and speaking of being excited....

i got a little pressie in the mail yesterday :) a little something from finland! i seriously looove snail mail. it makes me so so happy! do you remember the giveaway i had mentioned a little while back that was on socks-a-plenty's blog? well i didn't win :) but as a thank you for the shoutout to her giveaway, liisa sent me the loveliest of stitch markers made by her!!

aren't they pretty? and of course, she sells them in her etsy shop too!
of course, i just happened to need to cast on for a little selfish knitting. (we talked about this yesterday, remember?) lo-and-behold, look what happened ;)

starting out my new year with a little selfish knitting? yes please. i loove this yarn too! it's the sparrow/grey-green from cascade 220.... it's going to be a great year!

how are you celebrating the new year? any little reminders you are trying to hold onto for the year ahead? do share! i'd love to hear of your plans :) are you a bread maker too, and want to take the time to remember the little things? coffee's on, and as always, i'd love to chat with ya! xo

there's nothing like selfish knitting to keep you focused... right?

2011-12-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

i'm supposed to be concentrating on preparing for a certain birthday party.... and i keep getting sidetracked by a possible knitting project for me, and food. how's that for focus? haha. it's ok. i'll smack myself soon and get cracking on the cake... but right now i'm gonna seriously consider a little selfish knitting.
with all of the knitting for the market, and then chrsitmas, i miss seeing something for me coming off of those needles.. and really, i think it's time i snuck one in. i really do need to be working on a sweater sample for a class, but i can do that at the same time... want to see what i'm going to make for myself?

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

this is "kathleen" by jane richmond (of course) ;) and i just so happened to buy a skein of cascade 220 in sparrow/grey-green just for this project! as soon as i saw jane swatching for this project at one of our knit nights, i knew i had to knit whatever it was she was working on ;) thankfully it's a toque that i can easily squeeze in for selfish knitting while i'm working on store samples. hahah. but in all seriousness, we're going to be headed to alberta in mid january. a toque will be needed. and this will be perfect. also, i had decided that 2012 will have lots of selfish knitting involved... so i'd better start.
oh and something else that i've just stumbled upon while procrastinating? this.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

this is "kentmere" by lily kate france. i think i need to knit one of these too. this designer girl is only 14 or 15 i think! holy talent. love it!

and for those of you who are local to me... thought about any selfish knitting for the new year? i've got a ton of classes lined up... the very first one is a beginner's knitting class... perfect for those of you whose goals are to learn to knit! check out the cloth castle for a full list of classes.

as for my little man turning 4? i think i'm just delaying the planning because maybe that will slow down his bday? probably not, i know... and i really should focus.... haha thankfully, the hubs is still home on holidays, so we can tackle this together. i'm not worried....yet :)

how are you doing? over your turkey hangover, and ready to begin tackling goals for 2012? i'm already on my second cup of coffee... and i'm all ears! let's chat! xo

watching the rain...

2011-12-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

this morning i woke up to the sound of the rain beating down on the roof. i love that sound. a lot.

Source: redbenchvintage.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and i know i'm not alone. there is just something oh so comforting and so cozy in that sound, don't you think? it also gets me thinking forward. planning for what is to come of the new year, and getting excited for what my future will hold. some days when it rains like crazy i don't feel so productive... more like cuddling up in bed with a movie, or bundled under a big woolen blanket. or sipping my fave cup of tea... and always having my knitting close by.

Source: pennielily.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and then it's so great for indoor games, arts and crafts, and baking. haha but i'm totally getting ahead of myself. ....
today it got me thinking of the new year. i've never been a huge new years resolution fan. in fact, i always end up treating september more as the beginning than january... but this year i think will be different. this year, i have a feeling will be a very good year.

Source: dailybitsofbeauty.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

we had a wonderful christmas, and once i get around to actually going through the pictures, i'll be sure to share with you. we've got less than a week for my little man's fourth birthday party. (goodness, why does he have to grow up so fast?) and i'm feeling nervous about the cake. the hubs and i are considering working with fondant... something i've never done before. and i'll be sure to snap lots of photos so i can share with you on that too...
then shortly after that, we're headed for a mini holiday.. so the new year is starting out busy for us!

Source: flickr.com via Lynette on Pinterest

it just works out perfectly that today i feel reflective, and calm, and hopeful. and it's also a good thing that i like the rain as much as i do. :) maybe it's because i know what the rain can bring.

how are you doing these days? are you beginning to feel reflective? hopeful? are you also a lover of rain? i'd love to chat! and i've got a warm mug of tea here. xo

just popping in...

2011-12-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

how was your christmas? did you have a wonderful day? our's was such a full, fun, fantastic day!

and as per usual, once chrsitmas day is over, i like to take the time to de-clutter. to de-decorate (yes, really!) and to spend some time with my family with our new gifts and just to rest.

Source: t3.gstatic.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

it's been a busy time, anticipating chrsitmas! i'm sure you agree :) so i'm going to take the next few days as down time with the family, and to get ready to show you a little of how our christmas was! now my (almost) 4 year old is calling me over to a game of connect 4 :)

i'll see you soon! did you have a wonderful christmas?xo

eve of christmas....eve

2011-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Source: potterybarn.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

it's the eve of christmas eve! such an exciting day :) how are you doing, my dear crafty friends? do you feel ready for christmas morning? i guess we're as ready as we're gonna be, hey?
i'm hoping to finish the hub's gift today, and there's still a little more baking to do. not difficult. just dinner buns :) but working on something little by little every day, the house will be ready. (a big thank you to the hubs for cleaning the oven out last night, while i tackled the laundry room).
hard to believe we're down to the wire now! december has really flown by!
and even though i didn't have a huge list of knitted gifts to make this year, i'm excited and happy. the only thing we're really missing is living a lot closer to family, and ....snow :)

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

wishing you all a lovely christmas! i hope you're able to spend time with loved ones, that you can rest, and enjoy this christmas season. wishing you all full tummies of yummy dinners, and christmas treats... and gifts of lovely soft yarns, favourite books, kiddos giggling, lots of snuggling, hot chocolate, and anything that puts a smile on your face :)

have a very merry christmas dear friends! xo

so much fun!

2011-12-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

it's been a busy place, this home of ours... we've been keeping such a fun schedule! usually we aren't packing as much fun stuff into our christmas schedule, but this year we really wanted to make some memories. :) yesterday i laced up for the first time in over 15 years!!! eeks! and i'm fairly proud to say that i didn't fall :) and owen did very well. he loved it!

after that we checked out the holiday express. it's a train ride up in duncan through a tour of christmas lights. there's sipping hot chocolate around a fire, and a craft to do in an old school house, that's heated by woodstove. we did this last year too, and it really was so fun!

today we're headed downtown to look at the christmas trees at the empress hotel. always fun. and we are hoping to catch "the polar express" at the imax.
how's that for a full day?

yep. we've been having lots of fun. the house should be taped off with caution tape, it really is in such a state. haha but it's ok. i'll get it done. i actually just got a whack-load of christmas movies in the mail last night! so i'm thinking tonight will be a movie night, while trying to tidy up the chaos. :) i am a planner, and i usually function better in an organized environment, but you know... i'm just loving this. packing in all the fun we can.

how are your days looking? are you getting much sleep? i know christmas eve will be a late one for me and chrsitmas morning we have to get up before the kiddo! because our cat likes to destroy anything around the tree, including the tree itself.. (honestly he's knocked it down four times already) we'll get up early and make sure the pressies are around before anyone else is up. :) i love your company! and i'd love to hear how you're spending your days! let's chat! xo

warm feelings...

2011-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

it froze last night. no snow.. but it's nice waking up to a cold december morning. there aren't many days left. it always amazes me how fast christmas comes and goes, no matter how early i try to start planning. but you know, i really want to savor these last days of anticipation, and really enjoy the time with family. even though we don't have snow here, we are all getting into the christmas spirit. lots of baking has been done....and much elving behind closed doors... we've got bags of goodies hidden in the nooks and crannies of our bedroom, and even pressies coming in the mail! oh my oh my.
i have been so pleasantly surprised! yesterday i checked the mailbox and was almost too afraid to open the package that came. haha. i had no idea what it was... and i had to show it to les .. you know, just incase he had ordered something that i shouldn't open. nope.. i was free to open it! so i did. look look what was inside!!

i absolutely heart snail mail, and there's nothing like cards, and surprise goodies to get you even more into the christmas spirit :) this is no exception (clearly)... this is swans island yarn. the colour is just ahmazing.

i actually blogged about this yarn back when i was deciding on my cowl for the cowl knit along. do you remember it? goodness, in real life it's just so squishy, and fab. i don't know what i'll knit with it yet... but boy am i excited! a big thank you to Ummashin's Goodies. you sure made my day! i'm still grinning about it... haha i can't stop petting this lovely squishy yarn.
check out her etsy shop too! this is one talented mama who definitely knows her yarn :)

and then you remember that i have a soft spot for norman rockwell's photos, right? just brings me back "home" and makes me kinda warm and fuzzy inside.... well last week, these came in the mail!

these came from the lovely buffy of passionate design. i tell ya, i am one blessed girl.
and now that i'm full of warm fuzzies, i should be knitting away on a christmas pressie!! so that i can give too :) here's a little peek, to see where i'm at:

it's a toque.. so i'm not worried. i've got lots of time yet :) and our gifts for extended family aren't being given until a little later, so i've got more time to create. :)
and on one final note... did you happen to see jane richmond's launch of her new site and blog?! seriously! it's amazing! shannon, of luvinthemommyhood has been working hard with jane to create a gorgeous site. it's incredible! you need to check it out! and jane's having an incredible giveaway!!! honestly, you don't want to miss out on it... go to www.janerichmond.com and find out all of the details of the giveaway there.

how are you doing with your crafting today? anything giving you some special warm fuzzies lately? i'd love to hear about it! xo

daydreaming ? oops.

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

i love thinking of the perfect knitting evening. there is a fireplace involved, i'm probably in a log house and probably a rocking chair... it's snowing outside, i can smell the christmas tree... and it's a toss up of whether or not music is playing softly or i'm watching bridget jones' diary. probably the latter. ;) and there's a drink somewhere close by.... for certain.... and i've probably on my second.. bahah.

Source: tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

sigh...
*smack* ok. in reality world now. :) how's your christmas crafting coming along? because i really didn't go all out this year (and for very good reason), my list of FO's are little... but i thought this was the perfect opportunity to share with you a gift a made for my nieces 2 years ago. it was really a labour of love.. that year it was all about the kids... and then the year after that, i went crazy.. everyone got a handmade gift. ok but back to the girls...
not to toot my own horn, but it really was one of those gifts that lit up their eyes.. their smiles were so big, and the cuddles were priceless. loove...

i had never made a doll like these before. but there's really something to be said for a handmade doll, with dress and undies and everything. you know? there are so many toys out there that have replaced the favourite doll, it seems... my owen has his muno.. but that's a different post. :)

i named these dolls after the girls. and even stitched their names on their undies :)

i enjoyed knitting these little cuties, but after a little while, i was hating the seams. :) i decided to treat them as one project, so all limbs were knitted first, and all the seaming was done at the same time too... maybe next time it would be better to space that out :)
but here are the deets:
pattern: sally, the eco fairy by jennie eveleigh lamond.
yarn: sirdar snuggly dk
needle: 3.0mm

i remember finding the yarn to be so uber soft. i loved knitting with it. and i love the colour selection too... it's a small needle though! eeks!
but you know, it's been 2 years now... i think i'm ready to make another soon... one for me. because i would like a knitted doll...
you know.. just 'cause :) this pattern is a good one, but so is this one..

Leif & Astrid by: Jennie Eveleigh Lamond

yeah. i've got me some knitting to do :) hahaa. and now maybe i should be picking up those sticks and finish up some pressies! these dolls? no. maybe next year though.

how are things coming along for you? are you letting yourself breathe a little now? or is it a tough push to the end? i'd love to hear how you're doing! xo

diving in!

2011-12-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

i have to be honest with you... i forgot that i wasn't on holidays. bahah. the hubs is home, and we started our weekend in full force with christmas activities. there are lots of things going on... parades, train rides, we'll be going to see the lights on the navy ships at some point... yes, very busy... it's so wonderful!
and our kitchen has been a busy place as well!

we've tackled luvinthemommyhood's recipe for nuts & bolts. sooo good!
and late last night, the hubs and i made sweedish meatballs. an old family recipe from his side. they are goo-oood... these babies take a while to make. once the mixture for the balls are done you have to stick it in the fridge for a couple of hours before rolling them. after you bake them, they are served with a cream-based gravy. i'm not gonna say what they *might* threaten to do to my waistline though. haha. but 'tis the season, right? :)

today, i'm going to make buns in preparation for christmas dinner, and i'm totally gonna tackle misocrafty's recipe for homemade turtles. ohman. i hope they last until christmas :) but to be honest, i seem to have my doubts ;)

as for the knitting front....

Source: goodknits.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

.... well i'm having to completely re-do the hubs' gift. he totally knows i'm knitting him a toque.. i finished one for him... and he tried it on before i was going to sew up the brim... and has decided it is too big. le sigh... it's not so bad though. i found "joe" by jane richmond to be a nice, relaxing knit.
as for knitting something for myself? umm that will happen in a while i suppose...

but all in all we're getting into the christmas spirit here:) we've been getting lots of mail! :)

checking out the lights before the firetruck light parade.

the only thing missing is snow :) we've got lots more planned this week, and we're having a blast... as for getting enough sleep? meh, there's always next year. lol.

hope you are enjoying a wonderful season so far, and that you are able to take time to enjoy the festivities around you. how's the crafting coming along? some favourite recipes being worked on? i'd love to hear how you're doing! xo

psssst!

2011-12-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

first of all, i have to apologize for this post taking so long to get up. :) it's tricky business editing photos of a secret gift when the recipient is in the same room, and always running up to ask for help, or just to talk, generally... ;)
but without further ado... wanna see what i've been up to these late nights?

it seems this little guy likes coffee as much as i do.. i guess he's tired too. haaa.... but after he had his morning bevvy, he warmed up to the photo shoot... speaking of which, the reason for the bad lighted window sill shoots is because it was the only place i could "set up" without owen knowing about it.... and it was only just getting light... so there's that.

the deets? pattern is louie the lovebot. my first rebecca danger pattern! definitely not the last!
yarn: paton's decor
needle: 3.75mm

he was really fun to make! and now that i've made him, i was thinking of casting on for a second one... with a heart this time... and i'd also remember to put the eyes down a little lower... but still, i love this one. he's cute.
and i hope owen loves him too.

yeah... this guy's a poser.

as for my other projects? yikes. i do have a hat on the needles, and i finished a sweater for owen already.... but i'm not sure what else i'll get up to doing. i really want to make more of these guys though.. maybe the nieces and nephew would like one? :) of course, they'd be late for christmas, but that's totally ok.
i'm also realllly wanting to cast on for a sweater for myself. but it's gonna have to wait as i'll be knitting up a store sample first, cause i'll be teaching it in the new year! woot woot!!!

the class schedule is up! and even if you're struggling with last minute gift ideas, what about a class?

anyhoo, off to think of some other patterns to possible tackle. to be honest, because i wasen't feeling so well for a little while, i've really missed knitting! (even though i haven't really stopped) you know i'm passionate when.. lol....

only 9 days left! what have been some of your most enjoyable patterns for gifts so far? any that you think i should tackle? i'd love to find a cool bookmark pattern for the hubs... anyone know of any? xo

christmas 911 - the home stretch!

2011-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

we're almost there! and even into the single digit countdown! are ya singing with joy yet? :)

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

how excited are you getting? i'm guest posting over on luvinthemommyhood today, and we'd sure love to hear how you're doing with your last minute christmas crafting!

we've got some tips for last minute gifts, as well as the yummiest of recipes to help please the crowds while your turkey is a cookin'... or your hands are busy knitting away ;) trust me, there are some great finds there!

so head on over, k? we've got the biggest pot of coffee on!cone share on how you're doing with your last minute christmas preparations! xo

i hope you don't mind.....

2011-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

i'm in the zone now! for realz. :) elving is in full force, and i'm loving it!

i'm focused, and getting excited! of course there is much coffee on, and christmas tunes are playing.

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

but the important thing is that i'm totally enjoying it, and i refuse to stress... 'cause i love the pre-christmas planning, and excitement. it's what makes it just so fun! well in my opinion anyways. :)

so now that i'm on a roll, i've got to get back.

what are you crafting today? any baking? watching any fav. christmas movies? i'd love to hear how your day is going! xo

my silly mistake... but there's a winner anyways!

2011-12-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

a very funny thing happened to me yesterday. well it's really just silly... and you'll laugh too... 'cause it could happen to anyone, right? i go to upload photos on the computer, and proceed to freak out. nothing is working.

Source: room-babydazzle.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

in fact when i plug in the camera, the mouse decides not to work (i work from a laptop, and have plugged in a mouse). seriously? wth?! nothing was working. i thought my computer was dying. turns out i was overreacting. (of course). because i was using a usb cord from a camera we had forever ago, and it doesn't apparently work with the one we have now. i should totally know this because well, i've been uploading photos from this camera for quite some time... ugh. anyways, i was going to show you a few FO's... but haha, well when i realized my little erm blunder, it was just too late for editing... soooooo how about later this week? yes. i think so.
there is my little funny story for you :) did you like it?

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

alright, should we get to the goods? time for the winner of the cowl giveaway!
i've used the random number generator and the winner is:

comment # 34 Amy Baily

"I like your FB page. I love your blog! I am trying to teach myself to knit and make myself jealous looking at all of your projects :)"

congratulations! i'll be contacting you today to get your address, and i'll pop that in the mail for ya.

so how is everyone else doing with the craft sessions? getting more and more ready for christmas? it won't be too long before i'll be up for the late night craft sessions... can't wait to show you what i've been working on!xo

hello monday :)

2011-12-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

what?! is it monday already!? uhhh i don't remember it being a weekend. le sigh. that means it was good and busy. i had a great weekend, actually.. and we're on the mend! (mostly). still not up to the very late craft sessions.. but i still have time. ... totally...
and now that i'm starting to feel better, i'm really beginning to get into the christmas spirit! yeah, i'm starting to get excited now!

Source: the-essential-infant-resource-for-moms.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

we were playing christmas music all weekend, and baking started happening! woot woot! i made chewy gingerbread cookies. umm YUM.
and i actually started some christmas gifts! haha yes a little late.. but it's ok. i like to power knit. you know that. but i'm not a superhuman knitter - despite what you've heard.. hahah.... here's what i would totally make if i had the time and patience :)

Source: flickr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and i would totally rock this. just sayin'.

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Squeegie on Pinterest

wouldn't this make any outfit perfect for a christmas party?

honestly though, i'm a busy girl! lots of knitting to be done... and i'll show you peeks of it soon! and i'm doing some work on the etsy shop today too :) so i've gotta fly.
but remember today is the last day for my giveaway!! if you want to win that gorgeous cowl go check this post out!! and speaking of giveaways, the lovely liisa from the blog socks-a-plenty has a super cool giveaway going on now. i almost didn't want to tell you, 'cause i want to win. but then i think santa would know if i were being greedy ;)

how was your weekend? were you nice and productive? i'd love to hear about it! xo

sweet friday...

2011-12-09T08:25:00.001-08:00

i'm so glad it's friday! it's been a yucky week... full of coughs, pulled muscles, stuffed up noses, and a real need for extra sleep... so this means that not much knitting has been done, and that makes me sad... but i'm very happy for the weekend.

Source: google.co.uk via Rebecca on Pinterest

we're still coughing a lot here... and mostly just wanting to cuddle (can't complain with that)... and i'm having to take it slow with my neck, but i think it's a blessing in disguise.
last year i really went all out with christmas knitting... seriously insane.. i was up until 3am for the last 2 weeks before christmas. for realz. this year, not so much... and lately i've really really been wanting to do some selfish knitting. after all of the knitting i've been working on that isn't for me, i want to indulge in yarns and patterns that i truly appreciate. ya know?

Source: rosylittlethings.typepad.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

don't worry, i'm still working on a couple of things for christmas gifts... but this girl is dreaming of some selfish knitting... and really it's kinda hard not to. there have been so many beautiful patterns released in time for the christmas knitting, that how can i not want to be wearing them myself?
so my plans for this weekend?
christmas baking with my little... he's been so patient to start making cookies for santa :)

Source: marthastewart.com via Kate on Pinterest

going out to get the candle that smells like a christmas tree... it's the best! i grew up with real trees for christmas, but it's been a while since we've had that. if i can't have a real tree, then i'll for sure have my house smell like one.. (along with the smells of christmas baking... bliss!)

Source: Uploaded by user via Rebecca on Pinterest

and feeling the comforting movement of my knitting needles working away in my hands... there will be some secret elving going on, as well as a little project just for me.

Source: allthemountains.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

we'll also hit up a holiday market. i'm looking forward to it for sure!

Source: google.com via Lucy on Pinterest

i've been dropping hints for christmas pressies, and i know for a fact that the hubs can find it at the market. :)

how about you? what are your plans for the weekend? do you have lots on your plate this weekend? attending any fun christmas parties? how's the elving coming along? i'd love to hear of your weekend plans! xo

spazz

2011-12-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

holycowidon'tKNOWhowi'mgoing2pullthisoffihaveonly17days!17DAYSuntilchristmasandihaven'tevencastonyet.!!!!

Source: oldtimefriend.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

unless you count the sweater for owen, and of course the cowl for you.... deeeeep breath...

it's ok. i can do it. and that pic there, that's me. until christmas :) i've pulled my neck out. it's so awesome. and the knitting hasn't really happened in about 4 days. this is un-sat(isfactory). so i'm pushing through.
as i'm sure many of you are now :) don't worry. i haven't gone off the deep end, yet... i don't think my list is unattainable. 'cause i don't have one yet. hahaha. i'll keep it small this year, as last year i went all out and everyone and i mean everyone got a handmade gift. including christmas party favours... so it's more of the selfish knitting here. selfish because most of the knitting i'm doing is remaining in this house. it's for the kiddo and the hubs. (and me). :) and maybe a surprise knit or two....

how are you doing? need a coffee? come chat with me! i promise you, i'll probably be up at odd hours of the day and night until the big day. xo

did someone say giveaway?!

2011-12-07T07:27:00.001-08:00

i told you i was working on something for you, didn't i? i have so been enjoying this blogging experience, and i've been making such wonderful friends here! and since it's close to christmas, and only 3 months away from this little baby's first birthday (totally talking about the blog here) i wanted to host a giveaway!
woot woot!!

you know that i'm a big fan of jane richmond's designs. i think she's uber talented, and i just love her style. simple, classy, and gorgeous. i love that her designs allow for the yarn to have a voice, you know? she just has a way of showcasing the yarn perfectly!

well if you are also a follower of jane richmond, you'll know that this is the begbie cowl. and it's just so lovely.
i've knit it out of paton's roving. so soft, and the colour is to die for. seriously. i loooove the eggplant colour especially in this time of the year.

i've knit it for you! call it an early christmas present, or a helping hand with your gift giving if you'd like to give this lovely away... of course, if you just love it too much, and want to keep it.. you can find the pattern for this cowl here, and all things jane richmond below.

etsy | blog | ravelry | facebook

so let 's get to the knitty-gritty. (haha, did you catch that? knitty-gritty lol!)... yep the pre-christmas crazies are setting in. haha (and i haven't even started my christmas knitting yet! besides my gift to you)

this here lovely cowl!

you must "like" nook on facebook. easy peasy. then leave a comment here to tell me so. (or if you're already a follower on facebook, leave a comment here telling me that too).
bonus entry! : follow this here little blog by clicking the google friend connect on the sidebar, or on the rss feed, and then leave another comment telling me so.

- each comment must include a valid email address and or ravelry id, so that i know how to contact you if you're the lucky winner. if not, you will be disqualified.
- the giveaway will run until dec.12th. at midnight, pacific standard time.
due to timing of the giveaway, i can't guarantee that your cowl will arrive before christmas, but late presents are also good too :)

i'll announce the winner on tuesday! good luck! and an early merry christmas to you xo

sneaky-peeky!

2011-12-06T08:09:00.001-08:00

ok. so i really really am working on something for you... but of course things are stacking up :) i've gone and hurt my neck... honestly, it's awesome. :) haha but on to the goods. i'll give you a bit of a hint, ok?

do you remember this cowl? mmmmMMM it's supah warm. and stylish. alright that's your hint. please be patient, my neck makes me work a little bit slower than the norm... but i'm one determined girl. ... probably the dutch in me... lol.

now i can't stay on here long... i've got work to do!
only 19 days left! eeks! what's on your needles? what are you working on right now? i'd love to know!
xo

weekend re-cap

2011-12-05T07:17:00.001-08:00

what a weekend! i had so much fun!

(honestly! don't let this picture fool you, i was giving owen the eye.. he kept trying to jump in front of the camera. haha)

for a first market, i think i did fairly well! it was in a smaller location, but we had 2 rooms. i loved the room i was in. and it was so fun to meet other vendors. i'm definitely inspired to do more markets, that's for sure! i had so many lovely comments from customers and browsers.

i know that as i become more practiced at markets, my table will be tweaked... but i'm really pleased with how it looked.

i had so many friends help me and encourage me! i feel like one very lucky girl. my knit night girls has lots of tips and advice on display, ... and actually a fair amount of the items were designed by jane richmond! i honestly love every. one. of her patterns, and she's graciously given me permission to sell from them! yippee!!

and i have to give a big thank you to mandy of sugar + candy for helping me with the banner and apron. i absolutely looove how it turned out! i think it looks great!

i so enjoyed this experience so very much! i had to re-create my shop at home. hahaa seriously. i did.

this is really a room where i feel inspired in!

and now on my to-do list? re-open the etsy shop! no excuses now, i'm inspired, and excited! though now that i feel like i've got a shop here at home, maybe i should just hold an open house :) i actually do have something in mind, promotion wise for facebook fans of nook! so if you haven't "liked" nook yet on facebook, it's a good time to do so!
of course, there's also christmas knitting! it's less than 3 weeks away now! yikes! good thing we're doing a low key gifting this year :) of course, my list is still long :) but isn't that part of the fun of chrsitmas? the crazy craft sessions?!

a big thank you to everyone who supported me this past weekend! not only in purchases, and in set up, but also in your words of encouragement and cheers. honestly, such a fun experience for me! also a big thank you to my hubs, and little man... they came and helped me set up and take down... what troopers!

have you ever done a market? what were your experiences? thoughts? i'd love to chat! xo

teaser :)

2011-12-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

i'm home! only just, but i wanted to quickly pop in to show you a teaser :) i had so much fun for my first market. more details to follow on monday though. but first, for you...

and now to cuddle with my little family, and enjoy a much deserved glass of wine :) see you monday! xo

it's go time!!

2011-12-02T07:27:00.001-08:00

it's just about here! handmade for the holidays is tomorrow!!
are you in the area, and considering popping by? here are the details:

i know that a lot of work has gone into promoting this event. big props to the felted fern. this is such a great start to the christmas season :) if you're in the area, i really hope you can make it!

oh yah baby, that's a sign and an apron!! last night i got together with the lovely mandy of sugar + candy, and look what happened!!! i can't thank her enough, i'm so excited! doesn't it look pretty? i looove it! i could not have figured this one out on my own... knitting, i can do... but this? no no.. and here's another thing... my awesome font, with the yarn ball and everything? the lovely shannon of luvinthemommyhood put that together for me! that and the whole set up of this here blog! i have the best friends. xo

here's wishing you a wonderful first weekend of december! i hope you can be super productive in your crafting! and i promise to be taking a ridiculous amount of pics at the market. i can't wait to show you my table! what are your plans for the weekend? xo

let it snow... sort of.

2011-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

i heard on the radio this morning that we might not get snow this christmas... gasp! what?! no snow in victoria?! haha yah i know i should just accept that i don't live in the coldest climate in canada, but it's hard for me. i miss the snow.
so i found a solution... sort of.

Source: vintagejunky.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i know i know, it's dec 1st already, and we're up to our eyeballs in yarn skeins and projects that are most pressing... and now look what i've done... i'm sorry. but aren't they pretty? and after yesterday's post about setting realistic goals for christmas crafting.... geesh, i'm such an enabler!
i hope that i can squeeze a little time in for this.
and if you want to try it too... here's the link!
and i'm still really hoping we'll get a light blanket of the white stuff for christmas. it really does seem more like christmas then. i stand by it. and you know what? even if we did get snow for christmas, i'd like to have these pretty things in my house anyways. wouldn't you?

how about you? do you love the snow or hate it? do you get lots of snow where you live? come chat! xo