It's Done!

I think I've mentioned before that I bore easily. This can be a complication on "easy" projects for me. However, I have powered through, and after 2 years, I have finally finished Maggie's log cabin blanket.

I love it. The colors are bright. It's soft and washable. It makes my baby happy.

But, dude, that was a LOT of garter stitch.

Twinkle Twinkle

Twinkle Twinkle
Originally uploaded by pezdiva

We have a new Twinkler in our house, this is a huge big deal in Suzuki land.

Louis learned 'Twinkle' all on his own a few weeks ago, and then he had to teach me. He is now working on the sound of his music, he is trying hard to make the most beautiful sound on his violin as he can. Considering he is your average rough and tumble 6 year old who started violin just a few months, I think he is doing a pretty great job. This video was taken after a long day of school, park day, and group lesson so he is a bit tired but we wanted to put it up anyway.

Since he is doing so well on all 6 Twinkle variations, he got to learn
'Jingle Bells' - just in time for the holiday season, so fun. It is a funny thing this Suzuki stuff, Louis has already picked up how to play 'Lightly Row', again, on his own.

Suzuki is the anchor of our homeschooling, and even though we haven't been doing it for too long I can't imagine not doing it now. It has taught me so much about how Louis' brain works, and it really is fun to play and learn together. Miranda is so jealous of Louis doing all of this without her. We can't get her to keep her hands off his violin, thankfully she starts lessons in January, she is crazy excited. I don't think I would be very off base saying that even Bill is jealous.

Flickr

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Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's that time of year. The cold Chicago winter is setting in and my kids need their woolies. I've been working on a set for Matthew made from Miss Babs 100% Superwash Merino in Verdigris. I made him a pair of basic mittens from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns.

Then I made him the Lina hat. I love this pattern. I think it looks so difficult when it's not.

And now I'm chugging away on the scarf. I'm using the Berlin Scarf pattern, which is just brioche stitch. I'm really liking it. It's so squishy and there's only one row to the pattern - no purling, so you can really fly along.

Now, in the interests of honesty, I have to tell you I made another hat for Matthew first. He asked for a moose hat because I call him my little moose. It had to be green and orange to match his new coat. I was being cheap, I admit it. I tried to knit the hat out of some acrylic I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

It's been a long time since I was embarrassed by something I knit. I didn't swatch, so the hat is too big. And we won't even discuss what I was thinking to try to do stranded colorwork with acrylic. I still see the potential in my idea though. I used the Norwegian Star Earflap Hat (Ravelry link) pattern for the shape and then I modified the charts from the Baby Norgi sweater for the colorwork. I think with the proper gauge and, oh, I don't know...WOOL, this could have been awesome. Maybe after some time has passed I'll give it another go.

Next up, holiday knitting! Let the crazy begin!

Happy Halloween

Pattern: Bat with Jack O'Lantern by Barbara Prime at Fuzzy Mitten

Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Blends and Caron Simply Soft (I know, but it's toy! Besides they are both nice and soft.)

Needles: US Size 6

Mods: None

This was a really well written pattern. I was so impressed with how well it came out. Trust me, it was the product of the pattern, not the knitter in this case. This little guy is destined for my bat obsessed niece for her 5th birthday. I think I will add a bow around his neck and wrap him up with two new books, Bats at the Beach and Bats at the Library. Check them out if you get the chance. Really cute, rhyming story and great illustrations.

Happy Halloween!

Rosebud Baby Set

I knit this little set for my brand new baby niece, Tiffanie Ann. She was born last night. Coincidentally, I mailed this out yesterday. She was 3 days overdue and I had a feeling when I mailed the package that it would be good luck.

Patterns: Rosebud by Susan B. Anderson, One-Piece Baby Kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting and Simple Shoes by Uniform Studio.

Yarn: Peaches & Creme and Lily Sugar 'n Cream

This weekend I abandoned my children and husband and went to Rhinebeck, NY for my very first NY Sheep and Wool Festival.

The surroundings very beautiful. The foliage, the foliage...well, you just don't get colors like that in Chicago.











On Friday, my friends and I hiked to Kaaterskill Falls. Amazing. Gorgeous. We followed it up a lovely dinner at Stella's in Kingston.













Saturday, we hit the festival. It was clear, crisp, and cold! Which made for a fun game of name that pattern. There were lots of beautiful sweaters, hats, and shawls. We pet alpacas, lamas, bunnies, and sheep.
















And almost immediately after came across this sign:





























Don't worry. We didn't have any. We did decide to try the Philly cheesesteak though. (Hint: if you are from Chicago, this is not going to be good choice. It is not the same.) The hot apples and ice cream on a cinnamon bun fully made up for it though.

In the end, I purchased 2 skeins of wool from Ellen's Half Pint Farm. 1 for me to make Matty a pinwheel blanket and a smaller, bulkier skein for Maggie to knit herself something.
















I also snagged a skein of Cameloo (camel, merino, and bamboo) from Still River Mill. I think it will be a cowl for me.
















And I picked up an exquisite skein of Frolicking Feet in "Cherry Pits" from Done Roving. We ended up skipping the Ravelry party though. It was just too cold and my sister had the beginnings of a sinus infection. Instead we grabbed a bottle of wine and takeout and set up shop in the hotel lobby. We chatted with the other knitters and generally had a fun evening.









Sunday was spent wandering Rhinebeck's downtown and tasting at Ailson Winery. We popped in and out of shops. My friends even bought me the cashmere and silk pashmina I feel in love with for my birthday! We ended the day at Gigi Trattoria. The best risotto I have ever had.












Then we packed the car and headed back to the airport. Fabulous weekend. I can't wait to do it again.