Crafty Tuesday

Getting back to crafting has been slow since the fire. I haven't had a spare minute to run to the wool shop, or even sit down sometimes!  So far I have managed to complete one project and I now am working on a request from a certain big boy.  I do love it when my little lads request something handmade from this mama.

Jack would like a new crochet blanket.  For years he has slept with the two that were made for him when he was born.  They are a tad small now, and also they were in the house, so we don't know if they are cleanable :( So we looked at some patterns and chose some yarn and I got to work.  I've already gone through a number of skeins and am getting close to half way ...... it's a rather large project, but Jack is being very patient.

The project that I have finished, and sent on it's way, is a tiny little dress/vest for the newest member of my friend's family.  I was at her birth and it was very special, amazing, inspiring etc etc etc ..... I used a pattern that I had seen used on the Soule mama blog and it turned out perfectly! Jack chose the buttons and he did a lovely job.  It feels good to get back into the groove of the needles and hooks! I now have so many projects that are swirling around in my head!  Who knows what will be next!?

i need to get back to ravelry and post the info for these.  i do remember that I chose to knit seed stitch instead of garter stitch.  It's much prettier!

May Goals

And here we are into May.  I've already got so many projects on the go and in my head, I can hardly keep up!  We have committed ourselves to a massive spring clean up. There are so many nooks and crannies in this house that have just been ignored for too long.  Of course there will always be time for some crafting!

May Goals

* completely organize downstairs

*craft and send Day of Dead Swap

*make pants for Jack

*Sew a skirt (or dress) for myself

*knit something or other :)

So there you have it.  And what of my April Goals?  

Well the transfer of records to mp3 never even got started.  I can't seem to locate the records I'd put aside for that, and isn't it always the way?  Put something special aside so it doesn't get lost and it winds up being lost!

And oh the craft studio ...... Though I don't have photos, I did get it cleaned up and mostly organized! I am happily working away in there now :)

Purging Clothes.  Indeed there is a large bag and some boxes of clothes and shoes that are on their way out!

So what else have I been up to?  I have made some arm warmers, or more like wrist warmers.  Anyways they are very nice for morning strolls and early evening strolls as well!  Usually no one can even see them, tucked under my coat, though I do like the way they turned out!  

Our Trip Part 1: The City

We're Back!  I was going to blog during our little trip, but i lost the cable to connect my camera to my computer and what's a blog post without photos?

We spent two days in Vancouver and it was rather nice.  The weather co-operated and we got out to see a few things.  We decided to bring the dog, as our hotel is pet friendly.  During one of the days she went off to doggy daycare so we could leave the hotel (can't leave a dog alone in a hotel you know!).  In the morning we headed to Dressew ..... possibly the most fantastic place EVER! They are primarily a fabric and notions store, but have a massive selection of costume and halloween decor.  The boys love it for adding hats and masks to their dressup collection.  It's kind of a hodge podge in there, but it's a fun place to just wander around.

there are THREE aisles like this, dress up madness!

the boys running amock with giant clown scissors .... yes we took them home.

some of our loot, fabric for dress up, some skulls and skeletons for my upcoming day of the dead swap, knitting books (99 cents!) and some purse handles!

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In the basement of the shop they have isles and isles of buttons (some vintage), sequinned appliques, ribbon and all things stretchy and glittery!  There are also racks and racks of discounted fabrics!  Also purse frames, handles, zippers, quilting rulers etc etc.  I wish I got more photos, but I had my hands full with the kiddies! I am just glad they enjoy going there, so i can browse!

Later on the boys and I found a great little French diner for lunch. Poutine love!!

We also had a visit to the aquarium via the bus, always an adventure.  Poor Dylan was a bit scared of some of the exhibits this time around, so we really couldn't spend as much time as I'd hoped, there.  We did get to go for a dip in the pool before dinner and then had a relaxing evening.

i couldn't get a good photo ... I didn't even try.

There were, of course, places that I wish we'd had time for: Sephora, H&M, Main Street Shopping etc.  But all in all it was a good trip.  No drama, easy days, and all the travel went well!

Part Two: The Country .... tomorrow!

It's a Secret!

I have been crafting my little butt off these days!  I had a swap that I'd signed up for and the birthday of my little nephew.  Also I had to finish my sister's wedding quilt!  She's moving into her new house soon and I wanted it to be done by then!  The only problem with all these crafty things, is that I can't share any photos with you!  At least not until everything arrives in the safe hands of their new owners.

The quilt was a bit stressful and I have now finally purchased a quilting book, Dare to be Square.  I am sure I could have avoid many headaches if only I'd consulted my knitting/quilting pals, or if i'd actually read and followed instructions in a quilting book, but I just don't work that way!

I also made a pair of pants for Jack as he's quite hard to buy pants for.  He's a small guy with really long legs.  Even the "skinny" jeans at the Gap (hate the place) and Old Navy (same sentiments) don't work for hi too well.  I cut up and old pair of Cory's pants and used the pattern from Weekend Sewing for Huck Finn Pants ..... at least I think that's what they are called.  So the pants are a bit long, but that's okay.  I did however measure the elastic wrong and it needs to be a bit tighter. but he grabbed them from me, hot off the machine and put them on.  Now he won't take them off, insisting that they are perfect.  Though of course he won't allow photographs :(  I don't know how people like Dana from MADE get their kids to pose!  They always looks so cute and perfect!

I now have two lovely skeins of pink yarn, beautiful berry colors just waiting to be cast on and turned into a little girls dress or sweater.  I am just on the search for a perfect pattern!

I decided to adda  photo, but it needs a warning on it ....

SWAP PARTNER DON"T LOOK!

okay here's one photo .... it's the monkey i sent to my swap partner in Mexico!!  Too cute hey?

More Knitting

I had shown you the very first sweater that i ever knit, for my little man, Dylan.  He doesn't seem to like hand knit sweaters very much, so he's only worn it a handful of times.  It is getting too small ..... okay it was always a bit small, and I really want to see him in it a few more times.  I even tried to entice him to wear it by putting cute birdie buttons on it (not so suitable for yarn!).

Last week as we were heading to the park to meet some friends, he brought me this sweater ..... he actually wanted to wear it!  aaaI was so happy and amazed, so I of course took lots of photos!  This may be the last time he wears it :(

So today I give you another knit post ..... and this is supposed to be a crochet sort of blog!

okay here's a little crochet project in the works!  I am still crocheting .... a lot!

Sunday Dreaming

Today's Sunday Dreaming is a bit different.  I have been dreaming of this sweater for WEEKS now and it's done!  I've completed my first knit sweater!  I've only been knitting since xmas, so this was a huge project for me.  I completed it in 16 days, knit knit knit!  The details are here on ravelry!

Everyday while i was knitting all i could think was "today would be the perfect day to wear this, but it's so far from being done!"  and then one day ..... it was done.  And yesterday was the perfect day t wear it!

A Collection of Crochet Flowers Tutorial

I decided that I needed some flowers in my world.  Spring is approaching, but it's just not soon enough for me!  I Made these last week and wrote down a pattern of sorts for all three flower variations.  I used cotton, but I have also used many other types of yarn!  There are instructions in the patterns to change color if you wish, they look great all pretty and colorful too!  I do have to apologize for the photos ..... it's too early and the light just isn't right . I'll try to get some better photos soon!

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Violet's Flower

rnd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring
rnd 2: ch 1, 9 sc in ring, slst to first sc (9sc)

change color here if desired

rnd 3: 1 sc in same stich you slst in.* ch 8, slst in same st you did the sc in, 1 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, repeat from * until you come to the beginning of your rnd.  slst to first st from rnd.
rnd 4: *6 hdc, 1 dc, 6 hdc in 8 ch spacing, 1 slst in next 2 sts, repeat from * until you reach the end of your round.

change color here if desired

rnd 5: *1 sc in each of the first 6 hdc from previous rnd, picot in the dc from previous rnd. (slst, ch3, slst), 1 sc in next 6 hdc, 1 slst in next 2 sts (slst from your previous rnd).  Repeat from * until you reach the end of your rnd, slst to first st and tie off.  Weave in ends and pinch up the base between each petal and form the ends of the flower up so it's like a little dish!

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Isabelle's Flower

rnd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring

rnd 2: ch 1, 9 sc in ring, slst to FRONT LOOP ONLY of first sc (9sc)

change color here if desired

rnd 3: *ch 8, slst into same st, in the FRONT LOOP ONLY, slst into the FRONT LOOP ONLY of the next st, repeat from * 8 more times, until you reach the beginning of your rnd.

change color here if desired

rnd 4: *slst into the BACK LOOP ONLY of the next st, ch 8, slst into the 3rd ch from your hook (picot formed) ch 5, slst into the same BACK LOOP ONLY of the st. Repeat from * 8 more times, tie off and weave in ends.

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Abigail's Flower

nd 1:ch 5, slst to first ch made, making a ring

rnd 2: ch 1, 10 sc in ring, slst to of first sc (10sc)

rnd 3: *ch 11, slst into first ch from hook, and each remaining ch (11 slst) slst into original st and the  2 sts. repeat from * 4 more times.

change colors here if desired

rnd 4: *slst in each of the sts up to the top of your petal, ch 4, slst to last slst made.  2 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 hdc in the 3 next sts,  3 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in the last 2 sts, sk 1 slst, and slst into the next slst from previous rnd,  repeat from * four more times

This is a Post

This is just a random post about nothing and everything in particular.  Well I suppose it's about developments.  Many people's developments.  So let's get started!

Myself:

I have finished my first knit garment for myself!!  I have knit a couple of dishcloths and a sweater for the boys, but those were very simple projects.  I decided to challenge myself and go for a lacy cute cropped sleeve number I found on Ravelry.  It's called the Mayim Cardigan and the pattern is pretty straight forward.  With the help of knittinghelp.com i was able to learn seed stitch, different lace inserts, short row shaping, wrap and turn etc!

It was nerve wracking at times, but  feel a lot more confident about knitting and the mistakes that can be ( and have been) made!  I only have one photo as i am currently blocking it ..... something i never did with my crochet sweater.  The buttons that I added (not pictured) are from my vintage collection, a gift from my mother-in-law.  They are cracking and probably won't last long, but i have many more to choose from!  Oh and the sweater took me 16 days to knit ..... i have a feeling this won't be the last sweater you see this month!

Dylan:

This little man is talking up a storm and so patient with our misunderstandings.  He says a word we don't understand and is willing to let us guess a variety of words and to also take us where the object, or what have you, is so that we can get a better understanding.  He is putting thoughts and ideas together and really understanding the ways of communication.  This is, however, leading to frustration on EVERYONE'S part at meal and snack times.  He's demanding things at a frantic pace and manner and rejecting certain ways of cutting his food, or what type of serving dish it's on...... the whining is crazy right now!

Every morning little DD has bananas, cut up with a spoon and only a spoon in a small bowl with a splash of milk.  He then requests cereal, but not his own ..... my bowl of cereal.  We work around this and eventually he's happy with his own bowl.  He also wants oatmeal because that's what Jack has for breakfast.  This one is tricky.  What he wants is to eat Jack's oatmeal.  Sometimes he waits until Jack is done and gobbles up whatever is left in Jack's bowl.  Other times he throws himslef on the floor because he can't have Jack's oatmeal before Jack has a chance at it ..... craziness, i know!  As long as we are calm and try to accommodate him without bending over backwards for him, all is good.  I have also been reminding him not to yell at me when I don't do things his way!

Jack:

Our little man is doing great these days.  We are closer than ever and enjoying time together doing whatever it may be that we are doing.  He is a lot more patient with his brother and enjoys playing little chasing games with DD.  They can play for half an hour or so without any issues or crying.  It's pretty amazing!  Jack has also really learned about compromising and had become much more reasonable.  He's usually always great with leaving the house and even helps Dylan with his boots and coat (if DD will let him!).   Jack has been practicing printing his letters and is math whiz already ...... addition, subtraction, counting etc.  He is loving preschool, especially his friend Finn. They both love lego as well as many other things!

Jack is doing a lot more for himself too.  He often makes his own oatmeal and is loving taking care of our pets.  He feeds both the cat, Tilly, and Betty, our chocolate lab.  He brushes Tilly and sings to her.  When Betty barks to go out, Jack will be the one to open the door for her.  It's great to see his compassion for our furry friends!

Chelsea:

Chelsea is my sister.  She's three years younger than me.  This past September she got married to a wonderful guy by the name of Matt.  Well, yesterday they bought a house!!  And it's not way out in the boonies ( i really hoped she'd stay in town!!).  The inspection went well so everything is now finalized!  They move in April 15th!  I have a little something I am getting for them as a house warming gift and I hope to have their wedding quilt finished by that time too!

Wow, I think this is the LONGEST post I've ever written!  Sorry to drag you all through that, just things that have been on my mind!

Make

We have been busy sewing and making other crafty related things!  I had to hem the curtains (only a year after we moved in!) and realized that i have been sewing sans pincushion for far too long!  I LOVE those cute tomato pin cushions, so I made one.  Well it's sort of a tomato ... cute none the less!

top with vintage button 

bottom.  this button makes it sit just perfectly on the table!

full of pins!

This is the Valentine's card we are handing out at Jack's preschool today.  He came up wit the dinosaur part and i sketched out the rest.  It met his approval, so I carved it on lino and printed away!  To make it two tone i carved it all as one stamp, then carefully cut out the heart so it became two stamps that match up perfectly!  I think I might sell these in the shop.  They are just too adorable for words!

Goings Ons

We've had a rather quiet morning here except for a quick run to the grocery store. I try to go just once a week, but there is something i always forget! Anyways after we arrived home, we all went our separate ways and enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet. What did you get up to this morning?

a yummy side dish for this week!

a nice relaxing bath ... wish i could have one!

some lino printing for all my new penpals!

you can find the tutorial for lino printing here!

drawing up some plans for lego building ..... everything revolves around lego you know!

Stand Still

I've stopped crafting.  I don't know what happened but I think maybe Thursday or Friday I just quit everything.  I am working on a deer for Dylan, and some hats for the shop.  I've got two hats finished, but the idea of getting photos right now is not very appealing.  I have instead turned my free time (what?  no i don't actually have and of this) to books. I am reading Half Broke Horses and so far am enjoying it.  I read The Glass Castle by the same author and enjoyed it much more.

Maybe it's because it's been terribly cold outside ...... though very pretty and sunny.  Or maybe it's because my arm is aching after my tattoo session on Saturday, but I just don't want to move.  I want to just sit on the couch all day and read, or just stare into space.  Even turning pages is too much work sometimes!

Cory spent the weekend re doing wiring and putting in a new dryer vent as we moved the laundry into my new hair shop space.  We still need to do the lighting in there and some drywall, but other than that its done .... one the sink.  we bought an old sink that mounts to the wall and to a counter, so we are trying to figure out how to install it.


In other news I have registered Jack for kindergarten ... I even managed to get him in the french immersion program!  If i was ten minutes later he wouldn't have gotten in, so we are rather delighted!  This Thursday there is a small kindergarten work shop for us to attend, just a simple snack time, circle time and a craft.  It will be nice to be in his future school though!

Alright I've got to think about dinner ..... lazy slow cooker chicken soup i think!  To end things off I thought i'd post my tattoo!  It still needs color, but I LOVE the way it turned out!  I go back in a few weeks to get the color done .....oh and I've planned a weekend getaway with a friend at the end of February!!  Can't wait!

Work Work Work

I've been hard at work this weekend sewing a dress for myself. I had made some alterations to the pattern and realized that I'd make a small miscalculation, so I didn't get as much done as I wanted :(

I also wanted to do a bit of work on DD's sweater, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm going out tonight ..... details on that later, so I'll have to make some time for hair ..... it's a lot keep up you know!

Oh and early this morning Cory and JJ cleaned and installed some things in my hair shop!!! I spent a bit of time organizing all my goodies. I found some hair color that I'd forgotten, so will have to do some bleaching and coloring soon! That's it for now! Time to set my hair!