More squares...

Were you wondering what happened with Barn Raising?


You may recall that I'd set a goal to have it completed by the end of my maternity leave. Ahem, yes, that was 2 months ago! To be fair, if I'd stuck with the 42 squares that the pattern called for, I would have been done at that time.


Unfortunately though, it just seemed a little small - more of a lap blanket than a snuggly throw. I tried to convince myself otherwise. That it really was big enough. I even tested with Joe: "It's a good size, right?" But both he and the nagging feeling in the back of my mind confirmed that it needed to be bigger. That ultimately I'd be disappointed if I kept the size as-is. Thing was I was a little burnt out on the non-stop knitting of squares - the thought of having to make oodles more just wasn't appealing. So I hid it away for a little while.


But it's back out of hibernation now, and I have a renewed interest to complete. Let's see how this goes... (Btw - if anyone said they were knitting a blanket out of sock yarn, wouldn't you think they were bonkers?)

Little Cotton Cardigan

I've been eager to finish a knitted project. It certainly wasn't going to be either of the blankets that I have on the go right now (I decided to make barn raising bigger than the pattern suggests and the araucania hexagons aren't seeing as much progress as I'd hoped). So it was time to whip out another baby cardigan for Naomi!


I had some Adriafil Fruttamix cotton yarn lurking in my cubbies and thought it would look pretty on the little miss. I wasn't much in the mood for following a pattern so this is one that I kind of made up as I went along, using the EZ February Baby cardigan instructions as a starting point.


I cast on 71 stitches (the amount recommended after the 2nd round of increases) and knit a few rows of garter stitch, and then increasing a row (K2,M1)* to the end of the row. Then knit stockinette for about 4.5 inches, at which point I put the sleeve stitches on yarn holders and continued knitting back and forth on the body.


Toward the bottom I wanted a ruffle and knit a (K2,M1)* increase row. Stockinette for a few rows, and then another (K2,M1)* row before adding a few rows of garter. I'm really happy with how this turned out.


Finally I picked up the sleeve stitches and added 15 additional stitches to each side. A few rows of reverse stockinette and then cast off. A garter stitch button band up the front and TA DA it was done! If only adult sweaters could be whipped out in a similar amount of time.

And on a side note... isn't she growing up soo quickly!

Wedding Whirligig

Later this summer we'll be going to the UK to enjoy my brother's wedding. It will be the first time the majority of my family will be meeting little miss Naomi in person. I can't wait!

I found a gorgeous little dress for the day of the wedding and wanted to make a knitted something-something to go with it. You were so very kind with your suggestions from an earlier blog post, and in the end I decided to make the Whirligig shrug.



I couldn't be happier with the end result! The details in this pattern are adorable and the decadent hand painted silk yarn with the little glass seed beads strewn through it is fit for nothing less than a princess ;o))


Pattern: Whirligig Shrug by Stephanie Japel (from Interweave Knits 'Weekend 2009')
Yarn: Tilli Tomas Hand Paints (Beaded Lace, Stony Mist) - just over 1 skein... I had to break into the 2nd skein for the cast off edge. Boo!
Needle: US 4 (instead of the 6 called for in the pattern - I prefer the tighter fabric that was made with the smaler needle size), I went up a size to compensate - 12-18mths
Modifications: Other than the needle size, I chose to add a seed stitch border around the neckline (to match the hem and cuffs) instead of the edging in the original pattern.

Ribbed wrap top

I'm warming up for the ravelry 'WIP cup', pulling out works-in-progress and trying to finish them up. Here's a project that's been hanging around for 3 years. It's a summery ribbed wrap top from Debbie Bliss's silk collection. It's pretty simple. But pretty nonetheless. And has a perfect non clingy drape for my post baby bod!



Not a lot to tell you about this one... I followed the pattern word for word. One exception though - I added a row of single crochet across all top edges (fronts, back and shoulders) to make them a little sturdier and a tad more 'polished'.



Other than that, I just wanted to add a little note to wish all Mums a Happy American Mothers Day (UK one was back in March. And yes, I'm trying to swing it with my husband that we celebrate both! ;o))))

Barn raising update

Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts for the baby wedding cardigan. I added 2 more links to the list in the previous post, if you want to check those out, and comment?

Anyhoo here's a quick update on barn raising... I've been continuing to knit the sock yarn squares and I have 35 now! That's right, I'm on the home stretch!



My plan is to try and finish this project by the time my maternity leave is up at the end of the month. I think it is possible to knit the final few by then. But I'm not sure how long it will take to assemble... we'll see.



By the way, for any fans of ravelympics (and other timed-based knitting/sporting-related events) out there, do you know that there is a world cup group out on ravelry -- WIP Cup. The focus is to finish WIPs during the world cup. And there are prizes!

I'm thinking of bringing the araucania hexagon blanket out of hibernation for this event. This could be a lofty goal - finishing a blanket in a month with a wee one at home, and a full-time job to return to. But I do like a good challenge.



Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend,
Sam

Suggestions?

In September we'll be attending my brother's wedding back in the UK. I've found a gorgeous dress for Naomi, and some beautiful yarn to make a little cardigan or shrug to go with it. (Yarn is Tilli Tomas beaded lace in colour stoney mist- it is super cute!).

Now I just need to figure out what to make. Does anyone have any suggestions?



I put this request out on ravelry, and received the following recommendations (click on the link to view):
Whirligig shrug
Annie Amelia Baby Bolero
Tiny tea leaves
Baby's tied shrug
Confection baby shrug
Helena
Hannah Fettig's Yoked Cardigan

Thoughts, preferences and additional suggestions all welcomed.

Naomi's new blankie

Check it out - the gorgeous sock yarn blanket with the fun monster backing material (to match the nursery theme).



Thanks to my knitty friends - Stacey, Jeni, Terrie, Tiffany, Mary Kay - for making this for Naomi. (And to Stacey's Grandma for sewing on the backing :)



Thank you xoxo

Barnraising

I'm having a lot of fun with the barn raising blanket. But not as much fun as I'm having with little miss Naomi... she's over 7 weeks old now, and growing like you wouldn't believe! She's also started smiling and babbling -- I think we have a chatty little soul here :o)



For the barn raising blanket I've been using Pagewood Farms sock bites (mill ends that are sold at my local yarn store) and scraps of sock yarn from my stash. I've also swapped a couple of squares with local knitty friends.



I'm really liking the color combinations so far and enjoying arranging the squares to see how I'll want the final placement.



Another great simple project!

Simple knitting

With free knitting time at a minimum, and those few hours being quite bleary-eyed ones (need more sleep!) I've chosen to focus on a few super simple WIPs that have been hanging out in my yarn cubbies for a good long while.

First WIP to be completed is the Anthropologie-inspired capelet.



This has been hibernating for 2 years. Hard to believe. Anyhoo, nothing to get too excited about - it's a super simple pattern. But what I do love is how the bamboo yarn drapes so nicely. And it has a little shimmer to it. What I'm not real excited about is how I've woven in the ends - it seems to pull the yarn and is visible on the right side. I'm sure you can spot it in the picture. Not to worry. I still think it is very wearable. And as my sis would say - it's a design feature!

Pattern is: Anthropologie inspired capelet (free ravelry download)
Yarn is: Berroco Bonsai, 6 skeins
Needle size: I used a size 9 needle, instead of the needle called for in the pattern. And must have cast on more stitches than the pattern called for (to account for the smaller needle size and thinner yarn I used). But I couldn't tell you how many now... it was too long ago. (But if anyone is desperate to know I can always count the rib ridges for you, and let you know!).

That's all for now... Naomi calls...
xoxo

More handcrafted goodies

Naomi is 6 weeks old now! I can hardly believe it. She's been keeping me quite busy (hence the absence from the blog world). 6 weeks on, and still the gifts are coming in. She's one lucky little lady! Here's a few handcrafted gifties that she received recently.

First is a selection of gorgeous sewn items that Terri had gifted her. These are from Etsy seller Francesca Baby. Aren't they pretty. I love the 'ducks in a row' pattern. There's belt covers (that we'll be using in her stroller), a wet bag with antimicrobial inside (for when we get caught outdoors with nowhere to put dirty/wet clothes), a burp cloth and a couple of bibs (we call Naomi the milk bandit when she's wearing the triangular one - soo cute!). Terri also made Naomi the very cute crocheted hat. Love the yarn - looks like ice cream colours to me. And this will be perfect for keeping the sun off in the summer; it's made from a lovely soft organic cotton.


My parents were over for a good 10 days or so (sooo much help, and lovely to have them here). They brought a bunch of gifties from friends and family back home. My sis sent with them a whole host of handcrafted goodies. First off there is the sock monster - how cool is this! (Hint, hint sis - I could fill up a whole shelf with a family of these ;o) And look how happy Naomi is with her sock monster! Thanks Jac xoxo


My sis also made a mobile for the nursery. What cracks me up is that Jac made a fuss about the yellow bird looking a bit pyscho. In fact I believe she almost wasn't going to gift this to Naomi, thinking that it wasn't good enough... are you kidding? It is AWESOME!!! I took a few pics of the felted birds on the mobile and also of Naomi looking at the mobile. This particular shot made me laugh because it looks like Naomi is shielding herself from said pyscho bird! LOL! Love the mobile. And Naomi loves it too -- she watches those little birds as they float over her in the crib.


Thanks for all the lovely gifts.

Next up, some actual knitting content!

The other lovely vintage cardigan

Just a quick post to share the 2nd lovely vintage cardigan from Amanda and Lily over at Joli House. This is the one that the very talented, and very lovely Lily made for Naomi.



Naomi wore it on March 7th -- that was supposed to be her official due date. But like her Mum, she was a little impatient and decided to make an earlier appearance!

Thank you Lily, it so very beautiful. I'm touched by your kindness.
Sam
xoxo

Look what the stork brought...

Little Naomi Claire arrived on February 24th, 2010. She weighed 7.0lbs, and measured 19.5 inches.





We are in love with our little angel!

She's been putting me through 'New Mum basic training' which is why I've been delayed posting the good news. (In fact pretty much everything is upside down right now while I learn my new role, and get to know this precious little person... please bear with me until a new normality returns).

Here's a few photos... many more to come as the new schedule allows.

First is a gorgeous sweater from Amanda and Lily over at Joli house. There's also a second vintage cardigan that's equally stunning, and model shots will be coming. These arrived on Naomi's 1 week birthday so it was fun to dress up to mark the occasion.



Here are the gorgeous pink booties from Terrie (love these booties - so, so cute!). I love when Naomi wraps her hands together like this, and then places them on her chin - like she's plotting her master plan!



And this one I call twinkle toes -- it's one of the gorgeous sets of socks that Kim had made. My goodness these handknit socks from Kim have barely been off her feet. They fit so well, and don't fall off and make mum happy knowing Naomi's little tootsies will be all toasty!



And of course the Indian jumper off Grandma. Dad's determined to make her a Tribe supporter. Or a Rockies fan... apparently that would also be ok since she'd be supporting the home team.



And the shot at the top - that's the pea pod and hat that Stacey had made for Naomi. Sooo cute. Joe loves this hat... in fact he said he wants one to match ha ha, he's such a goof! I'm thinking about using this shot for the announcement/thank you cards that have still to be made/sent...

Baby photo overload? I'll leave you with this last one - a big yawn... one of my favourite faces she makes. Mum has a yawn to match, but it isn't anywhere near as adorable!!!

Baby Shrug

This was a super fast knit that was nice to work on when I fancied something that's a little mindless. It's Debbie Bliss's baby shrug from the 'Simply Baby' book (now available online as a free pattern). I made size 3-6mths and used some more of the Mama Blue poppy sock yarn that I'd used for Penelope, and to trim the cheerleader's dress.



I'd actually decided on the shrug thinking it would be nice to 'girly up' some of the cute onesies that Joe has been buying for BOB. When it came to taking pictures though I figured I'd match it with the cheerleaders dress and I think it is a winning combo!



I'd added the little crochet flowers to make the top a bit more interesting. Not needed of course, but to me it looked a little plain without them. (I didn't actually make these flowers -- I bought them from a scrapbooking store. I don't think I can look at another crochet hook for a while, after working on the blanket border!)

I'm thinking it's now back to the adult knits for a while... little lady should be set for her arrival!

Alphabet blanket

I'm still here. Or maybe I should say that BOB is still safely tucked indoors all cosy and warm. Joe's told me (read 'ordered' ;0) that I sit back and take it easy now. So that means lots of crafty time for me, and consequently a finished alphabet baby blanket for the nursery!



The inspiration for this baby blanket is Debbie Bliss' Alphabet Blanket from The Baby Knits book. I used her lacy alphabet charts to create the intarsia alphabet squares with Rowan 4 ply cotton, and needle size US 4.

When the blocks were completed and sewn together it looked a tad small. And a little unpolished. So I pulled out some Rowan Cotton Breeze in a lovely bright pink to add a crochet border around the entire blanket - 4 rows of double chain and then one row of scallops using a 2.5 hook (I'm a self-taught crocheter - don't inspect too closely!)



So far, so good. Except I was thinking of little baby fingers plucking at the back of the intarsia squares: it could really do with a backing. Which is all well and good except 1) I have no clue how to do that and 2) there isn't a functioning sewing machine in our house. So I trolled the Internet for adding a backing to knit fabrics, by hand. I came across various different techniques, and am thinking I might have employed them all (and a couple I'd made up too!). Whatever works I say - and it seems to.



In case you are interested in the backing details:
I washed both the knit blanket and the flannel first, to make sure that any shrinkage happened before the 2 were permanently attached. Once dry, I laid the knit fabric out, taking care not to stretch. And then measured the dimensions of the blanket minus border. I then cut and hand tacked a piece of the cotton flannel to match this size.

Next I added a blanket stitch border to the cotton flannel, using the same pink cotton yarn that I'd crocheted around the entire border - I used this as an 'anchor' to crochet the flannel and the existing border together. But before crocheting, everything was pinned in place, including the intersection of every block to the backing (later I hand tied some of the pink yarn at each intersection). After all of that was done, all that was left exposed was some of the blanket stitch border on the flannel and so I added another couple of rows double crochet to cover that up and backstitched the edge of it to the flannel backing.



It was quite the labour of love you could say! And any experienced sewer/crocheter may be shaking their head in disbelief! But it all worked out, and at this point I have nothing but time on my hands as I play the waiting game! Oooh I'm happy to have this done before the wee one makes her arrival.

Showered with gifts

This weekend my knitty friends threw a wonderful baby shower for the little lady and I, on valentines day (great was to spend a valentines morning - brunch with good friends!). I don't think anyone has ever been soooo very spoiled in the history of baby showers! And check out the fun theme -- that's right, knitty goodness!





There were soo many gorgeous, thoughtful and generous gifts I could hardly believe it. I think I spent the entire day with a massive grin plastered across my face. Thank you ladies. It means the world to me that you been supportive and excited throughout this journey. And that you'll all be there to love on BOB when she makes her debut.

Since this is primarily a knitty blog, I'll highlight some of the gorgeous handknits (but believe me I got soooo very many other fantastic goodies... they can all be seen on my flickr page):

First there's the group project -- a beautifully soft blanket made from exquisite sock yarns. I think this is going to be a favourite with the little lady. And the cute backing material is monsters! Yay! And then Kim had knit these gorgeous socks. Check it out - not 1, 2 or 3, but 4 pairs! She's been very very busy and little lady is going to be spoiled with handknit socks from the get go -- between her and her Dad I think I may have a full time job whipping out hand knit socks in the future! And in case 4 sets of socks wasn't enough, Kim also made a couple of hats. Super cute! (And perfect for this chilly weather).



Terrie had made some gorgeous booties. How adorable are they! Something I'd been meaning to do, but never quite got around to. Another treasured keepsake. And then there's Hermann Bear too. Perfect size for a (not so) wee one.



Speaking of Monsters, Jeni has also added to the collection with another danger craft monster - Sammie the sock monster. Hee hee I love these guys. He has now joined the rest of the posse in the nursery. And Jeni also made this beautiful cardigan in some deliciously soft yarn and beautiful colours. Aah I think precedents are being set that may be hard to uphold!



Stacey has also been very busy with the knits -- there's a couple of gorgeous and fun hats to go with some onesies she gave me. Loving the bright colours and fun designs on these.



And then there is the knitted papoose. I'm soo very happy to have one of these to model my newborn baby in for her first photos. Another thing I'd been meaning to get round to, but, erm, never did.



Speaking of which, it appears that BOB is on her way sooner rather than later. Was at the docs on Monday and she thinks it could be any day now... we'll see!

Thanks once again for the wonderful shower. I had such a nice time with you all and can't thank you enough. Big hugs, Sam xoxo

Check out this beauty!

I was hoping I could show this off in a finished nursery, but that's going much slower than I'd like (too much napping and other obstacles...). So this weekend I took a few photos because I was eager to share this stunning, and very generous, gift from Bea:

Bobbin' for Hourglasses Quilt:


Bea had posted about this lovely quilt on her blog a little while ago and I found myself drooling over the pics - it is gorgeous, fun, and makes me happy just looking at all those bright colours. (The back is very pretty too - go check Bea's blog for better pictures).

I couldn't believe my eyes when only a week or so later she offered it up in a blog contest. WHAT? Give that stunner away? So of course I entered, kept everything crossed and hoped for the very best.

Seems my luck was in! I still shake my head in disbelief. It couldn't be more perfect for the nursery. And I love to think how it will become a treasured keepsake.

Bea, I can't thank you enough for this gorgeous quilt. (And Bella says to tell Gus and Abby that she's keeping a good, watchful eye over it too!)