10-23-11; the week.

Several things to remember from the week; I am trying to be better at capturing highlights.

Mommy Day at Will's preschool. 

It happened to be his show and tell day.

More fun with yarn and a dye pot. 

Birthday spree to pick out yarn for winter hats for the boys--bring on the color work (and thanks Lynn!)          

Flipping through good knitting books for inspiration.

 Plus, one special book on pre-order finally arrived.

I also knitted by the fire twice this week--fall is officially here.  To celebrate, I began my Idlewood last night. 

It's a good thing I got my knitting/yarn fix last week as this one will be dedicated to Halloween costumes.  Surprise surprise.  Have a great one! 

Sandra

A note from 8-year-old me.

Let me start with a bit of backstory before I share the below:  My boys often tell me, and I quote, "Mommy, you are the best mom I ever had."  I've often wondered about the phrase.  Because each boy says it just like that.   

Last weekend we headed to my parents' home to celebrate my father's birthday.  When we got there, my father handed me a birthday card that I made him when I was eight and in third grade (the same age and grade as Max). 

 

So now I know.  Happy Friday!

Sandra

p.s.  What's behind the flip-up-flap?  Just a tad more poor spelling... 

  

I'm back! (but not back, back).

So, well, it seems that turning 40 brings quite a bit of celebrating along with it.  I am not complaining--not at all.  I'm extremely grateful for the many things I've experienced these past couple of weeks. 

But that said, as I try to get back into my routine, I'm finding things to be a bit of a moving target around here.  More than usual, that is.  So if the blog has fallen through the cracks, at least it's in the company of many other things dear to my heart, such as a tidy home, meals from scratch, and manageable laundry piles (that last one is killing me).  Because right after I got back from here with my dearest...    

I darted off to here with a fun group to celebrate another's 40th...

More pictures and stories of those memorable trips soon, promise.  But today, it was my knitting guru's 40th birthday.  Happy birthday Jenn!!!  We celebrated over lunch with another knitting buddy (Hi Lynn!).  And we plied each other with yarn and other knitterly goodies. 

I made some simple stitch markers.  They are nothing fancy and just from art supplies we had on hand.  I need to find smaller beads for the next batch (they are a wee addictive to make).  These markers do not fit larger sized needles...

I also whipped up a project bag with her logo.  I was out of ribbon to use for the cinch ties so used cording from my stash.  Does cording come in fun colors I wonder?

I also tucked in some Madelinetosh Vintage in Trodden.  I've not knit with Vintage yet but it feels amazing in the skein...  

Her sweet husband is whisking her away for the weekend to New York city to celebrate.  She promises to report back on visiting Purl Soho and Tender Buttons.  I completely forgot to ask whether she's hitting M & J Trimming.  Can't wait to hear all about it.  Have fun Jenn!  

Sandra

Happy Birthday (no not about me again).

This is to my bestie who has this blog as her homepage:  Happy Birthday Kris!!! 

I made you a little something.  I made you a little something and gave it to my hubs who was suppose to see your hubs at the charity golf tournament on Friday.  But that didn't go as planned, now did it?  It was supposed to be there for you today, on your birthday, to let you know I'm thinking of you on your special day (even as I go about my day sampling pizza from competing Chicago eateries). 

Since I couldn't get this little something to you in time, I decided to bring it with me to Chicago to break it in for you.  Remember when we used to borrow everything from each other?  Can you believe that started in 8th grade?  I think I like Madelinetosh better than Forenza, though.  It should go with your black coat very well (I like it with mine).  I will try to not get pizza sauce on it.

I hope you have the most fabulous day.  And I cannot wait to celebrate with you next weekend.  I am so glad you are 40 now, too.  You know I don't like to do things without you.

Sandra

Birthday yarn.

It is hard to shop for me, I hear.  But it's getting easier and easier because these days I will happily and gleefully accept yarn.  I am slowly photographing and posting my expanding stash on Ravelry--it's a great way to stay organized and is helpful when planning projects.  I am told that I might set a record for the quickest stash attained by a newish knitter.  And to that I say you should see my fabric stash.  But let's stay focused...

Here is my basket o' birthday yarn. 

Contents include three skeins of yummy Madelinetosh DK, one in oak and two in moss.  These will be winter hats.  Charlie claimed the oak and I'm dreaming of a hat and mitt set in the moss.  Then again, I would also like another shawlette.  I've checked this a dozen times but yes, I'm sure:  the oak colorway is the green and the moss colorway is the brown.  Go figure.

I also received Blackstone Tweed in two colors, a beautiful blue (Wharf) and a rustic brown (Quahog).

I may have enough of the blue to eek out a sweater dress.  Maybe.  Can't you just imagine it in this blue?  Actually, imagine it in a less shocking blue because it's not as bright as depicted here, promise.  It's more peacock than turquoise in real life.

There are only four skeins of the Quahog--not sure what those shall turn into just yet, but my guess is another accessory of some sort.

And lastly, there are four skeins of a new-to-me yarn.  Sublime cashmere merino silk dk--it is incredible, velvety and soft.  I am unsure of the name of the colorways but they are a soft blue and a sandy gray.  I see something stripey and definitely next-to-skin.

I am not sure which of these lovelies I will tuck into my carry-on bag tomorrow, though I best decide soon.  I considered simply carrying on the entire basket.  But that would be silly.  I can live without petting my new yarn for a few days. 

Sandra

Chicago Chickadee.

I finished a cowl a bit ago, well before I knew we were heading to Chicago to celebrate my 40th birthday.  I am so happy it's blocked and ready to throw into the suitcase.  I think it'll be perfect for the weather expected.       

This yarn was originally used for another cowl--the popular Honey Cowl.  But it was my Disney knit and lo and behold, I had packed the wrong needles.  I remember staring at my lap on the plane wondering what to do.  

I thought maybe it would work out with some fiddling so I went ahead and cast on.  But after working on it throughout the trip and a few days once we returned, I faced the fact that the resulting fabric was much too loose for my liking.  So I frogged it.     

I wasn't sure if it was going to become another cowl after that experience.  But then I saw several beautiful versions of the Chickadee cowl knit in this exact yarn (Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light) and colorway (Calligraphy), and fell head over heels, leaving little choice.  And I'm so happy I shamelessly followed, not changing a thing from their versions.  I love this cowl (Rav notes here) and have a new affection for the linen stitch.

Sandra

p.s.  I will be away for a bit, unplugged and holding hands with my fella, exploring a wonderful city.  This is after I figure out a suitable traveling knit and double check that I've packed the right sized needles. 

40.

    

I said goodnight to my thirties last night and woke up in a new decade.  For real this time.  To celebrate, I thought I'd share 40 random things about me.

 

40.  I became a neat freak/organized wannabe during my first pregnancy.  Considering the amount of stuff that comes with children, the timing was not ideal.

 

39.  Two of my favorite shows are Wait Wait Don't Tell Me on NPR and Gossip Girl on the WB (this barely nudged out The Bachelor).  It's all about balance.  Plus, it's hard to knit something complex while watching riveting tv.

 

38.  Most people think I'm of Hispanic descent (I am not, btw.  I am half Thai).

 

37.  No, really, when I did this thing at the White House, the Hispanic caucus would make a beeline for me and surround me (no idea what they were saying).

 

36.  I have taught the same aerobic class since my last year of law school in 1996.  They spoil me and have thrown me a celebration for just about every milestone in my life.  They are like family. 

35.  I am generally a nice person.  But once when I was cross-examining a witness, I made him cry.  Also, a juror once asked me if I handled divorces.  She was hoping I'd skewer her husband.  I suppose in court I can play the mean part. 

34.  I don't understand parents who drone on and on, bragging about their children.  Besides, we should really be talking about my children who are so smart, funny, cute,  talented, sweet, etc., etc.

 

33.  I love to cook and entertain.  It is a shame that I am so neurotic about it.

 

32.  I totally expect the man to offer to drive--is that horrible?

 

31.  And I think he should offer to pay.  That probably is horrible and dated but there, I said it.

 

30.  I will be raising my boys to always offer to drive and to pay.

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Last week.

Some things to remember from the week.

Littlest one dressed in fall clothes, looking so sweet.

The look of blocked linen stitch (more details on the cowl later).

A hat I'd knit and forgotten.

Remembering to take the camera to the bus stop to capture how the boys say goodbye each morning and hello each afternoon...may they always stay thick as thieves.

Also, I...

--was fussed over by family, friends, neighbors, and fitness students on special nights.  I am incredibly lucky.

--baked an unusual number of scones (four batches!)

--made grand plans to redo my craft space.  Doing it on the cheap so watching Craigslist like a hawk.

--picked out paint for new shelves Charlie built me--he truly is the best.

--did not log a single mile running, tsk tsk

--found the perfect pair of black boots.  I have been looking for ages, ask anyone.

and

--booked tickets for two to Chicago.  So, so excited.

Here's to another good week.  And remembering to remember it.

Sandra

Weekly Crafty Roundup.

It might be a bit bold of me to proclaim this a weekly roundup.  Because that probably indicates another will follow.  In a week.  And let's face it, I can channel the best one-hit-wonders when it comes to blog ideas.  But let's go with it for now, shall we?  Because there are so many lovelies out there and even though I've started pinning ideas on Pinterest, here are some I especially love this week.   

Speaking of Pinterest, have you joined??  You must join!  My boards are here--they are nearly bare as I am just getting started.  It is dangerous, time-wise, so be warned.  But I digress.   

Knits

The Parker sweater by Amanda Keep.  I could see whipping up a stack of these for gifts (if I weren't such a selfish knitter, that is).  The instant gratification of bulky yarn?  The fun color combo potential?  As the boys would say:  winner winner, chicken dinner.         

Catkin by Carina Spencer.  I have read about this shawl on various blogs and folks say it's pretty fast.  I am intrigued by that claim as the FOs look stunning.  And even though I'm not sold that I'd ever wear the shawl as a shawl, I swoon when I see it draped as a scarf.  And besides, I just want to knit it.  As for colors, I'm thinking grellow.  There is not enough gray/yellow in my life and I find that alarming.     

Catkin by Carina spencer

Canaletto Cowl by Megan Goodacre (Rav link).  There is talk that the next KAL on Luvinthemommyhood will be cowls.  I've had this queued since it first came out in the spring.  And I have some Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted cotton in a steely blue that would be, as Chandler Bing might say, perfection.

Other Crafty Pursuits

DIY Clay Necklace 

The absolute last thing I need is to flirt with learning a new craft--agreed?  But if I were...I'd love to give jewelry making a try.  And I'd start with this tutorial by Instructables user CreativeCate.  These necklaces are so feminine and I adore the vintage vibe.  Plus, they look rather spring like to me.  So if I were going to learn about jewelry making, I'd have plenty of time.  Not that I'm planning to, nor covertly buying supplies.  Ahem.

I am contemplating asking Charlie to craft this bed for William.  There are at least five other spaces that desperately need attention before Will's room, but gah!  I love this bed. 

Source: blogs.babble.com via 3pumpkinslittle on Pinterest

More next week.  Or not.  Let's just stick with maybe.

Happy Friday!

Sandra

Button jar.

I just remembered that I have a nearly completed cardigan somewhere amongst my knitterly things.  It has sat, neglected and lonely, in my WIP basket the entire summer.  If cardis could talk, it would no doubt tell me that it is confused and sad.  It would ask me why I abandoned it.  Was it something I did? it might wonder.    

And, well, if I talked to sweaters (and I do not--or at least, not usually), I would tell it that I understand why it's confused.  I worked on it it until it was 95% done and then just walked away.  I need only to pick up stitches for a nice finish on the collar and button bands--twenty, thirty minutes of work, tops.  But you see, I also need to sew on buttons.  And therein reveals why I first tucked it aside--I did not have the right buttons.  But it languished for three months because I forgot about it, plain and simple.   

I remembered it as I was sorting through my various baskets.  And as the weather is finally cooling off, I think it's a fine time to get back to it.  It also helps that I recently added these lovelies to my button stash.  They beg for a more permanent home than my button jar (if buttons could talk, that is).

I think some brown ones, carved from coconut shells, are the winners for this particular cardi.     

 

But I'm excited to have other options in-house and at the ready.  I need to keep the cardi community happy.  I've invited over an ambitious number this fall. 

Sandra