Celebrating

Milestones. The sign that one has accomplished something. It feels good to look back, and to be able to see how far you've come, what obstacles you've conquered, the way you've grown and changed.

This particular milestone, is my 10 year wedding anniversary. Ten years of laughter and joy, ten years in which we've watched each other become parents and learn immensely about ourselves, our life and our relationship.

I wondered for a long time what an appropriate gift would be. It's not an easy choice. I wanted something we'd both enjoy, and also something memorable. I scoured Etsy for ideas, and then I found this amazing little shop. 

The immensely talented Sabina makes these custom cartoon-style portraits. The likeness she was able to achieve is uncanny.

The gift was a hit, and I may just make this a recurring tradition. 

More of the same please

You may have noticed that I decided to skip the customary retrospective this year. 

Why? 

Because 2012 was in all honesty a great year, and I want 2013 to be more of the same. A lot of things have fallen into place and I do not want this phase to be over. There was a rather lengthy period of, well, let's say trials, and 2012 finally brought an end to all that, so of course it is hard to let go. Sometimes, new beginnings are not what one wishes for, but just simply more of the same. Do you ever feel like that? That you have finally arrived at a place where things are good, plans have worked out and looking into the future fills you with hope and positivity? I don't want to let that go, that is perfectly understandable, no?

One thing I do wish for, is that I have a bit more time for my blogging and crafty side. I was not able to update the blog as regularly, but I am certainly hoping to get back into my old rhythm of posting at least once a week. I am also hoping to be able to explore new aspects of my creativity.

What about resolutions? None of those for me thank you. I will stick with goals. I want to perfect my sewing, learn how to do something new (I am dying to dye my own yarn), and improve my photography skills. Of course the list is endless, but I will start with these.
 
I am finally getting around to posting pictures of a couple of the Christmas gifts I knitted.  I had promised my mother-in-law a hat for a long time now, and I decided on the QL Slouch, which I knitted in some leftover Classic Elite yarn from my Effortless. I am really pleased with how it turned out, and she was really happy to see it. It suits her really well, and it was a surprise which makes it an even better gift!

My sister has been admiring my Herringbone Cowl for a year now, so I managed to whip up another one using Bulky Valley Yarns. It's one of my favorite colors, and it looks great on her. 

I love warm, cozy winter knits!

More girly accessories

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my knitting projects.  I’ve been working on some orders and they seem to be taking me forever. You know, those knits that you’ve done a few times, and at this point kind of bore you. ..but I am almost done.

I did make time however to make a little something for my adorable niece, a headband. Doesn’t she look adorable wearing it?

It’s my first step towards designing my own patterns. I realize I still have a long way to go, but you gotta start somewhere right? I used 100% cotton yarn by Phildar. The band itself is a basic garter-stitch, about 8 rows of it, which makes it a bit elastic, enough to fit snugly around her head.  I sewed the ends together, but I am wondering if it is not smarter to make it a bit longer, add about 20 more stitches, and add snaps to accommodate different size heads. What do you think?  The little flower you see is an adapted pattern by Debbie Bliss, from her book “The Knitter’s Year”. She actually describes how to make a pin. I think it looks adorable, and I am planning to make some for the shop. I have already had a request from a friend to make several of these as she is planning to give them as gifts at her daughter’s birthday party.

So what's the verdict?

Birthday gift for a girly-girl

It’s troubling when your 3-year-olds social calendar is busier than your own. Suddenly I am concerned with filling up A’s free time with fun activities, interesting pursuits and engaging get-togethers. I do not remember putting that much effort into planning my own free time (am I the only one?). But I have to admit that it’s fun. I love seeing him enjoy himself, making new friends, interacting with new acquaintances.

And so he’s invited to a birthday party tomorrow, we’re trying gymnastics. I just hope that he will not disrupt the class too much. Last time we signed him up for something, he was running around the whole time, and by the end of the class, all the other kids were following him and completely ignoring the increasingly panic-stricken teacher…..my son, the clown! But I digress; this is a blog about knitting after all.

This brings me to the gift for the birthday girl. R. is an adorable little 4-year-old, who greatly admires shoes, nail polish and everything girly. So, when I found this pattern, I thought it would be perfect for her (just to be on the safe side she’s also getting toys).