owl in the rain

ok, i'm ready now.

2012-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Coming soon: more words!

i'm still here

2011-07-20T22:02:00.001-07:00

Hello! We're alive and well, if not terribly insular. I've recently picked up the needles again...what a feeling! Hope to be back here soon with more sentences.

What's new with you?

a new gem

2011-04-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

She arrived, safe and sound, Monday night.

The Little One's face has pretty much been frozen in this expression since:

(For those who are wondering, she came on her own, mere hours before I was scheduled to be induced. Phew!)

educated the expensive way

2011-04-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

A charmless photo of a very charming dress. I started this last Summer, before even learning that I was pregnant. Some would call it a sign that our baby is a girl; I'll call it the power of seeing/touching finished knits in the yarn shop! I wouldn't have given the pattern a second glance, had I not seen how beautiful it really is in person.

(details)

The cat made off with two of the buttons before I could attach them, but if they never turn up, I think the dress can survive as is. Hopefully I can get some modeled photos in a few months. (Yes, even if it's a boy.)

i can't love you like i should.

2011-04-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

I've come halfway on this second baby blanket, and determined that I hate it. I thought it would be a nice complement to the grey tweedy one, but instead it looks like a cheap acrylic piece of garbage that I want to kill. (Whoa, hormones!)

I'm always inexplicably drawn to yarn in this wheaty, poopy yellow, and I imagine I'll use it for something great for myself one day. In the meantime, Baby will have one handmade blanket (as did the Little One, so really, this is for the best).

Speaking of Baby, we are one day past due, and time has already slowed to a crawl. It's going to be a long haul if s/he is as late as the Little One was, which was twelve days! We've entered into a nice, peaceful pre-baby hibernation mode, though, and it feels right. The windows are cracked open and fresh Spring air is filling the apartment, the laundry baskets are empty (!!!), the freezer is full of food, and we are savouring our last moments as a little family of three.

like chocolate chip cookies

2011-03-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've never been able to crochet. I don't have any crocheters in my circle of folks, and images in books just don't work for me. When I made the Brûlée Scarf, I turned to YouTube and managed to fudge my way through the edging, but seriously, my hands felt as nimble as feet. Recently, though, I became determined to force myself to learn, because of crochet's rumoured "quick" afghans. Enter Solveig Grimstad. Her pattern, Flowers in the Snow, is simply written and accompanied by clear photos; it's virtually impossible not to be able to follow it!

Don't get me wrong. I'm still wrestling with the strange new hand movements, and with not tensing myself into a hunchback in the process, but I've nearly got the hang of it, and I'm...well, hooked. Yuk yuk.

Each little circle takes about 15 minutes, which has me saying, "maybe just one more" several times a day. My plan is for this to become a bedspread, so I'm guessing I have about 200 little buddies to go! Sorry, knitting. You are still first in my heart.

warm

2011-03-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

A simple blanket in (still) one of my favourite yarns...

...soft and warm, but very light. Perfectly neutral too, if you ask me.

Another blanket is halfway done, but has remained the WIP basket after a new project (in a new-to-me craft) stole my heart. I'll tell you about it when I have something to show!

quiet

2011-03-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

Oh, hello! Some time has passed, hasn't it? So much chaos has happened in this world since I last posted. Our little corner, however, has been quiet. Wherever you are, I hope you are able to find peace, comfort, safety, love.

A new friend moved in a few weeks ago, after his owner was forced to find him a new home. We call him Jack. Though he and our other kitty, Paisley, are taking some time to adjust to one another, he has fallen head-over-heels for the Little One.

I've never heard of a cat actually seeking the company of a small child. Obviously, the feeling is mutual, and they've taken several afternoon naps curled up together. Just lovely!

We're a few weeks away from Baby Time, and nesting is in full swing!

i couldn't do it.

2011-02-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

...both emotionally, and literally. I do like having my little corner of the internet for sharing thoughts and projects, and I'm always excited when someone pops in and leaves a note. Thank you for the thoughtful, encouraging comments that helped me to remember that!

Also, it would appear that hibernation isn't even possible (or at least I'm not computer-savvy enough to figure it out), and all-out deletion feels like throwing a journal in the garbage. So that settles it!

I don't have a photo for today, but I do have this:

hibernation

2011-01-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

Tuesday will mark three years since I started this little blog, and I've come again to that point of contemplating its usefulness. From what I can tell, the couple of people who do visit are also on Ravelry, Flickr etc., which makes this space somewhat redundant. I'm considering putting it into hibernation mode, but before I do I'd love to hear from any readers who may be out there, especially the silent ones. Don't be shy! And how did you come to find me?

I'll probably keep the blog up for a couple of weeks, then put it away. Maybe it'll pop up again someday, if I suddenly have an abundance of original things to share.

A special thank-you to Hilary, Julie, Robbie and Cassie, who have all been reading and commenting pretty much since the beginning, and whose kind words always lift my spirits!

parade of lost souls

2011-01-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law recently unearthed a bunch of knits I made for her little ones in pre-Ravelry times. I'm sure I'm not the only one who neglected to document my projects-at least consistently-in those days! I did start a journal for this purpose, but it didn't really work out. Seeing these old, forgotten projects has made me realize how spoiled I (we?) have become since Ravelry came to town, and how much I've learned in the past few years.

As far as I can remember, this is the first actual garment I made, in 2002. The one pocket is comically larger than the other, and it's most likely 100% acrylic. Still, my little nephew wore it a LOT, which made me very proud. It's the Bodywarmer from Knits for Babies and Toddlers by Fiona McTague.

Around this time, I also acquired my first Debbie Bliss books, and shortly afterwards, developed my addiction to fancy yarn...

In 2004, I knit a sweater for each of my nieces and nephews at Christmas. This little baby cost me something like $80 to make- HA! Of course, I didn't tell her; I never would have lived that down. It's the Debbie Bliss Beaded Fair Isle Cardigan (minus the beads) from The Baby Knits Book, knit in Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora.

I LOVE this sweater, although I can see what modifications I would make if I were to knit this today. The sleeves hang a little awkwardly from the body (you can see it on the other projects on Ravelry), which isn't so noticeable when the baby is wearing it, but it still bugs me a little. I can't believe this was 5 years ago! I'm excited to make a fair isle project again soon.

This is the Cable and Rib Hoodie from the same book; my first ever attempt at cables! It took absolutely forever to make, but I was so pleased with the outcome. I finished it somewhere around 3am Christmas morning, and I distinctly remember the "Don't touch my baby!" feeling I had as she opened it.

I picked up some more of that Cotton Angora on sale in 2006 and made this simple hooded cardigan...the source is escaping me right now, but you can bet it's Debbie Bliss!

Baby Shrug from Simply Baby, made in 2007. Found myself back in acrylic for this one - note the curled, unblockable edges! Lovely.

This was fun! I'll have to see what other old knits I can dig up.

r.i.p. trish keenan

2011-01-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm quite in shock.

resolute

2011-01-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

As trite as it may sound, I really enjoy the fresh-start feeling that comes with a new year. There is something tangibly refreshing about hanging up a new calendar, writing down a few resolutions, and officially packing away the past year. I decided to have another go at a 101 in 1001 list (I forgot almost immediately the last time), to be completed by September 2013! I may share a few as I go, if you don't mind.

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours sorting and rewinding my yarn, unraveling an alarming number of abandoned projects, and reclaiming the needles they had hogged for months. It gave me a chance to reflect on the last year, and feel inspired for the next.

Here's a peek at my wip basket...

Speaking of the New Year, we rang in 2011 at a friend's Mad Men bash. I was a pregnant housewife, complete with (fake) whiskey and a cigarette. Fun! I find it so much easier to put together a costume than sophisticated party attire. I should probably only attend theme parties from now on.

Happy New Year!

three

2010-12-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

smitten

2010-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yes I am!

(details)

We loved the idea (I was inspired by Earth Chick) of celebrating each day with a fun activity rather than a candy or toy. Things were rocking busy for us until halfway through the advent, though, so we started a little late this year. Luckily, the Little One is none the wiser!

I still plan to stamp and stitch a number tag inside each mitten, but I get a feeling that'll be next year. We're easing into this, apparently.

enfin, citron.

2010-12-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

What on Earth took me so long to finish this? Sure, there are a whole lot of stitches near the end, but that's no excuse for a 5-month hiatus! Thankfully, once I decided on the recipient, I had a built-in deadline. My dear friend is leaving Friday to meet his girlfriend, who spent the semester in Switzerland. Then they're off to Paris for Christmas. (The word "envy" doesn't even come close.) I had intended to send her a care package a couple of months ago, but the $80 shipping cost made me queazy, so I'll ship it in a suitcase instead. I hope she loves it as much as I do; it's so fluttery and light, yet warm and cozy, and I think it will fit right in with a French Christmas!

(details)

Isn't it amazing how a knitter on a time crunch can overcome even the most extreme cases of project fatigue? I could knit a 70-metre scarf if it came with a deadline. I'm sure more than a few of you have smoke coming off the needles nowadays, as The Big Deadline approaches. I decided not to knit Christmas gifts this year, opting to make decorations for the apartment instead, and I have to say, it feels really weird! I'm mildly uncomfortable with the idea of being well-rested on Christmas Day.

a very little christmas

2010-12-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

The lovely Chelsea Jade of Willow Ships has just released the Christmas compilation she and a handful of folks created...and it's free! Methinks you want a copy. Either get it through her site, or if I've done it right, you should be linked right to the download page here. I delight in all things Christmas (well...I could do without "Santa Baby" and the hollow commercialism, but I've become adept at ignoring such things), and this collection of songs is a beautiful addition to the soundtrack.

mittens & tea

2010-11-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

I've been spending quite a bit of time at home lately. Between fatigue, school work and the final stages of toilet training, there's a whole lot of inertia keeping me inside. I'm easily given to guilt, but I know this is all temporary. In the meantime, I'm indulging in pyjamas, the fireplace, and pot after pot of tea. I've also picked up a new knitting project (because I don't have enough of them on the go). Have you seen this pattern? Ohhh, so sweet! And full of FO satisfaction, which is perfect for sporadic, tired knitting.

We had to run an errand at our local skeezy mall over the weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised - well, shocked - to find out that they've opened a David's Tea! The girl behind the counter bounced around pulling tins down from the wall and rattling off the ingredients and benefits of each tea as I sniffed. Before I could stop her, half of the tea in the store was on the counter in front of me. I settled on the Coco Chai Rooibos, which smells oddly of rum, but tastes like spiced, slightly coconutty heaven. I was too overwhelmed to make any more decisions, but I'm excited to go back!

it's. time. to. DANCE!

2010-11-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

If you don't have young children in your life, you may not know about the wonder that is Yo Gabba Gabba. It's a feast for (and occasionally an assault to) the senses, made by and for parents who love music and, perhaps, dream of a world without Dora. Think hipster Sesame Street. We first read about it a couple of years ago in a music magazine of all places, then spent some time watching the video clips on the website. The Little One was completely taken by it, so when we found out the live tour was coming to town a little while back, we couldn't resist.

I wanted him to have something special to wear to the show, so I picked up some green Cascade 220, followed the Elizabeth Zimmerman raglan recipe, then stitched on some felt eyes and a mouth to make a Brobee-inspired sweater.

(details on ravelry)

[The Little One directed the entire photo shoot, checking each photo and trying out several poses to show off the sweater. It was both hilarious and touching. Sometimes I stop and realize how beautiful it is that he doesn't make me feel like a weirdo for doing things like this. Of course he doesn't know any different, but it's still pretty amazing. I know the day will most likely come where everything we do embarrasses him deeply, so I'll enjoy the unselfconscious nuttiness while I can.]

The show itself was pretty great. My face actually hurt on the way out from smiling so much! I normally don't go for the whole live kids' show scene, especially when tied to a television show, but I really think they got the formula right. Balloons, confetti, a local band, dancing food and colourful animals...it was basically a Flaming Lips show without the fake blood. Plus, watching Biz Markie pass the mic to 3 and 4 year-olds was a trip!

Even with all the colours and dancing, I probably spent 75% of the time watching the side show:

Speaking of the Flaming Lips, they performed "I Can Be a Cat" on the television show, and it was every bit as fitting as you would hope. There isn't a video of it on the website yet, but if you're interested, you can find a low-quality version out there in internet land. In the meantime, here are a few favourite life lessons...

361-365

2010-11-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Day 361: Lying in bed, listening to the rain.

Day 362: Good news.

Day 363: My child, the second, coming soon.

(April 1, to be exact.)

Day 364: All the people who joined in on this little adventure.

Day 365: This year of gratitude.

Here are my last words as written to my facebook friends. I think they apply nicely to my bloggy friends as well:

Looking back on all these photos takes me back to specific moments and feelings that made up the story of a year in my life. Even the little things that may have seemed trivial to an outsider really represented the way I was feeling that day. At times, the photo of the day was easy to come up with, especially if excellent things were happening; at other times I had to dig a little deeper. But even in the midst of deep grieving, stress, or boredom, there was always something to be thankful for. How great is that? I had always known this on a cerebral level, but until now, hadn't really put it to a test. I'm so glad I did! And I'm glad that I made it public. The accountability kept me going, and your comments, messages and thumbs-up boosted me more than you may have realized. Now that the year is done, I feel a combined sense of accomplishment for finishing what I started, and sadness that it’s over. I know for certain that I want to hold on to this outlook on life, always feeling grateful for the gifts and riches I have, and I may have to continue collecting daily photos for myself to document the journey. As I’ve said, the people who joined in and did their own 365 project have multiplied my gratitude, and I’ll miss theirs as much as my own. To those who have considered it, I strongly encourage you. You will not regret it. Since this is my last (public) day, I’d love to hear from EVERYONE who has been following along (especially the silent ones)! It would be a real treasure for me to know which of my own gratitudes may have resonated with you, or made you laugh, cry, frown in disapproval, burp, etc. What are you grateful for, right now, sitting at your computer?

331-360

2010-10-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

Day 331: A breeze on a hot day.

Day 332: Squeaky clean.

Day 333: The French language.

Day 334: Handmade gifts.

Day 335: Sunsets.

(So cheesy, I know. But it's true!)

Day 336: Family keepsakes.

Day 337: Squishy.

Day 338: Dictionaries.

Day 339: Chalk.

Day 340: Photo albums.

Day 341: Finding something that was long lost.

Day 342: Getting better with practice.

Day 343: New friends.

Day 344: Commitment.

Day 345: Exploring neighborhoods.

Day 346: Hidden gems.

Day 347: Shopping online.

Day 348: Patterns.

Day 349: Reflections on water.

Day 350: Watching/cheering on others as they try something new.

Day 351: Humility.

Day 352: Black and white photos.

(via Tara-Lynn)

Day 353: Time off.

Day 354: Board games.

Day 355: Love notes.

Day 356: Cooking for family and friends.

Day 357: Free stuff.

Day 358: Being trusted with a secret.

Day 359: Living in a musical home.

Day 360: Small rituals.

301-330

2010-10-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Day 301: Laughter.

Day 302: The beach.

Day 303: Lavender.

Day 304: A sidewalk stroll when the shops have closed.

Day 305: Podcasts.

Day 306: Puzzles.

Day 307: Driving through the countryside.

Day 308: Jimmy Fallon.

Day 309: Daydreaming.

Day 310: Dogs riding in cars.

It's as hard as you might think to capture a photo of this phenomenon, especially when you don't currently have a dog! I nicked this cutie from here

Day 311: White on white.

(collage found here)

Day 312: Pencils.

Day 313: Beautiful bloggers.

(anabela)

Day 314: Kites.

Day 315: The smell of roses.

Day 316: Pillows.

Day 317: Hummingbirds.

Day 318: Perforated lines.

Day 319: Dr. Seuss.

Day 320: The colour green.

Day 321: Aloe vera.

Day 322: Long weekends.

Day 323: The National Film Board (of Canada)

Day 324: Fleetwood Mac.

Day 325: Mint.

Day 326: Steve Carell.

Day 327: Baking soda.

(photo found here)

Day 328: Owls.

Day 329: Those books for dummies and idiots.

Day 330: Making old things into new things.

286-300

2010-10-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

*Way behind schedule here! Apologies for the Summer-heavy content.

Day 286: Diners.

Day 287: Picnics.

Day 288: Watching grumpy people eat.

Day 289: Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Day 290: Farmers.

Day 291: Never getting old.

Day 292: Using one's powers for good.

Day 293: Sport.

Day 294: Bamboo.

Day 295: Coco.

Day 296: Summer fruit.

Day 297: Taking on challenges.

Day 298: The unmistakable beauty of film.

Day 299: Lazing on the deck.

Day 300: The Kinks.

271-285

2010-09-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Day 271: Ivy-covered buildings.

Day 272: Home videos.

Day 273: Greens.

Day 274: The body's amazing ability to heal.

Day 275: Freedom.

Day 276: Bubbles.

Day 277: My brother.

Day 278: Finding old letters.

Day 279: Concerts that never leave you.

Day 280: Camping.

Day 281: Eddie Izzard.

Day 282: Learning new things.

Day 283: San Francisco.

Day 284: London.

Day 285: Sitting down with family.

256-270

2010-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Day 256: Massage.

(stock photo)

Day 257: Ambition.

Day 258: Sharing childhood toys with the next generation.

Day 259: Breads.

Day 260: Documentaries.

(up the yagtze)

Day 261: Endorphins.

Day 262: Waterfalls.

(someone else's photo)

Day 263: Liberty.

Day 264: Lace.

Day 265: Strength.

(found here.)

Day 266: Long shadows.

Day 267: Tree-lined streets.

(someone else's photo)

Day 268: Seinfeld.

(99 Seinfeld references, originally from here)

Day 269: Good habits.

Day 270: Children singing.

226-255

2010-07-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Day 226: The Sartorialist.

Day 227: Disney-Pixar creations

Day 228: Polaroids.

Day 229: Wine Wednesdays.

Day 230: Tina Fey.

Day 231: Beards.

Day 232: Music to grow old with.

Day 233: Fancy clocks.

Day 234: School.

Day 235: Those seven (or so) minutes after hitting the Snooze button.

Day 236: Eateries that feel like home.

Day 237: Comedy.

Day 238: Small gatherings.

Day 239: Artichokes.

Day 240: John Hughes.

Day 241: Walking in the rain.

Day 242: Quinoa.

Day 243: Laundry fresh from the dryer.

Day 244: Blur.

Day 245: The smell of freshly cut grass.

Day 246: Catching up with an old friend.

Day 247: Music that leaves you no choice but to dance.

Day 248: Japanese food.

Day 249: Road trips.

Day 250: The smell of barbecue.

Day 251: Thinking outside the box.

Day 252: National Geographic.

Day 253: Late-night cereal.

Day 254: Sharing favourite places with a friend.

Day 255: Tiny, one-of-a-kind shops.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

100-mile july

2010-06-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I are embarking on a 100-mile food month starting tomorrow, and I'm so excited, and scared as heck. If you're not familiar with the concept, it's all about eating food that is grown and produced within 100 miles of where you live. Now is obviously the ideal time to try it, with farmers markets in full swing, and yet, it's all pretty intimidating. The 100-mile movement seems to have been spawned here in Vancouver, by the (possibly certifiable) couple who did it for a whole year and wrote a book about it.

We started a blog to share our experiences with each other, and you are all welcome to visit, offer insights, and cheer us on! You are also MORE than welcome to join in on the challenge as much as you can, in your own town! It would be really cool to hear about the regional diets of other areas.

bolero in action

2010-06-16T00:24:00.001-07:00

I've been given permission by the bride to share some wedding photos with you...

Is there any better gift to a knitter than to see a knit being used and loved?

These are so my kind of people.

The photographer did a beautiful job. Her blog is here.

2 1/2

2010-06-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

My Little One, you are two and a half, and I want to celebrate. You are gorgeous. You are hilarious. You are infuriating. I never knew I could love like this.

my everest...or at least baker

2010-06-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

ALL DONE!

This blanket was so incredibly fun to make. Mr. Tweed broke it into very manageable charts, all of which were very easy to memorize and execute without much thought. This was my standby movie knit for several months, always there for me when the current obsession became tiresome. Somewhere around the final chart, it was upgraded to primary knit, and I seriously couldn't stop thinking about it. I picked it up every time I had even two minutes to spare. I even went as far as lugging it into the car and bringing it to people's homes; I looked completely ridiculous, but I didn't care.

When I came to the edging, I made the GIANT mistake of thinking I was almost done. It's a looong way around this baby, friends! The diameter is roughly 6 feet, so, you know, that x pi = 2 full skeins of yarn and several evenings of slow progress. Still, it was super fun to finally begin to see what the final product would look like (up until that point, it had resembled a giant rasta hat, then a squid...). So finally one evening, the end in sight, about a foot of edging to go, excitement welling up once again...I RAN OUT OF YARN. I was completely stunned. I don't really swear on a regular basis, but in that moment, I might as well have been a longshoreman. I searched my room and stash feverishly, and came up with nothing. The next morning, I called my yarn shop. No more Pastaza til Fall. I called every other yarn shop in the city. Nope. Had to order ONE SKEIN from Webs and wait 2 WEEKS to finally finish! Worst. My theory is that I mistakenly added a stitch near the beginning, which grew into a whole extra pattern repeat, and consequently, a whole extra skein.

(details)

In the end, it was still worth the wait, and the blanket was finished shortly after receiving the emergency yarn. Not so bad. And seriously, the colour of this yarn cannot be captured on film! It is so beautiful and deep, and it screams warmth. I firmly believe that everyone should use it at least once.

I miss knitting this blanket. Do you ever feel that way when you finish a knit or other project? Or maybe a novel? A class? It's amazing and wonderful, how deeply and emotionally connected we can become...for better or worse.

!

2010-06-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I don't know if I actually qualify as a blogger. I like having this little space to call my own, but I'm not entirely sure I make the best use of it. I update so infrequently, and I doubt I say anything original. For the sake of completion, I'll keep her going until the 365 thingy is done, and after that, I don't know...maybe not? We'll see.

In the meantime, a few recent knits:

A quick little birthday gift for a lovely young lady. This is an awesome pattern! It's kind of standing up in the photo, but it's much more soft and tumbly and drapey in real life. (This picture is actually a still from our little flip, thanks to both cameras breaking at the same time.)

(details)

A new-ish friend asked me to make a shrug for her wedding, which was both a wonderful honour and completely frightening. Her only requirements were that it be warm, ivory-coloured, and garnished with a lace trim and blue flower. She was incredibly easy-going about the whole thing, which may have brought out the neurotic perfectionist in me...I might have taken a bunch of paint samples from the hardware store, then driven to the bridal shop and compared them to her dress in order to buy the right yarn. Maybe.

I replaced the ribbed border with a simple scalloped pattern that I hoped wouldn't make her look like a doily (the entire dress was covered in a lace overlay), and I think it turned out pretty well. The flower was my first ever felted project - I've never really been drawn to it - but it made the rose look much less "crafty" than some knit flowers. I've glimpsed a few photos of the wedding (beautiful), and she wore it, so yay!

(details)

Lastly, I finished the bear for my friend's baby, then decided I hated it. The yarn is just a little too flimsy, and it pulls apart in awkward ways around the stuffing. It looks alright, maybe even fine, but not gift-worthy, in my books. Attempt #2 will be made of the recommended Blue Sky yarn. (By the way, I've made peace with how bloody late this gift is.)

(details)

Coming soon...more!

211-225

2010-04-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Day 211: My city.

Day 212: Hugs.

Day 213: Walking amongst nature.

Day 214: The magic of lullabyes.

Day 215: The euphoric exhaustion that follows a workout.

Day 216: Neighbours.

Day 217: Shoes.

Day 218: Maps.

Day 219: Harmony.

Day 220: My sister.

Day 221: Genuine people.

Day 222: Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Day 223: Renting movies by mail.

Day 224: Community.

Day 225: Pink trees.

196-210

2010-02-11T08:37:00.001-08:00

Day 196: Simplicity.

(tomatoes, coconut, basil, olive oil, s&p. yummy.)

Day 197: Old slang.

Day 198: Sitting.

(especially after a whole lot of standing)

Day 199: Story time.

Day 200: Swimming.

Day 201: Progress.

Day 202: Vicarious travel.

Day 203: How-to videos.

Day 204: Stillness.

Day 205: Reading the paper.

Day 206: Guidance.

Day 207: Contagious smiles.

Day 208: Outdoor celebrations.

Day 209: Moonlight.

Day 210: MySpace Music.

the way we get by

2010-02-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

In case you thought I was lying, here are a few photos to prove that I do, in fact, still knit.

In a fit of Knitter's Delusion, I started this little guy the night before a friend's baby shower:

In my defense, I had had a little cardigan all set to go, and only realized at the last minute that I couldn't part with it. Even though it was completely crazy to start so late, I did get this far before admitting defeat, which is a testament to the speedy pattern! If I was a few years younger and still capable of pulling all-nighters, I may have actually won this one. The delusion continues.

I'm up to Chart E (out of G + edging) on Jared Flood's masterpiece...

...and this is a little creation of my own.

Right now I'm envisioning a longish vest, maybe with a shawl collar, but only time will tell. As for the colourwork thing, I need help. Overall, I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. I'd love book recommendations, if you have some! Does anyone have that Interweave book? Is it worth buying?

166-195

2010-02-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

Day 166: Mixtapes.

Day 167: Nuts.

Day 168: Wes Anderson.

Day 169: Ikea.

*I realize how geeky this is, but what can I say? I'm a suburban housewife.*

Day 170: Wisdom.

Day 171: Band geeks.

Day 172: Coin-operated photo booths.

Day 173: New beginnings.

Day 174: National treasures.

*To my international friends: This is a difficult one to explain. Canadian Tire is this hardware store that has everything, and somehow, smells like Canada. Or at least my Canada. Especially in the 80's, when I was a child. I have a real affection for this place; I even have an " I <3 Canadian Tire" mug.*

Day 175: Singalongs.

Day 176: Pyjamas.

Day 177: Indian food.

*There's no way to make this look good in pictures, I've decided.*

Day 178: Immortal talent.

Day 179: This guy.

Day 180: Organization.

Day 181: Ellen Degeneres.

*This goes back to when she had an HBO special that came on around 3am one night, quite a few years ago. I was going through an insomniac and depressive phase at the time, but she made me laugh. Hard. Then, after the show, she took questions from the audience, and one girl thanked her deeply for what she had done with her life. Ellen gave her a warm, strong hug, which made me cry. The kind of crying that is hard to do when you're feeling depressed.*

Day 182: The relationship between grandparent and grandchild.

Day 183: People who RUN to the aid of others.

*this is clearly a photo of neighbours helping each other out in the wake of Haiti's devastating earthquake. But this subject had come to mind a few weeks prior, when we saw a car crash randomly into a pole, and a nearby man broke instantly into a sprint to help. It really affected me, that sense of connection to fellow humans, even in what can be such a jaded, disconnected society.*

Day 184: Organizations whose PURPOSE is to aid others.

Day 185: Home.

Day 186: Teachers.

Day 187: Bathrobes.

*One part comfort, one part comedy.*

Day 188: The mighty, mighty soybean.

Day 189: Throwing stones into the ocean [lake].

Day 190: Hearing people speak in their native tongue.

Day 191: Pregnancy.

Day 192: Toilets.

Day 193: Goop.

*Again, I'm a suburban housewife. You might as well know I like Martha Stewart too. Boy, I hope I'm not losing all my street-cred in this post.*

Day 194: Jars.

I did already say "Organization", but jars deserve their own day.

Day 195: Electricity.

91-165

2009-12-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hold on to your hats, folks. This is a crazy, huge, mega-mondo catch-up post! I hope I haven't completely diluted my images by putting so many together, because they did appear one at a time, originally (over a period of 2 months). I just had to take a plunge and get myself back on track. I've learned my lesson now; it takes miserably long to upload 70+ photos. Please enjoy, and I hope your computers don't explode.

Day 91: The way life's experiences change us.

Day 92: The colour grey.

Day 93: Cast iron.

Day 94: Lip balm.

Day 95: Unintended hilarity.

Day 96: Dave Eggers.

Day 97: Animal friends.

Day 98: Cuteness.

Day 99: Saving money.

Day 100: Local art.

Day 101: Tradition.

Day 102: Soup.

Day 103: Being warm when it's cold.

Day 104: Dreams.

Day 105: Good health.

Day 106: Craigslist.

Day 107: The coastal landscape.

Day 108: Childhood memories.

Day 109: Libraries.

Day 110: Rick Steves.

Day 111: Cooking shows.

Day 112: Twilight.

Day 113: Resilience.

Day 114: Peace.

Day 116: Independent clothiers.

*this photo is from wiksten*

Day 117: Magazines.

Day 118: Architecture.

Day 119: Movies.

Day 120: Sacrifice.

Day 121: Grace.

Day 122: Hair elastics.

Day 123: Texture.

Day 124: Sunday afternoons.

Day 125: Dance.

Day 126: Mandarin orange season.

Day 127: Fire.

Day 128: Wind.

Day 129: Trees.

Day 130: Nardwuar.

Day 131: Birthdays.

Day 132: Bill Murray.

Day 133: Inspiration + collaboration.

Day 134: Pillow talk.

Day 135: Painting.

Day 136: Friends.

Day 137: Sight.

Day 138: Playing dressup.

Day 139: The people who make our lives better, over and over.

*a friend and mentor, who passed away in December*

Day 140: Lists.

Day 141: Stolen moments of rest.

Day 142: Prayer.

Day 143: Christmas trees.

Day 144: Baths

*photo from Toast*

Day 145: John Lennon and friends.

Day 146: Family reunions

For privacy reasons I was unable to show this one, but just picture Stretch standing with a bunch of guys that look like him.

Day 147: Pausing, savouring, capturing, preserving.

Day 148: The air I breathe.

Day 149: Tissues.

Day 150: Decorating cookies.

Day 151: Wikipedia.

Day 152: The way the Russian language translates into English.

Day 153: Moments of clarity.

Day 154: The musicians that held my hand during the teenage years.

Day 155: Thrift stores.

Day 156: Joy.

Day 157: Quality children's programs.

Day 158: Garlic.

Day 159: Rainbows.

Day 160: Candlelight.

Day 161: Fred Rogers.

Day 162: Jesus.

Day 163: Christmas morning.

Day 164: Fog.

Day 165: Record stores.

Phew! Thanks for bearing with me. I'll be back SOON, with a manageable morsel of photos, and hopefully some knitting show-and-tell. Be well.

P.S. I have no idea where the background for my page went!! I intend to find/fix/replace it shortly.

76-90

2009-12-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Oops...haven't been around here for a while, have I? I have a couple of batches of photos for your viewing pleasure. In real life, I'm up to Day 149. It has been (very) challenging at times, but I really do believe that this little project is helping me to shift my outlook on life. We've gone through some tough spots and been touched by tragedy in the last 150 days, yet there has always been something to be grateful for. And that makes me so happy!

Day 76: Unbreakable bonds.

Day 77: Perogies.

Day 78: My country.

Day 79: My father.

Day 80: Doctors and nurses.

Day 81: Takeout.

Day 82: Women.

Day 83: Chocolate.

Day 84: Weddings.

Day 85: Sunshine.

Day 86: My camera.

Day 87: Sharing a pint with friends.

Day 88: Abundance.

Day 89: Kisses.

Day 90: Potential.

61-75

2009-10-13T21:28:00.001-07:00

I hope you're not completely tired of these, because I literally have hundreds to go. I promise, I do other things with my time, and there are several doings in the works for you to see soon. In the meantime, 15 more:

Day 61: The first signs of a new season.

Day 62: Walking hand-in-hand.

Day 63: Hand lotion.

Day 64: Bones.

(photo courtesy of stock.xchng/svilen001)

Day 65: Before and After pictures.

(photo courtesy of design*sponge)

Day 66: The Magic Bag.

Day 67: Sitting down to a stack of cookbooks.

Day 68: Stars.

Day 69: Mail from friends.

Day 70: My favourite pair of jeans.

Day 71: Anticipation.

Day 72: Technology.

Day 73: The ability to care deeply.

(and the people who practice it.)

Day 74: My mother.

Day 75: Nail polish.

46-60

2009-09-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Day 46: Hope in despair.

Day 47: Buying handmade goods.

Day 48: Spices.

Day 49: Playing outside.

Day 50: Comfy clothing.

Day 51: Helping hands.

Day 52: Brunch.

Day 53: The Beach Boys

Day 54: Warm light.

Day 55: Sleep.

Day 56: "Go put your feet up, and I'll make dinner".

Day 57: The laundry smell that takes me back to Grandma's house.

Day 58: Taking the train downtown.

Day 59: Soothing ginger.

Day 60: Dining out.

31-45

2009-09-17T08:55:00.001-07:00

Day 31: Colour.

Day 32: Television shows on DVD.

Day 33: Summer evenings.

Day 34: Seeing the world through young eyes.

Day 35: Finding beauty in unexpected places.

Day 36: Big bowls of salad.

Day 37: Shelter.

Day 38: Children eating cake.

Day 39: Greeting loved ones at the airport.

Day 40: Baking.

Day 41: Genuine smiles from strangers.

Day 42: Those cheesy photo-op pictures with faces cut out.

Day 43: Gifts from the garden.

Day 44: Veggie dogs from street vendors.

Day 45: "I'm with the drummer."

16-30

2009-08-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Day 16: Weekend getaways.

(Birch Bay, Washington)

Day 17: The CBC.

(Kind of the Canadian BBC)

Day 18: Creation.

Day 19: Crossword puzzles.

Day 20: The healing power of tears.

Day 21: Clean water.

Day 22: Honesty.

Day 23: Hot beverages.

Day 24: Fresh socks.

Day 25: Driving at night.

Day 26: Whoever coined the phrase, "Thirty is the new Twenty".

Day 27: Nostalgia.

Day 28: The feeling of freshly cut hair.

Day 29: Summer rain.

Day 30: Olives.

On starting a Flickr group: I think it's an amazing idea, except that some of my photos are not photos at all. For me, this is more of a gratitude project with visual aids than a photography project. I would love to see other people participating though, so maybe there should be a group anyway?

a summer wasting

2009-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I decided that I had become a little too cynical for my liking, and had been feeling down for a little too long. So I started a little 365 project for myself: Each day, I think of something that makes me happy/thankful, and find or take a photo to accompany it. I've been posting them daily on Facebook so that my friends and family can see them and participate if they like, but I think I'd like to share them here too! So here are the first fifteen:

Day 1: Mashed Potatoes! (I didn't have the photo idea until day 2.)

Day 2: Everlasting love.

Day 3: My child.

Day 4: Music on vinyl.

Day 5: Forgiveness.

Day 6: Slow food.

*I realize that you may have seen some of these pictures already*

Day 7: High fives.

*photo courtesy of Wired. Did you know about this elbow aim business?*

Day 8: (My father-in-law)

*Many of my friends know and love this guy. He is so insanely kind and selfless, with an endearing goofy side. I challenge anyone to meet him and not love him.*

Day 9: Avocados.

Day 10: Knitting.

*Obviously.*

Day 11: Silliness.

Day 12: Winter.

*This one came on a particularly unbearable day in our recent heat wave. Looking at this photo actually did cool me down some. I may have also shed a tear or two of longing.*

Day 13: Exploring unfamiliar places.

Day 14: That funny way the internet reunites us.

*I'm now Facebook friends with all these girls from my 14th birthday party, all but one of whom I have not seen in at least ten years. It blows my mind a little.*

Day 15: Books.

I'll check back shortly with some more. I am knitting too, though slowly. I hope to have an update for you soon.

get me some peeps

2009-06-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Any Vancouver knitters read this? I'd love to give you a high 5 Saturday at Kits Beach...

The vast majority of my knitsy friends are from far away (not that I'm complaining; there are some pretty amazing people out there). But I think it's time to add some 3-dimensional knitting companionship to the mix.

***This photo may be the last time I actually knit in the presence of other humans. This is OLD. I was pregnant with the Little One. ***

Are you knitting in public this weekend (or next) in your little corner of the world? Where?

just a little quickie

2009-06-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hello. Enjoying the sunshine? I don't know about where you live, but here in Vancouver we seem to have skipped right over Spring this year. The Little One and I are quite the sweaty duo.

Here is my latest FO, featuring the lovely legs and pretty poses of my dear little sister:

Pattern: Look-back Leggings from Weekend Knitting

Yarn: Koigu Kersti Merino Crepe...I neglected to note the colour code, but it's a mix of turquoises and brown.

They were meant to accompany the brown sweater I gave her for Christmas (photo shoot still pending), but after knitting the first one I was SO BORED that I had to put it out of sight for a few months. I'm so glad to be rid of them, and thankfully my sister loves them.

rising

2009-05-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

what i've been doing...

2009-05-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Time has a way of sneaking by when we're not looking, doesn't it? All the little things of life keep us, and our minds, running like mad toward more little things of life, and before we know it, another birthday, or in my case anniversary, comes to remind us of the passage of time.

But amidst the chaos, and occasional boredom, of daily life, my hands have still found some time to play.

Post-purge, I started a handful of new knitting projects:

The first stages of a Girasol blanket...

Satisfying progress on a delightfully quick Lauren...

Oblique, in a yarn whose glory cannot be adequately captured on film...

(I'm desperately trying to be an equal-opportunity blogger by providing non-Raveler-friendly links)

A bagful of laceweight and sock yarn arrived in the mail yesterday. I see scarves in my future. And maybe this.

I finally hung some photos in the Little One's room, and picked up a couple of cheap 2-packs of canvases to paint him some quintessential alphabet wall art:

The inspiration for these was a combination of some expensive art on West 4th (Vancouver's posh baby district, or at least one of them), and delightful finds on Etsy. These cost me about $25, including paint and brushes. Still a work in progress; the B for beaver and B_______ (my last name...how mysterious I am!) is yet to be completed.

With the leftover canvas, I made this:

I'm not sure what it is, or why, but I like looking at it.

Craigslist gave me this cutie, for FREE:

It was in need of some TLC, but after gluing on a new trim and mending the cushions, it looks like a whole new sofa.

Now all that remains is to sand down the evidence of the previous owner's hungry dog.

Recently, Stretch and I marked our eighth (!!!) wedding anniversary, and we could think of no better way to celebrate than to invite all our friends over for as much food as their little bellies could take. Sadly, there is no photographic evidence, but here is the stack of plates I bought at the thrift store to feed the crowd:

They're cuter in person. I was delighted that there were virtually no leftovers of the entirely vegan feast, even though most of the guests were omnivores (thank you Veganonicon, The Artful Vegan, and Entertaining for a Veggie Planet).

I spent the evening at the stove, chatting with friends as they happened by, and to me it was perfect. This will have to become an annual thing.

Lastly...remember the Little One? That precious, beautiful little boy with alabaster skin and heavenly cheeks?

Today, I asked him to smile for the camera.

This is what I got:

I thought it was a fluke, so I asked him again. And again. I cannot show you the resulting photos, for each is more horrendous than the last, but trust me when I tell you that this is now his interpretation of "Smile!"... Images of school photo retakes dance in my head...

pretty great

2009-03-05T11:13:00.001-08:00

My jaw dropped when I checked in on The Sartorialist this morning:

To me, she is the epitome of Cool. And it doesn't hurt that she looks strikingly similar to one of the greatest musicians ever:

(sigh)

On the knitting front, I have decided to purge all of my works-in-progress, because the sight of them made me hate the world. I'm starting fresh, filled with giddy excitement once again.

Oops, I hear a baby crying. Duty calls.

under construction

2009-02-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

Please pardon the lengthy absence; I hope to return soon. For now, here's a little glimpse of what we've been up to:

Trellis, oh so late

2008-12-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

Oh dear. I'm far behind in my updates. I've been moving, and as we all know, that's always a bigger ordeal than you expect! Long, long ago, I finished the Little One's Trellis sweater and took a bunch of photos, but I was just too busy to go that extra step and blog about it! Well, I'm sure there will be a post or two about the move itself, as well as the paint-soaked aftermath, but in the meantime, may I present, Trellis:

Pattern: Trellis by Britta Stolfus Rueschoff

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Mediterranean

I had a helluva time with gauge on this bugger! I used this yarn because the owner of my LYS recommended it, but obviously she wasn't aware of how different it was from the recommended yarn. I started and restarted this sweater more times than I'd like to remember. I knit the entire back a couple of times before getting the gauge right. In the end, the only way to do it was to fudge the numbers and use smaller needles for the moss stitch edge. I would have abandoned the pattern long ago, but the yarn was too soft, and the prospect of the Little One wearing it was too delicious.

Are you as glad as I am that I didn't crap out? What a cutie.

I'm still immersed in painting and unpacking, and I'll surely have some before-and-after photos for you soon. Hope you're enjoying your holiday moments! Remember to pause, breathe, and take it all in...you'll be glad you did!

and we in our caps

2008-11-12T12:54:00.001-08:00

Well, the temperature has officially dropped, the leaves have changed, and I am cold! Thank goodness for quick-knit hats.

Pattern: Toasty Topper by Alexis Riggs

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in a nice brownish-green (2014)

Modifications: I added a couple of increases and some length to account for the Little One's not-so-little head, and it ended up a little big. Room to grow! I added a little tassel to the top to up the cuteness. Finally, I added a button and buttonhole to the scarf in order to fasten it in the back and save baby from strangulation.

Pattern: Classic Ribbed Hat by Frugal Knitting Haus

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Navy (022)

Pattern: Butterfly Hat by Sofiya Cremin

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Frank Ochre

Love!

Mission accomplished! We are warm, enjoying the lovely cool weather with cozy heads.

I realize this is a post of few words, but who wants to read anyway?

i got a rock.

2008-11-02T17:59:00.001-08:00

Hello. I hope you had a lovely Halloween! I've never been one for all the scary business, but I love me a good costume. Growing up, my mom always made our costumes by hand, so in keeping with the tradition I ventured out to the fabric store and braved a pattern for the Little One:

Pattern: McCalls 8938

Materials: Polar fleece, felt, elastic, and velcro.

(The hood was part of a costume my sister had, so all I had to do was add my own ears! Score!)

Notes: The pattern was confusing, only because there are five different animal options in one package, so there are many, MANY pattern pieces! Also, the notions list on the back failed to mention...well...almost everything. So I had to run out more than once for supplies. Next time I'll read first, then shop!

The girl upstairs was dressed as a lion as well (weird coincidence), and they had a good long stare upon seeing each other all done up. It must be truly bizarre at their young age!

(please excuse the grainy setting on the camera)

All of my time was consumed in fretting about, and then executing, the Little One's costume, so our pumpkins remain intact, and my dream to dress as a lion tamer was not realized. I'll call this one a success anyway. I see pumpkin pie/bread/soup in my near future.

movin' on up to the east side!

2008-10-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say we got the apartment! Thank you SO much for the kind/encouraging comments and messages, and for the crossed fingers and positive vibes! I am so glad to have found this community of supportive friends from all around.

Since eye candy is always a crucial part of the blog post, I'll post this photo of lovely yarn and ask for some suggestions as to projects:

I'm not a huge pink wearer, but I do have a major closet love for the colour. This is Kathmandu Aran from the Queensland Collection (85% merino 10% silk, 5% cashmere), and it is a perfect tweed for my sensitive skin. I've already made a couple of projects with it, and I wouldn't be surprised if I developed a brooklyntweed-esque obsession with it. I'm excited to hear your ideas!

Thanks again for the support,

Jennifer

be still, my thrifty heart.

2008-10-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I brought home a healthy haul from the thrift store. Yesterday was a good day: two big bags of clothes and some home goodies! The cashier noted that my armload of goods looked like it could be a still life painting, so in his honour, I took a photo.

In other news, we are three days away from finding out if we will become homeowners! Everything is in place; we are just waiting for the RRSP people to give us our money. They're taking their sweet time, but if they don't get back to us by Friday, we could lose the place. Fingers crossed!

needled

2008-10-06T18:05:00.001-07:00

Last night, two of my dear friends from work were married in a beautiful evening ceremony by the water. It rained (poured, actually), so we all stood under a gigantic tree in a semi-circle around the couple, and it was perfect. I had decided to make their gift by hand, so I pulled out the yet untouched sewing machine and gave it a go. I have Lotta Jansdotter's book of great little patterns, from which I chose the oven mitt, potholder, and cafe apron. I am pleased with the result! I don't think I have machine sewn since Home Ec. in Junior High, so you can imagine my relief at discovering that it's one of those "just like riding a bike" skills (although the bike was a little rusty).

I love LOVE the swirly quilted pattern on the mitt. It is so pleasing in combination with the flowers, in this knitter's opinion. Did I say knitter?

I modified the edging slightly by adding the thin red piece underneath which allowed me to hide my not-so-tops topstitch skills. Instead all you see is the nice machine seam on the brown piece.

I lined the mitt with the red floral fabric and attached a piece of twill tape so it can be hung on a hook. I took a photo of this, but only after wrapping and giving the gift did I realize how truly crappy the photo was. *sigh* Speaking of crappy photos, this one just makes me angry:

I guess that's what you get for finishing a gift on the giving day and rushing to take pictures. Lesson learned. Until next time, of course.

All in all, I'm pretty excited about delving back into seamstressing (seamstering? seamsterizing?), and I can't wait to start the next project! Huzzah!

growing up, bucking up, pushing up.

2008-08-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

A week ago, I turned 29. No need for condolences; I'm actually okay with it. But I did experience the mini-crisis that has accompanied my last few birthdays, trying to decide if I am the 29-year old I thought I would be, or think I should be. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I do know that I am an eternal work in progress, and I have so much more to do. I made some goals for the future, and I'm thinking of putting them into a 101 in 1001 list, because a) I love lists, and b) I'll know if I have accomplished anything. Most of my goals are too private/boring to put here, but I'll share a couple for sharing's sake.

The first relates to the depression I have been living with. Obviously, I need to find my happiness. I need to lose the fear, anger, and pain that have been chasing me. I need to become whole again, so that I can give of myself to the people I love. I speak quite candidly about this because I believe candid conversation is essential, for me to get better. We are all so uncomfortable with mental illness, which is understandable to a point; we know so little about the human mind. But if we could take our focus off the "mental" and think of it in the same way we think of physical problems, we'd all feel so much more at ease. Pneumonia, broken leg, depression. You get the picture. So one of my big goals is to help my family and friends feel comfortable with the topic. I need them to be comfortable with it. I am still me: good listener, funny, a little self-conscious, musical, simultaneously ambitious and lazy...and these things will remain when the illness is gone. I realize, of course, that this will probably be a part of my life in some way from now on, but it will not BE me.

I wasn't actually planning on writing a paragraph about that, but there you go.

The second goal I'll share might sound completely trite now, but it's just as important to me, and I'm just as serious about accomplishing it. (I almost laughed as I typed that.) I want to do 100 push-ups. After finding a program that takes you from zero to one hundred in 6 weeks...I mean, come on! Talk about a great party trick! Even more, it would represent a return to athleticism, and to my once iron will power. I'm pretty excited!

My birthday itself was very peaceful and nice, and included a little mini-golf and baking. Lovely. Stretch surprised me with a CRAZY gift from the whole family:

Yay, new toy! The instruction manual is a novel, but for now, I've at least figured out how to point and shoot. The next morning I giddily snapped photos of the Little One and random things around the house.

I give you, My Living Room:

Soon, and very soon, I will have more knitterly content for you. Thanks for reading.

aruba, jamaica...

2008-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Montego Bay Scarf from Interweave Knits, Summer 2007

Yarn: Handmaiden Fine Yarn Sea Silk in Amethyst (1 skein)

Needles: US #10 (6 mm)

FINALLY! I have no idea why this took so long. I just lost momentum somewhere along the way and couldn't get it back! This yarn is absolutely delicious. I needn't say more.

oops.

2008-07-24T11:14:00.001-07:00

So last post, I discussed and demonstrated my latest case of Startitis, a serious condition plaguing innocent knitters everywhere. I felt somewhat ashamed and embarrassed, confessing my vulnerability in such a public manner. But you reassured me: we all suffer from Startitis now and then. My spirits were lifted, and my confidence was restored. And then, somehow, and for reasons only an addict can understand, I started two more projects. Perhaps it was the reassurance of fellow knitters (enablers!), or perhaps it was just the need for a couple of quickies. Whatever the reason, here are my latest two started - and finished - objects:

Pattern: Bulky Baby Hat by Bobbi Intveld

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky Natural in Fawn

Needles: 2 circulars in US 17 (12.5 mm)

Notes: Love! Literally felt like 5 minutes of knitting, and the result is SO cute. Especially on the lovely Little One...

...who was so patient, posing for photos in a wool toque in the middle of Summer!

Next up is the sweet Brulée Scarf by Skrilla Knits. In all my years of knitting, this is the first garter stitch scarf I've ever made! It seemed to be the perfect opportunity to learn and practice Continental knitting. Thanks to YouTube, I was able to master it and get into a nice flow. I can see how knitters prefer the speed and simplicity of movement involved in Continental style. And I learned something about myself: I will always be a thrower.

Pattern: Brulée Scarf by Cirilla Rose

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Pewter

Needles: US 10 (6 mm)

Hook: 4 mm

Obviously a nice, easy, fast knit. The yarn was meh, but that's to be expected for such a bargain. Also, this was my first real foray into crochet! Thanks again to YouTube, I was able to fumble my way through the cute and essential shell edge. I'm sure seasoned crocheters can see mistakes or gauge issues, but I cannot, and I am well pleased!

Et puis la pièce de résistance:

These jelly salad-like buttons are from the aptly named Button Button in Vancouver. Somehow I hadn't been until this scarf required it. The selection is beautiful and huge (overwhelmingly huge), and these little gems jumped out at me instantly. They're a perfect match, if I do say so.

I leave you with The Notwist:

Now. The sun has broken through the clouds. Time for a little walk!

the fine art of procrastination

2008-07-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

As any student will tell you, the best time to scrub the bathtub/clean the oven/paint your toenails/reorganize the bookshelf/write a screenplay is right around the time you should be working on a paper or studying for an exam. It's a golden time, akin to those few minutes after pressing the snooze button on a cold, rainy morning. As any knitter will tell you, it is also a dangerous time, and can trigger the most severe cases of Startitis* the world has ever seen. Well, what can I say? My bathtub is sparkling, my toenails are pink, and I have five (yes, FIVE) assignments due at month's end. The arrival of the Little One in December (along with the ensuing Post-Partum Depression, a story for another time) has pushed all scholarly obligations WELL onto the back burner, and now is the time to do or die. Sooo...let the knitting begin!

First off, I started my first ever sweater for myself, in the form of the Minimalist Cardigan:

Next, I'm a pair of sleeves and a collar away from a Trellis sweater for the Little One:

I picked up some Cotton Angora (lovely) at a crazy discount, and plan to make A Streetcar Named Desire (Ravelry link) from Romantic Hand Knits:

And lastly, I am determined to make this beauty for Stretch using this:

It shall be named "Ambition", and its middle name shall be "Delusion". And just in case that wasn't enough, you'd better believe I have yarn coming in the mail for a blanket (Ravelry again).

*Sigh*

Better get started. On the assignments, I mean. Well, maybe ONE sleeve, then the assignments. Okay, one sleeve, two swatches, and the outline for the screenplay. Then the assignments. I'm serious.

*If you are not a knitter and were hoping for a definition of Startitis, I'm pretty sure you've figured it out by now.

socky to me

2008-07-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here they are, ladies and gentlemen, my second pair of wool socks this summer! Apparently I have a thing for seasonally inappropriate knitting. I'll thank myself in October. Had I brushed up on my Greek mythology, perhaps they would have been more of a seafoam green, but I think my ignorance may be a little more wardrobe-friendly.

Pattern: Poseidon Socks by Elinor Brown

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in green (I lost the ball band so I'm not sure which green)

Mods: I used the Magic Toe Cast-On and EZ's sewn cast-off. I heart them both.

The stitch pattern did get somewhat lost in the variegation of the yarn, but I'm okay with it. What I'm NOT okay with are my photography skills. These look much nicer in person. I'm learning, though, I guess.

Coming up next post: Another startaholic falls off the wagon, yet again.

meme moi

2008-06-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Normally I hate answering questions about "favourites". Partly because I feel bad for the things I did not deem a favourite, and partly because I don't want to be pegged as "girl who likes ______ and nothing else". But I couldn't resist taking part in this one, mostly because of the pretty results. I like how it turned out!

1. fields of happiness ^-^, 2. Untitled, 3. Evelyn Boyd Granville, PhD Mathematics, 4. Autumn walk, 5. x, 6. pentacon six tl wannabe edward hopper edward olive, 7. Carrer de les Cireres, 8. Sintetizador de chocolate, 9. Helpful grafitti, 10. Travel Broadens The Mind., 11. Mom making hamburgers, 12. Arrivée des pêcheurs à Mbour

The Instructions:
- Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
- Using only the first page, pick an image.
- Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Jennifer
2. What is your favorite food? Chocolate
3. What high school did you go to? North Delta Senior Secondary
4. What is your favorite color? Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Beck Hansen
6. Favorite drink? Beer
7. Dream vacation? French countryside
8. Favorite dessert? Chocolate cake
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Helpful
10. What do you love most in life? Laughter
11. One Word to describe you? Listener
12. Your flickr name? jbonikowsky*

*jbonikowsky turned up no results, but flickr asked if I meant Mankowski, so I bent the rules a little and used that.

Thanks Margaux for the copy/paste explanation and permission!

my lovely boy

2008-06-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Question my parenting if you must, but I did what I had to in order to get a photo of the sweater.

Pattern: Ribbed Lace Bolero by Kelly Maher

Yarn: Leftover Blue Sky Cotton from my sister's sweater (colour is Shrimp)

*Sun dress from Baby Gap.*

I made this for the landlords' little toddler, and I just had to get the photo beforehand. Too many knitted gifts have gone undocumented. Hopefully he will forgive me for thrusting him into transvestism.

Isn't he just darling?

catch up!

2008-06-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I'm still not so good at this blogging thing. I've got a whole bunch of good stuff to share. First of all is another shrug for my sister, in the form of the Ribbed Lace Bolero. I just have one photo of it here; with 700+ on Ravelry, I'm sure you're well familiar with it. I really do love that yarn, though, and this colour (called "Shrimp") is beautiful.

Pattern: Ribbed Lace Bolero by Kelly Maher
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Shrimp (2 skeins)

Next up is a quick hoodie for the little one. I had initially started a Trellis, but the slow pace of the knit and the quick pace of baby's growth meant that it would go unworn. So I reluctantly quit Trellis and knit up a garter hoodie. The pattern is meh, but the sweater is warm, something that we still need here, believe it or not! It's been a chilly June, to say the least! I'm a big fan of cold weather, and generally hate the sticky, sweaty, sunburn season, but now even I'm wishing for a little sun.

Pattern: Lion Brand Hoodie #60554a
Yarn: Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran in Green (115)

Here's the sweater in motion. Note the tiny hood (or is it my baby's giant head?). Also note the Precious Moments-like appearance of the lovely Little One. Ooh, so cute.

I'm also (very) slowly working away at a Montego Bay scarf, which I started after seeing and falling in love with Jen's at Team Knit. It's an easy pattern, but for some reason I keep losing interest, so I only do a little bit at a time. It's beautiful yarn - very smooshy and soft.

Also, I have this old sweater that I hope to turn into a teddy bear. I'll let you know how that goes...

And finally, I'm going to get started on my second pair of socks, using some lovely green Koigu.

As for that lovely jacket I was going to make? I went to buy the pattern and someone else had beaten me to it! I'm ok with it though; as I walk past the high school near my house, I see a LOT of buffalo plaid, so maybe I'm too old for it anyway. ;)

Phew. Ok. I'll try not to let things go so long next time!

I <3 Wine Wednesday

2008-05-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

A while back, Stretch and I created Wine Wednesday as a means to survive the work week. The premise is obvious, I think: We buy a bottle of wine on Wednesday, drink it, and feel like we just might make it to the weekend after all.

=
joy.

my first socks!

2008-04-30T19:37:00.001-07:00

I'm quite amazed that I managed to complete not only a sock, but a pair of them! Yippee! Just in time for Spring, a brand new pair of wool socks.

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Plum

music for a monday: anniversary edition

2008-04-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Today is my seventh wedding anniversary. Time has really flown by! So much has changed over the years, yet so much has remained soothingly the same. Music was always a big part of our courtship, with concerts and trips to the record store occupying much of our time together. One favourite memory is of sitting in the car on Saturday nights, listening to CBC radio 2, when Grant Lawrence hosted a show called RadioSonic. It was a great way to learn about new artists, and it made a perfect soundtrack to our young love. We were pretty excited when we first heard "The Way You Walk" by Papas Fritas while parked in front of his house and, well, probably making out. Whenever I hear it now, I am transported back to that time, and invariably have a huge smile on my face. If for some reason this song is new to you, I hope you enjoy it! And Stretch, here's to many, many more years together. I love you.

i must be high.

2008-03-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

I recently found this jacket online and became quite enamored. I decided buy it in red, only to learn that it was no longer available! Well, of course that only made me want it more. So now I'm on a mission to find a similar pattern and make one myself.

This might do:

(found here)

With the infant son at home with me, and the course I'm taking at the university, I figure I've got about 10 minutes a day to commit to this, which means I should finish the jacket by, say, August. Can you say beach parka?

our hotel in liverpool

2008-03-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

shruggy love

2008-03-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

I knit this shrug for my little sister. It's very soft and it fits her well. Success!

Pattern: Retro Redux, from Lace Style

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Thistle - 2 skeins

Coming soon: Photography skills.

music for a monday

2008-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

This always makes me smile. Just what I need on a dreary Monday.

on self control

2008-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for 2008 is to have more self control. Somewhere along the way I became a hedonist, enjoying the excesses of life at the expense of, well, life. Imposing self-control is a little tricky - do I just make myself a list of strict rules and somehow punish myself if I do not abide? Maybe. Alright then, no more eating half a box of chocolates in one sitting. No more buying two bottles of nailpolish every time I'm at the drugstore. And I cannot buy new yarn until I knit a few things with some of the yarn in my shameful hoard.

OK, so maybe I already have new yarn coming in the mail (and maybe I've decided that I'm allowed to eat king-sized chocolate bars). I can still "bust some stash" as they say. I'll just have to be quick. Here's what we're looking at:

It's not so bad. I can do it. Come to think of it, I may need a few dozen cookies to get me through this.

long time stalker, first time caller.

2008-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Because what the world needs is another blog.

Knitting...music...food...anything, really.

Some introductions-

Pithy self-portrait:

This is Stretch:

Our little one:

Thank you to the bloggers I have been stalking (knitting and otherwise - see the blogroll for a sample) for the inspiration to join in the game.