A Christmas Tradition

If I can accomplish the same task two years in a row, it becomes a tradition.  I know, I have low expectations, but for this phase of our lives... it's all about baby steps.

Last year for Christmas, I planned on knitting the kids matching sweaters.

This is as far as I got before I decided to throw in the towel and go for a couple hats.


This year, I completely forgot about the matching Christmas sweater nonsense and went straight for a couple of matching hats.


I think they turned out great.  They look like little presents topped with a pom-pom bow- perfect!


Hope your holiday season was wonderful.  It was some good down time for us and it helped rejuvenate us all a bit.  I mean, heck- a blog post?!  That's a big deal! 



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#fairislefriday

The past few Fridays I have seen more and more #fairislefriday posts pop up in my Instagram stream.  Considering my love for Fair Isle (and Fridays for that matter), I figured it was time to jump on the band wagon.


I've started a pair of mittens for myself because these beloved beauties have gone missing.

Unforunately, if you look close enough to the first picture, you can see the end of the lighter yarn.  I had a tiny ball left over from a few projects I knit for Sam when we was still a wee babe, and I knew it would be perfect with this dark green.  

So, this project is on halt until my new yarn comes.  I just ordered some yesterday afternoon and tracking tells me it should be here by tomorrow (Woohoo- thanks Paradise Fibers!).

In the meantime, I'm off to wind my Christmas yarn and start a hat and cowl... for myself (It is selfish knitting month after all... right?!).

Happy weekend- hope you have a great #fairislefriday!


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Breaking the Silence



Just as with a workout routine, an unfinished project, or a strict diet; once you leave a blog stagnant for a while, it's hard to start things back up again.

So today, my sole purpose is just that- to blow off the dust and say hello from the other side of this dormant blog.  Truth be told, words have never come easy to me (at least words that need to be written out).  My blog might be more lively if I got solve math equations on it every night, but I'm sure that wouldn't be very exciting from the other end.

So a quick update- we're all still here, and we're getting through.  2013 has been a busy year.  I'd love to say there have been many handknits and knitting time, but this is not the season in my life for that.  Don't get me wrong, there has been some knitting, but not much to post about.  A few secret projects, and random newborn hat that gets sent off quicker than I can get it off the needles, but that's been about it.

There will be times in my future that will allow for more knitting- I am very hopeful for these days.  This past year has brought an intense work load and it's been hard to relax enough in my down time to enjoy (or even think about) new projects.  On top of work Joe is back in school full time, which has been quite a change of lifestyle.  And of course you can't forget about the two toddlers that fill our lives with so much joy (and craziness!).

These days we're taking it day by day, and once again, the blog is the first thing to suffer.  I do appreciate emails and comments that have come in to let me know there's some of you still out there.  Random encouraging notes over the past few months have been a welcome comfort, thank you for those.

So that is life in a nutshell, I do hope to find a way to incorporate knitting/blogging in every once in a while, I hope you stick around to find out if I do!



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Borrowed Knits

If you are reading this blog, chances are you appreciate the value of a handknit.  So does my good friend, Jill.

About a year and a half ago, Jill had her second son.  When he was born, I quickly got started on a Puerperium Sweater for him.

I fell in love with how it turned out, and when Sam was born I searched everywhere for superwash DK weight yarn in the same colors.  

Somewhere in between my search, going back to work, and keeping up with two little ones, the sweater got placed on hold.  Luckily for me, I know who to give knits to.  

Without even having to ask for it, Jill brought me the sweater when we met up and asked if I would like to borrow it for Sam.  You betcha, Jill!


I almost feel a little silly posting these pictures.  They are about three months old and they already seem like a blast from the past.  This little babe is now on the move and follows me around the house like a little puppy dog (it's actually quite cute).


It's also making me realize how his look has changed a bit in the past few months- just look at that baby peach fuzz on the top of his head!



But, as much as I would have loved to keep this little guy the size of this sweater, he's outgrown it, and it's time for the sweater to move on.  Jill is expecting her third son in October, and we are so excited to send the sweater back their way.




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Don't Blink- Catching up via Instagr.am

For it all goes by so fast.


But somehow, this winter seemed to drag on more than any other I can remember.  Between two kids who were not sleeping well, the job weighing me down, and running a household; this blog - and knitting altogether- became a novelty. 

I appreciate those of you who leave comments, even when I am not as present here as I should be.  The words of encouragement have kept me going- and this past weekend, this happened:


That's right!  I spent a small amount of time knitting.  It wasn't much, but it was enjoyable (especially considering that these were the first stitches I have knit since February...yes- February!). 

So, I promise you that I am still around, and we are getting by.  The change in weather seemed to bring a bit of hope to a long a dreary winter, and I am looking forward to incorporating a little more relaxation time into my schedule in the coming months.

Don't get me wrong, even though I have seen challenges in the past months, my life is not without joy, I know I am so blessed. How could I not be with these two sweet goofballs around:




And guess what?  I already have a blog post with actual knitting content scheduled for tomorrow- yipee!

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