Wednesday, October 14, 2009

nesting...in a field of pumpkins

Since starting mat leave early, I have really sunk into this pregnancy comfortably. I've had the chance to really enjoy all the aspects of being pregnant without the worries and stresses of day to day life. I especially enjoy this time of year, everything about it, is so cozy and relaxing and to soon be able to enjoy it as a new family is really exciting.

About a month ago I went into the local wool shop and when i got to the counter the woman asked me if this new project was for me or baby. My answer was "me". I just hadn't gotten into knitting anything for baby yet, and wasn't sure if i would, but then someone sent me this link:

http://thecompletefabrication.blogspot.com/2007/11/seamless-baby-kimono.html

Since starting my first kimono, I've been hooked on knitting anything small! It's so quick and exciting to see how they'll look, that I just can't stop knitting these days. Here are a few projects that have transpired:

I was also asked to make a lion hat for a friend's son, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out, since I couldn't find a pattern anywhere on the web (which is where i get most of my patterns!) So this is what I came up with.

I think he's pretty cute and can't wait to see how he looks on!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Passing Afternoon

Summer has been a hot one and between weekend trips and trying to work as much as possible, I've neglected the blog! Oh well, it's just for fun anyway!

I've been working less these days and nesting like you wouldn't believe. I guess I'm feeling like I want to get everything done before I take my early mat leave...but then what will I do once I've done it all? Well I started two big projects:

One is embroidery on canvas, which i wasn't sure would work, but I dove in head first and so far it's working out really well!

I've just been using some images I found on the internet and making a design from that. I would take pictures, but for now it just looks like a bunch of lines...so the finished project will have to be seen down the road!

The other is a striped hooded zip-up sweater, and I'm somehow going to tackle the owls into the breast. So far I've only gotten the back panel started:

It's my first big knitting project, but I think it should be easy enough to produce! The sleeves are going to be the challenge for me, so we'll see!

I'm also revisting the Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing book for some projects for the bedroom. So distraction and nesting it is! Hope everyone's summer is going really well and that the heat hasn't/didn't bring you to tears too!

Bring on fall....I'm ready.

Friday, July 10, 2009

quiet fridays


I love my fridays, I'll be working a few of them over the next little while, but this one I have off and it's wonderful. The little girl upstairs asked me if I was having a tea party, and yes....with the dog (and my knitting of course). I used to reserve my fridays for coffee dates and shopping dates, but now I'm loving the little bit of time I have to myself and the dog. She's such a lovely companion that I forget about the rest of the world. I'm really hoping that she doesn't feel pushed aside when the baby comes and that we will still dote on her as much as possible.


There are so many projects I want to take on, so many I want to finish, but with work and sleep, it's so hard! I'm hoping once I get closer to my Mat Leave, that I will want to get more projects done.

In other news, I'm back at my old job and loving it! The boys have been such a delight and we end up doing so much or nothing at all and are completely content either way! Also - my husband got to feel the baby kick last night and it was so exciting to get to share....more to come as the kicks will get bigger and stronger!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

days off and contest winning!

I've had five days off and aside from the heat rash, it's been bliss. For the first time in 10 months, i'll be looking forward to returning to my job! Two sweet little boys that create fun and imagination at all times. I'm having a great start to what looks like will be a great summer, and it all started with an amazing trip to Youbou. Unfortunately I left my camera there, as well as a few other things (dog leash, brain...) but it was totally worth it!

In other news, I actually received something nice in the mail yesterday. A month back i posted a comment on a contest that a friend was hosting on her blog, and won!

They are the cutest pins from Monica's shop MalonB, and I can't wait to display them! If you're an avid video game fan (especially Nintendo) or love Amigurumi, you should check her out!

Friday, June 26, 2009

the last year...

Since last summer, the year has flown by. When the weather got warmer I started thinking about the wedding and how much fun it was to plan. I never in a million years thought that I would be planning a wedding, let alone ever gave it a thought before it was actually happening. So when it came time to planning, I had no idea where to start. One day when thinking about a colour palette (i know!?) I started google searching anything i could to start the ball rolling. That's when I stumbled upon this blog:

http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/

and I found exactly what I was looking for. I don't think I even gave it another thought. From this colour palette:

I was instantly inspired, and everything just fell into place.

I would never have had a single clue if I hadn't found all this inspiration and the day couldn't have turned out more perfect. I still check this blog every now and again and wish that more things would be as fun as planning our wedding. I also hope that more fantastic couples that we know would start planning...I want to attend more fun weddings!


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

owls.

Here is the almost complete print for the baby carrier. My first hand print! and it was such an easy process.


Starting with the stencil that my husband made for me:


Using some Gold Silk Screening Ink and a Speedball roller:

All in all, i think it turned out quite well! Next step is to sew it onto the baby bjorn. I should say that I got the idea from another carrier, loved the print - but the price...$$$ woah....so i gently copied the image and it's for personal use only!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

All of my days

I got the pattern for the most adorable sweater I ever wished to knit from Ravelry a few months back. Then pregnancy happened and everything seemed too much to take on, then yesterday a friend sent me a link to a great blog: needled.wordpress.com


and she found this:

I am so excited to start this project - i'm hoping I can scale it down for infant size! And those buttons!! i'll be hunting for a while for those buttons! But i'm just really excited to start on this (*thanks Chelsea!)

In other news I received a "Baby Bjorn" from a friend and although I love the carrier, I'm loving more creating a new look to it. From the owl stencil that I made a while back and finally have take upon myself to do something with, I picked up some gold ink for silk screening and am hand printing the stencil. Pictures to come!

Also - I last weekend I saw "Away We Go" and absolutely loved it! I thought it would be really moving and somewhat sad, but it was really funny and moving! It may be because of current situations that I could really relate, but I also found my husband laughing hysterically at moments that both of us could relate to. Both of the main actors (John Krasinski & Maya Rudolph) were amazing, but there are a few scenes with Maggie Gyllenhaal that had my laughing so hard i was crying, and a great little soundtrack to boot.

Friday, June 12, 2009

don't tell me what to reap and what to sew...

18 weeks

It's been another huge bout since i last posted! I'm vowing to start updating more frequently and get back into crafting again, but I'm still working on the "not loosing my meals" part of the pregnancy that keeps me from focusing on anything other than getting through the day! I'm beginning to feel this great sense of balance coming into my life and it feels pretty rad. I've got the best people in my life, and lots of positivity. I feel like I've moved forward so much in the last year and it's exciting to settle into it all.

This is our newest addition to the household and right now he sits on top of our television to keep an eye on us. What an eye he has!
He's made out of an old paddle and he's from two very great friends, that i need more of in my life if only to live closer, but thing have been changing so rapidly that it could happen sooner than later? who knows. It's interesting to see what life brings as you hit certain stages. I feel like everything is moving forward in our lives and for those close to us living on the island. But aside from a select few friends here on the mainland, it seems as though things are at a slow pace of repetition. I think i'm feeling it more now, realizing there isn't a lot of people to talk to about current life stuff other than the moms i meet at the park! I guess we have to start somewhere. I'd rather have some friends my own age, to share in the journey with other than via internet...but i know that will come!

So this weekend marks a journey back into crafting and hopefully with connecting with the outside world some more!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Blog Hiatus

It's been so long since I posted, that I almost felt as if I should just give up the whole thing! Big news for some, but I've joined the baby train! and it was a huge decision that I've been battling for years. Why? I'm not sure - but a lot of the uncertainty comes from nannying for so many years and seeing how families work from a deep inside. I had to come to the realization for me, that some families that hire nannies hire them as a band-aid, and we take on a lot, both physically and mentally. This is cleary and entirely from my perspective with the families that I have nannied for, and is not the opinion or situation of all nannies! Nor is it the case for all the families I've cared for, I've been lucky with some (most of the early ones), unlucky with some.

It's been so hard to concentrate or sit in one place for too long, since I've had morning, noon and night sickness and I work mainly 9 hour days with no break. So needless to say I'm sleeping a lot! I'm starting to feel better these last few days and luckily, I have the most amazing husband who has done nothing but be 100% supportive of everything that comes flying our way. We are both so excited for this ride, that we are having the best time together and just wish to hide out from the world and enjoy every moment. I'm also so lucky to have a mother and sister who will let me call them a million times a day and never make me feel like I'm taking over the conversation, only reassuring me that everything is going to be okay. phew

So there it is! I'm thrilled, excited, and sometimes a little scared of this new adventure, but can't wait to see what every little moment brings. I'm starting to get back into the world of crafting, and wanted to start on a macrame owl plant holder....big project? ridiculous? or mind consuming!? Anyways, more crafting to begin again and more posts to follow.

Friday, April 3, 2009

I want...


Most adorable mobile from Petite Collage, made from laser cut bamboo plywood. You don't need kids to enjoy this in your home.

Newest finds at local thrift store:


Still waiting for spring, and hoping some eager spring cleaning will bring on the warmer weather.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Things in my home I love.

I'm obviously in an all-things-home loving mood, and want to just lock the world out and stay in side until it's warmer. Reasons 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of why I love being in my home:





I think with all of the changes going on right now (one of them being that I start school in just a little over a month for the first time in 12 years!) I'm trying to take as much home time as possible. I guess that means I'll be finally getting more projects done.....we'll see!

spring is near.

i haven't been able to update lately, and i'm not sure why. I have a million things on the go, and I can't seem to focus on one thing. I finished the hand knit "sock monkey", which I started because i had the colours, but had to push myself to get it done.

But I love him. I also love this adorable companion and wish i could stay home all day just to spend more time in her world. Can spring come sooner?

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

first trade!

I did my first trade with a friend and we both got our packages on the same day! I made her a brown tam in exchange for two gorgeous pairs of earrings.


Please visit her etsy shop for more amazing finds! EhOkay.etsy.com , there are so many more things I want, but I have to limit myself right now!

In other news, I saw this after reading another friends blog and fell in love with the print, so low and behold wonderful husband makes this for me:

!!!
It's a stencil so I can print anything I like for myself without having to pay so much $$$ (believe me it's just the print i like ;-) I'm also working on a knitted sock monkey - I know it defeats the name "sock monkey" but I have the colours left over and had to make a friend for my lonely little guy. Photos to come.

Friday, February 20, 2009

productive fridays


The plan of not doing much today, turned into the plan of sewing. I made another attempt at a couple of bags and i'm pleased with how they turned out! Finally it's getting a little easier, and my sewing machine is working hard at keeping up with my novice sewing.

Spring bags, one for me and one for a good friend.

Monday, February 16, 2009

meal planning....instead of knitting.

I know it maybe sounds ridiculous, but i continue on this path of trying to meal plan for the week, so that I can come home and dinner is decided and underway. I spend all day at other people's homes trying to keep it clean, and in tip top shape and hope that I can continue this route once in my own home. But 6pm rolls around and I'm still walking home wondering what to cook for dinner. So I spent last evening sifting through the cook books while friends watched the hockey game.

One great thing about my job is the sense that I can pop into a grocery store and grab a few things between the library and the park. Albeit still with children in tow, so it makes for a bit of challenge, but i can still do it, which is not always the case with other jobs. It's great preparation for the time when this routine starts in my own family, and I've had years of practice. I always wonder if the meal planning will get easier? or more confusing and challenging? I'm hoping that with this current preparation that I'll have enough one pot and crock pot recipes to get me through the first two years at least! This weeks dinner plans:

Chicken Sausage and White Bean Casserole (Everyday Food)
Baked Chicken, Lemon and Pea Risotto (Off the Shelf, Cooking from the Pantry)
Mixed Greens Simple Salad
Turkey Chili (with acorn squash, olives and mushrooms)
Chai Tea Breakfast Muffins

If I make enough, there should be left-overs to get through the week.

I've also been inspired by a friend to make homemade pizza, maybe a Thurs or friday night thing? Any moms out there have any suggestions on meal planning??

Friday, February 13, 2009

Freaky Friday


I've been working on a few things lately, but nothing really inspiring. I'm trying to get back into the mode of things, and I think Spring will help...and maybe *ahem* a sewing class or 10.


I've finished the hats and wrist warmers for my husband's co-worker and can finally now focus on getting a great base started with all the things I want to sell. I've got another ferry ride in a few hours and that's always nice for passing the time!

I started and finished this today:






Although it looks finished, it's not quite (some corner seams that are just too thick for the machine and need to be finished by hand). I really wanted to do justice to the strip of vinyl that my husband gave me of one of his prints, but I found it really hard to work with, and am hoping he can print on canvas. I started with a harder bag, all to accommodate this piece, so easier bags for next time! Now off for another great trip to Victoria and the museum!

Monday, February 2, 2009

love. toast. great friends. amazing food.

I had the best time in Victoria, with family, friends and two great nights out and in. I've been craving a night in with friends for so long. With wine, conversation and amazing food and that's exactly how the weekend unfolded.


I finally had a chance to finish my wrist warmers, and I heart them.


Thursday, January 29, 2009

vegan banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Bread board made out of an old school desk.

courtesy of How it all Vegan.

2 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup applesauce
3/4 cup dry sweetener
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups rolled oat flakes
1 tsp cinnamon (or a ton if you're like me and over-love cinnamon)
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor or small bowl, mix together the bananas, applesauce, sweetener, and vanilla. In a large bowl, stir together flour, oat flakes, cinammon, and baking soda. Add the banana mixture and mix together well. Add chocolate chips. Scoop spoon sized portions onto lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake 12-15 minutes. Makes 6 large or 12 small cookies.

*my mixture seemed dry, so i added a bit of soy milk until it was a bit more wet. This made them turn out a bit bread like, but still super yummy that they got eaten in 2 days. Also mine made 24 cookies?