Hat Trick

One thing I've discovered while on maternity leave with no baby yet, is that I can get a lot of knitting done. It also helps if it's quick baby knitting. And it helps when one also discovers Masterpiece Theater's Downton Abbey Season One is on line. Hence, the mass knitting.

 F.O. #1: A pumpkin hat for my little pumpkin. (I actually whipped up two of these in a weekend since another friend is also having a baby right before Halloween). So trust me, this counts for two.

F.O. #2: The baby umbilical cord hat project out of left over sock yarn. The yarn is so old I don't even know what brand it is. But it's perfect for my little one. I even have enough yarn to make another hat.

F.O. #3: Finally a little something for me! This is Catherine from Winged Knits. I've been wanting to make a tam for myself for over a year now. I've cast on at least three other tam projects and haven't loved/liked/been smarter than the pattern on all of them. But when a friend made this one, I knew I had to have it. The yarn is Malibrigo Twist and I just love the color. The photo doesn't due it justice as sunshine is scarce in Seattle these days. Plus I wanted to block it and get it ready to wear!

Now baby and I will be decked out to step out in style. In about 6-7 weeks. Give or take.

Birthday Week!

At least that's what I keep telling Baby Girl - it's birthday week & everyone is ready/excited/dying to meet you so don't be late! Her due date is this coming Saturday, Oct. 8. Which also happens to be my sister's birthday. And as you can imagine, all she wants is a healthy new niece to share it with. However, I'm beginning to think she's going to be late. Hopefully Lindsay will like the necklace and bag I gave her instead.

So in honor of birthday week, and to help encourage her along her journey, I've decided to share pictures of the nursery! Since it's so cute - and I tell her this all the time - I thought you'd like to see them too!

This is a wall hanging my mom made. I picked out the pattern & fabric and totally love this!

This mobile is from a woman who sells them at the Portland Saturday Market. She also has an Etsy site (which for the life of me, I can't find right now.) I have to admit, it's one of my favorite things in this room!

A bookshelf that my dad made for the baby's room. As you can see, this was a family affair!

Anouk

Pattern: Anouk

From: Knitty

Yarn: Cascade 220

I've always loved this pattern and wanted to make it for some special little girl. Now it'll belong to my little girl (due in a 1.5 weeks)! This pattern is especially versatile because it's a little jumper that grows as they do. I made the waist bands (seen here) longer with two button holes so it can be a little top when she's bigger. So it's not only cute knitting, but highly practical knitting as well!

Catching my my breath & catching up

Holy cow. How did it get to be mid-September? This summer has flown by. It's been one of the busiest and most stressful ones I've had in a long time. And to top it off, I was dealing with all the fun/craziness/hecticness while being pregnant. If there was ever a summer I could have used  a gin and tonic (or several, let's be honest here), it was this one.

But it's over and the cooler weather has set in pushing off the handful of summer-like days here in Seattle. I'm welcoming the change of cooler weather, fall leaves and general change in the seasons. It signals to me things slowing down. At least for a little while longer as I'm 37 weeks today. I'm relishing in this peace and quite and slower pace until our baby girl shows up.

But first, let's look back at one crazy summer shall we? It was definitely worthy of several blog posts, I just didn't have the time/energy to get them done.

First, there was a great visit from our friends Shannon, Mike and their two adorable kids! We had a great time with them and can't wait for them to come back! The highlight of their trip was the U2 concert! Which sadly....those pictures seem to be MIA right now. I'm thinking they may have been deleted off my camera accidentally...so sad...such a great concert!

That concert was followed up by another visit of dear friends, Sara & April! They came up to Seattle since I wasn't doing much (or any) travelling this summer. We hit the NKOTBSB concert to relive our younger days! That's the New Kids on The Block & Backstreet Boys concert for those of you wondering what that is. While we all took a bit of ribbing for this, we had a blast in the end, and really that's all that matters!

Oh, and then something really freaking crazy happened this summer. I won not only one, but two Emmy Awards for television producing! I was completely shocked, stunned and thrilled at the same time!

And yes, those bad boys do have a little heft to them.

The summer was also full of several visits by both of our families..of which no pictures were taken. Clearly my camera took the summer off. Decorating the nursery (more to come on that later), planting a garden that went absolutely no where (so depressing...) and just trying to enjoy time together as a couple for the hubby and I before two becomes three. Oh, yeah, and lots of baby knitting. More on that later!

Hope your summer was just as jam packed and fun as mine!

Rainy weekend sewing

Project: Newborn Baby Flyaway Jacket

Book: One Yard Wonders

On a recent rainy weekend - one that I had planned I finally getting the garden in, Mother Nature had other plans. Resigned to some indoor fun, I found myself in the sewing room with a little pent up creativity. These little jackets were super simple to whip up. Thanks the easy use of double wide bias tape and the simple pattern, they came together rather quickly.

 While the pattern called for sewing a snap at the top - which I did with the first jacket - I thought I'd extend the bias tape, sew it together, to create a little tie.

It was my first sewing project in a while, and my first baby sewing project for myself.            It won't be the last!

My first baby sweater - for me!!!

Project: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi

Yarn: Debbie Bliss

Size: I'm thinking 6 months....

Modifications: Instead of picking up and knitting a button band, I tried something new. I added a ribbon to reduce rolling on the sides and used it as a tie. I think the pink flowers add a nice pop to the purple sweater, don't you?

Four years and counting...

Today is my four year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe this crazy adventure started four years ago today! Although technically, it started out nine years ago when my dear friend Shannon and I were going to have drinks after work. As we were leaving she said, "Oh, and by the way, my fiance is going to meet up with us and I think his old roommate may be with him. Is that ok?"

Turns out, it was pretty ok with me.

Now here we are about to embark on the biggest adventure of them all come early October when our baby girl is due to be born!

I can't wait....

Canaletto Cowl

Project: Canaletto Cowl
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios
Color: Aguas
This is a free pattern on Ravelry. I highly recommend this for a good quick knit.

 I love the detailed seed stitch & simple lace pattern with this project. I added an extra repeat of 22 stitches because I felt the small was too small and the large was too large.

But this size is just right.
This is going to be a Christmas gift. I'm getting an early start after missing the knitting season last year due to my broken wrist. The real trick however will be remember where I put it come December.

The best banana bread recipe. Ever.

Yeah, I'm making that bold statement for all the world to see.
This recipe has become one of my go to recipes lately. Despite the fact that we eat a lot of bananas, we always seem to have some going bad.

So I turned to Martha and she didn't disappoint. She says it's easy-to-bake and she's right. And it's so moist and tasty! The secret: sour cream.

The hubby loves bananas, but doesn't like banana bread. A fact he's told many pretty much every time over our seven years together when I've whipped up some. But not this one. He can't get enough of it.

Although I must confess, I haven't told him that the secret is the sour cream - something he detest even when used in baking (I know, I know what you're thinking, you can't taste the sour cream. I know. The man's crazy but I love him.)

Give it a try the next time you've got a few over ripe bananas. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Martha Stewart's Banana Bread (I omitted the nuts):

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.

2.In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.

3.Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

The End of Radio Silence

Hello....?
Is anyone still out there?
It's me, Meg.

You know, the one who hasn't blogged in over two months. The one who actually had to dust off her lap top to turn it on. The one who used to read your blog and comment regularly. Remember me? Well, I'm beginning to emerge from her anti-blogging/blog reading haze and hope there are people out there who still want to read about what I have to say. And if not, well hey, I'm still gunna say it.

It's been a long, cold, gray, rainy winter. But it's May now and signs of spring are beginning to emerge here the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to report that I've been too busy knitting to blog, but yeah, so not the case. But during the radio silence, there has been a great road trip to Vancouver, B.C., a weekend get  away with 12 other knitters to Ft. Warden for a weekend of knitting, laughing, eating and just getting away from life.

There's been baking, visits with friends and escaping for the occasional walk in between rainy/cold/windy days. I did manage to finish knitting a Christmas present. For Christmas 2011. Yeah, you read that right, I've already got one Christmas present finished. Now the real trick will be to remember where I put for the next 8 months.

So I'm starting fresh, just like spring, to get back into the blogging habit. Because I missed it. And I missed you. Hopefully you're still there. And I hope you're ready for spring too.

F.O.: Boneyard Shawl

Did you feel that? Yup, it was the earth slowly tilting off it's axis and you can blame me. Why? Because I've got not one, but TWO finished objects this week!! I know, I can hardly contain my excitement either!

Project: Boneyard Shawl
Yarn: Baby Alpaca Chunky
For: Me!

I will go back to my one finished object every couple of months now so the world can go back to being normal. 

F.O.: Felicity

Project: Felicity

Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in Rust

For: Me!

In need of a good read

I’ve gotten into this bad habit of crawling into bed with my iPhone. I flip through twitter and end up reading about celebrity gossip and issues in the Middle East and Egypt. Apparently at the end of my day, I have very broad interests. And then I play solitaire for a while.

It’s not the best way to end my day, so I’m looking for a little guidance. Any one gotta good book recommendation?

Here’s the thing though, I’m kind of picky (and going through a phase right now – only happy stuff)

• Nothing scary. No gory/grizzly murders. Zombies need not apply.
• Nothing too emotional. No cute animals dying. No heart break. Nada.

Just something that makes me happy and want to cozy up in bed or on the couch on a rainy weekend day and read with a cup of tea.


Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

"Do what makes you happy."

It's a pretty simple statement that was recently said to me by a dear friend. It's something she's deciding to take a look at in her life right now.  I thought it was especially good timing because another dear friend emailed me this quote earlier this week because it made her think of me:

"To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real." — Winston Churchill
 
Isn't it so true how our hobbies, whether they are knitting, reading, cooking, etc., really do make us happy?
 
At times when things aren't going the way they should be - or the way I think they should be - it's nice to know I can turn to the comfort of my hobbies that I love to feel that all is right in my little world. Or at least knowing it'll be ok soon. Having good friends to hang with as we knit, cook, etc. is also a bright spot too!  
 
I hope your hobbies bring you  joy as well!

First Signs of Spring*

*Thank God!

Physical Therapy: a.k.a. The Hat Project

My Physical Therapist said I should start knitting again. Hearing those words made me pretty happy. I was almost as giddy as I was while on the pain killers. But I wasn't sure what to knit. I knew it had to be something small, easy and most importantly: something for me.

And then, while watching a movie one night it hit me: hats. I need more cute hats. I live in Seattle. It's cold here - a lot.  Where did this inspiration come from you ask? Good question. Love Happens - a romantic (dramedy?) "based in" Seattle. Translation: a fake Seattle set in Vancouver, B.C. They got a few things right (not necessarily with the script) but with Jennifer Aniston's wardrobe. She wore several kick ass hats like theses:

(photos from IMDB)

Enter Felicity.

The stockinette stitch is easy on the hands & somewhat the wrist. But it's a cute hat so it's worth it. I'm thinking The Hunch from Knit & Tonic is going to be my next pattern. Any other easy hat suggestions for me? I'm thinking I need several of these gems.

Everything has a home

That's the motto around here these days. We're all about organization and purging unwanted crap. Basically if we haven't used it, worn it, etc. in about a year, it's outta here. And thanks to the Salvation Army and their prompt pick up trucks those 1/2 dozen bags full of our former possessions don't sit around collecting more dust.


Up next is a reorg of the kitchen. The hubby's been complaining about how I've got it organized. So I decided he needed to put his money where his mouth is. As long as he doesn't toss out anything without checking with me, he can go for it. I'm intrigued and possibly in for a shock but I'm willing to see what he comes up with.


Maybe while he's working in the kitchen, I'll tackle a little organization in the craft room. Maybe. I mean how much can I really do with a broken wing?

West Seattle Fabric Company: A midweek treat

The other day I had a slightly (OK very) painful PT session. The hubby and I decided drinks & hamburgers were needed to recover. So he drove us to a place he likes to go for a good burger and great fries. It happens to be located just down the block from the new West Seattle Fabric Company. I jumped out of the car and squealed with delight (well, it was some sort of noise of joy) at the chance to finally check this place out. It opened in December while I was recovering from wrist surgery so I missed visiting it earlier.

 I met Monica, the owner and fabric enthusiast. She's a delight and super friendly and helpful. She didn't mind my mindless wandering. While we both admitted to not being the best seamstresses out there (smart money says she's waaaay better than me) we do share a love of all things fabric. Especially the pretty ones! And as you can see, she's got quite the selection!

Feeling I needed a little pick me up after PT, I decided on a book since I'm not sewing these days. She recommended One Yard Wonders and while I've only flipped through it (several times), I can tell this is going to be really great to use. And this adorable little shop is going to be just the place to pick up my supplies and take some classes. And it's in my hood. I can walk to this place. Yeah, I'm kinda screwed but in a good, crafty kind of way.

Oh, and the burgers, in case you're looking for a place with fabulous burgers and fries that are too die for, check out the Admiral Pub. I mean you'll be in the hood and hungry after all that fabric shopping at the West Seattle Fabric Company.

West Seattle Fabric Company

2210 California Ave SW

Seattle, WA 98116

(Sorry for the not so great pics. They really don't do the store justice. With the broken wrist I can't hold my nice fancy camera that I bought myself for my birthday in July.)

Wrist update #3: A new splint

The hot pink cast is gone and now I'm sporting a custom made splint. It's got red Velcro straps so I can get it on and off by myself (the pink cast required help from the hubby). And it's smaller so I can finally get my warm winter coat back on!

I've started physical therapy and I'm looking at several months of PT but everyone is confident I'll get full range of motion back. It just may take a while. In the mean time, I think I'll do a little PT of my own this weekend and start knitting again. I'm thinking something easy like a washcloth. Gotta start somewhere right?

A call for creativity

My broken wrist has sidelined my craftiness for way too long now. I start PT tomorrow, and while I know it's going to be a long and painful (hopefully not too painful) road back to normalcy, I'm ready to start knitting, baking, taking pictures and sewing again.

To help get me inspired, I've been getting back on the computer and getting caught up on my blog reading. I'm looking for inspiration. I'm looking for ideas. And I'm hoping you'll help.

If you've got a few favorite blogs that you like, whether they're for knitting, sewing, baking, underwater basket weaving, I'd love to check it out.

I'll get the process started by sharing two of my favorite blogs. These uber talented women are both super crafty in sewing, knitting, gardening and baking. I enjoy seeing what they're working on, reading about their process and of course checking out the finished item:

Holli at Feeding the Big Guy

Heather at Living Senses

Enjoy! And I hope your creative juices are flowing in the new year!

2011: A clean slate

As I sit here to reflect on 2010, I honestly don't know what to say. What I want to say would most likely get my blog flagged as highly inappropriate for language beacuse I sometimes have the mouth of a sailor to say the least.

It started out as all years do: full of promise and hope. And for a while there it lived up to it's expectations with fun trips to the Washington coast, a girls trip to Vegas with dear friends (note I'm not using the term "old friends"), Emmy excitement for work and my first trip to Yellowstone.

But then towards the end it took a turn for the worse with heartbreaking loss, a broken bone and a new metal plate that will most likely always plague me and the TSA. And when I look back at this year, no matter what, that's all I be able to see.

As for 2011, I'm back to thinking its going to be full of promise and hope. Because I need it to be that. Because I want it to be that. And because, damn it, I fucking deserve it.

To those of your who've been there for me this year, I'll always be greatful & never forget it.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2011 to you and yours!

xo,
Meg