The Perfect Pattern?

I got this skein of yarn, 6 and a half years ago, in a swap I was in. The dyer of this yarn has passed away, so it’s a one of a kind skein, and I cannot get any more of this yarn. I have about 260 yards to work with. I’ve cast on 2 projects with this yarn, but have frogged both of them. Because it’s a one of a kind skein, it had to be the perfect project. And I finally found one.

I cast on Thursday night at knit/crochet night.

And as of dinner time last night, I had done about 30% of the hat. As of this morning, I’d say I’m about 50%, maybe 55% done. I just hope it fits… It seems like it might just be a tad tight… It’s flying off the needles, and I think it might just be the perfect pattern. I should have a finished object soon. I went through a phase at the beginning of this year with reading going a lot more quickly than my knitting, but I’m finally getting back on track with my knitting, I guess because I found a project that I actually want to knit. (Same way with reading – when I find I really get into a book, it gets read a lot quicker). Hopefully it was just a phase, where I was just knitting at knit/crochet night, and neglecting it otherwise. It was probably because there haven’t been any projects lately that I have wanted  to work on at home as well.

10.21.10 :: 122 weeks old & 5 Year Blogaversary!

Mack is 122 weeks old today.
He's quite the comedian.

Today marks my 5th blogaversary. I've been blogging daily (with the exception of being in the hospital in labor & postpartum) for 5 years now. I can't believe it's been 5 years. I absolutely love to blog, and it's thanks to all my loyal readers (and commenters!) In honor of my blog's 5th birthday, I have quite the giveaway for you! All you have to do is leave a comment on any post, between now & Halloween. You can leave as many comments as you want, and I will pick the winners on Monday, November 1st, 2010 for all these following amazing prizes:

- 2 lucky winners will win my entire Sock Collection in PDF format.
- 1 lucky winner will win a copy of Jennifer Lori's My First Superhero.
- 1 lucky winner will win a copy of the pattern of their choice in GlennaC's Raverly shop.
- 3 lucky winners will win a copy of a pattern of their choice from WoolyBearDesign's Ravelry shop.
- 3 lucky winners will win a copy of a pattern of their choice from Jane Richmond's Ravelry Shop.
- 4 lucky winners will win a copy of a pattern of their choice from Spillyjane's Ravelry shop!
- 3 lucky winners will receive a copy of the Gift Issue of KnitCircus.
- 1 lucky winner will receive a one year subscription to KnitCircus.
- 1 lucky winner will receive a copy of the novel Jessica Z. by Shawn Klomparens, which I recently reviewed.

Holy loot! What fun prizes! If you leave a comment and you are new to my blog or a first time commenter, make sure that you leave an email address where you can be reached, or your Ravelry ID. ENJOY!

My back pain has started to get worse. I really am excited to be finished with this pregnancy already. It's to the point now where it's getting hard to even sit on the floor with the boys and do puzzles with him, or play cars, etc. They want their mommy back, and I don't blame them. Though, I do have to admit, the back pain (lower back) is not as bad as the leg cramping. I think by far, that is worse.

Some yarn made it into my shopping basket when I went on a hunt for US 19 - 15 mm circular knitting needles today. I will show you that stash enhancement tomorrow (in need of daylight to photograph the yarn properly). I figure let me get the stash enhancement out of my system now. It has been a long year on my yarn diet, and I totally deserve to spoil myself a little for behaving this year. I will be using the US 19 needles for a project that I will be doing a KAL with my sister (she managed to convince me to get cracking on that project - which I will talk about shortly).

I did get a bit of knitting done on Loopy Lace Scarf, hoping to get that finished off as soon as possible. My queue on Ravelry keeps growing as I keep getting inspired by other people's projects. So much to knit, so little time.

Today’s Link Love:
- This cute bib tutorial.
- You can head over to send a free sample of Kleenex to a friend or family member. I understand this is actually a decent size sample so it might be worth requesting. I just sent a free box to my mom and “she” sent one back to me. I’ll let you know how it is when it arrives. I was informed we should have them in about 14 days.

04.18.10

I’m almost done Spin by Catherine McKenzie. I’m really enjoying it. I have a little over 100 pages left and I definitely think I can finish it before I leave to BC this upcoming week. I just have to decide which book to read next. I have a few to choose from, it’s such a tough decision though! I want something chick lit, something fun, and something easy to read. Easy on vacation is good!

I’ve been thinking about the sewing projects I’ll be doing while in British Columbia. I have a few that have online tutorials that I want to do. Both Cyn & Bea are quilters/sewers, so they will be helping me out with them. One of the projects I want to do is a Child’s Toolbelt, for Sean. If I have time I’ll make one for Mr. Mack as well. It looks quite simple, but I’m still a beginner with the sewing machine. Another project I’d like to make is a crayon roll, maybe like this one. I hate wasting ziploc bags each time we go out, to put crayons in. I also think that this Car Cozy Cady is super cute. My boys (especially Sean) would love that too. And this Crayon Apron is just adorable. I have some cute material, including some Disney Cars material that I picked up a while ago, that I want to use to make some of this stuff. I have it all already ready to go, and I am allowed 2 checked luggages up to 50 lbs each, so I plan to use one for craft/art supplies, gifts that I’m bringing, and the other suitcase for clothing for Mack & I. Since we’re sleeping at Cyn’s house, I’m only packing clothing for about half a week, or so. (Or whatever I can get in extra after I’ve packed for half a week’s worth).

I am getting very excited to leave already. Very excited!

Today was a chill day, I ran some errands while Mack napped, and Sean hung out with Jamie. I watched some TV, did some laundry (it’s never ending, right?), and tonight after dinner I worked on some more squares for Babette. I also worked a little bit on Jamie’s sock while I was out for dinner at my parents house.

Need a quick little gift for a baby? These little socks are so cute. Very unique, never seen anything like it before!

A friend of mine sent me a link to this picture. At first she almost thought it was my house! Ha, I wish! That house is absolutely awesome! GO HABS GO! Next game is tomorrow night. We’re tied in the series now 1-1 against Washington. We.can.do.it. I.have.faith.

august seventeen :: 14 months old

Mackenzie is 14 months old today.

We left Mississauga at around 9:30 am this morning. Jamie wanted an early start on driving. He once again did all the driving home - what a great husband he was. That allowed me to work on my knitting all the way home. I am now working on a test knit for one of my designs. I honestly thing I will be able to finish it tomorrow. The quickest test knit I've ever done. Yesterday I did the ribbing and today I started the leg, turned the heel, shaped the gusset and started working on the foot. Super fast. I love it. And the pattern is coming out very nicely. I'm loving it.

We ended up meeting up with my in-laws, sister-in-law and nephew at a rest stop just before Kingston, Ontario. Didn't realize they left just after us. We had lunch there (actually everyone but me had lunch there as there was nothing for me to eat there), so we ended up stopping in Gananoque, Ontario for me to pick up something for lunch. What a cute little town. I really want to go back again and see what neat things that town has to offer. The entrance to the town, off the highway reads "The gateway to the Thousand Islands"... I definitely want to come back and see what that little town has to offer. I told Jamie that I want to take the kids sometime to the Thousand Island for a vacation. I've heard wonderful things about the area. And apparently there is a lot of things to do there.

Upon getting home I noticed 2 chairs on our front walkway. My grandmother was getting rid of them and my mother thought they would look nice in front of our house. We didn't have any chairs there, so thank you! Eventually I'd like to get a wooden bench and then I'm sure these chairs would be wonderful in the backyard or something.

Ah, it's good to be back home. I missed our bed. I missed the cat. I missed my own bathroom. I missed my space. Vacation is always fun, but it's always nice to come home.

Want to get a free SpillyJane pattern? You have until Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 1PM EST to email her or comment on her blog post here, to receive her Heart of December sock pattern. I've already secured my copy! What a great deal. Her patterns sell for 6$ USD. Her patterns rock. Go on - check it out! Score yourself a free pattern! It's worth it!

july twenty-seven

This morning one of the ladies from the Montreal Knitting Guild came and picked up the rest of the Traveling Stash bag yarn. I had put some aside from the stash bag for Charity Knitting. I had emailed the guild to ask who does charity knitting and someone answered me almost immediately. I'm glad that there will be some charity knitting out of the stash bag. I wish I had time to do more charity knitting. Maybe when my knitting time is not so precious. Some days I don't even get to knit a stitch. Hopefully when the boys are older I'll have time to do more charity knitting. It's on my list of things I want to do.

After the yarn was picked up, I dropped off Sean at daycare. Then I went by to see Eugenie, as she lives really close by. She is making the Featherweight Cardigan and needed another skein of Malabrigo Lace. It's so delicious, that I want to make a Featherweight Cardigan myself. (Adding it to the other 600+ projects I want to knit!)

After visiting Eugenie, I picked up my mother and she came with me to run a bunch of errands. First stop, we went by Veronik Avery's house. She just got in the Premier issue of St-Denis Yarn Magazine, and I had a couple of special orders for it, and I wanted a copy for myself.

If you're interested in a copy of this magazine, please message me or leave a comment.
The 16 patterns in it are just simply divine.

I even got my copy autographed by Veronik herself.
I had her sign my fave pattern in the issue, which is by her!

Next stop was to my uncle's glasses shop, where I got my 2 current pairs of glasses that I wear adjusted/tightened and tried on the new "Ugly Betty" glasses that he got in stock.

Had lunch with my mom, ran some more errands, and then picked up Sean early from daycare.

I couldn't find Sean a blue watch (could have sworn I'd seen Diego blue ones at Dollarama, but now that I need one, can't find one anywhere...) but I did find this red Iron Man one from Dollarama today. I figured, for his first watch, since he destroys everything, a simple toy watch (it actually works though) from Dollarama would do the trick. I still wish I could find him a blue one... I'll have to keep hunting. I guess if I pass by a Dollarama in this city, that I haven't been in yet, I'll pop in to look to see if they have one. Dang it! But he loves his red watch. He's so proud to have one, it's adorable.

Jamie had inventory at work and then a ball game. I was on my own tonight with both kids. Mack was a pleasure to put to bed tonight, as always, but Sean threw his fit again today. He was screaming on the top of his lungs, kicking the wall between his room and Mack's room with his feet. Sometimes, he's just so stubborn and difficult. Sometimes I wonder if it's terrible two's or his father's temper...

I got nothing done tonight... and had a list of things I wanted to do. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to do those things I wanted to get done.

july twenty-two :: 57 weeks old

Mack is 57 weeks old today.

This morning after dropping off Sean at daycare I took Mack to his class at the local synagogue, and it was a private class this morning as we were the only ones there besides one other girl and her child. Private classes are fun sometimes!

After music, I went to the nutritionist, and I'm back down to 153.8 lbs. Things are looking good. I really would like to hit that goal of 145 on my scale at home and 148 on their scale (3 lb discrepancy) though, as I keep mentioning, there's no deadline. After the nutritionist, I went to the UPS store to drop off some packages for work, and then checked out the shoe store next door. Someone told me I would be able to find something I was looking for there, but they didn't even have anything close to what I was looking for. No big deal. They current shoes on display are so ugly looking. Nothing was of my taste. I think that was the fastest I was in and out of a shoe store.

Mackie and I did some groceries this morning, and then I headed home to put him down for a nap. While he napped his short nap today (I'm wondering if the nap was cut short because his dream screen batteries died and that's his nap time/bed time routine to have it on) I got some work done. Lately it's just busy busy and lots of work to do. Never ends! Anyhow, I tried using his new cd player instead with some classical music, but I guess it just didn't have the same effect for him, and he didn't nap his usual 2.5-3 hour nap. (I'm still trying to figure out how my mother gets him to nap for 4 hours in the afternoons when she babysits him. That one is still a mystery to me.

I did a post office run this afternoon and also picked up my missed package from yesterday. It was the pattern Socks with No Name by Cookie A. I ordered it from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I had to sign for it, which is why my mailman couldn't leave it in my mailbox. While I was at the post office (in the pharmacy), I picked up some C batteries for Mackie's dream screen, so that it would be good to go for bedtime tonight.

When I picked up Sean from daycare today, they said that he was a really good boy today. Phew. I wasn't liking this "not behaving" business, even though they're saying it's just related to him not sitting properly at the lunch table.

Tonight I went knitting with my West Island Knits group. I got there early enough to grab the only huge table in Starbucks. I absolutely LOVE this table. It perfectly fits us around it and we can all see each other and hear each other (most importantly!)

I had a good time tonight. I worked on my Clapotis. Surrounded by friends (and family) is how I like to knit. Good chat, yummy mocha flavored coffee, what else is there to ask for?

july twenty-one

I had a dream last night that I had another baby. Another baby boy. No, I'm not pregnant. (Why would I just lose almost 38 + lbs just to get pregnant again? Are you nuts!) But maybe that's a sign that I would have another boy, if I were to get pregnant again. Who knows. It was just very odd.

Sean got up at 4:15 am this morning, and somehow managed to wiggle his way into my bed. I'm noticing a trend here... he seems to end up more often than not in the wee hours of the morning in our bed. This has got to stop.

I've had this weird headache all day today. Weird.

I dropped off Sean at daycare this morning, and then dropped of Mackenzie at my mother's. She took him to his Tuesday morning music class as I had some stuff to take care of this morning. First I went to Costco as I needed milk (my boys drink milk like fish). Mental note, go to Costco more often first thing in the morning, it's dead there, and no line ups at the cash. I came home to put away the milk and then made two stops on my way to work to see if I could find a door stopper of some sort for the bathroom door, since Mackenzie keeps playing with my bedroom bathroom door, and I want to keep the door open, but am worried for his fingers. I rely a lot on the light that comes in from the bedroom bathroom window during the day. It's good light.

I got the mail before going to work, there was a slip for a missed package (I hate missing mail. I'm so impatient), and the pattern for the Swirl Shawl came today. I did a swap on Ravelry and got myself a copy. I would have ordered it, but companies wanted like 10$ US to ship a 3 page pattern (2 pages double sided) to Canada. No thank you. I found someone on Ravelry who got the pattern, started it, but it wasn't for her, so she was done with it.

The mailman also brought me some really yummy yarn today. When I saw someone was destashing Bugga! by The Sanguine Gryphon I jumped on it. I was the first person to respond to her on Ravelry (apparently many followed!) and I scored some for myself! I've been dying to get some to add to my stash.

Bugga! by The Sanguine Gryphon in Mourning Cloak

Bugga! by The Sanguine Gryphon in Cricket

And then she was also destashing these two skeins of Numma Numma The Usual, and the colors were yummy, so I figured I'd check it out too.

Numma Numma The Usual in Blue Plate Special

and Numma Numma The Usual in Manager's Choice

Numma Numma's base reminds me of Wollmeise.

Oh, and I also oddly, got a 10$ gift card to Roots, from American Express. Apparently they miss me? (Though I use that card on an almost weekly basis at Costco...!) Thank you?? But honestly, what can I buy these days at Roots for 10$? Maybe I'll go check out their outlet store. Maybe I can get a tshirt or something for Mack or Sean.

So, I'm trying to think of a good Anniversary gift for Jamie. This September (18th) will mark 4 years of us being married. Does anyone have any ideas? Why are men so hard to shop for?

After work, I picked up Sean from daycare, and I asked his teacher about the "not listening" box in his agenda. He's been getting straight faces for a bit now, and I wanted to know why. She told me it was nothing to be concerned about, but that they're trying to teach him to sit straight at the table at lunch, and he's not listening and not staying seated at lunch. They said it'll take some time but he'll adjust. Hmm... I really don't think that's bad behavior...? He's just a two year old who doesn't sit still...

She also mentioned that starting around January/February, they will be removing the lids off their sippy cups, and teaching the kids to drink out of cups. Do I have a lot more laundry coming my way come the new year? I have the klutziest kid ever!

may nineteen :: 48 weeks old

Mack is 48 weeks old today.

This morning I tried calling my Obgyn's office and finally got through at around 9:30 am. I missed Mack's Tuesday morning music class because of this. Though, I wanted to get through to the doctor. My mom had a 10:45 am appointment this morning and I wanted to see if by chance I could go with her. I was told no, as my mother was the last appointment of the day as our doctor had to go to the hospital straight from there. The girl who answered is not the nurse that I like there (who sometimes does answer the phones there too) so I knew I'd have no luck. I asked where I stood with being on the waiting list for 2010 for an appointment and she told that she could put me in for February 2nd, 2010. Fine, I took it. When my mother went to her appointment she spoke to the nurse we like (and whom likes us) and asked her if she could do anything for me. My mother also asked the doctor for a renewal on my script, which I needed before February of 2010, or I'd definitely be back pregnant, LOL. That was kind of important. Anyhow, late this afternoon, the nurse we like called and left me a message on my answering machine (I was out picking up Sean from daycare) and told me to be there Thursday at 2:30 pm, she squeezed me in. I'm so baking her muffins or something. She rocks.

This morning I went to the nutritionist and I'm still down 28.8 lbs. Though, it's my bloated week, so I hope I don't gain any weight at all. Sometimes it sucks to be a woman.

I checked the paper this morning, the funeral for Jamie's step-cousin's father-in-law will be Thursday. With my appointment at 2:30 pm unfortunately I will not be able to make it to the funeral. Though, I did mail out a symapthy card, the should get that tomorrow, if not Thursday.

Today I got my a book order in the mail. I ordered Sally Mellville's 2 books The Knit Stitch and The Purl Stitch, after seeing them at the Knitting Guild Meeting recently. There are some pretty neat projects in both those books, and the books were very decently priced. Plus, I had a gift certificate still to use.

I also got a letter in the mail from the shopping center where I got the "ticket" from just recently. If you'd like to read the letter they sent me you can here. Glad that I won't get ticketed again. And while driving out of the parking lot after spending 20-25 minutes looking for the security guard, there is no way he was in the back parking lot. We looked there too, when leaving. The other question is, where is there a 2nd floor? She must be confused with another building? Unless she's talking about the medical center on the end... it may be 2 floors. In any case, he was apparently out in the back street, which I didn't see him there... Whatever.

Today while Mackie played some, I took a bit of a break and worked on my Chevron Scarf. My goal is to have this scarf finished before the end of the month. I can do it! I know I can!

I also worked on putting my files back onto my laptop. Oh, what a job that is... and I'm still not done. And geting my software/programs back onto my computer is another job in itself. I hate computers. Why do they have to corrupt?

An hour before I went to pick up Sean I headed out the door to run some errands. I picked up some cat food, and went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription and while there, I picked up a consealer brush. I've never used one before, but apparently it's better to use for applying, than using a sponge. Apparently (which makes sense) the sponge absorbs more consealer, so that's not good. I'll try out the consealer brush tomorrow. I also picked up a bottle of consealer cleanser, I have another brush that needs some deep cleaning. I hope that stuff works too.

Picked up some groceries and then got Sean from daycare. Got a notice in Sean's cubby that his vernissage is on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 (this Friday). A vernissage? Yeah. You read correctly. And I have to bring my checkbook, as I will have to buy Sean's paintings as a fundraiser for the daycare. They want to buy more books for the kids. Can't wait to see what Sean's been working on. All items will be between 10-25$.

Tonight I made Turbot (fish) for dinner, as well as this huge salad. I love a nice fresh salad. I can't wait to be able to go out into my garden this summer and pick what I need for a fresh salad and then eat it. That will be great.

After dinner both boys took a bath. They are so cute together when they take a bath at the same time. After bath time, it's the bedtime routine, which we have down to the tea these days. Thank heavens for routine. I'm not sure what I would do without it these days. With 1 kid, no routine is okay. With 2 kids, routine is necessary.

Tonight Jamie and I finished catching up on Survivor. While watching tv, I worked more on my Chevron Scarf. I'm making great accomplishment today on it. I definitely think that I can have it done by the end of the month! Totally obtainable goal.

My sister today emailed me 4 patterns that she bought for me online for my birthday (which is June 16th). Thank you sister! She ordered for me (which were on my want list), Cityscape by Jolene Mosley, Coleen by Jolene Mosley, Jody by Jolene Mosley, and Cicero's Beauty by Alyson Johnson. Glad to add these to my pattern library, and hope to make them sometime soon! Thanks again.

february seventeen :: 8 months old/ 35 weeks old

Mack is 8 months old today, which happens to also be his 35th week today as well.

In the 8th month, your child should be able to...
- Bear some weight on legs when held upright (CHECK)
- Feed self a cracker (He ate a Mum Cookie so CHECK)
- Pass a cube or other object from one hand to the other (CHECK)
- Rake a raisin and pick it up in fist (I've seen them go after Sean's Goldfish crumbs, so CHECK)
- Turn in the direction of a voice (CHECK)
- Look for a dropped object (CHECK)

... will probably be able to....
- Stand holding on to someone or something (CHECK)
- Object if you try to take a toy away (OH YES...CHECK)
- Work to get a toy out of reach (CHECK and always succeeds)
- Play Peekaboo (Likes it when we play it, doesn't do it himself yet)
- Get into a sitting position from stomach (CHECK) (Reminder, lower crib by weekend)

... may possibly be able to...
- Pull up to standing position from sitting (Not yet)
- Pick up tiny object with any part of thumb and finger (Seen him do it Check!)
- Say mama or dada indiscriminately (He just said MAMA for the first time today! And Dada has been for a while now. Why is it always DADA first?)

... may even be able to...
- Play Patty-Cake (clap hands) or wave bye-bye (Not yet)
- Walk holding on to furniture (thank heavens not yet!)
- Stand alone momentarily (not yet)
- Understand the world NO (but not always obey it) (Not yet)

He still fits perfectly in the sink. Though, he's almost figured out how to turn on the tap... so to avoid that mess, I won't be putting him in there again!


I received my copy of HandKnit Heroes in the mail today. I really ordered it for the POW pattern in it, it's the only place right now that pattern is available. (Though, it's probably a pattern I could have figured out on my own, looking at it), but I also wanted to check out the comic. I've never really been into comics (unless you count Archie). I'll let you know how this one is. (Whenever it is that I find the time to read it).

In knitting news, there has been progress on my step-mother-in-law's vest. In due time. I don't really have a deadline to finish it, so I'm slowly working on it. (Though, I should get my arse moving on Mack's Moss Block Cardigan, or he won't fit into it.... Oops.)

I have been working on the Blanket Project. I switched over to circulars though, the 2.0mm ones I sell in my shop, and I absolutely LOVE them. They're so super smooth, and great to use. I really do recommend them if you haven't check them out yet.

Yesterday when I was at the post office, this lady saw the amount of parcels that I was mailing and started asking me questions. She first asked if I sold on ebay, I told her no. She then asked me what I sold online, and I told her yarn and knitting accessories. She took it that I sold knitted items, and asked me what items I knit that I sold. I kept telling her that I sold knitting items, and she kept asking me if I'd make her cozies for her tables & chair feet so they wouldn't scratch her floor and if I'd knit her dishcloths. Anyhow, she even told me she'd pay me, but I honestly don't have the time to do so. Then she asked me about my website, and how I built it. She asked me if she paid me, could I design one for her. I told her I didn't do the shopping cart myself for my site, I'm not a web programmer, but I bought a shopping cart software and it's super easy to use. She told me she sold furniture and wanted to sell it online (I kept thinking in my head, good luck with getting people to pay for shipping on furniture!) Anyhow, she asked if she had any questions about the shopping cart software (I gave her the site I bought it from) if she could call me. Without thinking, I said sure, no problem. I gave her my cell number. (Today I'm glad I didn't have any more business cards left on me, so she doesn't know who I am).

Because, today, she called me 13 times, and left me 3 messages. All times, her number showed up as Restricted. Though, she left me those 3 messages, with her name & phone number, to call her back. In the 2nd and 3rd message she said I didn't call her back, so to please call her.

Oh my...

She saw that I had a baby with me at the post office yesterday (I had Mack with me) and didn't she think that maybe I was busy?? And that I'd call her back when I had the chance to? I got her first message... and now that she called that many times and has left that many messages, I don't think I'll be calling her back. Sounds a little coocoo to me...

Tonight was just a chill night at home, catching up on Chuck and Damages with Jamie, while knitting on the couch. Ah, a nice relaxing evening once the kids went to bed!

february four

Wednesdays are busy days. Starts off in the morning with our music class at the Y. It's a lot of fun, though I'm still finding the other moms in the class to be snobby and not people I'd be friends with. So Mackie & I enjoy the class to the best of our abilities, and let the snobby (jappy) mothers talk to each other about how their child is the best kid in the whole entire world, and how they are the best mother in the world and deserve a freakin' award. I don't even mind being the outcast... I don't need to put on my best outfit, throw on a ton of makeup and jewelery to attend a mom & tot class. Seriously! Who are these people? Ok, rant over.

After music, we headed to my aqua class. I love my aqua class. It's a super great workout - and I love how I feel after the class. I am friends with a few of the moms in the class, so it's nice to see them also enjoying this class too.

I wasn't interested in either of the 2 movies that were playing today for the mom & baby movie. Maybe next week. Next week they're playing Pink Panther (No interest) and He's Just Not That Into You, which I do want to see, but it is worth seeing in theaters, or only worth renting later on? Decisions, decisions.

Mack's new thing is that he likes to crawl backwards under things. Like his bouncy chair (that he barely uses anymore, but sometimes still do, soon he'll be too big for it).

And under the bench in the den. Doesn't know how to crawl fowards, but backwards.... no problem!

I got this the other day as a loot bag for Mack from that birthday party we missed out on recently. Isn't it just too cute? I can't wait to put the duck in Mack's room. I've never seen a lootbag like this before!

I received some mail today, some rings I ordered online. Remember, I'd been looking for that square onyx ring? Well, I wanted a solid plain square onyx ring, still do, but found this one as well. I love it! It's gorgeous!

And from the same company, a black square crystal ring. Both them are nice, but still don't replace the one I am upset about breaking/losing half of. But they'll be nice to wear in the meantime, until I do find a suitable replacement. I also ordered a pair of wood earrings, I'll blog about those when I wear them.

So, today I get to show you my secret knitting from last month! My First Design of 2009!

The pattern is called Satellite Girl and the yarn is Unwind Yarn Shiraz in Jupiter.

I'm really happy the way it came out!
I'm loving designing patterns, it's a lot of fun.
Look out for more from me this year!

Tonight I went out knitting with the West Island Knits/Crochet group. I had a lot of fun with Madeleine, Melanie, Eugenie, Helene & Ariella. We were a small group again, but still had good conversation and along with the knitting, some jewelery making. Why not! I did work on my mother-in-law's vest. It's coming along. (Not as fast as I'd like... but getting there). I hope to get it done soon as I want to be able to cast on for my February Lady Sweater this month (in February!)

Things I'm loving today:
- Bella's Mittens pattern (free pattern!)
- Pow! Hooded Scarf pattern (which I need to get)
- Watching cartoons in the morning in my bed with Sean & Mack
- Sean's greeting in the afternoon when I pick him up from daycare! ("Mooooooommmmmy!")

Tomorrow I'll tell you the story about my house insurance. Tomorrow's a quiet day, so I'll write about that then... Oh boy, did I have a heart attack yesterday after a phone call I made to my home insurance company....! Stay tuned.

ps- since we're in February already, the March Sock Club Kits have been listed to the shop. There are a handful of spots available left - don't miss out!

december twenty-five

So last night, trying to figure out how to make a Christmas tree and put presents on it (since we're not in Toronto (Mississauga) this year for Christmas with Jamie's dad & step-mom and the rest of his step-family, I had to be creative. We have this Ikea Easel in our playroom, so I pulled out the markers and started drawing. Not the most beautiful thing in the world, but definitely better than nothing. And I piled the presents for my three guys under the tree and went to bed. This morning after we got up, I entertained the boys as long as I could in the bedroom. Sean had his milk, Mack had his "baby juice" (formula), and we watched morning cartoons (like we do on most mornings) and eventually after everyone was fully awake, we headed to the playroom, where Sean discovered there was presents.

Sean had a field day opening gifts.

Mackie wasn't sure what the heck was going on, but he got some great loot from Santa (aka his mom and dad). I didn't go overboard as we already have so many toys in the house, but I felt it was unfair for Mack to just get hand-me-down toys from Sean. He deserves some things of his own, right? (Yes, that's a Monopoly in Jamie's hands. I got him MY NHL Monopoly - which we'll probably play on New Years Eve). Basically you chose 22 of the 30 NHL teams for the board, (we already decided that the Habs will be the last spot on the board (Boardwalk). What is really cool though, is that the team labels are removable and reusable so, if you choose, you can play a different game each time! (Though, the Habs will remain Boardwalk.... of course!) Monopoly is kinda a game we collect. We have serveral versions of the game in our possession. -My NHL Monopoly -Cat in the Hat-opoly -Here and Now World Monopoly (MONTREAL IS BOARDWALK - how could I not get it?) -Habs 100th Anniversary Monopoly (we got it when we went to the game 2-3 weeks ago, it's only available to buy at the Bell Center in the Habs store)(No link available) -Star Wars Monopoly -The .com Monopoly -Wizard of Oz Monopoly -Disney Monopoly -LNH (League Nationale Hockey (french) Monopoly (though the game is bilingual (Montreal Canadiens are Parkway Place and Toronto Maple Leafs is Boardwalk - which will NOT happen in MY NHL Monopoly once we open it. Toronto may not even make the board, and if it does, it's going in the cheapest spot. Rivals!) We don't even have an "original" monopoly. Must get one. So, yesterday I mentioned I got my package from the Single Sock Swap I hosted on Ravelry, from my pal, Bertha. I love love love love everything. Here's my loot: The sock she knit for me, is the Heart Ribbon Lace Socks by Evelyn A. Clark. Gorgeous! The yarn is Hazel Knits Artisan (Etsy Link) in Beach Glass. LOVE IT!

 

I also received in the mail yesterday, 2 pouches from Lillian's Etsy shop. I must not have read what size they were, as they arrived a lot smaller than I thought they'd be - but that's okay. I'll find use for them (knitting notions!/lip gloss and stuff like that for my purse). I totally thought they'd be big enough for a sock knitting project. Whoops. My bad. Regardless, they're gorgeous and I admire Lillian's sewing skills. Tonight I sat on the couch, got way advanced on my Moss Block Cardigan that I'm knitting for Mackie, and am loving how it's coming out. I should definitely be finished this project before 2008 is over. (That's the goal). I still have time! Working a lot on it! I finished one of he front cardigan panels and I'm half way through the 2nd front panel. After that, it's just the sleeves and some picking up of stitches and creating the button band! I can do it! I see the end in sight! While working on the Cardigan, we watched Burn After Reading. Interesting. It's with George Clooney,Frances McDormand,John Malkovich, and Brad Pitt. I don't even know where to begin. If you haven't seen it, you should - for the contraption that George's character is building in his basement. Interesting. I was speechless.

I leave you tonight with this cute picture of Mack. I'm not sure how he finds this comfortable. KIDS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

december twenty-three :: 27 weeks old

Mack is 27 weeks old today.

Today was also a really good mail day:

First up, I received Scout Swag in Zulu Knitty. I'd been eyeing this colorway forever, and Karen agreed to swap with me. Thanks Karen!

I also received some stitch markers made by the lovely Carolyn in another swap I did. Aren't they just lovely? I love the little "knitted" balls! A great way to jazz up my knitting!

We were supposed to leave tonight to Toronto (Mississauga more specifically) for Christmas, to Jamie's step-brother's place, but due to the fact that Mack can't be around other children for 48 hours, and on medication for the week, we cancelled our trip, and we'll be doing Christmas just us in our cozy home. Though, I have no tree, and a ton of presents, I have to figure out what I'm going to do. I'll think of something. I have time. If we would have been in Toronto, we'd have had a tree there. Hmph.

Tonight I made some delicious salmon for dinner, with some yummy side dishes. (Whole wheat fusili that was really good as well steamed broccoli. Mmmm!) We need to start eating a lot more fish, it's so healthy.

Picked up some last minute gifts today, though, I'm not 100% done my shopping. I'll probably finish it up next week. (Some gifts that are not needed today/tomorrow/this week).

Started working on one of the front panels for the Moss Block Cardigan. I think it should fit Mackie now if I finish it asap! So I'm working on it! He's just just starting to fit into 6 months size clothing now, and the sweater is supposed to be size 6 months, so it should fit him pretty soon. Hopefully!

It's my step-mother-in-law's birthday today. I plan on making her the Modular Striped Vest, and she knows it'll be a little late. Though, I don't expect it to be a long knit - it should go pretty fast. It's actually a pattern that I wanted to knit for myself, but we'll see how it goes when I knit it for my MIL!

Off to go watch tv with Jamie, but I suspect I'll fall asleep on the couch.