Cats Go Meow Meow

I remember the exact moment like it was yesterday. I was at Chapters early April, and I just wanted to see Amanda Soule's book in real life, and I was drinking a latte. I was certain that her book would be in the craft/hobbies section, so I was perusing it intently (to no avail as it was in the parenting section across the store unbeknownst to me even though that made complete sense), and I came across GOLD - a whole series of Aranzi Aronzo Cute Books! Oh, I wanted every single one. I also know too well my tendency to look and not do. It didn't seem like a good investment at the time because of that fact as well as the fact that I was heading to a huge Knitters Fair in a few weeks' time, and all of my play money was spoken for. I tried to forget these pretty books, but when scoping the library catalogue online some time later, I spied The Cute Book once again! Holds were placed, and the waiting game began. It stayed IN CATALOGUING for a very long time - months. I found out why this was (one of my bestest friends is a librarian and is very patient about my constant inquiries into the system). Apparently a certain number of holds have to be placed on a new book for it to hit the shelves. Well, this should come as no shock, but I have four library cards. Well, I have three other family members in my household, and I put them to work. Altogether I put four holds on that book, and still I waited months more. Apparently this book was way under the radar.

Last week, I finally got my notices - there are two copies of this book in the system, and I currently have both in my hands. I have two more weeks to have them laying about my house, and I will then have to return them until the next time. Of course, this got my butt in motion, and I am embarassed to admit this, but it took me two nights to finish off one little gal. A crazy little cat who gets into everything. She hasn't a name yet, but that shouldn't last. Isn't she cute?

I am very aware that the needlework looks to be done by a 5-year old, and although I could believably use this as an excuse, this shabby work was completely my own. I am still head over heels in love with her and her imperfections. Even B was startled and excited this morning to see kitty sitting pretty by the sofa.

I want to make more, but we must get ready for B's birthday dinner tomorrow. She turns SIX next week!! This house is a disaster area! Really. I'd like to blame it all on the kitty and the kids, but truth is this first week back to school has been keeping all of us busy, but in the best way. Honestly, I am seriously loving getting back into the regular routines, and it's the first year that both girls are in school full-time. Hurray!

Cheers!
N

Love's Labour's Lost

I have a friend, Emily, who knows how to knit, but lacks the passion for knitting - she is quite happy to knit a project or two each year. I think she knits just to amuse me. She can travel without yarn and sticks, she can wait in a line without yarn and sticks, and when she goes into one of the most famous yarn stores in the world, she only thinks to pick ME up a token of this visit. I LOVE this small project bag - it's absolutely perfect! But she tells me that even the lady behind the counter looked at her as if she was insane. She also took pictures of the yarn-y goodness for me. She is a very good friend.
Did you think I had forgotten about the Woodland Shawl??? Or perhaps it was YOU who forgot it by the wayside. Yis, I shall blame all of you out there! I'm on my second skein of Louet Gems fingering-weight wool. Must concentrate on finishing this project. I want to get on with knitting sweaters and socks and hats and mittens, but this shawl radiates guilt every time I catch a glimpse of it in my knitting basket - I even went so far to hide it behind the wicker chair in the darkest corner of my bedroom. No such luck.

Look! Tartar Charlie posed for me today. I didn't think I would ever get such a good shot of this frisky guy! Now I have something to remember him long after he is gone, but I am told that betta fish last a long time, and I take pretty good care of him if I do say so myself. He's a lifer.
Ooh, I baked blueberry muffins from scratch, and that in itself is blog-worthy. Look at these beauts! There's none left - they were gobbled up by many muffin monsters. I will never make blueberry muffins without a wee bit of grated lemon rind ever again. It's like magic!
And I forgot to tell you about our little antiquing roadtrip to Aberfoyle last weekend. I scooped up this birdy from a dollar table filled with junk. I love you, china, chipped, cheesy chick!

Happy Labour Day, everyone! I think we'll head up to the beach tomorrow, and I plan on meeting up with my local knitting peeps in the evening. I look forward to all of it!

N

Summer Is

I've been reading Uncommon Grace's Summer Is project, and I thought I would add my two cents.


Summer is . . .

:: family reunions with lots of cousins

:: most definitely little girls and hula hoops.

:: almost over!

N

The Masters

I love this picture of my pop teaching the grandkids how to play bocce taken a few weeks ago. They were serious bocce sharks in my humblest opinion.

We're in the midst of doing some last-minute summer cleaning and renos. We're getting ready for September. I am hankering for autumn like you wouldn't believe. I am in the mood for apple-picking and homework and ballet classes and knitting woolly mittens and drinking lattes to stay warm.

Until then, chin up.

N

Simple Wristwarmers

Remember this post not so long ago? Well she's finished her first project - wristwarmers!

We made it up as we went. My thinking was it needed to be a quick, gratifying project, so I figured we'd need a chunky yarn. She wanted brown, and I just happened to have some brown Bernat Softee Chunky laying around - it's 100% acrylic, so they're good in the washer and dryer. I think it will soften up more after it's washed.

Using 6mm straight needles, she cast on 25 stitches, and she knit in garter-stitch until it stretched around her hand and wrist lengthwise - we didn't want them loose at all. Then she bound off all the stitches, and she made a second warmer exactly the same length.

I, then, folded them in half lengthwise and seamed an inch from the top, left about an inch and half for her thumb, and seamed the rest. She is very pleased with the result. In fact, before she could argue, I insisted she cast on for a smaller version for her best friend who is quite petite. When the girls are together, it looks like I have three daughters. It is fun to imagine - especially since it is just imagining. :)

I am under the impression that she would like to wear them on her first day of school. That's a good sign even though she keeps reminding me that she doesn't like knitting - not at all.

N

Sewing Kit Swap #2

El received her sewing kit from Mallory yesterday afternoon, and she was absolutely thrilled! The bag that her mum Sherry made is so awesome, and El loves it. It was filled to the brim with brand new sewing notions and felt and lovely handmade yo-yos and fabric - all in El's favourite colours - orange, green and yellow. I can't wait to see what she makes with all of it.

Thank you, Sherry, for all of it!

Thank you, Melissa, for organizing this swap! Being my first swap ever, I was quite anxious, but the girls and I had a ton of fun - it was really nice having a project to work on together. And now I have sewing projects that will allow us to bond even more. Not to mention, we met some very fantastic-ly talented moms and daughters along the way! That was probably my favourite part. Thank you!

I think that El may want to keep a close eye on her little sister 'cause I caught the little kook trying on the bag.

Now I have some good ideas to use up some of these pretties - must convince the gang that I know best. :)

N

I Present To You The Lace Ribbon Scarf

I admit it took longer than I could have imagined - especially since 736 knitters completed it in MUCH less time - but it is now complete and the newest object of my affection. I used Handmaiden Mini Maiden (50% wool, 50% silk), and I enjoyed every minute with this yarn. It's so soft and drapey and buttery. While I was blocking the scarf yesterday, J asked me who it was for, and I wasted no time in replying. Why me, of course!
I found this little 'druring' propped up on B's dresser, and I had to share. I must have this framed immediately. I think it's a result of all the family time that we have been spending togther. I guess it pays to pay them a little attention. Swoon.

N