tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79189022024-03-14T05:46:15.789-05:00Yarn for BrainsWherein two gal pals yammer on about knittingAdriennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677671017557368426noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-18098676257214155972013-12-17T13:23:00.003-05:002013-12-17T13:25:10.626-05:00Getting ready to send off 2013<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seriously seems like yesterday when we were just welcoming 2013, and welcoming Nathan into the family. With our little guy's birthday so close to New Year's, it hits home how quickly the days are passing. Then again, this past year has been really fun, so maybe that's why it went by so fast.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year on Facebook I attempted to post at least one photo for video every day. It turned out to be a remarkably good photo diary of every day life, particularly since the kids featured quite prominently in them. I've been going through my old posts just to look at them and reflect on the year. Here's a few favourites that I think really captured our first year as a family of four.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up until he was about 4 or 5 months old, Nathan was the type of kid who needed to be held in order to nap. I think I was more okay with that this time around. Knowing that he's our last baby probably was a factor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was Andrew and Nathan's first ride together at Canada's Wonderland. I loved how happy Andrew was to have his little brother with him, even if Nathan didn't totally know what was happening. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nathan has been hitting all his mobility milestones faster than Andrew did. I'm not sure why that is, but I suspect it's because he's not as heavy as Andrew was so he doesn't need to build up as much muscle. I still remember coming in to check on him after his nap and being greeted by this sight. He was just so happy with himself that it was hard to stay shocked for too long. Needless to say, Jamie's first task when coming home that day was to lower the base of the crib. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qk14aYWeUaylU0iaz2IU2XqQT8fTmZD-V0kY9mhyphenhyphenVWFEfzqRUW0bIP-gPATb6Obblc3_qk1mmlXihJ86CtlywAY3XFzckVfBbiBYIUjdSdQE9-jr6at5WHgHjxtAWIvH6tMZ/s1600/20130922_142406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qk14aYWeUaylU0iaz2IU2XqQT8fTmZD-V0kY9mhyphenhyphenVWFEfzqRUW0bIP-gPATb6Obblc3_qk1mmlXihJ86CtlywAY3XFzckVfBbiBYIUjdSdQE9-jr6at5WHgHjxtAWIvH6tMZ/s400/20130922_142406.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the look on Andrew's face, he loved meeting Mickey. It was on this trip that he became obsessed with Ariel, and the rest of the gang from The Little Mermaid. This was a trip that Jamie's dad arranged, and it was for the entire Wells clan. We had a truly amazing time, and I can't wait to bring the boys back to Disney World when they're a little older. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire crew enjoying dinner on our last night at Disney</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w-Kw3ls2t2s-g2ROhCtRuRwIWuZhU6RNQL2E4UZ_cDcY8kGMs3xWiGVMz8JK3YTvnOn9vMddmsm4OmR1_MhKsojO791N-7cSlxjlfV_Yyr2jDAfIy9f2uE3uiqASKP2z6xUj/s1600/20131024_172611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w-Kw3ls2t2s-g2ROhCtRuRwIWuZhU6RNQL2E4UZ_cDcY8kGMs3xWiGVMz8JK3YTvnOn9vMddmsm4OmR1_MhKsojO791N-7cSlxjlfV_Yyr2jDAfIy9f2uE3uiqASKP2z6xUj/s400/20131024_172611.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Nathan was able to sit up and crawl around on his own, Andrew seemed to become more interested in what his little brother was up to. No big fights yet, but Nathan did get his first bloody nose thanks to some roughhousing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the first year where Andrew actually started to grasp Halloween. I took him out trick-or-treating, and he really liked it. We only did about 5 houses before he got a bit scared and asked to go inside, but he liked the whole process of getting candy. These photos were taken at a Halloween party with friends.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew had stopped drinking a cup of warm milk before bed for a while, but wanted to take up the habit again when Nathan would have his bottle before bedtime. Now, Andrew will say something to the effect of "And now gonna have milk together," before laying down with Nathan for their pre-bed drink.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's Nathan at around 10 and half months old (almost 11 months, I think) being a total cutie. I took this photo on an unseasonably warm day. I think it captures his cheerful nature.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will come a day when Nathan will be embarrassed by this picture, but until then, I will post it proudly on this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got a few more of Andrew playing in the snow, but I will save those for another post, probably lumped in with a recap of Christmas. I'm hoping Grandpa Wells didn't get the boys too much stuff, but it wouldn't be the same if he didn't.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, on to the requisite crafting stuff (this is a craft blog after all). I managed to finish one thing, and make good progress on another.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally finished the blanket! Yay! I took so long on it that I've decided not to give it to Nathan, but gift it to my brother and his wife for the baby girl they are expecting in April.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's all the progress I've managed on these socks in the past 5 or 6 months. Pretty dismal. I'm making the heel flap right now, so I suppose I'm about half way done? I'm not sure what I think of the way the yarn colours are pooling, but I'm not going to frog it at this point.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's about it for me. I'll try to post a little more often despite my lack of crafting. There's always stories to tell when it comes to the kids :) Take care!!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-68800525151061782772013-07-12T09:30:00.001-05:002013-07-12T09:34:50.465-05:00Trying something new<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm guessing it was on the news enough lately, but just in case anyone wasn't aware, Toronto experienced a big rainstorm on Monday that resulted in widespread flooding. A GO train was flooded and passengers had to be rescued, and some people even abandoned their cars when they becane submerged in water. The Don River crested, and flooded out the DVP. All in all, pretty spectacular stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to all that flooding, we lost power for just about 2 days. Not the most fun I've ever had, particularly in some of the hottest, humidest weather we've had in a while. I'll spare you all the details, but let's just say that it's hard to explain something like that to a 3yr old who just wants some milk to drink and some light to read by (or fend off whatever gremlins he thinks are lurking in the dark).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This resulted in me eventually seeking refuge at Jamie's aunt's place so that Nathan and I wouldn't have to hang out in crowded coffee shops hoping for some AC and working outlets. Thanks to that respite, I was able to start some socks using a technique that I've long been interested in trying - two at a time socks on circular needles. So far so good. I'm enjoying the color, and while I could probably do with longer circulars, it's not a super difficult technique to get the hang of. Not sure how long it'll take to finish, but at least I'll have a pair instead of a lonely single.</span></div>
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There's first foods.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd2cFntA4_c/UbJAsXrpIqI/AAAAAAAAECk/gywvbVAr2QM/s1600/20130530_105431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd2cFntA4_c/UbJAsXrpIqI/AAAAAAAAECk/gywvbVAr2QM/s400/20130530_105431.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First swing ride.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YSmDyLjnN8/UbJAsVb62WI/AAAAAAAAECk/Hwb3K1yPkko/s1600/20130605_113245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YSmDyLjnN8/UbJAsVb62WI/AAAAAAAAECk/Hwb3K1yPkko/s400/20130605_113245.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First pair of sunglasses.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3um3w530wxo/UbJAsZfNVLI/AAAAAAAAECk/1NmujICPQLU/s1600/IMG_20130516_123910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3um3w530wxo/UbJAsZfNVLI/AAAAAAAAECk/1NmujICPQLU/s320/IMG_20130516_123910.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> First attempts at sitting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SfH-unj-g/UbJAsc8yAZI/AAAAAAAAECk/jUI3K2Lk7zA/s1600/IMG_20130607_091616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7SfH-unj-g/UbJAsc8yAZI/AAAAAAAAECk/jUI3K2Lk7zA/s320/IMG_20130607_091616.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Even a first "girlfriend".</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-7csWpcKdg/UbJAseGlXBI/AAAAAAAAECk/ICNs-WLIzfw/s1600/20130603_121458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-7csWpcKdg/UbJAseGlXBI/AAAAAAAAECk/ICNs-WLIzfw/s320/20130603_121458.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew's had a few firsts recently too. Like his first bike helmet, which he likes to wear for everything except riding his bike.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayxueWh_Ytg/UbJAsUujdkI/AAAAAAAAECk/aj9yilHjH3c/s1600/IMG_20130601_173438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayxueWh_Ytg/UbJAsUujdkI/AAAAAAAAECk/aj9yilHjH3c/s320/IMG_20130601_173438.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> First time having a popsicle with a buddy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59-Wb_c2L2I/UbJAsUN8dKI/AAAAAAAAECk/GrrrZHH26aQ/s1600/IMG_20130516_131948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59-Wb_c2L2I/UbJAsUN8dKI/AAAAAAAAECk/GrrrZHH26aQ/s320/IMG_20130516_131948.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And most recently, his first time scaring me so badly that I felt dizzy with adrenaline after the crisis was over.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ccjlFqZzAQ/UbJAsZp2iRI/AAAAAAAAECg/wAZvtAM-Ctk/s1600/IMG_20130607_073427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ccjlFqZzAQ/UbJAsZp2iRI/AAAAAAAAECg/wAZvtAM-Ctk/s320/IMG_20130607_073427.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is a picture of the shoulder of my pyjamas stained with blood after Andrew had a bad accident this morning. He took his little chair to the safety gate blocking our basement in order to look at the cat that had run down there in an attempt to escape, hoisted himself up on the top bar, and then proceeded to flip himself over the gate, landing on the ground with a face plant. Poor kid earned himself a bloody nose (and hence my messy shirt), and a pretty big goose egg on the forehead. After some crying and lots of hugs (and more than a few blood-soaked Kleenexes), Andrew was back to his usual self in no time. I, however, did not feel like myself afterwards. I think I went into mild shock from the adrenaline after it was all over. Even now, 12 hours later, I keep reliving that moment where I peeked around the corner from the kitchen just in time to see his body tip over the gate, that terrible thud, and even the heartbeat of total silence before he started screaming. I'm grateful that things weren't worse, but this was a really hard reminder that I can't always protect him from things.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_171184416"></span><span id="goog_171184417"></span><br /></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-18932924296508686722013-05-01T20:48:00.000-05:002013-05-01T20:52:00.220-05:00I know this is supposed to be a craft blog, but...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I haven't really been doing any crafting to speak of lately. I've cast on for an infinity scarf made out of alpaca, but I've barely made any headway with it. Still, I thought I'd give a little update on how life's been going.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nathan is just about 4 months old now, and I feel as though the days are just racing by. He's still waking me up at night all the time, and I won't lie that the interrupted sleep isn't taking its toll on me. In the past 3 days, I've sent Andrew out the door twice without his shoes. Oops. Still, I know this won't last forever, as with the gummy smiles, and lazy days of just cuddling. Andrew turned 3 on Monday, and it hit me that I'm going to be registering him for kindergarten in January. Since having the kids, I feel really aware of how much can change so quickly. I mean, I'd been working at the same job for 5 years before having Andrew, and things always seemed to be the same old, same old. But in the last 3 years, we've watched Andrew go from a newborn to a headstrong little boy who loves Lightning McQueen and rocket ships, and isn't afraid to tell us that. He knows all his letters, can count to 30, and has so much to say that it sometimes astounds me that all that started from a blank slate. I want to remember how he sits in my lap and tells me "I'm so happy to see Mommy!", or the fact that he is happy to share toys with Nathan as long as they're the broken ones. He runs in the backyard like a mad man, but stops in his tracks when an airplane flies overhead, reaches up with his little arms, and claims that he's going to touch it. There's so many little things that I want to remember about my kids at this point in their life, and yet it's often so hard to write those things down. Still, that doesn't mean I'm not going to try.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_joNmX9qqJLRBAdf02b4yYvo-6xjP8CyQDvUk3PNkivYzSxlQ54EaV0biG0xeUxqJcWzbIeqWpjWEbab0DiMk7nqfXcPNLJWmQOx2MhYq4aIGL_aF-WjZ7CzmCjhJvyYaxSIx/s1600/Collage01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_joNmX9qqJLRBAdf02b4yYvo-6xjP8CyQDvUk3PNkivYzSxlQ54EaV0biG0xeUxqJcWzbIeqWpjWEbab0DiMk7nqfXcPNLJWmQOx2MhYq4aIGL_aF-WjZ7CzmCjhJvyYaxSIx/s640/Collage01.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-75482101983934776422013-02-17T11:38:00.001-05:002013-02-17T11:40:57.576-05:00New Year, new stuff<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, it's been a while since my last post. A bunch of stuff, both crafty and not have happened. Let's start with the biggest news.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1FgumIrLQ/USD3ccuMnHI/AAAAAAAADjU/7Zta982GM7g/s1600/DSC02787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1FgumIrLQ/USD3ccuMnHI/AAAAAAAADjU/7Zta982GM7g/s320/DSC02787.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, Baby Nathan!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Nate showed up on January 3, 2013, and has been a wonderful addition to our family. He was in a big hurry to show up, and we were seriously half an hour away from a home-birth. Only Jamie's nervous nature and our midwives' sensible advice prevented that from happening. Here's a few more photos, since you really can't have enough photos of cute babies.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzIIO-hxrrY/USD3yhkBhNI/AAAAAAAADkM/dLPY-RFDsF0/s1600/DSC02826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzIIO-hxrrY/USD3yhkBhNI/AAAAAAAADkM/dLPY-RFDsF0/s320/DSC02826.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't manage to finish his blanket before he arrived, but we've got so many from Andrew's baby days that I'm not worried. Still, I want Nathan to have something that was just his, so I'll be sure to finish it before too long. Being a second child myself who always got hand-me-downs from my older brother, I'm pretty conscious about making sure the younger child gets new stuff too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew's been adjusting to being a big brother, and more importantly, having to share our attention with Nathan. Can't say the transition hasn't been bumpy, and it continues to be a challenge, but we're happy with our family make-up. Here are some photos of Andrew to round out the kid-related part of this post.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFIyintTg_c/USD33_IMHwI/AAAAAAAADkk/2XWGQTnMFYY/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFIyintTg_c/USD33_IMHwI/AAAAAAAADkk/2XWGQTnMFYY/s320/IMG_4592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chinese New Year dinner at the grandparents'. We could only get him into half of his celebratory outfit.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spCOUsw3clQ/USD31D4OkmI/AAAAAAAADkc/FjqP9Hgr8lc/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spCOUsw3clQ/USD31D4OkmI/AAAAAAAADkc/FjqP9Hgr8lc/s320/photo4.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With moments like this, we get the feeling that things will be okay. Then again, the camera didn't capture Andrew diving onto Nathan.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In crafting news, here are some photos of things I finished since my last post.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPZndiq7W8I/USEEthHfB_I/AAAAAAAADlA/4CdDtB6zrq8/s1600/doggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPZndiq7W8I/USEEthHfB_I/AAAAAAAADlA/4CdDtB6zrq8/s320/doggie.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the finished doggie toy that I gifted to my good friend's daughter for Christmas.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally finished the Milkweed Shawl</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made this scarf for Andrew, which he refuses to wear</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdL6IWkdiJ4/USEE2J0wVfI/AAAAAAAADlI/N9PBcVKOaWM/s1600/DSC02829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RdL6IWkdiJ4/USEE2J0wVfI/AAAAAAAADlI/N9PBcVKOaWM/s320/DSC02829.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just finished this hat for Nathan. I've since blocked it, but you get the idea</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a bunch of stuff that I'd like to make for myself, but I'll save divulging those until a later date. Jamie is going away on business soon, so I'm pretty sure there will be no time for crafting until he gets back.</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-31955889684399144742012-11-30T22:25:00.001-05:002012-11-30T22:26:29.439-05:00Planning for the holidays<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last little while hasn't been devoid of crafting, though I've been pretty slow with things. I have some fun DIY stuff that I've been doing, but I can't post it here just yet because they're Christmas gifts that I'm planning to give away.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do have a couple things that I've been working on gift-wise that I CAN post about here. The first is a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> that I've just set out to block tonight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JV7vegD0TMY25SY3J3qVgiUc__TZE8ln5r-tVz9QQemCUrHkblgzoKpVuV-Yi-h5Fb5EJZLDq9ZzRNAagT79TJ1Dut_UBKCfKjv3VpWk9fxYmq2td9Z5Yy7tdNb81b_WXJKS/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JV7vegD0TMY25SY3J3qVgiUc__TZE8ln5r-tVz9QQemCUrHkblgzoKpVuV-Yi-h5Fb5EJZLDq9ZzRNAagT79TJ1Dut_UBKCfKjv3VpWk9fxYmq2td9Z5Yy7tdNb81b_WXJKS/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's made out of Dream in Color Starry, in the colour In Vino Veritas. This was a great subway knit since it doesn't take a whole lot of brain power. I was a little surprised how much bigger it got after blocking.<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another thing I've been working on is improving my crochet skills. I'm currently working on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a doggy amigurumi toy pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dog-buffy-amigurumi-toy-by-svetlana-pertseva">Buffy</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG61JHwUGbUkEh-aExZZoCNwQO28DLtdMs30Scn0KGhDfjPlcgpte6iE15T3ZQ9ulMlTDu0-DhBOu1GP9UI_c7ugydDJR4kxB49rjSwrjhyphenhyphensqgKkZ9zP04cmwZzEoNcLTN8Bfa/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG61JHwUGbUkEh-aExZZoCNwQO28DLtdMs30Scn0KGhDfjPlcgpte6iE15T3ZQ9ulMlTDu0-DhBOu1GP9UI_c7ugydDJR4kxB49rjSwrjhyphenhyphensqgKkZ9zP04cmwZzEoNcLTN8Bfa/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, I'm not exactly done yet, but I've been having a lot of fun with it. Since it's a toy, I just picked up some acrylic worsted weight at Michaels. Cheap and cheerful. I've finished all the limbs, and am working on the body now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, I've discovered Pintrest recently, and have been having lots of fun with it. Mostly, I've been using it to keep track of recipes I'd like to try, DIY projects, and some helpful hints for organizing and/or cleaning the house. Very domestic, I know. Still, I've learned a bunch of nice little tricks that have come in handy leading up to the holiday season.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you're all doing well!</span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-9368626653030212582012-11-01T20:15:00.000-05:002012-11-01T20:15:38.325-05:00Vacation!<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, we just came back from vacation in Orlando, Florida, and we had a fantastic time. This was Andrew's first trip to Disney World, and based on his reaction, this will not be the last. He. Loved. It. He probably won't remember going since he's only two and half, but Jamie and I certainly will.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Waiting for the Disney shuttle bus to take us to Animal Kingdom</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you can tell from the photo, I'm getting kinda big. That made things a bit more tiring on this trip, seeing as Andrew still wanted me to play with him and do stuff with him, but since I had no responsibilities after he went to sleep, I would just shower and go to bed right after him. I had brought knitting with me hoping that I could get some done, but it just didn't happen.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the lobby of the Art of Animation Resort.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Halloween decorations!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dumbo at night</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Andrew giving us his "say cheese!" face</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Andrew loving Cinderella's Carousel</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Hi, Pooh!"</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Posing with Buzz Lightyear</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Andrew went crazy for Lightning McQueen!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Checking out Guido's tires</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> We have a bunch more pictures with characters and stuff, but they were taken our Disney PhotoPass, so I don't have those photos just yet. We're going to buy the CD of them, so I'll post some more pictures up when we get it. We had a super time, and we can't wait to go back again!</span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-25239025945057708972012-08-12T19:38:00.000-05:002012-08-12T19:38:11.673-05:00Some things the same, some things a little different<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Hi there, good 'ole blog. Yes, it's been a while; I hear ya. To tell you the truth, I haven't really managed to get much knitting done for a while. Here's a photo explaining a good chunk of the reason why. Andrew is a real handful these days - 2 years old already!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaljfU5KsGbnU8Etp_qMeOYXANEQOHpcdyz9qgpBq4fjajKLvvnlI8LNU2snMizzfknU0OMAQSv-fpAVhgsAgjDLb_Cp8SRvuOqvrarPjvlvmo-HQKxLJmb5qxotuWYNOn-LM/s1600/IMG_4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaljfU5KsGbnU8Etp_qMeOYXANEQOHpcdyz9qgpBq4fjajKLvvnlI8LNU2snMizzfknU0OMAQSv-fpAVhgsAgjDLb_Cp8SRvuOqvrarPjvlvmo-HQKxLJmb5qxotuWYNOn-LM/s320/IMG_4442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just as the photo would imply, I am expecting again. Baby Wells #2 on the way sometime between Dec and Jan.</td></tr>
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<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Below are some photos of stuff he's been up to this summer. We've taken him to Canada's Wonderland a couple times (getting a season's pass next year for him), and he was the ring bearer at my brother's wedding.</div>
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Even with all that, I did manage to get a few things done. I finished that Baby Yours sweater, but was on such a deadline to finish that I didn't manage to take any photos. I also finished knitting my Milkweed Shawl, but it still needs a blocking. I've started a baby blanket for the little one on the way.</div>
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It's made out of Dream in Color Classy, in the colour Good Luck Jade. From the first photo, you might be able to see that the two skeins I got don't seem quite the same. I checked that they were the same dye lot when I got the yarn, but perhaps I was mistaken. I have since lost the ball bands, so I can't confirm. Even though it looks a little weird, I don't want to rip it all back so that I can better integrate the two shades by alternating their use. If the baby isn't going to be fussed about it, neither am I.</div>
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Lastly, I've been wanting to try something a little different than my usual yarn crafts, and picked up some Pyssla beads from Ikea a while back. Here's what I made with them.</div>
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This first attempt was pretty fun, and I quite like the result. My plan is to glue some black felt to the back side, and make a few more of them with different colors. I realized a little while ago that we have no coasters in our house, so these would make a nice, if not geeky, set to fill that void.</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-50072416784184579382012-03-30T13:23:00.004-05:002012-03-30T14:45:44.327-05:00Already one quarter into 2012<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whoops! Life kept happening, but I kept forgetting to blog about it. First of all, my little man is growing up quickly.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jAGLcAmnkXBm9hXrYDrUBxZiqjdxw6HfdKI2V7qEiKs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S4s6w-5erM4/TxYnm3LL6mI/AAAAAAAADPA/sOu2VjOKzYE/s400/IMG_4387.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />Here he is snuggling the cat on Christmas morning after putting on the Pats jersey that his uncle kindly gifted him with. Since then, he's started talking and making his preferences well known to us. In short, he's lots of fun.<br /><br />My knitting has been terribly slow, and even though I bought all sorts of yarn at the Romni sale (which I forgot to blog about too. Oops!), I've only managed to get a couple things done, or started.<br /><br />First up, we have my much abbreviated version of the Bandana Cowl.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/89xXX9gaiT931St8mLGQtidgXaxCtni5skdDR6-XCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b8AXqbOoamo/TxYmoTvfUiI/AAAAAAAADO0/7b3_8uP147c/s400/IMG_4407.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />I made it from one skein of Diamond Yarn Luxury Baby Alpaca. It feels lovely on the neck, and I wore it a lot during the winter to keep the amount of bulk in the coat down. It's a bit too loose, and too short, but still quite nice. I think I'm going to make another one though; a full version (though with fewer stitches so the whole thing is a bit smaller around the neck). Maybe I'll have it ready for next winter. Haha!<br /><br />Back in January, Jamie and I took our first trip away from Andrew. It was only one night away, but it was lovely. While there, I started some easy toe-up socks with some self-striping yarn.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RvT5sGMW1dXxMa9ZshGYeCdgXaxCtni5skdDR6-XCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1H0novDzVGc/TxYmnxDBD5I/AAAAAAAADOs/8WUf8c1U7ro/s400/IMG_4408.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />That's how much I finished by the time we got back. And then life trucked on, and progress on the sock stalled. I only finished the first sock about 5 days ago, and only just cast on the second sock today. Hope it doesn't take another 3 months to finish, but I'm not making any promises.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-73628530088701106462011-12-14T13:56:00.003-05:002011-12-14T14:10:56.830-05:00Still lovin' Knit Picks<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, I alerted the folks over at Knit Picks about this issues I had with the ball winder, and even gave them the link to that pretty scathing review that I wrote last night. I really commend the folks there for being able to read something that harsh about their product, and then to come back and send me a lovely reply. Here's what they sent me:<br /></span></span><p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Dear Karen,</p><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I read your review, it sounds to me like you got a defective ball winder, I'm happy to replace it.</p><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">That is the advantage of the Knit Picks ball winder, if you ever have any trouble with it we will send you a new one at no cost. If you are willing to give it a try let me know, otherwise I'm happy to give you a refund and you can toss that one in the garbage.</p><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><p style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sincerely,</p><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Jeanine</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Knit Picks Customer Service</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-family: arial;">I rea<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">lly</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"> have to say that made my day. It absolutely, totally, made my day. I let them know that I would prefer to take the refund and just get one like I used to have, but other than this one time, I've never had a problem with any of their merchandise. In fact, I usually love their stuff: I love my Options needles, my Harmony wood dpns, the needle case that I got (still need to take pics of this), and all the yarn I've bought from them in the past. And now that I know they've got such good customer <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">service, I have to say that I'm pretty happy to keep shopping with them.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">So, lovely knitters, please don't take what I wrote last night as a reflection of what I think of Knit Picks in general. It may well be that I ran into the defective winder in the lot, but I have to say that I'm unfortunately once bitten, twice shy, and so I went ahead and got myself a Royal ball winder again. However, will I be shopping at Knit Picks again? Absolutely.</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-87861907280660923302011-12-13T22:31:00.007-05:002011-12-14T11:34:39.021-05:00You get what you pay for<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">I wrote earlier about how Andrew broke my ball winder, so I had to get a new one. Well, I saw that Knit Picks had one for sale that was much cheaper than the Royal one that I used to have. After using it, I now know why the Royal is worth every penny. This one from Knit Picks is terrible - its absolutely just a cheap knock-off of the Royal that lacks the little details that make winding a ball of yarn a joyful act done in anticipation of the start of a new and glorious project.<br /><br />The first thing I noticed was that the clamp is quite fiddly when you try to attach it to the actual winder, and it doesn't even fit snug once it's attached; it shifts around if you're not careful. But, I managed to get it more or less the way I wanted and decided to give things a go. As soon as I tried to attach it to my table, I noticed another thing that was different compared to the Royal. The Royal has nice little 'stops' on the bottom clamp that allow you to position it in perfect alignment with the winder on top. The Knit Picks version does not, and it takes a bit of concentration to get everything lined up properly. Still, not a deal breaker. As I kept going, I noticed another little annoyance: the wire yarn guide doesn't snap into position after you swing it out. I found this more troublesome than the lack of stops on the clamp as the guide would move while I was winding. I ended up holding it in place with my free hand, which was at the same time guiding the yarn off my swift. Can you see how things are adding up to create a very frustrating experience?<br /><br />The real difference, though, comes when you actually start winding the ball. I don't know what to call it exactly, but let's just say that there is something wrong with the 'balance' of the whole thing. However they have positioned the centre column/spool thingie or angled it, or something, it doesn't guide the yarn to the bottom of the winder, so you end up winding your yarn just on the top portion of the spool. I couldn't even wind an entire skein of sock yarn on it! And then the yarn would slip off the yarn cake being formed, tangle underneath it, and basically create a mess which has to be removed from the winder, and rewound. I must've wound that skein about 6 times before realizing that I just wasn't going to be able to finish it, so now it sits half done at my craft station waiting for me to return this winder, and get another Royal. I'm additionally incensed because I will have to pay shipping again to send it back. Grrrr!!!<br /><br />Lovely knitters out there, I know the Royal looks expensive, but don't be fooled by cheap imitations like the one Knit Picks sells. Save yourself the hassle and frustration, and get a good quality winder.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-1246438731329936272011-12-04T21:15:00.003-05:002011-12-04T21:41:58.796-05:00Froggidy-froggidy<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">I finally went ahead and did it. I ripped up the 5-way cable shawl that I had started.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yyabaUMOyS_0LjqpMMGmqCdgXaxCtni5skdDR6-XCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0YMRzRL3_qo/Ttt7i-pCbWI/AAAAAAAADOY/SRu0oPcMZ30/s400/IMG_4373.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />I realized that I didn't quite have the right gauge for it, nor enough yarn, to do it justice. So, I'm now searching for projects for my 4 skeins of Malabrigo. I'm debating making a <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/bandana-cowl/">Bandana Cowl </a>with one, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-pompoms">a hat</a> with another, but that still leaves 2 skeins. I was originally thinking of making a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater">February Lady sweater</a> with it, but have since changed my mind as I don't think the shape of that sweater is the most flattering for me.<br /><br />An added challenge for me right now is that Andrew broke my ball winder, so I haven't really started anything up lately despite having lots of ideas. I'm getting a replacement one soon, so hopefully my stall won't last long. Still working on that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/krazykaren/baby-yours-2">Baby Yours</a>, and actually picked up my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/krazykaren/milkweed-shawl">Milkweed shawl</a> again. Maybe I'll actually finish something one of these days.<br /><br />This weekend's been a bit of a rough one for us though. Andrew had his, and my, first experience with projectile vomiting on Saturday. I was utterly dumbfounded when it happened. He was fine after some crying and cuddling, but then had another bout of vomiting on Sunday. Poor kid. To make matters worse, Jamie also got sick, so there was A LOT of cleaning for me to do this weekend. As long as I don't get sick, we'll all keep on trucking. I've made entreaties to pretty much every deity out there to keep me from falling ill, so we'll see if that works. If all this wasn't enough, someone broke into our car and stole some cables out of our car. Thankfully nothing of import was taken (our radio, and child car seat were the two things that came to mind immediately), but it was still just maddening to think that someone had gone through our things. We are partly to blame since we accidentally left our car door unlocked (this never used to happen to us, but now that we've got Andrew, it happens a lot more than we'd like), but our car was right on our driveway, visible from our bedroom, so I still think they were pretty bold. Oh well. We're all okay, we don't need to repair anything with the car, and the stuff they took is fairly easy to replace, so I guess we're lucky in that sense.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-14974750861707172792011-10-18T15:19:00.002-05:002011-10-18T17:06:34.001-05:00Laugh out loud!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">It's been a long time since I wrote, and a whole bunch of things have happened since. One of which was me going back to work, and even though it's only part-time right now, it's made me a lot busier than I used to be. The other thing that was occupying a lot of my time was a big show I just did with the Chinese Dance Workshop to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Now that it's over, I can actually breathe again and devote my spare time to other things.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />One of the things I'd like to do more of is give Andrew the chance to play with other kids. He's in daycare now, so I know he plays with lots of kids all the time, but I never get to see it. Plus he has so much fun when other kids are around. Here's some video proof.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EMrV5_iGVb8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br />Andrew and his friend W (I won't give the full name here) were sitting patiently while their respective mommies were doing some shopping, and Jamie managed to catch it on video. Even when they're just sitting around, they seem to amuse each other! Love it.<br /><br />There unfortunately hasn't been a lot of time for crafting though. Only recently have I been able to do a little here and there while watching a rather ridiculous show that Jamie introduced me to. It's absolutely moronic when you think about it, but I can't stop watching! It's called Deadliest Warriors, and it basically pit two historical warriors against each other in a virtual arena based on data collected by measuring different parameters like strike speed, force of impact, and type/severity of damage. They basically constructed a computer model that takes in all the data collected, and then runs a battle simulation 1000 times to see which fighter wins the majority of the fights.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">Stuff like, Samurai vs. Viking, or Spartan vs. Ninja. I know. Totally stupid, right? And yet I've watched about 4 episodes already! While watching it, I can't help but think that humans are a truly messed up species for having come up with so many ways to kill each other.<br /><br />But I digress. This TV watching has allowed me to do some crafting, and here's what I've been working on. First up is a baby sweater that I'm working on for a friend of mine who has already had her baby. Yes, I am terribly late, but I console myself with the fact that her daughter was premature and that I have chosen a size that couldn't possibly fit now anyway.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U0pM3s_G45-_lVyQUl3hxSdgXaxCtni5skdDR6-XCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V8ggm9bUJhY/Tp3XyR0EKMI/AAAAAAAADII/B8VfezoCktU/s400/IMG_4336.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />That's just the back. I've finished the sleeves, and am just finishing up the front now. Hoping to finish it before the end of the month, but we'll see.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xv4ERVWps3m9KMeQZ0YvQSdgXaxCtni5skdDR6-XCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KD9jHDqzKcU/Tp3XxDSedUI/AAAAAAAADIA/2-esMWXBn1g/s400/IMG_4335.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />These little guys are quickly becoming a bit of an obsession of mine. I found the pattern for them over at <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/hexagon-howto.html">Attic 24</a>, and got addicted. I'm not really an expert in crochet by any stretch of the imagination, but these are really fun. I'm joining them together as I go, which is a lovely, lovely technique that Lucy (the lovely author of Attic 24) explains so nicely. It's not that I'm looking to make a blanket or anything though; just going to make them here and there and see what I get.<br /><br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-20826489352845756332011-07-21T09:13:00.003-05:002011-07-21T09:30:18.233-05:00Any kitty psychologists out there?<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll be quite familiar with our household kitties, Dany and Hana. We've had Dany for about 10 years now, and Hana for 8.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VwUyHppvO_KET-QRPZJs6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WWBHP3_GZeI/Tig1M5zl4DI/AAAAAAAACC4/2kkHd3su538/s400/DSC02251.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1qF6ROFzOkD_hJ_Lhg9M_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2I3qAXIt8Lk/Tig1fjKOtVI/AAAAAAAACDM/TLbnRTAjGQc/s400/DSC01584.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />They've been great companions, and Andrew loves them, so we put up with their various quirks. Dany has a taste for chips and popcorn but </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">generally </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">behaves , while Hana wails like a banshee for food whenever he's hungry, and makes a play for whatever food we have out, no matter what it is.<br /><br />However, lately, they've developed some habits that have been quite problematic. They are now occasional litter box users, preferring to use our basement floor instead. It's gotten to the point where there are "presents" waiting for us pretty much every time we go down there. Yuck. We're pretty sure Hana is pooping on the floor out of spite (when we make him wait for food, or when he feels we've let Andrew play with him too much, or whatever else he doesn't like), and Dany is peeing on the floor because Hana is stressing her out when he tackles her and fights with her all the time. We've taken them to the vet to make sure there's nothing medically wrong with their waste disposal systems, so now we're down to figure out how to make them stop doing it. I'm pretty sure if we went down to a one-cat household, the problems would stop, but I don't want to do that because I really like both of them. Still, this can't continue, especially since we've got young child in the house.<br /><br />So, any advice out there? We need help!!<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-52772565147562575962011-04-24T21:21:00.004-05:002011-05-02T14:56:10.468-05:00Plugging along<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5652221172/" title="DSC02192 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5652221172_90b1262730.jpg" alt="DSC02192" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5652218882/" title="IMG_4076 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5652218882_25bed9f49d.jpg" alt="IMG_4076" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">We're plugging along over here in our little corner of the world. Andrew is almost a year old now, always on the go, doing lots of babbling, and eats so much that we can barely keep up with making food for him. All in all, it's been a most awesome year.<br /><br />What isn't so awesome is how long it took me to finish knitting my sweater for him. I guess I can take solace in the fact that I got it done before he turned one.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5651569357/" title="IMG_4082 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5651569357_39e16a7af0.jpg" alt="IMG_4082" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />It's yet another Tulip Sweater, but using just two colours instead of the eight that it usually is. Haven't tried it out on Andrew yet, but I hope it fits.<br /><br />In other news, we are still trying to get my craft room set up.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5652129962/" title="IMG_4056 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5652129962_4ac957d63f.jpg" alt="IMG_4056" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />We got an Expedit from Ikea, and it does a fantastic job of holding my stash and other goodies. Now all we need to get is a work table for me, and I'm going to start moving things like my computer, and a small filing cabinet, and then I'll have a little craft room/office. I'm really looking forward to that. Eventually, we're going to change the floor, but we decided not to wait for that to be done before actually using the room.<br /><br />Can someone please tell me where the spring weather is? I remember it being nice and warm last year; warm enough for the cherry blossoms to bloom, for us to take super long walks, and for me to eat ice cream without a jacket on. The only reason I remember that is because we were waiting for Andrew to make his appearance, and we went on lots of walks to see if we could get labour going. I also find it weird that there is still hockey being played, and considering how long playoffs go for, we will still be watching hockey well into May, perhaps even until June. That's just not right.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-58757613435897815452011-02-14T19:52:00.004-05:002011-02-14T20:47:30.677-05:00Happy Monday!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm usually not the kind of person who puts any stock in Valentine's Day, and it's mostly because of the commercialization associated with it. I personally don't like being told that I have to buy presents, or be extra affectionate towards my loved ones because it's Feb 14. Even moreso, I hate being told that what I want are diamonds, flowers, or chocolate. Kinda like my wedding anniversary; I don't really care for gifts or anything, though I do like to reflect on how we've managed to build a life together as the years go by. But still, no need for gifts or special treatment. So, today as I was looking at store window after store window of pink and red, I got to thinking about why I feel that way about V-day and our anniversary, and I've come to the following conclusion. I don't like big gestures on certain days because it's the little gestures every day that mean the most to me. So, in honour of Monday, I thought I'd write down a few of the small things that my hubs does for me that I totally love. Thanks Jamie, and love you!<br /><br />+ He puts up with my constant attempts to make him eat more veggies, and get over his dislike of broccoli. Even if he puts that little green floret in his mouth grudgingly, he still eats it.<br /><br />+ Cleaning the kitty litter is his job. So is the vacuuming, snow shoveling, lawn mowing, and putting out the garbage on garbage day. He actually gets upset when I usurp these duties from him. I've only had to do those duties a handful of times since moving into our house, and it's usually only because he's away on business.<br /><br />+ Doesn't question me when I return home with yet another skein of yarn claiming that I absolutely needed it. Forget that I have a healthy stash growing in our sun room.<br /><br />+ Does his own laundry, and leaves the seat down.<br /><br />+ Is completely understanding when I say I can't have </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">[insert occasion of choice here] </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">dinner with him because I have a dance practice/show/meeting/anything dance related.<br /><br />+ Is the stage manager for our Chinese dance shows even though he can't speak Chinese, and our teacher can't speak English very well.<br /><br />+ Understands just how much an hour of sleep means to me. This was true even before the baby was born, and so much moreso now that we've got Andrew.<br /><br />+ Is willing to take public transit to work if I ever wanted the car to visit friends, or go on a shopping trip with Andrew during the week. I've never taken him up on the offer because it's a pain for him (he has to transfer from the TTC to the Mississauga line), but it's nice to know that the option is there.<br /><br />+ Does two sink-fulls of dishes while I'm at rehearsal, and doesn't mention it when I get home.<br /><br />+ Is the most awesome dad to our son, and the greatest partner I could have in trying to raise a good human being. Okay, this seems like a big one, but is again a case of lots of little things adding up to a big thing. I'm gonna save that list for Father's Day :)<br /><br />HAPPY MONDAY!!<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-38185969382405221462011-02-07T20:53:00.002-05:002011-02-07T21:02:35.393-05:00Almost there!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've finally finished putting all the squares together for my friend's blanket. Now, that doesn't mean it's done, not by a long shot. One look at the photos will tell you why.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5426339385/" title="IMG_4024 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5426339385_d4dd37bdbf.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_4024" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5426337637/" title="IMG_4022 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5426337637_0bd4197043.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_4022" /></a><br />See all those ends that I need to weave in? Yeah...there's a whole lotta them. Plus there's a dark blue border that's supposed to go around the whole thing. But good lord, the ends that need weaving in...It's my least favourite part of completing a project, so I'm really hoping that I don't procrastinate too much on it. I'm setting myself a goal to weave in 3 ends every day, so hopefully it won't take too long.<br /><br />I've started a new project too: the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/five-way-cable-shrug">Five-Way Cable Shrug</a> by Lily Chin. I've decided to make it using some Malabrigo that I've had stashed originally intending to knit myself a February Lady sweater with it. I've obviously changed my mind about the sweater, and think that the shrug will be a nice versatile piece that will be great in the transition from winter to spring. I think I may even have enough yarn left over to make a hat, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see!<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-21100695232009191742011-01-31T16:36:00.004-05:002011-01-31T19:41:34.746-05:00Happy New Year!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm a little late to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Whoops! So, instead I'll jump the gun and wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, and a great Year of the Rabbit. Haha!<br /><br />Not a whole lot for me to report craft-wise. I've been busy getting some stuff ready that I'll hopefully get to talk about in another post once everything is officially settled. I do intend to get back to crafting very soon though. I've gotten back to that blanket that needs finishing, and I'm making it my goal to get it done before the end of Feb.<br /><br />As I'm typing this, Jamie is resting on the couch re-watching Battlestar Galactica, and it's a bit distracting. He's getting over some sort of stomach bug, so I've been doing a little cooking. I made a potato soup thinking that it would be fine for him, but he didn't seem interested in the end. Oh well. More for me! I also made some really <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2011/01/06/chocolate-chip-oreo-cookie-sandwich/">insane cookies.</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5405854734/" title="IMG_4012 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5405854734_de7220296c.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_4012" /></a><br />They look pretty innocuous, but don't be fooled. They are actually 3 cookies in 1. Observe what happens when you cut it open.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5405855692/" title="IMG_4013 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5405855692_7952e093c3.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_4013" /></a><br />Forgive the blurry photo, but you'll notice that nestled within the chocolate chip cookie dough is an Oreo cookie. I ate one after they were baked, and seriously don't think I could handle eating more than one or two a day, they are that rich and powerful. But man, are they yummy cookies!<br /><br />Now I'm off to check up on the little man. I put him to bed a little while ago, but I know he wasn't asleep. Can you believe he's already 9 months old?! Here's a couple shots of him that we took fairly recently.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5406298588/" title="IMG_3982 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5406298588_83d5711b40.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3982" /></a><br />He actually enjoys banging at the piano quite a lot. We'll see if he actually wants to take piano lessons when he's older.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5405694017/" title="IMG_3992 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5405694017_f79dcc6603.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3992" /></a><br />Feeding himself is not something he's very good at just yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5406300700/" title="IMG_4009 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5406300700_cfbd2cea7e.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_4009" /></a><br />Being a cutie while trying to look serious.<br /><br />Can't wait to see what else he gets up to in the next little while!<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-71795581192349026952010-12-26T13:38:00.002-05:002010-12-26T15:06:23.620-05:00Merry Christmas!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, how was everyone's holidays? Right now, we're in Ottawa, enjoying time with Jamie's family. Andrew's been having a ball with his grandparents, and uncles & aunties. Since he's nice and occupied most of the time, I'm going to use this opportunity to update the blog a little. I've got a few FOs to talk about, so let's get to it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5276222930/" title="DSC02055 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5276222930_1f5e950f50.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="DSC02055" /></a><br />Pattern: Mary Jane Booties by Sublime Yarns<br />Yarn: Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK<br />Needles: US4<br /><br />I made these for my friend Becky's new daughter. These were pretty fun to make, and I really wanted to make some cute baby booties at some point in time, but those aren't really on the menu for Andrew. Again, the pattern wasn't very well written, but worked out pretty well in the end.<br /><br />Next up is a little something for myself.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5293459021/" title="IMG_3950 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5293459021_033b539ae0.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3950" /></a><br />Pattern: Angee Socks from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.<br />Yarn: Koigu KPPPM<br />Needles: US2<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been working on these for a while - just over a whole year! I finished the first pretty quickly, and then fell victim to the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome. This pair was finished on the ride up to Ottawa. Cookie A. always seems to have fun patterns, and Angee was no exception. I made a mistake and increased the heel every row instead of every other row, but it actually made for a really good fit. The socks are SO comfortable, and really reminded me why I love hand-knit socks.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I also got some crafty stuff from Jamie's siblings for Christmas, and I can't wait to make some of the projects!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5294030692/" title="IMG_3952 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5294030692_6f14a82fe8.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3952" /></a><br /><br />This trip to Ottawa has been really productive from a crafter's point of view. For Boxing Day, we popped into a Michaels, and I managed to procure some new yarn.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5293427009/" title="IMG_3951 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5293427009_65c0641824.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3951" /></a><br />This was a real steal for less than $8.99 a skein. There's over 450m in one of those suckers! I originally picked up 3; the sticker price was $12.99 and didn't feel like much of a savings. But then we went to pay, and I was surprised to see what they rung up. I even got 25% off the whole thing. So, I went back for 2 more skeins. I'm thinking of making a nice, cable sweater; still debating if the sweater should be for me, or for the hubby.<br /><br />Hope everyone had a great holidays, and here's looking forward to an awesome 2011!<br /><br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-31410751282912012702010-12-19T22:20:00.005-05:002010-12-19T23:04:51.815-05:00Our little aviator<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in August, the three of us were in Picton attending Jamie's cousin's wedding. While there, I stumbled upon a wonderful little shop called the <a href="http://www.rosehavenfarm.net/">Rose Haven Farm Store</a>. I could have easily spent a few hours in that store, but since we had a wedding to go to, I tried to keep my yarn ogling to a minimum. But that didn't mean I left empty handed. Knowing that winter would be hitting us before we could say 'in denial', it seemed like a good idea to make a hat for Andrew. We saw a cute little sample hat all knit up, and I decided that I'd make one for our little guy too. Fast forward to the end of November, and the hat was finally finished! I'm just slow at posting about stuff these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5276217732/" title="IMG_3801 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5276217732_5fb77a3479.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3801" /></a><br />Pattern: Retro Flying Helmet by Sublime Yarns<br />Size: 6-12 months<br />Yarn: Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK (I forget the name of the colour now)<br />Needles: US6 for the stockinette, US4 for the seed stitch<br /><br />This was a fun little knit. I kinda fiddled with the pattern a little though. The way it's written (and by the way, I have to say that I hated the way the pattern was written up - took a few read-through's in order to figure out just what they wanted me to do in certain sections), you knit each ear flap separately, knit the front flap, pile all the stitches from those sections on your needles and knit it all back and forth to make the body of the hat, then sew up the back seam. Well, I hate sewing seams, so I decided to knit the body of the hat in the round, and that seemed to work just fine. Seeing as I hate finishing, it bugged me a bit to have all sorts of ends to have to weave in, as well as sew the front flap down as it's purely decorative. Oh well.<br /><br />I need to get over my dislike of finishing somehow - when it comes to knitting/crochet, it is truly the area where I am the least skilled. I've heard so many times that this is where your projects cross over from homemade to handmade, but I can't seem to make it over that hump. I often feel like everything I make still resides in the "homemade" category because of my lack of skill in finishing. Still, I know I've improved. Recently, I found the first pair of mittens I'd made; they were the Sacred & Profane mittens by Jillian Moreno. Oh boy, were those a mess in terms of finishing. You know that feeling you get where you stumble on an essay you wrote in, like, grade 6 that you thought was awesome at the time, but now realize had the same skill level as a monkey typing randomly at a typewriter? That's how I felt.<br /><br />In any case, my model didn't seem to mind my lack of finishing skills.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5276216496/" title="IMG_3800 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5276216496_f2ce8b5547.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3800" /></a><br />The hat is still a touch too big for him, and the type of snowsuit we got him (which is so cute, I may have to post a photo of him in it here) already has a really nice hood built in. Still I may get him to use the hat a few times before the winter is through. It's not like he can say no yet anyway!<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-28876869948642503742010-12-14T21:11:00.004-05:002010-12-14T21:35:19.170-05:00Every girl needs a little luxury<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a while since I blogged about an FO; knit-wise, I've been feeling really unproductive. I'm hoping to change that in the next couple months, but we'll see how things actually go. In any case, I do have one FO to talk about here, and two more saved up that I can talk about as soon as I get the photos off my camera.<br /><br />Way, way back when, Adrienne and I took a trip to Romni Wool. By way back, I really do mean years ago. At that time, I bought myself a skein, just one because it was expensive, of Handmaiden 8-ply Cashmere. Lovely, lovely stuff. However, because it was only a single skein, there wasn't much I could make with it, and so it sat in my stash for a long time. I would go and admire it every so often, but it waited until I could figure out a project for it.<br /><br />Fast forward to about 5 years later, and I finally came up with something! This project came about as I was finding the weather getting cooler as I would take my baby out for walks with me. On short jaunts around the neighbourhood, I often like to carry him in a front-pack carrier. As fall set in, I was finding my neck getting cold, yet unable to wear scarves as they would get in my baby's face as I carried him. My solution?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5205900650/" title="IMG_3767 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5205900650_585cf746dc.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3767" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5205909318/" title="IMG_3769 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5205909318_b0b67c7265.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3769" /></a><br />A small little neck warmer of my own design using a diagonal cluster lace stitch. Nothing fancy at all, but a nice little bit of luxury to keep me warm. I was a little short on the yardage, so I just added a little Noro Silk Garden to the end to finish things off; not the most elegant solution, I suppose, but it works for me. The alternating button colours worked so much better in my head, and I even liked the way it looked when I lay it out. But once they were sewn on and actually worn, I have to admit that I didn't really love it - I think it would look better if all the buttons were brown. Still, I started wearing it as the need for warmth was more pressing than my concern about button colour, and I soon became too lazy to change the buttons. I used it for a lot of autumn, but now that winter has set in, I'm back to my usual scarves.<br /><br />On the same day that I finished that neck warmer, I also baked some goodies.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5205317765/" title="DSC02042 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5205317765_964520b7c3.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="DSC02042" /></a><br />Cashmere and chocolate cupcakes - a winning combination. Well, unless you got the chocolate cupcakes all smeared in your cashmere, but I think you all know what I mean.<br /><br />Up next: A little something for my little monkey.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-20117262673378390502010-11-24T21:54:00.004-05:002010-11-24T22:04:15.138-05:00Belated Halloween post<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">We just put the Christmas tree up over here, and I'm finally getting around to my Halloween post. Yeesh. I need to be better about this! Oh! Speaking of holidays, Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends (and friends living in America) out there.<br /><br />Back to Halloween. Andrew's first was lots of fun, even though he probably had no idea it was any different than any other day. Thanks to some good friends of mine, he had an awesome costume that felt no different than a sleeper.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5152823466/" title="IMG_3698 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/5152823466_e34312fc76.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="IMG_3698" /></a><br />Our cute little astronaut, hanging out with a musical Frankenstein toy that was sent to us by his grandparents in Ottawa.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5152212713/" title="IMG_3692 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/5152212713_0130ab2c0a.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3692" /></a><br />Look how chummy they are!<br /><br />We took Andrew to the park to hang out with some other moms and babies. We put him down on the ground to take some photos, and he discovered all the wonderful leaves around him.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5152825764/" title="IMG_3661 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1334/5152825764_b2f3e99f30.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="IMG_3661" /></a><br />That photo was snapped mere milliseconds before he shoved those leaves in his mouth. I'm getting used to the fact that discovering things for him automatically means shoving them in his mouth.<br /><br />We didn't go out for Trick or Treating since he's too young to eat any candy, but we had fun anyway. Next year is definitely going to be lots of fun!<br /><br />Next: An FO! Finally! Plus some yummy baked treats.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-39643468916963566462010-11-06T19:04:00.004-05:002010-11-06T20:03:34.555-05:00I love the library<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Toronto Public Library is one of my favourite things. I love books, even though I haven't had much time to read them lately; well, except baby related books. Anyone who has never been a parent will be flabbergasted at the number of books out there on every baby-related topic you can think of: potty training, sign language for babies, baby food, sleep training, general baby care. The list is really endless. Sorry, I digress. Back to the library.<br /><br />Now that we've got a kid, and my income drastically cut while I'm on mat leave, I'm very conscious of the money we're spending. While I was wandering through Chapters one day, it hit me that, for the same distance from my house to the Chapters, I could go to a local library. Why hadn't I thought of it sooner?!<br /><br />Behold what knitterly goodies that can be found at the library!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5040123013/" title="IMG_3602 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5040123013_5565850bcd.jpg" alt="IMG_3602" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />These were books that I just found in the library at random, and all books that I had been curious about. I got to flip through, find out if I really liked the majority of the patterns or not, and then figure out if it'd be something I'd want to invest in. I also found these:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5040744756/" title="IMG_3603 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/5040744756_577380cb63.jpg" alt="IMG_3603" width="300" height="400" /></a><br />I was really happy to find these two because I've been thinking about how to get over second sock syndrome. I mostly wanted to learn the technique, rather than having more sock patterns, so the library was the perfect solution! I had to put a hold on the toe-up sock book, but that just made me realize how much I loved the library. If they don't have the book you're looking for, they'll get it for you, and all for free!<br /><br />One more thing that I love about the library? They have wonderful programs for moms and babies. Andrew and I really enjoyed Babytime, and we're a little sad that it's over until January. You can bet we'll be lining up to sign up again. (Just a note for any T.O. parents who might be reading this - Runnymede library needs a sign up, but lots of other libraries don't. Check with your local one to be sure) We learned all sorts of kiddie rhymes and songs, and I continue to use them now to keep Andrew entertained at home. However, the babe was not always so amused.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/5040747634/" title="DSC01996 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5040747634_bef785079c.jpg" alt="DSC01996" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />That's Andrew sleeping through his very first session of Babytime. Haha!<br /><br />Up next: Halloween! (Yeah, I know...Kinda late, but some of these photos are just too cute not to share)<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-37796539563943831092010-09-14T11:49:00.003-05:002010-09-14T12:03:41.567-05:00Plugging away<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;">I am finally going to post about something craft related!<br /><br />Remember that <a href="http://yarnforbrains.blogspot.com/2010/04/finally-some-actual-yarn-craft.html">blanket</a> that Elaine and I were making that was still a WIP? Well, we continue to work on it. I've finished adding the crochet border to each square, and am now blocking them all so they can be joined together.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/4969687808/" title="IMG_3596 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4969687808_397a2c78e4.jpg" alt="IMG_3596" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I had all these grand plans to block the whole whack of them, but ran into a serious bottle-neck: I didn't have enough pins. Of all things to hold you back! And plus it takes about 2 days for those puppies to dry completely. And so, I'm not finished the blocking process yet. Sigh. For once, it's not me that's slowing down the whole process.<br /><br />Next post: Why I love, love, love, the Toronto Public Library.<br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918902.post-47692750919972784162010-09-08T14:10:00.002-05:002010-09-08T15:11:40.440-05:00Houston, we have a problem...<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Actually, Houston doesn't have a problem. I do. A serious one.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15473216@N07/4969683862/" title="IMG_3595 by hweishien, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4969683862_c301f37b8a.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="IMG_3595" /></a><br /><br />Yes, it is exactly what you think it is. Yet another bag. It arrived in the mail from <a href="http://www.mamabargains.com">Mamabargains</a> yesterday. The first time they went up on sale, I felt the tug. I couldn't believe how cute the bags were (there's a whole animal <a href="http://www.kalencom.com/main/page.asp?pg_no=&p_id=115&s_cate_id=0108&keyword=&s_sub_cate_id=&best_flag=&new_flag=&recommend_flag=&opt=&page=detail&p_group_page_id=PRODUCT&id=8&id_detail=8">series</a>). I wanted more than one, that's how cute I found them. And then I told myself, "No, you've got lots of perfectly good bags, among them is a perfectly great diaper bag." And so, I resisted and didn't buy one. Then, the bags sold out and the site moved on to the next deal, and I felt this huge pang of regret that I didn't buy one on the cheap when I had the chance. Despite how much I rationalized the fact that I really didn't need another bag, I couldn't help that gut feeling.<br /><br />So, when the site featured them again, I couldn't help myself and ordered one. I had a really hard time deciding which one I wanted - I loved the elegance of the Peacock, the bold print of the Toucan, the clever use of frog closures on the Panda. In the end, I picked the Penguin. Cute won out in the end.<br /><br />Like I said, I have a problem.<br /><br />Also, you may have noticed a slight change in the look of the blog. What do you think? I've been playing around with the new templates that Blogger has available. I thought this one looked similar to our old style, just a little more refined. I've been surfing around looking at other free templates, but don't really want to change things here too radically yet. Don't worry, Adrienne; if you don't like this change, I have our old template saved and can reinstall it at any time. Just let me know :)<br /><br />Coming soon: an actual crafty update. Really. I promise.<br /><br /></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15877013222075908943noreply@blogger.com2