Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Erika's been knitting on the lamb...

Monday, I stopped into the shop to pick up some roving for a Christmas project that I'm working on, grab some yarn and visit with Erika. She had just finished the Bobbled Tam from the most recent issue of Vogue Knitting. Knit with 2 skeins of Manos silk- wool blend, and I have to admit- I'm a little jealous! I think if she wants to be a really good friend, she should either knit one for me or stick this perfect, silky blue tam in my Christmas stocking (hahaha-hohoho)... It came out really cute, love the color and it fits a bit looser than the one in the magazine, which I like better, I think she likes it better too... It's the perfect accessory for the winter, so soft- and the silk blend will keep her nice and toasty. Erika tends to gravitate toward this beautiful teal color, when the new Namaste Zuma bags came in, she just so happen to grab one in "peacock" for me to photograph. We LOVE these bags!!! The limited edition of Zuma bags in eggplant are on their way as well.

When I brought baby Wes over to meet Erika and her mom last week, Erika surprised me with the most adorable baby sweater!! When did she knit this? Keeping secrets are we? The Pima Tencel she used from Cascade is a perfect choice for a spring sweater and I can't wait to see him in it! I know our friendship is really something, since she made a special button trip to M&J just for me (sigh).

The pattern came from the Debbie Bliss Essential Baby book. I love it- big huge thanks to Erika!! And a big huge to Lindsay who surprised me with a yummy crocheted baby blanket that we use every night!! All of those ends to weave in? That's love!! It's been keeping baby Wes warm and snuggly in his bassinet...

Speaking of crochet, I felt like crocheting from one of my Ondori books. I haven't had a chance to play with the Eco Andaria- Japanese yarn, so I figured I would give it a try. I decided to crochet a few doilies, either for my living room or maybe do a few to give to my mom for Christmas- they're a quick gift idea and I think they're pretty. The yarn is very cool to work with, totally different than anything I've ever used before. It's a good thing I took this picture as soon as I finished them because...
bad dog #1 pulled them off of the kitchen counter, then bad bulldog #2 slobbered all over them and chewed them into tiny bits. Thanks, I love you too guys. They spared me the largest one, so I guess I can add that to the list of things I'm grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving to all, I have so much to be grateful for- my family, great friends, a beautiful healthy baby boy, and wonderful friends who I've made through my shop who are loving and supportive- and a special thank you to the ladies who have been watching over the shop - and allowing me some quiet time with my new baby.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Baby Wes loves his blanket!

Someone so sweet is still napping all curled up in his blanket. It's heavy and warm and cozy, perfect for a long nap! Thanks again for this gift!! As you can tell, he loves it too!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Double Whammy!!!!!!!

Ok, so if there's one thing that I'm not so good at, it's surprises!! So what happened this past Saturday? Apparently, the ladies had a covert operation going under Carolyn's instruction to get together and knit squares for a baby blanket, (out of my favorite yarn in the world, Blue Sky Alpacas worsted). Carolyn had directed each of the ladies to knit a certain size square and then she assembled the most beautiful loving, warm blanket in the world. One of the gals took pictures along the way so that I could see the process- here they are putting their hearts to work on their squares...

Here's Carolyn working on the layout..

And here you have it, the most thoughtful, kind, warm and loving gift that anyone could give. I had to run into the bathroom, just to take a few deep breaths not to cry. This was the sweetest gesture and we will truly cherish this blanket forever. After I opened the blanket, it all started making sense- how a few of the ladies had been me about the colors of the room, and what my favorite yarn was for baby blankets- a ha!!


Here's the blanket in his crib, I love it- thank you so much ladies, it means so much!!

And here is big sister Scarlett's pillow- she loves her new pillow- how thoughtful.

And here's surprise #2!!!!
As I was typing the blog post that you just read (on the 5th), I started having UNBEARABLE contractions. Technically the baby's due date wasn't until Dec.1, and I was scheduled to have him Nov. 24, so almost 4 weeks early- hmmm, I don't know. I knew in my heart I wasn't making it until the 24th, but the 7th? This boy wanted out. Well, after 1 night spent in the hospital and a day of the most terrible medication ever, to try and buy us one more week, baby Wesley Julian decided it was time to make his debut into the world. I'm so relieved it's over and that he's a healthy little man. He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz, yes, that was his weight and if he had waited another 3 weeks, he would've been close to 10 lbs. Ouch!! He's the sweetest baby and we're all doing great. Scarlett is totally in love with her little brother and has more than a help to me. Her behavior and reaction brings tears to my eyes, I couldn't ask for more. Here are some pictures of the baby- beware- he's pretty cute, I can barely stand it.

This was his first photo op at about 20 minutes into the world...

1 day old and beautiful....

Home in the arms of big sis!!

Thank you for all of your kind emails and wishes. It all means so much to us. The shop is open, the hours are the same. Feel free to email me while I'm home if you have questions, otherwise the girls at the shop will be happy to help you. I'll be back mid December- being that I went a lot earlier than planned, but I'll be popping in and out to say hello and to shop for yarn!!