Raspberry Ruffles

My granddaughter Stella will be celebrating her first birthday on March 30th . I couldn't let that go by without knitting a little something special for her . After searching high and low online I found this adorable cardigan on Patternfish . An added bonus was that I had the yarn needed in my stash in the exact quantity for the appropriate size . With all the stars aligned it was a must knit . Here's the progress so
far ...

The back and almost all of the left front are completed . I'm knitting the 2 to 3 year old size , even though it will be slightly too big on her just yet ; I'd like her to be able to wear it for more than 2 minutes . She's outgrown every other hand knit in the blink of an eye . I have to tell you that I am madly in love with that little ruffle and lace border . Too cute for words !

While I was digging through the stash I came across more yarn , enough for two cardigans worth . I've already purchased the patterns , now I just need to find the time to knit them . Stella will be kept toasty warm this year and the stash will be slightly smaller , unless of course I buy more yarn . And I wouldn't do that because I already enough yarn (cough , cough ) .

On a roll

Not only am I finding some time to post but I also have knits to show . The scarf from the previous post is done , a big YIPPEE for that one . The pattern is called the Little Bobble Scarf by Meg Roke . This is just too cute for words . It was gifted at Christmas , but Chantal wanted it longer so she gave it back to me to add on some inches . I'd made it 26 " long originally , have added another 8 " . I'm glad it's done so that Stella can still get some use out of it . I don't know why it took me so long to get it done .

Next up are another pair of socks for Jessey . He's learning to skate now and these would be perfect to wear inside skates . They're a little warmer than regular socks . They 're just plain vanilla stocking stitch . I 'm so happy with the colours and the stripes . I'm guessing that I even have enough yarn to do another pair if I do contrasting cuff, heel and toes .

I spent a little time today updating my ravelry page and knitting the sock from my last post . It feels so good to be getting back into the groove .

While I was away

Today I have a rare day to myself ! Mason is at daycare today because another child is absent , the laundry  is done , the kitchen is clean , the vacuuming needs to be done again , thanks to all the critters that live with us , but that job has been assigned to Mike . So aside from making dinner tonight I can play for the rest of the day .  Don't know what I'm going to do with myself , NOT !

First up for sure , are these socks in progress . These were cast on last week during the drive down get to Stowe Vermont for a much needed getaway weekend . The timing was perfect , I've been trying to get over the second cold in just over a month and really needed a couple of days away . We had planned to bring our skis but I was just not up to doing any cross country skiing , especially in Stowe where the trails have a lot of up and down sections . Truth be told I just wanted to sleep which was what I did for most of Friday , not very exciting for Mike . Got up on Saturday feeling at least a little rested and had a really nice day exploring Stowe , eating at some fabulous restaurants ,  did a bit of reading , knit some more on the sock and just plain relaxed . More of the same on Sunday and by the time we had to drive back home on Sunday afternoon I was feeling so much better .

Back to the socks , the pattern is Rosamond by Kate Blackburn . It is an easy to remember lace pattern and the finished socks are just so nice . The yarn I have mixed feeling about . I love the colours but the yarn is a tad splitty and there's definitely a  fuzzy little halo to it . It's also a little on the thin side which doesn't auger well for durability . I have one other skein in the stash and will probably knit a shawl for the next go around with it .

Also on the agenda is  reading that huge 608 page book , the latest offering by Elizabeth George .You can't tell the size from the photo but it  weighs in at 3pounds , I know because I weighed it . This is definitely not for reading in bed or while soaking in the tub . I've been a fan of Elizabeth George and her Inspector Lynley series ever since her first book was published , but in my opinion this is not one of her best . It is interesting , it's kept me reading through the first 400 pages , but it really is more of a character study than a mystery novel . Which is all well and good but it could stand to have a bit more of a plot . I'm beginning to think that she should retire the series and perhaps focus on something new . I will definitely finish it after having invested so much time in reading it so far . Maybe the last 200 plus pages will surprise me .

Next up I just have to finish a scarf for Stella that has been sitting on the needles for way too long . At this rate the winter will be over before she gets it . I'm ashamed to say that all the remains are a few rows of bobble stitch and then the cast off . Today's the day come hell or high water !

Till next time whenever that may be , have a wonderful weekend !

Alaska comes back

to where he first called home . Long story , but a happy one for us , Max brought Alaska to stay with us . Since Stef has gone back to work they were both finding it difficult to give enough attention to the dogs . Max decided that Alaska would be happier back with us . Mike and I both missed Bingo and since Alaska came here as a pup and knows us , it has worked out well all around .

A new year , a fresh start

The last months of 2011 saw some changes in my life, hence the blog silence . Just when I  thought that life was going to settle down somewhat , I started baby sitting our little grandson , Mason , when his mom went back to work , after her maternity leave . I'd forgotten just how much energy it takes to look after a lively one year old . I'm up at 5:30 am every day to be over at Max's  before 6:30 . Stef leaves  very early for her commute to work . I'll be having him full time , 5 days a week , until sometime in June when he should have a permanent daycare spot . Even then I'll be the one bringing him to daycare , otherwise he'd have to get up super early and it would mean a very long day for him . The bonus for me and what makes it all worthwhile is his happy smile when he sees me in the morning . Priceless ! But I will say that I have now started taking a short nap when Mason goes down for his afternoon nap . I have never  , ever , been a person who naps .

Aside from that , I've also been spending Wednesday afternoons with Stella while Chantal teaches a dance class . She has got to be the easiest , happiest baby ever . I'm also trying to get some one on one time with Jessey whenever possible .I don't want him to feel left out . Needless to say , they've all kept me hopping ...

As per usual I got my annual Christmas cold right in time for the holidays , my birthday and New  Years eve . I spent the better part of that week in bed , feeling absolutely horrible . Thankfully it only lasted a week .

There hasn't been too much time for knitting lately , but all of my intended Christmas knitting was done in time .I'm hoping that I'll be able to update my ravelry page in the next week or two with the finished knits . There are two works in progress , I guess I should say slow progress . This is the first sock for 2012 , almost done . I'm going to try and keep up with the sock a month KAL . The other knit is a hat which I'd intended to be for me , but it looks like it might be a tad too small . One for the gift box !

In the last while I've contemplated discontinuing this blog . I can't say how often I'll update and how much time I'll have to read and comment on other blogs . I've missed that more than you can imagine . In the meantime I'll keep going a little longer and see how it goes ...

Have a good week !

Back to normal

All 's quiet in the house since my father left last Tuesday . It was a bittersweet departure , on the one hand I'm happy for some peace and quiet but on the other he's getting older and who knows how for much longer he'll be to come . This trip was made more special because of his three great- grandchildren . He was tickled to see the change in Jessey and to meet Mason and Stella . It was his decision to move back to Austria after my mother died but despite all of his connections there , his family is here . I think some part of him regrets that decision , but you really can't change some things , not at his age anyway . As for visiting him , trips like that are expensive and unfortunately all of us aren't in a position to go . The boys both have young families and Mike and a I are on a pension , so we make the best of it while he's here ...

I discovered the niftiest gadget ever while my Dad was here . When he's here my father always seeks out those little edibles that are particular to Canada  which they don't have in Austria . One thing he's particularly fond of are the prepackaged , god- knows -how- long- they've- been- on- the -shelf  May West dessert cakes .  One day while we were out getting the groceries he had me add a big box of 12 to my cart . No sooner did we get home , like a kid in a candy store , he had his tea and polished off four cakes at one sitting . Anyone else would have keeled over from too much sugar , but he's as healthy as can be and thoroughly enjoyed them .

Back to the gadget , the other thing my father really likes are apple pies , especially home made ones . My friend Shirley came across this handy dandy apple peeler at Walmart , bought it , tried it, and raved about it . She convinced me to buy one , easily done ,  I'm not a fan of peeling apples . I've baked more than my share of pies and apple strudels to appreciate anything that speeds up the process . I used it when I baked a bunch of pies during the  last week that he was here , it is totally amazing ! Dad , after seeing it in action , promptly went out and bought two to bring home as gifts . Apparently he gave a demonstration on how to use it when he got home and everyone is as taken with it as we were . I see a business opportunity there for Starfrit . Maybe  I should let them know  ;-)  ....

Back to knitting next time , there are some things to show , believe it or not .  In the meantime have a good day !

Hanging in ...

There's been a lot going on in my life over the last month or so , most of it good and then some not so good . My most heartfelt thanks  for all of the kind comments  that were sent after my last post about Bingo's passing . It was so very much appreciated ! The tears have lessened and I'll cherish the happy memories .


My father arrived from Austria in mid September  for a six week visit . He usually comes every year but missed last year due to health issues , not his own , but his wife's . There have been two new additions to the family since his last visit 2 years go ,  Jessey is a real little boy now , no longer the baby that my father remembers . So there has been  a lot of catching up . We've also celebrated 4 birthdays since he arrived and had more birthday cake than is good for the waistline . Not to mention Thanksgiving and turkey with all the trimmings last week . Suffice to say , I'm all tuckered out and will not be cooking or entertaining for at least a week after my Dad leaves on the 25th ...not so much as a toast , if I can help it .

Knitting wise , not much going on . I've kind of lost the mojo . I did finish the boring grey socks for Mike and have got halfway through another less boring second pair .  I 've been experimenting with crocheting a granny square blanket for a doll , intended as a Christmas gift for Stella , then making a matching blankie for her . I'm hoping that  motivation will strike once things are a little less crazy.

The rest of my Dad's stay promises to be just as crazy as the last month has been . There's just no rest for the wicked !  I shouldn't complain too much because I'll probably miss all the hustle and bustle.  Catch you later !