David's Christmas Socks

Before I start this post, let me tell you that I love David very very much.

This is an important point to understand when I show you this next picture - David's Christmas Socks. Aren't they yummy?

But they are size 15. Yep, size fif-teen. The only pair of socks on which I have used all the sock yarn from two balls. And they are still only just above his ankles.

Which is why I frequently had to remind myself how much I love David while I was knitting them. :)

They are knit from a lovely grey tweed sock yarn from Knit Picks. Every time we wash them, they get softer and flufflier and more lovely.

And every time they get washed and pulled out of the dryer, I want to knit myself a pair. Or three. Or ten. (I'm just going to nip down stairs and see if I have anymore in the stash!)

More importantly, I will undoubtedly knit another pair for David. Because I love him. (And maybe because of a little bit of yarn lust.)

Happy February crafting, M

The Tartan Experiment

This enormous quilt was one of David's handmade christmas presents.



It was a timely enormous quilt as our bed is family-sized these days.

I made it from one-metre cuts of each of these tartan fabrics, adding a border to each. I then quilted each of the large blocks in a quilt-as-you-go method.

I have to say I really didn't enjoy the quilting-as-you-go. The joining part of the process leaves the quilt with a strange unfinished feel to it, for me.

Maybe there's a better way to do it that I haven't found yet. For now, I can say I've tried it and I'll leave it alone for a while.

It's pretty hectic around here these days but good, all kinds of good. Our baby boy is growing like crazy and becoming his own little person at every turn. All of it amazing.

Hope you're all crafting away, M

Family Literacy Day

We're marking the day by having a literacy-packed adventure, all day long.

For Callum and I, we started the day (1) deciphering instructions off the oatmeal bag to make some breakfast. This was followed by more time in the kitchen, (2) trying a new recipe for Cauliflower Soup from Sarah Kramer's book La Dolce Vegan. Yummy supper for tonight!

Next we headed to the basement to (3) read the dials and lights on the washer and dryer. Very exciting stuff! Okay, not so exciting for anybody but the three-month old who likes the lights.

But then we did some (4) songs, (5) rhymes, and (6) games involving Callum's toes and tummy, which was way more fun. We even (7) read a couple of his library books, that we checked out last week after his Mainly Mother Goose class at the Children's Library. So cool!

Eventually, after a change, a snack and a snuggle, it was time for Callum's nap. So Mamma gets to (8) check her email, (9) write a blog post and then (10) dive into her latest CanLit book, Mercy Among The Children by David Adams Richards. Hard to tear myself away from this one.

My plans for this afternoon include (11) writing a letter to my grandmother in England, inserting some fab pictures of Callum, of course.

Later on, David will go to his university class to (12) study Coptic for his masters' thesis. When he gets home, we'll (13) make up a grocery list for this week's shopping trip, then eat our delicious soup.

After supper, instead of television, we've been reading a wonderful new book by Arthur Slade. We take turns (14) reading aloud his latest, called The Hunchback Assignments. It's a wonderfully dark story so far, which makes me think we won't be reading it with Callum again for several years.

Given the blizzard that blew through here over the last few days, it seems to me that a grand day of literacy is a great way to while away some winter hours.

Hope you're having a very literate day! M

Devoured Any Good Books Lately?

Callum loves this one - it's very yummy!



I made this fabric book to go along with his Bazooples blanket. It was so easy to put together, and it's very popular - bright pictures, fun rhymes, and soft for his little hands to grab. And it tastes pretty darned good, too!

We've been snowed in today. David's university class is cancelled, Callum's library time is cancelled and we're settling in for a day of knitting, snuggling and movies.

Hope you're staying warm, M

Rhythm and Change

Sorry for being so quiet on here lately. We're working on developing a new rhythm in our house. It changes, sometimes daily, sometimes hourly. So crafting is sporadic, sleep is precious and going with the flow is tantamount to survival. I guess I'd call it the rhythm of change.

That being said, my son is sleeping, the cats are snoozing, David is studying, and the dogs are quietly protecting us all. I'll take this moment and rest in it for as long as it lasts.

Happy January crafting, M

Four Generations

Kicking Off Our Booties

To ring in 2010!

These little cuties come from Zoe Mellor's 50 Baby Booties to knit. I revisit this book again and again, and I'll be making even more tiny footwear in 2010 as there are two new babies on the way for friends and family.

Have to say that 2009 will forever be my favourite year, thanks to my favourite young man. Hard to believe that this time last year, he was just a twinkle in his daddy's eye, as they say.

But I'm not sad to let this year go as we have so very much to look forward to in the coming 12 months.

May 2010 bring you much joy and happiness! M