Rerversible Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial with Martha Stewart Crafts!

Oh my gosh you guys, I have been so excited to share this project with all of you!  I cannot believe how lucky I am to have gotten a chance to be a part of the Martha Stewart Mother's Day campaign sponsored by Plaid Crafts!!! I mean wowsa!  This was a dream come true!  It was like Christmas when the super generous box of goodies from Martha Stewart and Plaid Crafts showed up on my doorstop. I'm not kidding around when I tell you I almost fainted right over.  Still makes me giddy to just look at it all and it most certainly gets my creative wheels spinning.  So. Much. Good. Stuff.

I decided after regaining my composure a few weeks...ahem...I mean days later to make for my mother's day tutorial a Reversible Sewing Machine Cover.  My mom recently renovated her basement and finally has her very own craft room.  I figured a little love and color would be the perfect thing to spring up that lovely little space of hers. What crafty momma wouldn't want to prettify their sewing machine with some Martha love right?  My very own Poppy the Pfaff is loving this one :)

I've been wanting to whip up a sewing machine cover since I got my new machine last year and I knew I wanted something a tad different.  I wanted some vintage and some modern and I wanted a bit of patchwork goodness.  When I found out the Martha Stewart Crafts Paints could be used on fabric I pretty much did cartwheels across my living room. Sold. Right there. The colors are gorgeous and the stencils are super stylish.  I knew they would look fabulous on fabric and would be the perfect fit for a sewing machine cover. It's like a rockin' dress for my sewing machine...and it's even reversible! So if I get sick of one side I can just flip that bad boy over and voila - a brand new look!

But let's not forget about those cute tabs! I also wanted to test out my newly found buttonhole making skills.  Practice, practice, practice right?  I think the button tab details on the front and the back of this fun sewing machine cover add a little detail and pizazz to the normal ribbon tie variety you usually see.  Plus I just love me a button.  Always adds a little pop of happiness to a project.

Do you want to learn how to paint your own fabric and make one with me? YAY! CLICK HERE to read more about how I painted my fabrics with the Martha Stewart Crafts Paints and also for the TUTORIAL to make your very own Reversible Sewing Machine Cover!

oh martha...i heart you!

holy bananas folks! check out the loot in the pic above! i am one lucky lady!  i couldn't resist showing you all a shot i took of all the oh so lovely goodies that plaid crafts sent to me for the martha stewart mother's day campaign that i am part of with blueprint social!  when this box showed up at my door i think i might have screamed loud enough to scare my neighbours....seriously...it was nutso in our house.  like 10 christmases put together in one..lol.  the kidlets fed off my energy and we all just stood around the box pulling items out and squealing more and more. thankfully the hubby was not home to see such fanatics going on...he would have razzed me for years to come and i never would have lived it down :P

stay tuned this month as crafty bloggers all over the blogosphere (myself included) whip up some fun tutorials for mother's day using the goodies you see above.  to say i am excited is an understatement.  i get to paint on fabric....yep, i'm a happy girl folks.  oh martha.....i heart you!

just in case you don't want to wait for my upcoming tute to find out more about plaid crafts (thank you plaid crafts!!) and the fabulous martha stewart crafts paint line you find more about them below:

website  |  facebook  |  pinterest  |  twitter 

i'm taking it easy today and weekend wishes will be back next week.  the kiddos are still under the weather, i'm fighting off a bad cold  and so is the hubs so oj and knitting it is on the menu for me.  what are you up to this weekend?  are you a fan of  the martha stewarts crafts line as well?  have you tried painting on fabric before?  have a wonderful, martha stewart kinda weekend filled with sunshine, good health, laughs, family and lots of coffee! see you on monday!

find my post disclosure here.

SWEETHEART DRESS SEWING PATTERN

SWEETHEART DRESS SEWING PATTERN ||  BUY NOW

*Updated: please note that due to the full sweetheart dress pattern being released i have decided to take down the free tutorial. I have given this a lot of thought and feel that the new pattern reflects all the hard work that has been put into it and the instructions are more clear and easy to follow.  I don't want there to be any confusion between the two sets of written instructions.  This momma is also trying really hard to earn a living with her passion in life to create.  I value each and every one of yours support and thank you so much for allowing me to do what fills me with joy.

a retro & modern dress featuring an adorable heart cutout on the back that your child is sure to adore! with a flattering silhouette that showcases your fave fabric crush and special feminine details The sweetheart dress is sure to be a showstopper!  the pdf sewing pattern is sized for 2T - 6T and i can't wait to see the wonderful and lovely dresses you are all going to make!

the sweetheart dress pattern features:

: : digitally drafted & professionally graded pattern pieces for the bodice & heart cutout

: : 18 page full color pdf pattern complete with clear & easy to understand step by step instructions with bright photos and digitally drafted diagrams

: : pattern pieces for sizes 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T & 6T

: : instructions for a professionally finished garment featuring a tutorial for a feminine, hand sewn button loop and also a fully lined bodice (with no hand sewing! woot woot!).

: : size charts, fabric requirements, notions, and sewing tips/glossary to ensure a great fit

: : a fun sewing experience :)

the sweetheart dress pattern is available for purchase at the following:

ETSY  |  CRAFTSY  |  GO TO PATTERNS

.....MORE SHOPS COMING SOON! 

 

I have a few sketchbooks...ok...more than a few sketchbooks filled with ideas for goodies to make for the girls and myself and this little dress is one that has been nagging at me to get made. So with Easter upon us last week I decided to whip them up for the girls to wear to Easter dinner.   There is something so completely adorable about a high neck fitted bodice and gathered skirt that makes it one of my go to silhouettes for dresses for the girls.  I love that it feels retro but still modern and clean.  Don't be fooled by the front though, the party is all in the back on this dress folks.  The feminine heart cut out just makes me swoon.  With a hand sewn button loop and girly button it makes me smile and makes them smile too.  They love them and I love that they love them.

Small Dress: Outer fabric is 100% Organic Dottie Cream Coral by Birch Fabrics from their Mod Basics Line provided by Fabricworm and is lined with Amy Butler Lotus Wallflower in Cherry from stash fabric.  Large Dress: Outer fabric is Amy Butler "Passion Lily Cerise Pink" from the Soul Blossoms Passion line provided by Stitch Simple and lined with stash Nicey Jane fabric.

You never know when sewing for kids if they are truly going to enjoy wearing a handmade garment.  My oldest loves dresses but wears mostly leggings and tee's.  So for her to really wear and enjoy this dress did my heart good.  Now Harper, well she just goes gaga for any pretty dresses and will proudly prance around in her new frock for all to see. She is also a very willing model when I'm drafting and measuring to sew something for her.  She gets all excited and stands on a wee stool next to my sewing chair so she can watch me work.  I think I may get a sewer out of this one :)

I couldn't resist using some of my fave Birch Fabrics for Harper's Dress (from my awesome sponsor Fabricworm).  I love their 100% organic fabrics. They are super soft, have a gorgeous drape and are great for the environment.  Plus all the prints are retro and modern which I adore.  The print I used is called "Dottie Cream Coral" from their Mod Basics Line. I lined it with stash fabric that I cannot for the life of me remember the name of.  If anyone recognizes it please let me know.

Mackenzie's dress was made from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms Passion Line and it's Called Passion Lily in Cerise Pink and it's from my lovely sponsor Stitch Simple (whose fabric comes to me prewashed and pressed)!  I love the colors in this fabric and lined it again with some stash fabric that I had been holding onto but cannot remember the name of either.  I think I've got a bad case of the mommy brain this morning.  With 2 kids sick with the croup and 1 hubby sick now too I'm pooped!

*IT'S HERE - THE SWEETHEART DRESS SEWING PATTERN!!!*

 a full 18 page full color PDF sewing pattern for sizes 2T-6T!!!

Would you like to make your wee one too?  Want to know how? You can purchase the Sweetheart Dress Sewing Pattern here:

ETSY  |  CRAFTSY  |  GO TO PATTERNS

.....MORE SHOPS COMING SOON!

I bet yours looks fabulous!  Does my heart good.  Have fun making yours and make sure to share your pics in our flickr group here or in the comments below. I love seeing your fab projects!  Happy sewing ladies!

P.S. How can you tell our family loves color??? lol!

What do you guys think? You likey? I likey :) What do you do to get the perfect fit for a child's bodice? Any magic techniques you have for sewing a lined bodice? I know we would all love reading each others tips below. What fabrics would you use for your Sweetheart Dress? I've got coffee with your name on it - come chat with me!

tops, tanks & tees knit along - casting on & knitting in the round!

pattern: gemini by jane richmond yarn: knit picks cotlin in colorway clementine

it's cast on day today everyone!!!! woot woot! are you pumped? i am!  i've been dying of excitement to get started on my gemini top by jane richmond!  i love doing a bit of lace knitting and this top has been super fun so far! over the last week i was swatching and petting my yarn in anticipation of this day.  boy was it hard to wait 2 weeks to cast on.  how did you all like the 2 week heads up?  any thoughts you'd like to share?

i'm doing my gemini on size 4.0mm needles and the lace portion on 3.75mm as stated in the pattern.  my gauge in the round was spot on so i'm hoping i do ok.  i always get nervous at this point even after swatching that i may end up with a wonky outcome because i'm a loose knitter...lol.  it's my first time knitting a garment from this kind of fiber (cotton/linen) and i want to make sure i do it correctly.

just in case some of you had more questions about your gauge and swatching make sure you go back and read last week's post.  for the rest of you i've put together a few handy links for help with casting on, accessories and also a special guest post i did in february on knitting in the round.  some of you are knitting a garment for the first time and most of you will hopefully be knitting in the round.  there's lots of tips, tricks and handy links in that post.  almost 90% of the time when i'm knitting in the round i'm using the magic loop method.  i love it.  it's my fave.  i hardly ever use double pointed needles and/or fixed circulars.  all my knitting is mostly done on my babies - my knit picks nickel plated interchangeable knitting needles.  the post i linked to below will go over a bit about choosing your needles for working in the round as well.

- how to's for knitting in the round
- my knitting accessories
- casting on stitches with knittinghelp.com
- casting on over at knitty.com

don't you just love matching your knitting to your stitch markers <3

when it comes to casting on i'm smitten with the long tail cast on.  it's fast, easy and gives a nice ease/stretch to the edge of your garment.  ever since i learned it last year i pretty much cast everything on with it.  but there are definitely many other ways to cast on your garment.  some can be used for most projects and others are designed for different kinds of effects and edges.  if you check out the links listed above you're sure to find one that works great for you.

i have a feeling a lot of things (chores and work included) are going to get cast to the wayside while i'm working on this lovely.  i can't stop picking it up and i'm dying to keep working on it.  there have been a wonderful assortment of patterns chosen, lovely yarns picked and fun topics being discussed over in the ravelry group as well.  be sure to pop in and join in!  it makes the kal that much more fun if you can share your progress with the whole group :)  also if you blog about your project for the kal please let us know either in the group or here in the comments - we can't wait to see what you're making!

and here's a button if you would like to sport one.....

<a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2006/04/knit-alongs.html" target="_blank"><img alt="luvinthemommyhood" src="http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/shannonandjeremy/button150a.jpg" /></a>

here's the rest of the info my knitty pals...

start date:  april 11th, 2012
end date:  may 23rd, 2012 (the prize winners will be announced the following week)

*both knitting and/or crocheting is accepted and encouraged :)

enter the tops, tanks & tees knit along here:

tops, tanks & tees knit along entry form

*you must be entered & have started a project to be eligible for the giveaway at the end of the knit along.

you can follow along with all things tops, tanks & tees kal here:

ravelry group  |  blog  |  flickr group

what project are you working on?  do you like using the magic loop method or are you more of a dpn's kinda gal?  any spring/summer yarns you are just swooning over?  let's chat knitty goodness folks i'm still dealing with 2 kiddos with the croup so i could use a happy distraction!  i'm so happy you're joining in!

i'm also thrilled to announce that we will be having some awesome kal sponsors this time round who are all generously donating some rockin' prizes for the giveaway at the end of the knit along! thanks everyone!

Violette Fields Patterns - Paper Pattern Review!

i've got a little something purdy to share with you all today from one of my wonderful sponsors.  i received an email a while back from the lovely and talented ladies over at violette field threads and i have to admit i got pretty excited when i heard their news.

i heart my sponsors and one of my favorite things about helping to promote women working in creative businesses is watching them succeed and their dreams come true.  so when they wrote to  me to tell me they were branching their pdf patterns out into paper patterns i thought wahoo!!!  they are gonna be gorgeous!  needless to say i was pretty excited to check them out and was definitely not disappointed!

the first three of their patterns to be released were molly, vivenne and stella.  three of my fave violette field patterns which was like icing on the cake!  i've previously made "the audrey dress " and i'm a big fan of their pdf patterns.

true to their timeless style and aesthetic the patterns came to me beautifully packaged and designed.  it was like getting a little magazine with a pattern it. the paper even feels like magazine quality. they have a nice, clean design and there are tons of bright, clear photographs to go along with the patterns.  the inside of the booklet is wonderfully laid out and flows naturally to the reader.

the booklet is accompanied by the the pattern pieces.  both are easy to follow and the cutting charts, instructions and layout are user friendly and suitable for any level of sewer.  i think they did a wonderful job!  even the paper pattern itself was pretty :) 

i found that they even covered the little details that make pattern reading that much simpler.  i especially liked that they have helpful hints and how to's at the beginning of each booklet as well as throughout the instructions themselves - they are very thorough and i really enjoyed flipping through the booklet.  i also appreciated the booklet style of the pattern instructions.  i find it makes it so much easier when reading along at the machine to have a booklet style because i have to admit i do get quite lazy when printing out pdf patterns and tend to just refer to my computer which takes me so much extra time so this was a refreshing change for me.  the booklet opens easily and lays nice and flat - no page flipping on it's own which is a pet peeve of mine.



violette field threads patterns cover such a wide array of sizes as well which is one of my favorite features about them as a pattern company. most of their patterns cover from 2 years to 10 years old!! some even go as low as 12 mths! wowsa!   i love the fact that i can make the same item for both of my girls with many more years of sizing to come.  i think that is a great benefit of their patterns and one that makes buying an actual paper pattern so worth the money.  the quality and design speaks for itself.  it makes me super excited to get on my sewing machine just looking at them.  you can really tell how much love and thought went into each design.  great job ladies!

so pop on over to violette field threads and see what's new!  i'm positive you won't be disappointed. 

a big thank you to the violette field threads for the lovely patterns & your support and also a giant sized congrats your way - i wish you so much success with your new venture!!! i know you will do amazing!!!  big hugs your way!!!

you can find all things violette field threads here on their website and also on their facebook page.

are you a fan of paper patterns?  are you smitten with violette field threads too?  what's your favorite thing about paper patterns vs pdf patterns?  let's chat sewing ladies!  i'm getting my machine all warmed up :P

winners of the rosy posy designs giveaway!

i hope you are all having a wonderful and lovely long weekend!  i'm just popping in today to announce the winners of the "rosy posy designs - be mine collection" giveaway!

The 3 winners are.......

laura, doreen and evelyn (from project: stash)

congratulations ladies!!!!  we'll be emailing you with your prize today!!!  happy shawl knitting...the patterns in the "be mine collection" are all stunning.

thank you again to rose beck for the lovely prizes and inspiring designs.

you can find all things rosy posy designs here:

patterns  |  ravelry group |  blog  |  be mine collection

i'm hoping to be back tomorrow but we think our youngest seems to have the croup now and with 2 sick kids and a hubs who is in the middle of a very busy tax season it may not happen so bear with me. i'll hopefully be here on wed for the start of our knit along :)  how was your weekend?  any crafting projects to share? 

weekend wishes

to have a wonderful easter weekend...

Easter Chicks Tutorial from Myrtle & Eunice

yippeeeeeeee...it's the weekend!  no long weekend here in our house though. the hubs works straight through the long weekend with no days off but we're still going for a yummy dinner at my sis's house on sunday.  i can't wait to eat easter dinner and not have to be the one worrying about doing the cooking :)  yay! i'm going to see how the kidlets and i are feeling after this weekend but hopefully i'll be back on monday.  we've got another giveaway for you all and i'm hoping another sewing tutorial too! so stay tuned!  wishing you all a wonderful, candy coated, bird dancing, crafty, family dinner, coffee sipping, egg hunting filled kinda weekend!

what are your plans?  do you get a long weekend with your family?  any special crafting you do with your kiddos for easter?  sun's out and i think we should meet at starbucks..you in?

moments in the mommyhood: on the mend

i'm going to take some time today to spend with my girls.  it's been a rough week in our house battling the croup, late nights in the ER and the hubs in the middle of tax season.  can we say stressful?  yep.  so today we are taking it easy and going to rest up some more and make sure we are all on the mend. 

it's never fun having your wee one be sick and the croup is definitely not an easy one to deal with.  she has gotten it every year at this time and i tell you it scares us every year and this year was no exception.  i'm scared for her, scared harper is going to get it, scared i'm going to get bronchitis (that's usually what happens) and scared the hubs is gonna burn out.  but so far it's thursday and we are surviving.  we spent yesterday laying in a fort, watching alvin & the chipmunks:chipwrecked, drinking smoothies and had a short jaunt at the park for some fresh air & to run our beans out..lol.  there were coughs and still sickies but i'm still fighting it off and mack is hanging in there like a real trooper.

i snapped a shot of harper daydreaming out the window above and thought it summed up the difficult balance of taking care of one sick child without ignoring the other.  i couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking about.  prolly wishing she was outside playing rather than being couped up all week inside while her big sissy is sick. poor little thing.  hopefully she can get some fun time in on the weekend for easter.  

since i was taking pictures mackenzie wanted to as well.  so i let her get a few shots and i was pleasantly surprised at some of her pics.  she made me promise to "put these up on the blog thingie".  she is always telling people about the blog and asking when i photograph her if it will be on there.  she loves it and she was super excited to see her pics go up today.  i think she did a good job taking the shot above this and below of me.  what a little trooper!  i set up the camera settings for her and then she held it and took the shot. 

besides taking care of the kiddos and nursing my own cold i've been knitting like a mad woman.  i'm trying so hard to get my classic raglan pullover done for saturday's knit night so i can wear it.  i finished my first sleeve last night..phew...and am picking up to knit the 2nd one today.  i hate knitting sleeves though...bah...but 3 other pals finished theirs and we thought it would be fun if some of us wore ours...lol.  yeah, that's how we roll...lol.

pattern: in threes: a baby cardigan by kelly without a net

yarn: knit picks swish worsted in colorway lotus on 5mm needles

i'm also trying to finish up the adorable little cardigan below for mackenzie for her bday this month.  i'm making "in threes: a baby cardigan" by kelly without a net in a size 4/5T using knit picks swish worsted in colorway lotus.  she picked out her color and i just love it!  it's pink but not a dull expected pink, but a rich, luscious tone.  super pretty on her.  this pattern has been a fun and fast knit.  i adore garter stitch so any pattern with hits of it in it are a win win for me.  i'm also making the same pattern for harper too for her bday in may.  so in order to not feel guilty about casting on next week for my gemini i need to finish up the classic raglan and the in threes for mackenzie.  it's gonna be a knit fest in here people!  the needles are on fiiiiirrreeee!

the pattern calls for 3 little buttons and i'm stressing already. i obsess over buttons for garments.  i love them so much that i can never decide.  anybody have any suggestions as to what you would use?  colorways?  wood?  not wood?  any shops you recommend on etsy for adorable buttons?  should i  make my own covered buttons with a cute print?  what would you do?

how's things this week in your house? what are you working on? are any of you having a rough week too?  wanna chat about it?  let's cheer each other up...come on over...the coffee is on and there's a seat here just for you <3

tops, tanks & tees knit along - my yarn reveal!

pattern: gemini by jane richmond yarn: knit picks cotlin in clementine

hello my knitting lovelies. how are you all today?  we're coming out a bit from the croup cloud and a not so nice visit to the er.  i'm hoping we're on the up and up here so i thought what better pictures to brighten up my day and lift my spirits than revealing my color choice for my "tops, tanks & tees knit along" project!  i know...it's bright!  hahahaha, but i love it.  i'll be making gemini by jane richmond and i'm using knit picks cotlin in colorway clementine. 



i had a very, very, very hard time choosing my yarn.  i knew the yarn i wanted to use right off the bat so that was easy, but choosing from the many lovely colors was quite difficult for me.  the one side of me wanted to go with a nice chocolate brown - pretty and classic for all seasons. but then another part of me kept being called to by clementine.  the side of me who loves bright colors and prints wanted the clementine and the side of me who loves linens and neutrals wanted a soft grey or dark brown...what's a girl to do.

sometimes being a gemini is tough...thus the pattern choice..wink wink.  so i decided (after some strong encouraging from my knit night gals) to bite the bullet and go with clementine.  luckily 2 of my other knit night friends decided to go with 2 happy colors as well and we all love them.  so sometimes it pays to be a bit daring.  i think this yummy orange tone will be a super cheerful asset to my summer wardrobe and you definitely won't miss my gemini out on the street..lol...but i heart it.  there's no halloween here folks...just a soft, light, airy & juicy orange!

the cotlin blend of cotton/linen is perfect for this top and my wallet. at just $2.79 a skein for a 70% tanguis cotton/30% linen blend you just can't go wrong.  it's soft and has a lovely drape to it.  i started my swatch the other day and am on my second one now.  i did my first gauge swatch using a regular swatching method and was way too loose.  i'm a loose purler and the gauge calls for stockinette so after chatting with jane i decided to try doing my swatch in the round instead to see what i got and low and behold...i'm spot on!

have you ever swatched in the round?  i hadn't and boy is it different.  so weird but def worth it.  here's a great tutorial jane did recently on how to do a swatch in the round.  doing a gauge swatch is super duper important and i don't make anything and i mean anything without doing one..lol.  so i highly recommend checking out these posts that we've done on getting gauge and on choosing your yarns.  there's a wealth of helpful knowledge there and it will help you to get a great fit and a lovely drape.  and remember...when it comes to making a garment a swatch is a necessity - or i believe it is..lol, but then i'm all for doing a gauge swatch.  it's annoying, yes, but it's worth the extra 30 minutes you'd be sacrificing for a gauge swatch.  i wouldn't want you spending months making a sweater/top that ends up too big or too small where you'll end up be wishing you swatched. trust me.  so get reading and grab those needles and get swatching :)

- got gauge? and what the heck it is

- choosing yarn stress free

- how to swatch in the round on janerichmond.com (and there are lots of other video and photo tutorials showing you how to do this as well online).

ready to hear the deets?  here's the info my knitty pals...

start date:  april 11th, 2012
end date:  may 23rd, 2012 (the prize winners will be announced the following week)

*both knitting and/or crocheting is accepted and encouraged :)

enter the tops, tanks & tees knit along here:

tops, tanks & tees knit along entry form

*you must be entered & have started a project to be eligible for the giveaway at the end of the knit along.

you can follow along with all things tops, tanks & tees kal here:

ravelry group  |  blog  |  flickr group

have you chosen your pattern yet? what yarn will you be using? are any of you being daring and doing a bright color? so excited for next week's start date! i'm itching to start knitting my top!!!

the ruffled needlecase tutorial!!!

hi everyone!  you can find me over on the fabulous blog - "see kate sew" today joining in for her super fun "ruffles 2012" with a new tutorial for my ruffled needlecase tutorial!  there's a whole lotta ruffles going on over there!  a whole month of ruffles in fact!  new FREE patterns/tutorials from 20 guest bloggers and kate herself, sew alongs, giveaways and link ups galore! fun! fun! fun! you can find all the info, links and deets to join in here.

so why did i make a needlecase?  well you guys all know that i  love little handmade treasures that are fun to make, interesting in construction, easy to personalize and add a big pop of pizazz to your sewing notion repertoire!  anytime i can pretty up my notions and supplies i'm in!  add a ruffle to it and i'm sold.  i've got a thing for needlecases and i thought i would show you all how to ruffle up the style of needlecase that i use.  i've noticed lately that the booklet style has become very popular but there is something about the size, shape and construction of this one that i just adore.  it's one of my fave go to gifts for special little pressies and also a good project for beginners to work on there topstitching and hand sewing.

so pop on over to see kate sew today to find out how to make one too!   i hope to see ya over there :) make sure to check out all the rest of the goodies on kate's blog too.  i first noticed her mad sewing skills during the last round of project run and play and have been hooked on her blog ever since.  this super stylish, crafty momma is adorable and so inspiring. i <3 her and think you all will too.  thanks again for having me kate!

now go....

and join in the fun!!!!  i can't wait to see your needlecases!!!

are you planning on ruffling it up this month?  what's your favorite thing to sew with ruffles? any tips/patterns you want to share?

the creative habit - do you have one?

the other week i wrote about my search for finding a bit of balance in my daily routine and also about my struggle with the need to be creative and the ability to find time for that everyday so i stay sane.  while writing those posts i've been reading a bit online looking for other sources that people have found that helped them to find a way to put their artistic souls to use daily. i read more than one post recommending the book "the creative habit" by twyla tharp.  i reserved a copy from my local library and finally got my hands on it.  to say i've been enjoying it thus far has been an understatement.  i want to photocopy parts of it and hang them on my walls to keep me on track..lol.

as a creative and artistic person who struggles daily to find the right time/place for me to flex those muscles this book really hits home for me.  it helps to give me the confidence in the fact that i NEED those few hours each day to let myself be shannon and to focus solely on being creative in whatever way i need to that day.  whether it's writing, sewing, knitting, designing, drawing..you name it i need to get a bit of it out of me each day.  if i don't i become a very unhappy and let's just say...frustrated momma.  it all jumbles up my mind and makes me feel somewhat tortured...lol. i know that sounds a bit off the rockers but that's what it honestly feels like to me.  

the creative habit by twyla tharp

i'll think about it all day...that idea that i had...when can i sketch it out, when can i sew it, when can i photograph it, what it will look like, be styled like, who will wear it or use it..and so on.  it keeps me up at night if i don't let some of it out each day.  it's like those science experiment volcano's...if you just keep filling me up with ideas i will fizzle over...lol.  the book has cemented to me that it is ok to have a creative routine and it's encouraged.  it's ok to find me time to do this in a part of a day that is not midnight..lol, when my mind is fresh, alert and raring to go instead of a shell of itself that's all confused and jumbled.  in fact it just creates more ideas and i love the adrenaline of that.

when i get rundown and tired and it's 10:00 at night and i've just sat down to finally be creative it's not always a positive outcome.  it's only a small portion of what i could be creating if i actually allowed myself  "guilt free" time during the waking hours to be artistic.  the kids can still be with me, they can participate, they don't have to be babysat by the tv - in fact they sometimes feed off of my creative energy.  i hope that it allows them to bring that into their own lives.  that somewhere down the line they will choose to sew, knit, draw, color, paint, take a photo etc..and incorporate those creative skills into their everyday lives.

the reason why i'm redesigning my sewing wall...lol.

heck i used it when i was hairdresser and i used it when i was an administrative assistant for years.  i was a master at color coding, prettying up files and could make a darn nice looking spreadsheet and presentation.  i used my creativity to solve problems, work more efficiently and think outside of the box when others couldn't in a non-creative environment.  any chance i got to be creative i took it.  i couldn't help myself and not once did i feel guilty.  in fact, i felt empowered by my skill set. so why now, as a mother, when we need to be our most creative, do i feel guilty about it?  is it because i am my own boss?  that i think i should be doing boring chores instead?  why is it so hard for some of us to find the balance?  why can't i let go of all the preconceived notions that i should be this perfect  homemaker?  why does a stay at home mom have to have a stigma attached to it that our homes must be perfect and we basically exist like stepford wives to cater to every ones needs but our own?  i could go on but i think you get the point. 

sometimes (more often than nought) i choose to sketch or sew over washing the dishes, i'll choose to play with the kids over laundry, i'll knit over dusting - does that make me a bad stay at home mom? no, but sometimes society makes you feel that way.  i've made a conscious decision that i have to let a few things "not be perfect". i'm not a good housekeeper.  my home is not dirty or unsafe, it's still relatively tidy but i have in the last few weeks learned a new skill of pushing my time blocking even further.  instead of just time blocking my creative time for me and the kids, i now time block my dinner making and chore doing time.  so far it's going pretty well.  we use our microwave timer.  i've now figured out which time of day works the best for me to be creative that the kids are happy to play independently or with each other and what times works best for me to feel fulfilled to happily..ok somewhat happily..lol..get some chores done and cook dinner.  you all know i don't enjoy cooking or cleaning so having these now be an existent part of each day's schedule has helped me find it not so stressful.

the sketchbooks and notebooks always by my side.

i now know that from 4 - 5:30 it is strictly clean up and cooking time.  the kids help and they hear the timer go off.   the same with my creative time.  some days it could be from 1-2 or 2-3 it all depends on how the kids are doing, what moods we are all in and how much i feel like making that day.  i ask them how they will feel if mommy does this and would they like to join in or do a different task and then we set the timer. when the timer is done i am all theirs to play with and then we set the timer again to let us know when it's time to clean up. 

as a dreamer and someone who gets "lost" in my thoughts and creative happy place at times this has really helped  me to stay on track.  we're aren't perfect at it and it's not successful everyday - i am human, but i am trying to find something that works for my little family and my hubbies busy schedule that still allows me to be someone outside of just a mommy and a wife.  i still want to be me.  i still have dreams and goals aside from loving them with all my heart.  i think it makes me a happier momma and a happier wife.  i hope that it teaches them to work hard for their dreams and to do what makes their soul happy because i know that when i'm not being creative my soul is not fulfilled and i'm not myself.  instead i'm just a shell of who i am and boy does that creative energy torture me at night.  i know you all know that tingling feeling you get in your hands..that need to create and make.  it's amazing but it's also haunting when you aren't able to use it to it's fullest.  i guess it really is like training - you need to flex it, strengthen it, make it grow and feed it and nurture it and once you've done that you don't want to starve it or let it shrink - it hurts your body, your mind and your soul if you do.

that's why we're working on my sewing space as well in my little condo. my space to create in is limited and also a friggin' disaster...lol.  i spent a lot of time about a year and a half ago designing my "sewing wall".  to say i have outgrown it is an understatement. i need to do some serious revamping of my poor sewing wall. i've got big plans in progress and i'm saving up every little penny i can to make it happen.  the more organized and cleaner my creative space is the faster and more efficient i am when i do get precious time to work in it.  right now it's not working for me.  it's cluttered and stressful and just a gong show...lol.  the pics above with all the fabric are of my ironing board monster.  he's overflowing and angry...lol.  but for now, it's all i've got but it is going to get better.  soon...soon, i hope to have it be more functional and a happier space for me, my husband and my kids to all use in our tiny home.

in the meantime i've got a sick wee one here with what we are hoping is not the croup.  she gets it every year since she was a baby at this time of year so we're crossing our fingers it's just a normal cough. poor thing.  so i'm off to take care of her today and hoping that my baby girl doesn't it get it as well.

what are your thoughts?  what do you do to encourage a creative habit in your home?  when do you set aside "me" time for yourself? how do you fit it into your daily schedule?  i'd love to chat about this with you guys, i find it so interesting to hear so many different points of view and how differently we all work and create.  coffee's on...<3

weekend wishes

to find myself some catherine holm...

img src: viviana agostinho via oh so lovely vintage

to curl up and read a good book...

Source: shop.canvashomestore.com via Kelly on Pinterest

that the rumors are true & fiona apple is coming out with a  new album...

http://www.fiona-apple.com/

to give this recipe a try...

perfect iced coffee recipe from the pioneer woman

to feel carefree...

Source: onesydneyroad.com via one on Pinterest

to make this fab doily blanket...

pattern: glory by goodknits

and that red pepper quilts made this just for me..lol...i mean helloooo... lotta jansdotter and orla kiely...i. die.

a patchwork quilt by red pepper quilts

i really mean it about that quilt....i love it!!! in fact i dreamt about it after i saw it in the works a few days ago...i could not get it out of my mind.  so gorgeous.  this weekend i hope to get some batting to get my own quilt done.  it's been on the wall on hold because i thought i had enough to make the quilt but it turns out i tricked myself..lol.  so i have to pick up batting and thread this weekend to get going on mackenzie's quilt...especially if i want to give it to her for her bday this april.

i also plan on keeping on fighting this wannabe cold.  i refuse to let it stop me but it has slowed me down a tad.  so i'm going to curl up here and there and read a good book or catch up on some knitting time.  i've got my classic raglan to finish up, a sweater for mackenzie for her bday to do, and many other projects on the needles...aiayaya...i think i may have cast on more than i could chew..lol.  i've also got a date with my sewing machine sometime too. will probably be tonight so wish me luck sewing into the late night hours.  i always mess up at night so it scares me to sew at night now but we've got a full, busy day on saturday so this momma doesn't get any work time :(

and bring on the coffee....yep, the sun has peeked it's head out here and there and i feel ready to give a few of those fun coffee recipes that floated around last summer a go.  mmmm....i love iced coffee. sometimes i just throw ice in my cool coffee at lunch and sip at that.  yum.  i'll take coffee anyway i can get it.  funny thing is that when i was in my early 20's i really didn't like coffee and then bam...one day addicted.  that's how it goes with caffeine folks..lol.

so what projects are you guys working on?  what are you up to this weekend? anyone have a fave coffee recipe they tried & want to share?  let's chat! wishing you all a warm, sunny, happy, cozy, fun & yummy coffee filled weekend!

moments in the mommyhood - mission impossible

yesterday i attempted mission impossible to try to get both my kids to nap at the same time so i could get some daylight, non-weekend hours of sewing in.  i donned my mommy action figure gear and did my best but i sadly admit i sort of failed.  i did get barbie to have a nap though and the kids did have about 45 mins of quiet time....meaning they laid on the couch together and played quietly while watching a show.  i did end up getting a little bit of sewing time in so i guess my lame tom cruise attempt at taking down the enemy was not a complete failure...lol.  what i didn't beat was a cold i think is trying to take me down.  i'm fighting it people.  so i'm going to take barbie's place today and take it easy and go lay on the couch with my bottle of coffee...lol.  could you imagine?  someone needs to invent a spill proof bottle of coffee that i can just lay and sip with..lmao.



i'm also going to try to madly finish my classic raglan pullover that i'm working on as part of the canadian living classic raglan knit along.  i'm just about to bind off my bottom rib, done the neckband rib (which i have a funny story to share about that next week) and now have to knit up the sleeves.  i'm praying i don't get hit by a bad case of sleevitis...you guys know how much i detest sleeve knitting :P  at this point i just want to wear the darn thing not knit 2 sleeves.  and if i'm feeling up to it i've got a ton and i mean a ton of sewing that needs to be done. lots of exciting things in the works folks! can't wait to show them all to you!

i also want to say a huge thank you to babble.com and to all of you lovely readers who voted for me to be one of the babble.com's top 50 craft blogs for the second year in a row!!! i'm seriously thrilled and beyond excited!!! i'm honored to be included amongst the sheer awesome group of talented women in this top 50!  it made my month!! in fact i'm still skipping around all over the house about it!!!! so thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  if you haven't gone over already please do go check out the line up of winners and also you can read the witty little bio they wrote about luvinthemommyhood here.  cracks me up...lol.

hope you all have a great day and take some "barbie" time for yourselves too.  i'm going back to my couch and oj.  see ya tomorrow!  what parenting mission have you taken on and won or failed? i think this scenario calls for a good commiseration don't you?

p.s. so excited to see you all sign up for the tops, tanks & tees kal!!!  my yarn came yesterday afternoon and i'm super excited to do my gauge swatch this weekend!

Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along!!!!

gemini by jane richmond

it's time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  i'm so excited!!!!! the new knit along is here folks!  it's the "tops, tanks & tees knit along"!!!!  do you love it?  i do!!!!  betcha thought we were doing shawls didn't you! lol!  i'm a firm believer in not forgetting to knit for yourself in the warmer seasons and tops, tees and tanks are the perfect summertime wardrobe staple so why not knit some this year? gone are the ugly, boxy sacks made of scratchy fibers that once bore a faint resemblance to a top or tee.  bring on the feminine, curvy, lacy, light, swingy, airy, sexy, and oh, so stylish knits we can now proudly call tanks tops and tees!  yay!

gemini by jane richmond

we're getting you all geared up for the summer sweater knit along and thought this would be the perfect interlude to dip your toes in the garment knitting pool.  learn some new techniques, master a pattern, use a yarn you never have, think outside the box and whip yourself up a gorgeous new addition to your summer wardrobe. bring out the linens, cottons and the lightweight breathable yarns and let's get spoiling ourselves!  don't be scared if you're fairly new to knitting - tops, tanks and tees are the perfect place for you to start experimenting with something larger than an accessory.  with our groups help, cheering, hand holding and applause you WILL  make it through and you WILL be wearing that super sassy shirt all. summer. long.

calla cami by carrie bostick hoge

as you can see from some of the pics above i've got a thing for the gemini top by my super talented pal jane richmond.  even though my folder was filled with pics of other tops this one has stolen my heart.  from the moment jane revealed it to me post knit in our lys i've been dreaming about making myself one.  i heart the lace detail and the fact that it's reversible. yes.  us gemini's love a dual personality.  so i will be whipping up a gemini for myself for this KAL ladies.  i'm still awaiting my yarn to arrive so i'll give you a sneak peek at that next week :)

 

1. edie by michele wang 2. francis by olga buraya-kefelian

in the meantime we're starting this kal off a little differently than all the rest.  instead of just jumping right in this is a heads up that the kal is starting.  we got lots of feedback from you ladies asking for lead time to get your pattern chosen and yarn ordered.  so we're going to try that out this time round and see how it goes.  let us know your thoughts k?  and the button...where's the button...well it's coming.  look for it in the next 2 weeks! i love how much you all love my kal button's so it will be ready soon for you all to hopefully sport on your blogs :)

1. madeline cardigan 2.arleen

i've chosen my pattern to knit but i still love giving you guys some hits of inspiration.  there's pics throughout this post of patterns i love and here's some more of my fave top, tanks & tees patterns....

 1. the jan sweater 2. roxborough dolman 3. layered ruffled sweater 4. summer scabbard

hester pullover by amy herzog

 1. coffee tunic 2. cowl vest 3. coral

4. bernadette lace blouse 5. annie tank 6. larissa

ready to hear the deets?  here's the info my knitty pals...

start date:  april 11th, 2012
end date:  may 23rd, 2012 (the prize winners will be announced the following week)

*both knitting and/or crocheting is accepted and encouraged :)

enter the tops, tanks & tees knit along here:

tops, tanks & tees knit along entry form

*you must be entered & have started a project to be eligible for the giveaway at the end of the knit along.

you can follow along with all things tops, tanks & tees kal here:

ravelry group  |  blog  |  flickr group

i'm so excited you guys! i seriously cannot wait to see which patterns you ladies choose, the yarns you pick up and how lovely you are all going to look in your new spring tops, tanks and tees!  so go tell your friends, hit up your lys, grab a cup of coffee and let's get knitting!!!  what do you think? you likey?  you excited too?

Rosy Posy Designs - Be Mine Collection Giveaway!

and so are you

and so are you by rose beck

*this giveaway is now closed. thank you for all of your entries.*

you all in the mood for a giveaway?  i am!  woo hoo!  i figured it was about time we had a knitting related giveaway again so when rose beck of rosy posy designs offered up her 5 gorgeous patterns from the "be mine collection" i said you betcha!  i love rose's designs and i heart me a shawl. i also adore knitting lace.  i think that a wrap/shawl is a timeless addition to any wardrobe for any age and also a beautiful heirloom to pass on through the generations.  i always feel as if the shawls tell a story or a tale with the way the stitches flow. sort of like each row is a new sentence, another layer that weaves a tale.  it's a beautiful piece of shaped artwork and rose becks designs don't disappoint. just look at the pleated texture along the bottom of the shawl "and so are you" shown above and below - love it!!!

the be mine collection consists of 5 shawlettes that rose designed to be both simple and sweet.   rose states that the "collection celebrates the art of subtle romance with simple aesthetic and ease of execution". rose wanted a collection where "simplicity was key". she wanted a look that was "romantic but practical, feminine but not too frilly." she brings in that touch of romance to her designs by having drawn her inspiration for the shawls from florals.  sounds like my kind of shawl!  the nice thing with roses pattern are that they are easily adaptable.  they are all worked from the top down to allow easy customization for sizing and fit.

want to see the collection?  i do...

roses are red...

roses are red by rose beck

sugared violets...

sugared violets by rose beck

sugar is sweet...

sugar is sweet by rose beck

violets are blue...

violets are blue by rose beck

- 3 lucky winners will each win a copy of rose's collection of 5 gorgeous shawls called the "be mine collection"! wowsa!  great prize ladies!  you can't go wrong with any of these beautiful patterns! thanks rose!

- i'm still trying out a new way of entering giveaways. i've decided to have you guys enter your name/email in a google doc form instead.  when you enter your info you are designated a number by google doc based on when you enter.  this will be the number i use to correlate to your name when the winner is chosen.  make sense?  if you have any questions just ask me below in the comments.  click below to enter the giveaway:

be mine collection giveaway

- giveaway is open until april 2nd, 2012, midnight PST (pacific standard time).
- you must have a valid email address or you will be disqualified.

stacked columns wrap and shawl by rose beck

alright ladies, get those needles ready...it's time to knit!  good luck!  a big thank you to rose again for the wonderful prize and all of her inspring and lovely patterns.  be sure to pop over to ravelry and drool over all her other designs as well!  you can find all things rosy posy designs here:

patterns  |  ravelry group |  blog  |  be mine collection

have you always wanted to try knitting a shawl?  what do you look for when choosing a shawl pattern?  do you heart lace knitting too?  c'mon..spill the beans...lol.

MOMENTS IN THE MOMMYHOOD || WITHIN REACH

we had some beautiful and gorgeous sunshine the last few days and the girls and i could not resist getting outside and soaking up those rays!  i tried really hard to forget all my to do lists and the things i have cluttering up my mind and just hit the sand and surf with my wee ones.  in true mackenzie style we decided to collect rocks and other seaside treasures (we collect them in jars all over our house) in a bright pink purse.  heck who says we can't have a rock purse right? lol.  we also love color in our house and i'm sure you could not miss us in our bright stripes, colored boots and girly attire fit for the beach.  i purposely had a load of wash ready to go in as soon as we got home so i wouldn't fuss over the girls and i getting sandy and dirty (i am known to do this..haha) and it is def something i will do again.  i'm always worrying about the mess and forget about the fun and it's something i'm working really hard on getting over a tad this year.  wanna see what we got up to?  can you feel the ocean breeze?

ever since that weird dream i had last week about amy butler telling me to make sure to take time and enjoy life i've been trying really hard to do some serious time blocking and really focus only on the girls when i'm not working.  i've been using our microwave clock timer (the hubs idea) and now set times so we know how long mommy has been working etc. for and how long we have till play time.  that way i don't go over if i have something i need to do (hello, when i get sewing i lose all track of time and end up in time warp saying just 10 more minutes and then it's been a hour!! eeek!) and they know exactly how long until mommy is all theirs.  i can't be theirs all day but i sure can set up fun things for them to do while i do work and while i do things like cook and clean.  then when the timer goes they get mommy for a whole chunk of time to do with whatever they like.  it seems to be working quite well and with these next few months being the hardest of our year the hubs and i are hoping it will make the transition that much easier for them.

so  is it just me or have you all been feeling pulled in all sorts of directions too?  do you have an ongoing conflict between creative me time and fun mommy time as well?  i know i need me time to function as a mother and a wife but i also don't want it to take away too much time from my mommy time...finding that balance...well, it's an ongoing battle isn't it.  one i find that blue skies, red boots and pink rock purses can ease the stress away from for a while.  sometimes answers come to us when we set our minds free and let it all go for an hour or two.  i need to remind myself to do this daily (or at least every few days) or i find myself losing that battle to find that precious balance.  it's there...i can see it...i just need to reach out far enough to grab it :)

what are your thoughts? i'd love to hear them! what's on your mind my friends...let's chat! it's monday - come visit, pull up a chair and grab a cuppa jo and join me <3

weekend wishes

to get out to see the hunger games asap...

img src: walk on

 to get the dark corner of my living room illuminated...

Source: lolanovablog.blogspot.ca via Danielle on Pinterest

to fancy up my hangers...

img src: haken en meer

to break my thrifting drought...

image src: secondhand with style

to get my hands on a new camera bag...

Source: kellymoorebag.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

to enjoy a cup of tea with my knitting...

Source: interieurblog.villadesta.nl via Met Melk & Suiker on Pinterest

that i will always be blessed with pals that are as kooky as me...

image src: human nature by shirae

yee haw! it's friday!  tgif...i'm pooped.  i know, i just had a weekend away but talk about not getting back into a rhythm.  wowsa.  i am one tired momma.  i'm so tired i even had a dream that i met amy butler and she told me to make sure i still remember to sit back and enjoy life while i craft...lol.  a sign that i am too busy?  prolly...lol.

i plan on hanging out with my girls at knit night, working on a few new patterns and tutorials, getting things ready for our next kal announcement (next week people), drinking lots of yummy coffee and having a great time with the family.  in between all that i have to do a huge clean/organization of our condo and really don't know when i am going to find the time so there may be a few late nights here.  anyone know any free maids??? a girl can try right?  lol!

wishing you all a good pals, lots of laughs, crafty projects, coffee/tee & snuggle filled weekend.  what are you up to?  are you burning the candle at both ends too?  what projects do you hope to work on this weekend?  fill me in..it's friday <3

Fibres West 2012 - Day Two

wanna see the loot that i brought back from my weekend in vancouver?  you'll have to wait until the end of the post..tee hee....they are coming though...be patient.  all my new lovelies are tucked cozily inside this awesome tote that the fabulous jane richmond made for all of us gals for our trip.  love it - thanks again jane!
 

image via sarah

in the meantime i can't help but show you some of the wonderful and gorgeous shops we popped into on sunday.  we woke up early and headed out for a yummy breakfast at sophie's cosmic cafe in kitsilano and boy was it yummy.  we took up a booth and filled it with our knitting.  i seriously could have dined sans kids for the whole day...it was bliss :)  but the shops beckoned.  we had planned out which shops we wanted to hit up in the area but had some time to kill so like any sane person would do we headed to granville island.  a must see if you visit vancouver.  first up we popped into "maiwa".



can we say gorgeous?!!!!  oh wow!  this store had me hyperventilating on more than one occasion.  the yarns were stunning (they even had tanis fiber arts which jane scooped up that we had all been dying to feel).  seriously, if you are in the area and into anything to do with textiles it's a must see.

the shop has one whole wall dedicated to just dying.  i've had no interest in dying yarns but man this store makes me want to.  what i am interested in starting is block printing and i got more than a tad excited when i spotted this corner in the back of the shop!  hand carved printing blocks galore!!!!!  gorgeous!  i had to walk away more than twice because i couldn't breathe and decide and in the end i didn't buy any due to just not knowing which one i wanted. i really just wanted to bring all of them home...lol.  maiwa works to support the delicate craft of block printing with wooden carved blocks and boy does it show!  just gorgeous!  i will definitely be back to pick some up in the future!

we must have spent a good hour at least in this shop....i love the shot below of arika staring so longingly at the yarns.  it captures how we were all feeling in this awesome shop.  i felt so inspired and could have spent the whole day there rooting around finding goodie after goodie in all the nooks and crannies.  thank you maiwa...for allowing us to indulge for an hour in your beautiful shop.  you can find all things maiwa on their website where you can read more about them and their foundation that works hard to support worldwide artisans and help "fund practicing and re-emerging artisans in the craft sector".  They also have gorgeous hand carved buttons...and i mean drawers filled...big drawers...lol.  they host textile workshops, a symposium of international speakers and events and even sell items like handwoven shawls, embroidery, furniture, bedding, clothing and more in their other location on granville island.  yes...two shops :)  i heard there is even a library and a collection!

i love this shot of arika staring longingly at the yarn.

we left there feeling giddy and full of creative energy.  we just had to get a shot of our faces to capture the moment.  here's jane's pic of our crafting high! lol!

image via jane richmond

we quickly snapped a shot of ourselves and got the heck out of the rain....into a wonderland of awesomeness called "make".  wowsa.  it was like sending a kid into a candy store i tell ya.  all the inner goofs came out of us as we donned crazy hats, wielded umbrella swords, ohhh and ahhhed over buttons, handmade goodies, the shops rockin' decor and branding and the different things they had going on in this shop.  we definitely need something of this calibre on the island.



at make you can customize a whole whack of goodies in your creative repertoire such as embroidery, garment printing, laser engraving, and buttons.  they also have a wonderful shop filled with curated art and design.  the place just oozes inspiration and makes you want to get making!  check it out....

you can find all things make on their website here.  thanks for your hospitality make :)

next up we headed out to point grey to go pop in to urban yarns.  wow.  this is pretty much yarn heaven.  a wonderful collection of almost every yarn i have wanted to feel and see. there is not one ugly thing in this shop..lol..that sounds weird but trust me...some shops have one shelf of gorgeous and the rest is filled with so/so.  this shop is wall to wall gorgeous!!!

i literally could have spent all day just hanging out in there and fawning over all the yarns.  so. much. to. touch. and. see......

a big thank you to kynna and alexa for being so sweet and for allowing us to bombard the shop for at least an hour :)  we heart you ladies and we cannot wait to come back for a visit!!!  check out alexa's fab book if you're looking for some awesome kid/baby/family patterns - "9 months of knitting" and if you are in vancouver make sure you stop by urban yarns...trust me...your wallet may not thank me but your knitting stash will!  you can find all things urban yarns online on their website.

we got so lost in all the yarn goodness we completely forgot to even plug our parking meter. thankfully the gods were on our side and we didn't get a ticket but after all this yarn shopping we needed some good ol' starbucks. we found the closest one, caffeinated and then had a smooth ride (literally no traffic) back out to the ferry to come home.  all went well if you don't count me having to sprint up about 6 flights of very steep ferry stairs to get to the ladies room before i peed myself..lol.  yes, having to pee when you are in the ferry lineup and have no time to go to the washroom before boarding is a bad thing....very bad.  this momma was in pain..lol. but i made it and we spent the rest of our weekend having a gorgeous boat ride home filled with yarn winding, knitting and ogling of all our goodies.

you ready to see what lovelies i picked up?  here ya go...

1 skein madeline tosh dk yarn in colorway glazed pecan from urban yarns

3 skeins malabrigo sock yarn in colorway 803- ochre from valley yarns

2 1/2 skeins of 100% baby alpaca from knitopia

grapefruit stitch markers from caliopes fibres

clover row counter from www.urbanyarns.ca

measuring tape ribbon from www.thesteamtrunk.com

i had so much fun and it truly was a much needed break to get away and spend some time doing something i love with some ladies i love.  thanks so much jane, rebecca, arika and sarah for being you :)  i cannot wait for the next trip!!!!  it also felt so good to come home to my babies and my hubby too.   i made sure to show them all my yarn goodies, but ya know, i just don't think i'll get the same response from them as I will you :)  so what do you think?   you likey?  don't you love the colors?  i couldn't resist picking up both malabrigo and madeline tosh. two yarns on my must knit list. what's on yours at the moment?

moments in the mommyhood - playing hookie

after wind storms, rain storms, hail storms and snow over the last few weeks we finally have some gorgeous amazing sunshine here on the island.  i've been super tired and worn out since getting back from my weekend rendezvous and feel like i've frantically been playing catch up since then.  my inbox has become a giant monster that scares the wits out of me at the moment so please bear with me as i slowly work my way through the emails.  in the meantime i'm playing hookie today with my wee girls.  we're hitting the beach for some sunshine and fun.  we gotta soak up the vitamin d while we can get it because the way our weather has been it will be snowing by tonight..lol.  i'll be back tomorrow with the rest of my fibres west pics :)

anyone else playing hookie today?  are any of you feeling like you just can't get caught up lately?  going to bed early these last few nights has me behind on everything...sad part is that i had just got caught up before i went out of town and the hubs even cleaned the house for me while i was gone (thank you babe...love you)! what a guy!  it's only wed people...how did this happen..muahaha!  i've got a zillion lists to work my way through.  i hope you all have a wonderful and very caught up sunny wed too!  see ya tomorrow :)

fibres west 2012 - day one

sweet georgia

last weekend i headed out with 4 friends (jane, rebecca, sarah & arika) to attend the fibres west show in abbotsford, bc.  we were maniacs and got up at 4:30am to catch an early ferry so we could get to the show as fast as possible.  i had finished my rocky coast cardigan the night before, blocked the bottom corners during the night (and may have even blow dried it a tad in the morning..shhhh) and literally wore it with unweaved in ends onto the ferry.  with no coffee, choppy waters and little sleep boy was i hurting...but i got those ends weaved in and we made it to vancouver and managed to survive our one hour and something drive to abbotsford for the show. 

i'm gonna skip right to the chase and show you all......the yarn! ohhhh, the yarn!  here's some shots of some of the yummy goodness that i spotted at fibres west 2012 this past weekend.  bring on spring!  starting with our personal fave (& addiction) - sweet georgia yarns!  oh how i adore sweet georgia. if you haven't tried her yarns yet....go buy some...immediately :)  there was more than a fair chunk of us that went to this show just for her yarns.  that's gotta say something right?  someone even bought out all the sweet georgia tough sock love on the friday before we got there :(  wowsa!

rebecca, me, felicia (of sweet georgia) & jane

getting to meet felicia lo - the owner of sweet georgia, was super exciting!  she is so nice and such a sweetheart! to say we were looking forward to her booth was an understatement...it was honestly the reason we went there.  it was awesome to see her yarns in person and to of course, get to meet her as well.  thanks for letting me take a pic of all of us with you felicia! you're the best!

here are some shots of other goodies i spotted throughout the time we were there:

one of my fave booths - kattikloo (organic & plant dyed yarns)

jane and i both were mesmerized by the kattikloo booth.  gorgeous display of their beautiful organic and plant dyed yarns.  make sure to heck out their website!

knitopia wools company

rebecca and i scored on some 100% alpaca from "knitopia". seriously, it's so soft i cannot stop petting it.  it's positively luxurious!  their slogan "welcome to knitting nirvana" is so true! we got a great deal and couldn't resist splitting a bag of 5 skeins so we could both make jane's "annie" cowl pattern.  it's going to be divine!!!!

everything old

we also got to visit one of my fave local dyers em of everything old. her colors are nothing short of brilliant!  they will literally stop you dead in your tracks!  sarah picked up some yarn from her booth to make her first pair of socks and had us all drooling and ohhhhing over her gorgeous skeins!  i can't wait to get my hands on a few this year too!  so bright and fun! check out her shop and awesome patterns here!

if any of you know us we also got into mischief.  donning funny hats, having some heated yarn arguments...ummm...i think i even threatened becca to buy her yarn or i would take her outside and beat her...muahahaha...yep, we were in the vortex and high on yarn fumes...lol.  we were also under caffeinated and very hungry...lol.  it makes buying yarn and making very important yarn choices that much harder.  coercing was needed on more than one occasion.  i pushed becca to buy some skeins of yarn and she in turn conned me into getting a sweaters worth...ya little minx you...lol from an awesome shop valley yarn ltd. i managed to get jane to indulge in a skein or two by taking pics of her and showing her how lovely she would look in them...heck, it's almost as fun having your friends buy yarn as it is to buy it yourself!  i couldn't help myself...lol. anyhoo, the yarns got the best of all of us.  none of us left empty handed and all the yarn abuse was well worth it.  we had a grand time. thanks for putting up with our many visits and arguments at your booth julie!  you can find tons of awesome yarns at valley yarns online!

our sore tired feet

knitsocial

we were also looking forward to meeting amanda and fiona - the talented ladies behind www.knitsocial.ca.  we are already counting down the days till the event they are organizing this fall -  knit city!!! woot woot!  seriously, so friggin excited about this event!  the two talented gals behind knitsocial.ca are putting on vancouver's first event of this kind and we cannot wait!  there will be yarn, vendors, classes and lots and lots of fun!  it's about time a younger generation takes on an event of this kind here in BC...we need it!  so mark your calendars!!! it's gonna be a must see!

rebecca danger and i (ignore my bad bangs..lol..that is what hail does to your hair)

and now for one of the highlights of the whole trip for me - i got to meet rebecca danger!!!! woweeee!  rebecca and i met online a few years ago when her adorable free "bunny nuggets" pattern (perfect for easter btw) was released.  we've chatted ever since so it was exciting to get to arrange a meetup with her and the friends she was with there as well (aja - swelldove on ravelry, you have the best hair evah!).  i couldn't resist letting my inner dork out by giving rebecca a big hug and then asking her to take a pic with me for you all to see....i know, totally not suave but hey, it's rebecca danger peeps!!!  love her to bits!  wish we had had more time to hang with these ladies but there was yarn to be had!  they scored some lovely skeins as well.

then, feet throbbing, yarn bags almost full, hungry bellies, no caffeine in our systems, dying to get out of abbotsford and into downtown vancouver we set off.  i can not explain how good it felt to be back in vancouver.  it was exciting and good but also brought back so many memories for a lot of us.  we were all nostalgic and kept shouting out memories everywhere we looked.  oh vancouver i love you <3

our hotel didn't hurt either!  we had a swanky room on the 28th floor with an ocean view and floor to ceiling windows all around the room!  to die for.  as soon as we got in we all jumped on the beds and settled in.  sarah even brought her quilt and tucked in for some hunger games reading.  as much as i was missing my kids and husband boy did it feel good to only have to take care of myself.  i needed a rest and even though we were super busy my brain got to relax a tad.

you ready to see what other mischief we got up to?  you'll have to wait till tomorrow!!!  i've got pics of day two and of the goodies i bought! i just couldn't fit it all in this one already giant post :)  so stay tuned!!!  i wish you all could have been there too.  it was so much fun!  were you there? do you go to fibre festivals?  which ones are your faves?