weekend wishes

to get working on all the projects that the new taylor swift album (i'm obsessed) has inspired...

taylor swift - red

to get myself some fun tights for the winter (these ones have foxes on them! cute!)...

Source: anthropologie.com via Shannon on Pinterest

to hang this in my house...

Coffee Tea Print

or this one...lol...

Coffee Tea print by Noodlehug

to get crafting with pinecones...you know i love me a good pinecone...

Source: flexinredning.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

to make some of these for the tree, for my keychain, for gifts, for.....lol..the list goes on...

Source: knitpicks.com via Shannon on Pinterest

and that santa brings me these coffee stitch markers for my needles :)

java jive handmade stitch markers from lady danio

i know...coffee on the brain today right! lol! i can't help myself. i'm all jacked up due to my first eggnog latte of the season. the red cups do me in every year. it accelerates my coffee addiction from somewhat excessive to mental...lol.  i just get coffee on the brain all day when the holiday crafting season starts.  i'm gonna control myself this year...or attempt to. not going overboard on handmade gifts and may just spoil myself silly with making lovely goodies for myself..lol.  too many wip's in my knitting baskets that i need to finish.  same with my sewing table. too many washi's and tova's that need to get sewn for this momma.  it's ok right?  if i make myself some indulgences and buy lovely goodies for my loved ones instead?  right?  please tell me it's ok...lol.

i've also be crazily addicted to the new taylor swift album. #4 is my fave. can't stop playing it. i'm a wee bit obsessed with some riffs/beats in it and find myself strangely inspired by the whole album and in particularly that song. some good stuff is gonna come out of it...i can feel it in my fingers...lol. besides being inspired i am a big fan of hers and love that my girlies love her music as much as i do.  we all blast it in the car and sing at the top of our lungs.  it feels good and it's one of my fave things to do with my kidlets.

what are you all up to this weekend?  anyone else changing up how and who they are making handmade gifts for this year?  the hubs is in an all day course on sat so i'm going to attempt to work/sew with the kiddos home a bit (cross your fingers for me) and we're also going to be doing some cleaning and purging. we're behind on our pre-holiday organizing and desperately  need to get moving on decluttering and cleaning out our wee condo.  fun right? not. i hate cleaning. hate. dislike. don't ever want to do. funny thing is i dont like it when it's messy or cluttered in my place and it always is. so maybe i should clean more? but then that means i can't sew or knit or chat with you all as much...boo urns.  i think i need to work more so i can hire a maid. that would work right? lol. dear santa....please bring me a maid for christmas...purdy please?

wishing you all a maid, tons of coffee, laughs, fave song singing, crafty filled, self indulgent kinda weekend. you deserve it! luvs!  

ps. don't forget to enter to win the "simply color v and co. fabric giveaway from fat quarter shop"! you don't want to miss this line! those ombre solids kill me! love! enter here.

moments in the mommyhood - pumpkin boobies

and yes, these do look like my boobies...muahaha...lmao!

i heart fall.  i don't heart the endless rain and miserable grey misty cold but i heart the glimmers of goodness about fall.  pumpkins, leaves, trees, fresh air, warm knits, and the calm before christmas.  one of our fave things to do in the fall is head out to the local pumpkin farm to pick our pumpkins.  we had a good time even though our youngest refused to look at the camera.  not even once...poor little thing.  she had just woken up from a nap and no matter what i did she wouldn't lift her head up to smile or even scowl...haha.  i'm sure you can all relate to those moments when we really, really want to get pics of our kiddos and they just won't pose.  oh well....such is life..haha.

here's some of our faves from the last few weeks....(i love getting pics of feet...can you tell?)

we did get some other great pics and i couldn't resist sharing them all today.  it's back to the misty, grey rain today but we were lucky to have a break of no rain for trick or treating last night.  i hope you all had a safe and fun halloween and before you ask - no, i didn't make any costumes for halloween and never have.  one day i will though :)  we had a great night and it was soooo fun to see harper have her first halloween that she will remember and to see the 2 girls together trick or treating so fun!

my fave moment - there is a house in our neighbourhood that goes all out for halloween every year and i mean all out.  scary...like adult freaky scary.  it's not for little ones.  it's frightening and each year it's my favorite house to go to. i slowly creep up and wait to get scared. last year someone grabbed and pulled me across the yard....awesome.  now this house happens to use santa as one of it's freaky compenents..and yes, i said santa.  i told you...not for kids..lol.  we were almost at the house and all of a sudden santa came running out of the yard and literally chased 3 kids about a block and a half scaring the wits out of them (these were teens) and i almost peed myself. the screams were so fun!!! honestly...loved it.  that may be twisted of me but it was a riot.

how was your halloween? how has your fall been? do you pick your your pumpkins or have other fall rituals you do?  hope you're having a wonderful week!  let's chat....i've got tea and coffee...want some?

ISLAND Pre-Order Book Release!!!

A collection of handknits designed by Jane Richmond and inspired by life on Vancouver Island. This book was a special artistic journey to bring Jane's patterns to life with photography by Nicholas Kupiak, modeling by Kylee Shaw, and graphic design/layout  & conception by Shannon Cook & Jane Richmond.

More than just a knitting book, ISLAND is a visual and creative experience showcasing the majestic beauty of Vancouver Island. Filled with designs & fibers that are true to Jane's classic and modern aesthetic, ISLAND not only makes you want to knit, it also inspires you to lose yourself in an adventure of your own.

Be inspired, get lost in the journey, set your imagination free, and ESCAPE to the ISLAND.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR PRE-ORDER
 I S L A N D - $20
Includes:
Print Copy  |  Digital Version  |  Printable PDF

we are soooooo excited to announce that ISLAND is available for pre-order starting today and running for one week only!  books will ship november 30th!!!! woot woot!!!!  we've been really busy working on the sidelines to get copies available to you as quickly as possible and we hope you will all love the book and collection as much as we do.

included in your pre-order is the print copy of the book as well as the digital copy!!!  so you can get knitting before your book even gets here! bring on the holiday knitting!

you can also now view all the projects contained in the book on ravlery.  visit our ISLAND ravelry store page here for more info or to purchase the digital copy of the book ONLY.  for those of you who already have the book (yay!) please feel free to add your projects to the rav pages! we cannot wait to see them!  we will also be adding a new thread in the jane richmond ravelry group for you all to chat and share your ISLAND projects! fun!

and just cause we looooooovvvve the ISLAND video so much i'm posting it in here one more time...hehe.  can't get enough of it.  makes me well up every time. i'm so happy that you all enjoyed the video as much as i did. it was so fun to put together for you all!

ISLAND: A Collection from luvinthemommyhood on Vimeo.

thank you all sooooo much for all of your support and for such a lovely and warm response to the book!  it means the world to us! we can't wait to see all of your wonderful and inspiring projects and stay tuned...we'll both be blogging about the whole "self publishing" a book process soon! <3

Simply Color by V and Co. - Fat Quarter Shop Fabric Giveaway!

simply color ombres by v and co. for moda

you guys in the mood to win some yummy fabric today? sounds good because i'm in the mood to give some away!  the lovely and oh so adorable bloggy pal of mine vanessa of v and co. fame has her first fabric line out this year called "simply color".  i loooooooove it.  i'm so feeling those ombre prints (shown above) and since i'm pretty excited about this line i knew you all would be too!

simply color by v and co. for moda

the awesome "fat quarter shop" is sponsoring our giveaway today and one of you lucky ladies is going to get a chance to win them some simply color! simply color is perfect for anything ranging from quilting, clothing, accessories...the list goes on.  there are a ton of awesome patterns on fat quarter shop as well as the v and co. website (and her book) so there is definitely no shortage of projects to use simply color for.  all the solids and ombres are my faves. i love the colors that vanessa chose and can't wait to get my hands on some. 

simply color by v and co. for moda

fat quarter shop always has a great selection of all of your favorite prints and all the yummy moda pre-cut selections. dare i say christmas is just around the corner and it's never too early to get perusing the fabric...right? or at least that's what i've been telling myself this month..haha.

simply color by v and co. for moda (image via v and co.)

the weather has been horrendous all over and i feel like simply color is just what we need to lift upour spirits.  it feels so bright and fresh to me...sort of like that perfect day right in between spring and summer when the air is fresh and full of promise but it's not too hot out yet.  where all seems right in the world and you feel creative and energized.

you ready to enter?  yay!!!

||  THE PRIZE  ||

- one lucky winner will receive a jelly roll of simply color by v and co. from fat quarter shop.

||  HOW TO ENTER  ||

- simply leave me a comment letting me know what you would make with your jelly roll.
*bonus entry: follow fat quarter shop on pinterest and then come back and leave me a comment telling me you did that too.

||  THE RULES  ||

- you must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified.
- giveaway is open until monday, november 5, 2012, midnight (PST).

good luck everyone and thank you for all your entries! i can't wait to see who is going to win!  and a big thank you to fat quarter shop as well for the awesome prize!!!

you can find all things fat quarter shop here:

website  |  blog  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  pinterest

ps. to all of you facing sandy this week please stay safe... you're all in our thoughts.

Stasia Cowl Knitting Pattern - New Pattern Release!!

STASIA COWL PATTERN - BUY NOW

 a while back i started daydreaming about a knit version of my commuter cowl.  i kept pondering it and pondering it but nothing ever really felt "right".  the thought never really left my mind though.  i knew i wanted to play on something fun that had to do with assembly and that also included texture that would showcase your fave handspun yarn in a warm cozy cowl. so once i got my hands on the yarn used for this project the stasia cowl was finally born.

Stasia Cowl Pattern

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the stasia cowl features a modern twist on your favorite everyday cowl.  textured with a unique assembly this cowl is a fun, quick knit that showcases your special hand spun/dyed yarn beautifully.  i used spincycle yarns 100% BFL worsted in colorway gluttony.  this cowl is super warm, stylish and one of my fave cowls to wear daily.  the color is to die for and the yarn texture is just scrumptious!  i really just couldn't get enough of it and used almost every single piece of my (2) fabulous skeins. 

the stasia cowl is also a great beginner project perfect for those of you wanting to dip your toes into the  knitting pool and it's also definitely still interesting enough for an advanced knitter.  there's some new techniques to learn (for the newbies) and of course, a really fun assembly.  i love that it feels retro and yet modern at the same time. a perfect combo in my book!

the stasia cowl pattern features:

:: clear and easy to understand step by step instructions

:: bright & colorful photography with a tutorial outlining the assembly of the cowl

:: 7 page color PDF pattern

:: digitally drafted diagram

::  a great knitting experience

the stasia cowl pattern is available for purchase at the following:

RAVELRY  ||  ETSY  ||   CRAFTSY

....MORE SHOPS COMING SOON!

a while back i was lucky enough to get my hands on some of this gorgeous kettle-dyed and handspun yarn from spincycle yarns in bellingham, washington.  it's their 100% BFL worsted (in colorway gluttony). they source their raw fiber locally and everything is done as natural as possible (they use natural and/or non-toxic dyes). they even travel to farmer's markets etc with bicycle pulled trailers! i love that.  kate and rachel from spincycle are so awesome that they are offering you all a 10% discount off of all your orders.  just use  the code "STASIA10" at checkout.  so pop on by spincycle and say hi! thanks spincycle yarns!

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it's been so fun working on this project and i hope you all enjoy making this cowl as much as i did.  i can't wait to see all the different yarn choices you guys all use to whip one up!  just imagine all the different color variations you can find in gorgeous worsted yarns?  it's like letting loose a kid in a candy store!!! i know i'll be making another one for myself soon, but for now i'm smitten with this one!

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STASIA COWL PATTERN - BUY NOW

don't forget to add your wip and fo shots in our ravelry group and/or our flickr group so i can see all of your lovely projects!  it's no fun to knit all those awesome goodies and then keep em' to yourself! you gotta show them off!!!! 

i hope you enjoy stasia and happy knitting from my home to yours <3

ps. a big thank you to my hubby for photographing the shots with me in it (i luv you hun). i hate pics being taken of me and it was needless to say a "not so fun" event...lol.  even the kids were mad at me...lol.  due to the horrid weather we've been having here though i just couldn't get a chance to shoot my model in it so you're all stuck looking at me :P

weekend wishes

to happily wear my glerups for the fall and winter again...

best slippers ever - glerups (image via luvinthemommyhood)

to go swimming...

Source: iamkristenmarie.com via Kinfolk on Pinterest

to make mack some kind of faux bow and arrow for xmas (she loves brave)...

Source: waddler.co.uk via Kinfolk on Pinterest

to remember how true this is...

Source: annplified.com via Shannon on Pinterest

to curl up and read...

Source: frommoontomoon.blogspot.com via jill on Pinterest

and to someday knit a skirt or dress for myself.

Source: hollaknits.com via Shannon on Pinterest

it's friday! yessssss!  i'm totally looking forward to following along on twitter and instagram to check out all the fun going on during fall quilt market.  i love seeing all the booths, fabrics and goodies on display! i've also got 3 dresses on display at the birch fabrics booth again and i'm excited to see them on display.  say hi to them for me if you are there and spot them! i can't wait till spring market cause i'm hoping that i will be there in person!  i cannot resist the closeness nor the lure of portland. i loooove portland.  but in the meantime i'm going to happily follow along and cheer on all my peeps and hope they have an awesome weekend!

it's looking to be some of the same here...rain, gloom, and more rain.  the leaves have changed and when the sun does peek it's head out boy is it gorgeous but it's fleeting.  i keep waiting for that spectacular fall day when the air is crisp, the leaves are so bright you gotta wear shades and i'm holding the hubs hand with a coffee in the other while listening to my girlies run and play. yes....fall.....c'mon.....i'm ready for you.  take your rain and come back another day.

we're hoping to hit the pool up this weekend for some family swim time and i've got quilting on the agenda as well as finally (and i mean finally) finishing up my washi dress.  poppy the pfaff has been naughty with my elastic thread and while i should be done already i decided to go back and add one more row of shirring in.  yep, i couldn't just leave well enough alone and now i've got a dress that just needed to be hemmed to one that now has ripped open seams and a much needed row of shirring. oops.  i'm dying to wear it so hopefully i'll get that finished and some pics up soon.  i'm also almost done my summer sweater kal project.  that one darn sleeve has been taking me forever people...i hate sleeves so i'm not surprised but i really just need to focus on it and just get the friggin thing done so i can wear it already. i love it.  i'm gonna need help with my button choices though so i'll prolly be posting soon to get your awesome advice.

what are you all up to this weekend?  any fall plans?  getting ready for halloween?  whatcha busy making?  share...chat....you all know i love hearing your weekend wishes :)  wishing you all a cozy, fall, loved ones and cuddles, books, naps, and laughs kinda weekend.

ps. my new knitting pattern will be out on monday!!!! woot woot! can't wait to show you all!!!! head over to my fb page for a sneaky peeky!

Create Kids Couture Sewing Paper Pattern Giveaway!

we're still battling some kind of bug in our house and i thought what better way to cheer myself up than to give you guys a fun giveaway! one of our newest sponsors in the mommyhood "create kids couture" is here today for an exciting pattern giveaway!!!

elena's double layer peasant dress

create kids couture is run by friends tiffany and shannon and was started when they noticed a lack in "over the top" couture boutique sewing patterns.  they decided to jump in and started their now successful and very popular pattern design company.

helen's maxi dress

if you're looking for sewing patterns that are boutique, couture, beautiful and range from dresses, bottoms, rompers, accessories and even boy's clothes than create kids couture patterns are the way to go!  their patterns feature clear instructions, full color photographs and computer drawn pattern pieces.

natalie's ruffle butt romper

whitney's ruffle neck romper

create kids couture recently decided to release their first set of paper sewing patterns just in time for this month's fall quilt market and guess what?!  one of you lucky ladies is going to get a chance to win all 4 of these adorable paper sewing patterns!!!!  ready to enter?

1. whitney's ruffle neck romper 2. natalie's ruffle butt romper 3. elena's double layer peasant dress 4. helen's maxi dress

||  THE PRIZE  ||

- one lucky winner will win a copy of each of the 4 new create kids couture paper patterns!

 whitney's ruffle neck romper, natalie's ruffle butt romper, 

elena's double layer peasant dress, helen's maxi dress

||  HOW TO ENTER  ||

- simply pop on over to create kids couture & then come back and leave me a comment letting me know your fave pattern.
- bonus entries: like create kids couture and/or luvinthemommyhood on facebook and leave me another comment letting me know you did that too.

||  THE RULES  ||

- you must leave a valid email address to enter or you will be disqualified.
- giveaway is open until monday, october 29th, 2012 at midnight PST.

thanks for entering everyone, good luck to you all and thank you to shannon and tiffany from create kids couture for the lovely giveaway.

you can find all things create kids couture here:

website  |  blog  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  pinterest  | 

Summer Sweater Knit Along Winners!!!

girl with balloons by lola's room photography

this was a giveaway that i was very thankful for www.random.org.  i mean how could you possibly choose a winner out of all of you?  you all did so amazing for our summer sweater knit along!  i'm just so thrilled that anyone even joined in nevermind the lively group we have going now.  you guys rock and i so appreciate all your time, comments and friendship.  i can't wait for the next one!

on to the winners.....was it you?  here ya go...drumroll please......

Winner #1 - Vanessa of Bunnies & Bettas, Rav ID: urbanizer

wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congratulations vanessa! so excited for you!

YOU'VE WON:
Tanis Fiber Arts - 1 skein of lace weight yarn in the mallard colourway
Knit Picks - try it needle set & yarn
Sweet Georgia - $25 gift certificate
Sundara Yarns - $50 gift certificate
Joji Locatelli - 4 patterns of your choice

 Winner #2 - Tracy Johnson, Rav ID: rncurlysue

congratulations tracy!!! yay!!!

YOU'VE WON:
Jane Richmond Designs - $25 gift certificate
Madbird - $25 gift certificate
By Annie Claire - 2 skeins of yarn and 1 pattern

Winner #3 - Ryan Page Haas, Rav ID: ryanpagehaas

congrats ryan!!! enjoy!!!

YOU'VE WON:
Knitterella - Project Bag filled with patterns and goodies!

 

enjoy your prizes everyone, i'll be in touch with you all soon and again a big thank you to our awesome knit along sponsors too!  thanks for making our knit alongs that much more fun!!! you guys are the best!

who's in for another round of our holiday knitting support group - christmas knitting 911?  let me know your thoughts and if enough people are interested i'll set up the topic in our rav group for nov/dec again this year. it was so fun to see what you were all making last holiday season and a great place to go to get inspired and find support.

happy knitting everyone!!!! 

We Interrupt This Program....

take a pic mom!

we interrupt this regularly scheduled program with some more pics of my girlies. i know...i know...2 days in a row..lol...but i just couldn't help myself and i have an excuse.  see that cutie patootie above? well she's sick. poor little thing had a really bad fever all day and by dinner time yesterday it was getting really bad and not responding to tylenol and she was just not well.  i took her to the walk in clinic who told me to go to the ER.  so that's where our little fam spent a good chunk of our evening. not fun. 

outtake from my upcoming pattern

 anyhoo she's ok, still has a fever but is hopefully on the mend.  so i'm curled up with her on the couch drawing pics and watching caillou today and hopefully i may sneak in some knitting.  i will be back soon with some winners, another fun giveaway and hopefully a new pattern so stick around peeps!

kept meaning to post this shot from sept :)

btw..totally off topic, is anyone else hopelessly addicted to the new show Nashville? omg! loving it! please say i'm not alone...lol.  anyone else loving the DRAMA and the music! yeehaw!  can't wait for this week's episode!

hope you all have a cuddle filled and crafty day.  thank you all so much for your supportive and oh so kind comments yesterday.  meant a lot to me and seriously helped me get through my day yesterday. big hugs to you all.

moments in the mommyhood - tissues anyone?

today is just gonna be one of those days where i wish i had bought stock in kleenex.  yep, the tissues are my best friend today. no - not a cold....worse....saying goodbyes.  i hate them.  i also dislike "see you laters" and all other sorts of goodbye greetings.  i especially dislike them when it comes to my parents and others whom i love dearly.  especially when they live far away and i only get to see them once or twice a year.  it's so hard.  so yes, today i'm letting myself just have free range of the kleenex box and allowing myself to not feel too guilty about it.

i'm very close with my parents and we've been so lucky to have them down visiting for almost a month.  it seriously was such a special thing to get to visit with them that long.  especially for the girls.  we got to have thanksgiving with them which i haven't had in like 12 years and many other fun moments to share like the birth of my new nephew (such a cutie pie!).  they got to stay in a house rental half way between my sister and i that was literally a 5 min drive for me.  it felt like old times.

i know some of you have prolly never dared to read my "about" page but i grew up in a very small town with almost all my family living there.  anytime you wanted to visit them you could walk there.  all my friends were within walking distance too.  so being in a city was a major culture shock for this northern bc gal.  it was so special to have that comfy feeling of being able to whip over to my folks place this month just to visit or stop by for coffee and let the girls run in the yard.  it was awesome to have those shoulders to lean on and those hours after school was out to visit and play.  it honestly became my fave part of the day instead of dreaded.

we're in a condo so yards are a gift to themselves these days.  so each day we were over there to visit, play and get spoiled.  we had gorgeous weather and lots of fun.  bonus is my mom is where i get most of my crafty gifts from so i got to wind her new yarn, talk quilty goodness and sewing fun too. she loves to go thrift shopping & had craft parties with the girls! yep...i'm gonna miss her.  she even drinks more coffee than i do..lol.. and the girls just loved having their opa (my dad) to play with, have tickle fights with and do his hair.  my omi (my grandma) was with them as well and it was so nice to get to spend so much time with her as well.

i could go on and on and i'm sure you can all relate somewhat to those people who are family (or like family) in your lives and how hard it is to say "see you later" when you know later is a long way off.  when later means phone calls instead of real hugs, when later means emails and pictures instead of hanging out in real time, when later means who knows when.

so i'm going to pray they get home safe and await the first phone call of many and hope that the "see you later" will be more like "see you soon".  i hope that one of these days everything will align and they will be down here for good instead of just visiting and that my hugs goodbye no longer have to be the hugs where you can't let go.  in the meantime i will bond with my kleenex, hug my babies and try to explain why nana, opa and omi had to go home & let my hubs tease me for crying so much.

- to my folks and my omi:
we love you and we'll miss you guys....come back soon.

anyone up for virtual hugs?  i could use a few and i know some of you are going through similar things or have loved ones away working or living far from home so let's console each other.  how do you make it that much easier on your wee ones when you have to say goodbye?  what do you do to stay in touch besides facetime and webcams?  tea's brewing and i've got a cozy couch...you up for a chat?

Winner of Peekaboo Patterns Build a Wardrobe Giveaway!

so excited to announce the winner of the fab peek-a-boo pattern shop build a wardrobe giveaway!!!  this shop is filled with so many wonderful and classic patterns that you could easily make more than one wardrobe.  was the winner you?

commenter #146 - njeri!!!

congratulations njeri!!! we'll be in touch with you soon! i hope you have fun with the patterns!  and thank you so much to amy of peek-a-boo patterns for the super generous giveaway and awesome patterns! you rock girl!

 you can find all things peek-a-boo pattern shop here:

website  |  facebook  |  blog  |  newsletter (signup)

happy sewing everyone & thanks for all of your entries!

weekend wishes

to make these AWESOME wristwarmers from tiny owl knits asap...(the tails kill me!)..

Source: ravelry.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

to bite into these right now...

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

to try making these this xmas...

Source: landofnod.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

that i can continue my love of pine cone decor with crochet...

Source: ravelry.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

to frame this to look at when i'm exhuasted..lol....

Source: eat-healthy-train-hard.tumblr.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

and to have this exact outfit.

Source: stylezen.net via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

oh ladies...the weather here is atrocious right now.  the rain is killing me and it's only just begun.  yes, fall is amazing and i LOVE it but when you throw the monsoon like rains (i'm not exaggerating) in i can easily forget about the gorgeous leaves, knitwear and hot coffee.  it makes me want to hole up inside and snuggle up under my quilt.  it's yucky.  hopefully the rains will die down a bit after a few weeks of this madness.  we're crossing our fingers.  believe me i can deal with rain, after having grown up in one of the rainiest towns and living for years in the rainiest city i can handle it, but i just can't like it.

the rains have also been interrupting the release of a new knitting pattern of mine.  i need to do the photo shoot and the weather is just not cooperating.  it's torturing me...lol!  i'm so excited to show it to you guys so hopefully soon i'll get a nice weather day and can get the pics done. i think it's a super fun project that would make a great xmas gift!

 i was also super excited yesterday when my first order from joanns (woot woot) arrived and i got a nice big box of batting for 50% off!!! thank you joanns for finally shipping to canada (the shipping rates are not bad at all!) - it's about time!  so this weekend i will be busy quilting a new fave quilt that i will be sharing a free tutorial with you all for!  yay!  the sandwich is done and now it's quilting time!!! yay! my fave part!  i can't wait to show you all!

my folks and omi have been here visiting for the last few weeks and it's been amazing to have them around.  they leave after this weekend and i have to admit i will be a mess.  it's going to be so strange not having them here anymore and we will all miss them and my omi horribly.  i will prolly need some virtual hugs and some online consoling....wahhh!!!  makes me teary eyed just thinking about it already. 

so this weekend i will be spending as much time as possible with them, working on my quilt, knitting up a storm (2 new designs in the works) and cuddling up nice & warm with my little fam.  wishing you all chocolate goodies, steaming coffee, sunshine filled fall days, warm mittens and lots of hugs kind of weekend. 

what are you up to?  what kind of fall weather are you dealing with?  do you fall apart when your family leaves after visiting?  what crafty projects are you up to this weekend?  come...pull up a chair....the coffees brewing and i've got a cute mug with your name on it!

Summer Sweater Knit Along Giveaway Day!!!

Source: makesomethingsplendid.com via Disney on Pinterest

this summer sweater knit along post has been a long time coming and boy am i excited!  i love the end of our knit alongs so that i can see all your beautiful new handmade lovelies but i also love our giveaway day!!!! that's right ladies, delicious knitty prizes for you all to enter to win!!!! yay!!!!! these are some awesome prizes too.  the best ones we've had yet!

1. jane richmond 2. tanis fiber arts 3. kniterella 4. knit picks

i wish i could give you all a prize! this summer sweater knit along was so much fun and you all were such a fun group of ladies to knit with!  i'm already starting to count down till the next one! 

1. madbird  2. sweet georgia

i would like to say thank you all for knitting along with me and for making this knit along so much fun! it really is so special to me to have you all join in!  and also a huge thank you to our sponsors for this knit along!  they are all amazingly fabulous and i hope you all show them some love!

ready to hear what the prizes are?  yay!  here they are....

|  TANIS FIBER ARTS  |

  FIRST PRIZE - 1 skein of lace weight yarn in the mallard colourway

|  KNIT PICKS  |

FIRST PRIZE - try it needle set & yarn

|  SWEET GEORGIA  |

FIRST PRIZE - $25 gift certificate

|  JANE RICHMOND  |

SECOND PRIZE - $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE

|  SUNDARA YARN  |

FIRST PRIZE - $50 gift certificate

|  MADBIRD  |

SECOND PRIZE -  $25 gift certificate

|  JOJI LOCATELLI  |

FIRST PRIZE - 4 patterns

|  BY ANNIE CLAIRE  |

 SECOND PRIZE - 2 skeins of yarn and 1 pattern

|  KNITTERELLA  |

THIRD PRIZE - Project Bag filled with patterns and goodies!

|  HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY  |
- you MUST be signed up for the summer sweater knit along and have started your project (it's no biggie if you're not done yet).  if you haven't already signed up you can here:

summer sweater knit along entry form

|  RULES OF THE GIVEAWAY  |
- you MAY only enter your name once on the sign up form.
- you MUST have at least started your project.
- you MUST have a valid email address.

1. joji locatelli 2. by annie claire 3. sundara yarns

good luck everyone!!!!!!!!!!!  happy knitting!!!!!!!!!

Crafty Crosswords: Puzzles for Creative Peeps!

Source: flickr.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

i dig crossword puzzles.  i like them a lot. i used to do one every day but now it seems like i never feel like i get time to do them anymore and with the monsoon rain we keep having i keep finding myself longing for a good crossword puzzle.  you know...that steaming hot cup of tea/coffee, a quilt, the fireplace on, slippers, my pj's and a good crossword...mmmm....feels like the perfect fall day activity.

so what did i do? i got a bit nutso and made us all a crafty crossword!  the topic is knitting! fun right? i hope you think so!  click on the link below and download/print your copy and play along!

|| CRAFTY CROSSWORD PUZZLE DOWNLOAD || 

Source: flickr.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

i also thought it would be really fun if you all blogged your crossword puzzle love!  write a post about crossword puzzles and why you love 'em & if you completed the one today and share your link in the comments below so we can all come say hi!  also if you get stuck don't fret....i'll be sharing the answer key another day.  and to all you sewers....a sewing one is coming your way soon too!  i didn't forget about you lovelies!

do you heart crosswords?  how fun is this?  i had such a good time putting this together and filling it out and i hope you do too!  

p.s. the big summer sweater knit along giveaway is up tomorrow!!!!!!!! don't miss it! it's HUGE!!!

ipad knitcity view

knitcity vancouver weekend as seen from the ipad....

missed our gosh darn ferry....working at the terminal to kill time.

friday night booth set up!

our badges

a very rainy dinner with arika <3

jane and i torturing arika at dinner :)

rebecca knitting of course :)

the shoes

taking a group pic is hard...lol

what we slept under

breakfast before our big day

sold out!!!! we're amazed and overjoyed!!!! thanks everyone!

our coffee angel - holly (holly's red bike) head of the vancouver modern quilt guild! she came by to visit us & bring starbucks. Holly - you are the BEST!!!!!

booth set up day 2

rebecca and i meeting up with the gourmet faerie & her cute wife sherwin. so fun!

what sustained jane and i all day - tamarind almonds...yum!

getting ready for day 2 - i'm tired of the monsoon rain....my hair is rebelling from the water and i had to wear hats all weekend

saw my downton cowl walking around on this cute doll of a gal! made my day!

the gorgeous and oh so lovely  tasia of "sewaholic".  (i had a fan moment...love her) she came by with the first project someone else had knit from the book! a special moment for us!

the weather the. whole. time....bah!!!!! can we say nasty?!

i thought it would be fun to show you all my weekend away at vancouver for knitcity from the view of my ipad.  they weren't all instagrammed due to lack of wifi wherever i was but they were all meant to be :)  i got home very late last night and am still in a hangover of sore feet, amazing fun and just happiness at how well it all went and how many wonderful and lovely people we got to meet who embraced ISLAND as much as we do.  i'll be back soon with more pics and info on the book.....xoxoxox

how was your weekend?  what did you all get up to?  any knitting or sewing? were you at knitcity?  let's chat!

ISLAND - A Collection!!!!

ISLAND

A Collection

By: Jane Richmond

oh  my....i'm crying already....i knew i would cry...lol.  i've got a way bigger post to show you all on this topic but for now this is just a short teaser post to let you all in on the "secret project" that i've been working madly & happily away on with one of my besties jane richmond.  we've had many weekly late night meetings since the spring of this year to put together a special journey for you all....let me introduce you to.......ISLAND: A Collection.

that's right ladies! it's a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! a very special and dear to us collection. ISLAND is a collection of handknits designed by jane richmond and inspired by life on vancouver island.  this book was a special artistic journey to bring jane's patterns to life with photography by  nicholas kupiak, modeling by kylee shaw, and graphic design/layout by myself & jane.  you will also find an introduction written by jane and a foreword by me as well.  so exciting!  i even have a few pics in the book too...but more on all of that later :)

ISLAND: A Collection from luvinthemommyhood on Vimeo.

i'll be back with more info on the whole book, the patterns, the process, when it's for sale and lots more fun deets next week.  for now though i've put together a special video for you all to join us....and escape to the ISLAND.  enjoy <3

ISLAND will be available for PRE-RELEASE with limited copies available this weekend where it will be debuting it at Knit City, October 13th & 14th at 3250 commercial drive, vancouver, bc.  after this weekend the book & patterns will be available through order on amazon and through ravelry.com. 

Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Build a Wardrobe Giveaway!

skinny jeans and playdate v-neck tee

i've got a super fun giveaway for you all today!  kids clothing week challenge over on elsie marley is in full swing this week and amy from peek-a-boo pattern shop and i thought what better time to have an awesome build a wardrobe pattern giveaway than today! yessssss! that's right!  i said wardrobe ladies! peek-a-boo pattern shop is going to help make that dream of yours to have your wee ones sporting a handmade wardrobe a reality!

i put together pics of some of my fave peek-a-boo patterns for this post to get you inspired.  peek-a-boo pattern shop has seriously got a pattern for everything.  amy's got bottoms, tops, dresses, coats, jammies, bathing suits and the list goes on.  she truly pays attention to what your child will want to wear, what you want to make them and the comfort factor.  everything is just so darn cute.  i especially love that there is a wide array of both boys and girls patterns and even pj's. i've always wanted to make the girls pj's and who can resist footie jammies right?

1. oliver & olivia pea coat 2. varsity cowl neck pullover

her patterns are stylish, tested, and perfect for beginners to advanced sewers.  all of peek-a-boo's patterns come with a full tutorial & color photos that are in an easy to print PDF format.  the patterns feature pattern pieces that are computer generated and color coded for easy cutting as well and if you are a beginner sewer amy's even available for help with any of her patterns.

1. molly schoolgirl skirt 2. molly schoolgirl blouse

peek-a-boo patterns are clearly written with easy to understand instructions and are sized from 6 months to 8 years.  you guys know how much i love a large amount of sizes right?  means i can make it over and over again for both my girls.  yay!  you are also allowed to sell items made from peek-a-boo patterns too!  i can never find jeans to fit my girls right and i'm dying to whip up some of those skinny jeans for them for xmas.  so adorable!  there is something for everyone in amy's shop.  some of her patterns even include the pattern for doll sized versions too!

1. hailey ruffled up jacket 2. hopscotch top, tunic & dress 3. annabelle jacket

do you love peek-a-boo patterns as much as i do and can't wait to see if you won?  well guess what?  peek-a-boo patterns is offering all luvinthemommyhood readers a 20% discount until october 16th!!!  just use code "luvin" at the checkout.

you ready to enter?  here's the info...

|  THE PRIZE  |

- one lucky winner will receive their choice of each of the following from the peek-a-boo pattern shop: 1 top, 1 bottom, 1 dress/skirt, 1 outerwear pattern and 1 pajama

|  HOW TO ENTER  |

- simply leave a comment letting me know what your favorite peek-a-boo pattern is.
*bonus entries (remember these are optional) 
  leave a comment letting me know you did any of the following:
- pin a favorite pattern  - like their facebook page  - subscribe to their newsletter  - follow amy's blog

| THE RULES |

- you must leave a valid email address to be eligible to win.
- the giveaway is open until monday, october 15th, 2012.

classic footed pajamas

thank you so much for your generous giveaway amy!  you rock!  such an awesome prize! good luck to all of you, i can't wait to see who is gonna win!

 you can find all things peek-a-boo pattern shop here:

website  |  facebook  |  blog  |  newsletter (signup)

Knit City Here We Come!

weeeeeee!!!!! guess what.....momma's going on a wee trip!!!!  yesssssss!!!  this upcoming weekend is the highly anticipated event Knit City! vancouver, bc's largest knitting event!  vendors galore, awesome classes, a party...and the list goes on!  could we ask for more?  nope.  located in the gorgeous and exciting city vancouver (my old stomping grounds for a long time), the event takes place on october 13th and 14th with a kick off party on the evening of the 12th.  here's a little more deets on knit city:

"On Oct 13 & 14th 2012, Knit Social, a Vancouver-based knitting  events company, is inviting knitters and other fibre enthusiasts to Knit City, a two day fibre festival at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver's iconic Commercial Drive neighborhood.

Knit City, a 2-day festival featuring a vendor marketplace, workshops and  demonstrations, will offer the public a first-hand look at the creations of the talented dyers, spinners, weavers and knitwear designers on the local scene, coupled with the opportunity to learn the craft from some of the best instructors in the industry."

i will be heading over to the mainland (what us vancouver islanders call vancouver) early on friday am and will be gone till late sunday night!  i'm super, super, super excited but also know i will be missing my wee family.  it will be the longest i have ever been away from my kids and hubby.  but i'm sure the days will go by fast in a yarn filled haze.  there are so many wonderful people i am so looking forward to seeing as well as all the fun to be had.

Source: lylaandblu.com via Erin on Pinterest

i will be there with one of my besties jane richmond (as well as some other knitty pals - rebecca of nook will have a booth there as well) and will be manning her booth for the whole show.  so if you are in the area and happen to be coming please come by and say hi.  we would LOVE to meet you and get to say hello!  honestly...even if it's busy...i don't want to miss any of you..please stop and say a hello to jane and i.  we are at booth #27. 

we will most definitely be at the kick off party that friday night that features a lecture by sylvia olsen and it's open to the public as well.  the tix are $25 and it includes a weekend pass to the marketplace.  even if you're just coming to the event itself it's seriously only $10 for a weekend pass!!!! say what!!! yes...a deal ladies!  all the more money for yarn and knitting goodies!!!

see these lovely two ladies in the pic above?  they are amanda and fiona and they are the powerhouse behind knit social, a knit-centric event company and the awesome upcoming knit city event!  aren't they purdy!  we're all so excited to have such wonderful gals putting together such fun and inspiring events for this area of canada.  it's been long awaited for sure.  we've even got pals coming from over the border peeps!  i cannot wait!!!  be sure to check out their website for lots of other great social knitting events.

here's hoping i don't go over budget on my yarn purchases..lol.  oh and i'm so looking forward to sleeping in a hotel...you all know how much i LOVE me a hotel. yarn + good pals + hotel = very happy momma!

important deets:

Knit City
October 13th 11-7, October 14th 11-5
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
Admission to Marketplace: $10 for a weekend pass
Admission to Friday night Kick-off party: $25, includes a weekend pass to the Marketplace
For more information on Knit Social, visit http://knitsocial.ca/
For more information on Knit City, visit http://knitsocial.ca/knit-city/


you can find all things knit social here:

website  |  facebook  |  twitter  |  ravelry 

stay tuned....i have HUGE news to share this week!  i may cry.....lol.......can't wait to share it all with you!  in the meantime though who's coming out to knit city?  will you be attending?  what's your favorite knitting event to go to?

weekend wishes

that my order gets here really fast so i can don my unicorn farts...

Source: etsy.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

to drink lots of tea to fight my cold...

Source: englishyarns.co.uk via little on Pinterest

to remember this daily...

Source: simplelovelyblog.com via luvinthemommyhood on Pinterest

that all you fellow canadians have a wonderful thanksgiving weekend...

give thanks by anna tovar

that i might actually get to sew along with kcwc next week on elsie marley...

Source: pinksugarland.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

it's thanksgiving weekend here in canada.  i always find it so weird that we have a different thanksgiving date than the us.  i sometimes forget that they aren't on the same day.  so this weekend i'm lucky to have thanksgiving dinner with my parents and omi for the first time in oh......about 12 years maybe???  i'm excited!  i've got a new nephew to spoil and lots of food to eat.  we're not doing turkey though, we're keeping it easy and going delish with my hubs famous slow cooker ham recipe.  so juicy and yummy!!! 

i'll also be finishing up some fun sewing for quilt market that will be in the birch fabrics booth again this year! super excited about that.  i'm also crossing my fingers i can get my last sleeve done for my kal project (i'm past deadline...oops) and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully join in with kcwc this year!  i miss out on it every time!  for some reason life just always gets in the way.  i've got an insane week next week but i'm hoping to get at least one or two things made for harper next week.  if you haven't signed up yet it's not too late!  you can find more info on kids clothes week challenge on elsie marley here.

i hope to finally be over this cold, sipping tea, knitting and sewing up a storm and relishing in the company of my family.  happy gobble gobble!!!  what are your plans this weekend?  any fellow canadians out there celebrating thanksgiving? are you planning on joining in for kcwc?

wishing you all a wonderful, yummy, gobbly, tea filled, cozy fall day kinda weekend.  see you next week! xoxo

summer sweater knit along - starring you!

woodstove made by celticcaston

before i began even writing this post i got teary eyed. seriously, i LOVE our knitting kal's.  it's amazing to be part of this loving, supportive and wonderfully talented group of women i am lucky to call my friends.  it's amazing to live all over the world yet we all rush on when we get a free moment to spare to chat, encourage and just drool over each other's knitting progress.  i've said it before that this has always been a dream of mine and each and every time we have a kal i feel so blessed to have gotten to know so many wonderful women.  so thank you to each and every one of you.  for the laughs, the virtual hugs, the shoulders to lean on, the advice, the recipes, the pics, the smiles, the likes and just for being you.  i can't wait for the next one!!!!  

and now.....check them all out!  aren't they freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!  here are some of the finished projects from our summer sweater knit along 2012!!!!  starring you my dears!!! 

campus jacket made by mamatronic

silken straw sweater made by schaetzchen

chalkstone made by celtic cast on

nanook made by tanis fiber arts

1. chuck and 2. colorblock -  made by celtic cast on

1. peabody 2. bayside pullover 3. contigous 4. nanook

1. julissa 2. folded 3. westwood blouse 4. classic raglan pullover

umbrellas made by annie claire

1. levenwick 2. abalone 3. watercourse

1. amiga 2. lighthousekeepers wife 3. cloudy sunday 4. lucinda 5. rocky coast cardigan 6. suzanne 7. hine 8. umbrellas 9. $5 in paris

1. sibella pullover 2. i heart aran 3. farrah

wispy cardi by ava's mom

1. capricious 2. shapely boyfriend 3. tourist sweater 4. vertebrae

kindling made by cherylmac

1. aidez 2. dark & stormy 3. driftwood

shrug made by 3pumpkinslittle

 a big special thank you as well to our awesome ravelry group moderators kelly (celtic cast on), sandra (3pumpkinslittle) and rebecca (nook).  you guys are the best and i appreciate all of your time and energy. i couldn't do it without you!

and let's hear it for our kal sponsors! yeehaw! just wait till you see what's up for grabs next week for our giveaway!!! i can't wait!!!

additional sponsors:

joji locatelli

you can follow along with all things summer sweater knit along:
 

ravelry group  |  blog  |  flickr group

 do you have a blog post showing off your finished kal project? link up below! i can't wait to see!!!  and congrats to all of you for knitting along!  even if you're not done i'm thrilled just to be knitting with you! xoxo