smiles and waves

 Isn't Eva just edible?
What you don't  get from these pictures is the sweet squeals and cooing sounds that come from this wiggly cutie, nor do you hear the rest of her Tia's and her Mama speak all kinds of lovey things, nor can you feel her chubby hands and cheeks.

You're missing out.

One of the things I love about being a Tia, is the excuse it gives me to knit all sorts of things for my adorable nieces and nephew (remember this knitted dress?). Though enjoyable, this project took me a bit more time to complete than I'd like, due mostly to the concentration I needed to get the hang of the lace pattern and I can only take so much of the stockinette pattern but at long last it is completed and more importantly, it still fits her. :)

 For this project, I used the Wave Jumper pattern from this book (thank you, library!); the blue wool from England (via my Dad on one of his business trips), the green wool from one of the craft shows at Homestead Heritage, and the buttons are re-purposed from an unworn jacket. The pattern was easy peasy to figure out and looks like it'll fit Eba for months to come, or at least until this weather stays cool. ;)

I probably won't be doing any personal knitting for a while as I have a few other projects on "the list" but after those are completed, I'd love to find yarn for this delightful shawlette or this super cute sweater.
What's on your project list?

Knitting for a Bun in the Oven

Today I finished the second sweater for the wee one my sister is brewing.

Remember, I'm in Austin! Read here to follow my mini adventures in the Weird city.

That's really where I'll be sharing most of my thoughts and accounts from my time here.

Back to the pattern!

It was so easy peasy, lemon squeezy, a great one-skein project, and I don't have to block it (another nice feature)!

Here are the notes for you ravelry members.

Did I mention fast? My "To-Do" list caused this project to go on longer than it would have but I can see getting this project done in a day or so.

No dpns and so simple, I could drop and pick it up with no problem,

the lace pattern was simple enough but still looks like more than a few yarn overs and knit together's.

All that it needs is a button and a baby to try it on for size!

More pictures on that soon, you can be sure. :)

I'm so excited to see what this new addition will look like; each of Chris and Nicole's children are so different, what will this little, nameless dumpling look like??

Summer Sweater Fun

{Quince & Co.}

I'm very excited to be presenting this great knit-a-long from

luninthemommyhood!

What's a knit-a-long, you ask? Well, it's a fun motivator for knitters during the

hot summer months, basically meaning that you sign up to make a sweater

before the fall. This Summer Sweater KAL has you making your sweater from

June 15th to September 1st--seems like a long time but when you have a plethora

of other projects it's just the right amount of time. :)

I've decided on which project and now I'm thinking of "just the right" sort of

yarn! (I'll be sharing those details later!)

I'm hoping to write a "progress post" each week as well as a

picture of how things are going.

Please let me know if you plan on joining and what you're making!

{Today}

{Oh, Hello Friend}

Today I am...

...enjoying my study of the brain, this is the third chapter in my journey through Intro to Psych.

...excited about the Gospel-Centered Marriage Conference this October! Anyone planning on going? Let me know!

...working on this adorable cardi for my newest niece--so sweet.

...reminded how much I love knitting for the special people in my life (see above).

...savoring what I heard in this wonderful sermon: Facts About Joy.

...inspired by this lookbook.

...wondering why exactly a wee cup of coffee makes me so extremely jittery.

...wishing the above statement was not true, as I love the taste and smell of coffee, especially the kind my dear Mum makes. It's a wonderful social center for us, and I have to pretend with my teeny drop and lots of cream!

...still very much in love with green smoothies (I think/hope it will be a lifelong thing).

...missing my sister, yes, I know I just saw her Sunday...

...wanting a skirt, heels, and basket just like the ones in the picture above.

...loving my new headband! (more on that later)

How was your day?

Magpie Ideas

{Design*Sponge}

So, on one of my study breaks (yes, I do take study breaks), I was perusing various design blogs for ideas and I came across so many that I had to share with you!

Enjoy.

First of all, I was thinking of the lack of fun, spring pillows on my sister's sofa, then I saw a DIY for this cute floral one with a HUGE poppy in the middle: I love this pillow.

Also, I remembered how much I love sweaters and saw a pattern for this sweater

which I just love! Can so picture fixing an early cup of tea in this...hmm...

Then, I remembered my sewing project and came across this adorable pattern;

possible tea towels anyone? They make great hostess gifts!

After finding out that my sister is have a GIRL, I've gone a bit batty in my knitting ideas for the newest Webb offspring, I present to you this sweet sweater.

Yes, the baby will-Lord willing-be born in July,

but this could be for the off chance that she will be chilly.

But wait, there's more!

Here is a patter for a baby sweater with some pretty cute button patterns.

Most of these ideas came from Magpie Patterns, check it out,

there's some pretty fun ideas that will fill your work basket!

Ode to Sweaters

{Sorry, source is unknown at this time--contact me if you have the info}

Confession:

I have a slight obsession with knitted sweaters.

Unfortunately I don't currently live in a climate to encourage this sweater collecting hobby (maybe that's a good thing), so I content myself with magazine clippings and imaginations--

for now at least :)

Most shapes and sizes will do the trick,

sweaters for lounging, for walking on the beach, for trips to the market, or just because.

They're simply wonderful.

Have I completed one in reality? Well, no--but I'm working on it!

More to come on that note :)

So, straight from Quince & Co., the Belfast Hoodie has been added to my mental list of sweaters to make.

When I make time to cast on another sweater (yes, I have one on the needles at the moment), I think this one may just be next--

I'll be saving my milk money to buy the pattern on this one I think.

Anything you're saving for?

Shalom

Well, here is my new pattern!

I got it though Involving the Senses via Amanda Soule (Mrs. Soule used more of a cream yarn and also added sleeves.)

It looks like a great one to have around here in Houston and can be done many ways! I'm really looking forward to making something for myself, aside from various scarves that is :)

Right now I'm finishing up a few baby items but I'm itching to go to the yarn store and begin casting on for this one. This is also be my first sweater (no really, it is), so that should be interesting. Although this seems like a simple pattern because there are no sleeves, multiple button holes, or a collar of any kind.

Be looking for updates and pictures on my first sweater (Yes, really)!

Seven hours, knitting with friends, and some joint pain oils later...

It is finished!

Now Dad's head will no longer be a wee bit chilly (and just in time for this weekend); naturally, if I were living up north I would have done this much sooner in time for the snow!

I must say that this pattern nearly took me to tears. I've never (no really, never) been bored by a knitting pattern but this one really tried me. But just when I thought I would die knitting three and purling two, it was time to decrease! And that is my favorite part of this hat. I would definately suggest this one if you have a free weekend or just want something simple to occupy you during the week. Plus you could do all sorts of fun stripes and patterns!

"The Dad Hat"

::Right, so I have this habit of forgetting past projects. I admit.

This is not the first manly thing I've ever knitted but it is in fact the third.

I know what you're thinking, "Elena, you got paid for those projects! Don't you remember something that you were paid for?"

You would think that I would remember the past two manly projects but...well...

I didn't. So sorry!::

Here is a picture of the Boyfriend Hat that I got from Ravelry.

(another great knit and crochet site!)

I confess, I've never knitted anyting manly.
Ever.

::Ahem, please read red print above::
My fancy has always leaned towards the cute and pretty patterns.
But today is a new day and my Dad's head is a wee bit chilly,
thus "the Dad Hat" is in the knitting process.
And since I live here in Houston,
I think I had better get a move on before our mid to low sixties weather leaves!