knubbelchen :: little gnome

When I pulled out my extra yarn the other day to share with Lydia, one of the unfinished projects I discovered was the hat for a little gnome that I began knitting before Evangeline was born.  The knubbelchen pattern is available as a free Ravelry download. The doll itself has been complete for quite some time, patiently waiting for her hat and a proper face.  I think I began knitting the hat around Christmas of last year.  As you can see it really is not a very large or complicated piece to knit, so why has it taken me so long to finish?  I love to knit and would spend hours of each day happily stitching away if that were at all possible or practical.  Sometimes though, the very children for whom I am attempting to sew or knit for can, with their eager interest, slow the process way down.  And sometimes I find it easier to just put the project away for another time.  

Crafting with my children is still something that I am striving to find balance in.  How to craft *with* them and still be present and not completely focused on my own work. Learning to have greater patience, and be grateful that they show such an interest in the work I'm doing.  I have found that it helps to work on simple things while the children are right there with me, and to give them materials and tools of their own to work with.  I've also found that long car rides are a fantastic opportunity for mostly un-interupted knitting time, thanks to Robert for always driving on such occasions.  

As my girls grow, I look forward to involving them in my crafting even more.  I think it may be time to get some burlap for Lydia to practice sewing with.  And I need to learn how to finger knit so that when she is ready I can teach her that as well.

How do you involve your children in with your crafting? 

:: simple things ::

These days I find myself attempting to take each new day as it comes  and pausing to take note and appreciate the simple things that bring joy to my life.  Once you start looking you may find that your life is full of simple joys.  It is the simple things that bring true beauty and wonder into our lives.

~ Icicles melting in the warm afternoon sun.  A welcome site after such bitter cold.
~ Soft scrumptious yarn waiting to be transformed into cherished hand knits.
~ Having a dear friend watch my girl so that I can go to the store *alone* to pick out said yarn.
~ Seeing a beautiful pattern emerge from that yarn as I follow each instruction step by step. 
~ I can still pick up my baby little girl and rock her to sleep in my arms.
~ Peals of laughter from that same little girl as she plays with her Papa.
~ Getting to see and actually spend *time* with that handsome man after a long hard week.
~ Getting to stay home everyday and watch by baby grow into an amazingly sweet, funny and clever little girl.  Thanks to my wonderful husband for working *so* hard to make that possible!
~ Nap time, bed time, mama time!
~ This little space that helps me see and remember the wonder that can be found in my very own HOME.

Wishing you many simple joys, friend,  as you move through your days.

On My Needles

Two I-Cords.

 The first one I knit was too plump for the job.  So I divided the four strands of the yarn, two and two.

*love*

The perfect drawstrings!

Gray Day

It's a gray day.  Gray but not gloomy, not to me.  These are some of my very *favorite* kinds of days.  The world seems a bit quieter, and home is every so much cozier.  Yes, the perfect day for snuggling sweet babies and baking bread. Oh, yes! Today is most definitely a bread day.  Nothing like warm soft bread fresh from the oven, mmm.  It's these simple comforts, the rhythms we build, that are the essence of H O M E.

On My Needles

Wool Soaker

 I've had this booklet for a while but only recently realized that it has a pattern in it for a knitted diaper soaker.

 I must make this one someday! Doesn't every baby need a hand knit snow suit? And what snow suit is complete without pom-poms?

*My* yoghurt

Grocery shopping.  Not always my favorite endeavor, though much more pleasant with my sweetie by my side (like bringing home out into the world with me).  Toward the end of the trip we made our way to the dairy section.  And they had it, one left, my yoghurt.  Oh, the joy!  So incredibly smooth and creamy you could eat it instead of ice cream. And the best part, the whole reason to get it, the luscious cream top.  Have I ever eaten the whole cream top in one sitting?  I'll never tell!

Generations of warmth

These were found as we cleaned out the home of Robert's youth.  Lovingly stitched by Grandma and Great Grandma, they've kept many babes warm through the years.

It took me a while to realize that this one is wool.  Mmm love that, and the hot pink!

Crocheted with wool, this has to be my favorite, for the wool and oh that pink.

And this one is perfect for a game of . . .

peek-a-boo!

So sweet.

Old Toys, New Joys

I hit the toy jackpot over Thanksgiving holiday at a Tucson thrift store!

Weekend finds

For a long time I have been in love with play kitchens like this, but not so in love with the accompanying price tag.  So, imagine my delight at spotting this little treasure for only $8!!! Not quite as fancy and needs a little work but oh so exciting.  I've got time to spruce it up as Lydia's head is about level with the counter at the moment.

And this lovely folding chalkboard.  I foresee it being useful for homeschooling down the road or just for fun.  Now for some Chalk to start practicing chalkboard drawings.

A sweater to felt and repurpose.  A puppy book for a certain adorable niece and her two Brittany puppies.  And this funny little hand held percussion instrument.  I'm sure you all remember from elementary school music class.

Ah, the joys of thrifting!