I picked up a project that has been laying dormant for about 8 months.  I had made an error and set it aside, there it has been waiting for me to rip back and begin again.  It is  a beautiful shawl called Echo Flowers, a very popular free pattern written by  Jenny Johnson Johnen.  Do you have that issue too?  If I make an error I get discouraged, such a quitter!  I am so happy I picked it back up, I pulled out about 9 rows and I am back on track.  The Madelinetosh Prairie Terra is so bright and cheerful for spring and summer.

We have a ton of projects around our house (yay for Kevin.)  Our mudroom is a total catch-all for bats, balls, cleats, sweatshirts and lots of mud.  We decided to make a bench with room underneath for baskets to catch all the paraphernalia.    Pinterest is a very dangerous place that I enjoy hanging out.  I find so many projects for Kev to keep busy with.  This is our mudroom before:  (or during)

This is today’s progress to date.  I still need to paint everything and pick out a color for walls above the paneling.  I’m thinking of going with a light blue and then accenting with navy and gold.  Not sure yet.  The trim and paneling color is powder sand (I just love the name.)

I have a new favorite drink, next to coffee that is.  Sweet mint tea.  I’ve been drinking it by the gallon.  I simmer a large amount of mint in a pot with regular tea bags for a couple hours, then add a bit of powdered sweet iced tea mix.  (I know it is not specific, but you get the idea)  The combo is perfection and so refreshing!The weather has been beyond beautiful this week, even yesterdays rain was welcomed.  I completed my planting for the front yard (I’m hoping for no late frosts :)  Pink begonias & yellow lantana were purchased at Cabin Hill Nursery in Ellington CT.

I have found the ideal project to knit while holding a sleeping baby! It is the Honey sweater by Amy Miller. It’s great because it’s so simple and straight forward. It’s knit in the round; top down.  The increases and striping are keeping it interesting but I like the fact that it’s all just knit so it doesn’t require too much concentration. It’s a great project for just picking it up and knitting a few rows when you can.

I’m using Madelinetosh Lace (held double) in Turquoise and Madelinetosh Tosh light in Antique lace (single).  I wasn’t sure if using the two different weights would give me a ripple effect with the striping, but it doesn’t. It’s turning out much nicer than I expected!

Remember Katie’s version?

Katie is out with Grandma Midge today which reminds me I had some pictures I wanted to share.  Last week Katie, Colleen and I took Grandma out for her 91st birthday.  She looks great, doesn’t she?  She’s a good Grandma and has been a nonstop knitter since we were little. ‘Gotta love her for that.

 

 

I am back into the swing of knitting and have a few projects on my needles that have been getting daily attention. It feels good to be knitting again.  I’ve mastered holding Brooklyn in the crook of my arm as she sleeps and while I knit. It makes me excited for the day that I can teach her how!

Last week I finished Sirin which is a spring/summer tank made in a worsted weight yarn.

             I really enjoyed this knit because it was quick and the variation in pattern kept things interesting.  I used Spud & Chloe sweater yarn in the sweater weight and waterslide color.

I started this project while I was still pregnant and was really unsure of how it would fit when it was done.  While I’m happy that it fits at all, I’ll be even happier with the fit after we lose a few more baby lbs. Sometimes knitting in the summer slows down because it’s hard to imagine knitting a warm winter sweater in the heat, but if you want to keep your summer knitting going, I’d recommend this knit! Ravelry project here.

We just got back from our very first trip as a family of 3. We went to Delray Beach in Florida for a long weekend with two other families of 3. Ready for this? It ends up being 6 adults, a 9 month old baby, a 4 month old baby and 2 month old baby. People told us we were crazy, but we didn’t care.  Good thing it didn’t stop us because we had a blast! We even survived 2 airplane rides without incident or meltdown. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, it was mid 80′s and total sun each day. The beach was lovely, the waves were a blast and the water was warm! Are you jealous yet?  This will be a vacation I will cherish for a very long time. Like I told my husband…we gotta plan the next one!

The dads…

and the moms..

Brooklyn really loved the warm weather, the sunshine and the breeze. She was in her glory!  Her bright blue eyes are sensitive though so we had to pick up a pair of stylin’ sunglasses for her.  She liked those too!

I got to try out some of her summer clothes. It was fun playing dress up and I think she thought she was pretty cute too!

But no matter how many cute outfits we had, there is nothing better to a baby than being naked.

   

A few frame-ables

This is Logan. He’s a 9 month old little sweetheart who loves to go go go! Before our trip we picked up a few beach tents.  Best money we’ve spent in a long time.  They are SPF material and they zip and they stay cool inside. The set up is a snap – you just pull a string and it pops open. If you have a little one and you’re headed to the beach this summer, I highly recommend this tent. Logan would play for hours in the tent, protected from the sun and happy.  That way his mommy could relax a little!

He did give the sand a taste, not so sure he liked it.  Good thing daddy was there to the rescue!

This is Harrison.  He’s an easy goin’ handsome little guy. He is very loved by his mommy and daddy. Can’t you see why? He’s beautiful!

He liked hanging out in the tent too!

Harrison liked the water, unlike Brooklyn who hated it!

She’s a happy girl when she’s on the beach!     

She got a little sad when I told her we were goin’ home, but if this is a preview of how our summer will be, it’s going to be a goooood summer!

Is almost over and it has been a whirlwind!  I am finally back to knitting and loving every minute I can spare for a few stitches.  We enjoyed a few days in Pennsylvania during school vacation.  The blooming trees and green grass were invigorating!  I am also pleased to announce that “we” (okay Ry) mowed the lawn yesterday and I drank an iced coffee!  YAY!  Summer is coming!I am making progress on my test knit and  love the yarn and pattern – the shoulder construction is perfection.Enjoy the sunshine!

Remember this cute lil elephant onsie?

Well it’s a lot cuter now!

 

Let’s look at those blue eyes a little closer, shall we?

She’s such a doll!

Yes, that is a cheesy title, but it really does describe this post best — ideas I’ve seen on Pinterest that have given me inspiration. Now, I just have to execute, but after collecting these treasures at last night’s auction I am well on my way…I think!

(Sorry ’bout the garbage cans)

So what have I got planned for these goodies?  Let’s label them so you can see!

A – The floor mirror  I’ve been diggin’ these lately.  This one needs nothing but a good cleaning. It’s got some really good aging and is extremely heavy duty. I’ve seen them at HomeGoods for a minimum of $100.  This one I scored for $50. I think I got a deal. Here are just a few I had seen on pinterest that got my wheels turning. (Images are linked if you want to view the original source)

B & C – Table turned Ottoman – I think I found the exact table as seen in the pin!  What I really like about the upholstered ottomans?  With a toddler in my near-ish future, I like the fact that when she falls and hits her head (because it’s bound to happen) it’ll be a soft landing! No hard table corners to freak over. The total for all 3 tables I got? $40.

D – Window pane mirrors – Again, I found a pretty good option for these.  The color might match the living room or I might end up repainting the panes, but either way…after a quick cleaning and maybe a little paint I’ll have just what I was looking for.  All 4 mirrors were just $30. I really like how it makes the room look larger!

Once we’re all moved into the house and everything is in its rightful place, I’ll share photos of the final pieces!

 

We are praying for the victims, families, friends and loved ones involved in the tragic Boston bombings today.  I found this photo I took one year ago on Boylston St.

We had an awesome weekend working around our house, planting, mulching, and hanging out.  I know it is early, but I planted lettuce, beets, brussel sprouts, peas, & cabbage.  I had so much fun digging in the dirt.  I needed strait rows, and had no string…but plenty of yarn.  Malabrigo comes in handy so often :)  You never know the wonderful uses of all that stash!Darren was my little helper, I love how excited he gets over each worm he finds. 

This morning we did have a frost, I just went outside before the sun hit the plants and watered them.  So far, so good!  If we are going to have a real heavy frost I will cover the plants with sheets.

I had some knitting time as well, and have made progress on my test knit.  Updates soon!