I’ve mentioned a few times how wonderful my baby shower was, now you can see for yourself.  I have the best friends and family. Thank you ALL again so, so much.

It was a day I’ll never forget — these ladies put in a ton of work and I appreciate it more than you know. I love you!

We played a very fun and funny game where my mom and I had to race to hang baby clothes on a clothes line, while talking on the phone and holding the baby. My mom won — but she had 5 kids to practice with!

Bloomsbury Completed.  Photos by my sister Betsy.

Join me in wishing Kara a very happy 29th!  I hope this is the best year of your life :)This adorable baby pod was hand knit by our mother.  It is the sweetest cutest.  Mom please leave the details of pattern & yarn in the comment section :)

This handknit was another shower gift. This one was made by my great knitting friend, Carole. She is an excellent knitter and this project is no exception. I love this sweet little Paulette dress. Check out her blog!

Thank you Carole! I love everything about this and appreciate the time, effort and love you put into this project!

I am the youngest of 5 girls and as all 4 of my sisters will tell you, I was spoiled as a child. But it didn’t only last while I was a child, it continued on into my teens and 20′s. And now that I’m married I continue to be spoiled by my parents, sisters, husband and friends. But boy oh boy — I feel sooooo lucky. I plan to pass some of my spoiling onto baby Stanley, who is already getting more than her fair share!

A week ago Saturday my friends and family hosted a baby shower for me. It was stunning and beyond generous. Words do not describe my thanks and love I have for them and everyone who came. Thank you so so much Katie, Ashley, Betsy, Colleen and Kristen. The next week or so of blog posts are going to be snapshots from the shower and of all the incredible hand-knits I was given. You will be so impressed and inspired by all the talent these ladies have, I know I was left in awe!

First up is a pair of hand knit booties from my sister Katie (a.k.a. Aunt Katie).  Are these not the cutest little pair of shoes you’ve ever seen?

And the dress?  Ok, it couldn’t be anymore perfect! I truly cannot wait to put my little girl into this outfit!

Pattern: Spring Breath Booties
Dress: Mini Boden

In other news, my superfly, fancy camera is broken and on it’s way back to Canon for a repair as we speak.  This means I’m 3 weeks from having a baby and no camera on hand to pack into the hospital bag. I’m borderline hyperventilating by the thought of not having it at the hospital with us.  Cross your fingers it returns fully functional in about a week or so and that Baby Stanley doesn’t not arrive before then!

Sewamelie a new favorite Etsy shop of ours.

Our friend Holly started an incredible shop full of hand sewn diaper bags, knitting bags, baby burp cloths and hair accessories.  Holly is a very talented seamstress, the bags are perfection!  I scooped up this adorable knitting bag for myself, and it is now holding all my needles and notions in one organized place.  The fabrics are trendy and well coordinated.  Another favorite of mine.  Quick get it before its gone ;) 

It seems like every time I go into a yarn store, I walk out with at least one skein of pink yarn. I just can’t help myself, I have so many things I want to make for my little girl on the way. On a recent trip to the yarn shop I came across this lovely magenta Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and it just so happened to be on sale – of course I had to scoop it up. I knew it would turn into a blanket when I bought it, but didn’t know which pattern I’d use at the time.  As you might have noticed, I’m on a major Brooklyn Tweed spree lately (see girasole and topiary just to name a few) so I decided on the Wool Leaves pattern.

This was a very quick knit because I held the yarn double and it is knit on size 13 needles.  I was able to make the blanket – start to finish – in about 24 hours total.  I loved this pattern. It’s very easy, the chart was easy to memorize and it moves quickly on such large needles and yarn. I will most definitely make this blankie again! 

Isn’t the pillow the perfect match too?  I needed a few throw pillows for the bed we have set up in the nursery and as soon as I saw this little guy I just had to have him!

Ravelry Project

I am thrilled to have a new man in my life.  Meet Mr. Harrison Warren Skinner.   He came into this world at a healthy 9lbs 6oz, 22.5″ long!  He is as happy and as peaceful as can be. He is an absolute doll. His mother and father are lucky to have such a little sweetheart.

Of course as his “Auntie Kara”, I had to have a little handmade gift for him, but probably much to his mother’s surprise, it wasn’t a handknit.  Instead, this time I tried my hand at quilting again.

Here he is enjoying a little time on his new blankie.

I can’t get over how cute the monkey pants are!

Since finishing this quilt, I have taken the scraps of fabric left over from my nursery room wall art project and have cut them into 2.5″ strips to make another quilt for baby Stanley. I am really enjoying this new craft — just don’t look too close, I’m not perfect with the sewing machine quite yet!

Congratulations Aly & Chris on your bundle of JOY!

Dear Harrison,
You are a beautiful little miracle and we are SO happy you are here. We can’t wait to watch you grow into a beautiful boy and handsome young man. We love you so much already.
Love,
The Stanleys

He’s sick.

But I’m ready.
Good luck staying healthy!