kcwc: bits and bobs

Not the most masculine garment for my little man, but I couldn't get this amazing knit hood off my mind and I had just enough stretch jersey to make a sewn version...sort of. Turns out that 3 year olds are incredibly understanding of your whims as long as you put an animal button on it. Anywhere. So we're calling this the "Ted the Skunk Hood" and Milo has happily worn it out in public. It's soft, ties nicely and has a hand sewn black grosgrain ribbon along the inside edge to cover the one unsightly seam (anytime I hand sew something it feels oh-so-satisfying). Ted the Skunk is from this little collection of forest animal baby buttons that Milo just had to have. I think he realizes that I'm easily convinced when shopping in fabric stores. Oh, and I'm responsible for those unfortunate bangs of his. Oops.

Next up, a drapey cardigan for Sadie which I first tried during the spring KCWC. Unfortunately I copied the original while Sadie was at school so it ended up a bit small (what, kids grow?). I fixed up the approach though - last time I cut straight slits to insert the sleeves into which resulted in holes because it was too much pressure on the seam at the two points. This time I measured the sleeve cap circumference and drafted an egg shape the same size and then cut that out. It worked perfectly! I've since made one more bigger which I'll post next time.

The fabric is especially dreamy. It's organic cotton knit, two thin layers held together in a subtle grid pattern. Perfect for baby clothes and pajamas, it's so soft. It's probably not very practical for a kid who pulls paint out everyday, but oh well. With such a simple rectangular shape the fabric could easily be repurposed later. The cardigan takes less than an hour to make - there's only 3 pieces to cut, and you could get away with only two seams to sew if you like raw edges. Perfect for the one-hour-a-day challenge.

More tomorrow!  And check out the latest in the KCWC Flickr pool.

kcwc: fall edition

It's that [exciting, inspiring, satisfying] time of the year again - the week of working on kids clothes for at least an hour a day (aka KCWC). Last fall I started with knitting too because I find it hard to start sewing when I have an unfinished knitting project sitting around. Especially one destined for a kid. So I wove in the ends, steam blocked and put some toggle buttons on this sweater for Sadie. The pattern is the simple, much-loved Cap Sleeve Sweater modified this time to be a cardigan (Sadie's request). The wool was reclaimed from a sweater I made years ago and it's taken me a while to figure out how to use it. One thing I learned is that as much as I love the colours of Noro's Kureyon, my hands just don't like it. I can get excema on my hands and this time I broke out exactly where the wool was wrapping around my fingers. So, no more Noro for me. Cute stripey sweater for Sadie.

Then this is a total cheat: I cut out a scarf for Sadie from some bargain striped knit fabric. Yes - I mean there was no sewing, just cutting a straight rectangle. But you wouldn't believe how happy this makes her. She was able to practice the new knot my friend taught us (who just returned from Paris with fancy French knots to share). Scarves like this are a big deal to Sadie right now and I have an urgent request from her for a knit cowl too. Guess kids are into neckwear this year.

I've also got some more Canadian reading to share. Admittedly, I read Inside by Alix Ohlin for the cover (and yes, I will also buy wine based on label design). Luckily it was mostly worth it. I enjoyed it, but as I sit here writing, I realize I have very little to say about it. The characters were interesting and shared a connection with a central woman who is a therapist in Montreal, but the other details are a little fuzzy. Turns out it's the cover I remember most, though there is a great review at the Amazon link which makes me think I just missed the point. The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger however, was far more memorable for me. We've been watching Downton Abbey so I was immediately drawn to the story of a British Lady's maid. Although I cannot understand Sally's unwavering allegiance to a "Lady" - or anyone of the upper, upper class - the insight was fascinating and the African setting was equally compelling. I felt emotional for Sally, and was near tears when she had to do the unthinkable (but my 21st century perspective made it hard to imagine there weren't other choices). It was a swift, great read.

For more knitting and reading stories visit today's Yarnalong and for kids clothes inspiration make sure to check out the KCWC Flickr pool.

dress success

This post of Meg's from KCWC caught my eye last spring, and not only because Kelli makes some amazing kids clothes. The dress she is wearing in the centre photo looks amazing on her and it lead me straight to Megan Neilsen's patterns. Not that I went on a hunt for the pattern but when I saw that the Workroom in Toronto had some new patterns in I pretty much jumped in the car.

I checked out any post I could find about the Darling Ranges Dress pattern so I was loaded with great user information. I love the straight-forward instructions and honest measurements. Of course, those measurements are exactly what became my challenge - even the XS was too large for me in the chest (yes, after two kids my chest has shrunk to a size smaller than I had in high school). I had it in my mind that I needed the bodice to be fitted so that the dress had shape (although Kelli's version doesn't seem as fitted and I love how she can wear a belt with it). Anyway, I made a number of modifications to the bodice, including making the bust dart smaller, raising the neckline 2 inches and adding two vertical darts in the back. This resulted in a good fit for me. But even though I made it smaller, the XS sleeve had no ease at all. In fact, it was too small so I had to cut out the S piece instead. Truthfully, I think I'll make a larger cap next time around so there is some ease because it pulls a bit tight across the cap for me now. Otherwise everything went together great and I'm really happy with the dress. I've already worn it to work twice, so it's definitely a keeper. A comfortable keeper.

The fabric I used is a cotton eyelet, and since you can't possibly get through a garment without some kind of mistake - here's mine: I used the wrong side of the fabric. Seriously. Can I blame low lighting? It doesn't bother me too much though. The eyelets mean I have to wear a slip and for a reason I can't remember I used a fuschia gingham bias tape which you can see at the neckline through the holes. Hmm. And I didn't have 10 buttons that matched so I alternated between black glass buttons (love) and plastic ones (not so much love). But these are small details and overall I really like it. It's on the cute side of things but works well with a cardigan. Perfect.

More Darling Ranges to come.

knitting & reading roundup

The weather turned so suddenly that I didn't get a chance to block this shawl before wearing it. No, that's not entirely true - I just don't really have the space to block anything, not to mention I could have worn any number of shawls or scarves. I suppose I'm just impatient.

I followed the pattern for the Blackburn Reversible Shawl, which was simple and satisfying. The yarn is a camel/silk blend I picked up at Rosehaven Farms last summer in Picton and it's very soft and cozy (the camel only makes up 30% of the fibre). There is a very subtle sheen thanks to the silk but also a nice halo - which seems to suit the natural ivory colour perfectly. Overall it's an easy-to-wear shawl, blocked or not.

I've been reading more Canadian authors for the Canadian Book Challenge. I loved Elizabeth Hay's Student of Weather, so I was pretty excited to start Alone in the Classroom. Most folks know Hay for Late Nights on Air, but I struggled getting through that novel.  Not so with these other novels. Both hooked me immediately and again, I couldn't put this one down. It's funny though - I disliked the narrator, but luckily she didn't become known until the last third of the story. The main character, a woman named Connie Flood, was incredibly interesting. Her only flaw (if it really is a flaw) was falling for unattainable men, but her independence was refreshing, and the characters who were drawn to her had similarly strong egos. The settings were richly Canadian and the themes compelling (though I'm a little lost about the connection between Parley Burns and the murdered girl). 

Next up was Everybody Has Everything by Katrina Onstad, which shows that subway advertising for books works! I applaud tackling the theme of questioning motherhood - surely it's not for everybody, but I understand the topic is practically taboo. Yet when the mother-in-law explained that the ability to withstand the identity loss motherhood demands all depends on who you were to begin with (further saying you need "the genetic structure to withstand such change"), I was disappointed. This idea seems to smack of judgement since she's saying if you can't deal with change, you won't deal well with motherhood. It seems to be a negative approach to understanding the issue, but that's just my opinion. As for the novel itself, it's funny to read a story set in your own city - I had a hard time taking it seriously when I knew all the references. But I laughed out loud at a description of why urban people love rustic design. It was so true and I'm totally guilty of finding what I think of as accidental beauty (ie. barn beams) appealing. I'm hopelessly urban and it was fun to laugh at myself. A decent read overall.

For more knitting and reading inspiration visit today's Yarnalong.

september blues

As a kid, I couldn't wait for school to start. As a teenager too - I was just that kind of kid. But my mom was always a little sad around Labour Day, and as with most things you can't understand until you're a mother yourself, now I totally get why she felt that way.

The end of summer seems to mark so much more than the end of blueberries and bathing suits. The first day of school means your child is another year older, and this is starting to hit me more than it does on a birthday (personally, I think it must have something to do with associating all my childhood memories with what grade I was in). When I started this blog Sadie was a baby.  This week that baby began Grade 3. Grade 3! I don't know where the time has gone, but now I have the first day of school as a startling reminder that it is hurtling past much too quickly. And I'm no longer an excited student, just a wistful mother helping plan outfits for the first day of school.

So, on a happier note - some sewing took place to help with the aforementioned outfit. Sadie chose my new piece of Robert Kaufman's cotton/linen chambray for me to make a skirt with, and she was very sure of her ribbon selection. I tried to persuade her that black ribbon on blue wasn't the best but soon heard what I was doing (meaning, I was forcing my taste on her) and stopped.  Black on blue it was, and truthfully, it's a really cute combo. The skirt is super basic though for the life of me I can't find the original tutorial for it - but it's the formula that only has one seam and the hem is finished with ribbon. Simple and satisfying - even when a 3 year old is sitting in your lap while you sew (funny, Sadie never did this!).

Speaking of blueberries, it was an excellent summer for them. And so I'll just do my best to remember our blueberry moments and not what grade my girl is in. After all, she's still my girl.

moment in time

Two weeks into the reno and it's full-on chaos. I'm not yet used to having a toilet on the front lawn, but the resident "mighty machine" is a fun sight every morning.  It's the big gaping hole that's a little bit disconcerting.

This is that big gaping hole up close. Scary, right? I mean, that's the front door up there, a mere 8 inches from nothing. Not to mention I took this photo from a place previously underground. So weird.

Amidst the jackhammering and dust, I had a day alone in the house (well, alone from my family, not alone from a construction crew). With that time I finished up a quilt for Sadie. Now that Sadie and Milo share a room, I've been trying to make them similar-but-different bedding. I had a double size red corduroy quilt in storage so I cut it in half and then made a single patchwork border along one side. I chose different fabrics and binding to suit my lady and little guy, but the red is a nice, warm similarity. If their room is ever tidy I'll try and take a photo of the finished quilts. But that's a big if.

This is the wee work corner I have set up in Milo's old bedroom until the basement is finished. What you can't see is that I share this small space with the cat litter. Oh well, small sacrifices. At least during this chaos I can still make.

Only 4 and a half months to go.

of yarn and foxes

More small scale knitting, this time for a charming little guy named Charlie. He was born in May and already has a smile that melts hearts. This teeny hat is made from Mission Falls Superwash which has been discontinued for a while now. I stocked up last year on a few neutral colours and any red I found and it comes in handy for quick baby gifts. I mean, you can wash it! Awesome.

We were away in Prince Edward County last week and I managed to catch up on a lot of reading. The most fun novel by far was Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi (unfortunately the shawl pattern I was trying wasn't nearly as enjoyable). I struggled keeping the characters' voices straight, but it didn't really matter. The storytelling was magical and quirky and addictive. Oh, and incredibly clever. So what for my lazy brain! I had visions of Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox in my head most of the time I was reading this, but considering the cover and the fairytale structure, it probably wasn't so far off. I think the premise - the emotional reckoning of a male writer who always kills off his female characters - is such an compelling idea. Oyeyemi's style is refreshing and original, and I was reminded of my first introduction to Jeanette Winterson. Totally fun.

But the shawl...not so much. For more knitting and reading stories, visit today's Yarnalong.

diversions

Mortgage renewing, tax filing, permit getting and basement emptying - such is the stuff of life these days. It makes for really dull conversation and adds dust to my sewing machine. But making things keeps me sane, so I try to fit a bit of knitting into each day and there's always a book to fall into late at night until I can't keep my eyes open any longer.

This small knitting project is from this free pattern for tiny trees. It's super easy and such a great way to use scraps. I have visions of making a whole forest of these but maybe that vision is more appropriate for another season, not this overly humid July.

As for the novel the wee tree is sitting upon, wow did I love it. A few years ago Ami McKay's The Birth House finally got me out a long reading rut. Her voice was fresh and the story was utterly compelling, so I was eager to try The Virgin Cure. I waited for the paperback (which took patience) and finally the book arrived this month. The horrific slums of 1870's New York City came to life on the page and the 12 year old main character, Moth, was so fascinating. The troubling account of the options available to a poor, orphaned city girl makes for a rather dark story but McKay is able to add flavour and simple humanity in a way that makes the story almost charming. It's a unique style, but I think it is exactly what makes me enjoy McKay's writing so much.

This represents my first book for the 6th Canadian Book Challenge, which just started on July 1st and runs until Canada Day next year. The goal is to read 13 books by Canadian authors, and if you're interested you can join the challenge at the link above. I have done this challenge twice before and it's such a great way to discover new Canadian novels. Now that Milo is older I figure I can manage a reading challenge again, and this novel was certainly an excellent start.

For other knitting and reading suggestions, visit today's Yarnalong.

pink ladies

Just before Craftsy decided it couldn't ship to Canada anymore (really? it's that challenging? I'm thinking about you too Zappos!) I stocked up on some yummy Rowan Amy Butler Belle Organic DK. Sadie loved the colour and she was sure her Gramma would too. So I had two projects quickly lined up, and Gramma's was finished just in time for her birthday.

Now I don't get the chance to say this often, but my mom is one pretty lady. She dressed up in red for her birthday which was a great setup for the pink shawl (and I love her red sequined headband). I tried to make this shawl a bit bigger than the last Mara I made her, and the garter edge seemed a little more tailored and summer-y than the Mara's usual ruffle. Sadie's version - knit after Gramma's was finished - is an almost exact replica because Sadie shares Gramma's fashion sense and wanted a matching garment. The pink is sweet on her and seeing a kid in a shawl is pretty charming.

I also just finished The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson, another book I'm glad to have stuck with. A few chapters in I almost gave up, but the characters voices finally started to grow on me and I also began to see the wisdom of the story. It's quite a poignant exploration of aging and sickness and I feel like my eyes were really opened to both. 

For more knitting and reading inspiration, visit today's Yarnalong.

summer's seaside

Wearing a cowl on a day of stinking high humidity was definitely not my smartest move. Same goes for knitting a double thickness cowl in the summer. Well, any cowl really.

But you know those days when you just want to start a new project and you're going to be near a yarn store? That's exactly how this happened. In the matter of two hours I purchased Tiny Owl Knits' ships & seaside pattern, visited Lettuce Knit, chose 3 colours of Berroco Ultra Alpaca and started this cowl (the 4th colour was from my stash). The knitting was quick and mindless but I did stall at the grafting. I guess I'm a bit better at the Kitchener Stitch now, but that's after at least 8 starts and a serious commitment to Youtube and it's still not perfect. Luckily it hides well in all the wrapped and folded loveliness of a cowl. Though I'm not entirely sure how much I'll wear this cowl since the colours are a little...not what I'd usually pick? Guess that's what happens when you make a hasty, less-than-2-hour knitting decision. But I do like the pattern and the effect of having one side predominantly one colour.

As for reading, I have finished up two very different novels. First, A Tiny Bit Marvellous which was light, quick, slightly unbelievable but enjoyable nonetheless. The daughter character was frightening in her entitled, yet low-self-esteem teenage way. But in truth, I remember very little now because I was so swept away by Cutting For Stone. Wow. The characters are rich and compelling and the story is heartbreaking and eye-opening. I was hooked from the very first page, and when one of my favourite characters died I wept uncontrollably (which was during a flight and rather hard to conceal, can't they make those drink napkins bigger?). The novel made me think about parenting, love, ambition, culture - substantial themes set inside a wonderful story. A fantastic read.

For more stories of knitting and reading, visit today's Yarnalong.