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So happy to see Henry in a treasury this morning. <3

diff'rent stitches for diff'rent ...

. . . I couldn't think of a word that rhymed with that title without sounding offensive. But I wanted to document the introduction of a new stitch to my knitting repertoire. I stumbled upon this tutorial for the Herringbone Knit Stitch about a month ago, and I've been dying to do it ever since. After catching up on orders, I finally had time to try it out. The second scarf pictured was created with a friend in mind, and is already in the shop. The first scarf will be popping up in a listing soon, but until then, be sure to check out these pictures:

henry's painting

Last week I decided that Henry needed to create a large painting for an empty frame that had been leaning against the wall for months, so I bought some 20x24 canvas boards and mixed colors with watered-down acrylic paints for him. Art circle is his favorite time at preschool, and his crayons and paint markers are always out on the table in his room. When I told him he could make a big painting that we would frame for the apartment, he was incredibly excited.

The painting took a few days and was so much fun to make. I tried giving him advice (which he didn't want or really need, apparently), but the painting was all done by him. I think it's amazing, and now it lives at the top of our stairs right when you walk in the door. Check it out:

mbg for kids

I just crocheted these mini versions of my Unisex Crochet Cowl for Henry to model. He wears them well, but boy is he difficult to photograph when all he wants to do is run around and play. Expect these cute scarves to hit the shop over the next few days.

inspiration overload

Even though we are staying cozy in our apartment, and I'm enjoying the warm scents of vanilla and cappuccino from our new espresso maker, this time of year - particularly the month of January - is never easy for me. I think that's why I have already started daydreaming about the warmer months and trips to the coast.

I have tons of winter yarn that I'd love to move through before the weather gets warmer, but I keep finding myself in that restlessly inspired state, where all I want to do is move on to the new ideas that I have before finishing up the old ones. The pictures below are just a few things that are floating around in my brain these days. I'd love to find a way to translate this antique shell print into knitting, and I can picture cover ups similar to these from Victoria's Secret adapted to knits with very fine yarn on the machine. Last but not least, I am dying to knit a pouf like the one pictured, from Property. I already have the yarn for one in my possession, and it is promised to my mom as soon as it is complete.





I can't wait to put this inspiration to good use ...

happy new year

Banks took me out dancing last night, and it was the best NYE I've ever had. I'm so happy to have him in my life and Henry's, and I'm looking forward to our wonderful future as a family.

2011 was a wonderful year, filled with success and happy moments. I'm excited to see what 2012 has in store, and to share it with the people I love. <3

christmas 2011

Christmas was wonderful this year. Even though I was incredibly busy with nearly 50 hour work weeks and Etsy orders, I still had time to bake with Henry and get the apartment ready for the big day. It was so much fun to decorate the new apartment for the holidays, and I had my first full-sized tree. Of course, the best part of Christmas was sharing the season with family, and watching Henry's excitement build over the weeks leading up to Christmas day. He actually understood the concept of Santa Claus this year and he was so excited to see what was under the tree. I was just as excited for him to see his presents (especially the awesome Melissa & Doug wooden castle), and I actually woke up before he did that day. I made him close his eyes and walk through the living room to the kitchen, where we made monkey bread together and waited for the coffee to brew before settling in to open presents. Check out the pictures below. :)

Last but not least, my favorite present from Banks: interchangeable circular needles from Knit Picks!