here’s a few good things we’ve come across this summer that we’re bringing with us into Fall.

Larissa’s meathead pattern = Little Pip Cap for dressing up;

Littler Pip;

Stephanie’s yogurt pop idea;

sun filled and delicious peaches and best of all, delivered to my front porch from the Okanagan! most of these are frozen now but i plan on making fruit leather for Kindergarten snack boxes;

more kids on the roof for rainy day fun;

it’s big this year. i’m starting easy with Joelle Hoverson’s pashmina cowl only i substituted the cashmere and i’m calling it my alpaca silk cowl;

i’m not sure it was the best substitute as it’s a much finer yarn and really i should have waited for some smaller circulars but i’m following through with it mostly to keep my knitting momentum. i’ve got project goals!  those 5 skeins of charcoal are intended for a pattern i purchased long before i could really knit. i’m sure it was Alison’s fabric choice that sold me BUT before i get that on needles i have some other projects. i’m going to knit myself a sweater. i’m terrified but Jane Richmond’s Oatmeal Pullover looks easy enough for a beginner knitter such as myself.

i’m an all natural gal when it comes to fabrics and fibers so i opted for  some Groovy Dream In Color (funny name since i chose white).

if all goes well shalom is on the list in groovy grey;

for little M - a simple boat neck sweater in organic cotton;

Little A has his own lengthy list of quirky designs for me that i can’t wrap my head around. He’s not really fond of wearing knits so i’m having a hard time entertaining his ideas some of which are due for Halloween. instead i’m hoping he’ll be satisfied with something along the lines of organic face cloths in rainbow colors.  we’ll see.

there’s much much more on the list but i’m keeping the patterns simple in hopes that i don’t give it up. i’m digging ravelry. i especially love their pocket card chart for needle inventory - don’t go to the yarn shop without one.

on the sewing front; there’s some sweetness added to the shop;

i took advantage of some sunny days and a boost of short lived yet well used energy to wash the woolens and get ready for little diaper bum (i’m sure i’ll coin a better nick name than that soon);

i used Eucalan this time but when the bottle runs out (and i imagine it won’t be long) i’m going to make my own wool wash with lanolin, baby shampoo and lavender oil;

if you haven’t heard of her already, check out Nikki McClure. i love her images and recently discovered these ones to hang in my planned birthing space;

ok all of you 2nd time mamas; i have a request for your insight and ideas. i would like to put together a “nursing basket” or “jar of ideas/projects/poems” that my little one can go to when his mama needs to be with baby. i want to come up with some surprises and things that he will be excited about, things he can do on his own or quietly near the nursing duo. i would love to hear your input. Something i found today that i love and will keep stashed are these coloring in pages from Yaelfran (i’m eyeing up some of her sticker books too);

your input here is greatly appreciated. xo.

i received a beautiful and thoughtful gift from Jodi last week including 1 of her prenatal yoga meditation cds (i love love love listening to her voice and accent) as well as some organic woolen yarn that is so very soft and in the colors i seem to be most attracted to recently - purple and teal/turquoise. she’s the best! my new mantra is k1 p1.  i’ve been so crabby and down lately and the knitting really is a meditation. i guess that’s why there’s so many wip around. most of them are near completion, needing i-cord trims or a bit more wool - minor setbacks. i was getting tired of losing things out of my knitting bag pocket so i splurged on a bolga basket to keep stray needles and such from rolling away. i love how everything is now mildly scented with sandalwood - makes me want to knit even more. i can think of many uses for these baskets…i’m thinking portable diaper station, market basket, “what we’re reading” basket… oh man, i just realized that even the basket i chose is purple and teal.

the little one has his own size too which has had many uses over the years;

the following pilots caps and longies are knit with a long time favorite merino yarn. there have been many scarves but mostly it’s been stashed until recently.

Little A’s wish list includes a pilot cap in red (of course);

oh and i’ve joined ravelry as ellap(as if i need any more computer linking and perusing).

edit April 14th the red pilot cap;

it has arrived - super soft 100% Holland Wool Felt! i’ll need a week’s time to organize and cut into it but you are more than welcome to check out details here and place your order.

sunshine;

earthscape;

cherry blossom & crocus;

there are so very many creative projects to explore with wool felt. here are some of mine;

elves are lining up in our home as we prepare for advent and another event.

i have some new crowns with new trims in the shop (more to come in the next weeks). i also have received the 2nd order of 100% wool felt sheets available upon request for your own creative designs and projects;

Spring Bird;

Snow White;

 Easter Bunnies (on SALE);

Ballet Dancers;

Thank you to everyone who ordered from my first order and for reordering this 2nd time around.  i really love to see the projects that you are working on. Here are a couple favorites to share;

Kikiknits bodum cozies;

little bird designs;

Julie’s awesome whale!

some new headgear in the shop.

toadstools - turquoise and spring green;

toadstools  & hedgehogs;

A is for Apple. What’s your favorite? red delicious, golden delicious or granny smith?

laundry day;

matryoshka;

Easter bunnies;

and we are enjoying it under a blue sky. i’m also enjoying the cozy indoor hours spent nibbling sugar cookies and visiting with friends. on our walk about one afternoon, little A spent hours throwing ice and snowballs at the road. he loved to see them smash.

stuffing his pockets with snowballs for later.

(new hat traded. Thank you Tava. love little gnomey. xo.)

inspired by color and softness;

i finally just got better making these after a few years trying and playing around with my kid. Grandma P was visiting last week and mastered the technique so we have felt balls aplenty…

… lined up…

for the inevitable felted acorns;

i know i know…who isn’t making these?  it’s not too original at this point. i like to credit Stephanie where i first saw the ones her children made some years ago. They are so adorable and so easy (though time consuming) once you get the hang of it. um and super fun to photograph;

ok i’m done. i may have some of these at the next craft fair since it seemed to be the little things people were most interested in at the last fairs and i am completely out of felt balls (thanks to a felt ball admirer) but mostly i just love to have them about the home, here and there, and they top off a gift nicely. oh and thanks to urban.prairie.forest. i might be felting enough for a tree garland.