Happy Trails

Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

I've been wanting to write for a while, but wasn't able to come up with a coherent theme for everything I wished to share. Finally figured no theme worked just fine, so here we go.

We've been cooking more. Cooking with Ina, mostly. We have *almost* every one of the Barefoot Contessa's cookbooks, and we enjoy going through them from time to time, picking out things we normally wouldn't try. Over the last few weeks, there have been epic wins, and epic fails.

Tomato Goat Cheese Tarts: Epic Win.

These were unbelievably delicious, and I was especially proud that they came out looking exactly like the photo in the book. It's somewhat of a finicky recipe in a way--there are a lot of steps, some of which either take a long time (properly caramelizing the onions) or make a mess (rolling out the puff pastry and cutting it), but in the end--SO worth it. While she suggests this could make a great (albeit heavy) appetizer, I disagree. If you're going to go through that much trouble, make it a meal. We had these for lunch last weekend with a nice big salad, and it was perfection.

Spring Risotto: Epic Fail.

Well, alright. Maybe not an EPIC fail, but a fail nonetheless. I don't really GET risotto. I mean, it doesn't fit into any sort of category that makes sense to me. Is it rice? Is it pasta? Neither. Do I like it? Hrm. Do I enjoy watching Chef Ramsey scream about it being improperly prepared on Hell's Kitchen? ("Where's my F*CKING RIS-OT-TOW????") Absolutely. That's pretty much why we decided to give this a go. And now we kind of get why risotto puts Ramsey in such a bad mood.

In the opening paragraph of the recipe, Ina says that after a bad day, she loves to make this meal. She turns the music up, pours a "nice" glass of wine, and starts stirring. Having made this ourselves on a weeknight, when each of us had busy days at the office, I can only conclude two things: either Ina is a sadist, or she is a drunk. That's the only way you can possibly "enjoy" or get through all that stirring.

Now, let me be fair. I probably didn't have the heat on high enough, and so it took about twenty minutes longer for the rice to get tender than it should have. MAYBE. The last time I made risotto was out of the Newlywed Cookbook (which, by the way, is probably the worst collection of recipes I've ever laid eyes on--I actually threw it away, not wanting to subject another to the perils of its pages by donating it), at our old apartment. It was a mushroom risotto, and we went to about 4 different stores to get all the different kinds of specialty mushrooms (fresh and dried) that the recipe called for. It was expensive, and was at a time when we really couldn't afford it. I stirred my flipping butt off with that dish, and when we sat down to eat, it was like we were eating shroomy sand. I may have cried. Hard. And then consoled myself with a "nice" glass of wine. Or four. Anyway, I probably didn't cook it long enough that first time. But two sub par risotto experiences in a row can't be coincidence. It just can't.

In the end, this was edible. There was a lot of citrus in it (lemon juice and lemon zest) and this was a good learning experience--I do not enjoy lemon flavor in savory dishes. For me, it's reminiscent of floor cleanser (like the papaya we had on our honeymoon--it was like Mr. Clean from a tree!), so, all in all, while we won't be making this again, we did learn a few things: Higher heat for risotto--be drunk, feel sadistic, or feel determination that making this meal WILL be an adequate substitute for going to the gym, and no more lemon, thank you very much.

I ended up using the leftover marscapone and about a zillion other cheeses that we had in the fridge for a bangin' mac n cheese this week, but alas, no photos. *sniff* It was good, though!

Last weekend we also pumped these out (a little homage to the Rooster).

We tried the recipe featured in the Feb/March 2010 Fine Cooking Magazine, and "Ahhhhhhhhh" (angels singing) they were fabulous. We did the pork/shrimp filling, and they did not disappoint. There are a ton of these left, sitting patiently in the fridge, and we'll be eating them again soon. While I pan-seared these, I think we'll just boil the others--cut down on the oil. 

Last weekend we also met up with my best friend from high school, Andrew, and his lovely wife Heather and their son, Sam.

We've come a long way, yeah?

 They're expecting a baby girl this fall, and we're so happy for them! Andrew is going into his internship for med school in August, and we were excited to get to see them before they went back to the midwest. Best of luck with Boards, Andrew!

There have been many requests lately for more pup pictures/updates, so here you are!

The little guy is doing great. We had his 9 week vet visit this past Monday, and everything is A-OK. He's even doing much better this week with the potty training, which is very exciting. Salmaan continues Puppy Kindergarten at home--almost every evening, and has an excellent teaching assistant in River.

Here's a video I took last week of them romping around--JJ is quite tough, and while we were a little worried about how rough and tumble they get, the vet said it was perfectly normal and a great sign.

There's also been some progress on the knitting and spinning front, but that's for another post. For now, it's back to the needles for me! Happy Saturday!

FO: Bridle Superfine African Merino

A while back, before the arrival of Ms. Suzie Q, I purchased 5.5 of this super fine african merino from Pigeonroof Studios. The colorway is Bridle. Gorgeous!

I was a little nervous to try this fiber out on the new wheel, mostly because I liked it so much, and was afraid I would screw it up. Well, those fears were unfounded, because I got some of the most even, shiny, well spun yarn yet!

   

This is 231 yards of DK weight fibery goodness. I actually learned A LOT from spinning this batch of roving. First, a while ago I noticed in one of her posts that Amy specifically noted how she split up her fleece before she started spinning--and, normally, she doesn't do that. So, I inquired--how does she normally do it? And she provided me with a wealth of information and resources--mostly focusing on how the colors will pool or stripe, depending on how you divide your wool. I was fascinated, and completely enlightened. 

 
That all happened AFTER I started to spin this batch, though, so this was created in the same way all my others were up to this point--I basically folded the long strip of roving in half, and pulled it apart. Then, I split each of those two strips apart, and probably once another time for good measure. So, the striping that COULD have occurred was completely diluted, resulting in what I am guessing will be a more mottled purpley-brown fabric.

 Apparently some people do this on purpose to achieve said result, and truth be told I'm perfectly happy with the color. I also like the weight of this yarn--which I'm completely pumped about because I was only ever able to make bulky yarn on the other wheel! Playing around with the ratios and tensions was a learning experience. It's tricky, ya know, having so many things to adjust, and even the SLIGHTEST adjustment to the tension can make such a huge difference! In the end, I spun this at one of the middle ratios (middle of the whorl, middle of the wheel...I haven't figured out how to express them numerically yet (READ THE MANUAL, LAURA!)) which gave me a nice thin yarn that still has a lot of strength.

I still can't get over the sheen. Yay for the first skein!

 

Still Here

It's been a while since I've written, and I'd like to update you on what I've been up to.

In all honesty, friends, FITFU February was a bit of a bust. I didn't finish any of my project goals, but I'm actually okay with that. I've been writing more than knitting lately, and it has been an equally satisfying creative outlet. That being said, besides the baby cardigan, I did manage one other FO in February: the Handspun Agamemnon Thorpe:

 

This was knit out of the two-ply BFL that I spun out of the Agamemnon roving from Sheepish Creations. I used #9 dpns, and the border is some mystery shade of Malabrigo Merino that I had in my stash.

 

I was really pleased with the resulting yarn, and thought it would be perfect for a cool girl that I met in my writing class, Aijung. Over the past few months I have really enjoyed the pieces that she has written. Not only a talented writer, she also is an artist who creates gorgeous prints (see her etsy shop here), and enjoys knitting to boot! I know she was pleased with the hat, and it felt great to make it for her. 

My visit last month to N.C. was wonderful. I can't say enough about how much it means to sit and be with a good friend. Someone who knows you. Someone who has felt the same things you have felt. Someone whose life has intersected so intimately with yours, that neither of you will ever be the same again--and neither of you would want it any other way. It's a precious thing.

I also had a lot of fun with my camera that trip--and with experimenting with my editing software upon returning home.

Every night we sat and talked in front of a gorgeous fire that Tom kept going for us. Drinking wine, knitting...surrounded by the gently swaying trunks and branches of the forest right outside every window. Their home is a peaceful place.

This is the gorgeous little recipient of the baby cardigan I blogged about. It was fantastic to finally meet her, and I loved having the opportunity to learn from Julia as a mother.

This was taken right before I left. We toured the bible school where Tom works, hiking around the shore of Lake Lure with Anna. 

This is a shot of an old schoolhouse that I noticed on my drive in--but being anxious to reach my destination, I kept on going. On my way home, however, I pulled over and played around with angles and different settings on my camera. There was something very desolate about this scene that really drew me. On my way back to the car, I noticed this hiding right behind the backdoor to the tiny schoolhouse--my favorite shot of the trip:

I'm taking a photography class starting next month, and am excited to share the results of what I learn with you here! 

I'm off now to finish some spinning, the grocery list, and possibly a few other projects around the house. Happy Saturday--it feels good to be back!

A Road Trip--AND--Disaster Averted

I'm pretty pumped right now because I'm taking some time off this week to drive down to North Carolina and visit my friend, Julia. She was my maid of honor in my wedding, and we remain good friends. I haven't seen her for over a year and a half, and it has been WAY too long! She and her husband Tom and their little daughter, Anna Grace, live right outside the resort area of Lake Lure. 

Right before Anna was born, I knit her the Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting. I think they enjoyed the gift, so I wanted to make her another little sweater now that she is almost a year and a half. After browsing through numerous options on Ravelry, I decided to make the Yoked Cardigan by Hannah Fettig. Next up was what yarn to use, and that was more of a challenge. I have SO much Malabrigo Worsted on hand, it isn't funny, but I was worried about it pilling (since I hope she will wear it often) and I worried about it felting (as I am sure at that age, it would need to be washed with equal frequency--and Julia is a non-knitter). So, Malabrigo was out--despite its luxurious softness. I didn't have any superwash worsted yarn on hand (which in retrospect, would have been fantastic), but I did have some Liisu that I purchased a long time ago from Orchardside Yarn Shop. (Liisu has apparently since been bought by the Unique Sheep, fyi). Add to that the fact that this particular blend is called "Anna's yarn" and the deal was done.

Anna's yarn is a 2-play mohair/merino blend, and knitted up, I find it a bit rough for a baby. BUT, I pressed on because I convinced myself that the mohair would lend wonderful strength and sheen to the yarn, which would carry the garment through multiple wearings and washings. 

The yoke was tricky. I didn't like it. It took me a long time and I have no idea why. Additionally, I don't think that the Liisu shows the ribbing well at all. If you look at other FO's (this one is my favorite, I think) you'll see what I mean. Given that fact, I made the decision to end the ribbing at the divide for the sleeves, and I think it was a good move!

 

I FLEW through the stockinette portion while enjoying the Olympics with Salmaan on Sunday, and bound off the body and completed the button bands during my day off yesterday. The garter border is 10 rows, the buttonbands are 8 rows. It was my first time knitting a button band. I dig it! 

I decided to bind off the sleeves where the yoke ended for a few different reasons, with the most important one being of a practical nature. I kept on thinking about Little Niece in her high chair at snack time ("Snack Time!!!! Yeeeeeaaaahhhhh..." as she always says), and how sticky and mucky her little fingers get as she plays with her food. Pureed yams in mohair...blurghegh...it's enough to make me go all green and...well...let's not think about that, yeah? Yeeeeeeaaaaaaah. 

So anyway I washed and blocked the little cardi-vest yesterday, and feeling QUITE pleased as punch (I hate deadline knits, and rarely pull them off on time--but I loved knitting this and it was done a day in advance!) I left the house for my Valentine's mani-pedi and massage. Salmaan met me out for dinner at our favorite sushi place. The head chef gave us a complimentary dessert. It was wonderful! 

We came home to items strewn all over the place, including my beautiful little cardi-vest, at the top of the stairs, with little bits of it cast about the hallway.

 I ran into the bathroom, slammed the door, and had a good cry. Salmaan very wisely gave me some alone time, and carefully picked up all the pieces. Eventually composed, I went to my computer, and the wonderful Amy was online, and patiently listened as I told her about the damage, and provided advice on my options, as well as encouragement in every way a discouraged knitter could ask for. (BTW, thank you, Amy. You too, Salmaan. Thank you for giving me the space that I needed to be a drama queen.)

In the end, I decided to make a patch. I knit it up last night, and made the necessary repairs today before sewing it on. 

My goal was three-fold: 1) make sure that the dropped loops were secured with the red wool (btw, I used the patons classic because it was pure wool, and would be a lot less slippery than the Liisu--plus I was hoping the mohair would catch on the wool a bit, and possibly felt JUST enough in the future to help prevent further unravelling--I think this was a good call) 2) find the loose ends, secure them to one another, and secure them to the red yarn (for reasons cited above) and 3) hope and pray like hell that this worked!

Honestly? (Knocking like a crazed judge in a courtroom malay on wood....) I think it DID work.  I pulled and yanked and tugged like crazy, with no additional damage. Woohoo! Disaster averted! Then all I had to do was secure the patch.

Since it was River's handiwork that necessitated its creation, I thought it only fair to give her credit. All in all, I think it came out nicely.

As the patch added a little bit more of a "handmade" feel to this garment, I went shopping and decided on these very playful ladybug buttons. I was originally (sans damage) going to use some pretty shell buttons, which, combined with the purple, evoked a very sophisticated "cottage by the seaside cliff at dusk" sort of feeling. (And yes, I actually thought that as I saw the combo of yarn and button!). Oh well, the ladybugs are perfectly appropriate for her age, and I think they look pretty cute. Anyways, seaside cliffs are dangerous!!! Yeah? Yeeeeeaaaaah. 

And, don't worry, I'm not upset with River. As Amy so fairly noted, "She couldn't help it, it smelled like SHEEP!" And goat, too, now that I think about it....sheesh, you really can't blame her, can you? And anyway, look at that face...who can resist it?

So, I'm off in the morning for my little road trip adventure--and off now to bake some cinnamon raisin bread for my hosts! Have a great week, all!

FO: Garter Yoke Cardigan

It's done.

Pattern: Garter Yoke Cardigan by Melissa LaBarre (published in Knit1 Mag)

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed, colorway is Granary

Notions: Some simple wooden 3/4 inch buttons, picked out by Salmaan at Joann Fabrics

Needles: Addi Turbos #7 circs

Time:  Began September 22, 2009 (the first day of autumn) Finished January 3, 2010

This was a fantastic project, one that I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Of course, what made it extra special was knitting it with Mick and Amy (see their FO's here and here, respectively). I was also especially proud that I churned this puppy out in less than four months--the KAL really provided the motivation I needed to stick with it on a fairly consistent basis. Yay for KAL's!

Quick sidebar: I'm pretty pumped about the painting that provides the backdrop for this little photo shoot. It's "The View from Redhawk Lane" by Ryan Russell--my most favorite artist. His work evokes such a sense of home and feeling of belonging in me--it's difficult to describe. You can't see it as I'm in the way, but there's a tiny little house in the center of the painting, and if I ever get to Heaven, I think that's where I'll live. ;-) We've been enjoying this piece immensely.

Back to the sweater--obviously, I made a few mods--most notably the sleeves. Once I bound off for the body, I was trying to decide if I wanted to tailor the sleeves a bit more by decreasing every few rows after the elbow. Then I had an epiphany--why even go past the elbow?!?!? Most of the time my sleeves are rolled up around my forearms anyhow, so why not tailor the cardigan to work with that tendency?

I'm thrilled with the result, and am honestly quite tickled that *I think* I'm the first Raveler to make this decision. There's something about a short sleeved cardi that seems sophisticated and playful all at the same time. I like that combination.

 

Other mods: I knit 10 rows for the border instead of 8, which was partly because I wanted the last buttonhole to be situated in the center of the bottom border, and partly because I wanted to make sure the short sleeves wouldn't curl. Also, the last button is about 25 rows from the second to last, instead of 16. 

The sweater grew a bit in blocking--the sleeves maybe an inch, and the body itself about two inches. I was relieved that blocking fixed my somewhat sloppy cast-on border at the collar, and just made the Jo Sharp find its best self. I bought 10 skeins of this yarn, but only ended up using just shy of 6. I love the colorway, and am on the prowl for a vest or even sleeveless cardi pattern to utilize the rest. I have a big batch of this same yarn in a gorgeous green that I think would look great in this pattern--I echo Mick's sentiments--I could cast on for another tonight!

These are my three preferred ways to wear this cardi, but this one is definitely my favorite.

Thanks Mick and Amy, I had a great time!  

Snow

 Lots, and LOTS of snow. So far I'd say we've gotten about 8-9 inches, which is a big deal for here. It took us almost two hours to shovel the monster driveway, (which, by the way, I'm REALLY feeling today) and therefore we felt totally justified in scarfing down this delicious soup and grilled cheese for lunch.

I love this soup. It's made an appearance here numerous times, and I've pretty much come up with my own version of it:

Tuscan Soup: (adapted from Food to Live By)

• 2 Tbs olive oil
• as many carrots as you like, peeled and diced (I normally do 4 large)
• about 3-4 ribs of celery, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 sliced of reduced fat bacon, diced
• about 2 Tbs garlic, minced
• 2 cups dried great northern beans, picked over and rinsed
• 6 cups reduced fat chicken stock
• about 6-8 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 Tbs fresh diced rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp good balsamic vinegar

heat up the olive oil, and throw in the onion, celery, and carrots. Allow the mirepoix to sautee until soft and slightly browned. Then, throw in the bacon for 2-4 minutes, until the fat begins to render and brown. Toss in the garlic for about two minutes, before adding the stock, beans, tomatoes, rosemary, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 2-3 hours (time depends on how long it takes the beans to soften up--older ones will take longer. You can reduce the time by soaking the beans in water overnight the night before). When it's done, season to taste and add the teaspoon of balsamic, and serve. 

YUM.

Today, like yesterday, will be spent clearing the driveway, knitting, and cooking. Perhaps I'll be able to work in some catch-up posts, as well. It's been too long, friends. Oh, and speaking of friends, check out this gorgeous gift from the barefoot rooster!

The chronicle of its creation (and better photos as well) can be found here and here. It is being turned into the Milkweed Shawl, so far I'm through Chart A, and hope to get even further today to share some pictures--it's gorgeous!

GiddeeeeeUP!

Recently I made a new friend at work, and she happens to own two horses. Two beautiful, well mannered horses. Here's A. with Dakota, the two year old.

The other is a seven year old named Nevada. I've been out riding with A. twice this past month, and it's been really fun. Nevada and I have developed a good relationship, and we're starting to trust one another.

Ever since I was young, I wanted to learn to ride. I grew up very close to the Virginia Horse Center, but never got the opportunity. I'm literally GIDDY to be able to do this now. I'm learning to ride Western, and got a feel for Nevada in a small pasture by the stables. (And, just as an aside, because I KNOW you're in panic mode right now, Mom, when we leave the pasture I always wear a helmet. A. Is actually right out of frame here, she was walking Nevada around while I learned how to use the reins. Yes--yes, I PROMISE). 

A few days ago we went on our first trail ride. We saw lots of wildlife, and I loved navigating Nevada along the narrow path. I even got to ride her bareback, which I actually like a ton more than Western. I feel more secure riding this way--nothing between her muscles and mine. I think you're able to get a better feel for the horse, and can adjust your body to every move she makes. It's beautifully natural. Next go round we'll do a ride bareback, and I'm really looking forward to it! 

Along with riding, there has still been plenty of knitting going on, including an FO: Funky Monkey. 

This was a mindless garter project that finally came to completion last week. I used superwash merino hand dyed by Unplanned Peacock Studios--a skein that I bought at the Sedalia Fiber Festival. The colorway is Columbine. There's something funky and carefree about the garter bumps of color--nearly every stitch transitions to a color different from the one preceding it. It will be gifted very soon. 

As it's rainy cats and dogs outside, I'm organizing my WIPs (there are more than I realized) to bring with me to the beach. We're leaving this weekend, and we're both very ready for it. I'm looking forward to taking some time to relax, reflect, and hopefully, have a few FO's to share by the time we return. I am determined to knit while sunning on the beach--sunblock and sand, be damned! 

Happy Friday!

You Will Be Missed...

A Light full of positivity and joy went to a better place today. While we will miss the generous heart, hilarious wit, and uniquely memorable laugh that was always contagious, the World is a better place because he was here. He never met a stranger, and anyone who could call him Friend was given a very special gift that will never be forgotten.

You will be missed, CC. Our prayers are with your friends and family. 

Surprises

There have been a lot of them these past few weeks, and while I fancy myself someone who is becoming a bit jaded and therefore not often surprised, I have recently really enjoyed the unexpected, which includes but is not limited to the following laundry list of both little and big things.

I had a tooth extraction and bone graph this past week. Long story short, a root canal I had a couple of years ago didn't do the job, so the tooth had to come out and my jaw bone had to be prepared to take an implant. As my dentist so gleefully explained (as I became more and more nauseous), a titanium post substitutes as the "root" of the fake tooth--and titanium is the only metal that actually binds with bone--this was discovered during numerous tests on rats when scientists discovered they couldn't remove a bunch of rods they had stuck through those poor test animals. *Gag*--totally gross. Although, thanks to my unfortunate friend, Ratatouille, in about nine months I get a nice shiny fake tooth that will hopefully last me for the rest of my life. That's way cooler than a rodent that can make a vegan gourmet peasant dish, yeah? Anyways, the nice surprise was that it wasn't nearly as horrible as I had feared (I was seriously terrified) and hopefully pretty soon the pain I've become quite used to will become a distant memory. Oh yeah, and Valium before dental procedures? Definitely my new friend.

Salmaan and I finally took the plunge and committed to a vacation in Portland at the end of April to visit my best buddy, Mandy. It was a little scary to commit to such a big trip amidst budget cuts, but once the tickets were booked, we each got incredibly excited, and I think that feeling of anticipation hasn't subsided, despite it having been a few weeks since we committed. PDX, here we come!

On a related note, a wonderful surprise came along the day I had my surgery--through pain-killer haze I received a call from Mandy (yes, Portland Mandy) asking if she could crash at our place THAT NIGHT!!!!!! She had come into town just for a few days, and we were lucky enough to see her, which was really awesome. It was July since we saw her last, and while the visit was short, it just reaffirmed that she's one of the most strong, beautiful, intelligent, and courageous people I know, and we're lucky to know her.

We made apple pie for the first time ever. It was good.

 

We also made incredible Coq au vin, a new chili recipe, and there are more new recipes in the works, including some type of granola to be featured sometime soon.

My sister, brother-in-law, and Little Niece came for a visit this past weekend. In a word, it was awesome, and just seeing Avery so much bigger, and more developed in her speech and motor skills was incredible. Not to mention the fact that she's absolute PERFECTand beautiful. She seriously redefines the word Precious. I made her a new hat for her first visit to Auntie Lala and Uncle Sully's, and thank goodness it fit! (Baby Thorpe was quite the failed experience over Christmas, although Amy very sweetly stuffed it onto her head so that they could have a Mommy/Daughter Thorpe picture to share with me):

 

This is much improved, and quite adorable if I do say so myself:

 

We had a great visit, and it was really fun to share the new house with them, and of course, cousin Mardi (their boxer, who gets along really well with River). Here are some more shots from the visit.

 

Btw, this is a sneak peek at the kitchen, which is really pretty much finished. Salmaan and I spent about three days in HGTV HELL painting that room, as we discovered that the pale yellow we chose to cover up our initial choice of Eastern State (a mental hospital Salmaan worked in) grey, would take not two, not three, but FIVE FRIGGIN' coats to cover. Ouch. More pictures to come of that, and a couple of other rooms that are nearing completion!

 

 

Some sweetly surprising things about that visit were when Gary looked at Amy and tenderly said, "Avery looks like you today." and kissed her head. And when Avery laid her head down on Amy's shoulder, needing comfort as she was sleepy and it was time for her nap, and watching Amy melt as Gary dove for the camera to capture the moment. Parenthood suits them, really well.

And lastly, the most recent surprise was a Snow Day on Monday. We got 8-10 inches, and I got the day off! I haven't had a snow day since HIGH SCHOOL, so it was a pretty big deal. AND, I got some more knitting done, which will be posted just as soon as it is blocked....Adios--hope you've had some pleasant surprises lately as well!

The Little Kimono That Could

This little project took me forever to complete, and so, it is with great pride (and a sense of relief) that I share with you my latest FO:

Baby Phillips' Birth Day Kimono:

 

This project began in May, and  languished through many weeks of one row here, one row there knitting. In the last few weeks I began to concentrate in earnest on getting it done, and late this past Friday night, standing over our dryer in the laundry room where I had blocked it, I finally finished. Clumsily sewing in that last ribbon felt so darn good, although it did sort of dash my hopes of being a handsewer that would make Gran proud. Good thing I can sew quilts with a machine, eh?

As I held up my tiny creation for all to see (i.e. Mea, who was greatly perturbed that I was suddenly spending so much time in her "bathroom" (her litter box is in the laundry room), and River, who I quickly discovered just wanted to be let out to pee), I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I also wondered whether tiny arms would fit through those long, narrowly tapering sleeves, and if green would be her color.

I think it will. The proud mommy is Julia. She's a good friend from college, and was my matron of honor. We were introduced by another incredible friend who I mention often, Mandy. My formative college years were greatly enhanced by my relationship with these two friends, and I'm quite excited to get to know Baby Phillips as she lives her life, and becomes who she is meant to be.

Tom and Julia live in North Carolina, so while I don't get to see them much, we always seem to pick up where we left off. When I saw Julia a few weeks ago at her baby shower, it had been almost two years since we had met face-to-face, and besides the basketball-sized baby baking under her T-shirt, not much had changed. I really love that, and don't think it's something that comes around too often.

This kimono was knit out of Lion Brand Cotton Ease, in Lime. The pattern is the one piece baby kimono out of Mason Dixon Knitting. I used #7 needles, and barely had enough yarn left to sew up the edges. This was my first time sewing up seams, and I think I could use some more practice....but hey, it's the first go! So long as it doesn't unravel, I'm happy.

Julia's official due date was September 16th, but the kimono recipient has chosen to sit tight for just a little while longer. Maybe she's waiting to snuggle into a freshly washed handknit kimono? I'm digging this kid already! I'm off to the post office to mail off her first birthday gift from auntie Lala...