At last. I have finished the Baptismal shawl (for Sunday!!)

Whatever inspired me to decide to use 4ply cotton? Never again!!!

Even more pertinent: what the heck inspired me to crochet the shawl “in the round”?!

By the time I was thoroughly mentally finished crocheting it, it was just too small to use as a shawl to wrap around Baby, so some lateral thinking was needed. Fast.

I folded down one edge (using a measurement from one of his cardigans) to create a collar effect:

(I folded less than this once measured)

Then chose some small mother of pearl buttons to sew around the collar edge, and a vintage button at the neck:

The older brothers were not impressed with my central button choice, deeming it a “bit blingy”

(how shocking!! -I am possibly the least “blingy” person I know!!  )

(seriously)

But once all sewn together, it looked fine, and so we decided on a dress rehearsal:

Unfortunately, our little Bubble of Cuteness just loves to JUMP, and so four hundred photos (or so) later:

Quick jump break…

(Our little Chewy… one tooth has come through and fingers- any fingers in close proximity, his or ours- are chewed on. Oh, the razor sharp edge of baby teeth!!)

I dont have any photos of the pile of books I’m reading (concurrently, of course) hopefully I’ll be more organised next time. For now, I am unbelieveably relieved to have the shawl finished. Just a few more rounds for his cap (no doubt will be done Saturday night in my usual way  )

Today started off on a good note with a hearty breakfast of porridge, followed by a pot of tea (the teapot, incidently, was a present from me to Fergal, (but really from me to me!!); it is enamel and not only gives me delight to look at it, pours beautifully too! I’m so looking forward to picnic-ing with it)

Paper, paper everywhere… (as usual)

My middle boy, (who tends towards the cute side) was telling me how he would just love a hot scone with jam. 

So how could I resist such a plea? (don’t they look “perfect”? And tasted rather good too!!)

James’ baptism is next weekend- I’m crocheting a quick little cap; and the shawl: I’m keeping that to have something for Ginnys Yarn Along on Wednesday. I had to deviate somewhat from the plan (was there a plan? Really?) 

These little fellows are flitting to and from our window all day…

Our smallest cutie spends his changing time transfixed by the movement a few feet away:

So, joining in with Ginny again this week for Yarn Along...

To start with the books I’m reading: a crafty Christmas book to give me some ideas for the season ahead (although, I have to admit, I didn’t find this book overly inspiring, but like having my Christmas books on hand at this time of year) and “Eating for Ireland” by Tom Dooley, which is hugely entertaining (and lots of delicious recipes thrown in here and there)

I finished these slippers for Grace- then embroidered a leaf and sewed on these lovely ladybird buttons I have had for ages waiting for the right project… I will be posting the tutorial for these during the next month in my Craft♥Advent Linky Party (starting tomorrow!!- thank goodness I’m organised. For once)

I also finished the Baptismal Shawl for James. Unfortunately, I feel it is too small, but due to the haphazard nature of my lack-of-pattern and the fact that I made it up as I went along makes it difficult to remedy… and the thoughts of crocheting around it again makes me want to weep (beat me if I ever start something in 4ply cotton again please) so I am going to go a bit free-form and turn it into more of a cape-like garment.

(eeeeeek)

So. Moving swiftly on… I’m off to check out other yarn Along-ers and get ready for tomorrow… See you then!

]]> http://blog.thenest.ie/2011/11/30/yarn-along-13/feed/ 2 http://blog.thenest.ie/2011/11/23/yarn-along-craft%e2%99%a5advent-linky-party/ http://blog.thenest.ie/2011/11/23/yarn-along-craft%e2%99%a5advent-linky-party/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:37:04 +0000 Emily http://blog.thenest.ie/?p=3104 Oh dear.

As indicative of where my head is at, I took this photo yesterday in order to be organised for Yarn Along today… and then forgot to post my Yarn Along post… until now. I’m in Craft♥Advent Linky Party mode (thank you to everyone who emailed to get involved- should be a GREAT party!!) and so, am ever so slightly scattered…

These red squares are the makings of slippers for Grace (the ladybirds are buttons, and I plan to embroider little leaves on top) The yarn was gorgeous to use: from My Mummy Knits, I bought a parcel of yarn from them earlier in the year and it has been a pleasure to crochet with every time.

The slippers pattern is one I am currently writing (I think I’m going to have to ask for assistance from my pattern-writer-extraordinaire-sister; pattern writing, I have found, is not a skill I possess) and I’ll be posting it as a tutorial during the Craft♥Advent Linky Party…

The extent of my reading these days is our bird watching books- we have put up new bird feeders and are watching feathered shenanagins all day long. The feeders are hanging right at our window, and after a day or two, the birds have become so used to us moving around inside the house, they fly back and forth and take no notice of any of us watching them (even when the children are pressed up against the window- I always think that to the birds they must look like the illustrations from the squashed fairy book!!)

Two years ago, we sighted 9 different bird varieties in one day; 4 has been our record so far this year.

Now, before I get any more side-tracked, I’m off to check out the other yarners over at Small Things!

Some photos from the past few days/weeks of life around here…

This little girl has never faltered in her unwavering adoration of her chubby-cheeked brother (and he just jumps for joy when she or one of the boys come into his line of focus… he bestowes big open mouthed sloppy kisses freely)

This little girl is also in the process of taking over our kitchen/living room with her elaborate games involving hundreds of dolls, her wooden-pig farm, Peppa Pig and family (thank you Deirdre!)

There is a lot of this… he is infinitely more philosophical when in close proximity to a breast and often the longest and happiest chats are supplemented with a bit of nursing (and isn’t his jumper just gorgeous? Made by Tara, it thankfully still fits- aren’t handknits just magical- and I simply love that cow button!!)

Winter was cold last year- colder than it had ever been in my memory… a porch at the back door should act as a bit of a buffer-zone against the elements: (the immensely beleaguered talented harassed and hard-working) Fergal and the boys put it up in little more than a weekend, and already has become a warm, sunny spot (and houses all those piles of wellies, wet coats, wet smelly dogs and wet cats that want, but aren’t welcome, to be in the kitchen!)

I’ve constantly give thanks for being so blessed with not just a wonderful family, but blessed over with fantastic friends… these are little flowerpot-shaped cupcakes with the most light and mousse-y green icing, topped with these show-stopping flowers, made by my friend Sophie who out-does herself every time! (I need to do a talented-friends-show-and-tell: seriously, between handknits to die for (I really need to learn to knit), baking, sewing and general crafty goodness, our home is becoming a showcase for our very gifted and accomplished buddies)