Little Stephen

Here is a photo of my new grandbaby, Stephen. I was with him for 4 days this past week and he and I had so much fun. Especially the night time feedings. I tried to give mommy and orange boy a break. He is so precious... I miss him already! These are actually older photos of him because Gammaw forgot her camera...

I did get a little knitting done on my Malabrigo sock which I bragged would be done during my visit with Island Girl but that didn't happen either... And I started another project which is fun and will show that soon...

Have a fun fiber filled weekend.

Happy Birthday, Island Girl!

Happy Birthday to my precious Island Girl. I am honored and blessed to be her momma.

In shop news, I will be gone again... this time to the Rocket City to visit my new grandbaby, Stephen. What does this mean for you? Slight shipping delays as follows:

Any order from the US received after 5:00pmEST on Wed. March 11 OR any international order received after 5:00pm on Tuesday, March 10 will not be shipping until Monday, March 16.

Have a great fiber filled week!

Perfect Timing...

It is snowing here in the south today and all I can say is .... Yippee! I'm leaving to go visit Island Girl!! Can't wait. I leave before dawn on Tuesday and this is my first direct flight there. All other trips I have made have had various connecting flights via Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami on propeller planes. Tuesday - Direct!! Thank you Delta!

With that said, please note that any USA order placed at The Yarn Grove after 5:00pmEST on Monday, March 2nd will not ship until Monday, March 9. All international orders will be mailed on Monday, March 9. Of course, as always, we are open for your shopping pleasure. AND the sale continues!

I will have a pair of Malabrigo socks finished by then to show you and I also need to photo my Lorna's Laces Sport socks in Aslan that are done.

Have a marvelous fiber filled week ...

Check it out...

Just stoppin' in to say we are having a storewide sale on in-stock yarn products. If you get a minute, stop by...

Happy Birthday Orange Boy!

Just wanted to take a little space and wish my Orange Boy a very Happy Birthday. When he was little, he used to tell all the girls that he was a sweetheart because he was born on Valentine's day! And he truly is a sweetheart and a wonderful young man... It is an honor to be his momma.

I also want to report that little Stephen entered this world on Wed. Feb. 11 and mommy and baby are doing spectacular. It was hard for me to leave and I am practicing being a grandma. It is fun!

Baby Week!!!

Oh my gosh, its Monday of baby week. Stephen is being induced on Wednesday at 4am. I hardly slept a wink last night between the excitement, anxiety, heartburn and extreme baby kicks. I guess Stephen is excited too. Chris, on the other hand, was snoring 2 minutes after his head hit the pillow. I bet he was the kind of kid who even slept through the night on Christmas Eve. Not me! And I doubt the next 2 nights (or 18 years for that matter!) will see much sleep. I spent about an hour on Ravelry looking for some easy patterns for the hospital. Anything with little to no counting or shaping or fancy stitches. I'll probably start something this afternoon.

Here is the Baby Kimono I finished for my friend's little girl, Brookelynn. Isn't that the cutest name!! She is 3 months old. I hope it fits. I used Nature's Palette Green Sheep Organic Wool, which you may recognize from Kiki the Kitty, completed last week. This was my second project using only 2 skeins and I STILL have some left over! Great great yarn.Here's my diaper bag- finally finished! I really wanted until the last minute, huh? Amy Butler fabric- LOVE her. There are lots of great pockets inside and the top zips closed. Oh yes, its quite fancy. And its full of wipes, butt creams, diapers and disposable breast pads. Isn't motherhood glamorous?I'll post pictures of the little man as soon as I can. Gammaw is coming to Huntsville on Wednesday. Can't wait!!!

Stash Busting!

Well, I think the nesting has really kicked in now. I just can't stop. But its not cleaning I'm doing...its knitting! I can't stop! As soon as I finish a project, I have to start another one!!

Here's a little pair of mitts I made this weekend. I used a random skein of Louet I had in my stash LOVE Louet, btw). The pattern is very loosely based on this. I think they will come in handy for stroller pushing in the early spring. For some reason, Chris doesn't want a matching pair- whats his deal??? (please excuse the belly shadow in the picture! lol!)
Here is Kiki the Kitty I made from Nature's Pallete Green Sheep Organic Wool for a friend's daughter. The wool softens up with every wash, so Kiki took a few dips in the hot tub with some laundry before I sewed her up. Great easy pattern for stash busting!I started another baby sweater too and finished half of it during the superbowl last night. I imagine I'll be posting pictures of it in the next few days. What should I start on next....

The little man's coming home outfit is all finished! I found these sweet buttons that say "Little Lamb" on them. I thought that was appropriate for my little wooly booly. :)
On Saturday, Chris had to work so I did a little shopping. Lately, I've had an uncontrollable hatred for the way our living room was decorated- its so dark and outdated- ick! So I hit up my favorite thrift stores and scored these cute pots for $.75 each and found this awesome fabric at the fabric store on clearance for $4 a yard! Here's a shot of the unfinished curtains. It just brightens up the whole room. I feel much better, but I don't think Chris will be leaving me unattended on a Saturday anymore.

Little man is due to arrive at anytime. I was 1.5 cm dilated at my last appointment, so he probably won't come tonight, but we are moving in the right direction! Chris and I get our diplomas from childbirth class tomorrow, the carseat is installed, the nursery is finished, the coming home outfit has buttons, the wipe warmer is warming- we are READY!!!

Month of Nesting- Week 2

We had our 36 week appointment this morning- I'm not dilated or effaced at all (boo!), but Stephen is head down and moving in the right direction. We had another ultrasound and got a great shot of his little button nose (Gammaw's nose actually!) and his manhood- he's definitely a boy! The doctor guesses that he will be about 8 lbs if he comes on time. I think I can handle that.

I finished the little bundle of joy's coming home outfit this week. It was one of those projects I couldn't put down. I just have to sew on the buttons. Cute, huh?
The curtains are hung! I love them! They need one small alteration that will be completed tomorrow...and I've been saying that since Monday. Really though, I'll do it tomorrow...:)Here's the sailboat "artwork" I've been working on. The fabric will be wrapped around a wooden frame we got from Ikea. LOVE Ikea. I just have to finish hand stitching the boats. This was a really fun and CHEAP project that anyone could do.
All you need is:
fabric scraps
heavy interfacing (I used decor-bond)
a wooden frame
Cross stitching thread (or you could machine stitch too I suppose)

First, I made a pattern of the shapes I needed using butcher paper.Then, I cut out my fabric shapes with a 5/8 in border to be folded over.
Next, I used my pattern pieces to cut out interfacing, which I ironed onto the wrong side of the fabric.Then, I ironed the border over onto the wrong side, to make a nice clean edge for the front.Now, all you do is pin the pieces where you want them and hand or machine stitch them on. I'll probably line the white fabric so you can't see the wood frame.
Easy!Next week, I'll be making the cribskirt and my diaper bag, which I purchased fabulous Amy Butler fabric for. I can't wait!!!

Did anyone watch Lost this week? Whats with the time travel? Speaking of TV, time for Grey's...gotta go!

The Month of Nesting- Week One

Well, I'm officially finished with my office job and only 5 weeks away from babytime...assuming he comes on time (hint, hint Stephen!!) I've been quite the busy Mommy this week working on all the projects I've been putting off. First up, curtains for the nursery. I just have to finish the sides and have Daddy mount the curtain rod. I'll post pictures when they're complete. Note- may I just brag a little and tell you that we decorated the nursery for under $150, bedding and all, (Not including the crib and dresser of course- I'm not THAT good) and its turning out quite cute if I may say so!
Next up, making cloth diapers from Daddy's old undershirts. I found this great idea here, and its going very well. The cotton makes such soft diapers, I'm sure Stephen will thoroughly enjoy soaking them. I'm also finishing a knitted diaper cover made with some left over wool from my stash. I just have to sew in the velcro.
And last but not least on my list for this week: Stephen's coming home outfit!!! Found this adorable pattern on Ravelry and it calls for size 10 1/2 needles- Hallelujah!!! Everything else asked for 4s and 5s- no way, no how! I'm really really excited about this little suit. I'll post more pictures as it progresses.
Other things this week has included: 1 nap, 1 doctor's appointment, 2 pair velour pajama pants, 1 Sonic Hot Fudge Sundae, 5 cases of heartburn, 2 weird dreams, 1 brisk walk, 2 new recipes, 4 episodes of Golden Girls and 1 Prepared Childbirth Class. Its been a GREAT week!!

My kind of scarf

I wanted to show off one hand dyed, hand knit Malabrigo scarf from my dear Cheryl. She knows the color is one of my favorite and she got the shade just right! I love it. And since it is going to be a wind chill of ZERO (0) yes, zero on Friday, it will most certainly be welcome.

Also new to the shop, the much anticipated Hiya Hiya Needle gauges. Why? Because they will measure to a 6-0 size needle. Yep, that's right, 6-0!

Also stay tuned today as I post new photos of Pagewood Farms Chugiak and Denali sock yarns. Gorgeous, enchanting colors.

Cannot believe it has been almost 2 weeks since I posted. Wow.

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to take a minute to wish each and everyone of you a very healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year 2009.

Christmas was glorious, as always and I wanted to show off this wreath that Crafty Cheryl made for me.

The best thing of all, Island Girl, Orange Boy and I have purchased webcams. We can now begin to see each other whilst conversing and it works great! Test drive was last night with IG. I am soooo excited.

Have a fiber fun filled new year's...

Ho ho holidays ...

Ho Ho Holidays to you all! It's that time of year that I want to wish each and every one of you that celebrate this great time of year a splendid holiday.

Do you still lack that special gift for that one person on your list that just doesn't *need* anything? Here's a gift suggestion. Give a donation to their favorite cause; whether it be an animal shelter, children's hospital, or even a hospice center. Then give them a card telling them of your donation. I promise it will bring a smile to their face and heart.

I leave with you with a picture of some great turtles I made today. Pretzels, Rolo candies and a pecan. Speaking of "pecan", do you say pee-can or pi-kahn? I say pee-can...

Orange Boy and Cheryl will be here Wednesday for several days - then I go to Cheryl's hometown for a baby shower. Can't wait. So Happy New year... just in case...

Wow, where has time gone?

I just realized I have not blogged in quite some time and thank you my dear Cheryl, for taking up the slack! I love looking at the pictures of my little grandbaby's room - whose ETA is February 18, 2009!

Where have I been? Busy, like so many of you. You guys have been shopping like crazy and I am trying to keep up with your orders. That is not a complaint but a Thank you! Some of you have written they are gifts for others and some are shopping for themselves. Hey, nothing wrong with that...

About 2 weeks ago, I drove up to north Georgia to visit an apple farm. They had some Stayman Winesaps and Fuji apples that looked delightful. I bought 3 - 1/2 bushels - came home and put up about 8 gallon size

freezer bags of apples pie mix and 14 pints of applesauce. These apples were so sweet that I used no sugar at all in either the pie stuff or the applesauce.

I use my great grandmother's apple grinder that was passed right on down to me. The wooden "oar" is thinned out from so much use but I treasure it. However, if I am making slightly chunky sauce, I just use a tater masher.

Not only that, but I have been very busy ordering new yarns and goodies for the shop. Hope your holiday season is going great.

Stash Buster- Bath Poofs

While searching for quick but cool Christmas gifts to knit, I discovered this pattern for a "bonbon", or bath poof. I used a skein of Mango Moon I've had for quite a while, and big needles- size 15, my FAVORITE! Instead of just knitting straight, I did a little feather and fan action to make it a little more jazzy. It only took an hour and I used it in the shower last night. Unfortunately, the Mango Moon wasn't the best choice of yarn, as it lacks necessary scrubbing action needed to make a good bubbly lather. I have some bamboo and some nettle I'm going to try next, or there's always good old fashioned cotton!

The crib is up!

We're still plugging away at the nursery every weekend. The crib came on Friday and Chris put it together that night. AND he only said 2 curse words the whole time! Next task: spray wheel and anchor white and finish curtains.

Nesting

Hello everyone! Sorry its been FOREVER since I've written, but its been crazy times here in Huntsville.

After enjoying a decadent Thanksgiving dinner (in our pajamas) Chris and I painted the nursery (well, I didn't actually DO the painting...I supervised). Our theme is sailboats/little nautical cutie pie baby

Here's a picture of the partially assembled crib and the painted walls. We are getting so excited! We got a anchor and ships steering wheel at Hobby Lobby (50% off thank you very much) and I got awesome fabric for the curtains on sale at Hancock on Saturday and I'll be stitching away all week!

Happy Thanksgiving! ... and Black Friday

I just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it. I have so many things to be thankful for and among those I certainly count my great customers, friends and family. Thank you all and stop by The Yarn Grove on Black Friday for a sale!

Zuma Bags and Mini Cozies

Just in to The Yarn Grove, the brand new Namaste Zuma Bags and mini Cozies. In all the delectable colors that Namaste offers. The mini Cozy is Animal-friendly faux leather
and measures 2 3/4" W x 8.5" H x 1/4" D . Perfect for DPNs and crochet hooks.

The Zuma bag is Animal-Friendly faux leather and measures 9.5" W x 11" H x 17" L 10" (length at the base) Handle Length: 10" (top of bag to top of handle). This bag opens wide and the interior features 3 pockets (1 zipper pocket and 2 open-top pockets). The front pocket boasts an accordian-style design for multi-compartment. Great for gifts and you will have to have one for yourself!

I'm off to the Rocket City to see Orange Boy and Cheryl. I'm going to Cheryl's first baby shower and I couldn't be more excited. I made a trip to Trader Joe's for them and also taking homemade veggie soup and taco soup (no meat). Delicious!

Have a fabulous fiber filled weekend!

Phyllis, you're a sweetheart...

My friend Phyllis, blogger of Knit and Purr, whom I met at Noble Knitters, went all sweet on me. Well, not that she wasn't always that way, Phyllis is a sweetheart. She bought me a skein of Wollmeise from the Ravelry group: Completely Pointless and Arbitrary Group under their RAK 4 Angels Swap. I'm not feeling too angelic but apparently Phyllis thought I was... Thank you my friend! I will think of you everytime I pet my skein of Wollmeise. It is gorgeous. The colorway is Versuchskaninchen1. She bought it from a Ravelry lady in Germany. I will be thinking of a special project for this yarn. Talk about making my day. Not only did a beautiful skein of Wollmeise arrive but also little German teabags, wafer cookies and treats! Wow, I feel special all because of you, Phyllis ...

Some shop news ... scheduled to arrive this week, the ever fabulous brand new Zuma bag from Namaste. More on that later...

I broke my own rule...

I broke my own rule about knitting socks - I always start one, finish the toe, start another one and work on them simultaneously. Well as I was gearing up for my out of town adventure, I grabbed this Lorna's Laces Sport weight sock yarn in Aslan and away I went. I have made a lot of progress on it - mostly while on planes, my usual: turkish caston, toe up, and then I am knitting a 3/2 rib. Very stretchy and I love them. These will be for me!

I hit the ground running when I got home Sunday evening. You guys did lots of shopping whilst the shipping department was away and thank you all! Don't you just love the Debra's Garden Needle gauges ? I know many of you do. Whether for yourself or a knittin' friend, you will love these high quality tools...

While I was gone, my mother went on a whirlwind trip as well and had a problem with her vision - visited a local doctor where she was and found out she has Macular Degeneration in both eyes, one worse than the other. She was devastated to say the least but we are now hitting it head on. While there is absolutely no cure for it, there are treatments in the eye that can (hopefully) slow the progression. 3 things she loves at this age of 82 - reading, playing cards and knitting... So I am keeping positive thoughts about these treatments.

Anywho, The Yarn Grove is busy gearing up for the holiday season and hope you all are too.