Spitting Yarn

I have just moved into the long talked about Project.  I am recovering from food poisoning in a house with no internal doors – even on the loos.  I am trying to keep my 9 month old to the tiny bit of routine we have which keeps him sane, despite having builders in the house every day, all day.  I am desperately failing to unpack, mainly because the builders have not relinquished one of our rooms yet.  And Christmas?  Yes, well.  Christmas.  As I was saying, unmitigated chaos.

BUT.  We’re in!  It’s still somewhat of a building site, but a wonderful home, nonetheless.  I’ll post some pictures when I get the chance.

Before we moved, I managed to do my first real bit of knitting since the little man was born.

The Baby Sophisticate cardi (found on Ravelry).  It took several goes, because it is very undersized as written and only just fits him despite extensive sizing mods.  I love the finished article, though.  Grandpa chic!

Hasn’t my boy grown?  He is pulling up to standing and saying “Ra! Ra! Ra!” a lot.  If he’s desperate, he can drag himself along the floor like a beached baby seal, but I think he’ll be walking before he crawls properly.  I walked at 10 months, I think, so I had better brace myself!

A vase full of custard yellow roses from the garden.

Reading The Bog Baby to Spike.  A wonderful introduction to the nature of wild things.

Finishing my first (full-length) book since Spike arrived.

The Ask and the Answer is a sequel to The Knife of Never Letting Go which I thought I had blogged about before, but I cannot find a reference to it (must have been dream blogging).  The Knife of Never Letting Go is possibly my favourite book title of all time.  I don’t know why I like it so much, but it compelled me to read the book, which was excellent (the winner of two children’s book prizes).  I find the title of the sequel just as intriguing and the book turned out to be even better than its forerunner.  I heartedly recommend them both and will await, with shredded fingernails, the third in the series.

Do you have a favourite book title?  Did the book live up to its title?

Isn’t the weather glorious?  A little bit of sunshine goes a long to way towards making a new mama feel human.  It’s great to be able to stride out without too much fannying about (except slapping on some SPF).

We’ve had a lovely, social couple of days with Spike receiving visits from both of his ungodparents.  I, in particular, am not religious at all, but we did want Spike to have some other significant grown ups in his life.  His ungodparents were carefully chosen for their very special and inspirational qualities.  We have chosen wisely, I think.

In honour of the visit from the ungodparent (male variety) for afternoon tea and cake, I baked.  I tried a new recipe, a Rhubarb Crumble Cake, and it was *very* good.

Crumble of any sort is right up there with my favourite puds, but it isn’t very summery so this recipe appealed.  I think other soft fruits would substitute well, or fruits which bake well like apple.  My top tip would be too pulse the crumble mixture in a food processor, if you have one, and sprinkle the crumble on the cake without packing it down at all.  It makes for a very crisp, crumbly crumble.  Next time I think I might use strawberries and rhubarb, add a smattering of ground ginger to the crumble and a spot of vanilla essence to the sponge.

I have cake so often these days it is less of a treat and more of a staple food!  Mind you, I burn off so much energy looking after our little one that I think I can afford to indulge.  I present exhibit B…

I can’t claim to have baked these.  They are from the wonderful Hummingbird Bakery on Portobello Road.  I don’t know what their secret is (perhaps corn syrup?), but their cupcakes are always gorgeous.  Clock from top left we have a red velvet, carrot, lemon and coconut and a black bottom cupcake.  Mmmmm!

Spike has started smiling madly which delights us no end.  In fact, his expressions are a source of limitless entertainment: they pass across his face like the weather.

He’s such a lovely little man.

While there has not been a lot of crafting going on in this house, others have been sewing up a storm.  The very lovely Kirsty dropped by recently to drink tea, eat cake and meet Spike.  She came armed with the most adorable trousers for the little man which she had whipped up that morning!  Check them out…

Aren’t they cute?!  I can’t wait until he fits them.

In the absence of actual craft, I have had to get my fix by buying unneeded accountrements.  Designers Guild were having a warehouse sale near me, so I popped along to see what bargains might be had.  It turned out to be an utter bun fight and with relatively new baby in tow, I couldn’t tolerate more than a quick scuttle round.  I did manage to pick up some beautiful trimmings.  Who knows how or when I will use them, but they are nice to have in the stash.  I particularly love the coral lace – so cheering on a grey day like today.

I promised you more photos of the small one and, of course, there’s nothing more cheering than my little Spike.  Look how he’s grown.  He’s actually more chubby now than in this photo, if such a thing is possible!

Speaking of baby photos, it turns out at Spike’s age, I was a bit weird looking.  I had a ton of dark brown hair (I’m totally blonde now) and, you know how some people are recognisable from their baby pictures?  Well, not me.

I adore this photo, mainly because of the amazing romper suit I am wearing!  I look like a little green elf baby.

Just a quick post to show that – gasp! – I managed to achieve one of my craft goals: to make some little cards.

This flock were wholly inspired, “ripped off” even, from some cards I saw on Etsy, but I can’t find a link now.

My latest news is that I have also done twelve – count ‘em – twelve rows of knitting!  There’s no point me showing you the project until it’s finished, because it’s virtually all garter stitch, so it doesn’t look like much at the moment.  Having been away from the needles for so long, I am finding the garter stitch very therapeutic.

Spike is doing brilliantly.  He’s well on the way to doubling his birth weight.  We love our little chubber!  We’re also getting our first responsive smiles and coos, which is exciting.  More pictures next time…

Wow!  Tiny babies are time consuming creatures, aren’t they?!  I’m snatching five minutes to poke my head above the parapet and say “hi” and “we’re fine” and “Wow!” (again).

Spike is doing wonderfully.  He’s putting on weight and sleeping pretty well.  I am hugely fortunate that Mr Spitting Yarn is off work until *June*, so Spike gets plenty of opportunity to bond with his papa, and I am able to have showers and get changed…silly things like that(!)

We have just celebrated Spike’s red egg and ginger party, which was tremendous fun and had the added advantage of making me feel quite human.  Look!  We’re having a party!  Look!  I am having conversations with people!

While, contrary to Chinese tradition, I have been out and about since day one (and I have washed and consumed only moderate quantities of ginger), the party still felt like a watershed for us.  We have the nappy changing, feeding, sleeping and playing sussed, which leaves a tiny bit of time for other things, like writing this post and going for a coffee, and the occasional party.

Spike was very chilled out and was soothed by all the activity around him (quietness seems to unsettle him more than hubbub).  I dressed him in his best sweater (mama-made, of course).  I think he looks very fine in it.

Anyway, how have you all been?  I must visit your blogs and find out…

A very quick post to say that our dear baby Spike arrived safely on the 18 March 2009 at 4.30pm.  He weighed 7lb 2oz.  He’s a little jaundiced, but otherwise sleeping and feeding well.  I am in surprisingly good shape too, although having to contend with some wear and tear to the milk dispensing equipment.

And if you were wondering, the blooms and the baby arrived on the same day.

How’s that for a delightfully fitting floral tribute to our new arrival?

My current recurring thought: will the baby or the amaryllis blooms arrive first?  My money’s on the blooms.

The Piplet is due on Friday, but I have a feeling I’ll watch the day come and go without so much as a Braxton-Hicks.  I don’t mind too much as I’m feeling surprisingly comfortable.  He’ll come when he’s ready and that’s fine by me.

I thought I would take the opportunity to blog two-handed, whilst I still can.  I must also apologise in advance – while no babies will appear in this blog post, you may detect a running theme (!)  The primary reason for this is that my dear, dear friend C threw me the most delightful baby shower.  Now.  I am what I would call a low-key person.  I’m not fond of too much fuss and I don’t especially like (read: “loathe”) being the centre of attention.  The aforementioned C, however, is a Producer both in nature and for a living and was determined to throw me the baby shower to end all baby showers.  And, my, did she succeed!  I can’t tell you what a lovely time I had, surrounded by nearly all of my favourite female personages.  There were quizzes and presents and cake and trifle.  The cake!  Did I mention the cake?  I don’t have a picture of all the cakes which featured at the baby shower, but here are a few of the various tasty morsels laid on…

Pretty amazing, no?  Ah, the cakes.

I know baby showers are a US-import, not yet beloved by us Brits.  I was certainly a little uncomfortable that people might feel that gift-giving was mandatory and that might be onerous, particularly in these credit-crunchy times.  However, the joy of being a crafty person, is that people are often minded to give something which they have made themselves.  I was so pleased to receive, on behalf of the Piplet, a heart-warming array of the handmade.

Look at this for a cheery bonce-warmer:

A beautifully bebuttoned cardigan:

A squashy scarfette:

The inimitable Malcolm the Mouse.  A joint effort by two novice knitters.  We love him!

And that was just the handmade gifts.  We were so spoiled.  Thank you dear C, and my lovely party-goers for coming and for the excellent and well-chosen presents.  There was something very special about contemplating my impending motherhood in the company of friends, some of whom have children of their own, some of whom don’t, hopped up on cake and baby-themed quiz questions.  I heartily recommend baby showers.

I know it has been a long while since I have posted but, you know, this getting-ready-for-a-baby business is quite time-consuming.  There is so much to do around the house, so many antenatal appointments to attend, pregnancy yoga classes to go to, naps to take…ok, I may not be convincing you.  In reality it’s the mental preparation which has probably got in the way of blogging.  Every waking thought may not be about the looming life changing event, but most are(!)

I don’t know whether I earn any points for having done a little crafting (Pip-related, admittedly)?

I made another sock monkey!  Check him out:

I do love sock monkeys.  You never know quite what they are going to turn out like until they are finished and each has it’s own individual character.  This specimen has fantastically big ears, for example.  We haven’t named him yet.  Any suggestions?  I used this tutorial which is very clear.  I would recommend socks from Gap.  They are good quality and this pair came ready-equipped with a monkey mouth!  How prescient.

While we’re on socks, I also managed to knit a couple of pairs for Pip.

[The top pair were knitted with Hipknits cashmere sock yarn and the bottoms pair with Koigu KPPPM.]

I would have made more, but I have no idea whether they will fit.  I thought I’d stop at two and see how we go until Pip is in a position to be wearing foot attire.  Stupidly, I didn’t make a note of what pattern I used, so perhaps two pairs is all.

I haven’t gone crazy with the knitting because, perhaps optimistically, I am thinking it might be a little warm for knitted garments soon.  As a consequence, I have taken the opportunity to get more familiar with my sewing machine.  I knocked out a couple of jersey hats.  The tops have yet to be tied until I know how much space a baby’s head needs (currently hoping not too much space!).

What else have I been up to?  Crocheting.  I do like a bit of crocheting – it’s so quick.  I made a little lap-sized blanket, which might be useful for the car seat/pushchair/sling.

I included the nursing chair/stool in the picture because I am quite proud of my recovering skills.  The chair glides in a soothing fashion and was an antenatal gift from my grandparents.  The chair and stool were reduced from £300 to £100 on Kiddicare which I think is excellent value and well worth it.  However, I think the economies may have been in the fabric department.  It was beige, synthetic and smelled unpleasant.  This was quickly resolved by a trip to Ikea for some inexpensive fabric (£3 or so a metre) and a few sessions at my sewing machine.  Apart from the arm cushions and the stool, the covers are removable.  By the time the stool and arms get grubby, I reckon I’ll be about ready to revamp it again, so I’m not too worried.

So, we’re waiting now.  We are ready (as we’ll ever be).  I will, of course, update you as and when.  In the meantime, I am going to exercise my pregnancy prerogative aka let me eat cake (or meringue).

Happy new year, all!

All is well in our camp.  The bump is growing apace and the little one is delighting in digging his mini-elbows/feet/hands into the nooks and crannies created by my internal organs.  We had our first ante-natal class and it was a timely reminder that we do need to get prepared, and soon!

I’ve been meaning to post for some time but for once, too much material rather than too little was the problem.  Where to start?

How about with our 2008 Gocco’d Christmas cards?

I went for something simple and light on ink to ensure I could whip them out quickly and easily.  They didn’t quite turn out as I hoped (I should have used red ink so the candy cane font worked better), but I like them all the same.

In the run up to Christmas, I was determined to craft a few presents, both because I can and also to help us conserve funds.  I was also keen to try a few new things to keep me engaged with the process and stretch me a bit.  The main thing I worked on was a set of grocery bag dispensers to gift to the ladies in my family.  I forgot to get a picture of all of them, but here’s a couple I made.

The new skills involved here were applique and making yoyos.  The yoyos were easy, but the applique was tougher than it looked(!)  My attempts to machine applique were fairly disastrous, so I resorted to hand-sewing them on.  I used this tutorial for the dispenser, in case you’re interested.

I had grand plans to make bags for my friends, but the first one I made took so long, I didn’t have time to make any others!  The one I did manage to make turned out quite well, though.  It looks reasonably professional and very cheery.

I was particularly pleased with my first attempt at french seams.  They made the final product so neat and tidy.  For this project, I used a great Sew, Mama, Sew! tutorial which you can find here.  Want to see my seams?  Go on then.

It wasn’t all sew, sew, sew though.  I also whipped up a cashmere cowl for an outdoorsy type.

I used the Chickadee pattern again for this and some beautiful, buttery, blue Posh Yarn cashmere.  I was a little disappointed to find some stray pink dye splodges in the skein, but I was zen with it.  It didn’t ruin the overall effect of the piece, and it was so soft.

Finally, I also tackled another little vest for the Piplet.  It appears I still suck at cable – I can’t get the purl stitches which follow knit stitches to sit snugly, however hard I pull on the yarn.

I pretty much followed the pattern, except I knit slightly less before and after the cable section so that it would fit a new baby.  I also knit a couple more rows of ribbing at the neck and arms than stated in the pattern.  Overall, it still looks sweet, but I might try it again without the owls and perhaps add a contrast cast on/bind off or stripe, instead.

Phew!  I have been a busy bee.  I have a wee pair of Koigu socks on the needles at the moment.  It’s good to be knitting socks again.

We’ve been having a lovely time here, Chez Spitting Yarn.

We had Christmas No. 1 last weekend, which was an effort to get together with my side of the family as several of them are overseas at Christmas.  We ate venison stew, stewed red cabbage and mashed swede, pulled crackers and exchanged presents (although we are saving the opening until Proper Christmas).  My young cousins opened their presents, so I can show you something I made and gifted: a housey pyjama case.

This was inspired by Lisa Stickley’s textiles and was immensely fun to make.  I used broad fabric markers to apply the black lines and the rest were bits and pieces from my fabric, trimmings and notions stash.  I see more of this style of wares in my future!

The fun continued this week, as DF celebrated his 30th birthday.  As a treat we took a few days in Brighton, staying in a B&B called The Twenty One which I would recommend.  It was run by a charming couple, Matt and Andy, who were very hospitable.  It was mainly freezing in Brighton, but the friendliness of everyone we encountered, the excellent array of independent shops and some great food meant we had a very nice time, regardless.

One high point was our visit to Choccywoccydoodah’s Bar Du Chocolat – talk about hilariously indulgent.  DF and I could barely believe our eyes when they brought out our “slice” of cake (it was actually about an entire quarter of a cake, slathered in molten chocolate, plastered in chocolate icing and adorned with a wholly unnecessary wodge of vanilla ice cream).  I am very sad to report that the close up picture I took of it didn’t come out as the Bar’s unrelentingly red, glitzy decor played havoc with my white balance.  I did manage to get a picture of the hot chocolate and the decor itself, though (look for the cake in the foreground).

Sigh.  Chocolate heaven.

Continuing the good food theme, we also had a great meal at The Gingerman on DF’s birthday.  I had a gorgeous roasted quail and creamed savoy cabbage starter, followed by roast goose with my favourite red cabbage and a potato galette.  It was really very lovely.

We have further celebrations to come tomorrow, as we are meeting friends to celebrate DF’s birthday in good company and pleasant surroundings.  I’ll be sneaking out before we meet to check out the Craftacular.  Anyone else going?