The Creative Groove

We've decided to go forward with the plan of moving Hayes into a new room. He is excited about it and I want to capitalize on that. As such, we are trying to work with a Grey, Black, Red color scheme. Not what I would choose, but certainly a reflection of my child. I've settled on a light grey for the walls, leaning more toward a warmer shade than cooler, with a big black stripe going along the wall about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down. He is in love with this loft from IKEA, so that is a must (not to mention it fits the current mattress). I think we'll go with red curtains and a duvet cover - let's be real, I'll probably make them myself.

Today I started looking for red & black poster art for his room. I was really unhappy with all that I saw, none of it was exactly kid-room friendly. Then it dawned on me that I could make my own posters. As soon as the idea hit, I knew it was a good one. These three are the final copies:

I can't believe how much I like them. And Hayes loves the idea of having posters of himself in his room. And if you are as in love with that pouty pose as I am, you should check out Little Lives Photography. Elaine is amazing!

Sock Yarn Surprise

As we all know, I love knitting. And I have to be honest, I am a little obsessed with that self-patterning sock yarn. It's just so cool! I had a request from a customer to create a scarf using it, and the idea was just intriguing enough to draw me in. I'm so glad I did it.

I used a US 5 needle (I think I'd try a 7 if I did it again) and a basic 1 x 1 ribbing. I brought the yarn forward and then slipped the last stitch at the end of each row -- it's my favorite edge for a scarf. For the ruffling on the edges I used a plain garter stitch. The yarn, I am sad to say, has been discontinued, but is made by Trexx. The whole thing is about 5 feet long! I wanted the wearer to be able to wrap it around her neck a couple of times.

It was a lot of knitting, but the mindless kind you can do while watching TV (or sitting around as a note-taker during lab time). I'll have to consider one of these for myself. Love it!

Just Like That

I've written this post a hundred times or more in my head. It's hard to even know how to begin. On Monday we learned that our baby had no heartbeat. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to hear. I've run the gamut of emotions over the last few days and fully expect to do so some more. But I've been loved and hugged and comforted by my amazing circle of friends and family. I've never been so grateful for them all.

And in the in between times, when I'm not feeling numb or overcome with grief, I am struck at how odd it is to feel so sad by the loss of a life that I never truly knew. Yes, this was my child, but it was only 7 weeks old, I didn't know it's gender, or it's smile, hadn't heard it's cry. And it's more than just the death of a dream, or even a dream deferred. It's a deeply rooted sadness, and an unexpected one. Perhaps unexpected more out of ignorance than anything else. As a sweet friend said, it probably speaks to a deeper mystery about life that we just can't comprehend.

And so it goes. We will plod along, and spring will come, and life will begin to bloom again. I take heart in that. But for now we are quietly awaiting it, trying to look toward the sun through our tears.

Sewing Challenge

I'm always up for a good challenge (ok, almost always) and here is one I am all about. One of my favorite bloggers, Rae of Made By Rae, is hosting a Spring Top Week. The idea is to make one adult top (or more if you find your ambition running high) during the week. And get this, you can start now! It's pretty loose, but she's got a flicker pool and some possible goodies to give away. Just my style.

I purchased this really cool pattern last summer that I never got around to making, so I'm a girl with a plan. If you're interested in participating in Spring Top Week, click the button on the side of the blog there and it will take you to Rae's blog with all the instructions for the challenge. Happy sewing!

Book Review: The Dogs of Bedlam Farm

A dear friend of mine (and fellow dog lover) lent me this book. I don't think I would have picked it up on my own, (even though the title is a huge draw for a person like me) but I have to admit I really, really enjoyed reading it.

The Dogs of Bedlam Farm is more than just a memoir, it's a journey - well, a glimpse into a journey - that we are asked to follow even for just a while. It's more than just a dog book too, which I tend to have a weakness for anyway. I have mentioned before, that dying dog books make me crazy and are right off my list. You can imagine my delight in reading the forward of this book where the author admits intentionally writing this book with an eye toward no dogs dying. Thank you Mr. Katz!

And if you have the time, you should wander over to the Bedlam Farm website. It was fun to see some actually photos of these animals I felt rather connected to through this reading. If you are a dog person, or a farm person for that matter, consider reading this book. It's well worth your time.

Crocheted Baby Ring Toy

I caught a lot of grief over the creation of this toy. And I'll admit, it is a wee bit phallic until all the pieces are on it. But the "Pond Friends Stacking Toy" from Lion Brand Yarn is a free pattern online, and a lot of fun when it's all done.

I always get a little frustrated in any handiwork project with all the details of finishing, and this has a lot of tiny details! This is not exactly a quick project. But it is rather satisfying in that each piece comes together fairly quickly. And I am pleased to say, that I managed to whip up this toy entirely from the stash, and that is always a good thing. Over all, I am really pleased with it. If nothing else, it'll look really cute in the nursery.

Recycled T-shirt Newborn Sleeper

Lately I've been all about trying to repurpose old clothing. We have so much of it and I hate to see it just go to waste, especially since I've been purchasing fabric just as quickly. So in a effort to economize and be a little bit greener, I've scoured the web for ideas. And there are some AMAZING ideas out there. I could go for weeks just trying out all the great projects I've discovered.

This one, however, takes the cake. At least for right now. We all know how many onesies a kid can go through in a day; it can be daunting. I finally found an economical solution for that -- the recycled t-shirt sleeper. I love this idea. I made this one using two of Richard's old Ts (mediums) that were destined for the rag pile. They are so soft and perfect for a baby. And I am delighted to say that I even mastered the rather difficult looking (but really fairly simple) collar that makes it so baby.

I'm telling ya, there are going to be LOTS of these cuties around here. It's addicting! Oh, and if you happen to live in the area and have any fun adult Ts that could have another life, I'd be happy to take them off your hands.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

What kind of idiot goes out to Walmart at 4 pm on a Saturday afternoon? Apparently, I do. (Pregnancy Brain, I fart in your general direction.) There was no Tylenol in the house, and I had a splitting headache. What's a girl to do? But upon arriving at the Walmart, I couldn't find the analgesics. They put the in the very center of the store, in the vortex of people, the most chaotic part of the mart. Who's brilliant idea was that?

And I got the last bottle of Tylenol in the store. I'm not exaggerating. (It's been known to happen, but not this time.) And you know what? Of course they were all out of Tylenol -- it was 4 pm on Saturday at Walmart. What was I thinking?