Childhood

We had a small kiddie party for Anya a couple of weekends ago at her grandparents' home. It seemed like it had flooded kids. I am grateful for the opportunity--for me, having a child is a second chance at childhood.

I wanted the children to do something crafty (of course) at the party, so we picked painting. It was so much of fun--some of the adults joined in too. Ha. Some of the kids left their canvases behind...to be later put up in Anya's room.

I was determined to knit Anya a dress for the party. Actually, I wanted to make her something for Xmas. I casted on mid December--and panicked. Too little time, too much pressure. I dont work well under pressure. She wore a store bought dress for Xmas.

When the New Year began, I picked up the dress again. (Yes, I made it up the pattern, and no, unfortunately, I did not write it up as I went along). It was the first baby garment post-Anya. And it was exciting and unnerving at the same time. Exciting because I could keep trying it on her as I went along (she has no choice but get used to this kind of dress up). Unnerving because this had to be perfect. I mean, I could not make a garment that did not fit her--especially now that she was here (!) At one point, I just wished I could knit the dress ON her. (Again, it is time she gets used to these crazy ideas).

I am pleased with the outcome. It is a simple top down dress, with skirt increases at regular intervals on either side. I picked up stitches for the collar and button band. Hello Kitty buttons for pleasure. The yarn is a perfect fit--it has great stitch definition and feels real good in the hands. The dress fit Anya well--hopefully one day, she will look at her baby pictures, and notice that she is wearing a dress made by her mom. And hopefully that will get her curious about one, the obvious--about art, craft, and inspiration--and two, move beyond the obvious--what it means to create, evolve, challenge, and differ. That, in my mind, will complete the circle of my crafting.

Pattern: my own recipe
Yarn: Lion Brand's LB Collection Superwash Merino in Antique (0.75 skein)
Needle: US 5
Size: 3 months

Modelling Job

Hi, this is Anya. I am writing this blog post because well, that lady who usually writes it (aka Mom) says she wants a break from mothering, and has gone to get her nails done. She has become a little weird(er) lately. I woke up this morning...nice sunny morning, great weather. There she was---a little grumpy. Fine, I kept her up and about the whole of yesterday, but hey, cant she take some heat. Well. I guess not. Wimp.

Anyway, she was kind enough to feed me some breakfast and then boom. She says--"Lets get this day started, Missy." Day started! Already? She lays me on the bed, pulls out this camera, and here we go. The craziness. She (and that guy who lives in this house) says that I need to work for a living. So here I am, posing away for these zillion camera clicks.

Wow. The first picture is of a gift for ME! Cupcake hat. Thank you, Mazhalai! I am loving it. I was told that mom called me Cupcake before I showed up. I love the bright red pompom. Thanks again and kisses to little Neyan.

Orange hat. Mom made it--not for me, but for someone else who is going to have a baby soon. Who? She does not know yet. I told you--she is kinda messed up in her head. She put some cute buttons on the hat--it has some great attitude...just like me.

Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Lion Brand's Cotton Ease
Size: 3-6 months

Finally. Mom made this hat for ME. About time. It goes with this sweater of mine. The yarn is from the leftover stuff from several projects. It is still kinda too big for me--I am told it will fit me in the coming Fall.

Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton DK
Hook: 3.5mm
Size: 12 months

I dont know what I am doing in the following project pictures, but whatever. This is the Beanie and Scarf mom made for herself a few weeks before I was born. She said that she was sick of making baby projects (cheeky or what). She whipped it out in a couple of days and has been wearing it ever since. She boasts to Dad that people she meets love her scarf. Dad told me--they better...it cost $$$ to make it. Some investment. Mom calls it her "Pre-Baby, Indulgence Scarf".

Pattern for Beanie: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Wool (0.5 skeins in 7803); Noro Silk Garden (301) for edging
Hook: 5mm
Size: Woman's

Patten for Scarf: Shell Stitch pattern from Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden (4 skeins in 301)
Hook: 5mm