Yarns to Tell

Showing Some Skin

The Spring sun is certainly affecting our household. We now have one thrilled kid who can't wait to strip down any chance he can get. Whether it's soaked clothes from watering the plants, messy after dinner clothes, or just plain, "Want to be naked!" Here he is helping with dinner after an afternoon in the backyard...yes, we have a backyard. 

An activity that I've encouraged so that Julian can 'knit' alongside me has truly been taken to. Weaving in a string through holes punched in cardboard, shaped like animals and colored, or threading beads on a string not only help with fine motor skills, but seem to satisfy the knitter inside. Even better when half dressed!

Simple Fun

For a quick fix, I've knit up some balls for Julian. I wanted to do this when he was a wee one upon first seeing the pattern. Well, better late than never. The enthusiasm over these 'inside' balls affirms that a simple ball can provide quite a bit of entertainment at any age. Pattern from Melanie Falick's, Knitting for Baby.

I came upon this Chunky Knit Beanie pattern, and knit up both the large and small pattern. Great hats that the completion of definitely satisfy sooner than later. The pattern is so simple and the yarn is so, well, chunky that one can easily complete in a sitting. Thank you to Leslie for sharing her pattern!

A March Afternoon

I so look forward to Thursdays. These are the days when my work for the week is finished by mid-morning and I have a couple of hours to myself. Myself usually means taking care of things around the house. However, sometimes the completion of those (little) chores truly lifts my spirits. 

Rearranging my office space, de-cluttering the mantle, and getting some much needed cleaning done all felt great. But, my spirits were truly lifted after spending the afternoon in our backyard for a little gardening and sunshine. Julian joined me and the two of us worked side by side, planting, mowing, pulling weeds, playing. Sometimes quiet and thoughtful, other times...not. The afternoon slipped by with all the work we were accomplishing, but without an awareness of time. That's the kind of afternoon I like.

We now have some fresh herbs to tend to and hopefully start eating soon, as well as a few splashes of color added by newly planted flowers. I didn't think that I was quite ready for the sunshine to be as strong as it was today (and, yes, we still need rain!) But, after spending the afternoon in the backyard, I feel that much more settled in our new home and anxious to enjoy this space in the coming months with all of its sunshine.

Hope the March sunshine is lifting your spirits, as well!

Growing Up

Just as Julian is growing into his own little person, this space where I have recorded thoughts and experiences for the last couple of years is evolving. It began as a place where my every move included Julian, often literally as he was wrapped on my chest as I typed, to a place where I explore other interests. And, although my greatest creation thus far inspires me deeply, my desire for creativity runs through all veins of my life.

Motherhood, and family-hood brought something forth that seems to drive this desire to be creative. I have been forced, or perhaps I should say given the opportunity to make some decisions as to how I would like to truly live my life and decide upon the environment in which I raise my child(ren). Defining certain values and how those will play out in our daily lives has driven me to this very point in my creative journey.

It seems that a new name for this site is definitely in order. My greatest creative outlet has been with yarn, whether it's a skein or capturing a story that I'd like to share by recording it here. So, there you go, Yarns to tell is born.