Yesterday the husband and I took Baby Man to the doctor for this 24-month well baby check-up… in the pouring rain.  Yes, a good old downpour on January 25th.  It hit a high of 6°C here yesterday, which is exceptionally unusual for January.  And because Baby Man gets car sickness so easily, we had to walk.  Thankfully the doctor is close, and Baby Man had a great deal of fun splashing in all the puddles.  (The doctor also offered a solution for his car sickness. Yay!)  Baby Man is doing fine.  He is a bit tall and a bit thin for his age, but he is perfectly healthy and on track developmentally.

Beyond celebrating Baby Man’s birthday (thank you for the good wishes) and the doctor appointment, I haven’t had too much free time.  Really, when do I have much free time?  However I did manage to cast on for a pair of Francie socks.  Through Ravelry’s Help Haiti system, the designer of this sock is donating $6 to Doctors Without Borders from every pattern sold until the end of February.  And, if you finish a pair before the end of February and send her a note on Ravelry, she will donate another $1.  These socks have been in my queue for some time, so I figured this was a good time to knit them.  I’m using Crystal Palace’s Panda Cotton in colour Powder Blue.

Francie Socks by Rebekkah Kerner

I’ve also put in some time on Planet June’s Groundhog.  Yesterday afternoon Baby Man helped me stuff the body.  The husband insists it looks like a seal, but I think it will look more like a groundhog once all the limbs are attached.

Groundhog by Planet June

Okay, in that picture it doesn’t even look like a seal. Really, it is much cuter in person.  And I have a good reason why there is in earring hook in its nose: you are supposed to mark the nose to help with eye positioning and embroidering in the nose later.  However, I have misplaced my package of stitch markers and just used what I had on hand.

As for cross stitching, well, I haven’t had the time.  I’ve been reading a really good book, Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture by Ellen Ruppel Shell, which has got me thinking quite a bit about where the things I am buying come from and just how is it that they can make it all the way here to Canada and be so darn cheap.  As an extension, I’ve also been thinking more about where the food I eat comes from and what sort of chemicals I’m using to clean my house.  I have a feeling that some soul searching and some big changes may be in the works shortly.

But, on the other hand, how can I say I care so much when I knit with bamboo (rayon) and acrylic, both of which are created through processes that aren’t exactly environmentally friendly.  *sigh* It really is hard to know how to do right in the world today.  But, I suppose doing something is better than doing nothing at all.

And, since we are having yet another dull and cloudy day here today (but it is more seasonable at -1°), I thought I would share some fun pictures of Baby Man playing with me on the sofa.

Baby Man

Trying to Do Good One Sock at a Time is a post from Reflections in the Pond

Yesterday I tweeted this:

I have come to the conclusion I have too much stuff. World, please stop making things I want. Thank you.

And it is completely true. I have too much stuff. Too many cross stitch charts/kits, too much yarn, too many books. Too much of everything. Three things got me thinking about this. First, my aunt is in Mexico for the next four months and she has shared with me before how the people there make do with so much less than what we have. And second, with my local yarn shop closing and hosting a major sale, I stocked up on a whole pile of yarn at really good prices but have no place to put it. (Eight balls of Berroco Suede for CAN$1 each instead of the regular CAN$12.99? Yes, please!)  And the third was sorting through Baby Man’s toys.  With his 2nd birthday coming up, I figured it was time to pass on or throw away his baby toys.  And even with the culling I did, he still has a ridiculous amount of toys.

I wonder why it is that North American society is so fixated on gathering things.  I know I have more cross stitch supplies than I can use in a lifetime, and yet every time a favourite designer releases a pattern I have to look and see if it is something I want, and it usually  is.  With 52 WIPs and 62 kitted up designs (yes, that is one more than last time, see below), you’d think I was set for life.  But, I’m always looking for something new.  I wonder if this is a search for “Something More”, a search our whole society seems to be on.

Yes, I’m in a bit of an introspective mood.  I have been pretty sad since we had Isis put down last week, which means I’ve been doing a lot of navel gazing.  I am, slowing, feeling better.  And it is the kind words of friends and family that have helped the most.  I think I surprised myself by how upset I’ve been, but it is to be expected, I suppose, when you lose a companion of 16+ years.

Anyway, on to the fun stuff!  While I didn’t win Pauline’s blogoversary draw (Congratulations Blu! You seem to be having a fabulous run of good luck lately!), she has offered to stitch me a pinkeep too.  And I am just tickled pink by that. The generosity of the stitching blog-o-sphere is wonderful. Thank you, Pauline.

And that brings me to prize I won from Yoyo for the 2009 Totally Useless Stitch Along.  She sent me needles, folding scissors, Roses Are Red from La-D-Da and all the threads needed to stitch it.  I’m so happy! And, I’ve got the perfect fabric to stitch the design on, a weirdly coloured Days Gone By from Silkweaver (I say that because it looks different than the other pieces of that colour I have seen).  So, that makes kitted design #62, but I think I will get started on it soon since it will be perfect to display for Valentine’s Day.  Thank you, Yoyo.

TUSAL Prize

Even though I’ve been feeling sad, I have been stitching and knitting.  I’ve made progress on Enchanting Lair’s Kitchen Blessing, but I’ve run out of the silk I’m using.  I’ll be picking up some more tonight. (Thank you, Erica!)

Kitchen Blessing by Enchanting Lair

I’ve also stitched some more on Sewing the Seeds.  No new mistakes, so far.  But I am missing two DMC colours, which I am sure I had bought.  Again, I’ll get these tonight.

Sewing the Seeds

And here is the Kris Knits January KAL up to part 2.  I still have no idea what it is.

Kris Knits January KAL - Part 2

I’m also working on socks for my husband, using Ultra Alpaca Fine and a face mask, and a wee baby jacket using Bernat’s Cottontots.  But neither of those are at a point where they are interesting to look at.

Blessings, Roses, and Piles of Stuff is a post from Reflections in the Pond

I started this post this morning, sitting in the den in the dark.  I usually get up about a half an hour before everyone else so that I can enjoy some quiet time just for me.  Sometimes I knit, sometimes I do a little bit of work, and sometimes I just surf the Internet.  I only have the glow of the computer screen to light the room because I don’t want to disturb Baby Man.  When he wakes up I usually turn on the light in the den and allow him to play quietly in his room for another half an hour or so (depending on the noises I hear coming from his room).  This time in the morning is mine.  I don’t get much done, certainly no cross stitching in the poor light, but it helps me start my day.  I often think about adding a cup of tea to my morning routine, but I don’t want to make any  kitchen noises that could wake up Baby Man earlier.

I’m discovering that there is a real balancing act to being a mom.  It is like learning to be a wife, but even more intense.  You have to figure out a way to be there for the other person as much as possible, while still retaining everything that makes you you.  When it comes to being a mom that is really difficult because the other person starts off as a helpless baby, dependent on you for everything and with no notion that you might need some time and space for yourself. And as you begin to figure out how to balance your child’s demands with what you need, they get older and more independent and change everything.

Baby Man is 22-months old now. He isn’t a baby any more. When I look at him I see a little boy who is intelligent, independent, imaginative, funny, and very happy. I want him to always be like this. He only seems to get grumpy if his nap is delayed or if he is teething (and his last 4 molars are coming in right now). The only thing I would change is his eating habits. He likes to eat potato in any form, hot-dogs, yogurt, rice chips and bananas and that is about it. It is endless frustrating to us, but we are all coping. (I understand that it could be much worse.)

I’m thankful that I am able to stay home with Baby Man, and hope that I can do so at least until he starts school (but who knows what life will bring). I’ll miss having him as my daily companion when kindergarten starts in another few years. But, I think I will also enjoy having greater stretches of my day to myself. It will take a while to get used to, though, I think. Right now, when my husband takes him for a walk, I don’t know what to do with myself during the quiet time when they are gone.

Today, though, I’m happy to sneak in some knitting and stitching time whenever I can, as much as I can. Seeing all of Baby Man’s new accomplishments (High 5!) and hearing his new words and sentences go a long way towards letting me know that my time with him is well spent.

I’m ending this post several hours later. Baby Man is napping, and I’m taking a breather–doing laundry, tidying up, writing this post, and then doing some work. Some days, if I’m lucky or really tired, I take a nap too. Today I’m happy that Baby Man ate most of his breakfast and lunch and that his teeth aren’t bothering him too much. I look forward to him waking up, but also to when he goes to bed tonight so I can have some stitching time.

I was going to post a picture of Baby Man today, but I forgot to snap one before he went to sleep. So, I’m sharing my latest project instead: Winter Frost by Patricia Ann Designs from the 2008 JCS ornament issue. I’ve left of the border and changed the treasures in the centre of the snowflakes to beads (the treasures look much too big and heavy).

Winter Frost by Patricia Ann Designs

Life with Baby Man is a post from Reflections in the Pond

Today was not the best day.  This was my first trip back to the office after going on leave (or leaving, depending on how you look at it).  My team is at a new location now, and while it is quicker and more convenient to get to, it frankly sucks.  Bland grey and white everywhere, and everything is locked down.  Because I have no key, I couldn’t even get out of the lunch room without help.  I’m so glad I’m not going back full time.  I love being with Baby Man waaaaay too much.  And I am so grateful that at this point in my life I don’t have to go back to work there.

So, other than complaining about work (did I mention that no one seemed to miss me and that my team has increased in size by a factor of 4?!), I’ve been knitting like crazy on the Scroll Lace wrap.  And I am so happy to say that I only have the bind off left too do.  Yay me!  There was no way I expected to get it done so quickly.  Here is what it looked like when it was 3/4 done:

Pretty, eh?

Once it is done, I’ll probably knit on my Tesla scarf, which has been very slowly growing.  I will also be so very, very happy return to my cross stitch and I will work diligently on Baby Man’s stocking and start on a wedding piece for my sister-in-law and her wonderful almost-husband.

Tomorrow my LYS is having a sale, and even though I said no stash this month, I’m going to walk down to take a look.  It would be a shame to let yarn I can use go to waste, especially if it is really on sale.

Work Sucks, Lace is Great is a post from Reflections in the Pond

Sadly, this is a post without pictures.  You see, I’ve been having lots of trouble with my cell phone.  (Oh, how I wanted to love it when I first bought it.  But now I hate it and spend time thinking of ways to break it so I can buy a new one.)  So, the USB cable that is usually attached to my computer for the digital camera and other things is now being used to charge the phone in hopes that using a different charger will help it last until the replacement phone the cell phone company is giving me arrives.  (Not mentioning names here because I work for the cell phone company. I curse them and the phone. )

Anyway, what I was going to share is my new project, Scroll Lace from the August 2009 issue of Yarn Forward.  It is a pretty little wrap or mini-shawl that I am trying to knit up before August 5th.  That’s the day we are going to my sister-in-law and her fiancé’s celebration dinner.  I’m knitting it out of Berroco’s Pure Pima, a lovely soft cotton yarn with a fabulous drape.  Hopefully I can share pictures tomorrow.  (In the meantime, here’s a link to the Ravelry page.  You must log in to see it though.)

I did go to a wedding on the weekend, and I was brave enough to wear the Ribbed Lace Bolero that I shared with you a little while ago.  I think it looked lovely with my dress, and no one asked what that awful thing on my back was, so I think it was a success.  Sadly, no pictures of this either.  Honestly, I am so pale that I don’t photograph well, so I don’t often allow my picture to be taken.

And, speaking of family and weddings, I’ve been thinking about all the brouhaha that surrounds them.  Weddings seem to be a time that both brings families together and also pushes them apart.  Maybe someone is left out, or thoughtless words are said, or someone has waaaay to much to drink and embarrasses everyone.  It just seems to be a weird time.  And after thinking about all of that, because I like to think, I wonder if it is okay to be tired of your family.  Is it okay to step back and say you’ve had enough for a while; that being considered family one day and then not family the next isn’t okay.  Yeah, it’s been that kind of a month.

Now, for something a little lighter, why not check out Erica’s blog: Erica’s Places.  She’s taking a cross stitch project with her on all of her family’s summer jaunts.  The adventures of the Travelling Project are great fun to read.

Lace, Family, and Small Sucesses is a post from Reflections in the Pond

I’m still a pretty new knitter.  I made my first knit and purl stitches back in September 2008.  In the past ten or so months I’ve completed a lot of projects, some easy and some a little more challenging.  (You can see them here.)  I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a good knitter, I’m just good at following instructions and at looking for help when I need it.  And, surprisingly, the past ten months have been mostly free of mistakes and disasters.  That is, until the Morgan came along.

The Morgan is a ivy-style driving cap that was featured in Fall 2008 edition of Knitty.  It is a great hat.  I really wanted to make it for my dad since he always wears those types of hats, and so does Baby Man.  And I wanted to make it out of something that would be warm and soft and wonderful, so I got myself some Ultra Alpaca.  Yes, the very yarn that taught me that I was allergic to wool and most animal fibres.  Not a great idea, true, but with a painter’s mask on, I was able to work with the yarn for up to an hour and a half at a time without much discomfort.

The hat moved along well, I thought.  It looked a little large, but I figured it would all work out nicely once things got folded and tucked around.  And then I got to the point where some of the hat went on stitch holders and I could try it on.  Well, it wasn’t just a little large, it was silly!  It looked a lot like those flat chef hats.  Hardly the stately “old fart” hat I was going for.

So, the Morgan has been frogged, the yarn wound into two balls.  (Yeah, I figured this out just after the instructions call for breaking the yarn.)  The extra skein has been returned for store credit, to be spent on some sensible cotton or a magazine, I’m sure.  And the Morgan will be banished from memory… unless I decide to try it again in acrylic or a nice cotton/linen blend.  But not for a little while.

I’m still not sure what went wrong.  I had no trouble with the pattern, and my stitch gauge was right.  I suspect it may have ultimately been a row gauge problem, but I didn’t think to check before I frogged it.

Now I am left to consider what to do with the skein of Ultra Alpaca in a lovely dark grey heathered colour.  It is in two balls, but the whole skein is essentially still there.  It has been knit with, or at least the large ball has been, but the yarn still looks great.  I was thinking of making the South End Knitter’s Hat (Ravelry link).  But whomever I gave it to wouldn’t be able to wear it around me.  (“Here’s a gift to show how much I care about you.  But just don’t come near me!”)  And, really, it is hard for me to work with this yarn; even with a painter’s mask my throat still feels raw after a little while. Not to mention how it makes my hands feel.

I wonder, would anyone out there be interested in it?  Shall I hold another draw for it?  Let me know in the comments if you think that’s a good idea.

The Morgan Incident is a post from Reflections in the Pond

I’m sure we are all aware that knitting is undergoing a huge resurgence.  Even crochet, knitting’s often under-appreciated and much maligned  cousin, is seeing a surge in interest.  On the other hand, it seems like interest in cross stitch, needlepoint and related crafts (obsessions?) is wanning.  I’ve been thinking about this and I wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with one of societies other obsessions: celebrity.

In the knitting world there are a few levels of celebrity: famous people who knit (Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep); designers (Norah Gaughan, Cookie A.); and knitters who stand out for some reason, usually writing (Stephanie Pearl-McPhee the Yarn Harlot).  There is also a whole host of well-loved knitting authors of the past who’s work is still considered required reading for any knitter worth her yarn (Elizabeth Zimmermann).

(As an aside, I was tickled to find out that the fabulous Barbara Walker of knitting fame is the same Barbara Walker who has published books on women’s spirituality and Tarot.  I so wish I could go see her speak at the Sock Summit.)

In the cross stitch world we don’t really seem to have this phenomenon.  There are many well-loved and prolific designers, but where are the celebrity stitchers or the writers who regularly have standing-room-only book tours?

Toronto has four yarns shops that I know of, but no needlework shops.  And when was the last time you saw a character on TV or in a movie do any needlework?  Knitting, though, isn’t unusual to see.  And quilting, well, that seems to be a great favourite of Hollywood.

I do love to knit.  It is quick, fairly easy, and provides me with a garment or decor item when I’m done.  Cross stitch, though, is my favourite handicraft.  The result may “only” give me a decor item, but it is always something of great beauty well worth the long hours spent creating it.

I don’t think that cross stitch will ever see the heights of popularity that knitting has.  It is too time consuming for our instant gratification society.  And, really, it can be fairly expensive even at the most simple levels.  Compare $1.69 for a ball of kitchen cotton to $10 for a small cross stitch kit.  (Although, it is true that a large sweater with fancy yarn can run into the hundreds, but so can a Châtelaine cross stitch design.)   I would love to see more cross stitch celebrities of all stripes, though.  Imagine if Angelina said she loves stitching Teresa Wentzler designs, or if we had our own Floss Harlot to sign the praise of making little Xs over and over again.  What we really need is a Cross Stitch Public Awareness League.

Cross Stitchers’ Public Awareness League is a post from Reflections in the Pond

Today I thought I would write a little bit about family since most of my projects recently have been for family members.  On a daily basis there is me, quanta (my husband) and Baby Man (now a little over 16 months old).  My parents live about an hour away and we see them a few times a month.  It isn’t enough, but it is still wonderful.  quanta’s parents live nearby too, but we see them maybe twice a year.   There is also quanta’s sister who lives in the U.S., and comes back to Toronto a few times a year.  And all of the Chinese aunties, uncles, cousins and grandmother who we see once in a while too.  On my side, we see my mother’s sisters occasionally, but haven’t seen anyone from my dad’s side in a long time.  (He is significantly younger than most of his siblings, so they have never been really close as long as I’ve been aware.)

This year we get to celebrate two weddings in the family.  One of my cousins is getting married, and quanta’s sister is also tying the knot.  But I’m very sad that I’m not going to be at either ceremony.  In my cousin’s case, years of misunderstanding between family members have caused her to decide not to invite any of us.  I suspect she has no idea how deeply she has hurt me and my mom.  I suppose it cuts both ways though.  In quanta’s sister’s case, well, they are essentially eloping… but everyone knows and there will be dinners in five different cities, on different days, to celebrate.  Very modern, eh?

Is what does this have to do with anything?  Well, beyond those two weddings, I know of three other couples getting married this year.  And, sadly, I’m only making something for one couple.  You see, I really don’t like to give stitched gifts.  (And I’m not yet secure enough in my knitting skills to even consider giving a knitted gift beyond dishcloths, which I don’t think anyone would really appreciate.  And yes, I know I am making dishcloths to give as a gift.  I’m not only long winded, I’m also inconsistent.)  I think I’m a pretty neat stitcher, I might even go as far as to say that I’m fairly accomplished considering I’m self-taught.  But, I always second guess whether something will be appreciated.  So, that leads me to stitching a piece for only one wedding this year, with sincere hopes that it won’t end up in a closet.

As for the rest of the family, I think I’ve only given stitched pieces to my parents and my aunts.  A couple of quanta’s aunties have expressed interest in my stitching, but I’m not entirely sure how sincere they are, or if I would be able to find something to suit their style.  I guess it isn’t so bad to stitch mostly for myself, but what am I going to do when I run out of room on my walls?

Here’s another look at one of the gifts I’m making.  I’ve finished up both, I’m happy to report, well ahead of schedule.  One needs to be sent off to be framed and the other will be finished by me.

As for my knitting, I ripped out those pooling socks made from that lovely hand-painted Tencel yarn.  I’ll try again with a different pattern for anklets later.  Instead, I’m working on the Tesla scarf from the latest Knotions.  I’m using Silk Seacell from Dye-Versions, which, surprisingly, is a silk and seacell blend.  I’ll share some pictures in a couple of days.  My crocheted market bag is also coming along nicely.  I’m nearly done with the one skein I wound into a yarn cake, so I just need to find some time to wind up the second skein.

Of Family, Weddings, and Stitching for Others is a post from Reflections in the Pond

I mentioned the other day that I had been thinking a little bit about what it is to be Canadian.  Even though we don’t show it as much or as often as our neighbours to the south, we Canadians are very proud of our country.  We may, if hard pressed, even admit that we think it is the best country going.  (Or, if you live in Toronto, you will say Toronto is the best place in the world to live, without much thought given to the rest of Canada.  That’s just what Torontians are like.)

I’ve found myself on a bit of a patriotic kick lately, probably set off by the fact that a friend is getting involved in Federal politics.  He is hoping to be elected as a Federal Member of Parliament (MP) during the next Federal election.  (Americans: think something like a congressman; People from Elsewhere: do a conversion based on what you know of American politics)  I think this person is a pretty great guy who would do a great job as an MP.  It seems to me like this is his life’s work, and I’m maybe a bit jealous and a bit encouraged that he has set to it so enthusiastically.

He is leaving Toronto shortly and moving back to his hometown in Nova Scotia where he will base his political career.  By way of a good bye gift, and maybe for a bit of good luck, I’ve been working on Victoria Sampler’s Nova Scotia Heart for him.  (It still needs to be pressed and framed.)

And, to continue the patriotic theme, I’m planning on starting Victoria Sampler’s O’Canada very soon.  (The older, hand-drawn version of the chart was RAK’ed to me by the very generous SoftwareGoddess.  Thank you so much!)  I’ve even got the Threadworx overdyed thread that it needs (originally Needle Necessities Mulled Wine, but you know what  happened there…).  And I’m hoping to do Lynn Nicoletti’s Canadian flag design so that I can baste it onto a shirt for Baby Man for Canada Day.  (Oh, I’m so ambitious!)

If you are interested on reading a funny take on what it is to be Canadian, check out How to Be a Canadian by Will and Ian Ferguson.

Now, what does it mean to be a Canadian stitcher?  Well, it is a lot like being an American stitcher, expect we pay between 10% and 15% more for charts, on top of the exchange rate.  It can also be really annoying when a designer releases a monthly series and makes the July piece very, very American.  I wish more designers would offer Canadian options, like Lizzie Kate does for Land That I Love.  And I will also admit that I wasn’t too impressed with Victoria Sampler, a Canadian designer, including an American flag in the Christmas Village design.

As for your questions, Pauline, yep you are right about the design!  I’m using GAST Simply Shaker in Liberty for the light colour and WDW Twilight for the darker colour.  I am into the third skein of the WDW, even through the chart suggests that only two skeins are needed.

Being a Canadian Stitcher is a post from Reflections in the Pond

Right now I would rather be napping.  But instead I’m waiting around to make a phone call to do some negotiating about work. (Update: Did not go well.  No new money for me thanks to cutbacks.)  It seems lately that I do a lot of waiting around for other people to fit me into their schedule.  But, I’m not going to vent too much about it, even though I’d like to…

Oh, and pardon the title.  I don’t like the word “oldsters” but I couldn’t think of anything better.

What I thought I would write about just a little bit today is what it is like for me to be a stay-at-home mom.  With such a little guy and no family really close by, I don’t spend a lot of time with adults.  For a little while it kind of drove me crazy, but because I am such an introvert, I’ve actually come to enjoy it.  I sort of like the fact that it is me and Baby Man most days. And I’m always very happy to have quanta, my dear husband, home in the evenings and weekends when he pitches in to do his share.  Not to mention how much I love it when my parents come to visit (and especially when they agree to watch Baby Man for the evening so quanta and I can escape enjoy an evening out).

One thing I’ve noticed about the weekday “non-working” world (and I use that term loosely as being a mom is a lot of work) is that it is a world of the very young and of the old.  Other than other moms, a lot of people we see around during the day are older, retired people.  There are few dads and few non-parents between the ages of, say, 25-50.  It’s almost like that group of people disappears for five days straight, only to be set free on the weekends.

I’m sure my perspective will change when Baby Man gets a little older and starts school.  Then it will be a world of kids, parents and teachers.  Maybe then I will think about going back to the office (hahaha!).

On a different topic, here’s a picture of Mesh Market Tote from the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Knit Simple.  While it is a simple design, it is crochet and not knitting.  (I’m a woman of many talents!)  The yarn is Summer Linen from Universal Yarns in colourway 5211 Sky Blue.  It is a lovely linen and cotton blend that I thought I would try with an eye to maybe making a tank top out of it at some time.  And while it is nice for the bag, I don’t know that I would make a top out of it because it would probably be a bit rough for my extremely sensitive skin.  (Gosh, I wish I could knit with wool or alpaca! Whaa!)  And, yeah, I know it just looks like a big wavy doily right now.  But it will be a lovely fold-up bag soon!

Expect some more cross stitch pictures in a couple of days.  Tomorrow I’m going down to Golden Threads to say good-bye to the shop and, you know, pick up a few things from the sale.  Yes, I’m supposed to be a stash stitcher but a store closing sale is a special exemption!  And since the work negotiations didn’t go well, this will be my last splurge for a while.

A World of Youngster and Oldsters is a post from Reflections in the Pond