While River napped I was able to get my craft space in somewhat order. It still feels cluttered and it's not the most inspiring space yet (oh but it will be!) but it should do.

Looking in the door...vintage daybed is being reupholstered finally! So for now it's just the frame. It should make a really cozy knitting spot once it's back in the room. 

 

 I desperately need to clear out under my sewing table. It's soo chaotic and overwhelming right now. I need to figure out a system...with time.

 

My husband's deal he made with me was that when we moved into this house I could have a sewing room, I just had to share a corner with him so he could have a desk. ;) I'm slowly taking over his desk space...shh he doesn't realize it yet. 

 So there you have it. Now to just get some much needed art on those walls....

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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toys revised

I just started reading Organized Simplicty (free download if you have a kindle or the kindle ipod/iphone/ipad app!) and it's already inspired me to pare down and start decluttering. When Asher was away at his Naynay and Papa's house I started on the toys. Oh the toys. I'm am 100% guilty of buying toys and books for him for no reason at all. It's gotten to the point where he just expects it! Sad but true. BUT I will change that, I have to. Anyway, I didn't take before shots so trust me, this is at least half of what we originally had. We kept the things that he plays with regularly...play food, skate park, transformers, legos...you get the idea. ;)

I'm super proud of myself! Now to get some art up on the walls....

surprise, surprise

Remember how I was all gung-ho about finishing all those UFO's? I apparently have zero self control. After flipping through the Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann, I had to curb my need to knitsomethingrightnow...so here we are! I knit them on size 5 needles using worsted weight yarn. They fit River really well and they stay on! Win, win. :)

 

See? they pass the "baby trying to rip them off" test...

 

 He was not pleased...

 

Oh, did I pick up another project to finish? Nope. Just happened to start yet another project....there is that no self control thing again.  A very red hat for my red lovin' Asher. 

 

Somehow today I ended up with only one kiddo..The big one went with his Daddy to go and pick up a remote control car. Both son and fathers dream! Since I met my husband 6 years ago he has talked about getting a REAL remote control car and to be able to share this moment with his son, amazing.

Of course sweet River fell asleep after nursing and took a very nice nap while I baked some bread. Their is something meditative about baking bread. The whirl of the mixer must have something to do with it. It always slows me down and makes me soo happy. The house smells amazing right now.

Here is the recipe:
Zucchini Coconut Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs , beaten
1 cup shredded coconut or 1 cup shredded flaked coconut
2 cups raw unpeeled grated zucchini
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Directions:
1 Preheat oven to 325 degree F.
2 Grease 2 loaf pans.
3 Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl.
4 Mixture will be very thick.
5 Pour equal amounts of batter into 2 loaf pans.
6 Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done.

Knitting on

The land of unfinished projects. I live in it. I have started sooo many knitting projects and only finished a 1/4 of them. When I was in my last trimester with River, I knit like it was my job. I think in 2 months I finished like 13 things for him. That sounds great but what about the other eleven million projects that fell by the waist side? This year I'm trying to change all of that. My goal is to make a list and slowly over the next two months finish the pile. I also have so many things I want to make! It's overwhelming to choose just ONE to work on ya know? I love to sit and plan, choose my yarns etc....it's the actual knitting that never gets done. It's sad!

First, I really want to finish my sweater! Living in Florida means a small window for wool sweaters... Heck, on Christmas day it was in the 70's. I started my Annabel Cardigan in July of 2011. This WILL be the first thing to check off my list.

 I really thought I would knit a million legwarmies for River but I got about 3 inches in and just stopped. I don't know. I get soo bored on tiny needles and the thought of having to knit another one..well no motivation. I really want to finish these though so I think these will be my portable project that I tote around with me.

My own hat is sitting half done. It's a super fun knit! I'm just having trouble finding the time to finish it. I lost track of where I left off so that will be interesting to figure out. The pattern is laid out line by line...yeah.

 My Ribbed Lace Bolero is literally just casted on and knit for like 8 rows. I love the look of it and fully intend to finish. I might start over with a different yarn though. The cotton fleece is hard on my hands so I'm not 100% loving the process of knitting this...which I think is why it isn't done. :/

The Fat Baby Booties that I started are super cute. The only thing is that the pattern is riddled with mistakes and has soo many ends to weave in. Also in my tired Mama state read the directions wrong and picked up stitches on the wrong side..I can't bring myself to rip it out so maybe once I felt them it won't be so noticeable! One down, one to go...

Now, if only this sweet face will let the knitting happen...we shall see. ;)

2012...

Oh just another stereotypical resolution. A blog. I've tried for many years to write but I guess I always thought what I had to say or think wasn't interesting or important. I'd go to hit publish and instead just x out of the window. Not this time. This will mostly be a space where I can share my journey as a mother, wife, radical homemaker... ;) This is my time. I at least hope it is...