More Mits and Felting

My sister flew in from California last weekend to see the baby and surprise the family. I was the only one who knew and I was very excited since I only got to see her for a couple of days over Christmas.
What does this have to do with fingerless mits and a tiny bluebird? Everything.

My sister is a musician and plays a lot at the local farmer's market. I gave her the Wiggle Mits as part of Christmas gift and she'd mentioned how much she likes to wear them while she plays (violin, cello, you name it, she's super talented). It's still chilly up there, so I decided to whip her up another pair.

The yarn is Debbie Mumm Traditions and very soft.
I think I used size 8 needles, knit what was basically a rectangular swatch and then seamed it up, leaving a hole for the thumb. Easy-peasy. If had I been thinking, I would have done a provisional cast-on and then kitchner stitched the sides. oh well, I think they still look good.

Now, the bluebird is her idea. I showed her how to needle felt and she made a really cute flower which was immeaditly made into a hair clip. Then it was decided a tiny bird would also make a really cute hairclip.


It only took about 30 minutes to make him and I think he's pretty darn cute. I've gotten the hang of needle felting finally and started another four-legged creature (not a giraffe).

Mr. Dangly in the Wild

Back in January, I gave Mr. Dangly to my then-yet-to-be-born nephew. Unfortunately, he went a little crazy with his freedom...when he auditioned to be Chris III's favorite monkey, he only proved that he would be a bad influence, at least until little C turns 21.

Welcome to the World, Little One!

I'm happy to announce the birth of my nephew, Chris the third!
He was born on Friday the 13th (just missed being a Valentine's baby by an hour); he clocked in at 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches long.

He, my brother and my sister-in-law are healthy and happy. They are going to be great parents. I was really impressed by how calm and confident they are taking care of him. And I appreciate that they lets us all hold him as much as we liked.

He's the first baby in our family. My parents are thrilled at becoming grandparents and my sisters and I couldn't be prouder aunts.

It was neat to see him and recognize his features from both of our families. He's got his mom's nose and chin and it looks like he'll have blue eyes like my brother. He's got long fingers and feet like my dad. And, although I wasn't able to get a picture, he's got a dimple like people on both sides of the family.


And clearly, he's already got a personality of his own. He was very patient with his aunts, uncles, and friends passing him around, making faces at him and generally loving him like crazy.




It was sad to say good bye to everyone, but hopefully we'll be able to see them again soon.