Blog much?

Sorry about the crazy three post day I had a few days ago... I often will write multiple posts on one day and then schedule them to post throughout the week (secret is out). So I had already had one scheduled, then I got all fired up about the nursing thing, then I hit post when I meant to schedule the knitting post... crazy town.

Anyway. Just popping in to say that we went to Zoo Lights tonight. There are a lot of pictures on Sawyer's blog. It was a lot of fun, and if you are local, it is worth checking out.

Also, if you are local, the new class schedule is up for Quilt Tree! (Where I teach! Come learn knitting from ME!) There are a lot of great classes going on. Keep warm on these long, dark, cold nights.... :)

Knitting Everything

A few knitting nuggets I am really excited about:

1. My first skein of Dream in Color yarn arrived in the mail today. It is for a hat for JB and I can not wait to see it knitted up. (For those who are super knit nerds, it is a skein of Classy in the Peacock Shadow color way, which is a deep blue and the pattern I will be using is Cabled Canuck)

2. I ordered the skein from the Loopy Ewe (excellent customer service, love them) and I am now a Loopy Groupie. Which means I spend far too much money on yarn. :) It also means I got an awesome sheep calendar in the mail from them. Worth it.

3. This post from the Yarn Harlot. These lines are perfect.

When you see a knitted object, don't see a hat, or a sweater, or a pair of socks.  See twenty, forty, a hundred hours of your knitters life that they have decided that you, or someone else is worth.  (How much time did you spend getting their present?) Understand that far from being a thrifty or lesser way of giving a gift, things that are handmade are the most expensive objects there are.

4. This skein of handspun that will become mittens (I think). I spun it wanting a big, poofy, gradient yarn and it is perfect....

5. I am off to write supply lists for my knitting classes this quarter. They are supposed to be in the shop at 10am tomorrow. Nothing like waiting until the last min.... which, I guess would really be tomorrow morning.... so go me for being ahead of the game.

Christmas Round Up

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas! Since we do Christ-ma-kah (presents all week long, more about family than things...) we had only one gift left on Christmas day to open, plus our stockings... it was SO fun this year with Sawyer! He is such a fun little man.  Christmas Eve we went out to Weston's sisters house for the day and then over to a friends house for a little get together.  Sawyer was able to play with some older kids (2 and 4) which he loves to do and we had a nice evening. Then on Christmas, we went sledding with some friends and all the dogs, which was a blast. It has just been a nice family weekend.

I'm mom's baby elf

All bundled up for sledding. 

Investigating our stockings.

Public Nursing Soapbox

This is me on my soap box. You have been warned.

So, I learned about a nurse-in on Twitter this morning. I guess Target has been harassing customers who breast feed in their stores. Not cool, Target. Not cool. When I first searched for this story, I found others that took place in 2009 and 2006, so I guess this isn't the first case. Here is another story about this same incident.

Here are my issues with this....

Briefly I will say that 2 female employees came and verbally asked me to move. The 2nd one told me that Target employees had been told/trained to interrupt nursing and to redirect mothers to the fitting rooms. Even after I informed the 2nd employee of my legal right to nurse in public she still suggested me moving closer to the jean display, turning to face another direction, and also turn my basket a certain way which would have put me practically underneath the jean display and totally barricaded me in. Employee #2 even hinted in a threatening way 'you can get a ticket and be reported for indecent exposure.'"

Um, first off, BF is not "indecent exposure". When I BF my son, you can not see any more of my boob than you can see in a low cut shirt. I would even venture to say that you can see less than most women show off in what society deems "acceptable" clothing. Also if employees are being trained to "interrupt nursing mothers" that makes me want to interrupt your day with a punch in the face. Would anyone interrupt a person eating a bagel from Starbucks? If not, then leave my baby and me alone.

And when she called Target corporate to complain, Hickman says the representative she spoke to -- she didn't get a name -- said "just because it is a woman's right to nurse in public ... doesn't mean women should walk around 'flaunting it'".

What would it look like to "flaunt" BFing? What does that even mean? When I am BFing, I'm not shouting and causing a scene. I'm simply meeting the basic needs of my child. Oh, and while I'm on the subject, I don't use a nursing cover. You don't eat with a towel over your head, why should I expect my child to? And if it is my right to do something, I can do it.

I just don't get it. A woman should be praised for doing what is healthy for her baby, not harassed and made to feel uncomfortable. Alaska is one of the states that BFing in public is protected. The law basically says that BFing is allowed anywhere where a woman and child would normally be allowed. So, if you wouldn't kick me out of Target for shopping, you can't kick me out for BFing. I have luckily never had anyone say anything negative to me about BFing in public.  One time, a mother came up and told me how great it was to see me BFing is public and that I was doing a great job.  That made my whole week.

Alright, off my soapbox. Back to life. Where I gladly BF my child when and where he wants. Because that is how it should be.

Critters!

Here are the latest knitted FO in my house. Well, they are actually on display at work, but they will be back at my house in a few months. I think I am going to knit four more fish and make a fishing game for Sawyer to play with in the summer. They were quick, and I have so much of the noro I used left..... The turtle was very fun as well. I was crazy though and used sock yarn held double and size 2 needles. I wanted to poke my eyes out (and almost did a few times with the needles) because it was so fiddly. But, the result was worth it. Too cute!

Knitmore Girls

I listen to the Knitmore Girls podcast, which I love.... Jasmin (the daughter) is pregnant and she just got put on "modified bed rest" so listening to her talk about that is a little funny. When I was on bed rest, I listened to every episode of the Knitmore Girls podcast that I missed (which was a lot, I found them late in the game)... I joked that Baby would know their voices more than my own.  Jasmin said she had this "romantic view of bed rest and this was not it". HA! Don't I know it. Everyone kept telling me, "Oh, I wish I was told to do nothing all day... that must be amazing!" REALLY?!? Try it. BE IN BED ALL DAY. Only get up to go to the bathroom. You can't shower, you can't get your own food, you can't go find a book, change the DVD in the DVD player, nothing. You literally can only get up to go to the bathroom and try to keep that to a minimum (but also stay hydrated...). I did that for two months. Trust me, not a fun time.

Anyway, things are plugging along here in the house. I have some sewing to finish up, hopefully before Sunday, but who knows. I have a plush train set that goes along with a quilt for Sawyer that I'm trying to finish. I hate sewing it though... it is a big pain. I'm also not sure how I'm going to hook all the train cars together, so those two factors are slowing me down. I did give Weston his present from me the other day (since we do Christ-ma-kah in the house, we open presents all week) which was a new iPhone case with Sawyer's picture on it. It is pretty amazing. When it came in the mail, I liked it so much I ordered myself one with a different picture.

I also finished up a group baby blanket for a friend on Ravelry. It turned out rather cute. I will post pictures after I know she has received it.... (taking it to the post office today)

My class samples still aren't done. (wah-wah) The turtle only needs eyes, and the halibut should be a quick-ish knit. Just need to start it. Geez. Why can't I just have a few days where time stops but somehow I am able to just KNIT. I guess I should get on that instead of talking about all the things I should be doing.... off to do that...

Let's Cook Alaska!

As I have probably mentioned, I have been taking cooking classes here in town, at a place called Let's Cook Alaska. Today, they are featured on Groupon! You can get two classes for the cost of one, if you are a new student. And if you are a returning student, check out their website for the same deal! Today only! I'm very excited. I signed Weston up for the Sushi class and I'm taking a class called "All About Chicken". I might sign up for Mexican and Italian before the day is over.... I just love learning little tips and tricks about cooking.

How is it Friday?

Oh, Friday. You are probably the most loved day of the week. (Well, my favorite day is Thursday, but I'm weird...) How did you get here so quickly?!

I gave my mom her messenger bag. She loved it. I loved it. She showed it off at work. I got a few messages saying others thought the bag was great! Made my day. You know what I forgot? PICTURES. Epic fail. Luckily, my mom lives close.... so when she gets back from her trip, I will try and remember to snap a few pictures of the awesomeness that is her new bag.

We had Weston's parents and sister over for dinner last night. That is always exciting. We decided not to exchange gifts with them, as we are all on a budget... Somehow, we still wound up with quite a few presents! I guess we were the only ones who took that suggestion seriously.... ooops. Sawyer received two new books and a Monty the Moose DVD (which I was super excited about, I used to watch those DVDs all the time growing up and have all the songs memorized...). He loves the books, and was interested in the DVD for about 15 mins, mostly he likes the songs... I scored some Smart Wool socks, a new scarf, and a cool holder for wine corks. Weston got a gorgeous framed painting of his favorite place in Alaska, McCarthy. All in all, it was a wonderful night.

We have a Christmas party to go to tomorrow night, and then it is time to RELAX! We have been so busy this week since everyone is leaving this weekend that I am tired.... I taught my last knitting class of the year on Wednesday, so I really have nothing left to do... (well, that's not true.... I still have a lot to do. But, I feel like I might actually have time to get them done now)

Alright, Sawyer is still sleeping (napping rather, don't think the kid ever has slept past 6:45 in his life) so I better get cracking on a few things.... enjoy the weekend!

Tuesday...

I am wearing my new PJ pants (win) but they are apparently a magnet for dog hair. (lose)

I made Sawyer breakfast (oatmeal, and an egg white and cheese omelet, win) I dropped my plate and omelet on the floor (lose)

Sawyer and I wrapped presents today (win) You can see pictures on his blog (win)

I had my pie class last night and it was AWESOME! We made mini chicken pot pie and apple pie. YUM! I think I see many mini pies in my future. They are just so cute! And you can make them and freeze them for dinner in a pinch.... (WIN!)

Overall, the day is going great. Let's hope that trend continues. I was a little worried when I dropped my omelet... I kept thinking, "Tuesday, you are starting to look a lot like Monday. And no one likes Monday."

Alright, off to cut out some project bags for a friend and then errands with Sawyer.

Once A Year

I never go to the mall. When I was a teenager, I probably spent every weekend there (and on the phone, both of which I hate now) but now, ugh. The thought of going gives me a headache. But, for some wild reason, I decided to go with a friend today. It was crazy. I came home with a headache.

But, I was able to spend a JCPenny gift certificate I've been carrying around for more than a year. I got myself some new pj pants, which made Weston extremely happy, since the ones I have now I've had since high school.... I know. I really hate shopping for clothes though.

I'm kicking around the idea in my head of having more of a blogging template, with headers for different topics. That way, people who read my blog only to hear about crafting, or cooking, or Sawyer, can quickly find what they want to read and skip the rest of the crap, I mean information.... HA! Plus, I think that will help me stay focused and be able to blog more often because I will know what to talk about. So be on the lookout for that.

I'm a few quick seams away from finishing my mom's Christmas present. It may be my favorite thing I have ever sewed. I'm seriously impressed with myself right now. Let's hope I don't screw it up....

Random things

1. I am annoyed that I have to go to REI to get pieces for the bag I am sewing. Really, JoAnn's?? No slide rings? How I wish there were a small shop that carried everything I needed and was locally owned....

2. I have decided for today that cookie dough is acceptable for lunch (for me)...

3. Sawyer has a NASTY rash that I took him to the doctor for. I was worried it was yeast or something else bad, as it hasn't cleared up in almost 2 weeks. And he spends most of the time naked. Turns out, it's nothing. Just a bad rash. And Sawyer has super sensitive skin....

4. Sawyer loves to poop in his sleep (esp. naps) so that he can get up.  I don't know how to change this behavior.

5. I have been watching Seinfeld again this week. Oh, man, how I love this show.

6. I should be creating a chart for my knitting class I'm teaching tonight. I hate computer work.

7. I am still knitting that little turtle. I'm almost done with the shell. I have a feeling it is going to be so cute it hurts...

8. I'm really going to go make that chart now.

Date Night

My mom was nice enough to come over last night, watch Sawyer, and put him to bed so Weston and I could go to Bear's Tooth.  We saw 50/50, which I had wanted to see since I saw the first preview (I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan) and it did not disappoint. It was really good. I can't say too much without spoiling it, but I just loved it. It was sad, but great. Plus, since it was at Bear's Tooth, we were able to see the movie, eat dinner, and have drinks for less than $30. Deal!

In other news, I am getting our Christmas cards out. It is a lot of work for me to address everything and get it all put together, but I am almost done and I will be happy to put them all in the mailbox!

I am working on sewing for a present (so no pics/details) and I'm knitting my samples for classes next quarter. I'm knitting a sea turtle toy. It is very cute, but very small, which is my own fault (I wanted to use sock yarn)... I was planning on teaching more classes, but I think Weston is heading back to school, so we don't want to spend half the week apart.

Alright, back to crafting. Sawyer is napping and I need to take advantage of the free time.

My poor neglected blog....

As I was searching for a previous post where I wrote about some knitting bags I made, I realized I have not blogged that much this year. Sad. Last year I posted 112 times, this year I'm only at 89. And with so few days left in the year (How is it already DECEMBER FOURTH!??!?), I'm sad to say, I don't think I can make it to that number. 2009 was a stellar blogging year for me with 169 posts! So why am I so absent this year??

I'm blaming him. As busy as I am, I never feel like I have anything to talk about. Sawyer and I do pretty much the same thing every week and that seems boring and uninteresting to blog about. But, I will try to come up with something. After all, I had one new year's resolution this past year, and I achieved it.... my goal was set pretty low.... to get dressed every day. (Having spent a fair amount of time the previous year in pjs due to being on bed rest, I figured it was a noble goal) So maybe this year will be to talk about the little things and realize I do have interesting stories.... in other news, I'm going to go put on some pants. 

New Yarns

For some reason, I have been spinning up a storm lately. Here are my two new yarns....

336 yards, 10 wpi

86 yards 6 wpi

I now have to focus on some other projects... I have some things I want to sew, and since all the parents are leaving for Christmas, I'm on a tighter deadline than normal. So, off to start cutting....