Our Fall Nature Table

While her brothers were sleeping, Norah and I set up our Autumnal Nature Table this afternoon. Along with some "pretty natural things," like acorns and pine cones, we gathered the beautiful items that we got from Kelly, a couple candles (a beeswax one that we bought at the farmer's market this year and one that Norah decorated last year), a framed picture of a tree in autumn, and our growing collection of seasonal books. Our table is rather sparse--it needs a pumpkin and perhaps some brightly colored leaves to finish it off but in the meantime, it is still giving us a lot of pleasure

Nature Table Exchange

This year Kyrie started the Seasons Round Exchange for the exchange of fall nature table gifts. Exchanges always make me nervous--I have only ever actually participated in one--because I fear that I will be completely incapable of fulfilling my part of the bargain. Considering that we have a newborn and two other children under four, I was probably a bit brazen for signing up for this one, but, alas, I am so glad that I did. My partner was Kelly.

I knew that Kelly needed a knit squirrel for her table--I mean, who doesn't need a knit squirrel?! I used a pattern from Knitted Animals and some scrap yarn for this little guy. He didn't take long and was a whole lot of fun to make. He came with his own "tree" which can double as a play block, made from a branch that Brian cut into pieces for the kids. Along with some other small items, I included a book and some knitted leaves in autumn colors. The whole package was so much fun to make and give. I can't wait for next season's exchange. More tomorrow on the beautiful items we received and what we have made of our own nature table.

Quotable Sunday

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

The Beatles

Falling in Love

over here.

Falling in love.

Clyde Scott Tripp

August 4, 2009 at 6:02 in the evening
9 pounds, 2 ounces and 22 inches
Born at home

Quotable Sunday (on Monday)

"That great Cathedral space which was childhood."
Virginia Woolf

A Knitting Frenzy

I have been struck with the knitting bug lately- a strong urge to plow through my stash of yarn and to make soft things for the soft little human being we are awaiting any day now (or maybe not--can pregnancy be a permanent condition?).

I made the first hat from this pattern out of some Blue Sky Organic Cotton for the new addition to the family. I am enamoured with the idea of putting a home crafted article of clothing on our baby when she or he enters into the world. I only hope this one fits--it may be a little big.

I made that same pixie hat in fingering weight from this pattern for my friend's one year old. My handknits usually come out fairly large so I knit it for a newborn thinking it would fit a one year old--and it does!

Finally, I finished the Project Linus Security Blanket from Knitting for Peace also knit our of Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton.

I have a few more projects in the works too. Ahh, knitting therapy... There is nothing like it.