New lens!

I finally ordered a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens for my camera.  Um, WOW is all I can say.  What a difference!

I lovelovelove the low f-stop situation!  Pictured above is our sweet new cat, LB, who showed up on our doorstep a couple of months ago now.  He's a keeper!  

Yes, he's a mess, but check out his eyes!  That is exactly how they look in real life.  I did not use a filter nor did I edit the above pic. Super impressed!

The new lens is also amazing for photographing items for my shop!  How cute is that pillow?  The fabric is just adorable.  Enchant by Natalie Lymer (Cinderberry Stitches).  I just so happen to have the pillow AND the fabric available in my shop.  

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! 

A budding artist

It amuses me how a toy that has been in the back of the toy closet for ages, emerges and is the greatest.toy.ever.

The Magna-Doodle.  Classic toy.  The possibilities are endless.

"fish"

"giraffe"

"swim lessons"

"daddy"

Magna-Doodle was in tow for the entire day.  The TV was not turned on once, nor were an show requests made.  A good Saturday indeed.

All illustrations created 100% by The Little Dude.  Four and three quarter years old.

Hunter's Vest & Giveaway!!

We are officially in the home stretch.  Baby K is set to arrive within the next 5 weeks and preparations are in full force.  I have been knitting up a storm.  Seriously, this baby will have a hand knitted item to wear every single day of the week and then some.  My 4 year old is even getting in on the knitting fun.  Which, is where my latest design idea actually stems from.  Hunter aka 'The Little Dude' suggested that I make a vest for his soon to be baby brother or sister (eeeek, the anticipation of not knowing whether we are having a boy or girl is at it's peak right now!).  He even picked out the yarn from my stash for said vest.  What can I say, the kid has great taste - he went straight for the Malabrigo Merino Worsted. 

So today, I present to you, Hunter's Vest.  The vest is knit in the round from the bottom up and the two smallest sizes (0-3months and 6-9months) include a button closure.  If you have ever wrangled an infant/baby you know this is a must have feature!    I love the texture that this stitch pattern gives to the garment.  Not too busy, yet busy enough to give the vest that extra design element.  Plus, it is really easy to follow and you will memorize it quickly.  I actually knit the sample (0-3 month size) in one day.  Since it is a gender neutral pattern, this would make an excellent baby gift!

details....

pattern:  Hunter's Vest by Brenna Kotar

yarn:  Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Lettuce, 1 skein

size:  0-3 months

my ravelry link:  Hunter's Vest

Click HERE to purchase via Ravelry.com for $3.00

Click HERE to purchse via Etsy...

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

In honor of my new pattern, I will be giving away one skein of Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Burgundy, Frost Gray OR Shocking Pink as well as a copy of the pattern.  One skein is enough to make the 0-3 month or 6-9 month size.  I'll even throw in some matching buttons! 

Please comment on this post with your color choice (and don't forget email!) before Wednesday, February 2nd at 8pm.  The winner will be chosen via random number generator. 

The Little Dude

We took a trip to Orlando for my little sister's wedding back in Decemeber.  On our way out of town, we stopped by Disney World for a couple of hours.  The Little Dude is a HUGE fan of all things Disney.  Even though we went on "the coldest day in over 20 years", we had a blast. 

To a 4 year old, Disney World consists of characters, parades and the Mad Hatter's Tea Cup ride.  We made all 3 of those things happen for The Little Dude.  Even threw in a bus ride and a monorail ride or two. 

We'll go back to Disney when he is older. I think 4 years old is still way too young.  It's really expensive to get in, plus a ton of walking and waiting in line is involved.  I am an adult and even I have issues with that much waiting.  However, I am SO happy that we had the opportunity to take him at this age as the "magic" of Disney was overflowing!