And the Gifts Keep Coming

Surprisingly, RJ continues to get new handknits. My wonderful knitting group, All Things String, just threw a shower for little RJ and the lovely gifts were overwhelming. First, there were a couple wonderful books, one for RJ and another for us to learn to sign so that we can teach her. That way, RJ can communicate with us before she even learns to speak.


Next, CraftyCanadian and her husband got us a beautiful set that included a hooded towel, washcloths, and a matching outfit (onesie, socks, & hat). I have no photos because we already washed it so we could use the towel and washcloths for bathtime. Obviously it was a useful gift.

Zona of Twirlgirl Fibers made RJ her first beret. Yet another lovely hat to add to her awesome collection.


Gwen made RJ two absolutely beautiful sweaters, and one even has a matching hat.



Three other knitters made some cute accessories: fringed booties, a fun, colorful bib, and a fun stuffed starfish (it's so soft!).



Later in the week I will post about the group gift that was truly spectacular.

Cry Baby

Want to know what it's like to live with a newborn?
This classic Sesame Street video pretty much sums it up. The last few days we've had lots of crying. The good news is that she's adorable and loveable even when she's crying.

When RJ was in a good mood I was able to get her to model at least one knit. Here are the Saartjes bootees on a live model:

A warning for those making these, like most booties they really don't stay on that well. They do look really cute for the five minutes they do stay on, so maybe it's worth it. ;)

I am continuing to make progress on Anouk, which is turning out really cute in the yellow and green that I'm using. I am thinking about starting a new sweater for RJ. I am considering the Rosebud Cardigan from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies in peach Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. What do you think?

New Projects and Baby FOs

I meant to get this post up earlier, but baby RJ and her father caught a cold and we've been struggling to get by these past few days. Everyone is slowly getting better, but I have gotten even less sleep than usual and RJ has needed lots of attention. Being on the computer is taking a back seat as a result. First, another picture of RJ with her new teddy bear. She looks a bit frightened in this shot, but I swear she didn't seem scared of the bear at the time.


Before RJ was born, I finished a couple small projects for her. First, I finally got to to the final details of a cute new bib for her. The inspiration was some scraps of black, white and black/white Sugar 'n Cream yarn and a ladybug button.


Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in white, black, and salt & pepper
Pattern: baby bib 'o love from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Changes: none
Yardage: small amounts of each
Needle: US 6 (4.0 mm)
Time: started July 10, 2007 and finished March 6, 2008 (knitting was done in September, but finishing took awhile)

I also whipped up a cute pair of booties just before she was born. I wanted to use up the leftover yarn from a hat that I made for her.


Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
Pattern: saartje's bootees
Changes: none
Yardage: about a third of a skein
Needle: US 2 (2.75 mm)
Time: started February 16, 2008 and finished February 20, 2008

I also started a couple more new projects for RJ (she is getting all my knitting attention lately, but I just can't resist making cute things for her). First, I started Anouk in green and yellow.

I am also making some knitted pants in white and yellow. I started them in just yellow (to use up some leftover cotton-ease), but it was obvious I was going to run out of yarn, so I just restarted using white for the waistband and cuffs, and yellow for the main body. I should have photos next time!