A Knitwear Model Is Born

We had a wonderful Mother's Day here at chez JayJay, and then things got really busy. The academic year has ended and graduation was last weekend. Since I'm on leave I didn't have to attend graduatio, and excuse anyone with half a brain would have used fully. However, one of my graduate students was graduating, so I wanted to be there to hood her. Actually, she was my first student, so I felt like it was a special event for both of us. However, my department had apparently drawn the short straw and our graduation ceremony was outdoors, in 90+ degree heat. In my long, heavy graduation robes I felt like a corndog in one of those warming display units: hot with a heavy coating and not particularly fresh. I also found out very suddenly that I had another work-related deadline at the end of this week (after I begged for an extension), so I've been working every spare moment. I really love my job, but there are days when I wish I were independently wealthly (ah, the yarn I would buy, just think of it!).

Since I haven't been knitting much lately I thought I'd share some photos I've been taking of RJ modeling of her handknits. This adorable pink sweater was a gift from Theresa of Knitting Underway. It' the one-piece baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting. In this photo it's still a little big, but very cute. She's grown a bit, so I will have to try it on her again soon. You can see that it must be cozy, since she fell asleep while wearing it.



This is a hat that I knit way back during the early months of my pregnancy. I may have even started it before I was pregnant. It is the umbilical cord hat from Stitch 'N Bitch.



Finally, these are a pair of handknit socks made by Gwlana. She's worn these a lot actually, and often gets compliments.


I think Rio has a real future as a knitwear model. ;)

A Special Mother's Day

This is a very special Mother's Day for my mother and me. It is my first as a mother and hers as a grandmother. I've only been a mother for 2 months, but I have to say that so far it has been the most wonderful experience of my life. RJ takes up all my time (including my knitting time), she hardly allows me any sleep, and she generally leaks some sort of bodily fluid on me several times a day, yet she makes me incredibly happy. I imagine my mom felt many of the same feelings some 35 years ago. So, in honor of Mother's Day here is a photo of me as a toddler and recent photo of RJ.





Our plans for the weekend include Sunday brunch and I'm told their will be gifts as well. If the weather warms a little we may even be able to sit outside for brunch. (Notice how I managed to avoid any real knitting content by including cute baby photos. I have been taking lots of photos of RJ in her handmade knits, so expect some model shots soon.)

A Group Effort

As I mentioned in my last post, there was one more gift that I received for RJ from my knitting group. This gift was spectacular enough that I thought it should get its own post. Several members knit squares for a blanket, and it turned out simply gorgeous! The blanket project was designed, organized, and put together by Anne of Crafty Diversions. She is now selling the pattern here, for those who are interested. The blanket is not "babyish" at all, which means that RJ can enjoy this blanket for years to come. You can see it below in our living room, modeled with RJ's teddy bear on a leather chair. Doesn't it look great!





I also tried to get RJ to model some of the other knits I received. Evidently, she was not in the right mood for this photo shoot. ;) Even when she's cranky, she still looks cute in knitwear!