Work-At-Home Mom

My "office"

Yep. That's me. I am a work-at-home Mom of two little ones. I just had to snap a picture of my 

"knitting chair" today because I felt it well represents my life at this time.

Between the day to day children/cleaning/family/work juggling act I feel that I am working constantly, but accomplishing little. I joke with my friends that I am now knitting at a rate of one row per day.

I have had to become an expert at the fine art of multitasking. 

Right now I am typing this blog post one handed with a baby in my arms.

It's a crazy life for sure.. But I'm glad to have these little people around me during the day.

Although our days can be hectic and somewhat exhausting, I know that deep down I wouldn't want it any other way.

Because.. someday they will be all grown up.. and I know that I will miss playing barbies while feeding a baby and typing an email and making dinner..

..right?

Because Elephants Need Scarves Too.

Over the years I have been trying to teach my daughter to knit. 

If you are a long time reader.. you may remember this post from a few years back.

Now that she is six years old, I am happy to report that
she has turned into quite the accomplished little knitter.

She has now finished her first project. A stylish scarf for her elephant.

And she is very proud.

... as am I!

Last night she says to me.. 

"Mom.. why don't we both grab our knitting and sit on the couch and knit together?"

Somebody pinch me.. I must be dreaming. :)

A Special Little Something

I've been busy over here!

Recently I had the privilege of working with one of my favorite yarn lines again... Becoming Art.

This time I have knitted up a very special little something out of her Theia Sport yarn in the Tulgey Wood colorway. This is a new design for my baby boy.

Can you guess what it is?

How about now?

Yes, you are right. It's a cute little sweater. But not just any sweater...

A tiny version of my Gnarled Oak Cardigan!

The Little Oak Cardigan will be released as part of a new pattern collection from myself and Hannah called Coastal Kids. We will soon be releasing pint size versions of our favorite Coastal Knits patterns!

Look for the new Coastal Kids collection within the next few months!

I cannot tell you how much I love this little sweater. And the good news is.. the little guy also thinks it's pretty great.

Now onto a tiny version of the Wildflower Cardigan for my daughter!

Stitches West 2012

Well.. we are back from Stitches West... or "Mommy's Never Not Knitting party" as my 6 year old daughter refers to it. :)

I have to say that despite all of the work, I had a really great time this year and am very glad that I was there.

Our booth.

With my booth-mate Lisa being 8 months pregnant and me with my 3 month old little guy.. it really was a bit of a miracle that we actually pulled it off!

I brought the little guy to the booth with me as much as possible.. but come to find out.. babies don't really like knitting conventions. Weird. 

I know that he did, however, enjoy meeting Ysolda. 

You might notice the star-struck look on his face. :)

My favorite thing about this year was getting to see everyone's enthusiasm for Coastal Knits. I signed many books over the weekend which was very fun!

I also found many knitters around the convention center wearing their Coastal Knits garments. I tried to track down as many as possible for a picture.

Rocky Coast sighting

Rocky Coast sighting #2

Ok.. another Rocky Coast..

And yet another!

This last knitter pictured actually spun up all of the yarn for her Rocky Coast Cardigan herself! Didn't she do such a beautiful job?

Gnarled Oak

Water's Edge

Sand and Sea Shawlette

I loved hearing this knitter's story behind her Sand and Sea Shawlette. If you own a copy of Coastal Knits, you will know that this design was inspired by the incoming tide at Morro Strand Beach. Apparently this is the exact spot where this knitter's husband proposed to her. This shawl was a sentimental knit for her and she lovingly refers to it as her "engagement shawl". I thought that was so sweet.

Rustling Leaves on Maia from Tactile Fiber Arts!

Cambrian Cowl on Carrie Sundra from Alpenglow Yarns

And Ysolda took a liking to the Wildflower Cardigan that I had on display and wore it all day on Sunday. It looks so cute on her!

 Well actually if you want the real story.. she stole it off of our mannequin. But I figure that if Ysolda likes your sweater.. that's a good thing. And if Ysolda steals your sweater.. you let her. :)

She did give it back though.. so it was really more of a borrowing.

Thanks to everyone who came up and said "hello" at Stiches this year. It was great to see all of you!