Illyria

Ben and I graduated from Invest yesterday, and I finish work this coming Friday, which will give me seven weeks before the baby is born. Bump is still apparently testing my muscle elasticity or trying to kick his or her way out early! So now it is time to get going on finishing projects and getting the house ready. Completed project 1 - Birdie Brooches from ‘The Happy Hooker’ book:

They don’t look quite the same in the picture and something weird has happened to the middle one’s head/beak.  I prefer the flowers really - and have plans to put some on a cardi for Mira that Penny helped me finish! Photos to follow soon! I am also nearly finished my shoes and doing some more on my Babette.

There are zillions of things that need doing round the house - the cushions and carpets need cleaned, the open plan living/dining/kitchen needs painted to remove all the marks that won’t wash off. I think a washable tough white is the way to go! But I’m getting over my cold, and am fed up putting house stuff off.  The bathroom also needs a bit of finishing. I hope I can get through it  - in a sensible, not-wearing-myself-out-before-the-baby fashion!

So I am now feeling energetic enough to crochet and have already broken my no more stash vow rather badly… I thought about all the things I was going to give up this year in the way of trips and conferences, as travelling and fees would be demanding, so I bought yarn for when I’m too big to go anywhere and to comfort me and bring colour therapy… and to add to my blanket!

Th colours are a bit washed out but I have learned a lot this month: 1. I don’t like centre joins - I’m now doing them in the corners. 2. How to block - thanks Attic 24! 3. What colours work - I’m really not happy with the central 12 round and may pull it back to ten and then use it later, or crochet the last two rounds in the ivory. I also joined ravelry and got given some exciting knitting needles… more tomorrow!

Here is the original pattern:

Babette

I’m hoping to learn to be as bold and fearless with colour but I’m still a bit colour panicky…

We have such an amazing gift that has been hidden behind what may have seemed to outsiders many things… our new baby is coming in August, the 14th we think!

However, since mid December, I have had only brief flashes of energy, and mostly I haven’t been able to move because of the constant nausea. I hope my lack of socialising or other activity, real or web, hasn’t seemed like I’ve forgotten about you, but I’m still being sick and am very tired.  I am so very happy!

It does make me think about the metaphor of gestation afresh - what are you hatching that no one can see? Is it a difficult journey, and do people misunderstand? I am sending you LOVE!

I have been away on a couple of spiritual development courses lately, one with Streams and one with Invest. They were  both amazing and I feel very nourished! Many thanks to the grandparents who helped out with the little tiddler!

Tonight I am making cupcakes for a school coffee morning and getting to try out my new star nozzle for piping the top! I also hope to complete some creative projects. Maybe I’ll get some photos up at the weekend. I knowI didn’t get around to updating my Etsy shop yet but I will soon!

Right, off to cakeyness.

They are pink AND purple with hearts AND butterflies AND flowers AND I love them so much they are all I talk about!

Sand doesn’t taste nice…

Nor do goats.

Mira has her first walking shoes - she is a 3F!It was awfully tiring though…

It is really hard to get baby clothes that aren’t pale pink! So I am making Mira a funky hat with acid green and bright pink.

I have been searching all over the net for a pattern for a hat that is made out of circles, but couldn’t find one, so here I am trying to make one up. If anyone knows of one, let me know!

Shamelessly, I add another Mira picture - I know, I know… But I really can’t help it!

And here is some wire crochet - not too sure about it…

Thanks to all who brought pressies and food for Mira’s dedication service! You helped to make it a really special day for our family!