2015 FAVORITE BOOKS!

I have somehow managed to finish 35 books this year! I say finish and not read because some clearly didn't make the final cut. I believe there are too many stories to be read to waste my time struggling through books I simply don't enjoy enough. Yes I am thinking about you Little Women! You were either too boring or I am simply too old for you.  Let's leave it at that! But that's okay, because there are books that I LOVED so freaking much this year, and those are the ones I'd rather talk about. So here it is, my top 5 books I read in 2015!

5. THE MAGICIAN'S LAND - Lev Grossman

This was such a perfect ending to The Magician trilogy. The character's growth was amazing and probably my favorite part of the writing. Who knew Quentin would ever become a character I would love, yet Lev Grossman made it happen. I very much believe this is the PERFECT story for the adult who still believes in magic. My copies are right next to my Harry Potter series, and that should say something right ;)

4. FAHRENHEIT 451 - Ray Bradbury

I feel like I read A LOT of dystopia this year, and this is one of the best. It is so small and simple and yet says so much so powerfully. If that makes sense. I wish people would talk more about this book and less about 1984 because it gives you so much more. Also, you can never go wrong with books about books!

3.TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS - Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed deserves to be on all of my yearly top 5 I feel like (last year #1 book for me was Wild <3). She's just such an amazing and inspiring woman. Her style is quite raw and honest, so not for everyone but very much made for me. Tiny beautiful things is the written version of her radio show Dear Sugar and though obviously some of the topics talked about I didn't care much for some other just plain hit me in the heart and I still find myself thinking about them over and over. Her words make me feel brave, and that is all there is. 

2. THE NIGHT CIRCUS - Erin Morgenstern

This book is everything a story should be. It's got great characters, a world you would swear exist for real, magic, adventure, emotions. It's awesome and everyone should read it because you will love it!

1. THE HANDMAID'S TALE - Margaret Atwood

This book is just so damn important. Reading it should be right there with "drink plenty of water" and "go get some air when you feel like nothing's working anymore". I feel like my new life mission is to tell people to READ THIS BOOK!


I've got hundreds of books already on my TBR for 2016 so pretty excited to start reading new amazing books tomorrow!! What books are you all most excited about?

PS: did you take part in the 26 books in 2015 challenge? You can see all the books I read here :)

#QOTD

 NOLITE TE BASTARDES CARBORUNDORUM 

Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale

A weirdly appropriate Quote of the day from one Parisian to the rest of the world. Sorry it's been so quiet here. Nothing much to say I guess, mostly waiting for this year to be over. 

Les Reveurs shawl - PATTERN AVAILABLE!

This Summer I read a wonderful story, about a circus, love and magic. I fell in love with the words and the world she described. A part in particular stuck and resonated deeply to the knitter in me: 

“ They are enthusiasts, devotees. Something about the circus stirs their souls. They seek each other out, telling of how they found the circus, how those first few steps were like magic. Like stepping into a fairy tale under a curtain of stars […] And so begins a tradition of rêveurs attending Le Cirque des Rêves decked in black & white with a single shock of red. Often, just before dawn, there is no color to be seen in the circus, save for their small splashes of scarlet. ”

A couple days after finishing the book, I started doodling and swatching with a pretty skein of red yarn I had had in my stash for over a year, waiting for its calling. Soon after, my Les Rêveurs shawl was born. It is probably highly subjective of me to say that I love it and think it is gorgeous, but I do anyway. I fell in love with shawls as soon as I got into knitting and so designing my very own shawl pattern feels extra special.

I tried to put as much of the magic of the book and of my love of knitting in it, and I am now super excited to announce that the pattern is available on Ravelry! 

The shawl calls for one skein of fingering weight yarn (tonal or solid would work best), a 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle and if you feel like it, a few beads to include to the bind off. It has a textured body, a lace section that looks complicated but really isn't and an elegant picot bind off. All instructions (written), and links to video tutorials to help you with the technicalities are included in the pattern. Whether you have read the Night Circus or not, I hope you will enjoy knitting the pattern and will love wearing the shawl <3

Les Reveurs 

A YEAR OF SOCKS

On this day last year, I put on my feet my very first pair of hand knit socks. And fell in love. With the colors, the comfort, the warmth, the "oh thank you I made them myself!". I knew it was the beginning of something. So I started a little challenge: a year of socks. And you know what? It was fun! 

In that year, I have made 10 pairs of adult socks, 2 baby ones, and I have two more currently on the needles. I tried cuff down, then toe up, discovered the magic of short row heels, designed my very own sock pattern, and started a pair out of leftovers from previous ones (Inception style!). A good year I'd say! Funnily enough, my favorite and most worn pair is still the very first one I made.

Seriously can't believe I used to be that girl who said "why would I even want to knit socks, I don't even wear any!" One year older me is laughing hard right now. Hand knitted socks are the best! So here's to many more years of knitting socks!

OCTOBER READ ALONG

Hello!

Let's talk about books today :)

There are two in particular that I am very excited to read in October: The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball and Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel! (I talked a bit about them both in my book haul video which you can see here)

To make things a bit more fun, I decided to organize on my Ravelry group a little READ ALONG! It's super simple, you pick one of both books (they are different enough that everyone should hopefully feel drawn towards at least one!) , and then find a few minutes here and there to read during the month of October. Personally, I almost always read before turning the lights off at night, mostly so that the last thing I do in the day isn't stare at a screen ;) If you need to commute to go to work, reading a bit might also be an option then (although I'll admit, I've been known to miss my subway stop because I was that into the story I was reading!). None of the books are too new, so it should be pretty easy to find them in your local used or new bookstore or your library!

If you'd rather join on Instagram, I've set up the hashtags #TheDirtyLifeRA and #StationElevenRA over there ;)

Hope you like the idea! And that you'll like the book <3

#QOTD

“I can't say when you'll get love or how you'll find it or even promise you that you will. I can only say you are worthy of it and that it's never too much to ask for it and that it's not crazy to fear you'll never have it again, even though your fears are probably wrong. Love is our essential nutrient. Without it, life has little meaning. It's the best thing we have to give and the most valuable thing we receive. It's worthy of all the hullabaloo.”

Cheryl Strayed, 

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar

You may say I'm a reader

But pretty sure I'm not the only one!

Yesterday I introduced a new series of videos on my Youtube channel, this time all about books!

I first thought I could simply add a reading section to my knitting podcast, but I quite like the 45 min average length that I have going so I figured I would record completely independent videos, still hosted on the same knitting channel. Knitting and reading are two of my favorite things so it makes sense I guess! 

Anyway, for this first video, I have a book haul for you! I'm basically going through the books (hard copies + Kindle) that I got in the last month. Hope you will enjoy it, and maybe be inspired to go to your local bookstore and grab a copy for yourself! 

I will record a second video at the end of the month that will be a review of the books I have read in September (5 so far, hoping for 8!). 

Let me know what you think! 

xx

ps: of course I had to find a Beatles pun for the name! ;)

EPISODE 10: INTRODUCING LES REVEURS

Back from a quick but super lovely Summer trip with lots to tell, a few new projects, a shawl design, and a few videos from London. Also an announcement about books which I'm very excited about! (ps: there's now a book thread on the Ravelry group, and of course it's been named after a Beatles song!)

And now for the show notes:
ON MY NEEDLES
Vertices Unite - Stephen West
Quill - Jared Flood
Cabled baby booties - Epipa

WHAT'S NEW
My shawl design, Les rêveurs, is all finished and written up. I'm now looking for test knitters before releasing it, hopefully at the beginning of October. More details on the Ravelry thread! Hope you will like it :)

PEOPLE/ PODCAST MENTIONED
Mina - The Knitting Expat
Kay - Bakery Bears

Enjoy!
xx

SHORT TRIP ESSENTIALS

Hey guys, heading to London as you read this!

Thought it could be fun to share here a list of my essentials when packing for a short trip. I'm a pretty light packer (I think), even though I sort of wish I could take all of my shawls with me!

- a good book
- an iPhone with a good playlist and lots of podcast episodes (plus it's a great camera)
- lipstick + hand lotion
- an umbrella (ok not an essential but I'm going to London so sort of!)
- a small knitting project
- paper tissues
- lots of socks and underwear
- bandaids (for the inevitable moment where your feet will hurt…)
- international plug
- lots of warm layers; pictured here: a shawl, a sweater, and socks
- sunglasses (for when you don't need the warm layers)
- snacks and water. blueberries anyone?
- Birkenstocks <3


So, what's on your list for short trips?
xx

EPISODE 09: CHANNELING MY INNER MOLLY WEASLEY

Welcome back to the All you knit is love podcast. This one is all about colors ;) Socks, shawls, blankets, I have been knitting all the things this Summer apparently. Enjoy the show!

SHOW NOTES

FINISHED OBJECTS
Garter stripes baby blanket
Opal socks
Self stripping shawl

ON THE NEEDLES
Mrs Weasley blanket
Mrs Weasley socks
Quill shawl - Jared Flood
For the love of fair isle

PODCAST/PEOPLE MENTIONED
Molly - A Homespun House
Mina - The Knitting Expat
Maria - Stitched in Sweden
Oh Loops / HP KAL!

LIFE RIGHT NOW // AUGUST 2015

Dear 2015, you need to slow down. thanks :3

loving writing my first shawl design. Hope you'll like it :)

thinking about recording videos of my book reviews. what do you think?

eating goat cheese with honey and nuts <3

wondering if any of you know of cool bookstores in London? 

listening to Take me to church & Everybody wants to rule the world

enjoying my SleepyTime tea before bed 

making all the things with my two hands

struggling with the shorter days, need more light.

feeling super creative. #bestfeeling 

dreaming of pumpkins, homemade tomato soup and leaves falling

finding that the 1-step-buttonhole setting of my sewing machine is pure magic!

celebrating D-5 before London!!!! 

watching the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables Musical on BluRay <3

BOOK REPORT - SUMMER 2015

THE NIGHT CIRCUS - Erin Morgenstern

Oh boy that book! I've actually had it in my room for like 2 years but suddenly decided now was the time. The cover of the book is full of superlatives and other -ing words which I wasn't super convinced about at first. And yes, it took me a little while to get into it. But once I did, the circus had me. Magical story, in the very purest sense of the word magic. Really great books have a way of coming to life as you read them, and for a second there, I could swear that I really was in the circus, going through the Ice Garden and the Wishing tree. The writing is absolutely beautiful, everything incredibly detailed and the perfect mix of realistic and magic. You don't need to love fantasy to read it, you just need to love stories. And who doesn't? Go read it! Plus, I will very soon tell you a little more about it as it has inspired me to knit, as any good rêveur would ;)




Fave quote: "The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not" (this is the first line of the book. go read the rest ;))

THE ROSIE EFFECT - Graeme Simsion

Urgh. I DID NOT like this book. Which is very weird because i loved Book 1 (report here). For the first time in my life, I got stressed out by a book. But also frustrated, angry and pretty bored. The first book was very sweet and funny but I don't know if it's the theme of that one (pregnancy mostly) or what, but I did not enjoy it at all. Also, vegetarian pregnant women who suddenly realize that meat is the best food in the world and give me a cow right now ARE NOT A THING! So let me eat my Tempeh please! Frustrating I told you. Anyone read it?

THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS - John Connolly

Actually read that book like 3 years ago but somehow couldn't remember anything about it so I decided to give it a go again. I'd say it's not a bad story, but I had such a hard time getting attached to the characters that I found myself not caring very much. I like the whole concept of stories coming to life and the power of imagination, but it wasn't as magical as I think it could have been. It's some sort of a failed attempt at creating a Narnia type story but with Grimm brothers fairy tales. Honestly, I've read it a month ago and already forgot most of it. One thing I really loved though: the last line of the book (see below) ;)

Fave quotes:

"And, in the darkness, David closed his eyes as all that was lost was found again."

“Stories wanted to be read, David's mother would whisper. They needed it. It was the reason they forced themselves from their world into ours. They wanted us to give them life.”


A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA - Ursula K Le Guin

I love fantasy. And this year, I really wanted to go back to the stories that inspired the most recent fantasy novels such as Harry Potter. Looking on the Internet, I heard about 2: The Riftwar series by Feist and The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K Le Guin. Got this last one, and read Book 1. I found it was really good, yet way too short for my taste (below 200 pages). Good thing there's like 4 or 5 other books. My favorite part was the writing, which was just so beautiful and detailed. I kept thinking, we don't write books like that anymore (I'm secretly 65 you all)! I'm a sucker for long, wordy paragraphs and rich description, especially in fantasy where there's a whole world that needs to come to life through the words. Second favorite thing was how it made me think of all the more recent fantasy novels and making the connection in terms of inspiration. She was one of the first authors to develop the idea of a school of magic for instance. All that to say, I very much think that anyone who loves fantasy should dive into the magical world of Earthsea! Will start Book 2 very soon!




Fave quote:

"For a word to be spoken, there must be silence. Before, and after."

"In that moment Ged understood the singing of the bird, and the language of the water falling in the basin of the fountain, and the shape of the clouds, and the beginning and end of the wind that stirred the leaves; it seemed to him that he himself was a word spoken by the sunlight."

THE GOLDFINCH - Donna Tartt

Joining the bandwagon two years later, as usual. Not at all what I had expected. Did not liked it all that much honestly. I didn't expect to spend that much time on his childhood (50% of the book) and expected more art/painting related content. Instead I got kids who do drugs and violence and a whole lot of darkness. I didn't relate or felt very much for any of the characters which is never a very good sign for me. Not sure what everyone loved about that book, would love to hear your opinion if you've read it!


Fave quote: "None of us ever find enough kindness in the world, do we?"

LIFE RIGHT NOW // JULY 2015

loving the smell of Summer rain

thinking about knitting designs and filling notebooks!

eating all the fruits <3

wondering when PSL will be back at Starbucks #priorities

listening to the Books on the nightstand podcast!

enjoying reading a few pages before bed every night

making lists of Xmas knitting presents. will not repeat last December mistake, must start soon!

struggling with electronics. Both my Mac and iPhone are getting tired and old :/

feeling like August is going to be a good one

dreaming of London baby! Hoping to make my way there for a few days in September!

finding this to be very true: "It isn't too late. Time is not running out. Your life is here and now. And the moment has arrived at which you're finally ready to change." (Cheryl Strayed)

celebrating getting a job, if only for the Summer! feels good to feel useful ;)

watching Teen Wolf and Mr Robot.

The Celtic Rainbow socks + my favorite no hole-short row heel!

My first design!! Kind of exciting <3 After almost 3 months without any sock knitting, the obsession came back! Mostly thanks to the most gorgeous/coolest speckled sock yarn ever, hand dyed by the lovely Kristina from Eaden Yarns and very aptly named Neon Lights.

I knew the socks I would make with it would have to be special, and since I couldn't find a pattern perfect enough for it, I decided to design it myself. I wanted it to be super simple so that the yarn would be the main star but with a little something extra special, and so the cable idea came. The one I picked reminded me of Ireland and celtic patterns, and so I started thinking of little leprechauns leading you to the end of the rainbow and the Celtic Rainbow socks were born!

I decided to write down the pattern, including the cable design and my very favorite short row heel method (no holes!) and share it with you all for free, here and on Ravelry. You will find at the bottom of this post a link to download the pdf, or you can get it directly on Ravelry :) I hope you like it, and please please share if you decide to make a pair of Celtic Rainbow socks for you or your loved ones because that would just be the best! Keep in mind that this is my first pattern, and not being a professional and all it might not be perfect! I'll be happy to answer any questions or issues you have :)

 Get the pdf here!

Episode 07: IN THE MOOD FOR SHAWLS

It's been a while people, but that just mean more stuff to show you :) 

June has been all about shawl and July will be all about the little projects, mostly because boy, is it hot! Who's knitting through the Summer? I'm switching my beloved merino for cotton for now!

FINISHED OBJECTS
Campside shawl by Alicia Plummer

Aristida shawl from Knitscene Accessories 2012

Kuni shawl by This birds knit

+ blue baby socks and a pair of Antiquity mitts by Alicia Plummer

ON THE NEEDLES

Self stripping shawl using Drops Fabel Print

Rainbow cable socks using Eaden Yarn

Thank you for watching! Don't forget to join us on the Ravelry group

BOOK REPORT. SPRING 2015

A HANDMAID'S TALE - Margaret Atwood

How have I not read this book before? Amazing. I found myself still thinking about it days after finishing it. I've only talked about it with women but I would be very curious to know how men reacted to it (know any?). Brilliant writing, story, terrifying in the sense where you can almost picture it happening and then realize it is actually happening in some part of the world. I think all I want to say is: YOU NEED TO READ THAT BOOK.

Fave quote: "We thought we had such problems. How were we to know we were happy?"
"Maybe it's just something to keep the Wives busy, to give them a sense of purpose. But I envy the Commander's Wife her knitting. It's good to have small goals that can be easily attained."
"Every month there is a moon, gigantic, round, heavy, an omen. It transits, pauses, continues on and passes out of sight, and I see despair coming towards me like famine. To feel that empty, again, again. I listen to my heart, wave upon wave, salty and red, continuing on and on, marking time."



WE WERE LIARS - E. Lockhart
One of these books you just can't put down because you NEED to know. I'm always torn about these stories because yes it's a great page turner but I'm also so focused on figuring out what happened and how it ends that it feels like I don't quite enjoy the overall story as much as I should. I don't want to say anything about the story because it's a book you need to pick and start reading without knowing anything beforehand. Kind of like Gone Girl only "lighter" and with younger characters. Only thing I didn't like is the writing style. I struggle a lot with short sentences because I'm so used to french literature and it's never ending paragraphs and sentences. But it's perfect for this type of story I guess. Anyway, recommend it!

Fave quote: "The Universe is seeming really huge right now," he told me. "I need something to hold on to."



FANGIRL - Rainbow Rowell
My second book by the author after Eleanor & Park. Quite similar in many aspect. It feels like the author likes to go with very "normal" characters mixed in with more serious issues like mental illness or domestic violence. The book is kind of divided in two: there is the main story about Cath going to college and trying to fit in. But she is also a fanfic writer and the book has a lot of passages of that story Cath is writing about Simon Snow (which is also basically a Harry Potter fanfic). There is even a book coming out based on Simon Snow, which apparently everyone is excited about. Except me I guess. I found myself kind of ignoring these passages because I was so much more interested in the "real" story. I felt like I could relate quite a lot to Cath being a massive introvert and all but I'm not sure people who are not like that enjoyed it as much (would love to know what you all think). Basically enjoyed the main story but nothing super special about that book.

Fave quote: "You're not the ugly one." Levi grinned. "You're just the Clark Kent." Cath started checking her e-mail. "Hey Cath," Levi said, kicking his chair. She could hear the teasing in his voice. "Will you warn me when you take off your glasses?"
"And sometimes you held somebody's hand just to prove that you were still alive, and that another human being was there to testify to that fact."



THE ROSIE PROJECT - Graeme Simsion
Unlike We Were Liars where all I cared about was reaching the end, this one was all about the journey. It takes very little time to know how its going to end but it's so not what the book is about. The story is lovely and fun to read and it's just like going on a road trip with no destination, you simply enjoy the ride. Very quick, summer style type of book that I very much liked. Will definitely read Book 2 (the Rosie Effect).
PS: if you love Sheldon Cooper you will love the book ;)

Fave quote: "I asked you here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
"But I’m not good at understanding what other people want.’
‘Tell me something I don’t know,’ said Rosie for no obvious reason.
I quickly searched my mind for an interesting fact.
‘Ahhh…The testicles of drone bees and wasp spiders explode during sex.”"

PS: I Updated my 26 books in 2015 challenge. How are you all doing so far?

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

Just a quick reminder (mostly to myself) that I may not yet be living in my dream cabin by the woods / the lake and that yes I can hear the traffic outside the window but that doesn't mean I can't surround myself with flowers and bring the nature inside. 

So I stopped what I was doing, looked around for a few minutes, and this is what I saw:

 Anything pretty around you today? <3

EPISODE 06

Welcome back for another episode! Included in the podcast this time: a shawl addiction, birthday yarn, knit alongs and books. Enjoy :)

SHOW NOTES

FINISHED OBJECTS
- Campside shawl. free pattern by Alicia Plummer
in Artesano 100% Alpaca DK in Chile Red + leftover blue yarn

- Spring hat
in Spud & Chole fine socks in Snorkel

- Garter Yoke baby cardigan. free pattern by Jennifer Hoel
in Drops Baby Merino in white and light beige


ON THE NEEDLES
- April come she will by Annalisa Dione
in Drops Fabel Uni Colour in Jeans

- Aristida Shawl from Knitscene Accessories 2012
in Gregoria Fibers yarn, had dyed with walnuts

- Antiquity mittens by Alicia Plummer
in Chickadee by Quince & Co, Twig color

-Shipwreck shawl by Knitting Harpy
in The Wool Barn lace yarn BFL/Silk in the Jeans color

PODCASTS MENTIONED
And Just Another Podcast
The Bakery Bears
The Suburban Stitcher

LIFE RIGHT NOW // Birthday edition

Changing things up on this special month, thought I'd share 26 things about me right now :)

26 is starting to sound a little bit too much like 30.

I've watched every episode of Friends at least a thousand time and I still laugh like it's the first time.

I've been gluten free for almost a year now. Except for pizza, because I don't want to live in a world that doesn't have pizza.

I always thought I'd be a mom by the time I turned 25. hmm.

I watch all 7 Harry Potter every year, sometimes multiple times per year.

I never wear jewelry. But I want more tattoos.

Wanderlust and Haberdashery are my favorite english words.

Going out and being "social" physically exhaust me. the joy of being an introvert.

Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah is my favorite song in the world.

I hate high heels. I do feel prettier in them though. damn you society!

My favorite smell is freshly cut grass.

Scary movies freak me out because my sister made me watch The X-Files way too young. Don't get me started on zombies...

I just can't find a job.

I'm an expert at day dreaming.

Matthew is my favorite boy's name. Violet my favorite girl's name.

I never pick up the phone. that's what texts are for people.

I hate hot weather. I'd pick Canada over The Bahamas any day.

My middle name is Flor, which is flower in spanish. I'm not spanish.

I stopped eating meat 11 years ago. best decision ever.

As a kid I wanted to be: a teacher, an adventurer (think Indiana Jones), an archeologist, a midwife.

I can't resist a beard.

My favorite episode of Doctor Who is Vincent & The Doctor. I cry every time.

I have a huge collections of notebooks. Most of them are 98% empty.

I tried to write a story once.

My cat's name is Lola.

I really like lists.

Episode 05 and all the yarn

Episode 05 is finally up! Lots of new projects, a crazy story about a lost & found shawl, enabling excused by an upcoming birthday and an almost forgotten finished object!

To chat some more and join the Baby Knit Along I am currently co hosting you can join my Ravelry group ;)

On to show notes:

WORKS IN PROGRESS
- Campside shawl. free pattern by Alicia Plummer
in Artesano 100% Alpaca DK in Chile Red

- April come she will by Annalisa Dione
in Drops Fabel Uni Colour in Jeans

- Seed Stitch spring hat
in Spud & Chole fine socks in dark blue

- Garter Yoke baby cardigan. free pattern by Jennifer Hoel
in Drops Baby Merino in white and light beige

FINISHED OBJECT
- Nurmilintu shawl by Heidi Alander
in Cascade Heritage in Burgundy


xx
Lea

Episode 04 and a baby knit along!

Episode 04 is up! New things happening this week: there is now a Ravelry group for the podcast! Join, chat and show us that pretty yarn you've been hoarding!

Also, a baby knit along! The #LeLoBabyKal organized by Lottie from the And Just another podcast podcast and myself is starting next Monday, May 11th and it's all about knitting stuff for babies. You should definitely join, knit some cute stuff and maybe win a prize! Chatter thread is on my Ravelry group and the FO thread will be on Lottie's group! And if you are looking for free and adorable baby patterns check out the round up I just posted :)

And now for the show notes:

WORKS IN PROGRESS
- Battersea top. Free pattern by Valerie Miller
Using the Cotton Yarn by We Are Knitters

- A wee bit of fair isle socks - by me
using Drops Fabel Uni colors in white and mustard

- Nirmiluntu shawl by Heidi Alander. free on Ravelry!
Using Cascade Heritage in Burgundy

FINISHED OBJECTS
- Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly Brooker. Free on Ravelry
Using Watercolours & Lace in the Summer Skies color

- Hodge booties by Stella Lange. Free also
Using Watercolours & Lace in the Summer Skies color

OTHERS
Drops sale throughout the end of May. yarn is 35% off! Cool and affordable yarn, check it out :)


PODCASTS MENTIONED
Maria - Stitched in Sweden
Molly - A Homespun House

FREE BABY PATTERNS: A ROUND UP OF MY FAVORITES

Knitting for babies is awesome. Everything is adorably cute and takes so little time to make that you could basically create a full baby clothing collection in the time it would take you to knit an adult cabled jumper. Or maybe I'm just bad with cables. Anyway, I love knitting for tiny humans. And bonus point: there are a lot of free patterns out there! Here are a few of my favorites lately!

Fiddlehead Pullover © Courtney Kelley

HATS
Garter Ear Flap Hat by The Purl Bee
Woodland Fox baby hat by Kristen Cooper
Aviatrix Hat by Justine Turner
Hats for newborns by The Purl Bee
Baby Bonnet by The Purl Bee

SWEATERS & CARDIGANS
Garter Yoke Baby Cardigan by Jennifer Hoel
Fiddlehead Pullover by Courtney Kelley
Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly Brooker (paid for versions also exist for kids and adults)
Baby Sophisticate by Linden Down (available in a lot of different language!)
In Threes Cardigan by Kelly Herdrich

 + Clara dress by Karin Vestergaard Mathiesen

FEET & HANDS
Hodge booties by Stella Lange with a regular version + a more girly one
Infant Mittens by The Purl Bee
Cozy Little Toes by Judy Kaethler
May Jane Booties by Lucie Sinkler

BONUS because it's just too cute
Spring Bunnies by Stephanie Jessica Lau/ All about Ami (crochet pattern!)

Spring Bunnies © Stephanie Jessica Lau

EPISODE 03: starring my cat

Episode 03 is up! Featuring new projects, ramblings about the art of frogging, a lot of blue, my cat trying to steal the couch and some sewing news. Enjoy :) 

Show Notes:

FINISHED OBJECTS
Baby hats in Cascade 220 white, Quince & Co Lark in Belize and Malabrigo Rios in Indiecita

WORKS IN PROGRESS
- Battersea Top by Valerie Miller (free)
using Cotton Yarn in Aquamarine by We Are Knitters

- A wee bit of fair isle socks
using Drops Fabel Uni Colours in Mustard and White

- Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly Brooker (free)
using Watercolours & Lace in Summer Skies

PEOPLE / PODCASTS MENTIONED
Clare - A Night Bird podcast
Kristin - Yarngasm podcast
Anna - Gregoria Fibers

PS: Comments are always appreciated <3 Thanks again to everyone taking a bit of their time to listen to me :) Feel free to ask any questions, I'll answer either in the comments section or on the next episode!

LIFE RIGHT NOW // APRIL 2015

loving the afternoons spent in the park knitting / eating / drinking.

thinking that I haven't read a single book in April. need to change that in May, starting with Fangirl! 

eating all the fruits. Can't wait for peaches!

wondering what to do with the billion magazines I have (and love). too much stuff!!

listening to George Ezra's first album. Budapest and Listen to the man are my fave <3

enjoying the podcast. Episode 3 coming later this week, I'm waiting on a new webcam!

making use of my stash and feeling kind of proud about it ^^

struggling with cutting those gorgeous fabrics I've been buying.

feeling like cross stitching. 

dreaming of pretty embroideries like the ones Olivia has been creating <3

finding out that it's ok to speak your mind sometimes.   

celebrating the beginning of May. Lily of the valley season + my birthday obviously makes it the best month of the year!

watching Game of Thrones! #TeamDarkSansa

IN WHICH I SAY ADORABLE A LOT

Episode 02!!

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone you has watched, subscribed or left me a message here, on IG or on Youtube. You all are the sweetest <3
Hoping you will like this one too, it's a bit longer and was slightly less weird to record so this might be the beginning of something fun :)

Show Notes!

FINISHED OBJECTS
- Waterlily by Meghan Fernandes - Pompom Quaterly Spring 2014
Yarn: Drops Baby Alpaca and Silk

- Garter Ear Flap Hat - free on the Purl Bee website
Yarn: Quince & Co Lark in the Belize colorway

- Basic worsted weight baby hat
Yarn: Cascade 220 in white + Malabrigo Rios in the Indiecita colorway

WORKS IN PROGRESS
- Elske socks by Merrian Holland - Pompom Quaterly Spring 2015
yarn: Drops Fabel Uni Colours

- Battersea by Valerie Miller - free on her blog
Yarn: We Are Knitters The Cottons Yarn

- Textured Shawl yet to be named by me.
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Merino Light in the Shire colorway

STASH LOVE
The Wool Barn !
BFL lace in the Jeans colorway + Stardust sock in the Pink Speckles colorway

NEXT ON THE NEEDLES
- April Come she will by Annalisa Dione (the pattern is free until the end of April)
- Docklight by Brooklyn Tweed

PODCAST I MENTIONED AND LOVE
Maria - Stitched in Sweden
Molly - A Homespun House
Dani - Little Bobbins Knits

In which I recorded a short and awkward video

Realized I had the voice of a 5 years old, hoped my english was understandable and then went for it anyway.

Show Notes!

Works in Progress:
Elske socks from Pompom Quaterly Spring 2015
Waterlily from Pompom Quaterly Spring 2014
Mrs Weasley blanket

Finished Objects:
Vanilla ankle socks - made with Drop Fabel Print
Regn mittens - made with (Vi)laines Delicates

Stash Love:
Madeline Tosh Merino Light in the Shire colorway
Socks that Rock in the Fluemarket Find colorway.


You can find me on: Ravelry / Instagram / Youtube

Thank you for putting up with my weirdness <3

1 PHOTO & 20 WORDS: the simple things

Flowers gathered by my nephew for: his mama, his grandma and his auntie. 

The simplest things are the most precious. 

———————————————————

Joining in with Abi from Creating Paper Dreams for One photo & Twenty words. 

ME ON MONDAY

A weekend love list: Moroccan mint tea / socks / pastries / meeting other crazy knitters like me / chatting about yarn for 4 hours / a new episode of Outlander / more sock knitting / JAMMF / a finished project / chocolate / reading stories to my nephew / a comfy handmade sweater / watching Cinderella on TV / singing along.

And here we are now, on a cold but sunny Monday morning. Hiding under a plaid, watching Harry Potter and you guessed it, knitting some more socks! That's me, on Monday :)

Joining with the lovely Sian today.