…but I’m getting the hang of it.   And I really, really like it.  Sewing requires more precision and commitment than knitting.  Once you cut that fabric you’re done.  When you knit, you make a mistake and you can rip it out.   So I guess I just won’t make any mistakes.  It’s that simple.

So here’s what I’ve done so far…with much help from my Mum.   

A little laundry bag for Kira.  I thought I should start small then work up to something harder though this was no walk in the park.

Mum sewed the draw strings.  Pretty skilled huh?  She’s always made this incredibly small tubes with fabric (as drawstrings) that are so amazing.  I’ll get there.

The fabric is so darn pretty.

I was scared to death to cut it.  But I did and away I went.

It’s a far cry from what I had been using.  I’m about the embarrass myself…

Pretty sad huh?  But when the “spit up” is flying you just reach for what’s available.  Style isn’t much of a factor.

And here’s the next project, my first sling. 

I LOVE IT!!!!! and it’s so darn easy.  My biggest problem, aside from fear of cutting the fabric, is sewing straight.  For some reason I drift off to one side or the other.  Practice of course will remedy that but it is a bit frustrating.

My little Butterbean loves it in there. 

When that long tail is not in use (as a breastfeeding “cover” or a drape from the sun) I tuck the end around my waist and under the babe’s bum.

I highly recommend one of these.   They are so comfortable and easy and quick to use (and make).  For those inspired to give one a go, I bought the rings here.  I tried Micheal’s Craft store, the fabric store and no one had them.  The ladies at Slingrings.com were great and super quick.

I’ll have  pictures of the other sling soon.   

My poor little sewing machine doesn’t know what hit it but I hope it’s ready for more.  This is great.

There is a special feature of the weekend edition of Good Morning America called Your Three Words.  In a nut shell, you describe your week in three words and it is usually submitted via video (I’ll work up to that).  I highly recommend checking out the video clips on GMA’s website.  They run the range of emotions and it gets me every time.  But you should all know by now how much I love the sappy stuff.  I’m so hooked on watching it  that I’ve decided to add it as regular “thing” here at blog de EtG.  So here’s the premier…My Three Words. 

What are your three words this week?

Here’s another Cookie A pattern….Wanida from the Sock Innovation.

Let’s see how long these take.  It’s super easy so far.  There isn’t a pattern from her that I’ve ever had a problem with.  I did have a problem with the book though.

But not anymore.  I highly recommend spiral binding.   So much convenience for so little money.  Just $6 at Staples.

Enough, the sock beckons and Kira is taking a nap.

Finally Marlene is done and off needles. 

 Pattern: Marlene by Cookie A.

Source: Knit 1 Fall/Winter 2008

Yarn: Koigu # 1128,  2 skeins

Needles: #1 (should have used #2…)

Modifications:  None, I followed the pattern exactly but I should have used a bigger needle.   Even though it’s hard to get them over my and my sister’s ankles the fit is great once they are on.   Thanks to Sarah for encouraging me to finish them.

 The other thing I would have done differently was not decrease to 14 stitches.  It makes the toes a bit to pointy for me.  But no matter.  I absolutely love them. 

My sister is modeling while laying on the couch with Kira taking a nap on her chest.    That’s actually a good thing.  It will give me a chance to go hide them since I may have to go back on giving these to her as a gift.  I think I want to keep them.  Is that bad?  The other day she took back a lip gloss she gave me.  Now we’re even…I’ll make it up to her I promise.  Now I know what you all are thinking.  Just give them to her, because I’m not going to wear them anyway. But it took me so long to finish them.  Excuse while I go get some cheese to go with this wine…

It’s hard to give away cookies…

I’ve decided to use 5 of the 20 minutes I’ve set aside to add some more learning to the abundace of learning already going on around here.  I’m going to learn to sew. 

I’ve had this sewing machine for about 18 years.  I’m not joking.  And I’ve used it once.  It was a gift from my aunt/godmother and I was thrilled beyond words when I got.  I tried it, the once, and that was it.  It’s had a home in the back of the closet ever since.  The reason I pulled it out was to make slings.  Baby slings.  Like these.

Here’s one my friend made me years ago when I was actively doing  massage therapy (infant massage) and doula work.  I used it as a teaching tool to demo “baby wearing techniques”.

It’s so beautiful and comfortable but the rings were always a bit to big for me…so I’m making a few new ones.

My sister picked this fabric.

I picked this one.  Love both!

I can’t wait to get on the machine, but first I have to remember how it works.

One of the hardest parts about becoming a mother (for me)  has been the management of time.   These days the majority of my time is spent getting to know my daughter, her cries, her smiles and cooing sounds, her body language, everything about her.   We have reached a point in the last couple of weeks where I feel that I’ve finally gotten a handle on her and how to take care of her.   Though each day still brings new things to learn.  That learning will continue for the rest of my life, as a mum and human being,  and I will always welcome it and see it as a gift. 

It’s funny, I finally understand what I’ve heard mothers say for years.  It really is easy to loose yourself in all this, to forget what YOU want or rather put aside what you want, what you love to do.  And it’s been only two months.  

I finally finished knitting a pair of socks and I can’t tell you how happy it made me.  Almost as happy as seeing Kira smile at me.  Some may ask how can I compare my baby’s smile to a finished pair of socks, you really can’t but…I hope someone understands what I’m trying to say. 

Back to the issue of time,  everything aside from Kira has become secondary but trying to arrange those secondary things into “order of  importance”  is the challenge.  What do I do first?  How do I triage those things.   My biggest issue, what do I do with the “20 minutes” a day I can carve out for myself?  Do I return phone calls, send thank you notes (for baby gifts), clean the apartment, cook  a meal, take a shower, KNIT, read a book…?  And am I being selfish for even wanting “time for myself”?

Oh and there’s the other issue…I’m still someones wife.  (I”m also someones daughter, sister, friend, cousin, etc).    I know there is some balance here somewhere….

One of the best lessons I’ve learned in the last 8 weeks, aside giving the baby a bath and not losing my grip, putting on the diaper so the poop doesn’t leak out around the legs and always bring a change of clothes for myself as well as the babe, is guilt is a waste of time.  Easier said than done but so essential.

The learning and search for time continues…

…for some knitting to appear here…This caught my eye and I wanted to share.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy.

You’re one of the best.  I couldn’t do this without you. 

Thank you for being so patient. We love you.

There are no words for how cute these are so I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Shoes with lambs on them…For a knitter does it get any better?

I’m know I”m starting a very bad habit here but who could resist?

For those who know me well, you’re thinking these are so bright but I couldn’t resist.

A very talented woman named Johanna makes these.   Here’s her website,  Kaya’s Kloset and her Etsy page.  I think I need a pair of these for myself.  (yes, she makes adult sizes)

Happy shopping and have a great weekend everyone!!

Here’s the May 2009 Lorna’s Laces Shepard Sock Limited Edition colorway from Jimmy Beans Wool.  I wanted to order it on the 1st of the month but it was just days before going into the hospital to have the little one.  I missed my window and it sold out.  Thanks to a very generous knitter on Ravelry I was able to acquire two skeins.  Thank you so much Margaret.

Beautiful isn’t it?

And don’t you love the thoughtfulness…only a knitter.

I had to have the colorway from the month Kira was born…I know more mushy sentiment.  I can’t help myself.  The question now is what to make for her with it.  Any thoughts?