Yarn along and a Book review

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny Sheller @ simple things 

I haven't joined Yarn along since last Fall! 

It's just been a tough season.

So glad to join everyone !

I just finished reading "in firefly valley" by Amanda Cabot. I read the first book in the Texas crossroads series " at bluebonnet Lake" and was glad I was chosen to get to review this one as well. This author has a writing style that I enjoy. I like realistic characters with a deep plot that I find myself asking questions about the details and wanting to find out what decision the characters will make morally. I find there is a balance in a Christian novel and don't like the authors faith to be overbearing and this author does a good job at it! Both of the books in this series had a romance thrown in for good measure as well. It was so entertaining that I read it in three days. If you are looking for a Christian novel I would recommend this Author. I will head over to Amazon to give this book five stars. Id like to thank Revel books for this review copy. This review is my opinion and I was in no way encouraged to give a positive review. 

I mentioned that I have recently become a grandmother and can't believe our little guy is three weeks old already. He is such a cutie and seems to be settling in rather nicely. That brings me to my next topic. I downloaded Jared Floods blanket "Bairn" to knit for our grandson. It has several different cables so not a pattern for a beginner. I had a hard time at the start but now that I am writing the rows down and have gone through the repeat a time or two I have got the hang of it. I love a pattern that has some details so I don't get bored. Anyhow, since we live in Florida he will get his blanket this Fall or Christmas. Thats code for, " I wasn't able to get it knit up in time for his birth!" 

lil G has had a virus/ cold and this photo was my happy thought for the day yesterday. Poor thing even had ulcers in her throat necessitating a Dr appointment to make sure it wasn't strep. This past winter she kept stealing my house slippers, I wear them all the time since we have tile floors and they are so hard on my joints. We bought her some slippers of her own but she still steals mine every chance she gets! I don't know why but it makes my heart happy hearing house slippers scuffling down the hall. 

I hope this finds you and yours enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.

Under His Wings,

Anna

Yarn along and a book review!

I'm joining Ginny over at Small things for Yarn along this week, a few days late but thankful i can still join in.

It's always fun when a new yarn falls into your lap. 

I love to go shopping at a little store that gets close outs and have picked up some amazing deals.

I bought two skeins and wound it this afternoon.

I usually won't review a book so quickly after it arrives but with this new yarn begging to be knit up and a little person playing happily in her room I was able to digest the entire book in a few hours.

Let me start by saying I smiled when I saw her dedication. She dedicated the book to her Ravelry friends- Ive met so many amazing women and learned so much on Ravelry.

So let me tell you how great this book is, the author is sharing tricks to take knitting to the next level. I love how each chapter focuses on a specific technique, wrapped stitches, twisted stitches, lace work tricks, and beads. The author starts off each chapter with a small pattern for a wristlet or necklace and moves on to hats, fingerless gloves, scarves, and ending with shawls. She provides a great description of the technique and the patterns use various weights of yarns. All of the patterns were something I would knit for myself or someone I love, it's not often that a I find a book that has so many patterns that are fun and practical. The  twenty three patterns cover a large range of skill levels, so plenty of things for a beginner all the way to difficult.

Some other things I really enjoyed were the yarn weight system and in the back a list of knitting techniques. This comes in handy if you are someone like me that likes to knit on the go, if I can't remember a stitch I can find what I need with a flip of the page. An added bonus is a little icon throughout the book. The author actually has a video on her webpage for that specific technique! Handy for a visual learner like me when learning something new. 

I've been knitting seriously for several years and I am so excited to explore new techniques and add this book to my shelves.

This book will easily get five out of five stars.

Thank you to blogging for books for the opportunity to review this book. 

This review is my own opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review.

The next book I've read is " loves Fortune" by Laura Frantz.

I have found a new favorite author! What a great historical romance. I enjoyed the well developed characters and felt emotionally attached to their struggles and joys. The plot was well thought out and attention to detail really kept my interest.The authors attention to detail really drew me in from page one and kept me up way past my bedtime many a night. I will admit I had to write this review before reading the last few chapters because I have been savoring every word. This book would get more than five stars if that was possible! Thank you Laura Franz for such a beautiful story. ( sorry no spoilers! Please go pick up a copy for yourself- you won't be disappointed!) a thank you to Revell books for the opportunity to review this book. This review is my personal opinion and I was in no way comoensated for a positive review. 

I want to close with sharing the cute little capelet I knit for Lil G.

I have the directions written down and will share on Ravelry.

Yarn along and a book review, or two!

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny Sheller @ simple things 

If you have been following my blog for long you will know that I have a heart for adoption.

I was so excited when I was given the chance to review this book. 

" The Desire" was written byDan Walsh and Gary Smalley.

 I really enjoyed the main characters in this book,  Allen and Michelle, and Christina. I felt like the characters were well developed and enjoyed reading the emotional struggles as well as how they processed the events as they unfolded and in return grew in their faith walk. Having been a mother both through giving birth and adoption I really appreciated this story. The focus on missions, character growth and humility within a community of other believers was also touched upon and I loved how it was woven into all aspects of this book. Not just going to church but being the church.

I found out that this book is part of a series and appreciate that it can be read as a stand alone. I am sure I will end up purchasing the other books because I enjoyed the characters and plot. 

Thank you to Revell books for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

This review is my humble opinion and I was in no way compensated for my review.

I have decided to knit a " capelet" for our little princess. Little G has gone out shopping for yarn with me recently and picked out this yarn. Of course it's her favorite color, purple. I wasn't able to find exactly what I wanted and decided I would invent a pattern that could be knit until I ran out of yarn. It's really sweet and I am pleased with the results. 

I guess a capelet could be described as a long collar or a shortened cape. Very sweet. I might end up posting the pattern on my ravelry page when life settles down a tad. I just can begin to tell you how crazy it has been. Lil G has been having " startle spells" which result from having silent seizures in the night. She was hospitalized the last weekend in July, on  my birthday. Then a month later her oldest brother was hospitalized. He was very very sick and I am ever so thankful he didn't have a stroke. Tests have been run and we don't have a diagnosis or good idea of what happened or how to prevent it. 

The second book I have to review is " Simple Thai Food" written by Leela Punyaratabandhu. She actually has a blog called the Thai home Kitchen. I loved this cookbook! We enjoy Thai food and have been trying our hand at cooking it with the limited ingredients we've been able to find at the big box grocery. This cookbook is just amazing, the author filled it with a beautifully written history of the dishes and how they are traditionally prepared, she then adapts them for cooks like you and I. She offers suggestions for ingredient descriptions, substitutes, and resources on where to purchase hard to find ingredients. The photography and writing was just beautiful. sadly with all the chaos going on lately I haven't been able to try any of the recipes. I simply cannot wait!

 Thank you to blogging for books for the opportunity to review this beautiful book. This review is completely my humble opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review.

Happy Fourth of July!

Taking a few minutes to pause,

Thankful for beautiful weather,

The humidity was so low this afternoon,

Lil G was able to play in her wading pool all afternoon.

It was such a great day for both of us.

                        ( a watercolor painting I did in 2011-  Proud to be an American) 

Last night we went to our local triple A teams ball game and their Fourth of July fireworks,

So tonight we are laying low and enjoying each other.

I have two excellent books to tell you about!

The first book is a topic dear to my heart, watercolor painting.

This book is called " Urban Watercolor sketching" by Felix Scheinberger.

                             

This book took me by surprise.

I thought I was getting a book about a certain painting method,

You know, a "How to sketch using watercolors" book. 

Boy was I wrong!

This book delves into the history of watercolor painting and how each of the pigments

Are made. Each new color story was a treat to read, and each page I turned was full of great 

Information. Topics covered the whole gamut in watercolor painting, tool sz& paper, color theory, and even some tips on how to price your work.

What a great book! So happy to have this resource and to have some new ideas to explore.

I will rate this five out if five stars.

Thank you to Blogging for books and Watson Guptill for the opportunity to review this book.

This review was completely my own opinion and I was in no way compensated for it. 

                             

The second book was " Child of mine" by David and Beverly Lewis.

I have read several of Beverly Lewis' books and looked forward to reading something written by both her and her husband.

I  was drawn into the storyline right from the beginning. I have enjoyed reading stories with two story lines and that is what you will find in this captivating story. I'm not someone to give away any of the secrets so you don't have to worry about that in my review, and let me just say there were quite a few surprises! This was a very good book, I have found myself feeling sad the past few days because I've finished the last page and closed the cover. This book will recieve five stars.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers for the opportunity to review this book. This review was my own personal opinion of this book and I was in now way compensated for it.

                           

Just in case you are wondering, I am still knitting the sweater for my mother in law.

I have the two front pieces and back done and this is the start of the sleeve.

The yarn is a mercised cotton and really is lovely to work with.

I think I would be starting on the second sleeve 

if I took into account that the pattern has 3/4 length sleeves.

I know my mother in law wouldn't be happy with that so planned on adding to the length.

The thing I didn't take into account is that your forearm is larger than your wrist.

I had completed the whole lacework edging before realizing it just wouldn't work.

Being the perfectionist I am I had to start over.

Oh well.

I hope this weekend is full of beautiful moments!

Under His Wings,

Anna

A book review- knitting reimagined

                        

I was so excited to receive a copy of Nicky Epstien's new book. 

I own one of her books already and have purchased others as gifts. 

As a seasoned knitter I appreciate the thought that went into this book.

 The patterns are clearly written and have good diagrams 

to explain innovating ideas for construction, 

with both charts and written directions to suit anyone's knitting preference. 

The author also categorized the patterns in chapters based on each construction method.

 I enjoyed the way each pattern had a thorough introduction,

 it not only listed the typical information about needle and yarn requirements,

 but also had skill level and an idea of how much time the garment would take an average knitter to make. 

My absolute favorite part is how the author tells how you can reimagine

 or reinvent the garment to suit your tastes. 

The book includes patterns for small to x Large sizes 

and also has patterns for all skill levels. 

It is frustrating when purchasing a pattern book 

to have patterns that are only for smaller sizes 

or that only have one or two patterns a novice knitter could try knitting.

                             

        All that being said, when I am looking for a book to have on my bookshelf 

I am very ruthless and probably wouldn't care to own this one, 

reserving it to check out from the library or borrow from a friend. 

I would highly recommend anyone considering purchasing this book 

to find a copy at a local yarn or bookstore first. 

Many of the projects are " uniquely atypical" 

which was exactly what the author was trying to create. 

That being said, there are only four patterns that I would consider knitting out of 25. 

                      

                               ( my two favorite projects)

Thankfully, there are enough suggestions and I have enough imagination 

to see potential in several others. 

I wish all of the patterns were more on the practical side, 

but we have many authors that are creating knitting projects like that right now.

 Kudos to Nicky Epstein for stepping outside the box in a brave fashion forward book. 

                              

     Thank you to blogging for books, and potter craft books for the opportunity to review this book. This review is my personal opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Yarn along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny,

http://www.gsheller.com/2014/06/yarn-along-180.html

Joining the ladies over at Yarn along again,

Still knitting the MIL cardigan.

I've measured and have reached the 13" the pattern calls for-

One more inch to go

I thought the pattern was a little short for her tastes. 

What I am reading,

A yellow paged paperback

"Joni" by Joni Earkeson Tada

Go take a peek over at Joni and friends if you are interested,

A great organization helping those with disabilities and their family.

They've developed resources for Churches as well.

I subscribe to her daily devotional and enjoy it.

Lil Gs weighted blanket is complete!

Last night was the maiden voyage.

When she saw it in her bed she squealed with delight

" Ooooh! me! " 

Followed by a happy dance.

And ASL signing "blanket" 

Getting her out of bed this morning was nearly impossible.

You can see she got out of bed to get her puppy

Is snuggled back in bed listening to music.

She kept signing, " hungry" 

But refused to get out if bed

I carried it to the living room to pile up n watch TV

She wasn't enthused and was allowed to get back in bed.

We will have to work on the morning ritual.

I have high expectations for this heavy quilt.

I'm thinking about sharing how I made it,

Would you be interested??

Yarn Along and a book review

I just can't believe its Wednesday!

I love linking up with Ginny over at " small things".

We ladies like to get together and share what we've been knitting and reading- 

two of my very favorite pastimes.

I think I mentioned last week that I have been knitting a cardigan for my mother in law.

I think if you counted my rows I would only have knit four or five since last week.

         ( a glimpse of the chaos right now- paint and fabric samples, quilting and knitting!)

I'm going to keep knitting and saying a prayer or two 

Hoping once I get to the section where a I divide for the sleeves 

that my interest will rebound.

 I could even set this part down and just start a sleeve 

since those should work up quickly. 

Let's see how this week of knitting goes!

I also mentioned last week that I had been chosen to review " Undetected" by Dee Henderson.

I am a huge fan of this author. 

I love the mystery, action, and romance.

Sadly this book just didn't seem to hold my attention like Mrs Hendersons previous novels.

I loved reading the details about the Navy, submarines, the sonar used

 as well as all the research done by the main character Gina. 

I think the main reasons this book fell short for me was that we ended up reading about two men vying for the same woman's affection and her dilemma of choosing between the two. 

I just can't see this as a real life scenario.

 Especially for the two men to be diplomatic about it. 

I understand that the author was depicting both men as Christians 

and valiant in their romantic pursuit but it just didn't work for me. 

 Several of the romantic conversations between the main character and the commander of the sub also felt shallow. I kept reading and waiting for the climactic part and found some page turning suspense near the end but even that was not this authors best. I was so surprised that this book didn't keep me up until 2 am night after night reading," just one more chapter" like I usually do with her books. That said, Dee Henderson is a talented author. The research and knowledge in her books is fascinating - I'm not one to pick up a book with this kind of plot so that's saying a lot. I will still give this book four out of five stars because I have read much much worse. 

I would like to thank Bethany House for the review copy and the opportunity to review this book. This review was my honest opinion and I was not compensated for this review.

An update about our flood damage,

We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the weekend the demo was done 

and they were able to end Monday with the windows in 

and the protective wrap on the outside.

I am trying to keep my whits about me while we are living in chaos.

My son is now sleeping in the school room,

I'm sure he is enjoying every moment of the pink walls and Dora mural.

This is the corner in my living room.

I hope this finds you and yours doing well in the chaos

That we find in everyday life.

We are making the best of it all and choosing to focus on the positive.

A yarn along

                                

I wish I had exciting news to report on the knitting front. 

I've been forcing myself to knit on this project as much as possible.

Mostly in the evenings I've been getting 4 or so rows knit. 

I think once I get to the part to divide the front and back and knit the sleeves I will be much happier.

I guess that is the one drawback from taking a pattern that is supposed to be seamed and knit as one piece - the stockinette seems to go on forever.

I think I am definitely a lace knitter.

Give me a pattern with something to think about and I am happiest.

What about you knitters out there? Do you get bored of stockinette? 

                             

          ( the yarn is a most beautiful oatmeal with flecks of yellow, blue and pink)

I've currently been reading the latest book by Dee Henderson, "Undetected".

I've read all of her books and get so excited when I am chosen to review a new release.

She has amazing talent and knows how to share enough detail to lure a reader in on the very first page. I can't imagine the research that has to be done to write about the military and topics she chooses. Very interesting.

I'm about halfway through it already so I'm sure I will have a review for next week.

This book, " the gentle barn" arrived in the mail yesterday and I have just felt giddy about its arrival.

The book is about a woman that starts taking in abused, abandoned and older animals to provide a safe haven for healing and peace. People start visitng the animals and helping and it turns into a place for people to find healing and therapy as well. I am an animal and people lover so I can't wait to start reading this book.

Even though I don't have exciting news to report on the knitting scene

The books are promising.

What are you knitting??

Do you have a book you could recommend??

A yarn along

                             

                                      I thought I would join Ginny and friends 

                                 over at Small things once again for Yarn along.

               The past few days I've been concentrating my efforts on tidying up some.

                     We might not have the flood repairs done for quite some time

                             but I felt the need to move things back to their place.

                                         There may be just concrete flooring,

                                                  missing baseboards, 

                                                    and cut out drywall.

             But that doesn't mean I have to live in chaos until it's all done and back together.

     We have lived in this home for ten years so I had already been itching to repaint the living areas.

                  I've been searching through pinterest, paint swatches on the computer, trends, 

                              and paint ideas that might work with my tastes.

                         

                                          I have red, on two accent walls, 

                                             a taupe with a red undertone,

                                                    and an earthy green. 

The green is a little bright / white for what is popular. I did like it ten years ago. 

 I've been considering doing away with the green

 and having a neutral taupe which still has the red undertone throughout the house.

                     

                 In the meantime, meaning I have awhile to decide the main color- 

                         when the drywall is repaired, I've picked out a blue.

                                In other words I got distracted.

                                I kept coming back to this color.

                                                Isn't it strange ??

                           You'd never guess I have a love for cobalt blue. 

                     

              I purchased this small sample of " Indigo Cloth" by Valspar 

                         to put in the back of these two kitchen cabinets. 

                          ( nope, no sponsorship by Lowes or Valspar sadly) 

                      I thought I'd mention it in case anyone was interested.

                                 

                                            I think it will make me smile when I see it.

                                                               Just a pop of color.

                                ( because my house doesn't have enough already! Ha ha!)

I think that I am feeling like Im in a sort if limbo in so many areas of my life right now,

So what does an artist do?

Paint.

Add some color.

That will make it feel better right?! 

( simply cannot wait until nap time!) 

I am almost done reading " the Help" 

I can't wait to start, "Undetected" by Dee Henderson.

It arrived in the mail box the other day.

                             

I'm still knitting away at this beautiful cardigan for my mother in law.

Of course all the rows of stockinette are driving me batty.

I've been trying to knit four rows per night and hope to divide the front and back soon.

                              

                                           I hope this finds you enjoying Spring -

                                                    lovely new colors to enjoy!

An update & Yarn Along

I've been wanting to update my much neglected blog.

Where to start??

Only at the beginning I suppose

We've just completed another Miracle League season.

Where does the time go?!

Lil G just loves ball......

I'm So thankful for the people that give time and money

 to make this possible for families like us.

We had our IEP meeting scheduled for the Tuedsay before Easter.

I thought things were going to go well.

I had worked with the teachers outlining our requests and needs.

I recieved a call from the Liason the previous Thursday and realized, much to my dismay,

Things were not going to be that easy.

After discussing our situation at length with the private school admin and my husband 

we decided to walk away. No more drop in services.

As Lil Gs advocate I have to take all things into condsideration 

and the emotional toll is just not worth it.

We are fighting an uphill battle and just don't have the resources to get what she needs.

I am so disappointed.

                        

We had noticed an increase in startle responses recently.

This happened two years ago before she developed epilepsy.

I had it on the list for discussion at our neuro appointment.

We didn't make it that long, on Good Friday we had to rush her to the ER with seizures.

The medication has been doubled and the following week she had a sleep study / EEG.

Of course she didn't have a startle/ seizure episode while hooked up to the monitors

But did when she was unplugged in the restroom.

                       

Both papa and I have been able to record the startle spisodes on the camera and IPad.

Still waiting on the Neurologist to decide what our next step will be.

A few days later we experienced torrential rains and flash flooding.

We ended up with four inches of water in the addition - my sons bedroom and dining room.

We, like many people have never experienced 24 inches of rain in a matter of hours.

It was a terrifying experience to say the least.

( as I type this my husband is filling sandbags for this weekends weather - flash flooding in the forecast)

Some people, including the neighbors behind us, lost everything. We were fortunate.

                         

We, along with many other families,  didn't have flood insurance.

FEMA has come in and we've filled out the applications.

We didn't get help with hurricane Ivan so we aren't holding our breath.

We will just repair the drywall and replace the insulation 

and carpet from my sons room as finances allow.

Our shed was under 13"  so all the equipment in that might be a loss as well.

(Generator, lawnmower, power tools, Graces bicycle trailer is a mess )

                           

This is currently what is keeping me de- stressed.

Hope was my word for the year so I've been drinking my coffee out of this cup-

as a visual reminder. No matter what we can't loose hope!

My new Tim Timmons CD is what's on repeat right now. Really encouraging stuff.

I've also been reading a great book

                          

I was selected to review " knowing God by name" by David Wilkerson.

What a great book!

I was raised in a Christian home and have a strong foundation for my faith and beliefs.

I loved how this book actually helps someone get to know God personally. 

I can say God. Yaweh. I Am. But those are all names and don't really reveal his true character.

Why does he even have more than one name? When you and I go to a gathering and we are introduced people now know, " hey this is * insert name here" but that doesn't describe me or give this new person any idea who I really am. This book does that about God. He has many different names throughout scripture which were used to describe his character. I found great comfort in that. When going through tough stuff, who wants a God that is far away? Who wants a God that doesn't relate? I want a God that has answers, that isn't just some random being watching me from afar getting a kick out of me getting it all wrong. ( or ready to slam a book of judgement upside my head ) Far from it! This book is written very simply so even someone that is new to their faith journey or that is just searching for answers might find comfort and Hope. 

In the beginning of the book the author reminds us that this isn't an exhaustive work of all the names of God, and that we can find more I depth research if we are looking for that. He also suggests reading only one chapter per setting to process all the information that has been given on that particular name. If you are looking for a great, easy to read book for your own personal study time, a group study,or a gift for someone this would be a great choice. Id like to thank Choice books for the opportunity to read this book and for the review copy.This is my honest opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. I will be giving it five stars on Amazon.

                           

In case you are wonderng, this is what I'm knitting. My mother in law purchased this many years ago to knit this cardigan. She is no longer able to knit and we visited her last Fall she asked if a I wanted to look through her yarn and patterns. I brought this home to knit up for her. It's a beautiful variegated cotton and Im planning on making the sleeves and hem longer and adding a few more buttons on it for her. 

                             

I hope this finds you and yours doing well.

 

Kitting projects - and a book review

QI've been getting some baby knitting done. 

The babies have been born and I am still knitting away. 

The first outfit was a beautiful variegated blue/ purple.

My best friend from high school, and my maid of honor 26 years ago, just had her first Grandbaby.

I babysat for her and vice versa when we were young married folks.

It's hard to believe her daughter is now married and has a daughter of her own.

The baby looks so much like her mama did.

If you are on Ravelry the pattern I used is called Helena.

While I was knitting that sweater I was also reading the books  " Splitting Harriet"  by Tamara Leigh and  " A simple change" by Judith Miller.

I will start with my review for "splitting Harriet".

It was a great quick read!

I loved the main character.

She is a preachers daughter and now trying to reconcile the mistakes she made in her past

And how they affect her now. Of course we learn from our mistakes but they are NOT who we are.

It is a huge lesson that each of us have to learn.

Unless we are perfect! Since I don't have any experience in perfection I can't speak on that topic. Can I repeat, I  loved the main character- she is so spunky and young-this was such a great read. The church politics and a few other situations gave me some perspective in my own life.  I just love the author Tamara Leigh and recommend her writing! Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for the opportunity to review this book.I was provided a copy for review purposes but in no way compensated for this review. The opinion expressed here is completely my own.

 The second review is for a book called "A simple change" by Judith Miller. I thought this was going to be another Amish story but was surprised to find she had written about the Amana colony. My daughter has lived out in KS for a little over a year so I was intrigued to read this book and found myself checking the mailbox for its arrival. I was not disappointed. This book dealt with many life situations that we all deal with, maybe with different names. Health issues with close family members and how we are going to Deal with it emotionally and physically. Aging parents,Career choices, and loyalty to friends and family to name a few. Since my children are now in the midst of these situations- trying to figure out their life calling, figuring out their faith for themselves, and moving cross country many of the topics resonated with me. If you are looking for a historical novel this would be a good choice.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.I was provided a copy for review purposes but in no way compensated for this review. The opinion expressed here is completely my own.

The next little baby hand knit was a dress and hat.

I have never held a baby under 6 lbs so I kept worrying this would be too small.

The mama told me she would be approx 6 lbs so I knit accordingly.

The baby was born weighing 5 lb and 6 oz. !

She has been in the hospital since she was five days old.

She is one very sick little girl.

Pneumonia, MRSA, and at one time we were praying because it seemed she would need a lung transplant.

I am not sure if this is still the case or not.

I've just completed another baby sweater that also has a leaf motif on the neck and is knit from the neck down. I have enjoyed how this sweater has knit up. Very easy knit for sure!

I am going to cast on for a little hat since this baby lives in Colorado. I know a hat will come in handy.

She came a month early so I am behind the 8 ball on this one!

Next I will start a 9 month sized sweater for my cousins little girl.

She was born late Spring and lives in Florida.

I wanted to wait until closer to the time she would be wearing it to actually knit it.

Some babies grow quicker than others and I didn't want a hand knit to be too small.

My Grandmother crocheted a gift for each of us / our babies so I wanted to knit something for this little one - like on my Grandmothers behalf.