Craft Weekend-ish

It seems strange to be writing a post about craft weekend when craft weekend is still underway (I am sure that things are humming along in the studio tonight as I type, fueled by Maria's risotto, Nichola's Tart Tartin, Suzie's fudge, Al's peanut brittle, various beverages and an eclectic mix on the stereo). But craft weekend for me this time was in the form of a one night mid-week get-away, accompanied by little A, a basket of knitting, some supplies should the opportunity to sew materialise, and an eager delight at the opportunity to spend time with a few good friends at this special place.
But even as such a short stay, with crafting and conversations curtailed by the demands of mothering (somewhat annoyingly the baby monitor couldn't cope with the distance between the studio and house..), it was a wonderful weekend-ish. I've returned home with my creative spirit thoroughly refreshed, a little bit of knitting done, a quick and dirty sewing renovation under my belt (from that to this), patterns traced, new project ideas bouncing around my head, a smile on my face from the friendships (and gifts) shared, a few new books (for C of course, to compensate for his disappointment that I wasn't going to be sewing him some new clothes- there's nothing to make you want to make things for someone than their disappointment that you won't be...) and gratitude to little A for being so sweet and settled and letting me get away with it.

At the moment...

I'm daydreaming about sewing again one day.
I'm perusing some new (to me) Japanese sewing books from Tessuti. 
I'm enhancing the craft fabric stash with some bits and pieces from talented local indie designers.
I'm plotting to establish a temporary sewing station somewhere in the house that isn't occupied by a sleeping baby.
I'm trying to be project monogamous with my knitting in the meantime.
I'm enjoying knitting away on Hari.
I'm looking forward to casting on a February Baby Sweater (hopefully in February).
I'm marvelling at how quickly the second child grows, and wondering if she'll fit it.
I've read Knitters Almanac cover to cover in a day or so (having mastered the art of perusing a book whilst breast feeding. No Tania, I still haven't figured out how to knit whilst breast feeding).
I've been thinking that Elizabeth Zimmerman would have been a fantastic blogger (Knitters Almanac is a really good read and definitely left me wanting to read more).
I'm enjoying conversations with friends, and connecting with new friends here and there.
And I'm enjoying the unexpected harvest of others' hard work, and marvelling at the brilliance of nature:

Bees that had established a hive in my parents garden were flushed out of their cosy in-ground home by an immense deluge last week. Apiarists wouldn't take the swarm because the hive location was too difficult, so the only other option was to bring in the pest exterminators, which would have rendered the honey inedible. But thanks to the rain that flooded the garden and hive, they were able to remove all the honeycomb, crush and drain it, strain and then heat treat the honey. About a litre of amazingly fragrant honey was harvested, and is being saved for special floral honey moments. Maybe I should investigate home made crumpets to go with it...

A stitch here, a stitch there...

I feel like I'm getting used to having a baby in the house, and remembering what that means for me in terms of time management. I've been adjusting my expectations about what I can achieve in a day (less than I imagine), when I need to go to bed (not as late as I used to), and what sort of food we're going to eat for dinner (pasta or sausages it would seem).

Strangely I seem to have less time for things that I used to do, and yet more opportunities for things that I didn't have opportunities for before. Like going out for coffee with other stay-at-home-mum friends, painting my toenails, and baking. As it looks like Little (but fast growing) A is going to be sleeping in our study and craft room for the foreseeable future (6 months is about how far I can see at the moment) crafting is something I'm finding it hard to find opportunities for. Until I can set up a temporary sewing station somewhere, crafting entails knitting on a couple of small projects that are nestled in a basket in the lounge room.

My Hari scarf was my labor knitting project. I only knitted about 6 rows then, but have been picking it up regularly since and it is growing steadily. The pattern is amazing- so simple (easy to memorise) and yet so sculptural and dynamic. The photograph totally fails to capture the gorgeous colour of the yarn- Morris & Sons Paddington in Cornichon. (an almost perfect match to my new giant green Scarf Shop scarf in Olive Moss).

A garter wrap cardigan for Little A stalled just before Christmas when I realised I was going to run out of yarn. It's been frogged back to the start of the sleeves and I'm knitting it with shorter sleeves (omitting the cuff) and hoping that this will solve the problem. Garter stitch is perfect for mindless moments.

I have another knitting project waiting to get started. Actually awaiting arrival of the book with the pattern. I'm planning a February Baby Sweater for this lovely rosey Pear Tree yarn, a birthday (and birth day) gift from Sooz (Thanks again!).

I have also managed a little bit of hand sewing in an effort to tidy up some of the things lying about in A's room. Stitching the buttons onto the top of her Christmas Stocking to complete a matching pair. It's a bit wonky, but I'm blaming that on the fact that I was baby wearing when I did it. (I'm taking all opportunities as they arise).