So I’ve been gone a long while. I won’t even bother to apologize or hope that readers are still around because after 6 months of silence I’m sure not very many are, if any. So in a way I’m starting over with this blog, and that’s okay. I’m not upset about this as I know that I needed that break from writing AND from knitting. In fact, I 100% lost all my knitting mojo while pregnant and was afraid I’d lost it altogether (don’t worry it’s since come back) as I felt absolutely zero interest in knitting during the last 4 months when my pregnancy got really tough (no I’m definitely not one of those people who loved their pregnancy, in fact I basically hated being pregnant and was SO happy when it was over).
But that’s all in the past and maybe I’ll touch upon it now and then but this is a fresh start. So. Let me start off by saying that the last few months have been amazing as we welcomed our daughter, O, into the world. She’s perfect and incredible and a LOT of work but so worth it! We love her more than anything and I’ve felt incredibly blessed and lucky to have her in our lives. She’s turning 3 months old on Friday and it’s hard to believe that time has gone so fast and yet so slow all at once. Here’s a not-so-short photo recap of the last three months:
Luckily, I started wanting to knit again pretty soon after giving birth and already began making things for O. In particular I finished this cardigan just a couple of weeks ago (and sewed the buttons on it a week ago):
The pattern is Sunnyside (rav link), which is a free pattern. It’s not particularly well-written in that it assumes that you can do a lot of your own math without any help from the pattern. This is fine if you know what you are doing but I wouldn’t recommend it to a beginner sweater knitter for that reason. Other than that, it’s a very easy and quick pattern (or it would be quick if you didn’t have a baby constantly needing you) and really fun for a baby shower.
It looks great on her, IMO, and the yarn is perfect for it! It’s knit in Handmaiden Casbah Sock (oh so soft!) in Paris Light.
I did the cable version with a picot edging because I’m a rebel like that… plus I wasn’t in the mood for lace so there’s that. 😉
Pattern – Sunnyside by Tanis Lavallee (project link | pattern link)
Yarn – Handmaiden Casbah Sock in Paris Light (rav link | store I used)
Needle – US4 (3.5mm)
Cast on – April 24, 2012
Cast off – June 1, 2012
Modifications – cable sweater with picot edging
And now that I’m around I’m determined to post at least once a week. In fact, I’m promising to do so. Even if I do a one picture post it will get done. No excuses, I promise! I’m looking forward to getting caught up in the blog world and hopefully winning some readers back… if you’ll have me!
Oh, she’s just beautiful! Congratulations!!!! Isn’t motherhood the best gig??
We’re still around! Congrats! 🙂
Hey!!!! I am still here! I was not a huge fan of pregnancy either so I totally understand where you are coming from. Having little ones does cut into our knitting time, but they are so worth it :-). If I get to knit/crochet for 15-20 minutes any day I am doing good. I will be restarting my blog soon too, but maybe a new one altogether. Congrats and glad that you are back!
I almost forgot! Love the sweater and Olivia is a cutie :-). I still miss Kubrick and Hitchcock too 🙂
Welcome back! Olivia is beautiful! It’s perfectly fine that you took time off…especially if your pregnancy was difficult. I’m glad you got your knitting mojo back and I’m sure Olivia will appreciate all the hand knits! Okay…maybe not, baby’s don’t really care, but WE will appreciate seeing your beautiful pictures of Olivia in pretty knits.
Olivia is a cutie, and I really like her name. Looks like she is pretty popular with the pups, too. 🙂
Glad you have returned!
Olivia is gorgeous. She looks like you. I smiled when your new post popped up on my google reader.
Don’t worry about your readers, see we are here waiting. The sweater is really cute on Livy. When my girls were little I sewed clothes for them but didn’t knit- they grew faster than I could knit. But my mom and aunt made them all sweaters that I have saved for them to pass on to their kids (if they have any). Enjoy Livy’s growing up years and thanks for sharing her with us in pictures.
It’s great seeing you blog again and I’ve been following all the pictures on Flickr!! Olivia is beautiful. My oldest is also an Olivia. 🙂
She’s really adorable and that sweater is gorgeous! Great to have you back.
Congratulations 🙂 Olivia is adorable.
Congratulations and welcome back! Olivia is adorable, good job 😉
Congrats on the new little one. She absolutely beautiful. The sweater looks amazing on her as well. I’ve got three little girls, 5, 2, and 3 months. So yeah I know how you feel about not getting enough knitting time. Car rides and doctor’s appointments are the best for knitting. Plus a few simple projects are good too so you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Well, I wish you luck and I hope you little family will be a blessed one.
Don’t worry, I’m sure most of us will be around now that you are back. Congrats on your beautiful daughter! She’s fantastic and you all are a lovely family. Glad to have you back Lina.
I’m so glad to see you back in the blog-o-sphere, although I totally understand why you went away. More important things to deal with. Olivia is gorgeous! As is her sweater.
Olivia is a cutie! I love seeing those pictures of her. My favorite is the one with all three of you together…you look absolutely radiant! I can totally relate to the pregnancy bit and lack of knitting mojo. I suffered from migraines and swollen fingers and feet throughout mine. I am so happy that you are back in this space, but don’t feel pressured to blog more than you are able to. Babies run on their own schedule and can be unpredictable!
The cardigan is beautiful. LOVE that yarn!
Definitely still around (love feed readers for that reason). Olivia is gorgeous and that cardigan is just too cute! Glad it’s going well for you, and I totally know what you mean about hating being pregnant, I don’t do pregnant well.
Congratulations on your baby girl!! Olivia, what a beautiful name! 🙂 Once again, you have inspired me to get back to blogging…hopefully:) My little man just turned 2 months last week, so time is hard to come by sometimes:) I also did not enjoy being pregnant…oh well. Love the baby sweater and I hope to join you once a week with the blogging:)
OH! i also meant to say that i love that 3rd picture!!! all of the pictures are great, but for some reason that one stands out to me:) very cute:)
Oh my goodness, she is so beautiful! I love the colour of the Sunnyside cardi, so pretty. Glad you got your knitting mojo back!
Welcome back (I miss your photography!). Congrats on the beautiful baby and what a darling sweater!
Welcome back Lina:) Olivia is beautiful. I’m so happy to see that the mojo is back…what a fabulous sweater. Isn’t being a mom amazing?? Good work Momma!
Awesome pics and what a sweet little girl… glad to see you are doing well.
Livy is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations to you all! I’m happy to see that all of you are doing well. No apologies required at all!
O she is so wonderful!I have been missing your posts, glad you are back! can’t wait to see more knitting baby knitting is my fav just saying.
Welcome back! I was hoping we’d see you return. Livy is ADORABLE. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! Olivia is just beautiful! 😀 I’m just back after more than 6 months not blogging, but I didn’t have such a lovely reason as you do! She’s so cute in that sweater!! 😀
Congratulations! Livy looks to be a happy baby, and her parents seem to be quite pleased as well. 🙂 So happy you came back online to update the blog and share your treasure. Missed seeing your beautiful photography.