I couldn’t resist sharing this wonderful stop motion animation video. Painstakingly shot after hours in a Toronto bookstore. It’s all the more wonderful because it’s books.

Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful weekend!

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more posts in this series here

It’s weekend time again. Phew. It’s been crazy and wonderful around here with all the visiting family and celebrations but we are needing a weekend to get back to a schedule, catch up on sleep and think about getting back to school. We’ve been very generous with our homeschooling vacation and now it’s time to refocus.

I’m trying not to over plan this weekend but it’s filling up already with dinner dates, crafty ambitions and catching up with friends. I’m hoping to squeeze some knitting in and maybe even some sewing (barring any surprise house showings). I’m even planning a little surprise for you lovelies next week to celebrate my first blogiversary (Woot! Woot!).

Along with my plans I’ve been browsing Ravelry for hat and mitten patterns as I joined another knit along over at luvinthemommyhood . If you’re not familiar with Ravelry, it’s an online database of knitting and crochet patterns. Just sign up for a free membership and browse to your heart’s content. My problem at this point is not with finding patterns I want to knit but with choosing between them. So as I’m agonizing over them already I thought I’d share a peek at some of my favourites. Maybe you can help me decide?

1. grove 2. mitten cuffs 3. leftover 4. gradient 5. fiddlehead 6. endpaper

7. isidora 8. polska 9. fallberry

1. windschief 2. thistle 3. ql slouch 4. norby 5. jane 6. honey hat

7. a hat fit for a boyfriend 8. lina 9. from norway with love

See my dilemma?! Do you have any suggestions for me? I’m looking to knit a hat for my mom as well as for my hubby (who said he’d rather a sweater but is getting a hat for the time being). I’m hoping I can squeeze in a pair of mittens for myself. And it’s all gotta be from stash wool because I have some busting to do.

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How are your plans shaping up for the weekend? Will you be out and about or staying close to home? Visiting with loved ones or cozying up for some quiet time? Do you have crafty ambitions as well? Either way I wish you a very beautiful weekend! Be sure to stop by next week for my little surprise!!

We’ve been trying to be a little more mindful about carving out one-on-one (or two-on-one) times with our littles – the older ones in particular. As you can imagine, the dynamic is quite a bit different when all eight of us load in the van. I love when we’re all adventuring together but there are times when it is so special (and much more manageable) to have a trip out with just one or two little people.

It’s not been as easy as I’d expected (the fairness police, aka the 7 & 8 year olds, have been on the case) but it’s been a great chance to get some extra-special quality time. These aren’t big deal trips for the most part – a helper at the grocery store, a run with daddy for new skates, a trip to craft store with mommy (not everyone considers this a treat).

Along that vein I made a plan with my two oldest daughters (the aforementioned fairness police) while my sister was still in town earlier this week. The weather was glorious – sunny, warm and snowless. We wandered out in our light coats and shoes (shoes in January are a rare treat).

On the advice of a friend we checked out a new-to-us diner. Although it was fully booked, they directed us to their other, larger restaurant. I was thrilled to learn they use mainly local ingredients, sustainable practices, and serve both breakfast and lunch meals on their daytime menu (have you noticed I’m weak for breakfast?).

The stuffed french toast was yummy and the roasted potatoes even better The tea was black and hot (I chose to ignore how caffeine affects my body). The bacon was guilt-free  – only because I measure bacon guilt in origin of meat not fat grams. The restaurant was bright and inviting.

Of course the company trumped all. Sweet girls and my sweet sister. So wonderful.

I’m so glad we enjoyed this time together. And definitely pleased we took the chance when we had it as the next morning was covered in a blanket of snow. Goodbye, TOMS, see you in the spring.

(Photos snapped on my sister’s iPhone – Thanks, K!)

I’m just hopping in here quickly for yarn along as I’m cherishing the last evening with my family before they fly back east.

This week I finally finished the Rae. It’s so lovely. Warm, soft, luxurious alpaca. I may forget it was going to be a gift. The body of the Green Tea is nearly done. I’m excited for the change from the stockinette…but sleeves are my nemesis so wish me luck.

In new knits, I’ve cast on another Gaptastic Cowl – a commission of sorts from a friend of the friend who received the first one I made. I’m actually timing myself on this one to see how long it takes me. It will be interesting to see – I pay so little attention to how long I spend on a project but Dan has an app on his phone which may help me keep track. I do enjoy this knit. Seed stitch with chunky wool on big needles does lose its appeal after a while but I love how quickly it progresses.

Wildwood is still following me around the house. I’m enjoying it quite a bit although its magic hasn’t pulled me in (I should probably blame the post-Christmas brain numb for that). My geekiness appreciates that the author is the lead singer/songwriter behind a favourite band and that I’ve noticed some similar vocabulary between the album and the novel. The illustrations are beautifully done by the author’s wife, Carson Ellis (no wonder I love her illustrations so much she also did the illustrations for this wonderful book). They are so lovely and compliment the story so well.

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joining Ginny for yarn along

We’ve flown through five wonderful months with this sweet little lady. Our Mira is the constant centre of sibling adoration and parental affection. I didn’t imagine just how much these kids would dote on their new sister. It is beautiful.

These baby days are precious and Mira makes them so easy on us with her happy smiles and gentle nature. She celebrated the beginning of her sixth month by rolling over to the cheers of grandparents and aunties but for my part, I might just be trying to pretend that this wee one doesn’t really look any older than she did at three months (the definite lack of hair helps on that count).

The girl with a thousand nicknames and at least that many kisses smothered on her everyday, she is such a joy to us all.