All good things

It's been a crazy month (or two, I'm losing track) around here. Not to worry, everything is fine. Mostly it's been that my work has become a lot more intense as I get closer to the finish line of my degree. As you can see, I've squeezed in some crafting when I can - like dyeing, which I'm kind of obsessed with now. (The most fun you'll ever have with a washing machine!)

On the whole, though, I've realized that while I hope to always have a little time here and there to devote to my crafty side, I'm entering a period when those moments may be a bit fewer and farther between. There's so much exciting stuff coming around the bend for us, God willing. I've been waiting my whole life to write my dissertation (seriously - I come from an academic family!) and after that, to begin my professional career. And, we are hoping our family gets a little bigger in the next year or two.

So I think the time is right for me to close the studio. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed recording my moments and my projects here. Most of all, I've loved meeting all you amazing people, and sharing with those I was lucky enough to know already.

Of course, I'll be around, reading what you're all up to and commenting when I can (promise). I'll still be updating over on Ravelry and flickr and Facebook and checking email at my usual pre-digital pace.

Thank you, everyone, for reading, for the inspiration, for the incomparable feeling of knowing there are others out there who get what I'm into!

Wishing you lots of peaceful, cozy, crafty hours,
Tamar

Missing; in action

Whoops. I didn't mean to take an extended hiatus, I've just been busy preparing for two language exams I have to take tomorrow. They're the last two (of five) and then hopefully I'll be clear to sit for my orals, which are the last big hurdle before I enter the final stage of my doctorate. Wish me bonne chance/alles Gute...

I've got some dyeing, knitting, and sewing to show when the exams are over!

One

...Contrary to popular opinion, one is a lovely number. We had lots of fun celebrating last weekend and have spent the week in toy overload and general giddiness.

I'm finding that this milestone means so much to me, I hardly know what to say. It doesn't help my gaping-mouth state that Noodle seems somehow to know that he is on the cusp of toddlerhood, and has been acting so grown-up, pointing to pictures in his books, asking questions with his tone, smiling and kicking his feet in eager anticipation of a hug or a taste of ice cream. All with honey-blond hair curling around his ears and an enormous dimple in his left cheek.

Toy update

I don't think I ever said a big "thank you!" to everyone for the great toy recommendations. I'm glad to know that I'm on the right path with the nesting cups and board books - now I can hopefully banish that I'm letting down my child's amazing brain feeling. As you can see, Noodle is still doing a great job of finding his own toys, like the spice jars (the plastic ones, anyway - the glass jars have been culled). It's so awesome how these spices have been hanging out in the kitchen cart for months, when all of a sudden, he noticed them, grabbed them, and BAM, hours of fun.

Oh, and I came across some more simple toys ideas here.

New baby set

Lots of babies are happening. (Did you know 2007 saw a mini-baby boom?) I've been working hard to keep up. Lots of almost-finished-projects and a few that are awaiting a trip to the post office, or a visit. Here is one that has already made its way to its new home:

The embroidery pattern is by Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching - I have her book and love it. Here is a close up:

I used a combination of back stitch, outline stitch, and straight stitch. I would have done outline stitch (my favorite) throughout but it just wasn't working for the flame.

The hat is a free pattern by Hey Julie here. It came out super tiny, so I hope it will fit!