Yarn Along

Honestly I haven't been doing much reading recently- mostly just lots and lots of stories with the kids.  We have been doing a lot of phonics readers along the lines of Frog on a Log and Fat Cat on a Mat, Mike Mulligan is a perennial favorite, as well as Click, Clack, Moo but we have been able to graduate to some slightly longer stories such as Farmyard Tales and Usborne Stories for Little Boys. We have a lot of Usborne books product of a book party we did in August.  I'm actually thinking about doing another party for Xander's birthday- instead of toys having everyone get him books instead.  He certainly doesn't need any more toys and though he has a ton of books somehow I feel more comfortable with the idea that you can't have TOO many books! I would really like to encourage the boys in a love of reading.  Mostly now they ask to knit...probably from seeing me spend way too much time with my needles. So last week I gave them each a pair of big chunky needles and a small ball of scrap yarn.  Xander tried to actually knit for a few minutes but then they started tying each other up with the yarn so I had to intervene. I'm thinking that maybe they would be able to use a knitting frame or a knitting Nancy- Xander at least.  Any suggestions for a three year old (other than wait until he is older)? I want to try to find something they can do with fibre so they feel like they are actually being "like mommy." They just want to do whatever am doing so I am having a hard time finding things to keep them occupied while I am knitting.

As per my usual I have been doing a lot of knitting!  I finished up these longies over the weekend.  I may still embroider an owl on the leg but at this point I am thinking that a decent size owl might be a bit overwhelming.  I did add a cargo pocket to make them more boyish because the blue is rather periwinkle and could read a little purple. I used a single ply yarn from Manos del Uruguay which is just lovely and the trim is Malabrigo Worsted- one of my favorite yarns. I ended up with some extra time on Monday so I finished up a small milo for the same layette set.  I really enjoy the milo pattern so I will probably make more of them in the future!  I really want to make one with and XOXO cable.  Then tonight I was able to finish this owlie hat to go with the set  I'm also planning on doing an owlie sleep sack and a pair of booties to round out the layette.  I'm actually making really good progress on this set so that makes me really happy because I want it to be finished well in time for baby's arrival- scheduled for April but according to his mama she doesn't think he is going to wait that long!

Once I have finished this layette I will head back to my WIP pile and see if I can't get it done! I've got a half finished pair of gloves that would be coming in handy right now if they were done!  Come yarn along with us over at Ginny's place.