A Little of This and That....Before the Old Year Passes

Spending time with my whole family for our Christmas celebration was wonderful.
But, at the same time, it was difficult to spend the amount of quality time with Tyler individually.
So, I scheduled a day after Christmas for just us two.
Yesterday was that day.


Sadly, the mud was a bit of a hindrance when it came to helping Grammie with farm chores.


But, we still visited all of the animals.


"Look Grammie...look what's in the wheelbarrow!"


We spent the day out of the mud... playing trains, and playdoh, reading books,
and pretending.
And although it wasn't long enough... it was magical!
5 year olds are very funny little people....the things they say!


The hat that Tyler is wearing is one of several that I knit over the holidays.

And now to answer a couple questions from yesterday...

You can find the baby sweater pattern on Ravelry.... HERE:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby--toddler-tiered-coat-and-jacket


How do I knit so fast?
I don't actually knit all that fast.  That baby sweater took me a few days.
For me, knitting is a winter thing.... as that is the only time that I have enough extra time.
Evenings are spent with needles in my hand.
I am not one to sit and just watch TV or a movie...I have to be doing something at the same time,
so.... I knit.

How did (do) I learn?

I come from a long line of very crafty women.
I grew up with the women around me knitting, crocheting, tatting,
embroidering, sewing, and doing other various types of needlework.
So, I suppose it is in my blood.
As a child, I wore warm, hand-knit items and beautifully hand sewn clothes...
for that I consider myself quite lucky!

One of my most prized possessions is this sweater.
It is almost 50 years old and was knit by and worn by my Mom.
Now it is mine...good wool lasts the test of time!


I would have learned to knit from my mother, but she was left-handed and I right-handed.
So, yes, I learned from watching videos on You-tube.

I started with the basics and kept trying harder things.
I, now, don't shy away from any pattern... knowing that I can still learn what I need on You-tube.

Cowl and fingerless mitts that I knitted for Mackenzie's Mommy
I knitted THIS for my daughter (no picture available...sorry).

My advice to you is this:
The only thing that keeps us from doing anything we choose is ourselves.
We often avoid trying new things because of the fear of failure.
To that I say...
"If someone else can do it, then so can you!"

At the end of my life I don't want to feel like there was something that I wanted to do
that I was afraid to try.
And so... I try.  And usually given enough time and practice... I succeed.
And so can you!

Can you believe that it is the end of another year?
Oh my...how fast this past year flew...and how very full it was!
I am hoping that the coming year is a little slower with less big events
and more tiny moments!

Comments

Chrys said…
Did you get the pattern for Tyler's hat on Ravelry also? I love it! Glad you were able to spend some special alone time with him.
Bee Haven Bev said…
Chrys... Hats are simple. I used a basic hat pattern and then changed it to work in a second color. Pompoms make the hat!!!
colleen said…
Thanks for the sweater pattern. I'm with you...if the tv is on and I'm knitting I can justify watching....I need to be productive even when sitting!
Tyler sure is one lucky little boy. He is growing up so fast...not to mention how handsome. Happy New Year to all at BHA. Thanks so much for sharing 2015 and looking forward to see what's in store for 2016.
colleen said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suzan said…
BEAUTIFUL Baby coats!!!
You have a wonderful place for the Grandkids to visit!!
Steph said…
My daughter learned how to knit on you-tube too. She now makes all of her own socks, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. Her next project is a sweater. I have to left hands and never got the knack of crocheting or knitting. Love those sweaters!
Junebug said…
Wow, just look at Tyler, I can't believe he is 5!! Time sure does fly and the new year is here! Happy New Year and here's to all kinds of wonderful opportunities in the future! Yeah, for being able to comment through FB!!
This N That said…
one on one is always the best !!! Love all the things you have knitted..Your knitting has come a long way in the past several years...Nothing you can't do!I think I saw a hint of sun this AM..Maybe it's still out there..Happy New Year to you and "Hubs"! Hope all went well today..
Laura Sudderth said…
Tyler is so tall! I am guilty of not trying new things due to fear of failure. I painted a cabinet and was petrified it would not turn out near perfect. Well, it did and now I am a painting fool! I cannot wait to get my hands on my vintage kitchen table and chairs this weekend. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Rita B Caldwell said…
One of my 2016 resolutions is to teach myself how to knit. I have several books for the beginners, dummies and self-taught but if all else fails I'll try YouTube those my internet connection here in the country is horrible.

Happy New Year to you and yours and praying for many blessing for you and your family.

Love your blog!
Rita
jerilanders said…
I never learned to knit and so admire those that do. Crochet, I can do... but it is just not as useful as knitting.It's doubtful I will ever get the time to learn the skill, but I admire your excellent work!
jaz@octoberfarm said…
happy new year bev! maybe i will learn to knit better in 2016. i am, after all, hoping for a grandchild in a year or two! woohoo!!! tyler is so cute and i love his hat! my electricity just came on after being off for 15 hours!
Anke said…
I feel the same way you do, if someone else can do it, so can you (or I)! :-) The older I get, the more I want to learn, see and do. I'd rather fail at something than not try it to begin with.
Have a great start into a happy and healthy new year!
janie said…
Happy New year!!

Thanks for the uplifting words. I might just try to learn something new in 2016!!

Thanks so much for blogging you truly make a difference, Janie
daisy g said…
I think you should make that an annual ritual with Tyler.
Your words are very encouraging. I've started and stopped knitting so many times, getting frustrated with my lack of skill. I'll keep trying though, because I really do admire those who are so self-sufficient. My mom did it all-sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, fine needle work and I was not interested in learning when there was time. You Tube is a wonderful resource.
Enjoy all the precious moments ahead. It all goes so quickly. ;0D
Lynne said…
Adorable little sweater coats . . .
I agree . . .You Tube is a wonderful learning tool . . .
Even so . . . you knit faster than I can . . .
Happy you and Tyler enjoyed some "one on one" . . .
Happy New Year days Bev . . .