Bueller?

I sent a text to Jane the other night when she was late coming out of play rehearsal that just said, "Bueller?"

I imagine you all saying the same thing to me, wondering where I've been. I don't think I have ever gone a whole month without posting since I started this blog 8+ years ago.

Life is busy. And good. And sometimes a little messy. I'm in the thick of it.

Kate turned 13! And does not want her picture on the internet. Duly noted. We gave her an electric guitar and she was surprised. I do not think she expected it at all and I love that. She is coming into her own in a beautiful way. I am so impressed with the strong, smart, funny, confident, thoughtful person she is growing into. And I am now the mother of two teenagers. Talk about feeling old and young all at the same time. Fatty's birthday was yesterday (I won't mention his age. ;) ) and Jane's follows right after Thanksgiving. It's birthday season around here and I love it.

I'm also working on things that I cannot show you. That is not fun - for me or for you. It's some good stuff! I am trying to balance the work with some selfish sewing, but I'm coming to the point where that will no longer be possible. Still, there are two quilts and two quilt tops to photograph this weekend. And a whole post to write on Liberty feathers. You read that right - LIBERTY FEATHERS. Hang tight.

I am posting on instagram, mostly showing pictures of my food or my knitting. It's the first time I have picked up needles and yarn for over a year. Wouldn't you know it is just like riding a bike? The start was a little rough, but I am in such a groove at the moment and I remember why I love it. The cape grows row by row as I sneak a little knitting in while I wait in the carpool line, at night in front of the TV, while my sauce simmers on the stove. I'm nearing the end, having wound the second to last skein yesterday. I'm looking for some cute, teenage approved, easy hats to tackle next. Suggestions welcomed!

I'm reading. I've got a list to share. (It's coming, Teri, I promise!)

Comments

[jane]

Totally get the no pictures on the internet thing. My youngest (soon to be 16) flat out refuses. I can't even get a picture for our holiday card. Total backlash to having a camera in his face for his younger years. Have fun with your teens. It's a roller-coaster that ends all too fast!

[Teri]

Awh Erin you are so sweet. Enjoy your busy time with your family. It goes all to fast and you are left wondering where the time went. I love my life now but I still wish I had those times back. Love you Teri

[Sarah C]

Ha. 5 and 7 said last night, "You should put that on the instagram mom". I know it will soon change! Can't wait to read more about the feathers!

[Susie]

The older the kids get, the busier we get! Happy birthday to all. I'm loving the pictures of your Liberty feathers in progress, you have such a good eye for color. It's not a knit hat, but I know you've crocheted in the past, I've made about three of these hats this week, they work up really fast and the front post stitch give them a knit stitch look (it does make for a thick hat), I can whip one up in less than two hours now, and I've been making them in school/team colors and they have a very nice shape and stretchy fit to them - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p3kDfcrjtU

[Melissa]

The best advice I ever got for raising a teenager was "you're always wrong and it's always your fault, just buck up and get over it." As pessimistic as it sounds it was actually made me feel better when I was having a bad "mom day"
I can't wait to see your Liberty Feathers! Maybe you'll convince me to cut up some of my stash :)

[Heather]

The Hannah Hat by Pepperberry Knits is my favorite for wearing and giving. My 12 year old loves it too. Tell her sewhappyjane sent you.

[Lisa Clarke]

I get the "don't put this on the Internet" all the time when I take my 14yo's picture. And the 11yo won't even let me near him with the camera!

I would love a teenager-friendly hat pattern myself, but I suspect one doesn't exist. Maybe it's different with girls, but I'm told "nobody wears hats, Mom!" and the same goes for gloves or scarves. So now I have three men in my house who don't want me to knit or crochet for them. *sigh* I guess that just means it's time for even more selfish knitting ;-)

[Suzanne]

So happy to see you post and to have read a comment on one of Leslie's the first other day. Secrets are hard to keep but the celebrations are awesome. Happy birthday wishes to the ones you love and happy Thanksgiving to you all!

[erin]

Purl Soho has some real cute hats. The Basic Hat, Reversible Hat and Cozy Ear Flap hats. My girls like fur pom poms on top. Have fun! erin

[Beth]

two teenage approved hats to share: the asymmetrical cable hat (with pompom) in 'One Skein' is soft and gorgeous in malabrigo worsted. and brooklyn tweed's 'Norby' is subtly gorgeous.

[Lecia]

I've missed you! Please give my birthday wishes to everyone. Abbott has become the same way at 12, for the most part, about his picture on the internet. Can't wait for that book list. xo

[Anita]

I love Instagram and the little to no effort factor. :) I can't give you any hat suggestions, but I love your pretty stack of fabric.

[Jacqueline Jones-Blacker]

oh, yes... book review!!

[Sue Baldwin]

Some teenaged girl approved hat patterns: Traveling Cable Hat by Purl Soho, Fluid Slouchy Beanie on Ravelry, Upper East Side by Jojilocat, Simple Pleasures Hat on Ravelry, and Celadon on Ravelry! Have fun knitting! Can't wait to see your finished cape!