Book Review: Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs

Anyone who knows me knows that I love knitting, if I go a day without knitting I feel out of sorts, scattered. It's immensely therapeutic for me, the calm, repetitious movements and deeply satisfying when I finish a project. Given this information it is no surprise that I am also attracted to books that talk about knitting. So when I saw Kate Jacob's "Friday Night Knitting Club" at Chapters I had to read it!

Today I am home, sitting on the couch being sick, while it's 25 beautiful degree's outside..kinda sucky, but I was finally able to finish this book. Now, I have to be careful with this book review because I don't want to spoil it for my friend Andrea, who is still reading it...

I loved this book, I love the way Ms. Jacobs introduces us to all the very different characters, their stories and journey's...I loved the plot twists, the development of friendships, relationships and life lesson's that we are guided through. I love the fact that it was about knitting, and a knitting club, while not really being about that at all. It was brilliant and I am excited to start Knit Two (although I am going to read something else first). 

This book makes me want to start a knitting club, and own a yarn/knitting store and knit a sweater...I wonder which of those things I will accomplish. I will just have to channel my inner Georgia Walker and knit on :) 

<3 Kass

   

Book Review; Inside the Wall- Megan Bishop-Scott

I just finished reading Inside the Wall by Megan Bishop-Scott; Actually I wouldn't say I read this book, it was more like I devoured it. I started this morning at Chapter 5 and finished it around 6:30 this evening! I actually know Megan, in fact, my copy of this book is even autographed with a personal message from her. See, I met Megan at work, we share a passion for somehow, in our own ways touching the lives of foster children in a positive way. It's a true blessing to do the work we do.

Like I said I met Megan at work, she is lovely, a truly kind, creative spirit who I enjoy working with. I saw her before and after India, but didn't truly realize how life changing a journey that was for her until I read part 3 of this book. When Megan told me that she wrote this book I looked it up right away, I have a weakness for books, especially real life stories. As I read the write-up on the book that was posted on Amazon I was shocked, because it did not, in any way, match what I had conjured up in my head about Megan. The write up to me sounded like something out of a Hollywood movie, not a life journey that I could picture Megan having. Reading her story I was moved, I laughed, I gasped, and was in awe at her amazing capacity to be brave, grow, love, forgive and never give up. I know many people that have been crippled by journeys far less challenging then Megan's, and yet I see her frequently, smiling and laughing and doing her part to touch the lives of children in a positive way. Megan's story, to me illustrated the need to "Live your Bliss" whatever that may be, and to always, constantly work to better yourself, so that you in turn can help others and bless their lives in a positive way.

 I know that my journey probably won't be as epic as Megan's, it will probably have less twists and turns and adventure, but that's okay because it's my journey, and as long as I am being true to myself that's all that matters. Megan. Thank-you for writing such an inspiring story, it has truly touched my life.

<3 Kass

Book Review; The boy who was raised as a dog

Some people think I am crazy for reading such a work-related book in my spare time, however I am not a fan of  "mindless" reads usually and prefer to learn something or have to think about what I am reading. I loved this book! Even though it was full of concepts that I was already familiar with through work, I found Dr. Perry's explanations and examples allowed me to gain a greater depth to my knowledge of how trauma affects the developing brain.

Most importantly I found this book encouraging, to know that children who have suffered horrific abuse can make gains and progress with the right treatments and interventions, even if they don't start until they are older gives me hope for the little's that I have come across in my work. I honestly think that this book should be shared/given to every caregiver of a child who has experienced trauma, perhaps it will help them understand what is behind their child's behaviors in those moments when they are "lucky their cute".

I would recommend this book to anyone really, but specifically to caregivers, social workers, therapists, etc of children who have experienced trauma. Perhaps it will also encourage people to raise our children in the healthy communities that Dr. Perry describes...wouldn't that be amazing?!

<3 Kass

Knitted Hippo's are adorable.

I love finishing knitting projects, there is nothing more satisfying, other than finishing books...obviously.

I have been working on a darling Hippo for my friend C's soon to be born baby boy, I finished today and promptly sent her a picture (I was dying to show her). Thankfully she and her husband love this darling little guy!

 Look at his little bum (and TAIL)

 Isn't he sweet! I could just snuggle him, but he is sitting in my car so that he is safe from Tasha, who would totally try to lick him to pieces.

 Here is the amazing dinner I made Mike on Monday, Baked Tilapia (with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, clubhouse lemon and herb blend and clubhouse garlic blend). I also made Quinoa, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts (Which I like as an adult). Mike isn't a huge fish fan but he did like this :) It was yummy, and super healthy.

 Today we dyed/glittered Easter eggs...HOW FUN ARE THESE?! Can you tell my friend A and I like pink?!

I am in love with this pic of Furry, she's amazingly cute when she crosses her paws.

BREAKING NEWS: I RAN ("intervalled") 5KM'S TODAY!!!!! Feels amazing

Hope your week is going well.

<3 Kass

Who else loves reading?

        I think Mike would disagree....


I honestly do not read enough...I knit, I watch T.V and I used to farmville (I have quit, my dad and Mike are so proud) so that leaves little time for reading; however I am going to try to be better; I am going to try to read more...I have decided to make a list of the next 5 books I need to read in 2012; I am hoping to write a review after finishing them and then once they are done I will make another list.. (I love lists, they are very motivating for me). 


1. The boy who was raised as a dog; Dr. Bruce Perry; This one is a cheater, because I am about half way done it already, But I am loving it and I am pretty excited to share my thoughts later. 


2. March Forth, the inspiring story of a Canadian Soldiers journey for love, hope and survival; I saw this couple on T.V a few weeks ago and felt compelled to buy this book, partly because I wanted to support them, but also because I felt it would be an incredible read. 


3. Inside the Wall; This book was written by Megan Bishop-Scott, a woman who work with, It sounds like an amazing read and I am excited to dive in!


4. The Hobbit; I have started it, but I am taking a break because Andrea packed hers and we need to read it together.....ya that's totally the reason. 


5. The Resolution-for women; I bought this one at church today and I think it will be a good read; It's all about discovering God's path for us.....well Amazon tells it better, here is the blurby.. "The Resolution for Women inspires women with intentional, spirit-filled living from three unique angles. Section one, entitled, "This Is Who I Am," helps a woman define herself as "authentically me, purposefully feminine, surprisingly satisfied, and faithfully His." Section two, "This Is What I Have," invites her to value "my best, my blessing, my honor, and my heart." And Section three, "This Is What Matters To Me," focuses on joyfully honoring God as a wife, mother, and family member while resolving to live with the grace that leaves a godly legacy. The Resolution for Women is designed to inspire a revolution" Amazon.com..


So that is my list...I am very excited to share my thoughts with you after... I am also excited to show you the knitting project that I am working on; it's beyond cute!


Hope things are amazing


<3 Kass

Baby crafting :)

I love knitting for babies, they are so tiny and so all of the things that you make for them are teeny tiny too. I came across a pattern for Baby Moccasins and decided that I had to make them for my friend K who is having a little bean soon; I haven't made the ones for her little one yet because a couple ladies at work requested pairs for precious babies who have recently entered their lives. As always I am beyond excited to show you pictures of the ones that I have completed :)

 Aren't they the sweetest!

I had to post this picture (which I found on Pinterest), this make me giggle a lot...not sure why but it's beyond amusing.

Hope your March is going well, I will hopefully be back soon to blog about the Hippo that I am knitting.

<3 Kass

I now present...pinwheels in the park :)

I have mentioned before that I am WAY over date on my friend's E and B's wedding gift....they were married in September and I just gave them their quilt on Friday...oops :) Either way it is all done and I am excited to show it to you! I based this quilt off of the Pinwheels in the park quilt tutorial, I knew that this quilt was going to be a challenge and decided that since I already had 3 quilts under my belt I could handle it :) Here are some pictures  

This is the picture of the quilt that Rachel made for the Tutorial (see link above).

 Fabric fat quarters :)

 Cutting it all up... I love how this looks.

 Piecing them together.

 Trying to decide on a pattern.

 moving along.

 My least favorite part of quilting it binding...the long binding strip gets all mangled and tangled up...this time I had a brain wave....a banana clip!!! worked wonders :)

 BINDING

 A closer shot of the binding.

 All folded

 A sideways picture of the quilt

The back :)

I am beyond happy with how this turned out! E sent me a picture of B all cuddled up in it on Friday night...so cute :)

 I have also found my next project...I found this book in Chapters and couldn't leave it there (Mike said he wouldn't have been able to either...it's just that epic) I went to Michael's today and bought all the yarn with a 25% off your entire purchase coupon...I hope to start tonight.

 On Valentines day Mike and I made home made laundry soap!! It was the recipe from This blog and I must say I love it. Ours cost $19 for half of one of those home depot paint buckets...and we only need 1-2 scoops a load so it is going to last forever. It also smells amazing and clean, even after the dryer. I may be a convert :)

Isn't it adorable.

Hope you have a wonderful family day long weekend. I am going to a Roughnecks game and then going to join Mike at a cabin....where he will ice race and I will stay inside and knit. I love that this works so nicely for us and that he is fine with me staying inside all weekend (he wants us to come say hello once though).

<3 Kass