Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, technically, my birthday is tomorrow, but CP has to work tomorrow, so we're celebrating today.

I got breakfast in bed, a picnic lunch:

and I'm eagerly awaiting sushi and roasted pumpkin ice cream for dinner.

And to top it all off, CP had my studio/office/craft room painted yesterday! Once we move the furniture back in, I'll get a pic to share with you guys. It looks great, a calming shade of pale green/blue. Just perfect.

I've also gotten in some knitting time this weekend, so my Hugo is slowly, slowly progressing:

I'm knitting this up in Knit Picks Andes del Campo, which I just love, a soft but sturdy aran weight. I'm sure CP is going to look great in this sweater . . . someday.

I also got some exciting news to start my birthday weekend--one of my designs is going to be published in a magazine! I can't tell you which one, yet, or when, exactly, but a pretty popular one, next year! I can't wait to get started!

I don't want to keep all the birthday fun to myself, so I'm offering a special deal in my Ravelry shop this week--33% off pattern purchases. Just use the code BIRTHDAY, good through October 20th.

Wittle Wednesdays: A Winner

Someone adorable is 8 months old today! So, since he was the inspiration for the Javi sweater, I think I'll go ahead and announce the giveaway winner. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, the winner of the Javi sweater kit is . . .





SarahAnneKnits!

She'll receive a copy of the pattern, along with Wool of the Andes Sport yarn in the color combo of her choice, and buttons to finish the sweater. Sarah, please email me at mediaperuana at gmail.com so we can coordinate!

Thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway, it was lovely to hear so many nice comments about the sweater.

One commenter expressed an interest in seeing this as an adult sweater--I'm already thinking about it! I'm imagining a closer fit, thinner stripes, and something more "grown up" with the sleeves. I'll keep you guys posted.

Another commenter had nice things to say about JJ's hair in the pattern photos, so I feel obligated to show you what JJ's hair usually looks like:

OK, that's actually his bed head, but his hair is slightly wavy, and gets disheveled ridiculously easily. The results of brushing are very short lived.

But I digress . . .

Thanks again to everyone who entered the sweater kit giveaway--and as a special thank you, I'm offering a promo code for my Ravelry pattern store. Purchase the Javi pattern, and get any of my other patterns FREE. Use code "JAVI." Good through October 10.

I've got one more pattern making its debut in October, so please check back soon to read about my very first adult sweater!

Sunday Sneak Peek

I don't want you to panic, but Christmas is exactly ONE MONTH from today! 

For me, this is good news. I love the holiday season, and couldn't be more excited for all the festivities. 

(Though I will acknowledge that I am less than 100% prepared, knitting-wise, for the holiday.)

And to kick off the most Christmas-y of months, I have a little treat prepared: I'll be releasing a new pattern on December 1!

Here's a little sneak peek:

 

Here's what I can tell you about it:

You'll need 3 shades of fingering weight yarn to complete it--I used Knit Picks Palette for the sample.

There's some colorwork. 

There's plenty of stockinette.

You could absolutely knit it before Christmas, and it would make a lovely gift.

And, I'll be doing a giveaway!

Be sure to check back on December 1 for the pattern release, and the holiday booty--you could win a copy of the pattern AND the yarn to complete it!

On Mexico City

And we're back in action! A quick trip to Mexico City for work, but now home and back to business. A few things about Mexico City (or Mexico DF--believe it or not, Mexicans don't call it Mexico City):

• Mexico City is home to almost 9 million people, even bigger than NYC, and most of them seem to spend their days wandering the streets aimlessly. So. very. crowded.
• It smells like an open sewer.
• They will ruin guacamole by topping it with FRIED CRICKETS.

Sadly, I don't have much good to say about the DF--I wish I did, but I'm just not a fan of crowds and smog. Less so pregnant--I can't enjoy a michelada or go out dancing in smoky bars. This was my second trip there, and I did do a few touristy things the first time around (if you find yourself in the DF, you should certainly visit the Zocalo and the Templo Mayor, and the boats in Xochimilco are fun), but this time, it was in and out in 3 days, work only. No photos, even.

I'm thrilled to be back home as we head into fall. Hard to believe September is half over!

I'm also thrilled to announce that I'll be releasing a new pattern tomorrow! In fact, Dory is letting me take over her usual Tuesday spot to do it. So keep an eye out. It's called Chispas, and it's perfect for fall.

And speaking of Dory, look who I caught actually using her cat bed: