Beneath the Rowan Tree

What's New at Beneath the Rowan Tree :: Hand Painted Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Woohoo!
It is no secret that I like to dye things in bright and pretty colours, is it?!

Cotton, bamboo, silk... you name it!
And for a while now, I have been working on wool~ bringing some of my favourite colourways (colour combinations) across from silk onto wool and I am very happy with the results of my hand painting adventures!

I have chosen to use my favourite wool for fulling (=felting of knitted or crocheted items)~ a gorgeous single ply merino. This yarn is wonderfully soft and lofty~ reminiscent of a handspun yarn.
I am terribly sensitive to processed wool, and cannot wear it~ but this yarn I happily wear next to my skin.

It felts in minutes~ evenly and without the fuzziness you sometimes get from other yarns, making a nice supple fabric to work with whether hand or machine sewing.
It also works well for non-felted items, but I don't suggest using it for mittens or other projects that will take a lot of wear and friction... because it does felt easily!

'Easter Eggs' crocheted

'Easter Eggs' knit and felted

This yarn is available in 3.5 oz cakes or skeins.
I can custom dye more if you need it, or skein off less for you, too (it is a great yarn for craft projects in which you may only need an ounce or two).

Take a peek~ and I would love your feedback!♥♥

Orca Update :: First Goal Reached!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:40:00 +0000

My daughter, moved by the plight of orcas around the world, has decided to raise money to help them.

She has raised $102 so far~ her first goal was $100.
She has now expanded that to $250.

You can read all about it HERE and make a donation, too, if you like!
Many thanks to those who have so generously supported her work so far!

Don't Wash Your Windows :: Snow Day Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

I am always on the lookout for fun new creative activities to share with my daughter (and her friends~ they know this is the house where we do crafts!). Especially on cold or rainy days.

A few weeks back, I snagged some window writing markers from the art supply store (post-Christmas sales!). I have seen the Crayola version in action, but never felt moved to buy any for our own use.
These, however, we love and they were just right for jazzing up a snow day!

This set of 8 Washable Window Markers from Sargent Art are bold, bright and addictive... you will have to keep your little ones (and yourself) from decorating all the glass surfaces in your house!
They do take a little elbow grease to remove if left on the windows after your play time, but the bold colours and ease of use make it worthwhile.

These markers would make a great art activity especially for children less inclined to creative pursuits~ the ones who 'hate' colouring just might come around if they can colour on the windows!

We have also been using them to leave messages and silly pictures on the bathroom mirrors!♥♥
Have you found any cool supplies lately? Do tell!

Help Rowan Help the Orcas :: A Child's Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:12:00 +0000

Rowan (age 6) is planning on saving the whales.
Well, technically, the dolphins~ she tells me an orca is a dolphin and not a whale at all!

When she announced this at church on Sunday, one woman commented "Do they still need saving?".
Good question!

As some of you may know from my past posts, my daughter is a very sensitive child, in every way.
She often finds life overwhelming and struggles with emotional regulation and anxiety.
But she is foremost, a wonderfully empathetic soul with a passion for caring for others, especially if those others are animals.

This weekend, we watched Free Willy (1993).
Rowan was deeply moved and disturbed by the story.
Was it true? Were there orcas in need of help right now?
At the end of the (20 year old) movie was a call for action, and the number 1-800-4-WHALES.

Keiko ('Willy')

Rowan was ready to place a call.
We noted that while we suspected that Save the Whales is still active (it is), the phone number may have changed (it has).
She went off to bed with her dolphin books, a million questions and a heavy heart.

In the morning, while I prepared for church, Rowan made a 'Save the Orcas' poster, and with staples and paper, a 'money pouch' upon which she wrote: "will send to save orcas when full".

Hmmm. OK.
She is serious.
And in that moment I saw and seized the opportunity she had created~ a way for her sensitive little soul to see a need, to feel the pain and to respond with action.
As a sensitive child, who feels everything so deeply, this was an opportunity for her to feel those deep feelings not as hopeless or defeating, but as the spur to action.
This was a chance to learn that she CAN do something, make a difference in the world.

And isn't that what we hope our children will learn in life?
That they are not helpless, but rather that they have all the power in the world to effect change.
To effectively, as Ghandi famously said "be the change they want to see in the world".

Wild Orcas

We announced Rowan's initiative at church, and shared it with family and friends on Facebook on Sunday.
Along with her own $10 donation (prize money from a Remembrance Day / Poppy Day poster campaign), a donation from a like-minded child in the UK and donations from church members, she raised $50 in 24 hours.

At this point, her (modest) goal is to raise $100 for the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation.
With that she intends to purchase an Orca Adoption kit for herself, and one for her class (all proceeds from these kits go to the fund), and donate the balance.
She is continuing to read and study about orcas (and the rest of the dolphins), as she says "I should know about them so I can tell people why they need help".

You are invited to help Rowan reach her goal!
The 'Donate' button below is set up through Paypal (we will cover any fees through BTRT so that all the funds go directly to the Foundation).
THE FIRST BUTTON is set to receive USD.
THE SECOND BUTTON is for Canadian funds (CAD).
If you would like to make a donation in another currency OR outside of Paypal, send an email and we'll help you out!
Thank you ♥♥

My Dyeing Days (& Four New Colourways!)

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:48:00 +0000

{{This is my 1000th blog post! Woohoo!}}

I feel like an old-timer!

No, not because I have begun to do the 'stretch-out-my-arm-to-read-small-print' thing.
But because I am coming up on five years of dyeing silk.

It may not seem all that long, but in the playsilk biz, it is.
You see, when I opened shop 5 years ago, I was dyeing cotton clothing, a tie-dyer, experimenting more and more with low water immersion dyeing.
At the time, the very few folks were creating playsilks for sale online, and those who were were making either lovely solid coloured silks or complex tie dye and mandala patterns on silk.
Generally, one at a time, each one of a kind (all awesome!).

I was the first in the (online retail) retail market (if I am to trust my research and communications with old-school Waldorf vets) to begin to blend colours in a low water immersion style (for playsilks), in standardized colours.
{{I am being pretty specific here, because I am know someone always knows better!}}

The first BTRT 'colourway'~ Heart of the Fire 2007

In time, I began to standardize my colours, each silk being one of a kind, but with repeatable colour formulas.
I looked to my wool dyeing friends, and the common concept in hand dyed wool, of 'colourways'~ standard colour formulas repeated over various bases and yarns.
And went with it.

Gradually building an extensive line of colourways, along with complementary solid 'palettes' and creating groupings beyond the standard rainbow.

Soft as Spring Palette

A quick search on Etsy, or any other handmade market today will reveal that this style of dyeing + the 'colourway' concept has been widely adopted by newer dyers.
In fact, I suspect that it is assumed to be 'the norm' in playsilks (without realizing that five years ago, it simply was not)!
Which is pretty darn cool!

Some 15 000 pieces of silk, in my kitchen sink (!), later, I am still passionate about dyeing.
But I don't often have the time to 'play'~ creating new colourways.

New Year, new stash of elastics!

Creating a colourway is not simply adding a couple of dyes together...
Many of my dyes are custom mixed for my particular shades.
And then there is the order of colour application (very critical!), the amounts of dye, the balance of colours.
Add in the particular temperaments of various dyes, temperatures and other variables.
And whether or not all of the above can be reliably repeated...

And then I have to remember it all.
{I have a partial 'recipe' book, that I should update!}

My favourite yellow in the pot!

New colourways are sometimes happy accidents, but generally I set out to bring a certain vision or experience alive with colour.. early morning dawn, the varied greens of a summer landscape, the blues of polar ice...

This month, I am happy to introduce FOUR new colourways in our 'Heart of...' Collection!

Heart of the Fey

Heart of the Phoenix

Heart of the Mountains

Candy Hearts

Find these and the rest of our silks in the Etsy Shop. ♥♥
Quality • Beauty • Experience

The Rock Box :: That's How We Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:48:00 +0000

I written recently about some of the challenges parenting brings our way, by way of our daughter's highly sensitive (and now, diagnosed anxious) nature.

School is a particular challenge for Rowan.
She enjoys it immensely and she is an excellent student.
But she also experiences anxiety in all of the many changes and unknowns that a school day brings.
For her, it is exhausting.

We are finding that Rowan, when feeling anxious, seeks islands of control~ finds something she can manage to cope with the overwhelming things around her (don't we *all*?). This tends to express itself at this time as a sort of hoarding behaviour. Not like the tv show, just grabbing and hanging on to things, collecting them.

Her item of choice is rocks.
Now, I like to collect rocks, too, and she has always been a rock hound.
But I am talking about coming home with her little backpack stogged full of several pounds of gray gravel chips from the school yard.
When I asked her not to do this, she brought them home in her coat pockets instead.

Faced with the choice of... what? Sewing her pockets shut?
I had to stop and think about this.

Recess is very chaotic and overwhelming.
Collecting rocks (often as a game, with friends) is a 'safe place' for my daughter in all the activity around her.
Clearly her behaviour is providing her with something she is needing.

It was one of those moments, as a parent, when you hear that voice saying "there is another way".
That little voice that calls us to be our creative best for our children~ to perceive their need and to meet it in a way that honours their struggles.
I don't hear it very often... I mean, I don't listen to it, or for it, as often as I should.
And sometimes the "you shouldn't do it this way" voice that sounds an awful lot like my mother is just too loud...
But I am really trying.

So I stopped fighting the rocks.
Heck, I already have a rock basket at the door of the house, to which Rowan makes almost daily deposits, and which I empty, discreetly, when full.

I made her a rock box for school.
I decorated a tall plastic container with stickers and a unicorn and "Rowan's Rocks" written boldly upon it.

It sits at her cubby, and every day, she deposits all of her found treasures into the box, with the expectation that when it is full, I will come after school and we will empty it out, choosing a couple of special items to take home, returning the rest to nature. That will be a tough day. I know. But the payoff of accepting her behaviour and helping to normalize it (and set some boundaries around it at the same time), has been immense.

Especially for me.
Learning that I can just roll with it.
And I can always fall back on the old adage, if you can't beat 'em... make them their own box and embrace them (isn't that how it goes?!). ♥♥

I'd love to hear about your creative parenting strategies.... the times you listened to that quiet little voice...

Playdate ♥ Link Party/ Blog Hop (#33) ~ Come & Play!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:17:00 +0000

Welcome to the Playdate (#33)

Everyone is welcome to link up to this post all week long with your
kid related posts ...
recipes, games, crafts, parenting, stories...

just think of it as our virtual play group!

Grab a button and join the fun!

The Playdate Guidelines:

♥ Add your link and thumbnail below and please visit some of the other links and comment.
♥ Your posts can be old or new, we welcome your best! (no more than 3 per week, please)
♥ Consider adding the playdate button (above) to your post or sidebar, or even a text link back to this blog (http://beneaththerowantree.com) ~ you don't have to, but it sure would be sweet ♥!
♥ ANY kid/ baby/ family related posts and ideas welcome... but please no shop links, promos or giveaways.
♥ I will feature my favourites from the playdate in next week's Playdate post (choosing from those who have added our button or link to their shared post).

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Waldorf Wednesday:: Yellow Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:01:00 +0000

Rudolph Steiner, developer of the Waldorf educational philosophy, called rhythm the 'carrier of life' and assigned each day of the week with a colour. The use of colour to mark the passing of days and weeks with young children is both effective and inspiring for their work and play.

The colour for Wednesday is YELLOW.
And that is the colour of the sunshine in this, my favourite part of winter...
when the cold is deep and the sun is bright.
Enjoy these warm, yellow and natural finds from Etsy artisans.

1. Naturally Dyed Cotton Scarf, by Lissionetsy.
2.Augustina, Donkey Marionette, by Two Sad Donkeys.
3. Smiling Sun Rattle, by Driaa.
4. Fox & Sun Wooden Puzzle, by Manzanita Kids.
5. Yellow Chick, by Beaded Wire.
6. Raw Silk Picnic Blanket & Napkin Set, by Rubiyat.
7. Pear Foo, by Sigh Foo.

♥♥

A Girl Mom in Boy World:: Let Them Wear Peach!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:53:00 +0000

Wow. I thought girls had it rough.

I have dipped my toe into boy world and I am stumped.
Now, it isn't like I have jumped into the deep end~ I am just dabbling in the shallows.

I can't count the number of times mothers have asked me to consider making clothing for boys.
And I run and hide behind the twirl skirts.
But one of my resolutions this year is to make the foray into making some items for boys.
I knew whatever I might make would have to meet my clothing credentials: comfortable, natural fiber, free-sizing to allow for longer wear for better value, and patchy (I love my patchwork!).
So I got that part sorted.

Then came the fabric shopping (I love my fabric shopping!).
Holy cow, it was rough!
Is this too girly?
Is that dot pink or red?
Is there anything that isn't all baby or all 'big boy'?

The boundaries around what is 'boy' have gotten pretty slim, haven't they?
In part, perhaps to girls encroaching and poaching on their styles (and names, says the mother of a female Rowan)?
But I think there is more to it.
Something to do with re-defining boys (and therefore men~ or is it men and therefore boys?).
Something to do with making sure, above all that whatever that definition may be, it is definitely 'not-girl'.

And so I find myself sitting down at my work table and agonizing over lime green dots and birdhouses.

And then thinking, "this shouldn't be so difficult!".

For if nothing else, I believe colours have no gender boundaries and it enriches all of our children, boys and girls, to have full access to whatever colours they love... not JUST pink and purple OR green and brown.

Now this is not mind blowingly insightful, I know.
And I know lots of boys love colour and their moms (and dads!) are not afraid of purple or peach or whatever and what it says about their child's gender.
And this is just one teeny tiny speck of snow on a giant iceberg of gender issues.
But it really did shock me to find how much thought I was putting into making sure that my boy stuff was boy enough.

And in that, I realized in a way I hadn't considered before, that as much as we girl moms have alligators to wrestle when it comes to our daughter's finding their identity as girls, the boys have their own critters to tackle in becoming confident, self-assured, comfortable in their own skin boys (and men).

So {darn} the torpedoes!
I am making boy clothing with lime dots AND birdhouses.
And I think the trees have a spot of peach on them.

{{Come on boy moms, tell us about it...!}}♥♥

Playdate ♥ Link Party/ Blog Hop (#32) ~ Come & Play!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +0000

Welcome to the Playdate (#32)

Everyone is welcome to link up to this post all week long with your
kid related posts ...
recipes, games, crafts, parenting, stories...

just think of it as our virtual play group!

We took a Playdate break through the holidays, but we're back and ready to play!

Grab a button and join the fun!

The Playdate Guidelines:

♥ Become a follower of this blog, if you wish!
♥ Hit the Facebook or Twitter buttons below and share with your friends!

Way Up North :: Putting it in Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

We live in what is known as the 'near North' in Ontario.

For people from Southern Ontario (also known collectively, by Northerners as 'Toronto') we are considered to be crazy north. For people from outside of Canada, perhaps we are all living way up north~ anecdotes of the American tourists crossing the border in May with skis on their roof racks abound. But we don't live in igloos, ride moose or rub shoulders with polar bears. Honest.

Where we live, however, we do have as much as 6 months of winter, it's true.
And we do use snowshoes and snowmobiles.
We ski and snowboard and toboggan and skate.
We make the most of what we have and fully appreciate the rest of the seasons when they finally arrive!

I thought I would put our 'northernness' into perspective for the rest of you~ below is a map that shows where we are in Ontario (and hence, the 'Near North' designation!). Southern Ontario is the most populous region in Canada and extends down to Windsor (across the border from Detroit, MI.) and if my high school geography teacher was right, Windsor is as far south as Northern California is north.

I have a sister near Windsor, and last week she went into her neighbour's field and picked green brussel sprouts from the plants.

This is what we did last week....

Quite a difference!

(For reference, it would be a 5-6 hour drive to visit my sister).

So, yes, we live 'up north' by most standards, but we are no where NEAR north when it comes to the whole of Ontario, or Canada. Although I do want to make the trek further north to rub shoulders with the polar bears one of these days!

What is it like where you live?!♥♥

Beneath the Rowan Tree Wants You

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:54:00 +0000

Yes, you!

Hug, by BTRT

We are currently seeking the following:
♥ Sponsors~ 270 x 270 px or 270 x 135 pixel slots available, includes a featured article and giveaway if desired (and no, not those 'you send me free prodct to review types... just a straight up giveaway from you to an entrant!). Email for rates and stats.

♥ 'Tuesday's Guests' have you got a story to tell? While this slot is not primarily for business promotion, it can be about your work and its role in your life~ written by you. Submit a pitch or article for consideration HERE.
♥ Giveaways of products or services in line with our vision and niche, these will be scheduled aroud those of our sponsors as time permits.

Waldorf Finds :: Rainbow Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:26:00 +0000

A grey January day needs a little rainbow goodness, right?

I have spent a happy (stolen) hour collecting some gorgeous handmade rainbow toys.
All are made with natural materials, by artisans making their own (unique!) mark on the Waldorf toy market.
Please do take a peek at their shops~ I was so delighted to explore them today.
Some are old favourites, others are new to Etsy and a joy to share.
(all are unsolicited and shared for the love of the craft!)

1. Travelling Gnome Set, by Fee Vertelaine.
2. Pair of Hand Dyed Wool Felt Unicorns, by DebsSteinerDolls.
3. Wooden Carnival Set, Armadillo Dreams.
4. 12" Waldorf Doll, by Shorty & Steph
5. Hand Knitted Rainbow Birds, by Making Today Your Day.
6. Rainbow Peas in a Pod, by Fairy Folk.
7. Wooden Gnome, by Little Red Rory.
8. Angel Peg Doll, by Mama West Wind.

To see more collections of natural goodies, check out our 'labels' on the right hand side for all of the 'Waldorf' days of the week! ♥♥

Skating is a Gateway Sport (Update)

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:45:00 +0000

I happened upon an old blog post from three years ago (January 15, 2009) about Rowan's first skating lesson.
It made me giggle, and while I suppose it is in bad taste to laugh at your own jokes, so to speak, I thought I would share it again...

Now, I am a little resistant.
I mean, yes, a Canadian girl needs to know how to skate.
But around here skating is a gateway sport... it leads to harder stuff. Like HOCKEY.
Having had my fill of arenas growing up I dread the crazy commitments required of hockey families.
Before Rowan was born we agreed hockey was something we would not want to be involved in.

As I say this, Rowan is spinning around the hall with her stick raised over her head, crowing 'he shoots, he scores!' ~ which is an improvement on last winter's pronunciation of that~ 'cootchie sores!'.

Many of the girls play hockey here (and the boys, of course).
It is *the* social activity/ sport outlet.
Sort of unavoidable.
At least if you want your child to grow up with a healthy Northern Ontario identity it is unavoidable.

So, we started skating lessons.
After a few skating outings in the last week, Rowan was keen.
Until she found out that she would have to give her real name.
She balked.
"I'm Pup's Mom. I'm a dog."
"Well, they don't allow dogs on the ice, so let's pretend you are a girl for the hour."
"But my friend is a kitty cat and she skates."
"Well, I think they pretend she is a girl, too."
Silence.
We arrive.
A mournful cry from the back seat:
"I don't WANT to skate if they don't let dogs skate!"
I can admire the sentiment and the need for inter-species justice, but we go anyway.

Halfway through the lesson, the little helper drags Rowan to the boards to meet me.
The issue?
They don't know her name and all she will say is "woof".

Out of forty or so kids on the ice, one never rises to her feet on her own power.
One is dragged about, slipping to the ground from the arms of one frustrated pre-teen after another.
One remains staunchly a dog and not a skater.

Yep.

Maybe we don't have to worry about hockey after all.
But we really should look into obedience classes.

Update (January 2012)

Currently, Rowan takes figure skating lessons and skates weekly for fun (almost daily on the holidays).
She is not really interested in hockey.
Now, that might have something to do with her mother's willingness to cough up pretty skating skirts and sing the praises of figure skating, but more likely it is because her friends all figure skate, too.

Oh. And she is a girl, not a dog (most of the time).
Although she has been signing her school work as 'Violet' lately, rather than Rowan.

FRESH :: Stocking Today

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:16:00 +0000

I am still plugging way at this blog redesign, so my postings have been sparse.
But I did want to mention that FRESH is stocking tonight at 9 pm (with some listings live now!).

Not familiar with Fresh?
It is the 'congo' I participate in at Hyena Cart... and a congo is basically a group shop.
We stock monthly on the 9th at 9 am and 9 pm (est), and use a single word (this month is 'Resolve') to guide our creations.


Pianissimo Cloth Diapers

Rising Sun Earthworks

Wild Coconut Wear

Beneath the Rowan Tree

Fresh is a pretty awesome group~ we have so many talented women creating a variety of items for kids, moms and families. And as a group of 'colleagues' (spread out as we are throughout Canada and the USA) I couldn't ask for better, more talented, ethical and inspiring women to work with, so please do take a peek at what they are offering this month....

Still a Mess....

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:50:00 +0000

... but I am working on it!

I am still striving to get the blog put back together after my template and blogger divorced one another on New Year's Day.
I am also enjoying the last few days of Christmas vacation with our daughter.
Oh! And trying to get my annual January crop of Comet Balls made PLUS some DIY Felting kits (yay!).

So please don't give up on me! ♥♥

Show & Tell :: Hand Painted Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:11:00 +0000

I always enjoy the holiday break from making things in our shop~ it is a great chance to make things!
Always a lover of colour and a dyer to the core, I have been enjoying hand painting yarn.

I have often dyed what I needed over the years, but this time I set out to establish some real colourways (based on my favourite silk colours!) and hone my skills... and have some fun.

Here are some of my results:

I also learned to crochet in the last 6 weeks... I was determined to learn (it felt like a gap in my crafting resume!) and bless the Craftyminx for her awesome video Crochet School... if you have been waiting to learn, check it out!

I am hoping to pull together some knitting/ felting kits with my own dyed yarn in the near future.

{{In my daughter's Grade One class they are allowed to ask questions OR make comments to the presenter at Show and Tell~ which is brilliant because most 6 year olds prefer to make statements.. you show them you favourite stuffed dog and they say "I like ice cream"... my point being, you are more than welcome to make comments on this post ♥♥}}

Pardon the Mess :: Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:07:00 +0000

Please pardon the mess around here.
Apparently Blogger and my template have stopped speaking to one another and things are falling apart!

I am trying to fix it up, but it is looking like a complete overhaul may be easier than patching things up between the two of them!

Update at 10:35 pm January 1: Looks like a New year's facelift. Oi.
Please be patient while I rearrange things over the next few days!

Update: January 2nd : The front page is almost back in order, next task, organize all the tutorials and extras on their own pages :)

Our Christmas Babies:: Guinea Pigs

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

This Christmas, we welcomed two new boys to our family!
Of the furry kind...

Ghidora and Godzilla ~ Rowan and her Daddy love monster movies~ came home on the 27th and have quickly adjusted to their new home, rewarding our patience with lots of chirps and purring, popcorning (when piggies leap about, it really looks like popcorn popping!) and happy 'wheeks'.

Guinea pigs are *not* quiet pets!
But their happy little noises make everyone smile.
And yes, they do produce as much 'output' as people say, it is rather shocking how much these little munchers can leave behind!

We are really pleased so far with the function of our homemade cage.
Super easy to clean a little every day and clean out completely once every 5-7 days.
They have a kitchen area (pictured below) with litter and a living area (above) with re-useable fleece.

So far Murray, the Papillon (all 4.5 pounds of him) hasn't really seen the piggies, and his lack of curiosity is reassuring! Archie, the Sheltie, has licked (Rowan says kissed, I say tasted!) each of them and is feeling pretty paternal~ that herding instinct is so strong and leads to his gentle care of any creature he finds (he is, however highly supervised at all times near the piggies!).

Our 6 year old was a little disappointed at first that she couldn't just play with the pigs, but as we are becoming able to hold them, she is enjoying reading to them and today she coloured with them for about an hour, apparently they told her what to colour and she did as they said...!

It has been a great life lesson in patience for her to wait on them to warm up to us, as well as one of self-control in the presence of a small and skittish animal. Each day we are giving her more of the care tasks, as well.

A Christmas Book a Day in December :: Days 23, 24 and 25

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

Our family began a new tradition this year: to read a holiday themed book every day, together by the Christmas Tree, for the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas.

We did pretty well!
I managed to get re-usable fabric bags made for all 25 days, with numbered tags~ this will help us continue the tradition next year, as books and bags can be stored together, ready for reading.

We fell short on the days when we didn't have a book ~ our collection was only about 18 books, and that was using some questionable titles we would prefer to cull~ my plan had been to borrow from the library, but this never came to fruition. However, we did add a couple of new books this year, and hope to do so as the years go on!

I did promise to report on our final books, so here we go...
On the 23rd we read One Winter's Night, written by John Herman and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. I am familiar with the amazing illustration work of the Dillons and it is put to moving use in this tale that parallels the birth of the baby Jesus with the labouring of a lost and lonely cow. Sounds odd, written that way! But it works.

As the cow moves through the snowy night in desperate search of warmth and shelter, her footsteps are foreshadowed by a young man and woman on the same quest, and followed by the forest creatures. The main illustrations follow Martha's journey, while on the facing page, simple woodcuts follow the young couple.

It is a reading experience of looking out of the side of your eyes... as you follow and read about Martha, you know the tale unfolding although it is never mentioned directly. It is very engaging for school age children who feel the confidence of the familiar tale and are curious about the cow's story, too.

On the 24th we read The Nigh Before Christmas (of course!)~ the classic poem, not one of the many derivations including a Zombie and a Canadian one we have come across! It never gets old, and we read it with breath-held wonder anew every year,

And on Christmas Day, after a long drive and a wonderful time with family, we settled down to read our new Christmas book... The Polar Express. This story was never part of our Christmas traditions, but we thoroughly enjoyed it and will look forward to hearing the ringing of that silver sleigh bell again next year!

And before we put it away, I am going to have to take the time to listen to the enclosed CD with the story read by Liam Neeson (♥).

There you have it... nearly 25 holiday books~ maybe some are new to you... enjoy!
And I do need to make an honourable mention for the best Christmas movie of our season.
No.. it was not A Christmas Story, which my highly sensitive daughter found upsetting in three ways: the boy's tongue getting stuck, the roast duck and Ralphie very nearly shooting out his eye!
And while Rudolph is a perennial favourite (and I have a soft spot for Rudolph's Shiny New Year), the top honours in our house go to A Muppet Christmas Carol~ heartfelt, feel good, Christmas spirited! ♥♥

Bunny Hop Skate Warmers :: Free Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:55:00 +0000

Keep your young skater’s toes warm and cozy while they skate this winter!
Knit these fun and endlessly embellish-able boot covers in a night or two.
Your skater’s will have warm toes while they bunny hop the winter away!
Ravelry users, you can add this pattern to your faves by following THIS LINK.

My daughter was having trouble with her toes getting cold before she was ready to come off the ice.
I couldn’t find a pattern for what I needed.
Of course, I could have bought skate covers, but where is the fun in that?!
So after much trial and error, adapting other footwear patterns, and a few wild leaps, the Bunny Hop Skate Warmers were born... and no more cold toes!

These slip over boot covers stay over the skates with their own weight.

I am all about the natural fibers, but in this case choosing a superwash or synthetic yarn is suggested as they will get wet and need drying~ natural wool covers risk being felted (and shrinking!) in this repeated process.

Adapting this pattern up or down in size is as simple as adding stitches or subtracting enough
stitches to shift the pattern to fit the boot size. Math is not my strong suit, and since this is a free
pattern, I figured I would let you clever types do the calculations!

This pattern, as written, will fit girl’s figure skates from size 11 - 2.

Skills:
     ❄    knit & purl (stockinette stitch)
     ❄    moss (or seed) stitch or ribbing if preferred
     ❄    k2tog and SSK (knit 2 together and slip slip knit) decreases
     ❄    long tail cast on (creates a stretchy hem)
     ❄    Zimmerman’s sewn bind off (or other bind off as preferred)

Supplies:
     ❅    3.5 oz. of worsted weight yarn
     ❅    Stitch marker
     ❅    blunt needle for sewing in ends
     ❅    16" circular and/or DPNs (size 5/ 3.75 mm)
                    I start these with the circular and switch to the DPNS on the ankle, but you could
        remain on the circulars using the Magic Loop technique.
Gauge:
Gauge is less important than creating a bootie that fits the skates.
I used a heavy worsted and the size 5 needles for a gauge of 1" = 5 st.
I would use a 6 or 7 needle on a lighter worsted.
Size to the boot as you go.

Instructions:
Cast on 76 stitches using a long tail cast on.
Place marker and join in the round.

Knit 12 rows in moss stitch.
Add 2-4 rows if making size 1 or 2.
(If possible, check against the skate to ensure that these rows will easily cover the toe of the boot,
which is slightly lower than the heel on a figure skate).

Begin decreasing on every round as follows:
K 35, K2tog, P2, SSK, K 35
continue until you have 40 stitches left on the needle(s).

Knit 22 rows (or number needed to reach top of skate boot) in moss stitch.

Bind off using Elisabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind off to create a pretty, stretchy edge.

Embellish with buttons or pompoms, or whatever you choose!
Alternate pattern: replace all of the moss stitch with k2, p2 ribbing.

The warmers are pictured below with the ankle cuff turned down.

♥○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○♥

This pattern is being offered to you free of charge.

You are welcome to do what you like with what you make, but credit for the design to

is an appreciated courtesy.
The text and photos of this pattern are protected under copyright and may not be used in any way without permission from Lori Campbell/ Beneath the Rowan Tree. ♥♥

A Different Sort of Handmade :: Guinea Pig Cage

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:01:00 +0000

We have had so much fun making and preparing this guinea pig home for Christmas!

Daughter Rowan, age 6, is excitedly hoping that Santa will bring her a Guinea Pig Gift Certificate (since we all know Santa never brings live animals, right?!) to redeem after Christmas for two little piggies.
I happen to know that Santa is going to grant her wish.

So we have been getting ready....

Guinea Pig cages ain't what they used to be!
This is a 'C & C' (cubes and coroplast) cage~ made by Daddy, decorated by Mommy.
It features a fleece lined living room~ fleece backed with toweling~ think cloth diapers! should last a week or so with extra absorbent pads under the sleeping areas~ all washable and re-useable.
And a kitchen for food and litter box which is filled with disposable, recycled bedding.
The door slides in and out (pictured out) so Rowan can access the animals easily.

We plan on picking up our new pets a few days after Christmas, and we'll keep you posted!
We expect Archie the Sheltie will be thrilled to have little herd animals to herd, but we do have concerns about Murray~ while GPs will be nearly his size (all 4.5 pounds of him), he has the heart of a ratter! Eek! ♥♥

A Stable Full of Candy Cane Ponies:: Perfect for Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:27:00 +0000

These sweet little candy cane ponies are sweet, simple and adorable!
Not to mention great for using up lots of odd ends of yarn, as gauge and weight are not critical, and easy to adapt.

You can find the pattern details here: Candy Cane Ponies from Hollinger Fiber Farm.
I made 2 dozen and Rowan is giving them out to friends and family for Christmas.

If you purchase the pattern ($2), note that I didn't tie the ends of the yarn around the canes, and they seem to stay put just fine (I pictured how tangled they would become when I pack the ornaments away for next year with dangling yarn!).

I also opted out of adding eyes, and made the reins from yarn to keep them natural and avoid messing with glue (and ending up with one eyed ponies some year, 'cause that would be creepy!~ but then again maybe no-eyed ponies are creepier?!).

A great project for a novice knitter or even a spool knitter!

Rowan lent me her thumbs to make our holiday cards~ we used ink, Sharpies, the backs of old business cards, a glue stick and card stock.
Easy peasy!♥♥

A Christmas Book a Day in December :: Day 20ish

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:10:00 +0000

We are hanging in there!
Our plan to read a holiday book a day in December has slipped slightly off course... I was short a few books and got too busy to fill those slots with borrowed ones.

But we did take time for a book we treasure last night.
Brian Wildsmith's A Christmas Story is the simply told story of a baby donkey and the girl who cares for him while his mother sets off on a journey with her neighbours~ Mary and Joseph.

I love how the story is so simply told, and the focus is held to the donkey and the child (and the little tabby cat trailing along) as they follow in the footsteps of the Nativity story... encountering all of the players along the way, but unaware of the story unfolding beyond their own.

Gorgeously illustrated, with golden bursts, twinkling snow and rich hillsides illuminated by stunning angels, the larger story is seen through windows and heard from spectators.
Very effectively done.
The multiple layers of the story and pictures will allow children to enjoy it with fresh wonder each year.♥♥

Yarn Wrapped Wreaths :: Christmas Craft for the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:55:00 +0000

You know that I found this one on Pinterest.
This Christmas I am all about the Pinterest finds!

These sweet little yarn wrapped wreath ornaments are easy to make.
Do set aside a fair bit of time for little ones to wrap their yarn.
At our house, one was enough for my 6 year old's patience and interest (and she is a pretty craft friendly kid).

We embellished our finished wreaths with beads, silk ribbon and flowers.

You can find the tutorial at Christopher and Tia.
We pretty much followed these directions, subbing in wooden rings for the Styrofoam ones for a more natural, sturdier wreath.
So gather up your yarn scraps and get wrap happy!♥♥

And while you are crafting, why not give this very cool candle a try!
It really works and smells so nice, too....
The Orange Candle from Apartment Therapy: