Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix and Homemade Food Gifts

by Evin // October 10, 2014 // No Comments

A tasty treat plus thoughtful wrapping and you have a gift that may end up being the most memorable of the year. Here are a few ideas for edible gifts and a recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix. May your... Continue reading →

Done, Dusted, and Published! Bake Knit Sew is Available!

by Evin // October 7, 2014 // 5 Comments

UPDATE: This book was published in 2014. Learn all about it HERE.   Remember last year when I was talking about my Kickstarter project? Well, that project grew up and became a real book! But much like a baby growing up,... Continue reading →

Delectable Smudge Yarns made from cuddly Irish sheep wool

by Evin // October 6, 2014 // 2 Comments

With my Bake Knit Sew book about to come out, I thought it would be nice to introduce you to the artisans and producers who make the supplies featured in the patterns, recipes, and projects. The Sugar Maple Vest and Handpun Headband... Continue reading →

Favorite Baby Cardigan Knitting Patterns

by Evin // October 3, 2014 // 4 Comments

The arrival of my son was a blessing and a joy and the beginning of nights that melt into days with spit up on my shirts. He is amazing and I have a newfound appreciation for a solid night’s sleep,... Continue reading →

A Visit to Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA

by Evin // October 1, 2014 // No Comments

I just arrived in Washington, D.C. so to celebrate what better thing than a visit to Fibre Space in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. In one of the area’s historic downtown row houses, Fibre Space offers knitters and crocheters a plethora... Continue reading →

Christmas Craft Workshop: More Handmade Gifts

by Evin // September 29, 2014 // 3 Comments

Some of my favorite holiday gifts have been the ones that I can enjoy again and again. A favorite gadget or beloved cardigan or, best of all, something edible or handmade. It is that little touch that truly defines the... Continue reading →

Painting Portraits of Scenic Views

by Evin // September 26, 2014 // No Comments

My husband and I are not much for exchanging gifts for Christmas or anniversaries, or even for birthdays. We would much rather do something special together, like a dinner out or a trip. But my favourite gift for him when... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Phoenix Crayons

by Evin // September 24, 2014 // No Comments

We’ve all seen it on Pinterest and wondered what parent has time to melt down crayon bits to create a new crayon. Well, I managed to find the time. Yes, I’m still a bit surprised it happened. And it was easy!... Continue reading →

The Comfort of Handknit Socks

by Evin // September 22, 2014 // No Comments

I love fun socks and this makes sock knitting ideally suited for me. Yet, I don’t knit socks yet. Maybe it is just because I’ve been focusing my knitting on baby gifts for so long, but for whatever reason socks... Continue reading →

Making the Most of 39 Hours in Amsterdam

by Evin // September 21, 2014 // 4 Comments

We are visiting The Netherlands this week, so I am sharing this post about our last visit there back in 2012. This isn’t a play on the NY Times series titled 36 Hours in… but the actual time we spent on a stopover in... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for October 2014

by Evin // September 20, 2014 // No Comments

This is my 28th Brilliant Things List! And my 272nd EvinOK post. Very exciting though non-traditional milestones. I like to celebrate the little steps along the way, not just the round numbers. So, today is a post with some random things... Continue reading →

National Geographic and Blog Awards Ireland

by Evin // September 19, 2014 // 2 Comments

Two exciting things happened to me in the past week or so. 1) National Geographic Travel Blog asked me to write a piece about Cork, Ireland and it was published online. I am fortunate to be able to share my interests with... Continue reading →

Real Can Be The Key to Fun Imaginary Play

by Evin // September 19, 2014 // No Comments

When my son turned 18 months old, a key turned in his brain and he began noticing keys. Instead of buying a plastic set for him and acknowledging he was quickly moving out of the everything-in-his-mouth phase, I decided to... Continue reading →

Blueberry Rice Pudding

by Evin // September 17, 2014 // 2 Comments

With chillier days outnumbering the warm ones, it seemed like a nice time to do some more comfort recipes. This is a dairy loving take on rice pudding. But if you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you’ll want to check out... Continue reading →

Try

by Evin // September 15, 2014 // No Comments

I once read an interview with Paul Newman and he was asked his favourite word. He responded that it was “try” which opened up a whole slew of amazement. A man who made a name for himself in film then... Continue reading →

Handmade Upcycled Child’s Play Kitchen

by Evin // September 12, 2014 // 2 Comments

It started with an idea for LB’s second birthday which grew to a collaboration and, finally, a creation. I wanted to make my son a play kitchen. The timeline was moved up just after his first birthday when I learned I... Continue reading →

2014 Irish Big Knit

by Evin // September 11, 2014 // 2 Comments

Before leaping into this post, I want to say that September 11th will always be a difficult day. 13 years later, I’m still not ready to talk about it. So today I thought I would focus on something positive and... Continue reading →

Sweet and Seedy Porridge with Local Honey

by Evin // September 10, 2014 // No Comments

I love porridge (aka oatmeal) for breakfast or even a snack. Which explains why I am just a little delighted that Autumn weather is breezing into my life with a slight chill in the air. What better way to apologise to... Continue reading →

Bread Pudding for One

by Evin // September 9, 2014 // No Comments

Last week was my wedding anniversary, so I thought it would be fun to post a recipe for a single-serving dessert. A nice reminder of how the sweeter things in life can be enjoyed alone or with someone else. This... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Ladybirds Instead of a Zipper

by Evin // September 8, 2014 // 1 Comment

Some may say I’m a hoarder. I feel I see potential in things that others view as trash. I definitely wouldn’t classify these items as treasure…yet, but after I get to them sometimes they are treasured. My father and Grandma... Continue reading →