There haven't been many pictures of the furbaby lately. To remedy that, here's a pretty good shot I got with the iphone - after our nap, Jackson's watching me eat an apple (I shared when I was done) - from this angle it looks like he is smiling! Good boy!
2.08.2011
2.06.2011
Go Green!
I think I have mentioned here before that I was not brought up in an athletic family. We were a family of nerdy, bookish types that dabbled in tennis and skiing and hikes in the woods. When my youngest brother joined an ultimate frisbee team in college he was the first college athlete in the family. :) I did marry into a football family and have learned (and relearned players, teams, and terms). I even won our fantasy football league in 2008. I have found that I do enjoy a game of football here and there. I tend to loose interest after one game, but it makes for good knitting / crafting time. I have stuck with the Jets as they were the first team I followed, and though in typical Jet fashion they did not make it to the Super Bowl, I will happily route for the other green team, the Packers.
I have pretzel-dough made and cooked into pretzles (thing-a-day!) right now and am really looking forward to homemade pretzels as a treat for later. My game-day crafting (thing-a-day!) is going to be following the lead of ladies... and "Craft Like a Champion". I plan to work on green and white baby hats for the Save The Children / Caps for Good - certainly, like the Jets I will fall short of making 32 hats, but, babies still need hats and I have the yarn. Good for everyone.
Enjoy the game, the commercials and what's left of the weekend!!
I have pretzel-dough made and cooked into pretzles (thing-a-day!) right now and am really looking forward to homemade pretzels as a treat for later. My game-day crafting (thing-a-day!) is going to be following the lead of ladies... and "Craft Like a Champion". I plan to work on green and white baby hats for the Save The Children / Caps for Good - certainly, like the Jets I will fall short of making 32 hats, but, babies still need hats and I have the yarn. Good for everyone.
Enjoy the game, the commercials and what's left of the weekend!!
2.05.2011
Green!
Today is another weather day. Nothing major, just rain for my area, but it is so very grey. And drippy. It feels like forever since we have seen the grass, so I made my own using the Grass pattern from mochimochiland.com.
For now, the grass sat with my jade plant looking longingly out at our snow and ice covered backyard.
I also made a batch of Chocolate Chip Muffins this morning - quite delicious.
For now, the grass sat with my jade plant looking longingly out at our snow and ice covered backyard.
I also made a batch of Chocolate Chip Muffins this morning - quite delicious.
2.04.2011
This Moment.
(thing-a-day - caught the moment! note the snow white headband & clip on earrings).
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. - Soulemama
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. - Soulemama
2.03.2011
Embracing Imperfection (or Not).
I've been working on a baby blanket, the babysquared pattern in particular, designed and shared by WifeMomKnitter. Last night I noticed that over the last 30 rows or so I had messed up the pattern. It was all my fault - I was decreasing at the wrong spot. I took a close look at the blanket and thought hard.
The pattern is a scallop-lace style in a rainbow-striping yarn. The mistakes were sort of hidden in a darker part of the rainbow. The mom-to-be is a non-knitter, would she even notice? For two or three rows I thought it over - the blanket would not be cast aside for such a silly reason (I hope), the baby is not going to mind (I hope - though maybe it will help with pattern recognition later on in life? That's thinking it over too much!) - and decided to leave it. But then, I no longer saw the pretty scallop-lace pattern and the lovely rainbow stripes! My eye went straight to the mistakes. Rrrrrrriiiiiiiiipppppppppppppp. I was able to insert a lifeline and that was a huge help. This pattern is quite enjoyable to knit, so I do not mind having to redo a section. After I got going again I noticed something else, do you see it?
One side of the blanket has a 5 stitch border, the other side has a 7 stitch border. Again, all user error. At least I'm consistent and that error bothers me less.
For today's thing-a-day, since I am working on re-doing some of the blanket, I'm going to share someone else's creative endeavors, go check out the Attention!Employees blog, especially today's post - you will see someone I work with.
And a little silly story: A few weeks back the Lorax and I went to visit Dan at work. We said hello to a few people, checked out where his cube is, etc. After we went out to eat. In the car on the way to eat, the Lorax piped up "Mommy, that was fun to see Daddy's work. Tomorrow Mommy can we see where you work?" Ummmm, my work is currently in the kitchen and great room and bathrooms - you're there every day!! :)
The pattern is a scallop-lace style in a rainbow-striping yarn. The mistakes were sort of hidden in a darker part of the rainbow. The mom-to-be is a non-knitter, would she even notice? For two or three rows I thought it over - the blanket would not be cast aside for such a silly reason (I hope), the baby is not going to mind (I hope - though maybe it will help with pattern recognition later on in life? That's thinking it over too much!) - and decided to leave it. But then, I no longer saw the pretty scallop-lace pattern and the lovely rainbow stripes! My eye went straight to the mistakes. Rrrrrrriiiiiiiiipppppppppppppp. I was able to insert a lifeline and that was a huge help. This pattern is quite enjoyable to knit, so I do not mind having to redo a section. After I got going again I noticed something else, do you see it?
One side of the blanket has a 5 stitch border, the other side has a 7 stitch border. Again, all user error. At least I'm consistent and that error bothers me less.
For today's thing-a-day, since I am working on re-doing some of the blanket, I'm going to share someone else's creative endeavors, go check out the Attention!Employees blog, especially today's post - you will see someone I work with.
And a little silly story: A few weeks back the Lorax and I went to visit Dan at work. We said hello to a few people, checked out where his cube is, etc. After we went out to eat. In the car on the way to eat, the Lorax piped up "Mommy, that was fun to see Daddy's work. Tomorrow Mommy can we see where you work?" Ummmm, my work is currently in the kitchen and great room and bathrooms - you're there every day!! :)
2.02.2011
Bring on the amigurumi
I spotted this tutorial a few days ago - who wouldn't want to make a monster? I love amigurumi and have hoped that by trying a few crochet projects here and there would enable me to actually make some. Thanks to craftyiscool I think I totally get it now! Awesome tutorial, the steps are so easy to understand (even as a lefty!). I think the end result is cute:
Scraps of cotton classic and malabrigo. Quick and silly. Perfect for Thing-A-Day #2! Currently they are without mouths as I am undecided as to their character - I should just get out the needle and thread and see where I end up. I think I am ready for more crochet stuff, which is a good thing as I dream of making the granny stripe blanket this year but I have been avoiding the long cast-on chain. Maybe that will be tomorrow's "thing". I'm going to let it rest for now though - I feel like I've got a cold coming on and just want to snuggle up with a warm puppy.
Scraps of cotton classic and malabrigo. Quick and silly. Perfect for Thing-A-Day #2! Currently they are without mouths as I am undecided as to their character - I should just get out the needle and thread and see where I end up. I think I am ready for more crochet stuff, which is a good thing as I dream of making the granny stripe blanket this year but I have been avoiding the long cast-on chain. Maybe that will be tomorrow's "thing". I'm going to let it rest for now though - I feel like I've got a cold coming on and just want to snuggle up with a warm puppy.
2.01.2011
One thing at a time
Hello February. Another storm is working on through these parts - it is cold, it is grey, and I am distracted. Today is the first day for the Thing-A-Day creative challenge. As I write this blog post there are already 14 pages of posts from other individuals who are sharing their talents. As for me? I hit a snag this morning - I pulled out the materials for one project and then changed my mind. I started googling something else for a different project. I sat down and knit on a project. I think I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the things I want to do and I did not set a clear course for how I would accomplish those things. So today I am sharing a project that is quite overdue. It was knit up in December, but the ends were woven in and button added today.
This is the Cashmere Neckwarmer knit up in an alpaca / wool bulky blend by Blue Sky Alpacas. The button was found in a bagged assortment I found at a local thrift shop - I like how it mimics the stitch pattern. This project will be leaving me soon as part of a gift, but I plan to make another one for me.
I gave it a little steam to flatten it a bit before taking the photo - that's a little bit of heaven, warm wool / alpaca around your neck! Like pajamas right out of the dryer! Just about makes up for the burnt tongue I just got on my hot chocolate because I am to impatient for it to cool. Stay warm and dry if you are where the weather is nasty today and tomorrow. Let your hot chocolate cool!!
This is the Cashmere Neckwarmer knit up in an alpaca / wool bulky blend by Blue Sky Alpacas. The button was found in a bagged assortment I found at a local thrift shop - I like how it mimics the stitch pattern. This project will be leaving me soon as part of a gift, but I plan to make another one for me.
I gave it a little steam to flatten it a bit before taking the photo - that's a little bit of heaven, warm wool / alpaca around your neck! Like pajamas right out of the dryer! Just about makes up for the burnt tongue I just got on my hot chocolate because I am to impatient for it to cool. Stay warm and dry if you are where the weather is nasty today and tomorrow. Let your hot chocolate cool!!
1.28.2011
A New Doll
Last fall I spotted this Scrappy Doll and little soxxy dress patterns on fpea's blog. I was quite taken with both and thought that I would knit one up for Lorelai after the holidays. I am quite pleased to share that I followed through on that notion (January isn't even done yet!) and the doll is 100% complete. Lorelai has really taken a turn towards playing with dolls in general and babies - she sits them in her old Bumbo seat, puts them on the potty, feeds them, and so on, so the timing is pretty good.
The actual knitting of the doll took only a few days. The felting worked out pretty well, however, I forgot that white yarn does not shrink all that much, so this doll has a large head (for her big brain of course!). I did ask Lorelai what color dress the doll should have as well as what color hair. Her answer for both was "Rainbow". Hrm, well, a little stash diving brought up the perfect options for both. She is a bit Punky Brewster and a bit Rainbow Brite, just like Lorelai.
Embroidering the face was the hardest part for me. Making the hair was probably the most fun. I followed the tutorial linked in the pattern, no problem!
All my yarn details are part of the Ravelry project page.
When I gave her the doll I asked her what the doll's name was - after a pause, she said "Clara, she's a ballerina". Possibly, she still has "The Nutcracker" on the brain or it could be from Brontorina. She said she liked the ballerina dress. That was unintentional - but I will take it. Everything else around here lately has been named Cinderella / Snow White / Sleeping Beauty.
The actual knitting of the doll took only a few days. The felting worked out pretty well, however, I forgot that white yarn does not shrink all that much, so this doll has a large head (for her big brain of course!). I did ask Lorelai what color dress the doll should have as well as what color hair. Her answer for both was "Rainbow". Hrm, well, a little stash diving brought up the perfect options for both. She is a bit Punky Brewster and a bit Rainbow Brite, just like Lorelai.
Embroidering the face was the hardest part for me. Making the hair was probably the most fun. I followed the tutorial linked in the pattern, no problem!
All my yarn details are part of the Ravelry project page.
When I gave her the doll I asked her what the doll's name was - after a pause, she said "Clara, she's a ballerina". Possibly, she still has "The Nutcracker" on the brain or it could be from Brontorina. She said she liked the ballerina dress. That was unintentional - but I will take it. Everything else around here lately has been named Cinderella / Snow White / Sleeping Beauty.
Winner
#10 is the winner of the Seventh Generation prize pack - Janet, congrats! I've emailed you already - hope to hear from you soon!!
1.26.2011
A giveaway! (non-knitting)
Aside from all the other projects I try to cram in on snow days is catching up on laundry. MyBlogSpark a while back offered me the opportunity to check out some laundry products from Seventh Generation. I was very excited about it - I try to do as little harm to the environment as possible and avoid unnecessary chemicals while I'm at it. But did you know that the laundry detergent you may be using could contain little-known chemicals called optical brighteners? According to scientific research, these can cause allergic reactions, are toxic to small fish and other aquatic life, and can pollute your waterways. That doesn't sit so well with me - all 3 of us have quite sensitive skin anyway - especially in wintertime. And living in an area surrounded by wetlands, our house uses well water and we're not far from the ocean, I don't want to contribute to pollution.
When ultraviolet light hits optical brighteners coating your clothing, the brighteners convert UV rays into visible light to create an optical illusion. This tricks the eye into thinking the clothing is whiter and brighter, and therefore cleaner than it really is.
So how can you avoid these optical brighteners? Seventh Generation makes it easy because their laundry detergents are not only free of optical brighteners, but they´re also non-toxic . In addition, because Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergents are both hypo-allergenic and biodegradable, you can rest easy knowing you made a considerate choice for your family and the environment. MyBlogSpark allowed me to conduct my own experiment to see the difference between your current laundry detergent and Seventh Generation laundry detergent.
When washed in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners, clothes appear to glow under a black light. When you use Seventh Generation liquid laundry products, you won´t see the same glow on your clothing.
Here are two identical organic cotton shirts before washing:
Here are the two shirts after washing (one in a conventional laundry detergent and the other in Seventh Generation laundry detergent which does not use optical brighteners)
Hm. They look the same to me...So apparently my regular laundry detergent doesn't have the optical brighteners? I held the blacklight at all sorts of angles to get it even on both shirts. I don't know for sure, but I would believe that it probably has more not so nice chemicals in it than Seventh Generation! For comparison - here's the test photo that was sent to me from MyBlogSpark / Seventh Generation:
Interesting, huh? I have to say - I like that you really only need to use a little bit of the Seventh Generation detergent because it is concentrated. And the dryer sheets seemed to work just as well as the regular ones (even if they look a little different). My clothes are clean and soft, no perfume-y smell, and there's been no skin sensitivity noticed.
Want to win your own prize pack of Seventh Generation products?
Leave me a comment about a laundry tip or your biggest laundry disaster by Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1:00 am - and I'll have the random number generator pick a winner. (Yes, that says 1 am - I want to contact the winner first thing when I get up and get their info to BlogSpark / Seventh Generation!) Make sure there's a way for me to contact you - I will need to submit your mailing address so you can get your prize. Also, if you click Here you should be able to get a $1 off coupon for Seventh Generation laundry products!
For more information about Seventh Generation laundry products, please visit www.seventhgeneration.com/no-glow, or sign up for their newsletter at http://www.seventhgeneration.com/community. Be sure to visit Seventh Generation on Facebook and on Twitter to "Like" and "Follow", so that you can keep up with the latest news from Seventh Generation.
Full Disclosure: The prize packs and information were all given to you from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.
When ultraviolet light hits optical brighteners coating your clothing, the brighteners convert UV rays into visible light to create an optical illusion. This tricks the eye into thinking the clothing is whiter and brighter, and therefore cleaner than it really is.
So how can you avoid these optical brighteners? Seventh Generation makes it easy because their laundry detergents are not only free of optical brighteners, but they´re also non-toxic . In addition, because Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergents are both hypo-allergenic and biodegradable, you can rest easy knowing you made a considerate choice for your family and the environment. MyBlogSpark allowed me to conduct my own experiment to see the difference between your current laundry detergent and Seventh Generation laundry detergent.
When washed in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners, clothes appear to glow under a black light. When you use Seventh Generation liquid laundry products, you won´t see the same glow on your clothing.
Here are two identical organic cotton shirts before washing:
Here are the two shirts after washing (one in a conventional laundry detergent and the other in Seventh Generation laundry detergent which does not use optical brighteners)
Hm. They look the same to me...So apparently my regular laundry detergent doesn't have the optical brighteners? I held the blacklight at all sorts of angles to get it even on both shirts. I don't know for sure, but I would believe that it probably has more not so nice chemicals in it than Seventh Generation! For comparison - here's the test photo that was sent to me from MyBlogSpark / Seventh Generation:
Interesting, huh? I have to say - I like that you really only need to use a little bit of the Seventh Generation detergent because it is concentrated. And the dryer sheets seemed to work just as well as the regular ones (even if they look a little different). My clothes are clean and soft, no perfume-y smell, and there's been no skin sensitivity noticed.
Want to win your own prize pack of Seventh Generation products?
Leave me a comment about a laundry tip or your biggest laundry disaster by Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1:00 am - and I'll have the random number generator pick a winner. (Yes, that says 1 am - I want to contact the winner first thing when I get up and get their info to BlogSpark / Seventh Generation!) Make sure there's a way for me to contact you - I will need to submit your mailing address so you can get your prize. Also, if you click Here you should be able to get a $1 off coupon for Seventh Generation laundry products!
For more information about Seventh Generation laundry products, please visit www.seventhgeneration.com/no-glow, or sign up for their newsletter at http://www.seventhgeneration.com/community. Be sure to visit Seventh Generation on Facebook and on Twitter to "Like" and "Follow", so that you can keep up with the latest news from Seventh Generation.
Full Disclosure: The prize packs and information were all given to you from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.
1.22.2011
A different sort of groan.
Way back, like in 2006, I participated in a KAL for "Fans of the Lime and Violet Podcast can show their colors with Lisa Souza Lime & Violet sock yarn. The projects are as varied as Lime & Violet's audience -- the common thread is the awesome yarn." I remember that I worked on these socks on my way up to Maine for a friend's wedding. What I don't remember is what I was thinking when I finished up the second sock - it was about 4 inches too short on the foot! At the time it was only good for a dachshund nose-warmer.
I have size 9 feet. This was not my first pair of socks! I was so annoyed with myself that I stuck the socks in a drawer and let them sit there. One of my knitting goals for the year is to knit up socks. I took a deep breath, ripped out the toe, carefully got all the stitches back on to dpns and got back to it.
The pattern at one point was called "Blue Bonnet", but I found it in Ravelry as Linen Toes. Linen stitch is quite awesome for those wildly colored sock yarns. I love how it worked with this particular hand-dyed yarn and striped. However, when I finished this one, I noticed something else that made me groan.
The way the pooling happened here it looks like I spilled bleach on part of my foot. In the end it does not matter - no one is really going to see that part when I have my shoes on. I got into the rhythm of knitting and did not notice until the end. I really did not want to rip and redo again, so I will live with it. I have not worn handknit socks in a while and yesterday after I took that photo I did not take them off. I even slept in them, so cozy! It has given me back a bit of sock mojo and I am looking forward to working another pair soon.
I have size 9 feet. This was not my first pair of socks! I was so annoyed with myself that I stuck the socks in a drawer and let them sit there. One of my knitting goals for the year is to knit up socks. I took a deep breath, ripped out the toe, carefully got all the stitches back on to dpns and got back to it.
The pattern at one point was called "Blue Bonnet", but I found it in Ravelry as Linen Toes. Linen stitch is quite awesome for those wildly colored sock yarns. I love how it worked with this particular hand-dyed yarn and striped. However, when I finished this one, I noticed something else that made me groan.
The way the pooling happened here it looks like I spilled bleach on part of my foot. In the end it does not matter - no one is really going to see that part when I have my shoes on. I got into the rhythm of knitting and did not notice until the end. I really did not want to rip and redo again, so I will live with it. I have not worn handknit socks in a while and yesterday after I took that photo I did not take them off. I even slept in them, so cozy! It has given me back a bit of sock mojo and I am looking forward to working another pair soon.
1.20.2011
Things I Can't Stop Thinking About
(a.k.a. Brain Dump)
1. Pinterest - my newest online obsession. It's a "social catalog to collect and share things you love" - so when you are blog surfing or catalog shopping and you come across a picture / color combo / project / whatever that you love and adore you "Pin it" to your pinboard. So much better for me than trying to keep track of bookmarks or even pages torn out of magazines. You can request an invite (or let me know your email I can invite you). No big surprise I am nutmegknitter on there as well and you can see the things I have pinned.
2. Single space or double space after a period? I was taught in typing class and college to have the double space following a period. After reading this article and finding out that the double space is wrong it is really messing with my head. I tend to write my blog without too much editing - it is how I talk / how I think / and it's not being graded, so why should this bother me? I have no idea but I am trying to break the habit. (It's hard!)
3. Thing-A-Day. I think I already have the hang of doing something creative each day, but this sort of challenge really intrigues me. Thanks to pinterest, I can see that I already have a handful of projects that would pretty much be ready to go. Many of them are likely to be one afternoon type projects, so it could work. I am trying to decide if I want to just be generally creative and better at documenting those creative acts for the thing-a-day (then I could fall back on a variety of projects: I could knit / crochet / cook / take a picture / etc) or if I want to narrow the focus: one week on photography / crochet / cooking / sewing? Decisions. No matter what it is way more fun than dedicating 30 minutes a day to cleaning or decluttering (which also needs doing. That is probably a whole other challenge.)
1. Pinterest - my newest online obsession. It's a "social catalog to collect and share things you love" - so when you are blog surfing or catalog shopping and you come across a picture / color combo / project / whatever that you love and adore you "Pin it" to your pinboard. So much better for me than trying to keep track of bookmarks or even pages torn out of magazines. You can request an invite (or let me know your email I can invite you). No big surprise I am nutmegknitter on there as well and you can see the things I have pinned.
2. Single space or double space after a period? I was taught in typing class and college to have the double space following a period. After reading this article and finding out that the double space is wrong it is really messing with my head. I tend to write my blog without too much editing - it is how I talk / how I think / and it's not being graded, so why should this bother me? I have no idea but I am trying to break the habit. (It's hard!)
3. Thing-A-Day. I think I already have the hang of doing something creative each day, but this sort of challenge really intrigues me. Thanks to pinterest, I can see that I already have a handful of projects that would pretty much be ready to go. Many of them are likely to be one afternoon type projects, so it could work. I am trying to decide if I want to just be generally creative and better at documenting those creative acts for the thing-a-day (then I could fall back on a variety of projects: I could knit / crochet / cook / take a picture / etc) or if I want to narrow the focus: one week on photography / crochet / cooking / sewing? Decisions. No matter what it is way more fun than dedicating 30 minutes a day to cleaning or decluttering (which also needs doing. That is probably a whole other challenge.)
1.19.2011
Flittens for the win!
Yesterday, even among the drips (which, thankfully, have slowed back down to one drip today), I finished my first true 2011 object. All the knitting was done this year. Matchgirl (Pattern #0706) by Dolce Handknits.
I think I was most taken with the way the top and bottom cuffs echo each other - the bottom scalloping edge is achieved through knitting, the top uses crochet.
(bottom)
(top)
These flittens have a nice length to them - I think the final measurement is about 9 inches. Makes for a tricky self-photo.
Ack! Creepy spider hand!
My secret is....I've still haven't taken down my Christmas cards!
These were a great, low-key, quick knit. I have not knit with a novelty yarn in a while and I expected more trouble from the sequins. It was only a minor issue when it came to weaving in ends really. I had purchased three balls of this yarn, Rozetti Yarns "Polaris" in "Cloud Dancer". I used a whopping 0.61grams of one-skein. Color me impressed. I'm considering my options for what to do with the remaining 2.4 skeins! Currently I'm thinking about Chinook Scarf or Simple Things.
I think I was most taken with the way the top and bottom cuffs echo each other - the bottom scalloping edge is achieved through knitting, the top uses crochet.
(bottom)
(top)
These flittens have a nice length to them - I think the final measurement is about 9 inches. Makes for a tricky self-photo.
Ack! Creepy spider hand!
My secret is....I've still haven't taken down my Christmas cards!
These were a great, low-key, quick knit. I have not knit with a novelty yarn in a while and I expected more trouble from the sequins. It was only a minor issue when it came to weaving in ends really. I had purchased three balls of this yarn, Rozetti Yarns "Polaris" in "Cloud Dancer". I used a whopping 0.61grams of one-skein. Color me impressed. I'm considering my options for what to do with the remaining 2.4 skeins! Currently I'm thinking about Chinook Scarf or Simple Things.
1.18.2011
Distracted
Today started out as the perfect day for a new project. I've been toying around with something I spied online somewhere and wanted to look into it more today - as well as get the instructions for some other projects. The problem with everything being digital these days? When there is an internet outage (thanks, Comcast) I can't do anything I wanted to do. Grr. Obviously I managed and the internet is connected once again. However, a second problem presented itself. Yesterday we noticed a leak in one of our windows - there is so much snow and ice the water has no place to go when it does melt a bit, and it's coming inside. Today we've had awful (perfect-new-project) weather - a bit of snow, and a lot of freezing rain / sleet. So today I've had a constant drip drip drip soundtrack and pots to keep an eye on.
Not good for projects. I have switched these pots out actually for a big ol true value 5-gallon bucket (I think, it might be 10-gallon) and the new water-canner I got for Christmas. Hoping to cut down on the splatter. This is beyond infuriating.
So, some levity is needed. A cousin gave the Lorax a box of princess dress-up clothes. The Princesses. Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Another cousin gave her a microphone. Ladies and gentlemen, the princesses have landed.
We have spent the last week or so rotating among the costumes - she wears them constantly. The dialogue (mostly one-sided, from her.) "Mommy what does Snow White say?" Um... I think she says someday my prince will come. "Ok".... "Mommy I want to be Cinderella" Ok. "Mommy, sing the song *Cinderelly! Cinderelly! Clean the dishes! Sweep the floors!"
I've shown her only a handful of minutes of you tube video clips of cinderella (the mice singing) - gotta try and track down the dvd. More to come on the princesses and the "Thank-goodness-I-have-a-WIP-with-a-hard-copy-pattern-already-printed-out" project that I did finish today.
Not good for projects. I have switched these pots out actually for a big ol true value 5-gallon bucket (I think, it might be 10-gallon) and the new water-canner I got for Christmas. Hoping to cut down on the splatter. This is beyond infuriating.
So, some levity is needed. A cousin gave the Lorax a box of princess dress-up clothes. The Princesses. Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Another cousin gave her a microphone. Ladies and gentlemen, the princesses have landed.
We have spent the last week or so rotating among the costumes - she wears them constantly. The dialogue (mostly one-sided, from her.) "Mommy what does Snow White say?" Um... I think she says someday my prince will come. "Ok".... "Mommy I want to be Cinderella" Ok. "Mommy, sing the song *Cinderelly! Cinderelly! Clean the dishes! Sweep the floors!"
I've shown her only a handful of minutes of you tube video clips of cinderella (the mice singing) - gotta try and track down the dvd. More to come on the princesses and the "Thank-goodness-I-have-a-WIP-with-a-hard-copy-pattern-already-printed-out" project that I did finish today.
1.13.2011
That's a lot of snow.
Phrase of the day around here on Wednesday - That's a lot of snow. I think one of us said it at least once an hour. I am one of those people that generally does not mind snow. I live in New England. It gets cold in the winter. Part of the New England charm is the snow (and it makes the cold worthwhile!) The snow event yesterday really was impressive - those flakes just kept on coming all day long! Even Dan's work closed and that never happens!
The kids watching Dan shovel so that Jackson wouldn't be lost in the snow when he went out.
I think we got around 18 inches of snow. A stack of several dachshunds, at least. A plus side of the cold and snow is that Jackson's potty breaks are real quick!
This is Jackson's ideal - snug in a blanket. Just add a human lap for more warmth and he's in heaven!
I curled up too and though it would be a perfect day to be buried under wool while working on a blanket or sweater, instead I had this at my side:
A new WIP - Matchgirl - a pair of flittens for me. The yarn is Rozetti Yarns "Polaris" and it has sparkly sequins in it. I spotted a shop sample of these flittens in the yarn and was sold! I didn't want to even try to wind up this yarn on my ball winder so it was a perfect project to christen my new yarn bowl (a present from my brother and sister-in-law!) and it's perfect!
So today the great dig-out commences - be careful out there!
The kids watching Dan shovel so that Jackson wouldn't be lost in the snow when he went out.
I think we got around 18 inches of snow. A stack of several dachshunds, at least. A plus side of the cold and snow is that Jackson's potty breaks are real quick!
This is Jackson's ideal - snug in a blanket. Just add a human lap for more warmth and he's in heaven!
I curled up too and though it would be a perfect day to be buried under wool while working on a blanket or sweater, instead I had this at my side:
A new WIP - Matchgirl - a pair of flittens for me. The yarn is Rozetti Yarns "Polaris" and it has sparkly sequins in it. I spotted a shop sample of these flittens in the yarn and was sold! I didn't want to even try to wind up this yarn on my ball winder so it was a perfect project to christen my new yarn bowl (a present from my brother and sister-in-law!) and it's perfect!
So today the great dig-out commences - be careful out there!
1.06.2011
First FO
This was started in 2010, but was finished up yesterday. Presenting Cloud Chaser by Indigirl Amy Swenson, knit up as a sample for Lorna's Laces (to be shown at the TNNA Winter Show happening this weekend!)
(Gah, the photos came out less than stellar - apologies. I should know better.) This was knit in "Honor" an alpaca - silk blend. The colorway is "Patina". The pattern construction is really interesting - I didn't realize it at first, but essentially this is a one-piece garment - you knit the back, then each side is done by picking up stitches and casting on more. Then you pick up for the collar - resulting in one big rectangle. I had trouble finding my rhythm with these cables and that slowed me down a bit. I wove in ends and blocked this last night, snapped a few quick pictures this morning and then had to overnight it to California! Phew!
I knit the small size and it fit me, though I'm not sure it's my style.
Sides:
Front (If I knit this for me, I think I would like to find a funky pin and wear it overlapping to close it a bit...)
Satisfying to say that I've already got a finished project under my belt, but I am disappointed in myself that it came down to the wire. I already feel behind on 2011 and we aren't even a full week in!
(Gah, the photos came out less than stellar - apologies. I should know better.) This was knit in "Honor" an alpaca - silk blend. The colorway is "Patina". The pattern construction is really interesting - I didn't realize it at first, but essentially this is a one-piece garment - you knit the back, then each side is done by picking up stitches and casting on more. Then you pick up for the collar - resulting in one big rectangle. I had trouble finding my rhythm with these cables and that slowed me down a bit. I wove in ends and blocked this last night, snapped a few quick pictures this morning and then had to overnight it to California! Phew!
I knit the small size and it fit me, though I'm not sure it's my style.
Sides:
Front (If I knit this for me, I think I would like to find a funky pin and wear it overlapping to close it a bit...)
Satisfying to say that I've already got a finished project under my belt, but I am disappointed in myself that it came down to the wire. I already feel behind on 2011 and we aren't even a full week in!
1.01.2011
1.1.11
Hello 2011. 2010 was a pretty good year on the whole - we weren't thrown too many loops and there were a lot of good times and laughter. I am easing into 2011 and my thoughts for the new year are a bit scattered - there is so much that I hope to do (and I hope works out) and probably just not enough time. Nevertheless, knitting and crochet-wise, I did complete quite a lot in 2010 - 84 things That breaks down to: 6 socks, 1 pencil, 2 pair of mittens, 1 lump of coal, 3 neckwarmers, 1 Puppy sweater, 3 sweaters for me, 2 scarves, 2 sweaters for Jackson, 16 hats, 2 sweaters for Lorelai, 1 lace blanket, 2 capelets, 1 bird in a nest, 1 owl hair clip, 1 butterfly ring, 1 caution cone, 1 kerchief, 2 dishcloths, 1 shawl, 3 baby sweaters, 1 mini mountain, 1 headband, 1 afghan, 1 pigeon, 1 potholder, 2 pairs baby shoes, 1 seahorse, 2 shrugs, 2 hearts, 2 sample sweaters, 4 blanket squares, 9 acorns) Phew!!
And certainly I am not stopping anytime soon. As I thought about what I would like to accomplish in the next 12 months I was inspired by words written by other knit bloggers: LazyKnitsAndPurls and WifeMomKnitter...
Things that May (or May Not) happen in 2011 -
**Knit socks. I'm still trying to figure out my own personal sock club. I have 6 socks that only one of the pair is done. So this year I really am aiming to knit up those other 6 socks. I haven't been wearing my handknit socks this winter as I am scared about wearing them out as I know I have so few left in the sock drawer!! I also want to knit Dan a new pair of socks. And I would like to alternate the knitting of a mate with knitting a complete new pair - so I am trying to decide if I will follow along with one of the sock groups on ravelry or just work from the sock pattern books that I have. I'm still trying to figure out if I am better off just group the projects / yarns together in one spot or if I should package them up for a surprise each month or so.
**Knit from my pattern books! I have a pretty good library now and if the whole reason I bought the book was for the patterns, I should make use of that!
**Knit from the stash. Goes without saying I think - I have a lovely stash and need to get it on the needles. Between my library and my queue, certainly I can find *something* I would like to knit with yarn I already have! Once I finish up 2 samples that I am working on first up is likely to be any of the following:
Scrappy Doll for Lorelai, Granny Stripes blanket for me, baby gifts, and assorted little things: Sheldon turtle, snowflakes, hearts...
**Sewing. I got a little more comfortable with my sewing machine this year - I look forward to doing more with it.
**Creative stuff with Lorelai - I want to do more with her preschool-wise. I think she could benefit by some school-type activities - so much of our time is go with the flow (and that is important) but she is such a smart little girl, I think she could handle some activities I have seen on different homeschool sites. I am not planning on homeschooling at all, but she's not in day care or preschool (gotta be potty trained!) where she would get some of that exposure. I am hoping that a lead on a job comes through and if it does, I'll be able to afford sending her to "school" for a few half days each week. We'll see. It would also give us something else to do! I feel like we're in a rut!
**Continue to de-clutter and organize. Ever present need for me.
**Relax. Be flexible. Get the garden in on time.
Cheers!
And certainly I am not stopping anytime soon. As I thought about what I would like to accomplish in the next 12 months I was inspired by words written by other knit bloggers: LazyKnitsAndPurls and WifeMomKnitter...
Things that May (or May Not) happen in 2011 -
**Knit socks. I'm still trying to figure out my own personal sock club. I have 6 socks that only one of the pair is done. So this year I really am aiming to knit up those other 6 socks. I haven't been wearing my handknit socks this winter as I am scared about wearing them out as I know I have so few left in the sock drawer!! I also want to knit Dan a new pair of socks. And I would like to alternate the knitting of a mate with knitting a complete new pair - so I am trying to decide if I will follow along with one of the sock groups on ravelry or just work from the sock pattern books that I have. I'm still trying to figure out if I am better off just group the projects / yarns together in one spot or if I should package them up for a surprise each month or so.
**Knit from my pattern books! I have a pretty good library now and if the whole reason I bought the book was for the patterns, I should make use of that!
**Knit from the stash. Goes without saying I think - I have a lovely stash and need to get it on the needles. Between my library and my queue, certainly I can find *something* I would like to knit with yarn I already have! Once I finish up 2 samples that I am working on first up is likely to be any of the following:
Scrappy Doll for Lorelai, Granny Stripes blanket for me, baby gifts, and assorted little things: Sheldon turtle, snowflakes, hearts...
**Sewing. I got a little more comfortable with my sewing machine this year - I look forward to doing more with it.
**Creative stuff with Lorelai - I want to do more with her preschool-wise. I think she could benefit by some school-type activities - so much of our time is go with the flow (and that is important) but she is such a smart little girl, I think she could handle some activities I have seen on different homeschool sites. I am not planning on homeschooling at all, but she's not in day care or preschool (gotta be potty trained!) where she would get some of that exposure. I am hoping that a lead on a job comes through and if it does, I'll be able to afford sending her to "school" for a few half days each week. We'll see. It would also give us something else to do! I feel like we're in a rut!
**Continue to de-clutter and organize. Ever present need for me.
**Relax. Be flexible. Get the garden in on time.
Cheers!
12.27.2010
Two More!
Given that much of the gift knitting was done and then put aside, my pictures are all over the place. Today I found another photo on my phone that I should have posted yesterday and I was finally able to snap the last knitted gift today!
For my brother's girlfriend I made a little pencil - she's an elementary school teacher. Of course the Lorax wanted it to try out.
I can certainly see making more of these in the future.
Over the last several weeks the Lorax has been taking the knit dishcloths that are all over our house and "dressing up Puppy". Poor puppy, having to wear dishcloths! Santa was kind enough to bring a present for puppy (and I think that really sealed the deal for L!) - a new sweater!
For my brother's girlfriend I made a little pencil - she's an elementary school teacher. Of course the Lorax wanted it to try out.
I can certainly see making more of these in the future.
Over the last several weeks the Lorax has been taking the knit dishcloths that are all over our house and "dressing up Puppy". Poor puppy, having to wear dishcloths! Santa was kind enough to bring a present for puppy (and I think that really sealed the deal for L!) - a new sweater!
12.25.2010
Holiday Hangover
Ahh. December 26. A day I look forward to especially since we have had the Lorax and have a Christmas marathon starting on Christmas Eve through Christmas night for the last 4 years. We travel to see family - and there is a lot of family to see. This year was probably the best yet - the Lorax is excited to see everyone, is social too (as she puts it "I'm going to go talk to some people") and is independent enough that we can let her roam about our location without too much worry. It was a very nice Christmas and we are so blessed to have such a generous family.
And I can finally post about some things that I made for gifts!
A Koolhaas hat for my youngest brother - I love this pattern though it took me several attempts to find my rhythm with the cables. Eventually I will make myself a hat like this. It is so cozy!
A lump of coal (pattern is on the knitpicks website) for my older younger brother, who one year as a kid actually did get coal in his stocking!
A pair of "Bella's Mittens" for my cousin. I had made this pattern earlier in the year as a sample for a class and loved them. I wish I could wear these - they are warm and snug just they way you would like them to be - however, with the lorax I find I do often need use of my fingers, so I don't do mittens too often. My cousin seemed to like them - she's a college kid - so I hope that she does get a lot of use out of them on campus.
Ok, so this isn't knit, it's sewn felt, and it's BACON! :) This was made for Dan and is just so cute and silly I had to make it as soon as I saw it online. I tend to take photos involving Jackson when he's been asleep because then he is quite compliant - seems like many photos lately have all caught him yawning!
And now I can look forward to non-gift knitting. I have several personal projects ready to go, two different samples that I hope to tell you about soon, and I'm considering a create-my-own-sock-club-thing, but that is still uncertain / in the works. Still need to deal with the Christmas aftermath. And I was lucky to receive a few knitting related gifts that I look forward to sharing here on the blog and putting to good use asap. Along with my new snow boots - apparently there is a big storm coming our way today / Monday! We will probably postpone picking Jackson up from his vacation until Tuesday or so due to the storm. He is so missed! The Lorax has been talking up building a snowman for a long time so some snow would be quite nice!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
And I can finally post about some things that I made for gifts!
A Koolhaas hat for my youngest brother - I love this pattern though it took me several attempts to find my rhythm with the cables. Eventually I will make myself a hat like this. It is so cozy!
A lump of coal (pattern is on the knitpicks website) for my older younger brother, who one year as a kid actually did get coal in his stocking!
A pair of "Bella's Mittens" for my cousin. I had made this pattern earlier in the year as a sample for a class and loved them. I wish I could wear these - they are warm and snug just they way you would like them to be - however, with the lorax I find I do often need use of my fingers, so I don't do mittens too often. My cousin seemed to like them - she's a college kid - so I hope that she does get a lot of use out of them on campus.
Ok, so this isn't knit, it's sewn felt, and it's BACON! :) This was made for Dan and is just so cute and silly I had to make it as soon as I saw it online. I tend to take photos involving Jackson when he's been asleep because then he is quite compliant - seems like many photos lately have all caught him yawning!
And now I can look forward to non-gift knitting. I have several personal projects ready to go, two different samples that I hope to tell you about soon, and I'm considering a create-my-own-sock-club-thing, but that is still uncertain / in the works. Still need to deal with the Christmas aftermath. And I was lucky to receive a few knitting related gifts that I look forward to sharing here on the blog and putting to good use asap. Along with my new snow boots - apparently there is a big storm coming our way today / Monday! We will probably postpone picking Jackson up from his vacation until Tuesday or so due to the storm. He is so missed! The Lorax has been talking up building a snowman for a long time so some snow would be quite nice!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
12.23.2010
Christmas Wishes
The hustle and bustle are in full swing - I think it is going to be a very exciting Christmas - one that certainly will go by all too fast. If you can, try and slow down and enjoy the good stuff. Things like:
Enjoying a good viewing of The Yule Log (while it lasts - apparently our "Free On Demand" subscription to the Comcast Yule Log has run out?! Makes no sense to me, but we got to see a little bit of it!Anyway.)
Have a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Homemade if possible. Need a recipe? I mixed up the hot chocolate mix from Under the Table and Dreaming for gifts along with marshmallows from Our Best Bites. Of course I had to sample to make sure it would work for gifts - delish!
Thank an elf! Isn't this great? My local apple orchard / farm market, Bishop's, posted on Facebook yesterday that "Buddy the Elf" was working there! On a whim, we stopped in this morning and asked one of the people working if they had seen Buddy. They said he was around and went into the back to find him. He came out and was adorable. I think Lorelai didn't know what to make of him - she was quite shy, but she did give him a high five. When we got home she found our DVD of "Elf" and said "This is who was saw at Bishop's". Gotta love local businesses!!
Looking forward to posting after Christmas when I can finally blog about things I've been knitting - the recipients do sometimes come across my blog and I didn't want to risk any spoilers! Merry Christmas!!
Enjoying a good viewing of The Yule Log (while it lasts - apparently our "Free On Demand" subscription to the Comcast Yule Log has run out?! Makes no sense to me, but we got to see a little bit of it!Anyway.)
Have a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Homemade if possible. Need a recipe? I mixed up the hot chocolate mix from Under the Table and Dreaming for gifts along with marshmallows from Our Best Bites. Of course I had to sample to make sure it would work for gifts - delish!
Thank an elf! Isn't this great? My local apple orchard / farm market, Bishop's, posted on Facebook yesterday that "Buddy the Elf" was working there! On a whim, we stopped in this morning and asked one of the people working if they had seen Buddy. They said he was around and went into the back to find him. He came out and was adorable. I think Lorelai didn't know what to make of him - she was quite shy, but she did give him a high five. When we got home she found our DVD of "Elf" and said "This is who was saw at Bishop's". Gotta love local businesses!!
Looking forward to posting after Christmas when I can finally blog about things I've been knitting - the recipients do sometimes come across my blog and I didn't want to risk any spoilers! Merry Christmas!!
12.14.2010
"Best" and Best Christmas Presents
I was just talking about the Best Christmas presents ever with my MIL the other night at dinner - and then today I read WifeMomKnitter's post about her "Best" presents (cringe worthy!). It got me thinking - Great blog fodder!!
Starting with the Best. The true best gifts ever - two immediately stand out in my memory - the year Santa brought my Cabbage Patch Kid, Garnett Lenore (oy. What a name. Side story - maybe I've shared this before? My uncle used to tease me as a kid that "Garnett Lenore would so become Coleslaw" and I was totally clueless until high school when I finally realized that coleslaw is made from cabbage.) And the year Santa brought a Care Bear - Cheer Bear. Each year those were the specific items I really really hoped Santa would bring and they were left under the tree - unwrapped! so they were the first things I spotted on Christmas morning. I have been pretty lucky with the gifts overall - one year my husband bought me cashmere yarn! What a guy!
The "Best" present that stands out? One year there was an aunt who glued a picture of my face onto a little wooden doll - the sort of thing you would find at a craft-sale / church bazaar. I don't know what she was thinking. I was in my late teens, so it just seemed odd. Certainly there are other gifts that were swiftly donated / regifted / swapped away as Bad Santas... clothes that aren't me, knick-knacks that seem so odd, the random items that make it obvious that the gift giver doesn't know you. And now that I'm a grown-up I can pretty much get the things I want and I don't need more things (though I do like my stuff. no question there. De-cluttering is going to be huge again in 2011.)
Speaking of gifts I should get on wrapping the items that are piling up around the house. And weave in the ends on some projects (and photograph said projects!). I always think there is more knitting time for all the things I want to do - or that I knit faster than I really do. Something needs to be done about that!!
Starting with the Best. The true best gifts ever - two immediately stand out in my memory - the year Santa brought my Cabbage Patch Kid, Garnett Lenore (oy. What a name. Side story - maybe I've shared this before? My uncle used to tease me as a kid that "Garnett Lenore would so become Coleslaw" and I was totally clueless until high school when I finally realized that coleslaw is made from cabbage.) And the year Santa brought a Care Bear - Cheer Bear. Each year those were the specific items I really really hoped Santa would bring and they were left under the tree - unwrapped! so they were the first things I spotted on Christmas morning. I have been pretty lucky with the gifts overall - one year my husband bought me cashmere yarn! What a guy!
The "Best" present that stands out? One year there was an aunt who glued a picture of my face onto a little wooden doll - the sort of thing you would find at a craft-sale / church bazaar. I don't know what she was thinking. I was in my late teens, so it just seemed odd. Certainly there are other gifts that were swiftly donated / regifted / swapped away as Bad Santas... clothes that aren't me, knick-knacks that seem so odd, the random items that make it obvious that the gift giver doesn't know you. And now that I'm a grown-up I can pretty much get the things I want and I don't need more things (though I do like my stuff. no question there. De-cluttering is going to be huge again in 2011.)
Speaking of gifts I should get on wrapping the items that are piling up around the house. And weave in the ends on some projects (and photograph said projects!). I always think there is more knitting time for all the things I want to do - or that I knit faster than I really do. Something needs to be done about that!!
12.08.2010
Photo Cards
There was a surprise photo card in the mail today from my mom. Vintage 1984 "Greetings" from the Children. Circa 1984 - my brothers (who were 3.5 and 6 months) and I (6 and a half). I don't think we've changed one bit.
Wedding shoes
(Nearly Wordless Wednesday)
Found my wedding shoes while cleaning out a closet. Gave them to the Lorax to play with - "Mama, I love your wedding shoes!" :)
Found my wedding shoes while cleaning out a closet. Gave them to the Lorax to play with - "Mama, I love your wedding shoes!" :)
12.05.2010
Family Photo
Lazy Sunday. Putting up the Christmas Tree. Good photo opportunity. Of course, when using the self-timer on the camera it is a good idea to take a lot of photos to be sure you get a good one. And then you can also be surprised at what you get. This is my favorite photo - not a perfect shot of our family, but a fun one. Jackson was yawning, not trying to snap at the kid!
12.01.2010
Older, Wiser and Way More Active
Yesterday was the Lorax's 3rd Birthday!
We had a jam packed day. Dance class, a coffee break and then a stop at the toy store - she had been given some birthday money and bought some stickers and a Hello Kitty facecloth. A quick trip the library and run around outside. Phew.
My mom came by later with presents from other family members - one of which was this polka dot skirt that she immediately put on (and plans to wear today).
Dinner was spaghetti, her favorite, and I made cake. I think by the time we got to dessert it was all just too much - she didn't want to blow out the candle on her cake - so she enjoyed the sprinkle donut my mom brought earlier.
Happy Birthday to You! Keep on Smiling!
We had a jam packed day. Dance class, a coffee break and then a stop at the toy store - she had been given some birthday money and bought some stickers and a Hello Kitty facecloth. A quick trip the library and run around outside. Phew.
My mom came by later with presents from other family members - one of which was this polka dot skirt that she immediately put on (and plans to wear today).
Dinner was spaghetti, her favorite, and I made cake. I think by the time we got to dessert it was all just too much - she didn't want to blow out the candle on her cake - so she enjoyed the sprinkle donut my mom brought earlier.
Happy Birthday to You! Keep on Smiling!
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