Vero Beach, Florida to be exact. We are leaving tomorrow to go to my parents home in Florida, and won't be home until April 11th. The children have spring break for one week, and we are extending the trip a little. We have to take advantage of elementary school. It will only get harder to take them out of school. Their teachers have given us some things to work on, which is great. Libby and I can both act like teachers! We feel that spending time with grandparents is a learning experience in itself. Something to be treasured.

Namaste bag. I had a fun swap with Scout back in February. I got to choose something from her shop, and with so many great things it took me a while to decide. I finally chose the Namaste Bag, and am I ever happy! I am in LOVE with this bag! It has a lot of pockets for all of your "stuff". I especially love the fabric inside. Not only will I love using this bag for my everyday knitting bag, I think it will be a great travel bag. I can't wait to "stuff" it! Thanks Scout!

Book Bag.

First off, I want to give you an update on my dilemma with my hair stylist. I saw him this morning. When I walked in he said "Can you believe this, about two weeks after I called you, the snow melted and I found my glove next to where I always park my car"! I was totally prepared to give them to him for his tip. This sort of threw a wrench in my whole plan. I thought, do I have time to "post" so i can re-ask my fellow bloggers what to do? :) Knowing I was on my own with this one, I decided to give them to his hip, new assistant that was totally in love with them. They were her tip. She did wash my hair! The best part of this story is that my stylist told me that when he found the glove it was completely mangled. He washed it and it was as good as new. Hooray for Cascade 220, superwash! I chose the cookie of the week this week. They are my all time favorite, and the recipe was given to me from my good friend, Jennifer. They have been in her family for years. The kids love them also, without the nuts.

Ranger Cookies (UPDATED 4/17)
2 cups flour
1 cup shortening 1
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 TBLS vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup Oatmeal
2 cups Total
1 cup walnuts (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
Bake 350 for 10 minutes.

I'm not sure, but I think that these constitute for a good breakfast, for adults. They do have Total cereal, oatmeal, nuts and raisins!

These two snakes have become fast friends. The one on the right was made for Andrew for his Birthday in November. The one on the left was just made for a friend of ours that is turning five. The pattern is from toys to knit. Honestly, this is such a quick knit I wish I would knit a few to keep in a gift basket so that it would be ready when I needed one. I think it makes a great Birthday gift for any little boy. Unfortunately, I have to separate these two friends this afternoon so that we can deliver it to the Birthday boy.

I folded one in half and sewed it in the seam. I think it adds the finishing touch.

And speaking of friends, I am off to our LYS to meet a new one, Keana, whom I met through this amazing blogosphere! Too fun!

Dashing from Knitty.
You have to love when your husband yells from another room "honey, I thought that we were going to have a photo shoot today". I think that he is really getting into my knitting blog!
Last weekend I decided to bring my car project inside to finish it for project spectrum. Sunne mentioned these on her blog, and I knew I had to make them. Sunne is making them also, so be sure to check back on Sunnelite for finished photos. I love these, and have already cast on for another pair in a chocolate brown. A few modifications where made. Knitting 20 rounds after the 3rd cable instead of 24, and knitting 15 rounds after the thumb instead of the 18. This made them a little shorter.

My coffee table on a very snowy Friday afternoon in March.

Sometimes I think that I may have adult attention deficit disorder when it comes to my knitting. I seem to be jumping from project to project like some little sandpiper trying to dodge the waves. The coffee that I stopped to get on my way home from doing errands probably doesn't help, especially since I have already had a pot. I guess I will have to try to offset it this evening with a little wine.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

First of all, I have to say BLOGGERS ARE THE BEST! I am completely overwhelmed with how many people came to my rescue with my dilemma. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Miss Anonymous, I wish we knew who you were, because the majority of people liked the idea of giving them to him as a tip. Genius idea! I did not drop them off yesterday like I thought I would. I made an appointment for next Friday, so I will have to let you know how it goes and what feels "right". Manise, I don't have any information for you to get the pattern to you, so e-mail me at lesliecla@comcast.net, and I will e-mail it to you. Again guys, THANK YOU!

I am sure like most of you, I always have a small knitting project in the car. I actually drive with my knitting on my lap, and whenever my car comes to a stop, I get a few stitches in. I usually don't carry my bigger projects like my Hanne which is currently giving me fits. I spent last night ripping out a weeks worth of progress! I had a dropped stitch, and with the garter and different color stripes I had no way of fixing this. AGGHHH!

What I am driving and knitting with now, is Dashing. I needed a new project for project spectrum, and had a couple skeins of this grey in my stash. Perfect for dashing. Just a few cables, easy enough for in the car. And since it was so beautiful here yesterday, I was also able to change out my "coffee" holder for a "cold beverage" holder. Pomegranate Izze...my favorite!


Andrew's pick for Cookie of the Week. He chose Gingersnaps. One of our family favorites.

Gingersnaps
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup light molasses
1 beaten egg
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp clove
1/2 tsp ginger
sugar

Cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and egg. Stir in sifted four, salt and soda, cinnamon, clove and ginger. Dough will be soft and a little sticky, roll into walnut-sized balls and roll in sugar. Place on Cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 7-8 minutes.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Okay fellow bloggers, just curious as to what you would do in this certain situation. I made a pair of fingerless gloves for my hair stylist for a Christmas gift. He adored them and told me that he wore them everyday. A short while ago, I received a phone call from him explaining how devastated he was that he lost one. Is there anyway I could make him another pair? "Of course, not a problem!" Then while talking to some friends, the question arose, "how much are you going to charge him?" Hmmm, I didn't think of that, but it would be nice to make a little money. So, let me know what you would do.

A. Don't charge him. It is not like you have anything better to do. The dust on that table can always wait.
B. Don't charge him. You should replace this gift out of the goodness of your heart.
C. Charge him $25. $8 for the yarn, $17 for labor. Your time is valuable and he doesn't give you his services for free. It is not like you lost his glove. You actually pay him quite a bit and tip generously and in the 7 years he has been servicing you he has never even given a free blow dry. (not that you ever even expect it)
D. Ask him to take $25 off the price of your next haircut.
E. Tell him to have a Starbucks waiting for you the next time you come in for a cut.

I am very curious to hear from you. Thank you! :) I plan on delivering those to him tomorrow. Let me know if you want the pattern. I promise, I won't charge you! :)


Over the weekend I finished this hat for a friend who recently had a baby. I think these Debby Ware Hats are too cute. They are either sold as a kit, or you can buy just the pattern and use some of your stash. I just love those curly Q's.

Libby was home from school yesterday. I'm not sure how "sick" she was, maybe just in need of a "mental health day". So, we managed to clean out her closet and drawers, to make room for some spring clothes. I did not make this skirt, it was purchased, but it was her favorite all year. We originally thought of making tissue holders from the fabric, but yesterday she suggested making it into a bag. The fabric is great. I have seen it in reprodepot's collection.

We took the straps off of a old bag that literally had a hole in the bottom and was from the dollar store. They fit perfectly onto the belt loops. As soon as we were finished Libby said she wanted to use it as her knitting bag. A girl after my own heart.

Enjoy your weekend!

I know it is hard to think of spring when it is still snowing and we are still experiencing 2 hour delays, but I am trying.

I made this bunny yesterday for Libby's Easter basket. We leave for Florida on the 29th and will celebrate Easter there at my parents. Therefore, I am trying to get a few things accomplished early. The pattern is from Wee Wonderfuls and can be found here. I actually put the eyes on the back side of the bunny (whoops) and couldn't get the nose and mouth right, so he will be mouth less and nose less! I had been coveting that Lilly Pulitzer fabric for years, I think seven! I only had scraps left and knew one day I could use it for something. She used to sell her fabric and then stopped. They may have started again, I'm not sure. I think I will use the brown denim that I have to make each of the boys one.

It was Libby's choice this week for the cookie. I am sure you are surprised she chose something with a flower! I don't usually like fruity cookies, but these are delicious. Light and flaky too. I also don't like cookie cutters (too much time) but wouldn't these be so cute for a spring party, or Easter brunch?

Raspberry Blossoms
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of whipping cream
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp raspberry extract
a few drops of pink food coloring

Filling
2 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 TBLS milk
1/2 tsp raspberry extract

Combine butter, sugar, whipping cream, extract, blend until creamy, add flour and extract. Chill until firm.
Heat oven to 375. On a well floured surface, roll out dough, cut with cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet, sprinkle with sugar. Bake 5-8 minutes...Do not brown. Cool completely.
Beat ingredients for filling, and fill when completely cool.......

I also got set up with my Bloglines yesterday. Wow, thanks to Kerstin for the help and motivation! What was taking me so long?! I was actually checking every ones blogs daily! Now something will tell me when you post? How awesome is that? If you haven't done it, get it done!

I finally finished the socks for the boys. They love them. I actually think that they have had them on since Saturday, and Charlie wore his to school today. I tried to convince them that I should wash them today, but when Charlie insisted that he wear them again, I figured, why not?
I promise I will wash them tonight!
I did a basic pattern, casting on 52 stitches. And because Andrews legs are a little more muscular than Charlie's, I made them both the same size. However, they are actually a little big around his leg. He doesn't seem to mind the slouchy look. The yarn is Cerrillos Mine by Scout, and it was wonderful to work with. Loved the pattern of the stripes.
I'll leave you with a picture of where I stayed Friday night. These were old horse stables built in 1912, that were converted into cottages. My friends in-laws own one, and since it is only 1 1/2 hours from our homes, we decided to make a girls trip out of it. There were four of us, and we had an amazing time. We drank delicious wine::exchanged party favors(gifts)::enjoyed take out from our favorite restaurant::danced and sang like rock stars::had conversations that solved all of the worlds problems::drank more delicious wine::laughed until our stomachs and faces hurt::drank more wine::took a midnight walk::laughed and drank more::slept in::drank lots of coffee::enjoyed fresh fruit and zucchini bread::took an amazing hike::noticed the small pleasures that usually go unnoticed::indulged in burnt almond torte from our favorite bakery::drove home chatting happily! Combined we have 13 children, so it was just what we needed to refuel our engines!

Larissa's pattern for the Meathead hat is great. It is easy, comes in two sizes, is done in a bulky yarn and on size 15 needles. This hat will literally take you about 1 1/2 hours to make.

Larissa had a knitalong that I participated in back in November. There were a few rules to follow: embellish your hat in your own way, and place the embellishment by the left ear. She then would pick 18 to put in her book that she is publishing about knitalongs. I made two hats, one of which was chosen for the book. It is green, embellished with an orange felt butterfly, and can be seen here. The other one was not chosen, so I took off the flower embellishment and attached the Hershey Kiss streamer. (so Andrew could wear it) Honestly the sky is the limit here with how it could be embellished. Pom-poms, streamers, tassels, beads, you name it. Make it in any color for project spectrum.

Larissa is asking for our help. She has a friend that suffered a terrible tragedy. She has made this pattern available to us before her book comes out for $4.50 with proceeds going to her friend and her children. I bought the pattern and will also buy a pattern for the first person that leaves me a comment telling me they would like it. It will be e-mailed to you from Larissa.

So, if you can, buy the pattern, make a meathead for you or someone else, and kiss your loved ones!

I drink my coffee black. But recently started putting half and half in my afternoon coffee. However, I don't like it cold, right out of the refrigerator. I like it to be room temperate. Our room temperature in the winter is cold.....64 degrees. (that is why I need to knit so many sweaters :) ) So, I pour some half and half into a cup and leave it out for a while before I make my coffee. ( I guess I do have a lot of quirks!) The only cream and sugar container I have is our fancy Chrystal one from our wedding and I don't like using it. So, I have been looking for a new cream and sugar. Well, yesterday, I popped into my local thrift store and look what I found! I was thrilled. They were marked .99 cents each. When I got to the register to buy them the woman told me they were 1/2 off! .99 cents total! How awesome was that? I love them and the avocado green is a total throw back from the 70's.

These are my favorite sweaters.
I made this one in 2005.


I made this one in 2006.


They are both Hanne Falkenberg designs. Her ballerina, swinger jacket. They are knit completely in garter stitch, all in one piece, on size 3 needles. I must tell you her patterns are pretty confusing. The key is to always read ahead. My mother made one before me, so she sort of paved the way. (my mother is currently making her 5th Hanne, all of different designs) I am the kind of girl, that will buy 5 of the same article of clothing because I like it. I LOVE this jacket, therefore, I need more than two, right? I also tend to knit sweater coats for myself instead of sweaters. I feel that you can wear them so much more. And with all of the time and money invested, it makes it worth it.


The new one will be made out of these two colors. Ballerina 10 , kakhi, ivory, however, it is definitely green.
So, this is my new big project that I plan on having completed for the spring. I better go brew some more coffee and get started!

Stop the insanity! Soon I will be speaking at a support group. I, am addicted to aprons. My family thinks that I have gone mad. All of course for the other girl of the house. We now think of aprons as an accessory to our favorite outfit. Sort of like a new necklace or bracelet. (good thing the weather is going to break soon)
I was in the fabric store not too long ago and walked by this fabric. I remembered that Erin had mentioned, Tie One On, and decided to play along. The rule was hearts.

Andrews pick this week. He chose candy topped brownies. I tried to get him to come up with something different, because I think boxed brownies are just as good. But nothing else looked good to him. In the picture we have of this cookie, they have all different colors of M&M's. He wanted only brown. We didn't have any brown, and since this is his second day home from school (sick) I haven't been to the grocery store. I convinced him into red/white, his school colors. And after I put them on this plate, he said it looked like a tic tac toe board. So that is what we did, played tic tac toe. He was kisses, I was hugs. Winner gets to eat one.

Contemplating his next move.

Now who would let a sick little boy loose?

Hmmm, maybe he is not so sick after all.

Candy Topped Brownies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup chocolate flavored syrup
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Frosting:1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup candy coated chips to decorate
Heat oven to 350, lightly grease baking pan, set aside, in large bowl, combine sugar butter, and beat at med speed until light and fluffy, add syrup, eggs and vanilla, beat until well blended add flour, beat until well blended, stir in chips.
Spread evenly in pan. bake for 35 min or until done. cool completely.
In saucepan combine butter, sugar and milk, bring to a boil stirring frequently, boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, add chips stir until smooth, spread over brownies, decorate.

Now I am off to give my little guy more kisses and hugs.

The messenger bag is finally completed and am I ever happy. It was so much more work than I thought. The knitting part was done fairly quickly, however the rest of the details took a lot of time.

On the inside of the strap a ribbon was sewn to keep it from stretching. The belt sliders were impossible to find, so I dug an old bag out of storage and cut them off a strap. (pretty resourceful)

The inside lining is apparently optional, however I think that it is a must. Otherwise the bag is very saggy, and who likes a saggy bottom? I found a sturdy brown denim to match the ribbon.

I can't even begin to tell you how much Libby loves it! She filled it immediately and wore it around the house the entire weekend, continuously opening and closing the flap.

Off to school. The happiness that it brought to her makes it worth all of the work!

The skinny on the messenger bag:
Pattern: Greetings from Knit Cafe
I made a couple of modifications: They had a guitar motif, I charted out
a flower. I also made a couple of changes to the size of the bottom.
Yarn: Rowan Denim. I used stash and new. I liked the way it looks like my favorite
pair of jeans.
Needles: Size 5

This beauty has graced my night stand for many years.
My husband can't stand her. How could he not like her?!

Can't you just see her wheels spinning? ...if I knit for 3 more hours I can finish this sweater, and then start the green sweater, and by the weekend move on to the socks, and hmmm when can I start that one? o.k. I will stay up really late tonight and be able to finish that.....and where did I put that other yarn?
Oh and guess what...she actually whistles!

I did finish the messenger bag. It is currently staining my washing machine blue. (The yarn really bleeds). I don't think that I am going to like it. I think that there is a mistake in the pattern, but when I called Knit Cafe (yes, I actually called them to ask) they said that pattern didn't have any mistakes. Hmmmm, I don't know if I believe them.
Hopefully I will have pictures to post soon.
Have a great weekend everyone!

I am a closet blogger.

I made this "we call them pirates" hat for my friend Michelle, whom I love dearly. Today is her Birthday. Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Until recently, Michelle was my only friend who knew about my blog. Of course my entire family knows about it, and some of their close friends, but for the most part, I have kept this private. By writing this blog it totally forces me to step outside of my comfort zone. It inspires me to try new things (I hate that darn tubular cast on) and reading many of your blogs are what is my source of inspiration. For some reason, I haven't told my friends. Believe me, I'm not flattering myself by thinking everyone who knows me would even want to read my knitting blog. Many of my friends don't even know what a blog is. I have this vision of telling my friends, and the look of confusion on their faces...."Blog, what? You mean you take pictures of your knitting, baking, sewing, kids body parts, doors, and put it on the Internet? What for???" Those are the people who don't know about my obsessive, compulsive need to create. They would totally accept it, I just don't think that they would "get it". So, I have avoided it all together. This blog is my little spot that says I was here, I did this, I loved these, I felt that. I also love that my kids can look back on a small memoir of our lives.

Please, let me know, are you a closet blogger, or have you come out? Maybe I am just more comfortable with other people, who feel the same need to create, knowing about me.:)

And if you haven't seen this hat before,I doubt it, here is the skinny:
Pattern: We Call Them Pirates
Yarn I used: Debbie Bliss, Baby Cashmerino, 1 ball black, 1 ball white
Size 3 needles

B.H. Thanks for "getting it", and I hope that you will visit often. :)

Not much knitting happened last weekend.

We did however complete our valentines.......all 68 of them!!! We also had 1 valentine box to make and one to revamp. It was quite the scene....craft central!

We also got around to painting the doors inside our home. We had new doors installed almost 2 years ago! (YIKES) The downstairs doors where painted however we never got around to painting the upstairs doors. (I always said that I would, but knitting is so much more fun)! They were sort of grayish, and I think we just got used to it. They didn't seem to bother us. But, they sure look so much better white!

Libby's choice this week. I tried to get her to choose some kind of Valentine themed cookies, but she wanted nothing to do with that. She chose Peppermint Bon Bons. The kids all loved them. They are not too pepper minty, not too chocolaty. This is a keeper for us.

Peppermint Bon Bons
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup veg shortening
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
2 cups powdered sugar
2-4 Tablespoons whipping cream ( i used 5!)
2 Tablespoons butter or marg, softened
2 drops green food coloring
Beat first 7 ingredients until smooth, add flour soda and salt. Chill 3-4 hours until firm. Roll into balls.
Bake at 350 for 10-14 minutes.......Spread frosting when completely cool.

I am determined to finish the messenger bag this week, so hopefully I will have pictures to post soon.