Four winners. Four names. Chosen from the random number generator.

#30: Megan

#209: Johnida

#79: tnthomas1

#122: LynnlL (ravelry)

Congrats! Please e-mail me with your address so that the book can get to you ASAP.

I'm using size 11 needles instead of the recommended 10.5. Simply because I frantically searched for my 10.5's and they never showed their pretty points.

I know I said I love August, and I do. I just love September so much more. My absolute favorite month of the entire year.

Guess what? Two of the greatest books are now available in paperback.

Nicky Epstein's knitting beyond the edge is filled with just that. All those edge stitches that make a piece look so lovely. More than 150 edging embellishments for cuffs, collars, angles, corners, closures and necklines.
Knit Simple Knitting Workshops is composed of step by step directions for dozens of knitting techniques that can help you through any of your knitting binds. An extremely helpful resource to have around.

I have two of each of the books to giveaway. If interested, leave a comment here before Monday the 5th at noon, and the random number generator will choose 4 names. If you have a preference, please let me know, I will try to accommodate.

Enjoy your long weekend.

(Still waiting for a delivery. I have a good feeling it is coming today.)

(You can see it, too, right?)

There was in impromptu visit from sisters and other family members.
Sweet treats were bought at the bakery. (Except for my chocolate chip cookies.)
The first day of school went off without a hitch. (Except for the fact that Andrew got lost, in his new school, at least 16 times.)

School starts for us on Wednesday. Our table will look like this for a couple of weeks. Constant reminders for the new school year.
"be a leader."

Trust yourself. Do the right thing.
"be yourself. everyone else is taken."

There is only one you. Shine on!
"pay attention."

Always be present. Focus on the now.
"if you think you can or can't you are right."

I think this is my personal favorite. The power of the mind and positive thinking.

We recently put together some more sets of the chalkboard place mats. You can get yours here. 

Have a beautiful day!

Upon returning, after filling my coffee cup, this is what I found:
I guess Trouble was pretty happy I didn't use that contrasting color. She could have it all to herself.

Trouble really fits in here quite well. She likes yarn, too.
A baby hat for a friend.

Out of this same book.

Using this same yarn.

I have one more on the needles. And then I am casting on for this.

Have a beautiful day!

My sister, Lisa's, liquid sunshine recipe:

3 huge handfuls of kale :: 4 romaine leaves :: 3-4 stalks celery :: slice of ginger :: 1 whole peeled cucumber :: 1 pear. Add the cucumber last. It adds all the water. Sometimes she likes to add a kiwi for a little extra zing. Yummo!

The second one is that we wear lounge pants in public. (shhhhh.)

We don't always dress alike. Actually, don't ever dress alike is more like it. However, I made her, her very own linen lounge pants and told her she had to wear them for a photo, so I could show you. (You should have seen the kids faces. Sometimes it's just down right fun to embarrass them.)

So, make some lounge pants in a washable linen. Use the salvage edge as the bottom. It's all frayed and cool. And call it a pair of linen pants. Done. Finished. Easy peasy. Super comfy.

Have a beautiful Friday!

In the round Cardigan. (Thank you, kathy b. I couldn't find the link to this one.)

Girl Friday Cardi and Breezy Cardigan. (Ness! I can see why you could live in the girl friday cardi. Thank you. I love that stitch pattern. I think the breezy cardigan looks pretty livable, too.)

Eve's Rib, Twist Vine Cardigan, Knit Swirl. Carol Sunday. Where have I been? I have seen Acorns (cute!), but got totally sidetracked over on her site. SO many beautiful knits. (Thank you knittin brit in wi. Oh, a cashmere/merino blend sounds lovely! And the Knit swirl...swoon. )

New England Knits. (Oh, Erin. I seriously need to spend some time with that book! Thank you.)

Aidez, again. (I think this must be a favorite, Peggy. Thank you. And I think you should begin immediately. You can do it!)

Mountain View. (Thank you, Kathy. Really love all the detail in this one.)

Sullivan Cardigan, again. (This must be one of the Wool Peoples favorite. Thank you, Ty. Hope the heat wave passes soon. Beth, have you cast on for it yet?)

Harvest Moon by Heidi Kirrmaier. (Thank you, Kathleen. I think Heidi is one of my new favorite designer. Such beautiful patterns.)

Larch Cardigan (Thank you, Jeanie and Linda. This one does catch my eye. Like I mentioned, I do love an a-line.)

Jingu and Santos from Berroco. (Thank you, Tricia! I know, I feel the same way. Can't beat wearing a cardigan.)

Moshup by Norah Gaughan. (Fast and cute. The perfect combo! Thank you, littlebitsheepish.)

Abigail Cardigan (Thank you Proud Mama. SO cute. Cast on today!)

Opposite Pole by Joji. (Tracy! That is beyond cute. Love that it is seamless. Beautiful work, Joji, again!)

Lily Cardigan. (Thank you, kellsshells. Love, love, love that little picot edging.)

Okay. Thanks so much for all your input. I truly think there is a pattern for all of us in those! Get busy choosing yours. I'll let you know what I choose soon. I have some narrowing down to do.

I have gone through all the cardigan patterns you shared. They are so good, I have to share them with you.
Dividing them and linking half today and half tomorrow. I think that will be easier for all of us.

Hopefully you will find a new one to make, too!
Norah Gaughan's new pattern booklet. (Thank you, Jess. I love Aeneas, too. Such delicious cables!)

Cassidy by Bonne Marie Burns from Chic Knits. (Thank you, Geri. I really like how fitted this one is.)

Effortless Cardigan by Hahhah Fettig and Quintet by Melissa Wehle. (Thank you, Mandy. They remind me of the slouchy, too! Love those stripes.)

Vitamin D (Thank you MadMad. Hurry up and finish yours so I can see! What color? I love that mustard.)

Perry from Brooklyn Tweed Wool People collection. (Suzanne! Oh how I love it! Thank you! Did you cast on for it yet?)

Levenwick from Wool People and Aidez by Cirilla Rose and Common Ground by Elizabeth Smith. (Barb T, Thank you. They all pique my fancy!)

Pecan Crush and Ardara by Carol Feller's. (Thank you, Cathy. I have a crush on Ardara!)

Heidi Kirrmaiers designs. (Thank you, Maryse. SO many great cardi's there. I have always loved Peasy.)

Aidez has another vote. (Thank you rosieplichta. I think I am in love with that sweater. Please let me know if you write up a pattern for the Siena Cardigan from Sundance!)

Faux Circle Jacket (Thank you, Peppermint Mocha Mama! I love those different stitches.)

Snowbird by Heidi Kirrmaier. (Jan! Thank you. That looks like something I would live in!)

Sullivan by Brooklyn Tweed Wool People Collection. (Thank you, Sarah. That looks like a very wearable cardigan. And could that photo shoot be any cuter! )

Larch Cardigan by Amy Christoffers. (Thank you, Margaux. I really love that a-line shaping.)

Okay. Have fun going through those. I sure did.

See you tomorrow.

How much better could it get.

Seriously. A big giant thank you for all your input. I can't wait to get started on one.

Happy August days to you.

xx,

leslie

They are the perfect portable project. Out of the same book. Using the same yarn.

Looking for a sweater pattern for me. For the fall. Any suggestions?

(P.S. I like cardigans.)

I really liked this pattern (Lace Motif Cardigan out of this book) and adore the finished sweater. Again, a little detail is just enough to keep it interesting. I made the size 6 months. The pattern called for 3 balls of Cascade 220 Superwash (where was that yummy yarn when my children were babies!) however, I only used 2 balls. Actually, less than 2. (Color 914A.)

Just wait till you see what I'm finishing up to go with it. (Not going to bed until I do.)

# 68, Tracey (Tbmccarthy on ravelry ), you are headed to the movies!

Please email me with your address and I will make sure your fandango gift card, T-shirt and notebook land in your hands.

Oscar® winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts reunite for a dramatic comedy about how the hard knocks from today’s recession inspire one everyday guy to undergo a personal reinvention: Larry Crowne.

Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne (Hanks) was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he’s worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts, also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves…often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband.

The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live.

Want to see it? Me too! Guess what?

Universal Pictures would like to give away one, $25 Fandango Gift Card to see Larry Crowne & a Larry Crown t-shirt and notebook, to one of my readers!

So, if interested, please leave a comment before 12pm EST on Monday the 18th and I'll have the random number generator choose a name.

Have a beautiful weekend.

hug often think of others before yourself Do Your Jobs The Easiest Way Is Usually Not The Best Way Treat One Another the Way You Would Like to Be Treated I ordered this from iloveitall, so many to choose from.

So, read if you would like. I know Ryan would like it. And, if you would like to give him writing advice, feel free. He would love it.

Please, don't let on that us knitters don't knit to save oodles of cash. (We all know how expensive knitting is. I still get those occasional, "Oh, you must save so much money knitting your own sweaters!" remarks. I just politely smile.) We should just keep that our little secret.

The following article was written by Ryan Halston:

The Many Benefits of Clothing Construction

Embarking on the journey to learn how to knit clothing has many great benefits. Not only is it an antiquated craft with a rich tradition, but many aspects that made knitting popular throughout history are still applicable today. Developing the skills to knit or sew can be unbelievably advantageous to improving your life. These skills can save you money, ensure you have control of the materials from start to finish, and save quite a bit of money, not to mention leave you with a prideful feeling of accomplishment.

Knitting is a great way to take time for yourself and develop a connection with the mind and spirit, and has even been scientifically shown to stimulate interaction between the left and right sides of the brain. The coordination between both hands used to knit effectively gets both sides of the brain processing the same or similar information, and can help to provide relief for medical issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, high stress, and even insomnia.

Other extensive benefits of clothing construction through knitting are the amount of money you can save, and the satisfaction and health benefits that come along with knowing exactly what materials have gone into the making of your garments. Though at first it may seem like fabric is more expensive than purchasing a single garment, fabrics can be bought in bulk and ultimately save you money in the long run, not to mention you’ll actually know what has gone into the making of the clothes.

Mass produced clothing is often made from manufactured cottony that is grown and harvested using harmful fertilizers, pesticides and other potentially toxic chemicals. This can be especially concerning for thrift and antique shoppers perusing wares that could even be composed using toxic asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used in a number of products including clothing up until the early 1980’s when the dangers associated with asbestos exposure became more widespread.

Fortunately with the diversity of options in natural clothing materials, as well as having a wide variety of options in styles for the whole family, knitting and clothing construction can really help prevent a lot of associate health issues that can stem from coming in contact with these substances.

Finally, knitting can help you find companionship. It’s really fun to knit, and even more so to knit with others! No matter your location, knitting is such a widespread interested that you’d have to be pretty hard pressed not to find a knitting circle or group to join. These groups are fantastic ways to show off what you know, or just get support from others if you’re just learning the skill.

Though knitting your own clothing may take some more effort than just walking into your favorite store and pulling something off of the rack, the beneficial properties from knitting and clothing construction are well worth the effort. Ensuring you’re not wearing something harmful, saving a bit of cash, and even controlling and developing your own personal style are well worth it.

Big plans to have one last "hoorah!" in my parents home.

The home they built.

The home that became a bit too big.

The home that came a bit too much to take care of.
There were things to organize.

Things to throw away.

Things to pack.

"Treasures" saved.

"Treasures" then thrown away.
"Treasures" pulled out of the garbage and photographed by Libby. (A cake topper that was used on all of our birthday cakes over the years. )

She explained that they are ready for a new adventure.
A new spark in their lives.
We totally dig that.
Happy July!

I'm making a cute little sweater out of this book using that fantastic yarn.

I wanted to mention that Scout's swag is having her customer appreciation sale. 15% off everything through the 30th! Namaste bags, Goknit pouches, (have never owned one of those, I think it is time to change that), magnets, tape measures , clover! sock blockers, oh my. Time to stock up on gifts.

January 27, 2011

I was loving the pure maple syrup candle this winter. (Thank you, Michelle.)

And this morning, was loving having the pure maple syrup on our pancakes! (Thank you, Susy.)

My friend, Betsy, had saved all of her daughters t-shirts from all of her theater performances over the years, with hopes to one day do something with them.
That something ended up being a quilt.