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.

My wonderful friend Michelle always has such great ideas. Her son has a bar mitzvah to attend, and she thought a hand knit yarmulke would make a "lovely little gift". So, she commissioned me to make one.

model: Charlie

This took such a small amount of yarn, that I am sure everyone has stash yarn to use for this project.
Please excuse my ignorance, but how will this stay on a 13 year old? Should I include Bobbi pins in the packaging or are there special clips one would use? Any help here would be greatly appreciated. :)

Here is the skinny on this "lovely little bar mitzvah gift"
Pattern: Greetings from Knit Cafe (be sure to check the pattern corrections)
Yarn: Koigu
Size 3 needles

I love cookies, I always have. And apparently, I am now having some sort of love affair with aprons. Its weird, having never worn an apron before, I now can't seem to cook or bake if not wearing one. Everything seems to look and taste better! And, I definitely dance better while wearing one too! :)

I made Libby and I coordinating ones. She cannot bake without wearing hers either. Isn't it funny how the littlest things make life more fun!

When school started last fall, we began our "cookie of the week" plan. Each week, one child took their turn going through cook books or our recipes and chose a cookie to try. They really loved this, and it made me try some new recipes. However, sometime after Halloween we stopped doing it. I don't know, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, may have had something to do with it. So, in an attempt to get back into the cookie groove, I am going to post our "cookie of the week". Because, cookies and knitting, well that's a good combo too!

This week was Charlies turn, and he chose Snicker doodles. It is my mothers recipe that we have enjoyed for years.

The boys have been asking for their socks. I guess it is time they had a pair too. It really was tough to decide on the colorway from Scout. So many great ones to choose from. They changed their minds several times, but finally decided on this. Too perfect! I am hoping to get two pairs....420 yards.....maybe. A perfect beginning for Project Spectrum, don't you think?
Scouts Swag: Cerrillos Mine
And for Libby, well that girl always knows what she wants. This was a custom order from Scout. I just told her pink/green/yellow, she likes "preppy" This is an absolute perfect colorway for the girl! Look how it even matches her bedroom! Thanks a gazillion Scout!

Scouts Swag: Prepster

How about this yarn for next color triad in project spectrum! Knocking them all off with one project.

It was -3 this morning and I thought there was a 2 hour delay. I had the kids bundled waiting inside the house for the bus which never came. Hmmm, called a friend, school was canceled! What? Oh....I wanted to sit and knit all day....I think I still might.......I have to cover those toes!

I love having a laundry chute. When you don't see the dirty laundry you must not have any. However, when I rounded the corner in the basement this morning this is what I saw!!!! Ahhhh, shoot!!! What in the ##@@#@#@#** have I been doing???? O.k. you don't have to answer that!!!!

No knitting today........well maybe a little during the Super Bowl!!
Happy Super Bowl Sunday to all.........

Loved this project!

Honestly, if you haven't made these endpaper mitts, you should. They were such a quick knit, and very easy. I used Palette from Knit Picks in Lemon and Wood. You really can't beat the price. With shipping, I think they cost about $6.oo!! How great is that!

I got these daisy's (my favorite flower) to help me with the sunshine. We won't be seeing it for the next few days as it is forecasted to snow all weekend, and get Wicked cold! Good for me!

This family will be hunkering down, popping popcorn and watching movies. I of course will be getting started on my We Call Them Pirates Hat that I need to have completed by the 14th. (not a problem!) :)

It is a day in a women's life that she never forgets. I think every woman probably remembers where they were and what they were doing when they got "it".
My friends daughter recently became a woman and I wanted to get her something for her "special" day. Her big dilemma is where to keep them when she goes to school. (My socks always worked well). I thought a makeup bag, but this girl doesn't wear a stitch of makeup. I then thought that perhaps I could knit her something to store them in. Hmmmm, no, a little hokey for a 13 year old. I needed to come up with something that could be thrown into her backpack that could be disguised for something else. So, this is what I settled on. If someone sees it they would think it is an eyeglass case. However, peek inside and you will see it is a little more:

I found the flower (yo-yo)tutorial on Heathers blog, and can be found here. I thought it added a little youthfulness.

And the chocolate, well I'm sure that she will have a craving soon!
Now, maybe I should come up with a pattern to knit one. :)

hot pink, special ordered carpet for daughters room, $---.00
chocolate brown uggs, for me, $---.00
the sight of your hand knit socks, laying on the floor, matching both, PRICELESS!
Some Things Money Can't Buy!

It is so true. We all know how much good yarn costs, and the amount of time that goes into knitting something. There are those that think we are crazy to make something when you can buy it for a lot less. (then there are those that think that we save money by making these things HA!) But, those are the people that don't know the rewarding feeling we get when we see or wear our special things. You can't buy that feeling!

I made these socks back in the fall. I first saw them on Alicia's blog, fell in love with them, and had to make them. As it turned out the colorway was discontinued! AHHH! My mother was on the phone for 2 days, calling every yarn store in the country that sold Skacel products looking for it. She did indeed find some. Thanks mom! I am still in love with this colorway and these socks!

I am dreaming of sunshine. It is not that I don't like these grey days, I do. I am actually the type of person that welcomes all types of weather. (The weather channel used to be my favorite) When it is raining, I say, "I love the rain". When it is snowing, "I love the snow". When it is foggy, "Wow, how awesome is this fog"! When there is hail, "Wow, hail, how cool"! And of course, when it is sunny, "Wow, I love sunny days"! However, when it is grey and cold I tend to forget a basic necessity, H2O! The other night when I went to sleep, I realized that I hadn't had even a sip of water all day! (I just heard you gasp, Lisa) No, not a sip, not even an ICE CUBE! Sure, I had my coffee and a tea, but not a drop of the good stuff!

So, in an attempt to drink more water and think warm thoughts, I started these Endpaper Mitts by Eunny, in a nice yellow. They are really fun and the color possibilities are endless.

The pattern is so well written and so easy to follow, and can be found here.
That Eunny, how great is she, she has a new pattern in the upcoming Spring Interweave Knits.
Now, go drink a big glass of water and think sunny thoughts!

Can you tell I just got a new camera?

I did a little sewing this past weekend. After seeing gobs of gals (this one in particular) on their blogs, wearing their aprons, it gave me the urge to make one!
Years ago I bought yards of this cherry fabric to make Libby a duvet cover and never got around to it. We both also lost interest in decorating her room with cherries. My sister got me The Apron Book and I decided to break it out.

It really was sew easy!

I just had to post this picture. It cracks me up! Me,in my Uggs, wearing a cherry apron! HA!
Now it is time for me to get acquainted with my new little friend.

Doesn't this remind you a little of soft serve ice cream?!

My hubby needed a baby gift for someone he works with. I completed this over the weekend with very little knitting. I wanted to show a few pictures of how it is knit. When you are knitting it, there seems like no possible way it could be a hat!
The pattern is from Knitting for Peace, and calls for two colors which I have done in the past, but I think it looks just as cute using only one color.


It is knit by increasing on one end and decreasing on the other.


You then pick up along one side for the ribbing. Gather at the top, make a pom-pom and voila! Finished!
Time to go get some ice cream!

and so is this pattern.

The caption in the book Greetings from Knit Cafe reads:
"this is the perfect sweater to wear with your pajamas, especially on the mornings when you have to take the kids to school but don't feel like getting dressed....its the sweater you wear on Sundays curled up with the newspaper or while cutting flowers in your garden on cool mornings."
Wow, I felt like they were talking directly to me! I had to make this, and am I ever glad. I think it is the sweater I will wear daily! I made it out of Classic Elite Charmed. Although a little pricey, (o.k. a lot pricey) it is worth it and is my new favorite! So, so, warm. So, so, cozy, and that is what I am all about. Coziness!

Sorry the light in this photo is way off, I was just so happy the sun was shining!

Here is the skinny:
Slouchy Cardigan Greetings from Knit Cafe
10 balls Classic Elite Charmed, color heathered oatmeal
size US 8 needles
If you decide to make this remember to check out the pattern corrections.

The children have a teacher in service day today, so we are off to the children's museum. I think I will wear my slouchy cardigan! :)
Have a great weekend!

I have returned from my trip and am slowly recuperating! It seemed to go way to fast, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

skiing the back bowls of Vail

Honestly folks, for those of you who live in this amazing part of the country, I am so jealous. There are many wonders of this earth, but Vail is one of my favorites.

the birthday girl, wearing her Camellia, and I

After spending a day, yes just one little day, in Vail, we flew to Las Vegas, and spent the weekend at the Ritz. It is located off of the beaten path, which we liked. (Remember, this was a big 4 0 celebration)
We saw Earth Wind and Fire on Friday night. They are amazing....3 original members!
Saturday we went to the Venetian on a gondola ride. The birthday girl wore her new Camellia sweater, how sweet was that? It looked great, and she loved it....Remember, this is such a quick knit and a great gift idea. O.K., I will stop talking about it. We then changed for dinner at Tao Restaurant. So awesome! It was an amazing trip with 9 girls (we are still girls, right?) I am truly blessed to have her as a friend.

OKAY, AGAIN, WHAT IS UP WITH THIS?
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One of the sweetest things about going away, is what is waiting at home. I returned at 1:30 a.m. and had this on my pillow (drawn by Libby) with freshly cleaned jammies(laid out by my hubby) on my side of the bed. And, in the morning LOTS and LOTS of kisses from the boys. I think I should go away more often!

A last minute thought: from the mouths of Earth, Wind and Fire: Everyday you need to let your feelings show!

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, I am traveling to Colorado to help a dear friend celebrate her big "4-0".

Along with the Camellia, I thought I would make her a korknisse. After drinking her celebratory bottle (o.k., bottles) of wine I will pop one of the corks into the sweater and hat so that she can remember her special day. I originally saw these on Elliphantom when Elli made several for Christmas gifts. I added a little star with a "40", and hope this little guy sits on a shelf and collects 60 years of dust!

They were so fun to make, I decided to make 3 little guys to symbolize my 3 little guys. (2 guys and a gal) :) Sitting at my kitchen window, they really do make me smile. The pattern can be found here.

Libby and I charted out her flowers for her messenger bag, and this is what will be knit on on the plane. Can you imagine an airplane ride without the kiddos? Sounds like quality knitting time to me!
I finished the Slouchy Cardigan, Love it, and will post pictures when I return.

This truly was a quick knit!

The Camellia took about 3 days to knit, I figured 7-8 hours, plus blocking and sewing it together. I was so afraid that it was going to be too short and too tight, that I added some rows to the body. I didn't need to, it blocks unbelievably well! If I make another one I would modify one thing. Instead of making two pieces for the body, I would make one. That way, no seam and less sewing.
I am so happy with how this turned out, and can't wait to hand deliver it to the birthday girl in Vail.
Hopefully she will love it as much as I do.
Here's the Skinny:
Camellia Sweater
5 skeins Classic Elite, Duchess, for size 38
Size 11 needles.
Now I have to think of some creative way to package it!?

This was one of my favorite gifts for Christmas:

I ordered this for myself (from Scout), wrapped it, and put it under the tree. To: honey From: honey. I couldn't wait to unwrap it. Charlie, our 11 year old was excited too. He has always wanted one of these, and I always have told him those places are special to those people. We don't have anywhere that we go all of the time that is special to us. We like to travel around. So, when he saw this his eyes lit up! What does it stand for? SLIP, SLIP, KNIT!!!! His faced turned from excitement to confused and then a big smile. I think he approves. This is what is special to us. :)

The sweater I am wearing is a pre blogger sweater. I LOVE it, and can't tell you how much I wear it. A Classic Elite Pattern, Ruffled Coat, made out of Classic Elite Inca Marl.

I am traveling to Vail to celebrate a friend's birthday. I was discussing what kind of a gift to get her with my sister, Lisa. This is the friend that has everything, very hard to buy for. Lisa suggested making her something. Make her something? I am going there on the 11th! Yes, the eleventh of this month! I then recalled seeing a cute sweater that Cristina made for her very lovely sister. It is the Camellia, and she had mentioned that it was a very quick Knit. So, with the help of Cristina (thank you, Cristina) I was able to get in touch with GlampyreKnits and get the pattern. I started last night, and this is what I completed.

Hmmm...I wasn't sure on the sizing chart. I had this yarn in my stash, love it, and really wanted to use it. However, I only had 375 yards. Do I really think that this will fit? This is the front and the sleeve. See how small next to that apple?
Unless I block the you know what out of it! I guess I will forge on and if it doesn't fit I can give it to Lisa (she is teeny tiny!) and shop for something on the 10th!

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This is what Libby and I did most of last week. Sat around in our jammies(hers where made by her BeBe) and Knit. Libby is making a sweater. I wonder how long this will take her?

We had every intention of going out last night. A party that included children, which is our favorite. But as we were getting ready, my husband started to feel terrible. You know, achy joints, head ache, stomach ache, the whole thing. So much to the children's chagrin, we had a change of plans. After a quick trip to the store for some treats and a couple of movies for the kids, all happiness was restored. We ended up watching Star Wars and Princess Diaries, and eating lots of popcorn and ice cream. Of course my husband did not want any libations so I had to drink my favorite wine alone. It was all good. We stayed up until midnight to toot our noise makers. Of course the children had to have their own little "sleep over" in the den, and you know what that means.......up WAY to early. So needless to say, I have been able to get in some good knitting.