Oh, hey there!

A new zippered case for Libby's colored pencils because, well, because she asked for one.
A new zippered pouch for me because, well, because I can never remember how to sew a zipper and when I googled it I found this great tutorial. (I broke three needles trying to sew in that zipper.)
A stack of new fabric for a quilt for each of the boys because, well, because I saw the one Larissa made for her son and my Charlie has been asking for new "covers" for years. AND because Larissa puts together some of the best tutorials around.

Wow. I had no idea that my last post would elicit such a response. I am overwhelmed with your kind, sweet, thoughtful words! I knew how much you all "get" life. I also know, that you all know, that my life is not "perfect". Nobody's life is. However, everyone has a slice of perfect in every. single. day. It's all about finding the simple pleasure in the simple moments.

I have been blogging for about 3.5 years. In that time, I have received one comment that could possibly be considered ill spirited. You remember? And that one really made me giggle. Cause it simply stated the truth. My blog is full of headless photos and cookie shots.

Choosing buttons can be a tricky game. Leather buttons can be too heavy. Thrifted buttons can only come in singles or pairs. (Not good when you need three.) Grandmothers buttons can be the perfect vintage button but not the right size. And when you are bound and determined to use what you have... this takes time.

Glazed Lemon Cookies. Two ways. Half the batch iced, the other half plain for the crazy non-lemon lovers in the house. Kerstin made them, and I knew I had to give them a go. They really are perfect if you have any non-lemon lovers in your home, as the lemon is only in the icing. I think they would be perfect for an Easter dessert. (But if you ask me, as far as lemon cookies go, nothing beats a lemony snicket.)
I like when things sit in my knitting bag for two weeks. (Yes, start to finish, two weeks.)
As opposed to two years. (Well, going on two years. And I have no plans of finishing this in the near future.)

(mirror, mirror)
(just a minute)
I know, she is getting so big. However, I have to remember to rejoice in the fact that at twelve, she is still a little girl. She is only going to get bigger, which is a beautiful thing, too.

If I had a farm...
I'm thinking that is pretty much the perfect name.

I decided that I really don't like to do giveaways. Not that I won't, I absolutely will do more. It's just that, I truly would like everyone to win a book. I honestly feel badly for those who don't win. So sorry!

Nicky Epstein's "Knitted Flowers" and "Crochet Flowers" books are now available in paperback. I haven't spent much time embellishing projects or items, but these books sure make me want to. Both books have infinite possibilities for embellishing garments and home accessories. I would love to make a pillow for Libby's room (sew) and embellish it with some sweet cord blooms or lazy daisy flowers. (I am pretty certain she would love that, too.)

I wanted to get over here all day Friday. Didn't happen. And since then, have made more progress on Heron with very little knitting. Cause on size 11 needles, this thing practically knits itself.
LOVE the construction of this. Sort of reminds me of the empire waist cardigan, with the top of the sweater worked in one piece.
And the bottom peplum worked separately. In the end, there is very little seaming. Joy!
This was last weeks cookie that I had on my mind ever since I saw Tara's photo. Chewy Coconut Cookies. Obviously you have to like coconut. A hit with two out of three of my kids. They were fabulous and we felt as if they brought a little tropical flare to our days. A good thing during this time of the year.

I haven't had the opportunity to meet that many bloggers in "real" life. So, you can only imagine how super excited I was to meet Barb and Heather and hang with them at Knit One. Keana and I have been wanting for that to happen for a pretty long time. It was so much fun, I wish we could have sat there for days knitting and talking. Next time, Keana and I are traveling to see them. Very, very soon.
And guess what? Heather brought me something she KNIT! You can only imagine how thrilled I was. I mean, how often does a knitter get a knit gift? Not often. My mom has made me things in the past. But not for a very long time. Melana made me a gorgeous scarf. (That I wear a lot.) Other than that, this was it. I was speechless. Well, not really. I think I said thank you a bunch, maybe even fought back a tear or two. Even stalked her on the phone on her way home to thank her again.

It was all about the yarn.
And, knitting with my new friend, Leslie.
My friend, Keana.
All in my favorite yarn shop.
While at home, my new sweater arrived in the mail.

I read Abby's post, saw these cookies, and the next thing you know I was in the kitchen making them. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. If you are like me, you can get started now. Instead of making them giant, I made them "normal" size. And, I did them as a slice and bake, cause I pretty much love making cookies that way. Cut off a few. Sure. Cut off many. Sure. Cut off the ends and eat the dough. Absolutely.
I recently purchased a jar of vanilla sugar (vanilla beans mixed with sugar! genius!) from penzeys spices. Sprinkled it on the top. They were so good. Will definitely be making these again. And again. And again.
Libby's new girly mitts designed by the very talented, Ali. Libby loves them and I loved making them. Go ahead, see if you can find a "girly" and yarn in your stash. (My "girly", age 12, was almost too big for this pattern.)
Of course, Libby didn't want cookies after school. Instead she wanted a bagel. With cream cheese and jam. I wanted pics of the mitts I made for my friend, Noreen. Uh oh. Sort of dangerous to photograph them with that food. But they made it through. Completely unharmed. I LOVE this pattern. For both mitts I used cascade 220.

It was one of those weekends. Where the beauty was all around and the skiing was fantastic. Where fires where made as well as hot cocoa. Where the knitting needles clanked in the morning over coffee and in the evening over wine. And now, I am ready for it all to go away. For the snow to melt and the flowers to bloom. I would be happy to put the skis away until next year. Yep, I'm ready for spring.
At the beginning of February, I made a mental list of projects I wanted to complete. Mostly knitting for others. However, on that list was my kusha kusha habu scarf that I started last february. I told myself that I was not going to let myself cast on for anything, for myself, until that was finished. And then I really thought about it. And I decided that I really didn't want to work on that project. Why knit on something you don't want to? Life is way to short. And there are SO many things I want to make.

I knew of someone that would love a thorpe. So, I made her one. I know you've seen this pattern a bunch, but I just had to show this color combo. I love it so. I think this yarn is perfect for this project. (Priced right, too.) Color combo: Admiral and Tree Frog.
There has been a lot of baking going on around here. I think I could make chocolate chip cookies in my sleep. I wonder if I will ever forget the recipe.

I've had the knit 2 together book for quite sometime, loving many patterns in there but never making a single one. Until now, that is.
The santa cruz hoodie. It looks a little big here, but I actually made it to fit a one year old.
I forgot how much I loved knitting little knits. Little knits on big needles out of really wonderful yarn. And I hope the little guy that will be wearing this plays ALL spring in it. And eats a lot of messy foods. And hides tiny treasures in the front pocket. Maybe even a half eaten cookie. Cause his mommy can throw it into the washer and the dryer. Perfect.
I loved the look Abi gave her tags, so I antiqued a few, too.

This unexpected February break (the kids did not go to school one day last week....nope...not one) kept us very busy around here. Doing important things like drawing with jello in the snow.

Just wanted to let you know that Sarah is hosting her winter olympics again. I'm not sure if I will be participating, as I have a bunch of little projects I want to finish this month... my own personal challenge... but I do love a personal challenge. (2 more inches before midnight?) The challenge: start a new project during opening ceremonies on the 12th and have it finished by closing ceremonies on the 28th. And, if you are already participating in the ravelympics, you can easily join in with Sarah. Plus, Sarah is offering a chance to win a gift card to be used in her shop. Bonus.

21.1" is fun outside...
and inside.

I received a comment this week that said, "Interesting blog. I'll come back whenever I am in the mood for headless portraits and cookie pics". I laughed out loud!
I am SO happy this sweater is finished. I mentioned the finishing being a major problem for me with this project. I actually think that I would have mentally preferred if the shawl collar would have been in a category all to itself. You know what I mean? Because, by the time I make it to the FINISHING section of a pattern, I feel as if I am nearly finished. Not that I have another week (at least) to invest in a project. I know you know what I mean.