How I Deal

It is the end of January and the snow continues to swirl all around me. I realize that hard part of the cold months are ahead of me. February and March can be tough. In order to keep on the sunny side of life I start to sew for spring and summer. I went to my local fabric store and they ordered me the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt pattern. I am so excited to start sewing. I feel the need to play with some light and bright fabric. I have been drooling at some beautiful fabrics out there.

While I was pattern searching I also began to feel drawn to the Anna Tunic. I love that you can belt the top to give you some shape. I am gal who appreciates not looking like a flour sack.
I think just looking at these light and warm weather patterns helps to feel like the warmth is coming. Now it is time to sew the rewards!

The Fair Isle Experience

My first real experience at Fair Isle knitting was finally completed this weekend. I used a fantastic pattern from Amy King. The pattern used a simple chart that was very easy to read. By using a variegated yarn, the hat looks more intricate than it really is. I think that next time I will knit the larger size for this hat, it seems just a little to snug. I also need to work on my decreasing when knitting Fair Isle, the yarn was carried a little to tight! YIKES! Overall I really liked the pattern and the design. For some reason I don't like the hat on me. I think that the beanie hat style is not in cards right now. I also am not to crazy about the colors on me. Overall I had a very positive knitting experience and I am so happy that I got out of my knitting comfort box to try something new!!

Frogging Mad!

I was so excited at the progress I was making on the Fake Isle Hat! This is my first attempt decent chart knit. Things were going well until I reached the decrease, then I must have gotten a little to zealous. My gauge got way to tight and it became very apparent that it would not work. So I frogged it back to the middle.

In the meantime there are ALWAYS socks on the needles. While the hat yarn rests I can work on some socks tonight while having my feet up and maybe a frosty beverage. With all this cold weather you can never have to many handmade socks around!

Sewing In The Air

While I am heavy into knitting goodness, I cannot help but think about some warm weather sewing. Those simple skirts and tops to get through the warm weather are starting to call my name. I still love my elastic waist skirt and I am thinking that maybe another one would be a good idea. There are some sewing books out there that have peeked my interest......


I think there may be some potential here! I think the need to be surrounded by fresh, fun, and bright fabrics may be just the thing to get through the rest of winter.

photo Reuters/AFP

What are we doing today?? Celebrating a happy day. I am taking the opportunity to teach my children about our government and what an extra special day this is. Yesterday we watched the I Have A Dream Speech by Martin Luther King Jr. and we talked about loving your friends and neighbors. J.D. thinks it is very cool that there will be kids in the White House. "They get to live in a very big house mom!". We talked about how lucky we are to live in country where if you fight hard enough you may have the power to make BIG changes. Dr. King was a big example of that. He fought so hard for the civil right movement and how happy he would be today. While there is still racism out there, this is big step. It makes me so full of hope for my children's generation! So off we go to watch the inauguration and to talk about our government and how it works. Today we celebrate and take the day off from worrying about our economy, war, and global warming. Today we are thinking positive and are hopeful for better day tomorrow. We feel like working a little bit harder to help move forward in the face of hard times.

I like that feeling :D

A Case Of The Monday's

Yup, it is going to be one of those days!! Hope that everyone is starting off on a better note this week.

Crockpot Love

This week we have had so much cold and snow. I have gone into hibernating mode and so I have broken out the crockpot. I have fallen in love with Stephanie's blog A Year Of Crockpotting. I just discovered her site and I have been so geeked about some her amazing recipes. I made the chicken and dumplings (above) and then I could not resist the baked oatmeal (below). Some warm food to help you feel toasty inside and out is just the thing we need around here. I am thinking for the next go around maybe to try her Crockpot Pizza Soup or the Salsa chicken and black bean soup.

It's All About The Guys

Finally I have some knitting news to share!! It has been all about men designers these past couple of weeks. I have completed 2 patterns, each from a wonderful male knitwear designers The first comes from Jared Flood. He was at City Knitting here in G.R. back in November. I knit up his amazing pattern, Turn A Square. It was made for my hubby, who was in need of a nice looking and warm hat for winter.

This was a nice easy knit that looks great! The colors are nice and neutral, while stripes add some interest and style. Try it out TODAY! Jared has several beautiful patterns, I can definitely see more of his stuff being knit in the future.

My next knit comes from from John Brinegar (or Knitboy). I made up the super easy and fun stash buster Fourteen. LOVE how this turned out. Just in time for the Arctic weather we are getting. I got this yarn while visiting my lovely sister in New Hampshire. The heather purple and twist of silk mixed in with the wool makes it oh so lovely.

Nothing feels better then getting some projects completed. Of course now the question that is begging to be answered is "What Next??"

In Need

I have been in need of some inspiration lately. My part-time job in going, well........, let's just say I have seen MUCH better days. The weather is bitter cold, and I feel stuck in creative limbo.

While strolling through blog land I found this very cool site from Amber (Daisy Chain) You choose the color(s) and this site finds images from Flickr. It is so fun. Just follow the link and see what fun colors you can combine and create. Then be inspired by the beautiful images that transpire!! Are you starting to feel better already???

Cake Is Good

I swear I have a knitting post coming! I have been busy working on some new stuff. I just need to get the pics up. In the meantime, we had a busy week getting back into the swing of things. To celebrate our poppa's birthday, the boys and I had some fun in the kitchen.

In the beginning we had a simple cupcake......

Then we dressed it up a bit.

THE END!!!! (Yummy)

Girlie Style

Today was a busy and fun day. The young ones had friends over and they seemed to have a great time! My hubby is gone until later tonight, so for me??? I am having my own girl night. The Sex And The City movie, a little vino, and chocolate. Is there anything better than that for a mid week pick me up?? Only if we get out to our wonderful yarn shop City Knitting tomorrow!! Stay tuned. Oh and there maybe some knitting while the movie is on, but we shall see.....

Winter Break Is Almost Done

Just a couple of shots of some fun we had during the winter break. Tomorrow starts the back to school routine and getting back into the swing of things. Today we are taking it easy. I am hoping to get some crafting in!! Hope that everyone is off to a great new year!!

Happy New Year

What a year it has been!! Lot's of peaks and valley's. The family is all down with severe colds today. I think a run to the store to make bean soup with kale might be helpful! It is yummy and those dark leafy greens are so good for what ale's you!

This year I am NOT going to make resolutions or decide the things that I am going to do. The list would be HUGE!! Instead I am going list a few things that I am NOT going to do this year......

1. worry about things that I cannot control
2. summit a mountain
3. get down on myself for not getting in a work out every day
4 get mad when new wrinkles show up
5. let a day go by when don't tell my family that I love them very much!

I hope that everyone has a very happy and healthy new year!