LOVE & PEACE

HAVE A MERRY HOLIDAY!!!!!!

A Happy Surprise

   The other day I was looking through some sewing books getting some inspiration for the holidays.  I finally found a winner with the book Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.  Her guest slipper pattern caught my eye. I decided to give it a whirl, although I did some modifications.  I used fold over elastic and omitted the ric-rack.  I have so much of the FOE in my stash, this was a great way to use some up. I also omitted the little loop in the back of the slipper.  Next time I may add it, especially if gifting to others.
 My favorite part is the fabric.  I used  napkins from World Market! That store is so full of textile goodness.

 With this wearable muslin all done, there maybe many more pair showing up in the future. It was a fast and pretty simple project and there are LOTS of possibilities to really personalize and get creative with this.  

Saaaay "Cheese"

 Lately nothing has beat the convenience of soup.  There are always leftovers to freeze and let's face it, "soup is good food".  I have been experimenting with vegan friendly options on certain foods we love around here.  How does one make vegan cheese broccoli soup?  The solution for this comes from a friend and wonderful cook in her own right.  The recipe she gave me can be found here, cheesy broccoli soup.

  Who knew that cashews and nutritional yeast would make such an awesome combo?! I substituted red pepper for pimento (that was what was in the house).  Otherwise I followed the rest of the recipe as written.  The hubby enjoyed it also.  I was very happily surprised at that. The kids were dipping there crunchy bread in their bowls and actually enjoying the cheese flavor.  The best part is, the leftovers are just as tasty.  You don't feel so heavy after a bowl (so one more was had by us!) I would say this was a success around here! I will be keeping this one in my cold weather rotation!

  A pair of fingerless mittens are all set for the holidays.  The pattern used was Susie's Reading Mitts that I found on Ravelry.  While my pattern was not exact, it was very easy to knit.  It was also was very fast.  That is the nice thing about those fingerless mittens.  The yarn I used was Berroco's Softwist.  It was hanging out in the stash just waiting for the perfect time of year to become something fabulous.  What I like about these for winter is you can make them nice and long to cover up any exposed skin.

These mittens are made up to give to friends this year.  I love playing elf.  Making the gifts and then giving them away.  It is the best part of the holidays!

Busy Crafting

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Heads of Two Young Girls\The Two Sisters. Oil on canvas

 With the holidays in full swing, it is time to finish up all those projects! Some knitting and some sewing, even a little embroidery work.  I am finishing up items for my sisters.  I love to make things for them! These ladies  MUST have items that are functional (and of course stylish). This is why crafting is the perfect way to make sure they get a little something that fits into their busy lives.  I am thinking some kitchen goodness for ones sister and for the other sister, something for her much coveted vacations in Maine. Stay tuned.....