Christmas in Vermont

We went to visit our daughter and her family in Vermont and had a wonderful time visiting with our grandson this Christmas.


Of course, it was all about Warren. He is growing so quickly and so smart! Now that we are home, I can't wait to go visit him again!

Here he is drinking hot cocoa ~

Going for a walk in the snow ~

We couldn't make a snowman or really play in the snow due to his broken leg, but we had fun watching movies and playing with the new toys that Santa brought him. 

Hope you get your cast off soon, sweetie!  I miss you already ♥

Merry Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  Those of us that celebrate have been spending this last week getting ready for the holiday and will most likely be even busier today and tomorrow.  So today, I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

I am excited this year as we are taking some time off from our day jobs and spending some time with our grandson.  I am picturing hour after hour of  Go Fish and Chutes and Ladders because the poor little guy had a sledding accident a few weeks ago and broke his leg ~~   Gotta love that face!

 But I am also looking forward to 2010 as well. I am planning a fun new year and will be revamping my blog and my etsy shop. 

In 2010, my blog will feature a different knit stitch each week complete with 'how to' instructions with a theme each month.  During the month I will introduce new patterns that will be available for sale in my etsy shop that combine the stitches featured each week. 

The theme for January is Cabled Cozies ~~ each week will feature a cable stitch variation and the pattern projects will include an electronic device cozy and some variations of wine bottle cozies.  Both of which are quick easy knits that will show off your knitting skills. So loose your fear of cables and join me each Sunday morning in January to learn a new cable stitch!

I hope to see you in January and that you will have your knitting needles ready

Until then... enjoy your holidays and stay safe and warm.

Taking time to enjoy the season

It always seems that we have plenty of time to get our holiday shopping and and preparations done and then -- wham! The holidays are here and the to-do list is a mile long.  Hurrying and rushing here and there to get things done, holiday parties to go to, people to visit, gifts to wrap, Christmas cards to write and mail... and so little time to really enjoy the season.

Well, Christmas Eve is just 4 days away and I have been busy as a beaver just as everyone else has been. But Friday night we took a little time out and really enjoyed ourselves.  Daryl and I took my mother out to dinner and then went to see "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Capitol Theater in Rome NY. Now, this wasn't like going to the movies as we are used to now.  No.. this was an 'experience' from the past.

I just love old movies and my favorite channel is Turner Classic Movies.  I've seen many of the old B&W movies.  But I have never seen any on the big screen in a theater that has style and character of the past. Sitting in this beautiful theater and escaping into the life of George Bailey really took me away and renewed my holiday spirit. 

To end the evening, we went to Mom's house and she served homemade cookies and hot chocolate.  What a great evening we had and it will most likely be my happiest Christmas season memory this year. 

Take some time this season to do something that you truly enjoy! 

Wine Cozy

This wine bottle cozy came out just right!  This is a custom order for a co-worker and I can't wait to give it to her on Monday.  I'm sure she will be thrilled 

Enjoy your day!

The Morning After

Yesterday the word of the day was snow.  It snowed all day long without stopping for even a few moments.  This morning, I woke up to this ~  and it was a picture perfect morning!

And now, a few hours later, the snow is starting again - gently falling as is my world is in a snow globe. 

This is the time of the year when I love to knit.  It is so relaxing to hear the needles clicking and gliding in rythym while sitting next to the fire and sipping hot chocolate.

And here is the result of my snow day ~~  This fun and warm scarf in none other than winter white!

This scarf is worked with very large size 14 (US) double pointed needles.  I found working with them a bit clumbsy at first, but got used to them quickly.  This scarf is a very quick knit and forms it's own shape with no raw edges.   I don't think that gauge and sizing is important on this scarf as it can be modified and worked in what ever yarns are on hand.  I used 2 strands of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn.  The entire scarf took about one 100 gram ball.  I used 2 balls at one time and have a  half ball of each left over. This measures 87 inches long and 2.25 inches wide.  

I think I will try mixing some yarns together to see how it turns out.  It only took about 2 hours of knitting time altogether, so it is a fun, quick knit!  You still have time to whip some up for Chirstmas gifts and impress your friends.

Here is the pattern for those of you who would like to give it try ~

Materials:
Size 14 (US) Double Pointed Knitting Needles
160 yards of chunky yarn (80 yards of each using 2 strands)
Cable holder or 5th double pointed needle
Yarn Darning Needle
Stitch Marker

Guide:
K = Knit
CF4 = Cable Front 4 stitches

Making Cables:  CF4 – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle or cable
holder and hold in front of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.

Cast on 12 stitches evenly on 3 double pointed needle (4 on each needle) holding 2 strands of yarn together.
Connect making sure there are no twisted stitches. Add your stitch marker to right hand needle.

Round 1: K
Round 2: K
Round 3: K
Round 4:  K4, CF4, K4
Round 5: K
Round 6: K
Round 7: K
Round 8: K
Round 9: K
Round 10: K

Repeat Rounds 4 - 10 to desired length
Then do 3 more rounds of K  and bind off

Weave in loose ends and add fringe if desired

Stay Warm and Happy Holidays!

Snow

Yes, it is snowing and blowing and cold.

I just put a pot of beef stew on to simmer all day and then knit a bit by the fire.   The perfect day!

The Snow Has Arrived!

I was starting to get worried that we would have a green Christmas!  Not that we ever have them here in Central NY.  I think I can remember one year that it didn't snow and I've been around for quite a few years....   But, not to worry, the white stuff has arrived.

I like the way the snow covers the trees and houses. I like it more when I am inside one of those houses looking out the window.  But, here it is, in all its glory.

I've knit up a few pairs of fingerless gloves and scarflettes to keep you warm.  So stop by my shop and stock up on warm and cozy accessories to keep the chill away~

I've also added a couple felted wool bowls that make great Christmas gifts.  Fill them with candy, nuts or cookies and you have a beautiful gift that can be used all year long! 

So come on in on etsy or artfire for some fabulous finds!

First Anniversary Sale on Artfire

This weekend only!  20% off all items in my Artfire Studio to celebrate my first year.

Come join me ~ 

Just enter coupon code:  HappyAnniversary09  to receive the discount!

Deep Rich Colors

Sometimes I like working with soft pale colors, while other times I get on a color kick and love working with deep rich colors.  This week seems to be colors!

Here is what's new in my shop ~  full of beautiful colors ~

Primary color nesting bowl set:

Chunky Ribbed Scarflette:

Cable Scarflette:

Felted Wool Rose Pony:

I hope you like these color blasts as much as I do!

Holiday Shopping Begins!

No - I am not braving the malls or shops on this Black Friday. 

Call me old-fashioned, but I am lucky enough to live in a great small town.  You know those little towns with the typical Main Street with old buildings.  Shop after shop with the big glass display windows... each one with a wonderful Christmas display with santas, reindeer, angels and trees?

There is just something about that little bell that rings when you open the door and walk on the original wooden floors and see the shelves full of wonderful treasures.  The shop owner and staff greets you with a personal hello and chat with you as you make your purchases. 

If you don't live in one of these great little towns, take a trip to your nearest small town and experience it yourself!  There is nothing like it.

Yes - call me old-fashioned!  I don't mind at all.

But I'm not that far gone that I don't realize that on-line shopping is convenient, fun and can be personal as well.  Experince  'small-town on-line' shopping by visiting my little cyber shop on etsy or artfire.  Although you won't hear a little bell ring when you enter, you will get the fast and friendly service that comes along with a Main Street shop!

I've added several new items to my shop in preparation for the holidays and each one is a wonderful and unique gift for that someone special. Come on in and take a look:

I hope you enjoy your holiday shopping ~  Whether it be at a mall, old-fashioned shops or on-line!

Happy Thanksgiving~

While the turkey is roasting in the oven and the family is sleeping in I'd like to take a few moments to wish all my followers a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

I'll be at the Dodge Pratt Northrup Art & Community "Christmas in the Country" Craft Fair on Saturday, November 28.  If you are local, I hope to see you there!

Until then, enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Natural Wool Scarflette

I just love the simplicity of this scarflette. 

Soft. Warm. Wool.

Getting ready for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is two days away.  How does the holiday season creep up on us so quickly?

But I'm ready for it.  The turkey is in the fridge. I went shopping and bought all the fixin's:  potatos, gravy, peas, rolls.... and I have some of my very own summer squash in the freezer from my garden.  Cranberry sauce, pickles...   Mom will bake the pies.  We are ready.  Bring it on!

But I realized this morning that I may not be as ready as I thought. Because until this morning, I haven't stopped to really think about what I am thankful for, and after all, isn't that what it is all about?

I am thankful that Daryl and I  have jobs in this crazy economy. 

I am thankful that my children are happy and are building their own lives and families.

I am thankful that my mother continues to have good health in her later years.

I am thankful we have a home that is comfortable and warm in the winter.

I am thankful that my husband and I are friends as well as lovers.

I am thankful that I am able to have a hobby that I can create fun and wonderful things.

I am thankful that we have friendly neighbors.


Hugs ~~

Flowers ~~

Be on the lookout for some fabulous felted wool flowers arriving in my shop this coming week.   I've got quite the bouquet ready to list in my shop.. but I just can't do them all in one day.

Check out this preview ~~ with still more in the works: 

Some are pins (so COOL on your jackets, hats and purses) and some are hair ponies (so much fun!)

So stop in often this week so catch the freshest flowers available !

And ENJOY your Thanksgiving this week ♥♥

Stay Warm ~~

My new motto this winter is "Stay Warm".... and what better way to do that is with a snuggly wool blend outdoor accessory set.

This just listed in my etsy shop -  Three warm and cozy must have accessories in one set!

Includes Headband (earwarmers), Scarflette, and Fingerless Gloves ~ All in soft wool / acrylic blend and hand knit.  Whether your going on cross county ski trail or just making your way through the urban jungle to work each day, this set will keep you warm this winter.

Stay Warm!

Lions and Tigers and Bears... oh my!

I am such a Turner Classic Movie Fan.  Yup, I'm hooked.  I check in to TCM everyday for the line up of great old movies.  I love to see the old fashions, home decorations and yes, even the old cars!

The other night they had an hour long special about 1939 and how it was the last year of the great Hollywood era before WWII.  There were 10 movies nominated for the picture of the year in 1939 and although Gone With the Wind took most of them (and one of my personal favorites!)  who can forget The Wizard of Oz!  A fantastic movie that just about everyone is familiar with... young and old.

The costumes were fabulous, the story interesting, and of course the message of the story - there's no place like home -  all make this movie one of the best.

I searched etsy today to find lions and tigers and bears and I absolutely love the items I picked for this blog entry ~ 

Check out this lion from FernandaFrick - who could be afraid of this sweetie? 

This tiger from ArtBySarahPittman is so cute!

And of course, who can resist this fun loving bear by artractions?

Sunday Morning

Last week was a busy week indeed!  My knitting needles have been clicking away every night and as the weather cools down, I find myself wanting to knit more and more.  There is nothing more soothing than sitting by the fire (well...actually mine is a pellet stove ~ but hey, pretty close) and knitting.

I will be adding several new scarflettes and neckwarmers next week along with some fingerless gloves.  I also have some brand new chunky bangles and some more lariat necklaces coming along. So be on the look out for some great new stuff.

We are also trying to get a few rooms spackled and painted.  We were hoping to get the hallway, pantry and dining room completed by Thanksgiving, but we were sidetracked when my son's truck broke down.  Hubs and son worked 2 weeks to get it back up and running.  So, perhaps the rooms will be done by Christmas.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Ft Drum Craft Fair

You may notice that my shops have only a few items today. I've left knitting patterns and bangles available for purchase, which will be sent when I get back home.

Today I will be at a craft fair at Ft Drum in Watertown, NY.

If you are in the area, please stop in and say hello! If you can't be there, I'll be re-stocked later tonight.

See you then!

Since I began felting a few years ago, I've been trying to make felted bangles. I've had some minor successess and even have a favorite pattern that I use quite often, but I wanted a specific look and feel that I just wasn't able to get... Until now~

I was looking for a wool bangle that was a bit bulky and held it's shape but at the same time was light as a feather. I tried crocheting over a plastic store bought bangle and the result was terrible. It make the opening way too narrow to fit over your hand and it was heavy and clumbsy.

Then I started cutting up soda bottles. I thought that was a great idea, until I started trying to cut those babies. After nearly loosing a few fingers and making a total mess of the bottles I put that idea on the back burner.

So, for awhile I settled on basic thin bangles, which are cute and nice... but I wanted BIG BULKY bangles. Something that was bold and fun and had stability to stand up to everyday use. After a few more trial and errors, I believe I've finally got it!

These bangles are 3/4 inch wide and are double thick for stability. They are bold, beautiful, fun and ohh so light to wear! A basic fun accessory to any outfit - perfect for at the office, a fun night out or just everyday. And best of all ~ they are machine washable!

I'm selling these in sets of 2 at $18. (because two are just more fun that one!) If your looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for-friend or co-worker, these are a perfect choice. Be on the look out for new color selections in the coming week and if you don't see the color you want, just contact me and I'll be happy to make a custom order for you.

I am Liberated!

or: "How $15.95 Improved My Photos"

On-line business rely on good photographs. Period.

But how to take good photos when you live in an area that has limited natural daylight? I have been struggling for the past 2 years in getting just the right clarity and color. Believe me when I say I have tried everything: inside, outside, direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, east side, west side.... Everything short of purchasing a photo studio. I found my best pictures were taken around 10:00 am near the West window on a sunny day. Such a huge limitation, considering I am at work 5 days out of the week and it usually was raining or overcast the other 2!

I have a pretty good camera - a SONY Cyber-shot 14 m 8.1 mega pixels. And honestly, I don't know how to use all the functions, but I did find macro and white balance which have become my best friends. I also use Picasa to lighten the dark and dreary pics. But there are just some colors that I just can't seem to get exact.

Yesterday I bought an OTT light bulb($4.95 on sale at LOWES) and borrowed Daryl's silver utility light fixture. I also bought a camera tripod at Walmart for $11 with the hopes that I can get clearer, sharper pictures.

At 8PM ... yes I said 8PM, I started playing around and let me tell you, I couldn't be more excited. Yes, I still need to play around and master it. Yes, they still aren't perfect.. BUT.. I took a better picture at 8PM in complete darkness that is sharper and show truer color than the picture I took that morning with natural daylight.

This taken during the day with natural daylight and help from picasa:



This taken at night with an OTT light and tripod. How much clearer and the color is so true!



I have been liberated! I can now take pictures any time, any day, at any moment I need to. Can you feel the happiness?

Another Wool Lariat

Yes, these are just way too much fun, so I made another! This one is 72 inches long and can be worn so many, many ways: as a belt, or a scarf, or a necklace .... use your imagination!

Lovely teal and multicolored flowers and green leaves make this an accessory must have!

Book Review ~ Julie and Julia

I always have a book by my nightstand and read a little each night. It seems I can't fall asleep without reading something. Books must work like a good sleeping pill for me.

There are some books that will work their sleep magic on me after just a few paragraphs. Those are the books that take a few months to finish. But then there are others that are so interesting that I find myself going to bed a little earlier than normal and reading a little more before turning out the light.



Julie and Julia by Julie Powell is one of the more interesting books I've read in awhile. Right now, I'm about half way through and I am really enjoying this story. I'm not a good cook and to be honest, I really dread cooking, so it really surprised me that Julie and Julia has captured my attention. But as it turns out, the story is not really all about cooking, which is why I like it so much I guess.

I haven't seen the movie.. yet. I always like to read the books before I see the movie (and I usually wait for the movies to be be on TV, long after the hype of the movie is over).

So, it's early to bed for me until I finish this book. I highly recommend it if you like to laugh at everyday life.

Book Review Blurb from Google:
By Julie Powell - Little, Brown and Company (2006) - Paperback - 307 pages - ISBN 0316013269

Nearing 30 and trapped in a dead-end secretarial job, Julie Powell resolved to reclaim her life by cooking, in the span of a single year, every one of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's legendary Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Her unexpected reward: not just a newfound respect for calves' livers and aspic, but a new life--lived with gusto.

New This Week

Warm and Fuzzy goodness has been added to my shops this week.

I just love this Morning Glory Felted Wool Lariat Necklace, just added this morning! It can be worn in so many different ways ~ The perfect gift for the hard to buy for woman.


A new set of fingerless gloves and cowl - in a softer than soft lemon yellow. Can't you just taste the lemon meringue pie just by looking at them? (my mom makes the BEST lemon meringue pie, by the way)











A fun bright felted wool bowl in 2 shades of teal with stunning red accents. This one reminds me of the American SouthWest... Definately a fun bowl to have in your home.


And getting ready for Christmas, I've added a very cute Christmas Tree Vase. Just right for peppermint sticks or put a glass inside for some fresh cut flowers.


And who could resist this soft felted wool wallet in bright teal? Made with snap closure, great for teens on the go.


Enjoy your holiday shopping by shopping from home this year - Buy handmade and Stay Warm!

Fun and Games

We had our grandson visit us last weekend and we took him to a corn maze. We had tons of fun!

This is the coolest tire swing I ever saw!


He's figuring out where that milk is coming from!


Jumping Beans:


Shucks!


Gramps getting a work out!