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!