Fleece and football

Dear N,

Aren't hats the best to knit? They're so fast, there's no seaming, and most of them only require one skein. Plus they keep your head warm of course.

The family and I are watching the big Patriots and Giants game. Well, more like, the family is watching the football game. I am blogging because I have tried to like football and have failed. I'll watch a baseball game or even Aussie rules football any day but American football is just not my thing. My mum-in-law is curled up on the sofa with the little fleece travel blanket that I sewed up for them. It comes in this little pouch:It can be used as a pillow or unzip and inside is:I love the cuddly chocolate brown fleece with the baby blue satin trim. It's a super easy project to whip up for any occasion, really (new baby gift?). I was actually still working on it when the in-laws arrived so I was on the floor in my bedroom attaching the zipper to the pouch but it got done and wrapped and gifted on time for Christmas.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend before you go back to work next week.

T

With a little help from your friends . . .

Hey T!


I am so excited about your first sock! I don't know a thing about 'magic loop', but I do know that all sock patterns follow some basic guidelines, and the heel is easy-peasy. The heel is usually half of your stitches knit back and forth like you would on straights for a number of rows or inches. Sometimes it's just stockinette, and others are kind of ribbed for durability. Looks like yours might be stockinette - you can slip the first stitch of each row for easy pick up later. So just knit half of your stitches, and turn around and purl! You can do it!


I finished my toddler-sized socks, and I whipped up a Maple Seed hat. Isn't it pretty? I just happened to have the yarn the pattern called for in my stash under the bed. It was a score at Needles & Pins at half-price at least a year ago. I only picked up one ball, and now I am kicking myself in the butt that I didn't pick up two or three more. This was a quick knit - maybe a couple of hours. I was surprised at how easy the pattern was to memorize - only four rows.


Can you believe that we've been blogging for nearly one whole year? Ah, time flies when one is having fun.


I have a confession to make - I have the hugest crush on Phil Spencer from Location, Location, Location and Relocation, Relocation, and I have been staying up ridiculously late to watch episode after episode on HGTV. He's so dreamy with his British accent and coolio wardrobe. Maybe we could pretend we're looking for a house in Great Britain and a potential studio for our yarny crafts? Sigh.


N

Pepto Sock

Wow! You guys got some great prezzies this year. I think the best one would have to be J's lovely pin with your mug on it. Truly chic glasses. I didn't know that you wore glasses. If it makes you feel any better I also had similar ones except with wire rims.

I have attempted to knit a sock using the pattern from Knit Cafe. I am at the heal and have stopped dead in my tracks. I think I may have to find a sock pattern in Magic Loop as this is my very first attempt and the pattern is written for dpns.The yarn is Patons sock yarn that you gave to me as part of a very spectacular going away gift when I moved. It's rather pink. Reminds me of that pink stuff that I needed to guzzle after all of that Christmas eating.

Another snow storm is supposed to blow through here again. Hope you guys are staying warm and have fully recovered from the aftermath of the holidays!

Saving the Best for Last

My 3-year old niece, Olivy Bean, made this out-of-this-world cute bear for B. I can't properly describe how much I LOVE this bear. Check out the dress!! The button earrings. The iron-on transfer face! I nearly fell out of my seat when I saw this gem. I was incredulous. Was this really B's bear? Olivy Bean made her? Holy Trap!! When I pushed my sister about where she made the bear, she was extremely vague, but trust me when I say, I will grill her more when I corner her at the next family gathering. "I want one now!", I shriek in a shrill Veruca Salt re-enactment.


I forgot I made these pillowcases for El's stocking. They match perfectly in her room of bright colours. The fabric was bought at IKEA in the summer. I finally got around to getting the sewing machine out for a small project. No pyjama pants yet though. Maybe during the holidays.

Time for more coffee. Cheers!

N

Handmade Holidays

I wasn't the only one who was crafting gifts around here. Check out B's painting of a Christmas Tree in the dark with blue snowflakes twirling and swirling around the tree. I just happened to get a Michael's gift card for Christmas, so perhaps I can get it framed soon and hung up on the wall.

My mum made all the grandkids necklaces. They were much happier than they were posing for me. I don't think they're called necklaces when they're for boys, are they? Is there a better word? It's escaping me at the moment.


I haven't just been sitting around either. I am warming up for the Year of the Sock. Look, it's a toddler-sized sock. Cuteness!

My mum found some of my sister's and my button collection, and we were outed.

Doesn't everyone have buttons of themselves? Well, they should. I particularly like the way my eyeglasses framed my cheeks! Everyone had a good chuckle at my expense. Ha ha ha.

Consider it my gift to you. Go ahead and laugh. Cheers!

N

Peace and Love

Happy Christmas from our house to your house!

T'was the Night Before

Just waiting for the girls to go to sleep, so that I can wrap the 'Santa' gifts and fill the stockings. The magic reindeer food has been sprinkled up and down the driveway, and treats and apple cider have been placed out on the table for Santa. Our Santa is a bit intolerant of milk. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve, and an even better Christmas morning! Here's to catching a few winks!

N