I had to open a Youtube account to be able to show videos. They would not upload to flickr at all. Anyway, here are a couple of very short ones. Enjoy!
Here's the boys being released into the backyard.
And here are Happy and Maggie coming outside.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Giant Granny Sqaure Blanket
I just realized that I started this Giant Granny Square on January 9, 2010, a year ago! I would have finished it sooner, but crocheting always hurts my hands and arms. I was afraid I could not do anything else either, and had to put it aside. Then it got put into storage with all the other stuff, but now it's done!
This would be a perfect project for stash busting, but I had some yarn reserved for a Mosaic knit blanket, which I did not do, so I used this yarn for my Granny Square. It was like an epidemic going around about a year ago. All over flickr I saw them emerging in my contacts photostreams, and of course on Ravelry too. The pull was too strong, so I joined in.
I don't know anymore which one, but I found a tutorial on youtube on how to crochet IN the ends while working on it, so I had only to weave in the last end. So easy, and wonderful!
Here you can see the beginning/end of the rounds. I wanted it to be reversible, so I did not go round, and round, but turned around after each round was completed. It's a small thing, nobody would look that closely, I think, unless I'll point it out.
The outside photos look a little washed out, but it's between the inside/outside photos, where the real colors are. I love the inside photos more, because it really looks warm and comfortable, which it is. Happy was not interested in the blanket at all.
I was able to reserve some red yarn balls for the last round before I did the edge in natural white. I love the contrast.
Well, not all the way around, but orangy color was good too. It's 63" x 69" big! I have no idea why it's not more square, but it's very stretchy. I steam blocked it, that may have been a reason for the weird size. I wanted it really big, and it was so comfortable to crochet the last rounds, while it was resting on my lap, and legs, and even the toes where covered. That would have been not as nice, had I finished it during summer time.
I used all together 37 balls of Jojoland Rhythm in the colors M24 and 002 for this. It's 100% wool. This amounts to 4070yds/3721.6m.
start-finish: Jan. 9 - Dec. 27, 2010.
I only had to do the last 15 rounds to finish it off, and I'm glad it's done. I could not have done more, since my hands, and arms up to the elbows started to hurt again.
***
Want to see what I'm working on right now?
But I've still got a couple of other FO's to show, until next time, happy crafting!
***
This would be a perfect project for stash busting, but I had some yarn reserved for a Mosaic knit blanket, which I did not do, so I used this yarn for my Granny Square. It was like an epidemic going around about a year ago. All over flickr I saw them emerging in my contacts photostreams, and of course on Ravelry too. The pull was too strong, so I joined in.
I don't know anymore which one, but I found a tutorial on youtube on how to crochet IN the ends while working on it, so I had only to weave in the last end. So easy, and wonderful!
Here you can see the beginning/end of the rounds. I wanted it to be reversible, so I did not go round, and round, but turned around after each round was completed. It's a small thing, nobody would look that closely, I think, unless I'll point it out.
The outside photos look a little washed out, but it's between the inside/outside photos, where the real colors are. I love the inside photos more, because it really looks warm and comfortable, which it is. Happy was not interested in the blanket at all.
I was able to reserve some red yarn balls for the last round before I did the edge in natural white. I love the contrast.
Well, not all the way around, but orangy color was good too. It's 63" x 69" big! I have no idea why it's not more square, but it's very stretchy. I steam blocked it, that may have been a reason for the weird size. I wanted it really big, and it was so comfortable to crochet the last rounds, while it was resting on my lap, and legs, and even the toes where covered. That would have been not as nice, had I finished it during summer time.
I used all together 37 balls of Jojoland Rhythm in the colors M24 and 002 for this. It's 100% wool. This amounts to 4070yds/3721.6m.
start-finish: Jan. 9 - Dec. 27, 2010.
I only had to do the last 15 rounds to finish it off, and I'm glad it's done. I could not have done more, since my hands, and arms up to the elbows started to hurt again.
***
Want to see what I'm working on right now?
But I've still got a couple of other FO's to show, until next time, happy crafting!
***
Friday, January 07, 2011
Handspun Friday - Mixed Blessing September 2010
This is one of my favorite handspun yarns from last year. The fiber was club fiber from FatCatKnit's Mixed Blessings September 2010.
It's Falkland wool, 10oz. I made 8oz of it into 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn, 2-ply, and a total of 365yds.
I also wanted to see how it looked navajo plied, so with the left over fiber I made a little skein of 120yds (2oz), which can be found in my shop.
I like them both.
***
It's been snowing last night, and we've got about 10cm of fresh snow. The boys enjoyed it, even though it seems to be much colder today, because after not even five minutes out, they started to lift their paws. Nevertheless, they love it!
And Denny says, "Come play with me!"
Have a wonderful weekend!
***
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Chevron Love Mittens - done!
These mittens were my oldest WIP's, but they really were in time out for two reasons. First - stranded knitting at the time was not something I really enjoyed much. Second - I was worried running out of yarn, and I didn't want to deal with this problem, if it actually occurred.
This Chevron Love Mittens kit was a gift from Chawne (can I just say, have you seen her latest knit blanket??? It's amazing! That's a wonderful use of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn.)
These mitten kit can be bought in Julia Vesper's shop Knitterly Things. Chawne let me choose my own colorway, which is Vintage Appliance.
Each color comes in a 20g skein. As I said before, I was afraid I would run out of yarn, because I was cutting the yarn each time, instead of letting it hang there until I need to use it again. I've tried that, but what tangled mess that was. So I'd rather wove in a million ends.
I also didn't do the Latvian braid on both mittens, just because I made a mistake and wanted to get them done asap. Next time I'll take the time and rip though.
I can see myself knitting these mittens again, but just with maybe two or three colors.
The yarn is Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport, and I'm telling you it's wonderful to knit with, and it makes warm and thick mittens, but still light weight. I love them.
Did you see my red "sore" thumbs? Every time I look at them I smile.
I started these mittens December 26, 2009 and finished them January 2, 2011. I'm glad they are done. And I didn't run out of yarn at all!
***
And now I have to share a little story about Maggie:
The other day, the TV was on, we went outside with her to do her business. When we came back inside, there was this acne commercial on, with Avril Lavigne as spokes person. Maggie was running around in front of the TV looking for a chew toy, when a before picture of the artist came on, and Maggie gave a startled yelp and a hop and ran away, when she saw it. I might have peed my pants, because I laughed so hard. It was probably so funny to me, because I always roll my eyes, when this commercial comes on, and I don't care much for this artist. Maggie is fine, by the way, and over her shock. :o)
***
This Chevron Love Mittens kit was a gift from Chawne (can I just say, have you seen her latest knit blanket??? It's amazing! That's a wonderful use of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn.)
These mitten kit can be bought in Julia Vesper's shop Knitterly Things. Chawne let me choose my own colorway, which is Vintage Appliance.
Each color comes in a 20g skein. As I said before, I was afraid I would run out of yarn, because I was cutting the yarn each time, instead of letting it hang there until I need to use it again. I've tried that, but what tangled mess that was. So I'd rather wove in a million ends.
I also didn't do the Latvian braid on both mittens, just because I made a mistake and wanted to get them done asap. Next time I'll take the time and rip though.
I can see myself knitting these mittens again, but just with maybe two or three colors.
The yarn is Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport, and I'm telling you it's wonderful to knit with, and it makes warm and thick mittens, but still light weight. I love them.
Did you see my red "sore" thumbs? Every time I look at them I smile.
I started these mittens December 26, 2009 and finished them January 2, 2011. I'm glad they are done. And I didn't run out of yarn at all!
***
And now I have to share a little story about Maggie:
The other day, the TV was on, we went outside with her to do her business. When we came back inside, there was this acne commercial on, with Avril Lavigne as spokes person. Maggie was running around in front of the TV looking for a chew toy, when a before picture of the artist came on, and Maggie gave a startled yelp and a hop and ran away, when she saw it. I might have peed my pants, because I laughed so hard. It was probably so funny to me, because I always roll my eyes, when this commercial comes on, and I don't care much for this artist. Maggie is fine, by the way, and over her shock. :o)
***
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Denny & Maggie
Until now, Denny and Maggie have lived in the same house, occupied the same space, played with the same toys, but not at the same time. One or the other was always in the crate, when the other one was out and about. That was, because Denny was a little growly, when we first brought her home. We didn't trust him to be gentle enough, we didn't think it was safe for her. Well until now.
We finally thought it O.K. to let them together. Denny is a rough player, but he likes her.
She gives as much as she gets. She's a wild one, but size wise she's still too small. We were all a bit nervous, and I mean Happy as well. We all danced around the two, ready to step in if necessary.
It was hard to get any photos worth looking at. Both of them were just too wiggly. But I wanted to capture their meeting anyway.
It went rather well. It was exciting for all of us. I'm still not letting them get together when I'm alone with them. I hope this will get easier once Maggie is more grown, and can defend herself better. But it was not as bad as I though it would be. Denny has stopped growling at her, when she's in the crate some time ago, and now that he's getting his nose up close and personal, he knows what and who she is, and as I said, he seems to like her. Phew!
***
We finally thought it O.K. to let them together. Denny is a rough player, but he likes her.
She gives as much as she gets. She's a wild one, but size wise she's still too small. We were all a bit nervous, and I mean Happy as well. We all danced around the two, ready to step in if necessary.
It was hard to get any photos worth looking at. Both of them were just too wiggly. But I wanted to capture their meeting anyway.
It went rather well. It was exciting for all of us. I'm still not letting them get together when I'm alone with them. I hope this will get easier once Maggie is more grown, and can defend herself better. But it was not as bad as I though it would be. Denny has stopped growling at her, when she's in the crate some time ago, and now that he's getting his nose up close and personal, he knows what and who she is, and as I said, he seems to like her. Phew!
***
Monday, January 03, 2011
Strago
I think I really enjoyed stranded knitting for the first time, knitting these mittens. Usually I'm very whiny doing this kind of thing. I saw them, I had to make them, and I loved every minute of it. Strago a pattern by Jared Flood.
I've used Debbie Bliss Merino DK in green and gray. It was a pleasure to knit with this yarn. I don't have a lot of DK weight yarn in my stash, so the choice was a little limited, but green is always good. I really like these mittens.
The pattern is very well written. I like that there is no left, and no right mitten, you can wear them out on one side, and just switch hands, and you've got a nice mitten on top again, for a while anyway.
There are no modifications to this pattern, only substitution for the original yarn. This size fits my hands perfectly.
I started these mittens November 18, 2010, and finished them on November 24, 2010.
***
Maggie is playing with Happy's favorite toy. She fears nothing. Photo taken Dec. 18th.
A big stretch before continuing to bother Happy. Photo taken Dec. 21, 2010. She turned 3 month yesterday.
***
I've used Debbie Bliss Merino DK in green and gray. It was a pleasure to knit with this yarn. I don't have a lot of DK weight yarn in my stash, so the choice was a little limited, but green is always good. I really like these mittens.
The pattern is very well written. I like that there is no left, and no right mitten, you can wear them out on one side, and just switch hands, and you've got a nice mitten on top again, for a while anyway.
There are no modifications to this pattern, only substitution for the original yarn. This size fits my hands perfectly.
I started these mittens November 18, 2010, and finished them on November 24, 2010.
***
Maggie is playing with Happy's favorite toy. She fears nothing. Photo taken Dec. 18th.
A big stretch before continuing to bother Happy. Photo taken Dec. 21, 2010. She turned 3 month yesterday.
***
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Birdwing
Don't get used to me blogging so much, but I want to get all my 2010 FO's left overs over here as soon as possible. Same thing goes with Baby Maggie photos. She's growing up so fast, that I'm always behind with posting. Once I'm done with 2010 we'll go forward in a more leasurly pace.
This is my finished Birdwing. It was a test knit for Stephen West. He was supposed to get this pattern up in mid December, but I don't think he's got it out yet.
It was fun to knit, entertaining, and even the little sewing in the end did not matter at all. Usually I hate sewing knit fabric, but I didn't mind this time.
It's an unusual shape, and I'm not quite sure how to wear this. I'm not even sure I'll wear it myself, because of the yarn.
I've knit this shawl with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in the colors Tent, Woodsmoke, and Fossil. I really wanted to give this yarn a try, and got a few colorways at Purlsoho. They had more colorways to choose from, when I was looking.
The yarn is woolen spun, 2-ply, of which I'm not a particular fan of (I like worsted spun much better). It definitely is "airy", and kind of soft (not the baby bottom soft like Merino yarn), and I disagree with many, that it softens after washing, not enough for me to have it near my skin. The best thing about this yarn are definitely the colors, they are just wonderful, gorgeous really, and just for that I would knit with that yarn again, but most likely hats, mittens, and other stuff, which does not come near my neck.
I've still a few colorways in my stash, so it will come up again in the future, however, now that I've knit with this yarn, I don't think that I'll be looking for more, unless its prize is really, REALLY reduced.
***
This is my finished Birdwing. It was a test knit for Stephen West. He was supposed to get this pattern up in mid December, but I don't think he's got it out yet.
It was fun to knit, entertaining, and even the little sewing in the end did not matter at all. Usually I hate sewing knit fabric, but I didn't mind this time.
It's an unusual shape, and I'm not quite sure how to wear this. I'm not even sure I'll wear it myself, because of the yarn.
I've knit this shawl with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in the colors Tent, Woodsmoke, and Fossil. I really wanted to give this yarn a try, and got a few colorways at Purlsoho. They had more colorways to choose from, when I was looking.
The yarn is woolen spun, 2-ply, of which I'm not a particular fan of (I like worsted spun much better). It definitely is "airy", and kind of soft (not the baby bottom soft like Merino yarn), and I disagree with many, that it softens after washing, not enough for me to have it near my skin. The best thing about this yarn are definitely the colors, they are just wonderful, gorgeous really, and just for that I would knit with that yarn again, but most likely hats, mittens, and other stuff, which does not come near my neck.
I've still a few colorways in my stash, so it will come up again in the future, however, now that I've knit with this yarn, I don't think that I'll be looking for more, unless its prize is really, REALLY reduced.
***
Saturday, January 01, 2011
New Year
What a miserable first day of the year! It's +6C, and it's raining. It was like that for the last two days, and the snow is almost gone. There were fewer fire works last night too, due to the fog, and rain I guess. But it was enough to make Denny bark his head off every time. None of the pups where afraid though, and that's good!
If I could, I would have held on to 2010 a little longer, if only because the years seem to go by more quickly now, which means getting older more quickly too. Days just fly by in a blur. If I've counted right, I've finished 36 knitted/crochet projects, which is about half of what I did the two years before, but I did a lot more spinning.
I've knit 11 shawls, which was one more than the 10 shawls in 2010 challenge called for. It was an easy challenge. I've won two prizes, and if I'm lucky, I might win something again in the two last drawings for this challenge. Now I can't say, I'm never winning anything, again. I finished the 1oth shawl some time during summer. I've thought about it, and joined the 11 shawls in 2011 this year, simply because I will be knitting shawls anyway.
I've set myself some goals for this year. I hope I'll stick to it too.
1. have my own personal sock club: I'll try to knit one pair of socks each month, with yarn from my stash, and the pattern from one of my sock books or magazines
2. I'll try to knit projects from individual bought patterns, which I have not knit yet, also from stash
These individual bought patterns are several shawl patterns, among others. I've also joined Romi Hill's Pin's & Lace club this year. I LOVE her designs.
Last years "Year of Lace 2010" was a little bit of a bust for me, since I'm still waiting for the last installment, and I did not knit any of the patterns, since they did not "wow" me. The yarn was always nice, except the first installment, which I quickly overdyed.
I'm also going to participate in Wandering Cat Yarns Knitalong, since I have their yarn in my stash, and we can knit whatever we like, as long as it's with WCY to qualify. Easy! ;o) More info on this can be found in their Ravelry group.
And whatever time is left for crafting will be used for spinning, and I hope it's a lot! I'm telling myself to NOT buy any more fiber, only what I'll get in through fiber clubs, and that's enough!
So, this part of my life through 2011 is sorted out. Let's see how it goes! :o)
I hope the Year 2011 will be good to us all!
***
If I could, I would have held on to 2010 a little longer, if only because the years seem to go by more quickly now, which means getting older more quickly too. Days just fly by in a blur. If I've counted right, I've finished 36 knitted/crochet projects, which is about half of what I did the two years before, but I did a lot more spinning.
I've knit 11 shawls, which was one more than the 10 shawls in 2010 challenge called for. It was an easy challenge. I've won two prizes, and if I'm lucky, I might win something again in the two last drawings for this challenge. Now I can't say, I'm never winning anything, again. I finished the 1oth shawl some time during summer. I've thought about it, and joined the 11 shawls in 2011 this year, simply because I will be knitting shawls anyway.
I've set myself some goals for this year. I hope I'll stick to it too.
1. have my own personal sock club: I'll try to knit one pair of socks each month, with yarn from my stash, and the pattern from one of my sock books or magazines
2. I'll try to knit projects from individual bought patterns, which I have not knit yet, also from stash
These individual bought patterns are several shawl patterns, among others. I've also joined Romi Hill's Pin's & Lace club this year. I LOVE her designs.
Last years "Year of Lace 2010" was a little bit of a bust for me, since I'm still waiting for the last installment, and I did not knit any of the patterns, since they did not "wow" me. The yarn was always nice, except the first installment, which I quickly overdyed.
I'm also going to participate in Wandering Cat Yarns Knitalong, since I have their yarn in my stash, and we can knit whatever we like, as long as it's with WCY to qualify. Easy! ;o) More info on this can be found in their Ravelry group.
And whatever time is left for crafting will be used for spinning, and I hope it's a lot! I'm telling myself to NOT buy any more fiber, only what I'll get in through fiber clubs, and that's enough!
So, this part of my life through 2011 is sorted out. Let's see how it goes! :o)
I hope the Year 2011 will be good to us all!
***
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year!
I've seen this Pummelvision on Chawne's blog, and I could not help myself, and created one for myself. This shows 2000 photos from my flickr photostream, and reflects part of my life over the last couple of years, as I recorded it in photos. Enjoy! And Happy New Year to all of you!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Chevron Love Mittens
While looking for something else, I found a bag with my Chevron Love Mittens in it. Well it was only half a mitt so far. As I said, I'm determined to finish of my WIP's, and while I totally forgot about these, I have finished everything else, except a mohair scarf, and now it's time to finish them off, since I've cast them on about a year ago (or longer?).
This is the first mitt, and I'm going to finish the thumb today and hopefully cast on the second mitt. I still love this colorway. I've got this kit as a gift from C. It's about time I get them done!
For comic relieve I've got Mr. Personality:
Denny knows how to relax, while we watch TV. I had to laugh so hard, when I saw his hind legs sticking up in the air. I took the photo without flash, but had to play with it, because it was too dark. It's not the best quality, but I'd rather have a bad photo of this then none.
My son sent me this photo made with his iPhone. As soon as I saw it, I said "Awe!" So cute. This is what came to mind:
"Can I have some more, please?" (Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens)
And not to forget about Happy, who seems happy on the sofa. He's a little exhausted I think, because he's got to do double shifts, playing with Maggie, and playing with Denny.
He's a super Nanny, and deserves extra treats. I don't know what we would do without him, entertaining, and looking after the Baby, and wrestling with Denny all day!
***
This is the first mitt, and I'm going to finish the thumb today and hopefully cast on the second mitt. I still love this colorway. I've got this kit as a gift from C. It's about time I get them done!
For comic relieve I've got Mr. Personality:
Denny knows how to relax, while we watch TV. I had to laugh so hard, when I saw his hind legs sticking up in the air. I took the photo without flash, but had to play with it, because it was too dark. It's not the best quality, but I'd rather have a bad photo of this then none.
My son sent me this photo made with his iPhone. As soon as I saw it, I said "Awe!" So cute. This is what came to mind:
"Can I have some more, please?" (Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens)
And not to forget about Happy, who seems happy on the sofa. He's a little exhausted I think, because he's got to do double shifts, playing with Maggie, and playing with Denny.
He's a super Nanny, and deserves extra treats. I don't know what we would do without him, entertaining, and looking after the Baby, and wrestling with Denny all day!
***
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Pomegranate Meringue Mountain
Shortly before Christmas I watched an episode of Nigellal Lawson's cooking show, quite by accident, even though I do love watching her cook, but rarely do. I even have a couple of cook books of her. I was just flipping through channels, when I got stuck on her show.
She was making a mountain out of whipped cream! I LOVE whipped cream, so I guess that's what made me curious.
This is the most delicious dessert, and sooooo very easy to make. I even made the Meringue myself (first time), not perfect but good enough for this purpose. They didn't have to look good, so I just blobbed some heaps on the cooking sheet, and off they went into the oven.
Pomegranates are beautiful to look at. I think I've tasted them once before. I forgot that the kernels have pits in them, but the juice is tart and delicious.
Since I'm the only one who likes whipped cream I made just one portion, which was very hard to do. I really wanted a mountain out of this stuff. I had many meringue left over, so I see this dessert in the near future appearing on my dining room table soon.
After I took the photo I squeezed juice from the other half over it, which did not look too good, but tasted heavenly.
What you need to create this delicious mountain?
Whipped cream, Pomegranate, Meringue (store bought or home made, both good), and a blender.
Want to see how Nigella does it? I found the episode to watch here. Enjoy!
Let me know if you decide to give it a try, and how you liked it!
***
PS And as Ikki said in the comments, I can see this dessert made with many other fruits as well, especially strawberries! Mmmm.
***
She was making a mountain out of whipped cream! I LOVE whipped cream, so I guess that's what made me curious.
This is the most delicious dessert, and sooooo very easy to make. I even made the Meringue myself (first time), not perfect but good enough for this purpose. They didn't have to look good, so I just blobbed some heaps on the cooking sheet, and off they went into the oven.
Pomegranates are beautiful to look at. I think I've tasted them once before. I forgot that the kernels have pits in them, but the juice is tart and delicious.
Since I'm the only one who likes whipped cream I made just one portion, which was very hard to do. I really wanted a mountain out of this stuff. I had many meringue left over, so I see this dessert in the near future appearing on my dining room table soon.
After I took the photo I squeezed juice from the other half over it, which did not look too good, but tasted heavenly.
What you need to create this delicious mountain?
Whipped cream, Pomegranate, Meringue (store bought or home made, both good), and a blender.
Want to see how Nigella does it? I found the episode to watch here. Enjoy!
Let me know if you decide to give it a try, and how you liked it!
***
PS And as Ikki said in the comments, I can see this dessert made with many other fruits as well, especially strawberries! Mmmm.
***
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Elphaba mittens
I've finally finished my Elphaba mittens.
pattern: Elphaba (rav link) by Valerie Johnson
yarn: Wandering Cat Yarns Barn Cat SS in colorway Sleepy Hollow, I used about half the skein, 80% merino 20% nylon
needles: 2.5mm
start-finish: October 27 - December 19
mods: they are fingerless mittens originally, with the chevron stitch pattern all over. I don't need fingerless mittens, and I got bored with the stitch pattern, so I decided to make them full mittens, and knit only in stockinette.
The yarn is self striping, which is nice, not many ends to weave in. I've already been using them. They are good for up to -10C, but I'll need thicker mittens once it's getting colder than that.
***
pattern: Elphaba (rav link) by Valerie Johnson
yarn: Wandering Cat Yarns Barn Cat SS in colorway Sleepy Hollow, I used about half the skein, 80% merino 20% nylon
needles: 2.5mm
start-finish: October 27 - December 19
mods: they are fingerless mittens originally, with the chevron stitch pattern all over. I don't need fingerless mittens, and I got bored with the stitch pattern, so I decided to make them full mittens, and knit only in stockinette.
The yarn is self striping, which is nice, not many ends to weave in. I've already been using them. They are good for up to -10C, but I'll need thicker mittens once it's getting colder than that.
***
Monday, December 27, 2010
After
With all the built up, Christmas is over so quickly, and always leaves me a little BLAH. For the last two weeks in this year, I'm commited to finish my WIP's. After the Daybreak failure, I've decided, I work better, with a clean slate, and besides it's time those WIP's get finally done anyway.
I've only 1 1/2 rounds on my Giant Granny Square Blanket to go, cut the ends (I've crochet them in as I went), steam iron it, and it's done.
This blanket is going to be huge. No left over yarn used here. It's a yarn eater for sure.
***
I haven't done any Christmas cookie baking, but I did bake a Reindling (very easy yeast cake, filled with cocoa, butter, cinnamon, chocolate/cayenne pepper for a little kick), as requested by my son. I made two of them, and they turned out very well. I left out the raisins though, turns out that's one thing my family has in common, the dislike of raisins. I haven't been baking for most of the year, obviously, and start to enjoy it again. I have to wrap my head around the fact, that I have a fully functional kitchen again, and can do whatever I want to do in it.
Ah, innocent looking Maggie. She's already attacked my crochet blanket, and ran off with the ball of yarn attached to it twice. She's chewed on the single thread from my spinning wheel, and it gave me a deja vu from not long ago, Denny doing all the same things (ahem, he's still doing it too, but not as often).
O.K. the green on my wall is NOT that shade you see here! Anyway, isn't she cute?
Eeeeeek - get away from me!
Even though Happy loves to play with Maggie, sometimes her needle sharp teeth are a bit too much for him, so he goes to the one place she can't follow him (yet). The brown sofa is just a little too high for her to jump on. And she's really trying very hard to get up there too.
Denny is laughing his head off because of the two of them (in reality he's just protesting to have to sit still for a photo, that's all.) I love his pearly white teeth!
***
I've only 1 1/2 rounds on my Giant Granny Square Blanket to go, cut the ends (I've crochet them in as I went), steam iron it, and it's done.
This blanket is going to be huge. No left over yarn used here. It's a yarn eater for sure.
***
I haven't done any Christmas cookie baking, but I did bake a Reindling (very easy yeast cake, filled with cocoa, butter, cinnamon, chocolate/cayenne pepper for a little kick), as requested by my son. I made two of them, and they turned out very well. I left out the raisins though, turns out that's one thing my family has in common, the dislike of raisins. I haven't been baking for most of the year, obviously, and start to enjoy it again. I have to wrap my head around the fact, that I have a fully functional kitchen again, and can do whatever I want to do in it.
Ah, innocent looking Maggie. She's already attacked my crochet blanket, and ran off with the ball of yarn attached to it twice. She's chewed on the single thread from my spinning wheel, and it gave me a deja vu from not long ago, Denny doing all the same things (ahem, he's still doing it too, but not as often).
O.K. the green on my wall is NOT that shade you see here! Anyway, isn't she cute?
Eeeeeek - get away from me!
Even though Happy loves to play with Maggie, sometimes her needle sharp teeth are a bit too much for him, so he goes to the one place she can't follow him (yet). The brown sofa is just a little too high for her to jump on. And she's really trying very hard to get up there too.
Denny is laughing his head off because of the two of them (in reality he's just protesting to have to sit still for a photo, that's all.) I love his pearly white teeth!
***
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Happy Holidays!
I wish you all Happy Holidays!
2008 was the last time we had a Christmas tree put up. I love red and gold and lots of lights. My sweet pups where still with us that time. With the new gang there will be no decoration this year. Maybe if they are all good throughout the year, there might be a tree next holiday season.
Happy Holidays from the boys, to all their fans, to those who care about them, and want to read more about their shenanigans.
Happy Holidays from Maggie, who has no clue what's going on, but is excited nevertheless.
It's going to be a quiet Christmas time in our house, well amongst the humans for sure. Definitely not with the pups. Boy do they keep us on our toes!
Hannah was here, and left for Sydney, Australia for a long time. She'll be studying there come March 2011, but also living there with her boyfriend. I wish them wonderful times!
As for me, I'll cook some special meals, and get cosy in my studio. I love being in my renovated house, every "new" room, I can linger, and look, and just feel good. I've had enough stress this year, and try to relax now for a bit. I love that we'll have white Christmas, I just love the snow, and even take the cold weather which comes with it.
I hope you all have peaceful Holidays ahead of you, and will meet me back here, for more show and tell, and whatnot. I'll be back in a few days!
Love, Peace, and Joy on Earth!
***
2008 was the last time we had a Christmas tree put up. I love red and gold and lots of lights. My sweet pups where still with us that time. With the new gang there will be no decoration this year. Maybe if they are all good throughout the year, there might be a tree next holiday season.
Happy Holidays from the boys, to all their fans, to those who care about them, and want to read more about their shenanigans.
Happy Holidays from Maggie, who has no clue what's going on, but is excited nevertheless.
It's going to be a quiet Christmas time in our house, well amongst the humans for sure. Definitely not with the pups. Boy do they keep us on our toes!
Hannah was here, and left for Sydney, Australia for a long time. She'll be studying there come March 2011, but also living there with her boyfriend. I wish them wonderful times!
As for me, I'll cook some special meals, and get cosy in my studio. I love being in my renovated house, every "new" room, I can linger, and look, and just feel good. I've had enough stress this year, and try to relax now for a bit. I love that we'll have white Christmas, I just love the snow, and even take the cold weather which comes with it.
I hope you all have peaceful Holidays ahead of you, and will meet me back here, for more show and tell, and whatnot. I'll be back in a few days!
Love, Peace, and Joy on Earth!
***
Monday, December 20, 2010
Daybreak
I really wanted to show you my finished Elphaba mittens, but the batteries in the camera crapped out, and the daylight was gone, once they were finished recharging. But that does not mean I have nothing to show.
Here's my Daybreak, another of Stephen West's designs. I love this design, but this piece is no more. I've ripped it.
I was close to finishing it too! It's my own fault of course, because I didn't read the instructions well enough. I found out about myself, that I really like charts more, then written out instructions. When the row is long, you can overlook a decrease, or increase easily. I've started this shawl several times, and didn't like the increases, tried different ones, until I was satisfied. It looked nice to me, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the original instructions.
I knew there was something wrong with the center stitch increases, but ignored it, until I no longer could.
I've used some cotton yarn here, it has a lovely drape, and feels soft. I like it because of the color changes. But, I think I like it more for crochet, and that's why I'll use it for a bag or something.
I'm not casting on Daybreak again right away, but need a break to do something else first.
***
This photo was taken December 10th. Maggie has outgrown her first fleece jacket already, but we'll wait and see if she needs another one. She's been fine without one the last week. She's played in the snow, and shivered not once. She also was very itchy when she had it on. But she sure was cute in her jacket. :o)
The spot under my desk seems to be a favorite spot for all the pups.
She's the wildest pup so far, even mores so than Denny was. At least he could be let off leash at this age! She's trying to get through every small opening, and runs like the wind around the pool, mostly like a bunny, not in a straight line, and often stopping dead, so that we have a hard time not falling over her. As all the others she loves the snow. She was 10 weeks yesterday.
And here's another boys on the couch photo. It will get crowded soon, since Maggie managed to jump on the red sofa last night for the first time!
We still spend a lot of time down in the basement, since it's a wonderful playground for the pups, with the carpet flooring. That's why I still have my spinning wheel down there too.
***
Hmmm, this post went into a different direction. I was going to talk about something else. Oh well, have to do that next time.
***
Here's my Daybreak, another of Stephen West's designs. I love this design, but this piece is no more. I've ripped it.
I was close to finishing it too! It's my own fault of course, because I didn't read the instructions well enough. I found out about myself, that I really like charts more, then written out instructions. When the row is long, you can overlook a decrease, or increase easily. I've started this shawl several times, and didn't like the increases, tried different ones, until I was satisfied. It looked nice to me, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the original instructions.
I knew there was something wrong with the center stitch increases, but ignored it, until I no longer could.
I've used some cotton yarn here, it has a lovely drape, and feels soft. I like it because of the color changes. But, I think I like it more for crochet, and that's why I'll use it for a bag or something.
I'm not casting on Daybreak again right away, but need a break to do something else first.
***
This photo was taken December 10th. Maggie has outgrown her first fleece jacket already, but we'll wait and see if she needs another one. She's been fine without one the last week. She's played in the snow, and shivered not once. She also was very itchy when she had it on. But she sure was cute in her jacket. :o)
The spot under my desk seems to be a favorite spot for all the pups.
She's the wildest pup so far, even mores so than Denny was. At least he could be let off leash at this age! She's trying to get through every small opening, and runs like the wind around the pool, mostly like a bunny, not in a straight line, and often stopping dead, so that we have a hard time not falling over her. As all the others she loves the snow. She was 10 weeks yesterday.
And here's another boys on the couch photo. It will get crowded soon, since Maggie managed to jump on the red sofa last night for the first time!
We still spend a lot of time down in the basement, since it's a wonderful playground for the pups, with the carpet flooring. That's why I still have my spinning wheel down there too.
***
Hmmm, this post went into a different direction. I was going to talk about something else. Oh well, have to do that next time.
***
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