Knitsational

Goodbye Knitsational

2009-04-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is my last post at this blog. No, I am not moving to another blog host, again. But, instead, I am closing Knitsational altogether. I have been weighing this in my mind for quite awhile and have decided that I really want to change it completely. I have been feeling blocked in by Knitsational, the name, the brand I have been building. I know, I know, it's all in my mind but I need to feel good about it in my mind. You see, there is so much of me that I feel abit hesitant to share yet I want to share. So, I have given my shop, my blog, myself? abit of a make-over and now I want to share my new home with you. This Cosy Life I really hope to be able to shake off the restraints that, I myself, have placed on my blog and be able to share more of myself with you. This is important to me. Opening myself up. I will share more on this later. I do hope you will join me in my new place. My new page starts with a homepage and links will direct you to my blog and new shop. I have removed to Followers widget there but still invite you to follow. You can Subscribe or if you have a Blogger account you can, of course, cut and paste the URL into the Add box in you Reading List. I will be posting there next. I am going to have a little giveaway to kick things off. I have also marked down everything left in my Knitsational shop.

Someone's Having a Giveaway

2009-04-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Molly over at Whimsy House is having a fabulous giveaway over on her blog to celebrate her first year selling in her Etsy shop. She makes the cutest accessories from felt and vintage findings.

So hop on over to her blog for 5, yes 5! chances to win.

Do You Realize That Easter......

2009-04-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

is only about a week and a half away?! This came as a shock to this morning. It always kinda sneaks up on me. But, fortunately there are so many great projects over on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog for a lovely, handmade Easter. Like these fabric eggs.

We can't go near the real thing as Kaiya is sooo allergic and I hate those crappy plastic ones. I'll definately be making some of these. They come from Retro Mama's blog. And a couple of these from Molly Chicken.

How cute!
This morning I made a new game for the girls, got the idea from here, who got it from here. And now you, gentle reader are finding it here!
A sweet little Montessori inspired button learning game. The girls love matching the colorful felt squares and trying to work the buttons through. I decided to make a little bag to keep the pieces in.

I just cut a rectangle from another piece of felt and sewed up the sides. Then I cut five holes on each side, cut 2 pieces of ribbon (enough to go all the way around and have have extra for the handle). I then threaded one through each hole, ends coming out of the same side and did the same for the other except they came out the opposite side. Tie the ends and pull closed. Took just a couple of extra minutes. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Amigurumi Love

2009-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely, lazy weekend here. Yes, I needed to paint/clean the house. But, instead, I chose to make my little ones some new toys and try my hand at amigurumi. The itch came after these patterns showed up in my inbox. They are egg cozies but I chose to stuff them and finish off the bottom.

After them I was "hooked", (pun intended) and went searching for more sweet little critters to work up. how could I resist this guy?!

I found these on the Lion's Brand site, and they have so many more I can't wait to make.
Now I'm off to do something productive. Happy Monday!

What I'm Loving Today

2009-03-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see this! Kaiya just loves this book and I love reading it to her (I think I may even love reading it more than she does). And the trailer looks amazing. I can't wait!

And this play tent tutorial over on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog.
How fun!

And last but not least, this sweet little game from Mama Roots. Which, I am wishing I had right now. We've been stuck in the house for the past couple of days. Rain, rain, go away......

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Paying it Forward-Handmade Style!

2009-03-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

I got this from Alisa. What a sweet idea! Here's how it works; the first three people to leave me a comment on this post, will recieve an item, handmade by me, in the mail within the next three months. One day, out of the blue. What could be better than that?
Only catch is, you must post this on your own blog (which means you do need to have a blog to participate)and give three items yourself. And don't forget to leave me your mailing address, you can contact me by email (in my profile).

Getting Our Hands Dirty

2009-03-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

I had abit of help in the garden today.

We've had a streak of excellent weather and the girls are just eating it up. If only I could convince them not to drench my poor flowers. Oh, and we have puppies!

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-03-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is my new favortite website. I found it the other day while I was searching for a tutorial for making Waldorf inspired dolls. It has so much; how to make different types of slings, dolls, wooden toys, clothes, food!

I am scared to use any type of saw but I think that even I could make these.

I am on a mission to de-plastic my house, right down to (gasp!) the kids toys. Replacing them with with as much handmade as they can possibly stand. I hate plastic toys and like most idealistic new moms, wanted none of it for my kids. Then came birthdays and Christmas and quick trips to the $ stores and now we have plastic coming out the whazoo. Well, I'm not so new new anymore, but I think (or would like to think) that perhaps it's better I got that out of my system. I only wished I would have before we amassed so much junk. Now we are paring down and looking for quality and made with love, not to mention natural materials.

Now the hard part, convincing my girls to "trade in" their plastics......

Why go plastic free?
No More Junk Toys: Rethinking Children's Gifts
Toxic Toy Story
Life Without Plastic

Everyday Fancy

2009-03-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

There is never a bad time for shiny red shoes. Even when playing in the dirt with one's cousin.
Here's hoping you have a fun and fancy weekend!

Hello Again

2009-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

I went to the grocery store late this afternoon. When I got back I was greeted by the sweet scent of wild onions. The girls had been running around outside with Tait while I was gone and had apparently been pulling them up in the yard (hmmmm...perhaps time to break out the mower?). I love this little sign of spring. The trees have already begun to bloom and I started planting the garden last weekend.

Perfect days for going to the park with our new group.

I've started a little spring knitting project as well.

A cotton cardigan, with raglan sleeves, of course. Is there really any other way to go? Who knows, I may even keep this this little ditty for myself.

Snow, Yes, Snow

2009-03-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we got a piddeling amount of snow in the afternoon. Zoe chose to stay inside with me but Tait took Kaiya about for just a few minutes. Then, later in the evening it really started coming down good and we woke up to a nice amount to play in. (The yard is so up and down, I won't give you a quote on the inches.)Now, I have been thinking all season that the girls really need some nice, new woolen mittens but, honestly, I didn't think we were going to be getting any real amount of snow at all this year. So, here is the snow and no mittens, because, of course, I want some nice woolen mittens, not icky acrylic, store-bought mittens. And this brings me to this morning, knitting two little pairs of mittens just as fast as my hands would go, as the little ladies were so eager to get outside. Whew! My hands are tired. But they are the proud owners of new woolen mittens, lovingly (and speedily) knit by their mother. Blue for Kaiya (her favorite color), and red for Zoe.
And off we went, sliding and stomping through the snow. And here in NC snow means no school and no work so it was so nice to have hubby home to play with us.

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-03-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! This weekend I saw the documentary from Ricki Lake (yes, the talk show host) and director Abby Epstein, 'The Business of Being Born'. This was such a beautiful film, if you are expecting or have any interest in natural birth I highly recommend you watch it. It explores natural and homebirths and the devastating turns that are occuring in "traditional" hospital births. I talked about it a little more in depth on my Natural Family Living blog.

This films does show actual births and can get a little graphic, if this type of thing bothers you. To me it doesn't. I watched it with Kaiya, who is almost 4 and she loved watching the birth scenes. I think it is so important that our daughters see women birthing naturally and without fear as opposed to the way childbirth is typically depicted on mainstream television and movies.
Btw, I know you can tell where my head has been lately. You may not know this about me but natural childbirth and parenting is something I am quite passionate about. But, I promise we will get back to crafting next week.

North Carolina Natural Family Living

2009-02-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share my latest project with you. No yarn, fabric or paper involved here. This is a very special project. I have been a stay-at-home mommy for almost four years now. Raising my children in a way that comes more naturally to me than the standard model of child "rearing". And while we have the support of our families we struggle to find like-minded families to interact with, in our area. So, rather than wait for someone us to reach out to us, I have begun to reach myself.

Thus is born North Carolina Natural Family Living. Now, I know most of my readers are not in my area. If you are, we would to have you join us. Otherwise, I did want to share my new blog through the site. All about, well, obviously, natural family living.

I ♥ Mary Englebreit

2009-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was so sad to hear that Mary Englebreit's Home Companion is no longer being published. You can go here to learn why. Such an inspiring magazine and a real visual feast. But one of my favorite things about ME mag was the free paper dolls in every issue. I pulled them all out of my back issues and stored them, not knowing exactly what I would do with them. But I was recently inspired (I can't remember what caused the lightening bolt) to cut them all out and display as the art they are.

How sweet is that?! Here's more waiting to be cut.

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-02-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Some paper dolls for you today.

I really love paper dolls, though I have never liked to play with them. I've just always thought they were so charming just they way they are. I found these sweethearts at Kiddio. I also offer up for Sunday's show and tell these lovely coloring pages FREE! from Mary Engelbreit's online shop. That is, if you are a ME fanatic like me. She has other freebies there, as well. And tomorrow I will show you how I have combined my love of Mary and paper dolls. Til then....!

I Almost Forgot

2009-02-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

My little flawed frames. I don't know where my head is today. Hubby let me sleep in til almost noon, as Zoe is still letting me get very little sleep. And now I am having a lazy day, mostly knitting and snuggling. Wait, I have no pic for the day. Hold on....

And....

A sweet cotton hat in the same stitch as these. I really don't know why it has not occured to me til now to use it in a hat. And I'm beginning to think warm weather thoughts (though, I'm trying real hard not to)so I thought it must be a nice soft cotton.
Anywho, my little flawed frames have found two new homes; Angie and ismoyo! Thank you everyone for all the frame love. I have all but one up in the shop, now.
Have a happy weekend, all!

Perfect!!

2009-02-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased with how these turned out! The zigzag was exactly what they needed.

And I got a little carried away and made these, too.

I'll get these and probably more, listed in the shop in the next few days. But, if you would like either of the flawed pieces you are still quite welcome to comment in the last post. That will be open until this Saturday.

Not Quite Right

2009-02-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

I have had the idea for these brewing in my head for a couple of weeks, so I was so eager to get started on them after I finished up Zoe's birthday stuff. I really love making them but I am not quite satisfied with them yet. I think I may try a zigzag stitch over the raw edges. With these I have treated the edges with Fray Check, but I am thinking that closing up the edges may keep the fabric from moving around so much as I sew around the outside.

The fabric is backed with a heavy Pellon interfacing and an extra piece is sewn onto the back to slip your photo into. I really dig them but I think I'll work on them some more today til I get them just right. But, this leaves me with these two flawed pieces. So, if you would like to give one of them a home leave me a coment on this post and I would love to send one to you. I will draw two names this Saturday. That would be..........the 21st. And these are so light I'll send them anywhere. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some success to show you.

TTFN!

My Baby is 2! or The Dresses

2009-02-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

So, as you can see, I made the doll a matching dress. Though, apparently it's not nearly as fascinating as those JujyFruits.

She's not been sleeping well,though, and that means I'm sleeping next to none. I guess she must be working on the last of her baby teeth. But, I'm exhausted so I think I'll take a little nap, now that hubby is home.

Show and Tell Sunday/Zoe's Birthday

2009-02-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today, my sweet Zoe Gail turned 2. I always hear other mothers say how it feels like "only yesterday" they were itty bitty babies or still kicking aroud inside them. Not the case with Zoe. It feels like she has always been with us. I can barely recall life without her. My Zoe has a very strong personality. I already knew who she was going to be while she was still inside of me. I felt her first kicks when I was about 13 weeks along. But within that month, her kicks became so strong and forceful I felt that I must have been farther along than we thought. So much that my midwife decided to do the home visit (my girls were both born at home) a few weeks early, just in case. As it turned out, I actually went 15 days over my due date. But, we knew from then that a little hurricane was entering our lives. She was born hard and fast the day after Valentine's Day. She could not even wait for her bag of waters to rupture and was born in the caul. And she has definately not failed to live up to her reputation. She never stops, never gives up, and is just about the sweetest little devil I have ever known.

And she wanted to show off her new big girls panties. We started training her just a few days ago.

I have more pics to share but I will get to them tomorrow. For now, though, I did want to share a couple of thrifty finds I picked up a couple of days ago.

Whir Whir, Snip Snip, Bleed Bleed

2009-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

How nice to be sewing again. The whiring of the machine, the crisp snip snip of my scissors. But, I suppose I must be a little rusty because I cut myself on my scissors, twice. Then again, noone has ever accused me of being coordinated. Nevertheless, Zoe's doll is complete and waiting to be dressed. In the end, her legs and arms turned out scrawnier than my original pattern. So, I'll either have to work at this one some more or keep hunting for the other.
I decided against sewing clothes for her, though. I'm doing something a little different.

Look familiar?

Dolly WIP

2009-02-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I finally got the unatural disater that is my work room under control. But now I realize just how much stuff I amassed over the past few months. I must get with hubby about building some new shelving/something to accomodate all of my supplies. (No, paring down on supplies is not an option, but, yes, I probably do have a problem.) Regardless, it's "clean" now, well, at least there's space to work.

So, I have begun Zoe's dolly. I cannot find my pattern. I spent a half an hour, or so, looking for it before I gave up and made a new one. I can't draw worth spit so it's very hard for me to get the proportions right, but I think I did alright. She's all cut out, now I have to decide on fabric for her clothes. That's the fun part.

And I'm so excited that the CPSIA was delayed until next year. I have really been itching to get some new dolls into the shop. Hopefully I'll be able to get back in there later today and get this one sewn up. I'll show you the progress tomorrow.

Today

2009-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday!

Oh, My.......

2009-02-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

My Zoe is turning 2 on Sunday. She is abit difficult to buy/make for. Her sissie is a big-time girlie girl. Get her a princess dress or a baby doll and she's as happy as can be. Zoe....not so much. Not that she doesn't like to play dress up, though she would rather take things off than actually wear them. And while she does like to play with dolls she grows bored of them rather quickly. She's something of a tomboy-type, but not so much that she's into trucks and what-not...yet. So, this puts her at an awkard in-between stage and puts me at a loss as how to do for her for holidays. She is quite passionate about dogs, however, and I have this sweet little puppy that I bought from Etsy seller RAEWADOLLY. I actually got it for her for Christmas but it didn't come til the day after, so he has been patiently waiting in my gift cupboard.

Seriously, she has oodles of dogs and loves each and every one of them. So, what does this have to do with this, you ask.

Well, I got it into my head last night that I would make her a dolly. I love to make them but this is easier said than done at the moment because this is what my work room looks like right now. Actually, this is the nice version. I'm too 'shamed to show the rest. Since Thanksgiving I have literally been throwing things into the room. Now I have to lift my legs high just to walk around. I have been meaning to get in there and clean for a couple of months now, but....

Yikes! This is a meager attempt at wrangling a drop in the bucket that is my yarn stash. There's so much more all over the room that I have no clue how to store. It's already all over the house. In baskets and cupboards and bowels. I even have a few balls in planter type basket hanging on the wall. Supplies as art!
Well, I have about five more days to wade through the mess and get the job done. Wish me luck!

ps. If you don't hear back from me by next Monday, send the search party.

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-02-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have been too absent this week and plan to make it up starting tomorrow. To be honest I don't know what has been stealing my time away. Do you have ever have weeks like that? So busy doing what? I don't know. I did have a few orders to get out but nothing major. No, if I had to guess I would say cleaning this house which seems kinda like that IHOP commercial with the never-ending pancakes. Do you know which one I'm talking about? The man takes a bite of his pancakes and they immediately reform. Yeah, that's my house. I clean and the mess just reappears as quickly as I can clean it up.
And these things have been diverting my attention;

Vintage pillow cases I got from Etsy seller LissyBug. I don't know what I'm going to do with them yet. I may......use them as pillow cases. I know, it's out there. I also got this

It's my first piece from Art and Ghosts. And she sent this piece with it as a 5x7.

I am in love!
So, this is where I've been, I suppose. Shopping online. I have more that I'll show you later. Now I'm off to do a little birthday knitting for my Zoe Gail.
Good night!

Visiting With Friends and What I Finally Decided On

2009-02-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

My good friend Rachel came down for a visit from Connecticut. She will be here visiting friends and family for the next couple of weeks. So, she and her hubby and little boy, Lerin, her little ones and me and the girls got together for lunch today. We tried to go to the park but it got cold and windy really fast. Now, looking out my window, I see it's snowing. Or, should I say, teasing me. I doubt it will accumulate at all. Still, it was nice to get to see her and gave me a chance to try out my new camera.

I decided to go with the Canon. I really love it but haven't really taken the time, yet, to get familiar with the different settings.

I took advantage of having her here and had her do a little modeling for a couple new pieces.

Well, I'm going to enjoy the snow while it lasts and play around with my camera some more.

Happy Tuesday!

You Won!

2009-02-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

We have a winner: Aik! And a big "thank you" to everyone who participated in my very first giveaway. But don't forget, Patti is having her half of the giveaway and will be accepting entries until this Wednesday (the fourth).

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-02-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

I discovered this site last night, PaperbackSwap (click on the logo to check out the site). I could quickly become addicted to this (okay, I already am). Do you swap here? I'd love to see your bookshelf. Here's mine. Since I was a teenager I have collected books obsessively. I have some of the oddest books that I know I will never read, but haven't had the heart to get rid of them. So, this is perfect for someone like me. I'll just swap them out for some I will read!

My poor Kaiya has been so sick all weekend. Whenever she gets sick at all she has difficulty breathing. We are suspecting asthma. This time was no exception. But this morning my dad turned me onto this. What a godsend! It helped tremedously. And, as it turns out, it has many, many uses. We'll definately be keeping a bottle of this around the house.

My giveaway ends tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 2). I'll be drawing a winner around noon, so get your entry in! And Patti has started up her half of the giveaway. So get on over to her blog and enter. And by the by, her lotion is fantastic! I'm already an addict. She's included a jar in the giveaway, so you do not want to miss out! Her giveaway end Wednesday, Feb 4.

What I Bought

2009-01-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Following the link of a comment left here by Greeting Friends, I found these. Seriously, are her little critters not just the cutest things ever? I am so in love. But, alas, she is all sold out which sent me off to Etsy, in search of felted mice. Which brought me here . She didn't have any of these mice made up but she does sell the pattern, which I absolutely had to have. Look at that sweet little face and the belly! As you know, knitting is really my bag but I dabble in crochet, so I'm hoping this doesn't go right over my head. I'm going to have to make so many of these. And you would not believe how fast I got the pattern. Literally within minutes.
So, wish me luck. I have to knock off a few projects I have on the needles right now and then I'm diving in!

And don't forget about my giveaway, now two posts dow. You have until the 2nd (monday) to enter.

Your Recommendation?

2009-01-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

I've finally convinced hubby I need a better camera. Or, perhaps he's not so much convinced but he just can't say no to me. I've got my eye on this one. I love Canon's cameras. The one I have now is Nikon. For what it is I do like it, but it is very limited. I was hoping you, gentle reader, would have a suggestion for me. Or, if you have this one, I would love to hear what you think about it.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway (one post down). And, yes, I am going to remind you in every post between now and next Monday.

I Heart Giveaways CLOSED

2009-01-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

As promised I have a giveaway for you today! My first actually. I've been wanting to do one for some time but never could decide on what to give away. So, Patti and I decided to put our goodies together and offer two giveaways, one for each of our blogs.

Here is what you're going to enter to win;

We have split up my washcloth set, she has the pink with the red heart. And we each are giving away one of her Love Spell soaps (3.5 oz). This soap smells so good! It reminds me of a cross between fruity candy and flowers. And, just for fun I am throwing in this sweetheart scrapbooking ribbon and a set of four nesting hearts cookie cutters, to get you in the Valentine spirit.

And here's How to Enter: Simply link back to this post on your own blog and leave me a comment (on this post). You can just mention it or do a whole post. On Monday, Febuary 2nd I will be drawing the winner. Please make sure and leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Good luck!

Show and Tell Sunday

2009-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

I found this video on Light and Writing's blog. If this doesn't make you smile from ear to ear I don't what will. Below is some of the reactions.

I have also been tagged by the same blogger. I just did this recently but I'll share more.

So, I am to share 8 random things about myself and then tag 8 others.

1.I am terrified of driving in the mountains. I have the feeling that if I look up at them I am going to drive right over the edge, more like being sucked in. It is irrational and perhaps a bit looney but it scares the bejeezus out of me. My hands sweat, my heart pounds....... (frightened just thinking about it).

2.I am a huge fan of Will Smith. I would watch anything he is in. He's just such a nice guy!

3.I grew up to become my mother. I know, every young woman's worst nightmare, right? But I happy and proud to be like my mom.

4.I'm only 28 but have been asked twice if I am my 18 yr old sister's mother. (shudders)

5.I talk in funny voices and accents more than I care to admit. I am usually not even aware that I am doing it. Actually, my sister bet me that I couldn't go one day without doing it.....I lost.

6.I don't like to watch movies very often. I feel like they are too much of a commitment. I prefer to watch sitcoms. They are lighthearted and don't require my attention.

7.I love all three versions of 'Little Women'. My sister and I know large portions of them by heart and we love to talk about which actor/actress we like best for each part, from each version.

8.Had enough yet? Here's the last one. My favorite author is Alice Hoffman. I can not get enough of her books. She introduces magical elements into everyday life and really makes you believe it. Her work is beautiful and poetic, full of magic and mystery. If you've never read her before, please do so as soon as possible.

And now to tag:

1. My mom, Vivian Learning Fiend She is a brand new blogger. She is going to school to become a nurse and had to start a blog for her computer class.

2. Tammy Art and Inspirations

3. Sarah Like It or Lump It

4. Patti Shine Your Hiney Soap Co.

5. Beki Artsy-Crafty Babe

6.Emily Inside a Black Apple

7. Stacey Stacey Winters

8.Beth At the End of this Row

A Lovely Little Giveaway

2009-01-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Grosgrain: The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!! I stumbled upon this sweet giveaway over on Sarah's blog. I adore this blouse! Go, enter now, don't delay!

Speaking of giveaways, I went to Patti's last night to pick up some soap. She and I are collaborating on a giveaway for each of our blogs. They will start up on Monday.

Happy Weekend!

No, Really, What Next?

2009-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

I am experiencing abit of a creative block today. I have a little red bag in progress using this yarn (yes, more of this yarn). But I ran out last night and can't go get more til Tait comes home from work. I've spent the morning digging through pattern books and trying to revive my mental list of new design ideas (still am not writing this stuff down). Gave up, mopped the floors and then settled on a bunny for my bff's new baby girl.

I am blaming the block on my sweet little ones, though. Tantrums have been at an all time high this week and mommy's nerves are shot! Honestly it feels as though Kaiya is entering the terrible twos all over again. She had a huge meltdown last night, I'm not even sure what it was all about, I just now know it involved much screaming and me wanting to lock myself in the bathroom. Ah, the joys of parenting. I'm so glad the week is over so now I will have back-up.

I did get these listed in the shop yesterday. Hopefully a semi-restful weekend will kick start the creative juices.

Ok, What Next?!

2009-01-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

I finished the dress this morning and I am loving how it turned out. I held back with embellishments and decided to keep it simple with just the i-cord band and heart closure. I tried it on Zo-Zo this morning. She loved it and got mad at me for taking it off. But you will have to wait till her birthday to see it on her. Not too much longer, Febuary 15th. And now Kaiya wants one in blue, her favorite color.

We got just the tiniest bit of snow overnight, just enough to dust the ground. But do you really think this stopped my girls from going out to play? I don't think so. As soon as they looked out the window, Kaiya ran to their room and started getting dressed. So there they were, before we even got a chance to eat breakfast or brush our teeth. It was very short lived, however, as my wee North Carolinians aren't used to the snow and did not stay out for more than 5 min.

It's all gone now. Perhaps they will be a little braver next time.

Thrifting and a New Blogger

2009-01-17T22:42:00.001-08:00

Kaiya went grocery shopping with me today....err, make that yesterday, yikes! I need to go to bed. Anyway, we got in some much needed Mommy/eldest daughter time. We had lunch, then, before we went to the grocery store, we decided to do a little thrifting at the Salvation Army. It's her favorite place to shop. It's the only place she can pick pretty much whatever she wants. First she'll hit the 10 cent bin (this is where she likes to pick out presents for little sissy if she's not with us) then she's on to the books. A child of my own heart she is quite the book worm and she really stocks up here. Then she's off in search of a new baby doll and I try to steer her towards the ones with hair and clothes. Oh well, they're almost all .25-.50. We found a sweet red rain coat for her that I am dying of envy over. But for me I found this teapot. I am in love with it's shape. It didn't have it's original lid and the one on it was an ill fit. So, I just took it of and for now it's resting spot for my double pointed needles. Form and function! Though, I may later use it as a flower pot.
Also, I just discovered my friend and show buddy, Patti, has just started blogging. Her shop is Shine Your Hiney Soap, and her soaps are heavenly! My fav is Sugar Cookie. Mmmmm..... She has promised me she will make me more even after winter. (And I will hold you to it!)

The Boring Part

2009-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

This is why I don't do more than one sweater a year. I hate knitting the body, that long, boring expance. I have really enjoyed working on this dress for my Zoe Gail. I know how I want the body but am still undecided about the details. Though, if you will notice the line of eyelets around the middle, I have decided to run an icord? crochet chain? ribbon? all around it. Short sleeves that only need the seed stitch trim, so she can wear it in the spring and summer. It's some more of that great, soft cotton. And just because I love doing raglan tops, fun! Other than that, I have a few ideas but nothing concrete on the embellishments. But first I have to finish this blasted body. At least it's all one piece so I don't have to make another when I finish. No, I think that is the worst thing about sweaters. having to do the second piece. I love the detail work, having to pay attention to it. Like being intimate with the knitting. Fortunately she's only going to be two, so I don't have far to go.

Just Because

2009-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

I love a man who buys his wife flowers "just because".

The cake turned out great. Very rich and heavy, as I put everything in it but the kitchen sink, but quite tasty. We made him a "Happy Birthday Daddy" sign. The girls loved coloring and stickering it for Daddy. And we made him a bookmark, which they also colored and stickered and I put their picture on the back of. Which made me realize I desperately need to get some pictures of the girls printed. In this picture Zoe had no hair. As we were making the sign, Kaiya leaves the room and comes running back with this... "I want the party to look like this, Mommy!". It's a Danny and the Dinosaur book. So we blew up ballons (or I did, anyway). All I had on hand was water ballons, which don't blow up that easily. We were putting the finishing touches on the sign when we heard him coming up the porch. Kaiya yells "He's here!" and grabs this huge posterboard sign off the table. It's as big as she is. She runs into the living room and holds it up and waits for him to walk in. When he does she screams "Happy Birthday Daddy!". This was his favorite part of the day.

Someone's Birthday and Progress

2009-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

My hubby turns 27 today. So the girls and I have been making him a cake. We are gluten, diary, egg, etc. free. I couldn't find the perfect cake recipe ( since going gluten free I have mostly relied on cake mixes) so I decided to wing it. I just took it out of the oven. Too soon to tell. But if I don't speak of it tomorrow don't ask! I get a little touchy about my cooking failures. The kiddos enjoyed making Daddy's cake, though, and are looking forward to making him a present after their nap. Actually, Kaiya insists we all make him a present but I really haven't thought that far, so it may be interesting to see what we come up with.

And this is Zoe realizing that, although gluten free cake tastes good, the batter does not.

And I did get around to starting Zoe's birthday dress yesterday. I am happy with the progress.

Roses..Finally

2009-01-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

I have been dragging this at all weekend. Remember that I said here , which was Friday, that someone wanted a cuff pattern? Well, I thought, this is a quick and painless one. I'll just knit them up once more and make the necessary notes and sit down to write out the patterns the next day (she only wanted one, but I thought I'd do another pattern combo). And it should have been done days ago but I've been dragging my feet. Too many good ideas at once. Or rather, too many good ideas stockpiled in my poor little brain (honestly, I don't know how I've held onto as many as I have as I never write them down) over the holidays. Now that I have abit of breathing room I'm just dying to get them out.
But, the patterns are done and cozily nestled on their shelf in the shop!

Inspiraton Strikes...

2009-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

I started wearing glasses when I was in the first grade. When other children would tease me my mother would tell me it was because "they were just jealous". Even then I knew that was poo. So when I got older I switched to contacts which, of course, means I don't see as well as I would if I just sucked it up and wore glasses. But my poor vision does have a plus side. From a distance, I sometimes see things differently than they really are. I have got so many great ideas because I thought something looked (or was) one way. So, I must say my vision is a blessing in a way.
Other than that all great inspiration strikes as soon as my head hits the pillow. I close my eyes and just start to see pictures. I suppose it comes from all the things I have taken in during the day, regrouping in mind and presenting itself to me when my defenses are down. The other night I saw (in my pictures) a sweet little dress I'm going to try to make my Zoe in time for her 2nd birthday the day after Valentine's Day. Last night it was a purse and then I lay there thinking of all the different ways I could make it and figuring out the logistics. The common theme, though, is this yarn. (look up) And in these colors. I can't wait till Valentine' Day! And I just want red and pink everything.
So, how does inspiration strike for you? A time, a place? A person (muse), a movie? Share with me what inspires you!

Bookish

2009-01-10T15:18:00.001-08:00

I have always been something of a book nerd, devouring every page that came my way and hording them in my overflowing shevles. After becoming a mommy 3.5 years ago, you have thought I would have less time for my books. But in truth, I had more time than I had in several years. I would read while nursing and putting them to sleep. And Kaiya went through a long period of teething when she would wake up every time I would try to lay her down so I would sit and hold her and read.

But that was before Knitsational. Now when I sit to nurse I am here in front of the computer or have yarn and needles in my hand. And my poor books (and mind) have been neglected. So, I thought I'd start the new year off with a nice stack of books. Considering I could probably count on one hand how many books I read in '08 I'm afraid I might be a little over ambitious, especially since I was planning to be a steady blogger this year, too. But it gives me something to shoot for.

I've decided to start with Living Loving and Learning by Leo Buscaglia. I've read it once before but it's been quite awhile and it's really excellent. A few of them I've already read but a good book is like a friend to visit with.

Oh, and I didn't get a chance to write the patterns up yet but I have 2 new cuffs for the shop.

Coveting

2009-01-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've been browsing my favorites on Etsy this evening, making a wish list for when I come into enormous wealth (I have alot of favs). So, I thought I'd share some. I have developed a bit of an addiction to hair clips. Hubby bought these for me for Christmas and I treated my self to this and these (What can I say? I'm a child at heart). And now I can't stop thinking about this lovely set.

Are they gorgeous or what?! They are made by Etsy seller ThreadandPetal. I love the full layers of organza and thule, all cozy on those green, velvet alligator clips. Stunning! And nestled inside are three little pearl colored beads. Wow!

I also "must have" this sweet little purse from Atelier de Soyun. I love the colors and I happen to think that frame style purses are just the bee's knees.

Too sweet! It's like, old lady chic. And her shop is just full of these lovelies.

Ok, my sweet Zoe has finally fallen to sleep for the night (let's hope she stays that way). So I'm going to lay her down and get to knittin'! Someone has inquired about a pattern for this so I am going to try to have it in the shop, together with this one, by tomorrow.

A Wee Photo Shoot

2009-01-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

I made this bow for Kaiya to wear with her Christmas dress (which I have zero pictures of). But I liked it so much I've decided to add it to the shop. So this morning (before she gets covered with oatmeal and ketchup and remnants of everything else she eats) we had a wee little photo shoot. I was actually quite impressed with her newfound ability to hold still long enough for me to snap a blur-free picture this time. And since little sissie kept hollaring "me. me, me!" beside of me the entire time I shot few of her as well.

Who can resist that smile? The bow headband is now available in the shop.

The Old Dark House

2009-01-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

Ok, perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration, but this is how I feel about my house. My house is so lacking in natural sunlight that I feel as though I am living in a tomb. Winter blues? I have it all year long, but, perhaps because it is winter and my little home is receiving even less sunlight, it is, at the moment, driving me to distraction. On both long sides of the house are two covered porches that line more than half of the side. Also there is a very large, sprawling shade tree right in the middle of the front yard. And, not only do I have year long winter blues but any plant that crosses the threshold will surely die. So....
I have been reading tips on maximising the light in your home and have got a few good tips. Full Spectrum light bulbs, mirrors, clean windows, light walls and upholstery...... And I am going to try these (all of these, I'm desperate!), but I was hoping that you, gentle reader would share some tips with me. Have you or do you live in a dark house? Please share your tips with me. I'm ready to bring springtime into this old dark house.

Btw, taking down the tree or porches is not an option.

Sock it to Me!

2009-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

I found this fabulous giveaway this morning (ok, maybe you don't care so much if you don't knit) on Beth's blog, At the End of This Row... A new blog, for me, and a very nice one I might add. I always love to see what fellow knitters are up to. Her husband made her a pair of these sock blockers for Christmas and she encouraged him to make more. A rather great idea, I think. So he has made some for his shop and she has snagged another for a giveaway! So, hop on over to her blog and enter to win.

A Few Random Things About Me

2009-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my dear friend Rachel over at HuggerMugger a couple of weeks ago and am, of course, just now getting around to it.

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 6 facts about yourself on your blog; some random, some weird.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as their links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been "tagged" by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I like to pretend my life is a musical and sing (usually about what's happening at the moment) and dance when you least expect it!

2. I had pink eye over Christmas.

3. Ever since I was pregnant with baby #1 I can not stand any of the characters on King of Queens.

4. I love the "thought" of doing laundry in a laundry mat.

5. I used to have a dangerous obsession with the #5.

6. I make the best ever brussell spouts.

And now to tag...
1. Sandra at My Inspired Heart

2.Erin at Bluebird Baby

3. Wendy at Mother Rising

4. Annie at Over Milkwood

5. Caroline at My Pocket

And for #6. My bff and new blogger Lerin at The first Day of the Rest of My Life

No pressure ladies!

I Smell Good!

2009-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

I used to strictly be a body wash kind of girl. could not stand that icky residue left all over my body by commercial bar soaps. Not to mention how dry and itchy they leave my skin. But that was until I tried some of the fantastic handmade soaps on Etsy.
I just recieved this pink goddess in the mail today. It is Pink Sugar by OuttaBody. It is a huge 7 ounce bar and is so, so pink. It smells sweet and floral and like cotton candy. And the lather is out of this world! Rich and frothy and creamy and leaves my skin so soft and smelling sweet.
And while I'm on the topic of body treats, Rachel over at HuggerMugger turned me on to this lotion bar from Athena's Olive Tree. My dry, cracked knitter's hands have never felt so good!

Purls of Wisdom

2009-01-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back! Bet you didn't even know I had gone anywhere, didja? I was lost in Christmas-ville. Orders and gifts and company and food. And wrapping and lights and carols and anxiously waiting for packages to arrive in the mail. I feel like it kinda swallowed me up this year. Do you ever feel like that around the holidays? Like you're just trying to make it throught to the end so you can breathe a little? This year did that to me. I think it was trying to run the shop and my life at the same time that did it. But I learned heaps and am so ready to take on the new year a little wiser. Oh, and I wanted to share my latest design. I've been dreaming of this necklace for a couple of months but have only had time for what I have to make instead of what I want to make. But now I'm able to work on all sorts of new things. This is my take on the ever classic and elegant string of pearls. But mine is called "String of Purls", of course. Love, love, love the yarn! Soooo soft and silky, Silk Bamboo from Patons. Tonight I'll be working on a new color, Sapphire!

Catching Up

2008-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've had such a hectic week. We had a lovely Thanksgiving last week, put up our Christmas tree over that weekend and all week I knitted my butt off getting ready for The Big Crafty in Asheville, NC, was just yesterday. It was well worth it, though. I had great time and unloaded several items I've been wanting to find a good home for, for quite a while. And now, to the enormous task of catching up on orders and housework. Eeek! What I wouldn't give for a housekeeper.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some of my lastest designs. I am so in love with theses roses. I just want to put them all over everything! Headbands, pins, hats, gloves..... And I still have more ideas for them once I get a little extra time. And my heart gloves. The Oatmeal colored pair is my most popular item right now. I also have a denim pair in the shop.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

It really is a good thing that we've decided to have a Friday Thanksgiving in my house because I have been procrastinating like mad. My mother has always hosted Thanksgiving for her side of the family (not really because she wanted to but noone else would step up) and she has oh, so graciously passed it onto me, on the sly. As noone was talking about any plans or working out the menu and shopping I finally asked her last week "So you're just kinda sticking it with me this year, huh?". And she said yes, she is done with it. It's my turn now. Oh, joy. Because I have all the time in the world to make a huge meal for a bunch of moochers. Not that I blame her from wanting to get out from under it. She has served her time. Now, I'm working my poor fingers to the bone on orders and beefing up my inventory for a show I'm doing next Saturday, and. honestly, I haven't even taken the time to write out the menu, make a grocery list. And you should see my house.... But, Mom and hubby are working on Thanksgiving so we've moved it down a day.

But I did finally decide on a pic for my invites and I really like how they turned out. Now, off to dust or something.

Hi!

2008-11-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is me. Like most sensible women I hate having my photo taken. Never happy with my appearance, feeling goofy when smiling for a camera and, of course, I'm usually the one taking the picture. But I've decided not to use my usual model anymore, my new model is 30 minutes away and I hate using a styrofoam head. So here I am, trying my best not to look too irritated at my photography inept husband as he takes blurry pictures of my new cowl.

......Note to self: Must buy a better manequin head.

Fall Days

2008-11-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

It has been weeks since we have ventured outside to play. A week of rain, a week of colds and yet another week of rain. Now it's so windy one could fly a kite if one felt so inclined but the girls have been going a little crazy so we went out to play on the swing set and kick the leaves around.

No new updates to the shop this week. I've been kinda swamped with custom orders. And I just rounded them all up and realized today that I have 5 projects on needles. I really hate that. I like to knock out one project at a time. Some I got bored with and others have got pushed aside this week to make time for the custom orders. So my weekend project is to knit up all these strays....and to knit myself a cowl. I just can't help myself!

Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas?

2008-11-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking of Christmas yet? I have to admit, I've been thinking about it since about July. Not that I am in any way prepared. I've been so busy knitting for shows and custom orders all I have had time to do is think about it.

I have not made one (complete) gift yet. And I try to make all or most of the gifts I give. Am I worried? Not in the least! I have quite a few handmade, though not by me, items that I have traded some other talented Etsy sellers for. So a few people on my list are already taken care of. And the rest..... well, I still have time.

I have started working on these little hearts for my own tree and ths shop. But, what you're looking at is what I've got, so I'd better get busy! But, even though I've been thinking about Christmas for so long, I have to say that I am really turned off by how each year, it seems, that the stores are bringing out the merchandise and even the Christmas store decorations! earlier and earlier. The day after Halloween, Halloween!, I went into...Wal-mart....ahem, and what before my wondering eyes did appear but a Christmas Tree!, right beside of the door. Not for sale. No, this is for decoration. Note my wild use of italics today. It's just disgraceful. Though I obviously don't agree with them, I do understand those who are cynical about Christmas. But, just like life itself, it is what you make of it. If you buy into the commercialism (or are totally repelled because of it) then that's what you'll get. A holiday for buying and shopping and working so many overtime hours you don't even see your family till Christmas day. Or you can toss all that aside and remember why we celebrate. Whether it be for religious reasons or simply a celebration of love and family.

Let Your Heart Be Light

2008-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

I really love how the cards turned out! And they are available in the shop. :)

Preggers

2008-11-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Not me! Let's just be clear about that, to those of you who have never seen me, that is not me. It's my best friend, Lerin. She was sweet enough to do a bit of modeling for me, for the shop today and we took some belly shots while we were at it. Love the bump! She is due next month and I've not even started, or even decided on! some sweet little handmade something for the baby. That's ok. When pushed up against a deadline Super Knitter takes over and I kick it in high gear.

By the way, still undecided about which pic to use for my Thanksgiving invites so please give me your input.

Opinions Please!

2008-11-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

I've been retaking pics of my pumpkins (again) today. And they turned out so nice that I thought I'd use them on my invitations for Thanksgiving. Problem is...I love them all! Please help me decide which shot to use. 1 2 3 or 4.

A Giveaway

2008-11-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was asked awhile ago to donate an item from my shop for a series of giveaways on Debbie's blog ,Real World Martha. I had totally forgot about it but this is the first week. She will showcase 1 prize each day but you don't just win one prize. You win the entire week's prizes! How awesome is that? I am giving away a set of my Itty Bitty Notebooks. And there are lots of other great prizes so be sure to enter!

Mmmm...Handmade

2008-11-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

What new mother wouldn't treasure a handmade anything for their new little one? An heirloom that her child can pass down to their own child. My best friend is expecting her second baby (another girl) sometime in December, and while I will, of course, be cranking out a few handmades for her myself, I couldn't resist entering this giveaway on JChandmade's blog.

She is going to make a gorgeous baby blanket like this for one lucky winner in the colors of their choice. I'd love to see it in many shades of pink for my friend's little girl. But be sure to enter yourself. Checkout her post , she explains how to enter. Good luck!

Candy Time!

2008-11-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Honestly, is there anything harder to photograph than your children at Halloween? This one is as good as it gets.
They had so much fun, though. Zoe love sticking her hands in the gooey pumpkin, "helping" daddy. Kaiya, on the other hand, didn't want to get her hands dirty.
These girls are like night and day. Zoe is so rough and physical. And Kaiya is sensitive and doesn't like rough play. I think they kind of help balance each other out a little, though. Zoe has definately helped Kaiya loosen up and Kaiya teaches Zoe how to play pretend and be gentle with their baby dolls. So strange that when you're expecting another child it is so hard to imagine anything but but a replica of the previous child. But Zoe couldn't be more different than Kaiya.

I've been missing my girls. Still a stay-at-home mom but I've been so busy with craft shows in the past few months I've had little time to spend one on one with them. And my house! It has definately been looking worse for the wear. So I'm taking time off from shows til December. I have a show and I'm hoping to pull a home party together. Meanwhile, I'm taking taking some time with the girls and making plans for the holidays. They seem to be enjoying the slower pace around the house. And mommy is enjoying the down-time. And you will benefit as well, as I am also taking the time to pull together a giveaway.
So stayed tuned.....

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

I don't have a halloweeny photo yet. Hopefully you'll see them tomorow. Until then, I'll make do with a pic of one of my slouchy hats with a pumpkin rose.

When hubby gets home in an hour or so we'll (finally) carve up our pumpkin. It's gotten cold so quickly I haven't wanted to go out and expose my pumpkin slime covered hands to the cold. Thankfully it's relatively warm today. And later on we'll take the girls trick-or-treating at the nursing home my mom works at. Kaiya has been begging for a month or more to be Elmo. And Zoe will be a pumpkin.

Speaking of pumpkins, Alicia, over at Posie Gets Cozy shared her husbands yummy looking recipe for Pumpkin Pasta. I can't wait to try it, though I'll have to get creative with substitutions for some of the dairy products.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

My New Place

2008-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Typepad has annoyed me for the last time! When they changed things around in editing and composing it made blogging a nightmare. I had finished a post today and scrolled up to edit something and the blasted thing froze up on me with the hour glass and hand blinking furiously at me. I had to control/alt/delete out of the whole thing. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I just don't know how to work the stupid thing. But it's not the first time that has happened and not to mention it takes forever just to backspace, so, I'm done. I hope blogging is easier here in Blogger land.

What I had meant to post today was this. Kaiya was sweet enough to do a little modeling for me today, which wasn't as painless as I'd hoped it would be. The dog decided to join us and the outside cats were crawling all over the place, begging for attention. And Kaiya was bobbing all over the place. I was very lucky to get a decent shot. She's holding a little heart I made for our tree and I'll be working on some for the shop as well. This pic is for our Christmas cards. I think I'll make some of these for the shop, too.