thanks

...one giant pine cone, july '09
I really have so much to be thankful for. Among my blessings are all of you that provide so much inspiration. I also really appreciate all of your kind words on my camera.
We are spending Thanksgiving with my parents. My sisters are here so I had them each choose 2 numbers for the book giveaway. (Did I ever tell you how great my sisters are?!) I truly wish I could have a book sent to everyone. But, I can't. Soho publishing has offered two up and I will send my copies off. So, the 4 winners are: #24, Leslie, #114, Jen, #150 iknitipurl, #176 Catherine.
Please send me an e-mail with your address.
Thanks for playing and have a wonderful day.

books... to receive

I'm sure by now, you have seen and heard about these two terrific books. They are both filled with fabulous projects and information for knitters of all levels. I would be showing you more photos of the contents of each book, however, my camera (MY CAMERA) just went kerplunk and I will be without (WITHOUT) for 4-5 weeks (WEEKS) while Ritz Camera ships it away to the nikon camera fairies where they will try to repair it. You have no idea how much this bums me out. The poor girl behind the counter didn't know what to do when I started to cry. (YES, CRY!) Oh! And to top it off, I left a pair of fingerless gloves (that were my husbands!) on the counter and when I went back to get them they were gone. (LONG GONE!)
Book #1: Nicky Epstein Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. Truly one of my favorite books of hers. I love the layout of this book. A chapter each for kids, girls, guys and special friends. An entire book filled with projects to give. (Who says you can't give to yourself?)
The "guys" chapter consists of five projects including these fisherman's gloves. (love)
How cute are these for the jet setter in your life? (free pattern)
The reversible baby hoodie is absolutely adorable. (totally)
Book #2: Color by Kristin. Not only is this book filled with unbelievable color projects, but there is also information on how to design your own beautiful (colorful) knits.
Kristin talks about how color inspires her and shares so much of the information she has acquired along her knitting journey.
Honestly, both books would make a great gift for one of your knitting friends... or yourself.
And guess what? If you want a copy of either of these books, leave me a comment by midnight Wednesday, November 25th. I will draw two names on Thanksgiving day. Please let me know if you have a preference.

handmade holidays

I would love to say that I knit all my Christmas gifts. It doesn't happen. However, I do try to support the handmade world when I can. Here are a few of my favorites.
My friend, Keana, (knitting!) wearing a hollyhawk bracelet.
Jules. I really love her id tags. This is a grandmother bracelet. Perfect for your, um, grandmother, of course!
Lisa Leonard designs is always a favorite. I love that she carries these things for men. Use the code "findbeauty" at checkout and receive 10% off your entire order!

Erin's camera straps. She will be updating her site soon, so be sure to check back.
A dear friend gave me this necklace. I feel calm every time I put it on. They are all made on scrabble pieces. Some seriously cute designs over there.
Emily's photos make beautiful notecards. These were her summer beach collection. She is now selling the golden light collection. LOVE.
Sarah sells screen printed art cards and limited edition journals. Blank pages just waiting to be filled with sketches, notes or inspiration.
Check out Vanessa's photo journals! The kitchen journal would be especially nice for a host (ess) giftee and the joy journal and the journey journal are great ways to record the new year.

Martha just updated her shop with the handcraft collection.
I really love Julie's shop filled with a beautiful collection of modern paper products.
Something smashing is ALWAYS nice!
How about celebrating the everyday with a celebration banner!
2010 (can you believe it?) I love Tracy's desk top calendar, and Leslie's wall calendar. One for your desk and one for your wall. Imagine getting a glimpse of that beauty everyday.

Now that was some serious linky love.

ideas

With the holidays fast approaching, my mind races on what to all those people that deserve something in my life. I can't seem to leave the house without taking along one of these projects. I just wanted to share them again in case you needed some ideas on what to make. Seriously great stash busters. Just one skein is all they take. And a no brainer, so they are great to do while you wait just about anywhere.
For some reason I have made a lot more pairs of toast, then toasty's. For me, I love that toast doesn't have the thumb.
And, those mitts. My favorite yarn to use for all three of these patterns is Classic Elite's Portland Tweed. Not only do I love the tweedy appearance, but the wear of this yarn is FANTASTIC!
All of a sudden, my kids are so into these. The boys want them for when they throw the football. They haven't decided on the color. Libby wants a purple pair. Charlie has also asked for a new thorpe. I foresee a couple more of those being made before Christmas as well.
This was our "cookie of the week" two weeks ago, last week, and my kids asked for them again this week. It has a little "cake like" consistency. You would think they would all be tired of cake!
Pumpkin Cookies:
1 cup canned pumpkin::1 cup butter, softened::1 cup sugar::1/2 tsp salt::1 tsp vanilla::1 egg::2 cups flour::1 tsp baking soda::1 tsp baking powder::1 tsp cinnamon::1 cup cinnamon chips (optional)::1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 350˚. Blend together the pumpkin, butter and sugar. Mix in the salt, vanilla, and egg. Add the flour, bakings soda, baking powder, and cinnamon, and mix together well. Stir in the chips and pecans. Drop by tablespoons onto cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.
*The recipe originally called for butterscotch chips, however, we like to use the cinnamon chips.
Have a great one.

ten

It is really hard to believe. Ten years ago we heard those wonderful words, "It 's a boy"!
And, what a boy he is!!!
We have officially entered double digit territory here. It all happens in the blink of an eye.
For a ten year old that danced in the hall with his teacher (love her! and that!) at 2:57 (the time of his birth), received the saturn V rocket he wanted, ate wedding soup and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, life couldn't be sweeter.
Happy Birthday to my most favorite ten year old in the whole wide world.

wo

It didn't take long to fix my mistake.
And now I have a pair of socks to fit either Libby (size 7) or myself.
Truly one fun knit. Knowing so many others out there are knitting this right along with you makes it even better. Thanks Kirsten for putting this together.
I used Cascade Heritage, color 5631 on size 2 needles.

Last night, Andrew walked by my computer while my blog was on the screen. He stopped dead in his tracks. "WO" he said. Not 'wow' or 'woo' , but WO! "What?" I said. "Did you write in your coffee with nasal spray?" he replied.
He was referring to my blog header. Honestly, kids can be so darn funny.

Make it a great one!

it's no mystery

I wear a size 8.
In both feet.
My mystery socks are taking me a little longer than expected. I guess I just enjoyed the pattern so much, I didn't want to stop. Time to rip.
Have a great day!

twelve

There were twelve balloons, her favorite soup in bread bowls, along with the requested lady bug cake (what? it doesn't look like a ladybug to you?) filled with mint chocolate chip ice-cream.
Zero to six...the speed of sound.
Six to twelve... the speed of light.
Happy Birthday, to my most favorite twelve year old in the whole wide world.