It was all about the yarn.
And, knitting with my new friend, Leslie.
My friend, Keana.
All in my favorite yarn shop.
While at home, my new sweater arrived in the mail.

I read Abby's post, saw these cookies, and the next thing you know I was in the kitchen making them. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. If you are like me, you can get started now. Instead of making them giant, I made them "normal" size. And, I did them as a slice and bake, cause I pretty much love making cookies that way. Cut off a few. Sure. Cut off many. Sure. Cut off the ends and eat the dough. Absolutely.
I recently purchased a jar of vanilla sugar (vanilla beans mixed with sugar! genius!) from penzeys spices. Sprinkled it on the top. They were so good. Will definitely be making these again. And again. And again.
Libby's new girly mitts designed by the very talented, Ali. Libby loves them and I loved making them. Go ahead, see if you can find a "girly" and yarn in your stash. (My "girly", age 12, was almost too big for this pattern.)
Of course, Libby didn't want cookies after school. Instead she wanted a bagel. With cream cheese and jam. I wanted pics of the mitts I made for my friend, Noreen. Uh oh. Sort of dangerous to photograph them with that food. But they made it through. Completely unharmed. I LOVE this pattern. For both mitts I used cascade 220.

It was one of those weekends. Where the beauty was all around and the skiing was fantastic. Where fires where made as well as hot cocoa. Where the knitting needles clanked in the morning over coffee and in the evening over wine. And now, I am ready for it all to go away. For the snow to melt and the flowers to bloom. I would be happy to put the skis away until next year. Yep, I'm ready for spring.
At the beginning of February, I made a mental list of projects I wanted to complete. Mostly knitting for others. However, on that list was my kusha kusha habu scarf that I started last february. I told myself that I was not going to let myself cast on for anything, for myself, until that was finished. And then I really thought about it. And I decided that I really didn't want to work on that project. Why knit on something you don't want to? Life is way to short. And there are SO many things I want to make.

I knew of someone that would love a thorpe. So, I made her one. I know you've seen this pattern a bunch, but I just had to show this color combo. I love it so. I think this yarn is perfect for this project. (Priced right, too.) Color combo: Admiral and Tree Frog.
There has been a lot of baking going on around here. I think I could make chocolate chip cookies in my sleep. I wonder if I will ever forget the recipe.

I've had the knit 2 together book for quite sometime, loving many patterns in there but never making a single one. Until now, that is.
The santa cruz hoodie. It looks a little big here, but I actually made it to fit a one year old.
I forgot how much I loved knitting little knits. Little knits on big needles out of really wonderful yarn. And I hope the little guy that will be wearing this plays ALL spring in it. And eats a lot of messy foods. And hides tiny treasures in the front pocket. Maybe even a half eaten cookie. Cause his mommy can throw it into the washer and the dryer. Perfect.
I loved the look Abi gave her tags, so I antiqued a few, too.

This unexpected February break (the kids did not go to school one day last week....nope...not one) kept us very busy around here. Doing important things like drawing with jello in the snow.

Just wanted to let you know that Sarah is hosting her winter olympics again. I'm not sure if I will be participating, as I have a bunch of little projects I want to finish this month... my own personal challenge... but I do love a personal challenge. (2 more inches before midnight?) The challenge: start a new project during opening ceremonies on the 12th and have it finished by closing ceremonies on the 28th. And, if you are already participating in the ravelympics, you can easily join in with Sarah. Plus, Sarah is offering a chance to win a gift card to be used in her shop. Bonus.

21.1" is fun outside...
and inside.

I received a comment this week that said, "Interesting blog. I'll come back whenever I am in the mood for headless portraits and cookie pics". I laughed out loud!
I am SO happy this sweater is finished. I mentioned the finishing being a major problem for me with this project. I actually think that I would have mentally preferred if the shawl collar would have been in a category all to itself. You know what I mean? Because, by the time I make it to the FINISHING section of a pattern, I feel as if I am nearly finished. Not that I have another week (at least) to invest in a project. I know you know what I mean.

So, that little guy saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter weather.
As a knitter, you've got to admit, that isn't so bad.

This weekend I:
::watched the sun set::slept in, twice::had friends for dinner::ran into a dear friend::skipped yoga