this Christmas

So, this Christmas, I didn't get 1/2 of what I wanted accomplished. Most of the decorations stayed in their boxes. The advent didn't get started until about the 15th of the month. And, the knitting wasn't finished.
However, the fondue maker was finally used.
And, Santa did stop by to tell my kids they better get to sleep or he wasn't coming back.

***I really wanted to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas. I hope your time spent with family, friends and yarn is all of that and more.***

xx,
leslie

holiday patterns

So, if you're sitting around under the tree this weekend, completely ready for Christmas (I wish!) looking for something to knit, check here. 50 free holiday knitting and crochet patterns. I have always wanted to make some cute little sweater ornaments and use them as gift tags. Maybe next year.
Have a wonderful weekend!

a cookie of the week

Finally. Finally there was something other than chocolate chip cookies around here.
I don't know why, but there hasn't been anything else baked around here for a pretty long time. But this week (and last) we had the vanilla sugar cookies, again. However, for some reason, I just couldn't add the vegetable oil. Since I am a big dough eater, I just pictured myself drinking vegetable oil. Sort of gave me a stomach ache. So, I used 2 sticks of butter instead. Cause eating sticks of butter seems to be so much better. (ahem.)
You know I am a huge fan of the "slice and bake". I wish I would have had some red or green sugar crystals to roll it in instead of the raw sugar. Nonpareils would be cute. Next time.
The cup of butter definitely gave these cookies a more buttery flavor. Seemed to be a good fit for everyone around here.

I use my place mats for everything. Even jotting down recipes. You still have time to get yours before Christmas. I'm thinking for a guarantee Christmas delivery, Friday will be safe, for sure. East Coasters will be good through Monday. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email and I can figure out if it can get to the address you would like on time. And, if it is a gift, let me know, I'll be happy to include the gift card. Thanks.

water bottle covers

It wasn't something that I had a burning desire to knit. I mean, I knew I would one day make one, I just didn't know when. Well, why in the world did I wait so long? You don't even have to have an ache or pain to fall in love with these things. It's like a little security blanket, tucked under your arm to keep you warm.
There are a bunch of patterns out there, but I really like this one. Like a little sweater for your water bottle. The pocket can be omitted. It looked cute without it, too. I used the two balls I had left over from this project and size 7 needles. Still looking plum to me. (Also, I don't know if it was just me, but I had too few stitches with the 77 to do the final decrease. I changed the K35 to K34 and the K34 to K33. ) I'm thinking there are several people that would love one of these under their tree. Oh! I ordered my first water bottle from target, but they seem to be out of stock. Our local drug store carries them.

My small size 7 circulars were not short enough to join the 44 stitches. I looked high and low for my double points. Tore the house apart, actually. In an effort to avoid purchasing more needles, I decided it was time to try the magic loop method again. Wasn't a fan the first time I tried it, but this time? This time I was sold. Using Cascade 220 Superwash.
Oh, and the double points? Saw them sitting plain as day on the book shelves, holding a pair of toast. Oy.

customize

We've been customizing our table, almost on a daily basis. If you bought the chalkboard place mats (thank you!) just thought I would give a little tip. Turn your chalk on its side. It makes great, soft shapes. Swirls, too. Works really well with broken pieces... and is fun, too! Go ahead, use your imagination and customize away.
You still have time to place an order that will be received before Christmas. I'm thinking the deadline for a guaranteed Christmas delivery may be the middle of next week. Although, I'll let you know next week. I'm now including a gift note with those that are shipped as gifts. (Sorry I didn't start that right away.) If you'd like to order, and send as a gift, you can leave a "note to seller" (located under "ship to" address). Just tell me what you would like the gift card to read. Or, you can just e-mail me that information. Thanks so much.

Okay, back to knitting.
Have a fantastic weekend!

elizabeth

I love an interesting construction, and Elizabeth definitely offers that. Knit in one piece that only requires sewing together along the sleeve and side seems. Adding a rib collar and front panels (that I foresee taking me some time to complete) to finish the sweater off.
The self striping yarn works so well for this pattern, resulting in vertical stripes along the front and the back. Love that.
I should be making hats. Or mitts. Or hot water bottle covers. Or a few cowls or this.
Maybe tomorrow.

Oh! To my international friends. I did check with the fine people at the UPS store to see about shipping my place mats overseas. They averaged $150.00 in shipping. Yikes! If in the future I can get a better deal, I will let you know.

Make it a great one.

you won

december 23, 2009
That was the card delivered with some flowers, from my mother in law, to Libby.
My mother in law was disappointed that she didn't give Libby a flower after her violin concert. So, the next day, she called the local florist and ordered some flowers... asking for them to write on the card "owed you one". Libby was a bit confused when she opened the card. Then we read it out loud and had a big chuckle.

The two winners of the crochet inspiration book are:
#9 ijoemonkey and #167 Lynn.
Please e-mail me (address in sidebar) with your address.

Have a great one.

it's time

I got the text.
If you haven't gotten yours yet... you can consider this yours, too.

Have a great day.

crochet inspiration

(my turkey's are getting SO big!)
I took this photo on Thanksgiving Day but never made it over here. I really did want to tell you how thankful I am for you visiting this little space. All the kind words you offer all year long are very much appreciated. Also, thanks so much for supporting my little shop. The elves (aka my parents) and I worked in the warehouse to box the chalkboard place mats which are on the way to homes as we speak. Thank you!
I haven't been "a friend to crochet with", yet, however, this book could change that. Pages upon pages filled with crochet inspiration.
There are four chapters that focus on crocheted fabrics, motifs, grannies, and flowers. All detailed to perfection, by Sasha Kagan.
It all looks so unbelievably gorgeous to me.
If you are a friend of mine that likes to crochet, or wants to learn to crochet, Tara at soho would like to share this book with two of you. Leave a comment by Friday, December 3, 5pm EST, and I will have the random generator draw two names.

Happy December!