If you have been coming to my blog for a while, you know that I am a big fan of Classic Elite yarn. It has been a true constant in my knitting life. To me, their yarn is always reliable. Always yummy.
Arietta is Classic Elite's latest fall yarn and is knit on US size 5-6 needles with a gauge of 5-51/2 stitches to the inch.
The book includes a couple of sweater patterns, hats, scarves, and my personal favorite above, Avera.   I honestly LOVE that thing.  Avera is a scarf, and a wrap, and a sweater all in one.  Super cool!

If interested, please leave a comment here before Sunday, October 2, 5pm EST.  I'll have the random generator choose a name.  And as always, thanks for visiting!  xx

Hiya Friends!

Can you believe this little blog is 10 years old today!  I know!  It's so hard to believe that today, marks a friend to knit with's 10 year anniversary!  I remember this day ten years ago so clearly.  Our computer (our "office") was in the basement.  Andrew, my youngest,  had just started kindergarten and I felt as though I now had some to dive into a blog.  Right after I put the kids on the bus, I headed down to the basement, coffee in hand,  and started this blog.  I was super nervous to hit publish.  (I actually still get a little nervous!)   I didn't have a laptop. I didn't have a DSLR.  Just a little point and shoot camera and a big 'ol desktop in the basement. And, it became the beginning of my little space on the internet.

I can't even express what this blog has meant to me.  And I can't even express how much I appreciate each and every visitor and comment I have received.  Finding like minded people with the same interests and passions is a true gift. Blogging in the knitting community has been a complete honor.
These past few months, I have become very emotional about the passing of time.  I have been so grateful that I have my blog to go back in time.  If you are ever on the fence about blogging, I say DO IT!

To celebrate ten years, I'd like to offer $10.00 off your purchase of Chalk Lots Placemats.  Use coupon code AFTKWis10 at checkout.  And please, feel free to pass along to your friends.  Chalk Lots make great holiday gifts for those who like to plan ahead! :)

I'll be back tomorrow with one of my best giveaways.  Yarn, of course.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

xx, leslie

 I love fall.  So so much!  My heart gets a little happier with the cooler mornings.  Makes me want to knit and bake.   All. Day. Long.
I made these cookies a couple of weeks ago to ship to Charlie and Libby.  They were a huge hit. Not too sweet and hold up well in the mail.  I think it's the tablespoon of vanilla that makes these extra delicious.  I definitely think they will be a new favorite.
Feeling the halloween, fall vibe, I decided to add orange sugar crystals this time around.  I almost always roll the dough into a log when I can.  I roll the dough in the crystals and then pop them into the freezer for about an hour before cutting and baking.
I thought this was so funny.  Libby face timed me when I was photographing the cookies.  So she joined me in the photo shoot. :)

Happy Monday, Friends!

And that yummy cake up there?  Its absolutely the easiest, quickest little cake.  I usually make it with strawberries, but we have had an abundance of pears from our CSA, so pears it was.  My mom is a huge fan, and we are trying to pack a few extra pounds on her, so this was made twice this week.  It's really delicious with coffee!

Happy Friday, Friends.
Have a wonderful weekend!

My sweet mom is in town for a couple of weeks and when that happens, all we want to do is sit and knit!  I have been in the mood to make mitts (my mitt stash is low!). I also just cast on for my latest Wool and the Gang project.
I just loved this Pop Life Cardigan.  Although, I wish it would have been finished for those cool summer evenings, it will be perfect for early autumn.
Wool and the Gang makes it so easy with every thing needed in one bag.  I just love that.
 This Billie Jean yarn is really great.  Upcycled denim + Cotton.  A truly, lovely blend.

Happy weekend!

 We took a quick trip to Northern California last weekend to celebrate Steve's mom's 90th birthday.  We had a 5 hour drive on both ends through the magical Humboldt Redwoods, so I was able to get the body of the sweater finished.  Knit in the round, so round and round I went.  I just love the cute, little pocket.
I have had a bit of an issue with the dye lots.  However,  some more yarn is on its way, so it should be alright. I just hope I can wait until it arrives.  Once I'm on a roll, I just want to keep going.  I may just knit the sleeves using both lots, alternating rows.  Hmmmm.  Decisions!

Hope you have a wonderful, long weekend.