we are knitters giveaway

You know how much I love these kits and their yarn.  E V E R Y T H I N G included in one package.  It truly makes for an easy, enjoyable project.

I started the Byron Bay Cardigan a few Sundays ago.  I am not one who needs to only work with lighter yarns in the summer, (wool is always welcome) however, this cotton is dreamy.  Feels like a cloud on my legs.  And I'm loving the simplicity of the pattern.

Well, the sweet peeps over at We Are Knitters are giving away a kit to one of my readers.  (Up to $90.00 value.)  To enter, leave a comment here with your choice of kit (you can always change your mind if you win) and leave your email as a contest participant here.  That's it!  I'll choose a winner on Tuesday the 4th of JULY!

Happy weekend friends.

this and that

I ordered 8 quarts of freshly picked strawberries from my CSA to make strawberry freezer jam.  I thought it would be a great thing to do while Libby was recovering from her wisdom teeth surgery.  (It was! Mixed in with some knitting, of course.) And now, we have jam to last all year.  Which is great, because that is how long the jam will last in your freezer.   I remember the last time I made it.  By month 9, the kids were begging for me to buy blackberry every time I went to the store.  They were pretty tired of only having strawberry.  But the best thing was, that when they tasted it again, all three were excited that I made it.  They remembered they loved it.  And forgot they became tired of it!
It really is quite simple.  And extremely delicious.  I used the recipe right out of the sure-jell box.  That was the same recipe I used years ago because that was was the recipe Erin used.
I'll be looking for ways to use the jam.  That just happens to be butterscotch pudding with homemade whipped cream and strawberry jam for the girl with the sore mouth.  She loved it.
Okay.  Let me tell you,  I love bunnies.  They really are so, stinkin adorable. Especially those babies.  However, we have an entire family (grandparents, parents, babies, uncles, aunts, cousins) eating our zinnias.  They ate every. last. one.  Right down to the stem.  We literally have a "stem" garden.
I am a hopeful though, and just today bought a couple more flats and planted them this evening.  I bought a bunny repellent to help.  Either that or I just gave the bunnies some new treats.  ðŸ˜Š

I'll be back tomorrow with a really great giveaway.

6.21.17

We spent the Summer Solstice binging on Gilmore Girls.  
My sweet Libby had her wisdom teeth taken out.  It's a pretty easy surgery, but definitely requires some work afterwards.  Ice on for 20 minutes.  Ice off for 20 minutes.  On.  Off.  On.  Off.  I decided to help her out so she didn't have to hold the ice.  
I had her wrapped up tight in one of my scarves in order to hold the ice packs in place.  A friend of hers did this.  Genius.  And if she was working on a knitting project, she would be able to be hands free to do so!  (She didn't knit a stitch.)
Libby did use a Chalk Lots to tell me things and ask me questions so she wouldn't use her mouth too much.
It was the perfect, longest day.

Happy Summer!

june knitcrate

So, the last day of school came and went.  (A week ago.) And I didn't get Andrew to jump.  So sad.
However, I do have both college kids home for the summer and I couldn't be happier.  I need to make them all jump again.  Definitely. 
Also making me happy?  June's Knitcrate.  Just the box alone was enough to make me giddy.  Colored corrugated.  Oh ya.
But then the box was opened and all of this yumminess was inside!
The yarn ::  Manos Del Uruguay, Serena.  60% Baby Alpaca; 40% Pima cotton.  What a wonderful blend.
The pattern ::  A cowl.  One for beginners and one for Intermediate/advanced.  Such a great option.
The Extras ::  This adorable silver plated keyring.  It just happened to immediately join my keys.
And this Alpaca Needle Gauge.  Come on.  Can this be any cuter!
Also included in the Knitcrate are coupon codes for discounts on all of these items.  Bonus!

Remember to use code FKW20 to receive 20% off your first crate.

Happy Weekend Friends!

crazy feelings sweater

An oversized cotton sweater that feels more like a sweatshirt than a sweater.  
The sleeves are full.  And long.  When I cast on for them (two at at time), my initial instinct was to modify them.  Make them into a more "fitted" sleeve.  I resisted the urge, and am so happy I did so.    I feel as if it's a more updated look and just matches the look of the sweater.  I love the little "notches".  This sweater can be worn with the "notches" in the front or the back.  Fully reversible.
Dropped shoulders make it easy to fit many body types.  So does the fuller fit of the sweater.
It truly is like an oversized sweatshirt.  As Libby was taking these photos, she asked me if she could have this or I could make her one.  That pretty much seals the deal for a cool sweater in my book.  I told her we could share over the summer.  And she could keep it in her closet.  :)

I am truly a huge Wool and the Gang lover.  Receiving everything in one personalized box just makes me giddy.  And makes the entire project that much easier.  Yarn, pattern, needles... even the darning needle, all in one box.  I just love that.

amsterdam

Oh my goodness! I don't know where the end of May went and can't believe we are already about a week into June!  CRAZY!
I've been doing a little traveling and just have to mention how I fell in love with AMSTERDAM!
Pure and utter L O V E.
My sister and I took Andrew to Amsterdam for his 16th Birthday present.  (Andrew is 17.5 😊... better late than never.)
From the beautiful and interesting architecture, to the art, to the amount of bikes, to the kind people.  Amsterdam just had this incredible vibe that made me want to stay.  Or at least make sure I travel back!
We searched for a yarn shop, of course.  We finally found it, bought some yarn and a tote.  When I posted the pic on Instagram, Lee Ann mentioned it was owned by Stephen West.  I had no idea.  Well, actually it was yarntripping Jennifer who mentioned it.  But, Lee Ann made a trip there as well!  Put it on your list for places to go when visiting Amsterdam!   
Toast travels well just about anywhere.  Never leave home without them.  (Either in the knitting form or the knitted form!)

Just finished making a batch of Snickerdoodle brownies.  Perfect for a cool, June day.  I'm off to seam together Crazy Feeling Sweater.  Can't wait to try it on!