2011 Christmas hat.

I am starting the new year with a hefty to-do list.  I am not ready to share it yet as it needs to be scaled back--a lot.  Though a thought just came to me.  Maybe my list needs categories.  Yes, categories!  Headings like "must do" "should do" "would do if I were really a vampire and didn't sleep like Kristin accuses"...mmmm, headings.  This might work.

I'll work on that.  Until then, I'm at least going to finish up something from my last list: post all 2011 knitting FOs so I can make a new sidebar category for 2012. 

Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha, made for my mother-in-law for Christmas.  I loved knitting this hat.  And can I proudly share that I even hand dyed the yarn myself?  I wanted a true deep red and was quite shocked when I saw the right color emerge from the dye pot--thought it was a great match for the pattern. 

Loved the tone on tone colorway.  Of course did I take notes?  Nope.  But I did make two skeins luckily so I have one stashed. 

Good thing as I will surely knit one for myself, someday.  And when I do, I must remember to go down several needle sizes for the ribbing.  It seemed too loose so I placed a running stitch along the interior to hopefully keep it in shape.

Ravelry project page here.  More FOs coming up.

Sandra

p.s.  how on earth is it 2012?  And why does that still sound all futuristic to me...

A vision.

The other night, Charlie mentioned how difficult it must be to live inside my head.  I know that might sound harsh to some, but trust me, it wasn't.  You must imagine him saying it in a caring voice.  He is never snarky, that one.  It's just simply the truth.  Especially when you consider my crazy DIY ideas and projects that stretch us thin at times. 

Case in point:

Two weeks ago we were out running errands and decided to treat the gang out to lunch.  The boys were in the backseat, so excited to pick a place.   We settled on burgers and set off.  While driving through a neighborhood a few streets over, we couldn't help but notice a pile by a curb.  The stack was massive--broken bikes, a dented metal file cabinet, a spare tire--all heaped randomly with bits of stuff jutting out.  As we drove by, we surmised that the poor residents were likely evicted.  Just as we passed the house, Charlie and I both saw something.  He was the first to speak of it.

"There's your dresser right there, isn't it?" He sighed.

I nodded and held my breath like I always do when surprised.

You see, I had for months, searched and scoured Craigslist for a dresser to refurb into a buffet for our dining room.  I wanted a certain look, a certain size, a certain price point, and, most certainly, a certain level of quality in the construction.  It was no wonder I had yet to find anything suitable.  But suddenly--I felt--there it was, winking at me from beneath a crooked stack of magazines.

So Charlie backed up the SUV and I hopped out, making my way through the muck to the dresser (to add to the ambiance, it had of course just  rained).  I checked the dresser and found, to my utter delight, that it was in solid condition.  And the perfect size.   And I adored the shape.  Aaaaaand....it was made from 100% maple.  With dovetail joinery.

Even Charlie knew there was no option.  We had to rescue it.  So we shuffled the carseats and after promising the boys that Fuddruckers would not give away all of the french fries, we zipped home and dropped off the piece.  Did I mention that the dresser was cloaked in mud?  Because of course it was.

Over the next two weeks we hauled it in and out from the garage.  I worked on it as time permitted.  Unfortunately, I was not the picture of health during this time and Charlie was away so I never found a good chunk of time to get it done quickly.  So back and forth it would go, attracting visits from curious neighbors (although they are getting used to seeing my latest WIP strewn about the yard). 

I first had to thoroughly clean it (lots and lots of Murphys Oil soap).  Here it is all scrubbed...

Next came the sanding.  And then finally my favorite part:  painting.  I used my trusty Rustoleum spray paint in Navajo White (High Gloss) and my love-at-first-sight "spray grip" attachment.  It took four cans of paint and two coats of wipe-on poly.  After a quick trip to Home Depot to pick out hardware from Martha's new line, guess what?  I moved in the buffet of my dreams.

It fits our bay window perfectly.  And it has room to hold an amazing amount--I'm thinking my entertaining ware.  All of it.  In one place.  Here's a closeup of the hardware.  I am in love with the squared-off bin pulls...

I even dressed it up by stitching a runner out of precious fabric I've hoarded for years (Garden Trellis by Paula Prass for Michael Miller). 

I don't think Charlie ever questioned my vision with this piece.  But he did, no doubt, question the timing of it coming into my life.  In retrospect, I am so glad we stumbled upon it when we did.  The goal of having it ready for the gingerbread party created a sense of urgency.  There was only one thing I rushed due to the time constraint--I did not repair one drawer with a chipped corner.  It goes on the "eventually" list.

But I am so happy with it, missing corner and all.  I would have paid a handsome price had I found it like this.  But I'm tickled pink that the out-of-pocket cost came in under $60 for the paint and hardware.  Plus, I get to talk about rescuing it.  A favorite topic of mine if there ever was.  I made nearly every grown-up guest at the gingerbread party come meet the new buffet.   I wanted it to feel at home. 

I thought this was the perfect craft to share as we close out the year.  I truly hope 2012 is filled to the brim with projects, in everything that I do.  No matter if the task is related to parenting, cooking, crafting, or working...I believe that most things are possible if you can imagine it and are willing to put in the effort.  So here's to having a vision.  But more importantly, here's to taking the actions necessary to move towards it.

Happy New Year. 

Sandra 

Christmas, 2011.

How was your holiday?  Fabulous, I hope.  Ours truly was.   

The boys have been so wonderful, I can't stop squeezing them.  They tell me I can always hug them tight no matter who's looking or how big they get.  I intend to hold them to that quite literally.

There are still new toys strewn about.  No one can bear putting them away, including me.  Besides, I need to figure out how half of them work before the older boys go back to school and littlest one looks at me expectantly.  Although I should point out that we didn't go all high-tech this year.  Lots of new board games for the game cupboard.  Just in time for winter, thank goodness. 

Here is our Christmas card for 2011 (though on the real version our last name is included).  I did it on Mixbook, which took over Scrapblog (the company I used in 2010 and 2009).  If you click on the thumbnail, you should see a full-size image.  The photo outing was rather painless, though I must remember to share the out takes to reveal the true goofy nature of the shoot. 

I've been taking it pretty easy this holiday.  And it feels ridiculously indulgent.  There has been some knitting, lots of baking, and even some furniture refinishing I will post about.  But not now.  Now is for hugs and empty laps to fill and tummies full of cocoa and jammies until noon.  As Leo said, "this is the life." 

  

 

May you enjoy this special time of year as well.

Sandra

Reindeer Pops.

Here I go with the shortcuts again.  Just like the no bake Turkey treats from yesterday, I went semi-homemade this year for Rudolph pops (former cake pop version here).  I dipped double-stuffed Oreos into chocolate, broke some pretzels for antlers, red M&Ms for noses, and sugar pearls for eyes.  I also drew on details with an edible marker.  Easy peasy, but still cute, I think.  Even so, I am itching to make some real cake pops soon.  We're heading to a party tomorrow evening, so maybe then.

These were for our annual gingerbread house decorating party.  It was a whopper this year--pictures soon.  But first I need to scrub the house because there is frosting everywhere.

Sandra

Oh my and hi.

You know those friends you mean to call?  To write?  To catch up with?  The ones you miss desperately and have so much to tell?  But you wait and wait because you only have three minutes here and there and you certainly have more than three minutes of info to share?  So the result is days--nay, weeks--fly by and you have yet to connect?  Well, for me lately, it's been like that with blogging.

Thinking about it, I found myself getting overwhelmed, fretting I'd never catch up.  But rather than wait for a time when I might fully capture the events from the past few weeks, I finally realized that the best plan was simple.  It's what works well for me whenever I face a task of intimidating size:  forget about finishing; just get started.

So here I go, jotting down some things that I don't want to forget.  Weeks ago, over Thanksgiving weekend,  it was a bit of a scramble getting ready because I'd been sick but still wanted to host.  I needed to conjure up treats for the preschool but had no time to do cake balls like last year.  Instead, I came up with some simple--but still cute--cookies assembled from store bought items.

Our school is nut-free, so it can be a challenge to find appropriate ingredients when relying on store bought items.  Here I used Nilla wafers, Whoppers, candy corn, and the all-important star sprinkle for the waddle.  The kids loved them.  And I loved how quickly they went together.

That weekend was also filled with the younger boys "helping" me cook.  They were adorable sous chefs.

They set up their kitchen beneath the dining room table...

It was fun watching them work together, taking their job ever so seriously.  There is nothing in their pans but you'd never guess watching them...

I loved their make-shift oven...

Thanksgiving dinner itself was lovely and plentiful, as it always is when we gather with my family.  And the next morning brought about my very first Black Friday shopping experience.  For what?  Why yarn, of course.  Several of us (including my niece!) braved the cold and got in line by 5:45 a.m., donning our handknits and making sure we had lists ready.  Of course, my shopping plan lasted all of five minutes once I got inside the store and found the stash of Shelter and the new Loft at 30% off.  Let's just say I have several projects planned in those bases for 2012. 

 

 It was incredibly fun.  And we're already planning for next year.

 Sandra

FO sneak peak.

I know I said I'd posts pics of the boys in their Halloween costumes next.  But I have to post process those photos a bit because I foolishly--some would say stubbornly--refused to use a flash.  I can be so ridiculous at times.  Okay, most of the time.  Anyways, I finished my Idlewood a while ago but finally got it blocked and wore it this week.  I even took a photo but it's just my typical self-portrait shot I do when I'm impatient to document a knit.  Again with the ridiculous.

I'll bribe someone to take photos in the daylight next.  Any day should work because I'm never taking off this thing.  As far as I'm concerned, every knitter should knit one.  It is so wearable and ridiculously on trend.  I have a knit night tonight and two of us are wearing our freshly blocked Idlewood's because, and I'm quoting, "we're silly like that."  I think we're lobbying for the entire group to have an Idlewood soon.

I knit the sweater in the Continental style (I usually knit English)...not sure if I'll be making the switch.  But it was good practice for two-handed stranded work.  My tension was very loose, so trying it on and constant tweaking was even more crucial than usual.  The fit on this one turned out spot on, loose and comfy but enough shaping to not hang like a sack.  Here is a sneak peak of that, too.

More soon.  And by that I mean more pics of course.  But also, I'm pretty sure, more Idlewoods in general.

Sandra 

Halloween 2011 recap.

What?  How is it double digits in November already?  Oh for goodness sake.  It feels like I was just rushing to get ready for Halloween.  And now I'm already behind on Turkey towels and tees?  Unbelievable.

So, yes, Halloween--'twas fun.  The weekend kicked off with the annual neighborhood pumpkin decorating party.  It was the first year that at least one of the boys took ownership of carving a pumpkin.  Usually they start then dart off to play, leaving Charlie to carve solo.  Charlie still did most of the carving but Max put in some decent effort.

We did a witch on a broomstick and a Cheshire cat--both pumpkins "placed" in the competition and we took home a fun prize.

I brought along some chocolate owls to guard the cheese platter.

The next night was the neighborhood party for grown ups.  As usual, we waited until the day of the party to create our costumes.  This year Charlie went as a Ghostbuster and I did a girlified version of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man--we had fun with it and even won the prize for most original costume.  Here is a grainy picture of us taken in the dark when we got to the party.

And another shot from the host's camera after we had a few cups of the witch's brew.    

We remembered to take a shot of my entire costume when we got home.  I wanted to document it in case anyone wants to borrow it.  It was really a simple get-up to throw together but I did have to make everything.  I actually went to the fabric store that day, which was a tad crazy, I admit.  But at least most of the costume was fleece so there was little hemming.  But that satin material!  It took most of the time because it's so slippery--never again when on a time crunch.

But really, the best part of the costume theme was waking up to three little boys who could not keep their paws off the props.  Who could blame them?  Fleece covered Uggs look pretty inviting. 

As does a proton pack twice your size.   

  

They took turns fighting ghosts. 

 

I'll post pictures of the boys in their costumes next--they were ninjas.  Well, except for littlest one who had a change of heart last minute.  Guess what he wanted to be? 

Sandra

My warm winter hat.

Just popping in for a blogging fix.  The last thing I need is to feel behind on something else so wanted to post this FO.  Besides, it might get snatched like last year's.

The pattern is called Sarah by Mad'Laine.  I should note that it is in French but there are English directions as well.  I used Berroco Blackstone Tweed from my birthday bounty and really love the yarn (but it breaks easily if tugged).  I envision reaching for this particular hat when I need to battle a windy day--the Blackstone makes a nice and dense fabric, yet it's not stiff at all. 

My skimpy project notes are here.  Not sure why I didn't write more--I absolutely adore the hat and the fit is perfect.  Plus, it's fun and a quick knit.  I was surprised how the lace pattern does not produce a lacey fabric at all...just great texture.  I think it's pretty unisex but have yet to convince Charlie.  Either way, I'm certainly making more. 

Happy Friday!  Sandra

This is not a glamorous life (which is just how I like it).

Sometimes I like to try to take some decent project photos.  I go all out, which is to say I brush my hair, dab on a bit of makeup, and ask Charlie or an older boy to snap photos of me wearing my creation.  I ask whoever got the short straw the kind volunteer to follow me around outside in the natural light, directing them where to stand and how to frame the shot.  I am precise in my direction and, admittedly, not too keen on the camera man going rogue.  It's not the most fun process I suspect.  And since I am no model it's not like I actually enjoy having pictures taken of me.

So.

More often than not, on my Ravelry page, you will find self-portrait shots.  Taken by me, just capturing my reflection in the mirror.  I've usually stepped inside our powder room, where the lighting is horrible.  It's probably first thing in the morning, on my way to the kitchen to make breakfast.  I am in jammies.  There is no makeup; my hair is not brushed.  It's about the project so who cares?  I can be as vain as the next gal but for some reason, I am not overly vain about these shots.  I think it's because on Ravelry it's like being amongst friends.  And friends see me without makeup most every day.

And so for Idlewood, I've started documenting my progress with these self shots.  But since this sweater holds the promise of a snuggly, wonderful, and very wearable garment, I think I might have to trouble someone to take photos of me wearing the finished sweater as well. 

Not sure when an FO will be ready for a shoot since I need to devote most of my free time to costumes this week.  But at least the heavier yarn makes for a super quick knit and I'm sure I'll sneak in a few rows here and there.

So where is Will during my three-minute photo shoot?

Often, he just wants to hold hands.  

Oh, William.  You are such a three-year old handful.  But whatever will I do without my little buddy? 

I know this is irrational thinking.  I know full well that I have this year and the next to be home with him.  But this worrisome thought is already starting to creep in.  And it's breaking my heart.

I'm going to change out of my pajamas now and pal around with my three-year old bestie, holding his hand.  I might even brush my hair.

Sandra

What do you mean it's one week until Halloween.

Two posts in less than a day?  What can I say--I'm feeling motivated.

And good thing, too, because I need to be.  Every year leading up to Halloween--and I do mean every year--it's the same drill.  We decided to travel, I get behind on making costumes, I spend a week in a flurry.  This year is no different.  But as I'm not yet able to divulge this year's costumes (because I am not exactly sure what everyone is going to be, if you can believe it), I thought it would be fun to repost some pics of past Halloweens. 

We've had clone troopers, complete with DIY armor...

A Master Yoda....

gladiator & Grecian goddess/princess/whatever...

sushi...

Clifford and Snoopy and Eeyore...

A Lion and a Wizard...

And then there are the costumes I made before I was blogging.  But I'd have to first find and then scan those photos, so let's not hold our breath.

All of my prior Halloween posts can be found here with details on each costume.  Plus there are tutorials on candy-free favors, a Switch Witch printable, favor bags, and Halloween treats and decor.  I get a lot of blog visits due to my Halloween posts so I really wanted to add a fresh new batch this year.  Oh well.  I'll be lucky to get the costumes done.  I haven't even brought down the Halloween box and decorated, sheesh. 

If you are in the same Good-Grief-Is-It-Really-Halloween time-crunch, please let me know--I could use the solidarity.

Sandra