Monday, November 22, 2010

Gratitude

IMG_6583
"Gratitude is noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary and then taking a nanosecond to feel it" author unknown

I love this quote and have shared it here before but it reminded me that it's been a few months since I've done a thankful post. With Thanksgiving this week it felt like it was time for another one.

Life is busy, full, often crazy and so so good, my family and I are greatly blessed. Here are a few things that I am grateful for right now.

::faith, for the peace and grace it brings to my life
::my beautiful and healthy family who makes me laugh daily
::snuggles from a brown dog
::the smell of homemade cookies wafting through out the house
::cool weather and a warm cup of coffee
::the company of good friends old and new
::for the beginning of each day
::the quiet at the end of day where I can sit, knit and clear my mind
::for new adventures that are yet to come


I would love to hear what you are feeling grateful for?
Here's wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving week that is full joy.

Jen

Friday, November 19, 2010

Hello weekend I am so happy you are finally here

looking forward to the weekend
Oh my gosh work has been SO busy and stressful this week. I have to say that I am very thankful it's Friday and am so ready for a little fun! Tonight the musical handy man has a gig so we will be spending the evening with friends, music and cold beer *whoo whoo* I wanted to drop in and wish you all a Happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Friday, November 12, 2010

brioche rib stitch floppy

brioche floppy
This was a quick and easy knit that only took a couple hours to do. I didnt follow a pattern or have a plan when I started, I simply cast on and then I was done. I think it's perfect for good or bad hair days. It may have actually taken me longer to get a picture of it then it did to knit it up. I found that again it isn't easy getting a picture of yourself is it? My hope was to get a nice shot detailing the stitch but after many attemps I ended up with this one.

I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. It was my first time working with this lovely yarn and I found it to be soft, squishy and in bulky knits up really fast. I have been wanting to learn the brioche stitch for a while and am happy I chose it with this yarn. This is such a fun stitch thats reversable and creates a thick and cushy surface. The versatility would make it a great stitch for a scarf or throw as well.

Happy Friday! Here's wishing you a wonderful weekend full of things that make you smile.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

new comfies pants

The Musical Handy Man had a gig the other night and I often go watch him, I love listening to him sing it makes my heart happy. This time though I was a bit tired after working extra hours and didnt feel like going out. Instead I enjoyed the quiet that comes with an empty house and the hum of my sewing machine. A couple hours later I had myself a new pair of comfies to lounge around in.
Momma got a new pair of comfies
Last year I got Amy Butlers In Stitches. Do you have this book? If not you might want to check it out, it's awesome. There are so many great and easy patterns that are perfect for my simple sewing skills. Last year I made a dozen of the pants as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Everyone really liked them and I have a couple peeps asking for another pair as this year gift. SO fun!
A ball of fun
I received another knit picks order in the mailbox and have this beautiful and colorful wool rolled and ready to become something groovalicious. Here's wishing you a great week. Thanks for stopping by this place of mine and saying hi, I love that you visit!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Shalom Cardigan

shalom.
Yep, this is definitely my new "go to" cardi. There are so many things I like about this one. The pattern is a quick and easy to follow. The big needles make you feel like you are knitting really fassssssst. The yarn is soft, gushy and of course red, yay. I couldnt decide weather to use buttons or a zipper to finish it off.
Decisions
I decided to go with these buttons since I had knitted the holes alreay but because of the hang and softness of this yarn a zipper would work great to.

~Pattern is Shalom by Meghan McFarlane
~Yarn is knit picks bulky comfy color pomegranate
~Needles~ size 10 circulars

~Modifications made~

I added button holes at each pattern repeat (initally I was going to do buttons all the way down but changed my mind and went with pattern repeats)

I also converted into long sleeves. k28, place 33 sts on scrap yarn, co 10 sts, k 47, place 33 sts on scrap yarn, co 10 sts, k28.

I skipped the waste shaping

continued sleeves by picking up 10 sts under arm for a total of 46 sts. Decrease 1 sts every 6 rows until 36 sts remain. knit until desired length and BO.

Quick note~
My mods were a combination of several found on Raverly. I CO using the long tail method and my neckline is a bit looser than I would have liked. Several people have found that a cable cast on would render a tighter edge? I think I will give that a try. I am already thinking about several other colors this would be great in because a girl can't have to many cardi's right.

Have a great weekend!

Monday, November 1, 2010

This weekend

baby ladybug beanie
I made this for a friend who was blessed with another beautiful little girl.
homemade cut out cookies
Baked some witchy cookies for my family
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
and soaked in some sunshine.

Hello November and a happy Monday. Here's wishing you a wonderful week ahead!