Sunday, December 31, 2006

more fun with Larissa

I'm taking time out from my Argosy to do another test knit for Larissa. This time it's socks...my favorite! Using Manos del Uruguay, they knit up very quickly and will be toasty warm. Mine are in colorway #113, Wildflowers.

Socks 101
[Click here for more photos.)

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

For Me??!

My SP9 pal sent me three balls of gorgeous green Royal Bamboo in November. Through the holidays and all the gift knitting I've been doing for others, in the back of my mind I've been contemplating all the options for what this beautiful yarn can become. It is so soft and "drapey" that it really yearns to be something special.

In the current issue of Knitty, I found THE pattern. The Argosy scarf is lacy, but not too fru-fru. The lace design is simple enough to memorize, yet gives enough challenge that it's not boring. Here's how it's going after one ball. Thank you, Pal!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Here's to new family members!



I think this may have been the sweetest part of our Christmas celebration... I finally got to meet my Great Niece, Hailey.






More new family members: Dan's fiance, Terri and her daughter, Krystle. Welcome!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

...all wrapped up and ready to go....

Yesterday was an all-day driving event. I went up to pick up Mom and bring her down for the family Christmas festivities. We got in at about ten pm and I was exhausted. But greeting me were two things that made my heart dance ...my little dog, Latte....she's ALWAYS happy to see me.

And my pile of wrapped knitting gifts ready to give! I am so glad I finished this earlier. Our family will be getting together today to celebrate. I can't wait to see if they love their gifts as much as I did making them.


Merry Christmas to you and yours! Have a blessed holiday.
Janet

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

WARNING! WARNING!
(updated)

DO NOT LOOK AT THIS...
if you are a family member or friend that may be exchanging gifts with me this Christmas!

If you do, I will haunt you wearing this....


____________________________________

I guess I surpassed my limits of photos on this page. Instead of giving you hit and miss broken links, I've set up a photo album of my handmade gifts. Take a look!


Click Me

Monday, December 18, 2006

Happy to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. Originally, I had planned a low-key, stay-at-home day. This time of year is just about impossible to get friends together. Everyone is going in different directions, so I really didn't put much energy into it.

However, a friend from work (whose birthday is also this week!) changed all that. We spent most of the day in downtown Portland, doing a little shopping, sipping hot beverages in Pioneer Square in the sunshine (!), watching dancers under the Christmas tree, and listening to The Dickens Carolers in the mall. We topped it off with a wonderful meal at Macaroni Grill where we were serenaded by an beautiful young woman whose operatic voice gave the best rendition of the birthday song ever! And in Italian!!

What a great day! The weather was perfect and the friendship was spectacular! It was a truly special birthday. Thank you, Holly! And Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

I am so spoiled...

Oh...my...goooodness!!! I have the greatest Secret Pal! I still haven't told you about the wonderful box of goodies she already sent. (More about that in a minute.)


Today, I got an early birthday gift...delivered!! I happened to be home with a yucky cold, so was here to receive it myself. Delicious chocolate-dipped apple wedges from Edible Arrangements. Yummmmy!! So, it's feed a cold....right??

Now, back to the first box... I haven't taken photos yet, but trust me...they're bee-you-tee-fulll! Her first ever felting project is now my favorite bag! She also included silk roses, chocolate, several knitting patterns, and three skeins of Royal Bamboo in a gorgeous green. I'm still dreaming of all the possibilities. Thank you, Pal. I feel wonderfully spoiled.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

No, I'm not hibernating...

I'm still here! I know it's cliche, but where does the time go? No, really... where does it go? Between work, making a few gifts, home life, and trying to find a minute to trim my toenails, I looked up, and it's only a couple of weeks of gift-making days left! Yikes! I'm sure glad I started in July.

Every so often, I have to remind myself to breathe and enjoy. Hope you are doing the same.