Scarves, scarves and MORE scarves!!

Scarves seem to be multiplying around this house. How does that happen? And believe it or not, I still don't have enough - neither does Cari she informed me. I guess that's a good thing huh? I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that now Heidi is addicted to knitting as well. She and her neighbor, Rachel, got their first sticker shot at one of our local yarn shops yesterday. When you're used to Walmart and lots of Michael's yarns, real yarn in a real yarn shop can knock you back a bit ... until you get used to it that is. I can remember freaking out discovering I would need two balls or hanks of a particular fiber priced at $15 a piece for a scarf. These days I don't even blink an eye at spending $30 for beautiful, soft, unique yarn for a scarf. The day ended well for them though. When I knew I was meeting them, I quickly did a de-stashing of lots of yarn I knew I'd probably never use. Some of it was given to me, some leftover from previous projects, some purchased on clearance that I've already used on a project and am unlikely to use again, etc. They were on the receiving end of two kitchen trash bags about 2/3 full. It will be exciting for me to see what they create with their new loot!

OK, on to the scarves I've done recently ... I've become addicted to the fun, stash busting, striped scarves:

Next came the awesome Twisted Drop Stitch scarves that work up incredible fast. Wonderful for those quick gifts!

There were at least two more I can think of that were already gone when I finally managed to take the time to photograph my projects. This next one is a "ruffle" scarf I designed for Cari. She saw one very similar to this in Target and fell in love. You know I wouldn't buy it. I just HAD to make it myself. After researching pattern after pattern after pattern and still coming up dry, I decided to take bits and pieces from several patterns and design my own. I'm pretty happy with the end result.

This next one, thankfully, turned out beautiful but it was a PITA to work with this yarn. Even though I hate chenille, when I saw these beautifully felted chenille scarves at KnitWits I fell in love. So much so that I walked away with not one, but TWO hanks of the stuff. Had to get the purple for Cari and I picked out some really wild, bold colors for myself. I have to say I really didn't enjoy working with the damn yarn - cussed the entire time I think. But the end result was worth it (I guess). Cari LOVED it! It's a shame when something is so soft it makes baby alpaca not feel soft. (Simple 2x2 rib pattern.)


I discovered this JMU purple Misti Alpaca Chunky at KnitWits while searching for yarn for Cari's roommate, Jocelyn. Needless to say, I simply had to get enough for two of them. I couldn't make Jocelyn one and not Cari! I used the Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf pattern.

Remember Eli the Elephant I made for Morgan? Well I had enough yarn left over for a scarf and since emerald green is one of Heidi's favorite colors, I thought that would be a good project for it. This scarf, too, is done using the One Row pattern from Yarn Harlot.


... and now for a couple of beanies. This cute little pink one is for Morgan and the camo one for her Dad.


I think that's all for now. There's still a few pics on my camera that I'll eventually get around to. First I have to concentrate all my efforts on finishing Dad's Flannelghan for his birthday next week. And I still have a couple of bookmarks and candle bracelets to do too. So, I'm off to create ...

QB

Merry Christmas!

Another year bites the dust. I know I say this every year, but I don't know where the days, weeks and months go so fast. And every year I swear I'm going to simplify so I can enjoy the season more. And every year it seems I do manage to eliminate something but either it isn't enough or I manage to fill that slot with something else, because it always comes way too fast.

This year I did quite a bit of knitting and beading for gifts - oh and a bit of sewing too! Now that I have a grand baby I seem to find even more projects to fill my time. Making quite a few of the fabric books was one of my projects. I think I made about seven of them this year. Once I got the hang of it, they went pretty quickly. The girls (Heidi and Cari) both got several scarves in addition to quite a few quick "Drop Stitch" scarves I managed to crank out for some other gifts. Ribbon bookmarks and candle bracelets were also big on my list this year. (Note to self: make a list of who you gave them to this year so you don't duplicate them next year!)

I didn't get much baking done this year (not that I need it anyway) and believe it or not, we really didn't have that many parties to attend either. Like I said, I just don't know where the days went! Our tree wasn't even "dressed" until December 15 this year. That is WAY late for me. Needless to say, it's still up and lit - I'm still enjoying it. As Cari and I were trimming it, we ended up leaving it very simple this year. It has lights, beads (need new ones next year - the blue just doesn't show up well), poinsettias and pine cones on it. When we stood back to survey it, we both looked at each other and said, "I think that's it. It looks good like it is." So, the only ornament on my tree this year is my "Grandmas First Christmas." I picked it up during our S&B Outerbanks trip in March of this year.

(Sigh ...) but the time is quickly approaching to take everything down and get back to "normal" whatever that is. I'm still enjoying my time with Cari so most of my "normal" stuff must wait until she goes back on the 10th. Then I'll get back to business. Hopefully I'll have some new Morgan photos to share next time I'm back. (We haven't seen her for Christmas yet - they've all been sick. :( Hopefully, Saturday we'll get to see her.)

until then,
QB signing off ...

Christmas Books

Getting those Christmas stories out in December ranks right up there with my Christmas music! I love listening to my favorite Christmas tunes while doing just about anything getting ready for the holidays. The only time I'm not listening to Christmas music or reading a Christmas story is when I'm watching Christmas movies! Love them too!! In fact, it's December 30 and I still have a few on my DVR I haven't watched yet. If they're new ones (to me) I'll make time to watch them. If not, I'll probably delete and move on. This year I loved "The Ultimate Gift" and "The Three Gifts" on the Hallmark Channel. And, oh my, what's not to love about Drew Fuller ("The Ultimate Gift")? wiping drool off my chin ... LOL

I try to pick up a couple of new Christmas novels along with one or two new Christmas albums each year too. This year I found:

"The Perfect Christmas" by Debbie Macomber
"Mrs. Miracle" by Debbie Macomber
"Angel Lane" by Sheila Roberts

I enjoyed all three book and will definitely keep them in my collection. I had finished "Mrs. Miracle" a couple of days before receiving the email from Debbie Macomber excited about the new movie on Hallmark! I immediately went to my TV to find and record it. Cari and I watched it Monday night and it was really cute. As always, I find myself a bit disappointed in movies made from books I've read (especially when it's still fresh in my mind), but I still enjoyed it. "Angel Lane" by Sheila Roberts was a delightful surprise. As I've bitched about in the past, I've gotten burned picking up authors I've never heard of, much less read. I took a chance on this one and was really glad I did. I was immediately drawn into the story and lives of such wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed their wit, compassion, laughter and fears. I will be picking up more of Sheila's works.

I haven't decided what's next. Will have to let you know ...

until then,
Love and Laughter,
QB