"For thus says the Lord: Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:12-13

Friday, February 22, 2008

Getting up at 4 am to play...




... may cause you to fall asleep on your plate.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

WIP - Hand Huggers


WIP - Hand Huggers
Originally uploaded by gracetherese

Well here's my first project, Super Hero Hand Huggers from the Getting Started Knitting book that my sister got me for Christmas. And, yes Mom, I'm using the yarn leftover from your scarf. It's sooo pretty and soft, I just had to have something for myself made with it.

I'm done knitting them, now I just have to sew them up. I really don't like that part, but they're just hunks of pretty but useless fabric until I do, so I'm hoping to get it done today. And maybe then I'll finish crocheting Amelia's blanket... or maybe I'll start another knit project... oh, the possibilities!

The reason why I haven't been posting much...

I've found a new hobby........KNITTING! :)

Ever since I got the books at Christmas, I've been reading knitting blogs, searching for patterns, trying to find good prices on needles and yarn, going to the LYS (local yarn store) to fawn over the smooshy softness, and actually finding time to do a little knitting.

I'm prepping to attempt a pair of socks. First, some hand huggers, in a easy rib, then maybe a garter stitch wrap. Of course somewhere in there I have to finish Amelia's blanket, which I started crocheting in October. It's nearly complete... just a few more rows of crochet, piecing it together and then doing the border. But as I'm completely taken up with knitting now, it's hard to even think about picking up a hook to do finish it. And I'm not fond of piecework.

Alert readers have probably noticed that I've updated my sidebar to include an assortment of links to knitty places. (Don't be afraid of the names... they're really pretty tame) The One Planet Yarn and Fiber link will help me get yarn credits if you click through and purchase something. They've got some great stuff, all kinds of yarn and patterns and kits. Very cool site.

I've also joined Ravelry, an online community of knitters and crocheters. They have forums, groups, chat, as well as a notebook feature that allows you to post pictures of WIPs and your yarn stash, and keep track of patterns that you'd like to try and needles/hooks that you have. It's fairly new so you have to be put on a wait list and get invited to join (so it doesn't crash or something like that). It a fun site, but I can spend way too much time on there.

As a result of Ravelry, I now have a flickr account, so I may have a link in my sidebar for that too. I think that I'll only use it for pics of the yarn and my projects, so if you like yarn then it'll be worth a look.

I'll leave you with picture of the scarf I made for my mom for Christmas. Love that yarn... it was my first time doing a "fancy" stitch (popcorn) and I think that it turned out pretty well, even though you can't see the detail in this picture. I got the yarn from a shop on Esty, Yarn Lust, which sells hand-dyed yarn...I never knew that people still did that kind of thing.

And now for a quiz...


What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Friday, February 1, 2008

Amelia really gets into...




...her oatmeal.

Finally Picture of Maria's B-Day Dinner.

This year's theme? Princesses of course. (Mostly 'cuz I felt like trying my hand at a Castle Cake.) We also had Disney Princess plates since the store that I went to didn't have any "generic" princess themed plates.

Here's the cake. It turned out pretty well I think. And it was definitely tasty.

Dinner: Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Amelia enjoyed helping with the presents... and of course everything must be put on her head.

Maria was very excited about her special birthday dinner and the presents that followed. She's already asking when her next birthday will be.

She especially like the cake and having everyone sing to her. I love her smile in this picture. And if you look closely you can see the princess plate in front of her, and Jim's elbow to the right of the cake. Jim's always trying to get in the picture somehow... :)