Saturday, December 12, 2009

Quick knits are good

I started my Christmas knitting this week. I hate the idea that I should be knitting pressies. It is not fun having that hanging over my head. I have in the past knit a few presents for a special people. If I see something that I know they will love and appreciate, I knit it. I only knit for people who understand the time, effort and love that goes into the item. Before long though, people start having expectations. I HATE knitting with expectations.

I have however found several VERY quick projects that I like very much.
I made a beautiful drop stitch ribbon scarf in about an hour. Then last night, I made a cowl for my Sillinesss. Not for Christmas, but just because I love her and she neeeeeeeds it apparently. The cowl is so soft and lovely and fun and fast (and affordable!) that I decided to make at least 2 more. No pictures until after Christmas for the obvious reason...




Friday, December 4, 2009

Recipe for perfection

MMMMM.
I think this may just be the perfect Friday night.
I'm sitting here alone amongst all my favorite things. I wish I had a working camera to capture the perfection.

1. Schlafly's Coffee Stout - It's empty now, i finished it several minutes ago. It was scrumptious. I hate that I can only get it for a couple of months in the winter, but I guess it wouldn't taste nearly as good if I had it all the time.

2. Jeni's Ice Cream - So rich and creamy and such amazing flavors.... Mads and I spent a heck of a lot of money bringing it back from Ohio in a cooler of dry ice. I have it hidden in the basement deepfreeze to keep the rest of the household out of it. Tonight's spoonful (because that's all I eat at a time) is Gravel Road. Salted Carmel ice cream and smoked almonds. OMFG, it is soooo good with the coffee stout!!!!!! almost as good as the Goat Cheese-Cognac-Fig that is waiting for tomorrow...

3. While typing I made a some hot cocoa. good European sipping chocolate, milk and of course Bushmills 10 yr. I have a few drops left from when I was last in Ireland... 5 years ago. I still can't believe it has really been 5 years. I want to cry!!!! I think the alcohol and a bit of freshly whipped cream should take care of that though....

4. 84 Charing Cross Road - It's on TMC tonight. I love the book. I love the movie. I feel a kinship with her. I'm forever calling (or emailing) across the pond for lovely things that I just can't seem to get my hands on here. Or if I can they are just not the same. This week, a case of my favorite liquor left Scotland and is making its way to my house. And a couple of pretty things are on their way to Amanda in York so she can bring them to me over winter break and I don't have to pay the ridiculous international shipping....
I miss home!!!!!!!

5. The best bit is in my lap - Blame Dean, that's my new baby. I've started a sock yarn blanket (as have at least 6 other people in the shop and we all blame Dean). I must be insane! The way I knit, I expect this to take me until I'm 40. Even so, I've been pleasantly surprised by how fast it is going. And how addictive it is. I seem to eat, sleep and breathe this blanket. Literally, the squares pop up in my dreams now. All other projects have temporarily been abandoned.
I've joined several swaps to get more pretties for my baby. I got my first package for it today. 10 baby balls of Wollmeise, the first of which is going into row 3 right now. I've heard so many good things about this yarn. It's so hard to get and I'm not willing to part with my bugga (which it the only way I'll ever get it!). The colors are so vibrant and it is knitting up so nicely! This could be bad...
but i'll never give up my bugga.....
never.



Thursday, December 3, 2009

time flies

So ten months have passed. I am never good at sticking with things, but I have new things coming up that may call for blog posts.

I did finish that sweater. It is warm and cozy and I LOVE IT! It was worth the stress. It really only took 2 weeks. And that is through a bout of vertigo and while working on several other projects and being, well, me.
I made extra long sleeves and am so glad I did. The sweater is warmer than my winter coat!

In the last several months I have actually knit on a bunch of stuff and finished some things too! A blanket, baby sweaters, shawls, socks... I've started several more sweaters that I may finish some day.

I'll leave it at that for right now. I have too many things to write about... new projects, old projects, other events... I can't think of it all now.

especially since it is knit night tonight!

Thank all higher powers for Thursdays!!!!