I-Cord Garland Gone PINK

I was deeply inspired by SouleMama's garland and wanted to hop right in and make my own. Digging into my yarn collection I found this yarn, which I have lots and lots of. It was a wonderful red and green and a little blue under the full spectrum incandescent light in my sewing nook. However, in all other light (including the sun's full spectrum) it is not red at all but pink. I am not one to have pink on my Christmas tree! So I think I'll wait till next year and possibly try to spin my own knobby, handspun looking RED yarn to make a yummy garland out of :)

Leaf Scarf in Progress

This is a divinely soft scarf made of organic baby alpaca. The pattern is from Scarf Style. A fabulous book with several patterns I plan to knit. I usually go for the nice mindless knitting that comes from circular needles and straight stockinette stitch, but this pattern was so beautiful I knew I had to give it a try. It has been rather difficult. I have ripped out far more than I have left to show, but it will be worth it in the end. I can't wait to see it finished, blocked and then wrap myself in it's heavenly softness. ETA: next winter, possibly the next.

Bits and Pieces

This was once the Elf Hat and has now transformed in to this one. Much better! :) It is a bit on the short side though now, so it will be getting ear flaps soon. However, the owner of this hat dislikes the fuzz around the brim and refuses to wear it because of that, so this addition may be put off for more appreciated things. (Older sister is endlessly confused by younger sisters dislike for pretty fuzz, as is Mama)



Here is the lonely mitten I finished a long time ago and have yet to find the motivation to finish the second. But I promised I'll do it soon.




Here is the matching scarf in progress. All of these things are for Miss 2 year old. There is actually a more complete set for her big sister but it was in use at the time of the photos.

A Bit of Christmas

A favorite handmade candle made by an old neighbor. She was a bee keeper and had the most beautiful set of wax molds from Germany, where she lived for awhile. I don't think I could ever burn these. I really love the bloom that has happened on it as well. Looks like a soft dusting of snow on the branches.



These are the stockings I made from the last two years. I sadly don't have another one to add this year! I'll have to make the last two before next Christmas to catch up :) I fell in love with the yarn and knew exactly what it needed to be used for. I mixed in a white mohair with the white yarn for extra fur like fuzz. The inside is lined with red velvet and allows the stocking to be hung from the velvet lining so the knitting doesn't get stretched out or torn. I really love the overall shape of the first one and the snowflake pattern on the second one the best. Hopefully on the next two I'll be happy with the whole package. Nothing better than Christmas knitting!

A little bit of inspiration for the holidays from my back issues of Martha. I'm itching for something crafty do make for Christmas that won't consume me either. I'm commited to doing more prep next year. Handmade Christmas decorations just can't be started in December! Somebody please remind me of this in July :)