Baking day

 With temperatures in the single digits we have been spending LOTS of time indoors.

 The most recent Christmas acquisition of a cookie playset has kept this girl of mine happy for hours.

 Here you can see these awesome felted slippers I made this fall. They are definitely getting put through their paces and holding up well.  I used puffy paint on the soles for traction.

And I've been doing some nerdy knitting for myself. What's better than Tardis Socks??

Post Flu Holiday Photos

Well, we have all been struggling the last week with the flu and other assorted upper respiratory crud. No fun. So here's a few shots from Christmas Eve, complete with Butters, the newest "cousin!" (not ours, but Katie and Mike's pup!)

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

Portland

We shall be moving soon, somewhere my peppers and beard will be appreciated.

EDIT: We are NOT moving!! B just fantasizes about curing meats and riding uncomfortable bicycles. 

Kiss Hat Pattern

I have had a couple people message me for the pattern I have for the baby kiss hats I make (and sometimes sell) on Etsy. So, here is the pattern for the Newborn size. It knits up quick, so there is still time to make one for someone special this holiday season! And thanks to Sharon for the amazing photos!

gauge: about 4-5 sts/inch

needle size needed: #8 DPNs
yarn used: light grey worsted weight (I used some Cascade 220 wool for the one featured, though I have made TONS of these in everything from Cotton Ease to Caron's Simply Soft. Whatever you prefer!)
Other notions and supplies: a pink or blue piece of ribbon, about 3 inches long, sharp metal large eye needle.

Cast on 55 stitches and join, taking care not to twist your stitches. Place marker if desired.

Knit in single rib stitch (K1, P1) for 5 rounds.

Knit in stockinette (K the entire round) for 13 rounds.

Begin decreases!
Decrease Round 1: (K9, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 2 (and rounds 4, 6, 8, and 10): K entire round.
Decrease Round 3: (K8, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 5: (K7, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 7: (K6, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 9: (K5, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 11: (K4, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 12: K entire round.
Decrease Round 13: K entire round.
Decrease Round 14: (K3, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 15: K entire round.
Decrease Round 16: K entire round.
Decrease Round 17: (K2, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 18: K entire round.
Decrease Round 19: K entire round.
Decrease Round 20: (K1, K2TOG) five times.
Decrease Round 21 K entire round.
Decrease Round 22: K entire round.
Decrease Round 23: (K2TOG) five times.

Knit one more round, then cut your yarn, leaving a good six inch tail. Thread tail onto a sharp sturdy needle (I found a metal craft/embroidery needle works best), then thread through remaining stitches, removing needles.  Insert a 3 inch piece of pink or blue ribbon into the top, pull your knitting stitches snug, then using the tail stitch ribbon securely into place.

Weave in ends and enjoy!

we LOVE Ed Emberley!

we chase sunbeams

We chase sunbeams on Sunday mornings.

late summer snapshots

Where have we been and what have we been doing?  Here's a quick look...

In July we went to Missouri (hi Mom, hi Aunt Jan!), 

stopping in Illinois to see Lincoln's Log Cabin and help some historical reinactors make lunch.

 I participated in my first swap from the #talknt gang, receiving this awesome loot all the way from Hawaii! (Thanks again, Melanie!!)

I sent off this little Granny Square mini quilt, chock full of Denyse Schmidt fabrics.

The backing is more Denyse Schmidt from her DS Quilts line for Jo-Ann fabrics, the binding an awesome aqua stripe. Yummm!

 I packed it up with some goodies before sending it forth.

I finished this awesome shawl FOR MYSELF. With delicious birthday yarn (thanks Mom!).

 I got this quilt finished...

..just in time for this lovely gal's wedding in August!

In September, in between other super secret projects (and a lot of crazy work days) I got this sweater knitted for Norah:

And these slippers felted for Bennett.

October started with a trip to the Ft. Wayne Maker Faire where we ate twinkies 

shot from this hand-built vehicle:

Then raced this modded John Deere Power Wheels:

Down this course:

 And won.  Yesssss!

And at the end of October we flew with BOTH kids to Austin to see my sister wear red shoes...

 ...and get hitched beneath a beautiful tree to a wonderful guy who adores her.

Then we partied with these guys!

Then it was Halloween!

 (Yes, store bought. Something had to give. Jedi Paduan Learner and Baby Lulu!)

Then, the first weekend in November I had my first ever trip away from the family to Lake Michigan with some friends. Amazing. And hello Chicago! I see you across the water!

Phew!!! That was a lot of stuff. Condensed in VERY few pictures. With loads left out. We will have to catch up more thoroughly, methinks. And soon. But for now...

...from our busy family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving!!!!