Christmas Stocking

After two years, I finally knit Jonas' Christmas stocking. I finished it on Boxing Day. Oh well. We'll get to use it next year, and there may even be semi-matching stockings for Jason and me!

The fair isle knitting wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The big snowflake section at the top was the hardest bit. I don't know if it was more difficult than the other sections or if I just found my stranded knitting groove. I will always think of Jimmy Stewart and my dad whenever I see this stocking, as I knit a huge chunk of it while watching 'It's a Wonderful Life' on Christmas Eve while Dad snoozed on the sofa next to me. Mom read a book at the dining room table, and Jason sat with her, picking at leftovers. Kelsey the Chocolate Lab settled herself near Jason's feet and proceeded to perfume the air with a near constant barrage of dog farts. Jonas was safely tucked into bed. Aside from some sadness which is not mine to discuss, we had a good Christmas. 

Pattern: Modern Classics Christmas Stockings by Knit Picks Design Team

Yarn: Knit Picks Telemark (100% Peruvian Highland Wool) #24619 Grass and #23935 Drift, 1+a smidge balls each

Mods: I used size 7 16'' circs and size  7 dpns. Used first section of 'modern' chart part 2 rather than first section of 'classic' chart part 2. I duplicate stitched Jonas' name. Otherwise, I actually followed the pattern for once.

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Dad's Sweater Vest

Is this the beginning of a messy, tangled disaster? 

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My Little Pumpkin

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Ready for Treats

I just finished Jonas' Halloween costume. It took me three days to make it, and I sewed it all by myself! It's the first garment I've sewed. Finally, I can do more than pillows and pillowcases. (I still like knitting best, though.)

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

One Week Ago

I can't believe it's already been a week since we took this picture on our way to SAFF. 

Last year I decided that I would be a drop spindle kit at SAFF this year and learn to spin. Unfortunately the vendor I wanted to get my kit from wasn't there this year so I decided to come home and buy a kit from my LYS. Renee and I bought needle felting items to try that out. I really don't have the gift for needle felting, and I've already stabbed myself a couple times. I think I should call it quits on that!

We dragged ourselves away reluctanctly and drove back to Cherokee with a Volvo packed with yarn, needles, roving, handmade soaps and patterns. After a brief nap for Jonas, we headed down to dinner at Paula Deen's. Friday night the service was great, the food so-so. Saturday night the service was some of the worst I've ever had, the food good but salty. I ate a spinach salad with warm bacon dressing and the crab stew. Then Jason and Joe went to see WILLIE NELSON in a small concert. I really, really wish I had gone because I lurve Willie, but I was dog tired. (And it was the only chance for the men to have some father-son time since Jason went to SAFF with Renee and me).

Sunday morning we were up early to drive to the Pancake House in Gatlinburg. How crazy are we that we stood outside in 38* for 30ish minutes waiting to get inside and get our table? Apparently, it's tradition in Gburg to eat at this place and wait in the crazy line. The food was pretty good, but I find it suspicious that Jonas and Jason have both been battling colds this week.....

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Mommy's Helper

Things were quiet. Too quiet. I came upstairs expecting to find him in a puddle of pee from a potty training accident, and instead I found him cleaining the bathroom mirror. Good. I'll add that to his future list of chores.

Meanwhile, the potty training accident happened 15 minutes later. At least it was on the hardwood floor and not one of the few carpeted spots in the house!

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Jacob Sheep

Yes. It has FOUR horns. 

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi