Flower Power

Sometimes, when I'm knitting big projects, I need a little instant gratification.  I currently have a coat, a cardi and a pair of socks on the needles so I went looking for something I could complete in a day.  Something that would cheer me up.  Like a flower.  I came across this pattern called Flora by Kate Kuckro.  

I didn't want a scarf so I just knit up the flower, using leftover sock yarns, put a polymer clay button in the centre which I attached to a piece of felt, then sewed on a brooch pin.  It makes a beautiful splash on my winter coat and the entire project was pure enjoyment. 

~~I got the button from Tina who lives in Tofino, here on Vancouver Island.  Check out her Artfire store ~ gorgeous stuff.~~

 

Full Snow Moon

"Since the heaviest snow usually falls during the month of February, Native American tribes of the north and east most often called this month’s full moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to it as the Full Hunger Moon or Little Famine Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. Forced to gnaw on bones and sip bone marrow soup for sustenance, the Cherokee named it the Full Bony Moon."  ~ Farmers' Almanac

Well, there's no hunger or famine here but we did get the snow:

It could also be called the Happy Little Girl Moon:

,

Therefore I will be wearing this hat

and this cardi
 

when I venture out later today.  Meanwhile I'll enjoy my second cup of coffee in my cosy chair by my cosy fire.
 

Four Bags Full

At a big craft fair in Vancouver last December my daughter and I came upon a booth selling "green" reusable bread bags.  They were selling for around $15 apiece.  Admittedly, they were nicely made with liners of "food grade" plastic.  We did a bit of online research and found that a liner isn't necessary if the bread is used within a day or two which, of course, in a family of four is easy to do.  We weren't thrilled with the idea of the plastic liners anyway.  You might just as well put the bread in a plastic bag.  

Not so long afterward I found this tutorial.  Off I trotted to a nearby grocery store where I purchased a pack of four tea towels for $3.  I washed and ironed them, squared them up on my ironing board and took their measurements.  They were about an inch smaller than the tutorial guidelines so I decided to just wing it, using the tutorial for the sewing up but not the dimensions.  I made four bags ~ three for regular loaves or buns, each made from one towel folded in half cross-wise, and one folded in half length-wise for a large French loaf.  I used the overcast stitch on my sewing machine (I am still afraid of my serger) and rounded the bottom corners so it will be easier to shake out the crumbs.  I used the cut-off hems of the towels for the ribbons/ties.  

I hope she likes them.  And my bill for $60, $30, $15, okay free.   
 

Three Birthdays and an Anniversary

Early January is a very busy time for us.  Hubby and I were married January 3, 1976, daughter was born on our second anniversary, number one grandson was born January 8, 2005 and number one granddaughter was born January 8, 2008. 

It's a difficult time for celebrations, coming so soon after Christmas.  We always made sure our daughter's birthday was special but she still says she wishes she could have a half-birthday mid-year.  Unfortunately, when she was small, a lot of relatives would "combine" her Christmas and birthday presents, which was easier for them but hard to explain to a child.  Our anniversary has always taken a back seat and we have yet to really celebrate.  I thought maybe our 35th would be different but, sadly, no.  Post holiday burn-out, dealing with three birthdays, slim wallets.  We have also found over the years that quite a few restaurants are closed on January 3rd as they have just had New Years Eve and are taking much needed holidays themselves.   Enough whining.

I had great fun making this birthday cake for Ryleigh.  Driving over to her house for the party with the cake balanced on my lap, hubby says "wouldn't it be funny if I had to brake suddenly?"  Hilarious!

The Twirl Test

I made this dress for my granddaughter for Christmas.  I bought her lacy socks and sparkly red shoes to match.  She loved it - "mine dress?" she asked.  She immediately wanted to put on the whole outfit (new cami and undies too), toddled upstairs to the big mirror,

and did the twirl test.

Then came the jumping on the bed in sheer joy,

followed by a pensive pose by the window.

This is probably THE most gratifying project I have ever made. 

~big thanks to cottagemama for the free pattern (click link above)~

 

 

And to All, A Good Night.

Merry Christmas to All!