I didn't train him to do this...

Newman just appears like this whenever he feels it's time for him to eat. Never fails to make me laugh.

Bella's Mittens

It's -2 degrees (actual air temperature!) outside this morning, and it looks like this outside:




So, I'm thankful to have finally finished my pair of Bella's Mittens. They have been put to the test these past few days - shoveling, freezing cold steering wheel, below zero temps and wind.


And, they've done pretty well. Not terribly wind-proof, but it has been incredibly windy around here. I love how they come up to the middle of my forearm - keeping those pulse points warm really influences body temperature.

Pattern specs: I knit them out of Cascade's Eco Wool, using size 9s. I really liked the pattern - well-written with very clear directions - and plan on making a second pair. I may line the next pair with fleece, to help with some of the wind resistance.

Need more fiber? Visit Alpaca Farm Girl for more Fiber Arts Friday fun!

Etienne, my new French friend

Before I ship Etienne off to his new friend, my nephew Oliver, I wanted to share a finished picture of him with you.


Appreciate the hat - because that gave me more trouble than any other part of this little project! Having ripped and re-done at least three times (I sort of stopped counting), and still not being completely satisfied with the finished hat, I have determined that I really am not a crocheter. (probably should just stick to granny squares)

Lots of gift knits on the needles right now (that I won't share yet), although I have also gotten some well-earned time with my Country wheel (that I will share soon). I am pleased to say my spinning continues to improve and I'm hoping to have a little holiday giveaway pretty soon....

I'm dreaming of a handmade Christmas...

So, not quite the same ring to it as Bing Crosby's White Christmas, but I really have been thinking a lot about consumerism lately.

Maybe it was yesterday's paper, which was 75% ads ("no rainchecks" = buy today, or else). Or the radio report at 10 a.m. yesterday about people who were already camped out at a local Best Buy. Or it could have been my inbox - 90% of new messages about sales, all sounding urgent, lots of capital letters. (Although, I have to admit that I was amused by Lego's "Brick Friday") Or, maybe it was the cool toy that my oldest saw a commercial for last night that my husband discovered was out of stock (at the time of the commercial - talk about setting kids up for disappointment).

Seriously, people, what happened to Thanksgiving? It seems like it's now some kind of roadblock on the way to Christmas consumerism.
(end soapbox)

A while ago, I signed the Buy Handmade pledge, and have posted the badge proudly on my sidebar. And I've really been trying to stick to that. If not handmade by me or someone else (I heart Etsy), then I've been trying to shop locally made, or at least eco-friendly. I think my only exception will be some Lego and Playmobil stuff for the kids and maybe a Wii game or two. And I have to say, I've never felt less stressed about gifting and am actually enjoying the shopping and creating experience.

How's everyone else feeling about the start to "the shopping season"? Any tips or tricks that help you get through all this (relatively) stress-free?

One more thing - I'd be remiss if I didn't direct you to Alpaca Farm Girl's blog - she's listing her readers handmade goods shops today -

Seeking advice

So, maybe this isn't really a fiber-related question, but I'm going to put it out to all you Fiber Arts Friday people anyway, because many of you are much more crafty than I.



My little Etienne comes in many pieces (with many directions). I can handle turning the yarn into finished clothing. I can handle stringing things together and giving him little pipecleaner legs. However, I am not very confident of my ability to attach his little round head. Instructions say to use a glue gun. I do not own a glue gun. Oh, and I've never even used a glue gun.

So, I am looking for some advice on glue guns. Is there a good one to buy? Is there a good way to make it work to attach a wooden head to a wooden dowel? Send me your wisdom - I don't want Etienne to lose his head!

For more Fiber Arts Friday fun, head on over to Alpaca Farm Girl.

Finn and the big leaf pile

Itty Bitty Love

I am officially in love with Itty Bitty Toys. I finally picked up a copy of the book in anticipation of Susan B. Anderson's book signing Saturday at the grand opening of Shepherd's Choice, a new LYS in Anoka.


All the goodies I picked up - including Itty Bitty knits, Blue Sky Alpacas' Knit Quilt, and two Spud & Chloe patterns - Hoot and Lulu Leggings. Wanted to buy some yarn for the patterns - but my mom looked at me sideways and said, don't you already have some you could use? Okay, true - but I don't think she understands the excitement of knitting with different yarns just yet. (I'm working on it) So, now I have a reason to go back for more (as if I needed a reason).


My copy - signed by Susan!

I never thought of myself as much of a toy knitter - love looking at knit toys, but wasn't sure I was really interested in making them myself. But, now I have several projects in mind for upcoming Christmas gifts, and I think I want to make everything in this book! And I'm smitten with the giraffe on the cover. I love the felted bouncy balls , too - the little boys in the family will all be receiving one! (and I'd give one to little girls, too, but we are all boy around here) There are a lot of clever and creative ideas throughout the book - the reversible toys! the nesting dolls! (I could go on and on)


There has been much interest in the puppies by my boys, too.



I want to make a bowl full of this fruit! I think it would be such a fun centerpiece. (I love that Sunshine Yarns was the yarn she used for this project.) Not to mention the super-cute knit chickens they had in the window of Shepherd's Choice.

Shepherd's Choice an amazing LYS - I will be making the trip to Anoka more often, specifically to visit this shop. Warm and welcoming, beautifully arranged - I wanted to move in to the loft. The owner of the shop, Kathy, recognized me from the State Fair - as the crazy toddler-chasing woman who left her wallet at the Shepherd's Choice booth. (Kathy worked really hard to get that wallet back to me - she really is a special person!) Also - a shout out to all the cool e-buddies that I finally met in person - Skeins Her Way, Twist Your Stitches, The Blonde Knitter - (you all have my dream job) it was great to see you. (Kind of like meeting the alter ego of superheroes - seeing the real face with the "real" name)


Me and Susan - couldn't believe she recognized my alternate name Knits In Class - It was incredible to see all those toys (and their designer!) up close and in person.