December 29, 2005

Resolutions

I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions, but this year I thought I'd give it a whirl.



My fabric and yarn buying addiction is getting out of hand.  I have a long list of quilt projects, especially, that I have planned and I can't just keep buying fabric!



My resolutions are:
1.  Buy no more quilt fabric unless it is to finish a project for which I already have most of the fabric.



2.  Finish one of my pre-cut projects before starting any new project.



OK, let's see how long my resolve can last!



December 19, 2005

Knitting update

Sock1 Two updates in one day???   Well, I have actual KNITTING content today, as well!  I finished my first sock on 2 circular needles and just love the technique.  No more double pointed needles for me!  Although I don't think I'll ever be skilled enough to knit 2 socks at once!


Sock2 I used Vesper sock yarn in Neopolitan.  I made a shortened version of the Lichen Ribbed sock from Knitting Vintage Socks, but used a different heel.  I love the star of three points toe, and this sock fits me perfectly!  I have already cast on and knitted about 25 rows of sock #2.





Quilting update

Momquilt1_1 I finished these 2 quilts I was making for my parents, and got them off in the mail on Friday.  My mom has seen pictures and knows that I made this quilt for her, but she doesn't expect to receive it this year.  I think she will be surprised!




Dadquilt1_1 And my dad and stepmom have no idea I am sending them a quilt.  I hope they like it!





December 13, 2005

Ho ho ho!

Trying to get holiday preparations done.  I have the house cleaned and (mostly) decorated.  The kids are itching to decorate the big tree, and I hope to do that tonight.



I'm still sewing on the binding of my mom's quilt and hope to finish that tonight as well.  I need to get it mailed, for sure!



I baked 5 kinds of cookies in the last few days.  Four are from the Martha Stewart cookie magazine that's on the news stands now.  My reviews:



Cashew Caramels - very good cookie, like a very rich shortbread



Cream Cheese Walnut Cookies - best dough I've ever tasted.  Easy to make, too



Pistachio Lemon Drops - disappointed in the texture and the flavor.  Not very lemony and salty from the salted nuts



Double Chocolate Coconut Cookies - not very good flavor - maybe if I'd have used "dutch process cocoa" as Martha recommended rather than Hershey's!



I have 2 more cookies that I've bought the ingredients for.  Hopefully they'll both be good.  Why do I always seem to experiment with holiday cookies instead of going for the tried and true?  Well, there are always the office scavengers that will eat anything for the rejects.   ;-)



December 2, 2005

First snow!

I left work at noon yesterday because of reports of snow coming down north of Seattle.  It was a little scary driving the 3 miles home from the park and ride.  It was really coming down.



In the afternoon, my DD and I walked to school to pick up my DSs and we all walked back home.  The kids enjoyed the snow so much!  It was a little scary walking because there aren't sidewalks all the way to school and the drivers are crazy.



Pic049 I started a sock this morning, and I think I figured out my digital camera.  No knit pictures yet, but here is my latest quilt update.  The colors of this one will be perfect in my living room.





December 1, 2005

Scarf finished!!!

I finished my scarf and wove the ends in this morning so I could wear it today.  It's really warm and cozy.... yum.  And perfect since it's FREEZING in the Seattle area and we're expecting snow today.



Still haven't worked out my new digital camera issues, but I will share a picture once I have done so.



I started a gauge swatch this morning of the Vesper sock yarn in Neopolitan (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla) - what a yummy yarn!  I think I will do one of the ribbed socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks book, but I haven't decided which one yet.  Now, where the heck is my other Size 1 Addi Turbo so I can try socks on 2 circulars???