So, I’m friends with Bonnie and we exchange Christmas ornaments. Now, she’s quite the knitter, so I wanted to find something special. I ran across these cute sheep ornaments and knew I’d found it. My first take was too small to fit over the plastic ball I wanted to use so I stuffed it, but it just wasn’t quite up to snuff, so I went up to size 2.75mm needles and gave it another shot. Moneyball! (I still ended up stuffing it, but these sheep look more like king and queen sheep and not court jester sheep.* Practice makes perfect.)
 

Here’s the ornament doing a scene from Gone with the Wind.


Here’s the pattern if you fancy some sheep for your tree.

And look what Bonnie sent. She outdid herself and sent TWO lovely ornaments! This little sock is so perfect I had to ask her if she knit it (even though she mentioned knitting little sock ornaments on her blog – it looks that good).


Aren’t they too much? I LOVE them! Here are the patterns she used:
Yarn Basket
Tiny Sock Ornament

* No offense to any court jester sheep that may be reading this blog. I’m sure you’re all perfectly lovely.

Ps. Check out what others have finished at:
Tami’s Amis

Wisdom begins in Wonder

Natural Suburbia

Tags: Christmas ornament, FO Friday

As you know, I’m a bit of a Hunter Hammersen fangirl. So, when she started knitting these socks on her blog, I was following along. Then she mentioned an option for a “swoopy thing on the foot” and I got really excited. They are nice plain, but add in something swoopy and I’m smitten. So, I started commenting on her blog and ravelry about how I couldn’t wait to see the swoopy business and the next thing you know, I’m knitting swoopy thing on the foot socks for the pattern. It’s all VERY exciting! Look here. That’s me! I’m a “super awesome secret knitter”. whee! and to sweeten the pot, the yarn she sent me for the socks is String Theory Caper Sock in Beach Plum and ya’ll, it is delicious!


The pic doesn’t do it justice, so for now, you’ll have to trust me. Delicious!



Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when the pattern is out. I’m already dreaming of a second pair. I’m not sure yet if I’ll go plain or swoopy, but man, this pattern is addictive.

Tags: beach plum, caper sock yarn, hunter hammersen, string theory yarn

New Year’s Resolutions 2014

1. Frequent more local eateries.


fyi: the guacamole at Mother’s Cafe is delicious!

2. Finish the quilting project I’ve been working on by April 15. The Husband and I worked on the taxes New Year’s Eve, so I should have some free time in early April.

3. Don’t be jealous, but I also spent New Year’s Eve cleaning off my desk while enjoying a mimosa. That’s how I roll. Start 2014 with a (mostly) clean desk – check!

4. Continue to enjoy driving my all electric Nissan Leaf! 37k + gas free miles and counting! (Stop spending the money I’m saving on yarn. The stash is getting out of control.)

5. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies and frequent the farmer’s market.


6. Take more time to smell the knitting (or roses).

8. Try 1 new healthy recipe per month.

7. Increase my machine sewing comfort level (from you know, almost none).

8. Finish 14 pairs of socks.

Including my Hunter Hammersen Swoopy Thing on the Foot Socks (more on that tomorrow).

…and the socks formerly known as the Glass Slippers (Bea Socks by Christina Wilkins).


9.Do NOT buy any more items for wrapping gifts. My gift-wrapping supply inventory still makes my yarn stash seem sane.

Have a very happy 2014! I wish you all an amazing year!!!

To see what others are working on, check out:
Tami’s Amis
Small Things
Frontier Dreams

Tags: hunter hammersen, New Year's Resolutions, WIP Wednesday