tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279645262012-01-28T23:47:12.108-08:00Cats, Kids & Crochet . . . not necessarily in that orderElisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.comBlogger12311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-43540312355834263602012-01-28T23:46:00.000-08:002012-01-28T23:47:12.119-08:00

One of the best things about having almost all grandgirls is the ability to hand down the hand-mades as they are outgrown. I made this ladybug hat for Addison back in 2008 -   and now it's Leanne's turn to be tortured by wear it happily.     At least until she can rip it off her head.  (You can click the photos to make them bigger.) (I solved the 'I don't want to wear it' issue by putting the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-3955187741980036012012-01-26T16:03:00.000-08:002012-01-26T16:03:00.041-08:00

For Christmas, my wonderful, brilliant, talented husband (who can take a hint very well - especially one that's written down for him) gave me a ball of Qiviut*.   I'd wanted some for forever, but just couldn't bring myself to pay the $80+ for just over 200 yards of lace weight yarn.   But what yarn it is! So soft and light and warm and gorgeous. My little skein of heaven is now a long

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-82867549974948293742012-01-25T22:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T23:06:18.612-08:00

Most Thursday nights find me hanging out with my buddies at our favorite LYS, a place that's exceptionally hazardous to my self-imposed yarn diet - especially when a brand new shipment of any madelinetosh yarn arrives.    The yarn fumes were especially bad last week; multiple boxes of Madelinetosh Merino Light had just been unpacked and I Could.Not.Resist the 'Golden Hickory'.   Now, normally a

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-35084300778511784912012-01-24T17:35:00.000-08:002012-01-24T17:36:08.157-08:00

What's wrong with this picture?   I was so wrapped up in matching seams that I forgot to check how the last piece was positioned.   That's better.  And much, much better than the first one, both color placement-wise and seams-wise.    It's amazing how much difference the proper tools can make - or in this case, the proper lines on my sewing machine.   I feel like I could conquer the world,

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-67678579746458154852012-01-23T23:45:00.000-08:002012-01-24T00:01:18.566-08:00

Grrrrrrr, Blogger ate my first post when I tried to publish it. Hate rewriting - once it's gone, I always remember it as purrrrrrfect. Travis' mommy asked me to make a knit cocoon for his first photo session. She picked out the pattern*, purchased the yarn and gave me plenty of time to get it finished - it just doesn't get any easier.    Soooooo when the cocoon was done ahead of schedule, and I

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-28040216981473042302012-01-22T23:15:00.000-08:002012-01-22T23:15:49.388-08:00

This Wednesday is the third of 5 sessions in my Quilting 102 class. I've been struggling with my seams - which means nothing is turning out right - but I think I've finally got it licked. I brought in the big guns - aka Woodworker Husband - to put perfect straight lines in perfect places on my sewing machine.    And I took a hint from Pinterest and am using a pad of Post-It notes as a sewing

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-26890698866499162962012-01-20T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-20T17:24:16.427-08:00

This is out of focus, but it's too funny not to share. Leanne has developed her own mode of locomotion- not quite walking but not quite crawling either. And it makes me laugh every time I see it.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-27134707135848830012012-01-19T16:33:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:26:44.138-08:00

Today we present "Twinkle, Twinkle" by Leia.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-53102303257552578202012-01-15T21:36:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:36:43.157-08:00

We took advantage of the last week on our Aquarium of the Pacific annual pass to take the grand kids* for one more visit. Usually when we pay a season pass, we go one time and that's it - not a great way to get your $$'s worth. But we've been back to the Aquarium at least 4 times this year. And the kids love it.  There's plenty to see and do to keep them entertained - petting the rays, 

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-26583550081044698362012-01-11T22:33:00.000-08:002012-01-11T22:34:34.830-08:00

I've gotten a bunch of crochet things finished lately, mostly class samples that had to be done (in theory) when the class schedule came out at the end of December. Yeah, missed that deadline on a couple of things, but I'm getting there.  I took a breather to work on a fun project - a Gumdrop Hat for Naia.    See that happy face? That's why I make things for her. She can't wait to wear it to

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-24623861977458291652012-01-10T23:35:00.000-08:002012-01-10T23:35:52.404-08:00

In the time it took me to turn around and pick up the camera, Leia and Leanne went from 'awwwww, isn't that sweet'   to full out mugging    and giggle fest.   Leanne started it   but Leia was loving it.    And just like that, we're back to so sweet.     Never a dull minute with these two monkeys around.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-24157544252648959042012-01-07T16:36:00.000-08:002012-01-07T16:36:52.882-08:00

This is Travis, my brand new great-nephew, 8 pounds even and 20" long. He showed up a week early, on December 23, probably because he heard all the excitement about Santa and didn't want to miss out.   His momma was hoping for a new year's baby but our boy Travis did things his way (get used to it, Mom!) Hubby and I had to put off meeting him because we both had miserable colds, so Travis

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-88587415993630932622012-01-05T22:09:00.000-08:002012-01-05T22:09:10.558-08:00

Remember the black and white quilt top I was working on? I added a narrow teal (aqua?) stripe around the perimeter - and a thicker dark border around that. Love how it looks - and so do the recipients, who saw it today and said they loved it. But I still brought it back home with me . . . . . only so I can send it off to be machine quilted and have the binding put on. Once it's returned,

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-54450284350116967972012-01-04T23:33:00.000-08:002012-01-04T23:33:52.098-08:00

I was going to post about a new hat I finished, but the pictures turned out really crummy. Instead, how about some cute kids - with something new with each of them?  Leanne - I love when she raises her eyebrow like that. Normally it's the other one that goes up. Maybe the left means 'humor' and right translates to WTH? My girls; 2 of them anyway. Not often I get a decent picture of me with the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-85461696653753188542012-01-02T21:44:00.000-08:002012-01-02T21:45:10.294-08:00

How do you get a 3-year-old to eat something besides oatmeal, her favorite food? Let her help make it! At least, that was my theory. And it seems to have worked.   Naia had the job of mixing the porcupines - she loves getting her hands into the meat/rice mixture - while I measured added ingredients, and then all three of us rolled meatballs and added the sauce, which is Leia's favorite part.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-27150991233009285102012-01-01T22:53:00.000-08:002012-01-01T22:56:54.735-08:00

I'm hoping planning going to do a lot of crafting in the new year, so in the spirit of 'start as you mean to go on', I started a new quilt today.   I'm in love with the look - and quickness - of the 1600 quilts -  so I broke out the jelly roll I recently bought at my local quilt store, sewed the 40+ strips into a 1600" (44.4 yard) looooong row, and then sewed . . .    and sewed . . . (

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-975775995850962762011-12-30T17:11:00.001-08:002011-12-30T22:42:50.807-08:00

It's been awhile since I talked about my crochet stuff. I'm still working on the 3-color blankie, a long-term project just for me! (couldn't guess that from the colors, right?)  This is my 'relaxation' project, what I work on at night while watching teevee. Really enjoy making the continuous spiral in multiple colors. No boredom here!  Another 'almost done' is the pair of slippers I'm making as a

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-32880063330600402092011-12-27T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-02T21:45:20.297-08:00

There's nothing better than happy, healthy kids.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-47447693628438807702011-12-24T23:24:00.000-08:002011-12-24T23:24:58.916-08:00

Now that the kids are grown and we have an assortment of half's and steps, in-laws and out-laws, it's hard to find a time when everyone can get together to celebrate on Christmas Day. To make it even more challenging, we wanted to spend some time on Christmas with hubby's house-bound mom, who lives over an hour away. So, we tried something new this year - holding our celebration on Christmas Eve

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-56600932963618505832011-12-21T23:58:00.000-08:002011-12-21T23:58:04.516-08:00

You know it's Christmas when the baking pans come out at my house. Naia and I headed out about noon to get the few items I missed on my late night run to Target last night. Then we cleared the decks counters, and got started.  First up - because I got to choose - were my favorite brownies.  I got the recipe from a co-worker, Old John, well over 20 years ago (back when I was still a dispatcher)

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-87736044067216187962011-12-18T18:43:00.000-08:002011-12-18T20:42:08.162-08:00

Want to guess what we did for my birthday last Thursday? Or, I should say, where we went? (click any photo to see it bigger.) Nooooo, not the mall . . . . Want another hint? Yep, we took the little girls out of school for the day and headed off to Disneyland. I thought because it was a Thursday and not yet winter break the park wouldn't be too crowded. Wrong.  Even the benches had to be shared.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-5907991257634262202011-12-13T19:35:00.000-08:002011-12-13T19:35:57.535-08:00

Walked into the family room this morning to find this - Say it with me: "awwwwwwww". Finished up these guys for Naia today. She'd asked for a crocheted snowman and while we were flipping through patterns on Ravelry, she spotted this cute family. Done, done and done. My daughter went to Vegas and all I got was this silly mousepad. Which I love. Hubby and I are both fans of the show so this made

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-22888536955826363462011-12-12T18:00:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:00:04.265-08:00

Now that certain things have been gifted, I can finally show pics of what I've been working on for the past month or sew (heehee, a little sewing humor . . . ) Bobbin lace bookmarks - I forgot to take a picture of this pink one when it was finished. Bummer too; it was one of the best I've done so far. The rest of the gifted bookmarks are here. Cloth project bags,  with boxed corners,   

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-42148100960872734832011-12-11T21:55:00.001-08:002011-12-11T22:04:50.514-08:00

Sent my quilt top off for finishing when we got back from our Colorado trip - it arrived in Oklahoma on December 3 - and got it back, completely quilted, on December 8. Five day turn around, including shipping time, in the middle of the Christmas rush! Very impressed with both the quality and speed of her work.(Grandchild included for scale - and because she wouldn't get out of the shot.) This

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-41307749457575743142011-12-07T23:19:00.001-08:002011-12-07T23:34:24.312-08:00

Or "What I Was Doing When I Was Supposed To Be Sleeping" Leia likes to stay awake after she's been put to bed. She reads to her babies, sings songs, plays on her bed - as long as she's fairly quiet, and doesn't keep Naia awake, we let her be. Tuesday night she added a new item to her bedtime entertainment list. Art Project. With grandma's brand new pack of sticky tags. Grandma was

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-56306862258431933882011-12-06T11:55:00.000-08:002011-12-06T11:55:00.477-08:00

Some of the things Addy and Leia came up with while we were in Colorado were hilarious. I tried to write them down, so I wouldn't forget, but only got a few. For your reading pleasure . . . . Leia to Addison: Don't pick your nose. It's yucky. I do it for you. Addison, after I told her not to bounce on the bed, that she might get hurt: It's alright grandma. I'll just go in my room and cry

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-18592258158088449182011-12-05T16:22:00.000-08:002011-12-18T22:19:28.383-08:00

We set up our tree Saturday night, a little earlier than usual.  Matt brought his clan over to help out;  the girls did most of the work,   with only occasional assists from the adults. Matt's crew also brought some new ornaments for our collection.  Christina supplied the recipe while Matt made the dough and helped the little girls make their ornaments. "G" is Naia's (she says it stands

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-85435825036203906052011-12-04T20:31:00.001-08:002011-12-04T20:42:28.124-08:00

While we were in Colorado, I bought some plastic canvas, needles and yarn so I could teach Addy and Leia to sew.Leia is still a little young - she tried for awhile, because Addy was doing it, but wasn't overly interested.  Addy, on the other hand, LOVED it. So being a good grandma, I bought her more canvas - stars, hearts and a big square - more needles, lots of yarn colors and a big pink

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-41359254672995321552011-11-29T22:57:00.001-08:002011-11-29T23:12:10.963-08:00

Leia brought this cute painted turkey home from preschool today.The staff had asked the kids how they thought you made a turkey, then written down exactly what each child said.Since our Thanksgiving dinner this year came from a restaurant (yum!) and was served up by John and Rachel, I'm not sure where Leia came up with her answer. Except that, in her eyes anyway, Grandma can do anything.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-65637952070369443542011-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:002011-11-20T12:00:02.525-08:00

Last week, I made chocolate chip cookies from my super secret recipe (from the back of the semi-sweet morsels package. Ok, so it's not so secret.) I'd been checking out recipes on Pinterest and decided to put a glaze* on the cookies. And to kick it up a notch, I threw some cinnamon in the glaze too. Best. Cookies. EVER.  Can't wait to make them again.   

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-23232148999154991052011-11-19T13:18:00.001-08:002011-11-19T13:22:04.992-08:00

It's a bit hard to see from this angle, but AJ is sound asleep, her nose firmly planted in Leia's pink teacup.  Hmmm, maybe I should see what 'tea' Leia is serving . . . .

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-64985846018646275612011-11-18T15:30:00.000-08:002011-11-18T18:20:15.671-08:00

Leanne has been with us almost everyday for the past week or so while her momma fills in during a co-worker's vacation. Hubby and I - and Leanne - are all thrilled with the arrangement. The only one unhappy? Poor Lily. She's terrified of all the little girls, but especially of Leanne, who would love to get her hands on the pretty kitty. Lily used to hide under the furniture when she saw the baby

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-21791242778642698382011-11-17T21:25:00.001-08:002011-11-17T21:34:22.996-08:00

Thought this hat, made from my favorite 2-color spiral crochet pattern, was going to be for Leia, 3. Um, no. Waaaaay too small.  But doesn't it look great on Leanne, 9 months?It's nice having a range of ages to craft for. If I didn't, I'd need to be a lot better at figuring sizes.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-33403515735285045372011-11-15T23:51:00.001-08:002011-11-15T23:55:07.350-08:00

Leia wanted to know what I was doing this afternoon, so I showed her the crochet hook and yarn I was using to make her a hat.Next thing I know, she's practicing her stitches with great concentration.I am one happy Grandma.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-77350082304570104102011-11-11T22:56:00.001-08:002011-11-11T23:04:43.527-08:00

The perfect rainy day - fire in the fireplace.  New lace on the pillow - and time enough to take some artsy pix   of my current favorite thing.   Life is very, very good.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-59446031390596257162011-11-10T23:46:00.001-08:002011-11-10T23:56:30.088-08:00

I taught my first bobbin lace 'class' tonight and my one and only student got it on the first try. Even better - she loves lacing! She's so hooked, she's already bought a lace pillow from another friend and is arranging to take more formal classes. I love spreading the addiction. I also finished my latest piece tonight - This pattern was tricky at first, but by the end I really felt I

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-10925144229600792832011-11-09T18:46:00.000-08:002011-11-09T18:46:46.637-08:00

Now that Leanne is mobile (here), hubby has resurrected the low-tech fencing he put together when Leia was younger (here). Now Leanne has the run (crawl?) of the family room, without us having to worry constantly that she'll get into something she shouldn't. We have tile flooring throughout the house, which can be pretty cold on little knees and elbows - and hard on little noggins when balance

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-15845586819516418242011-11-08T14:50:00.000-08:002011-11-08T14:50:00.295-08:00

Or, How To Have Fun On A Rainy Day I spotted this paint idea on Pinterest (not a member yet? You gotta join! So much neat stuff.) and thought it would be great fun for the grand-girls. And as luck would have it, the next time Leia spent the day with us, it rained and she was bored - the perfect combination for bathtub time.We didn't have any food coloring, so poor PopPop went out into the rain

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-39690131739224970232011-11-07T15:52:00.000-08:002011-11-07T16:06:35.175-08:00

I was going to post about the almost done crocheted socks I've been working on for a couple of days. I try to make myself a pair every time I teach a sock class, so this is it for 2011.  But really, who cares about socks when there's a new crawler around? Leanne showed off her moves today. So.Darn.Cute. And Lily is jealous. She thought she was going to be today's cute thing.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-46587965793399524842011-11-05T15:30:00.000-07:002011-11-05T15:30:01.423-07:00

 Hubby says this is the ugliest thing he has ever seen.I started out agreeing with him, but Skullky has grown on me.Who wouldn't love that little face?? I was commissioned to make this for a holiday gift and Skullky will be going to his new home tonight. The body is crocheted and the white 'bones' are made from felt that I cut out and sewed on by hand.  The pattern said this is a 6-hour project,

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-4979845230105036392011-11-04T16:16:00.000-07:002011-11-04T16:16:22.752-07:00

The sewing bug still has me firmly in its grasp. Started searching online for the perfect project bag pattern and came up with this. It's easy to make - always a good selling point for me - and looks great. I love the shape and the layers and all the pockets (on both sides) for carrying treasures and what-nots.   The hardest part for me was making the box corners, and the original pattern was

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-29527255437771772972011-10-31T20:58:00.000-07:002011-10-31T20:58:45.163-07:00

Halloween is lots more fun with little girls in the house again (and in cyberspace). Leia wanted to be a Princess. It took her quite a while to figure out which princess though.The deciding factor? Addy was dressing as Belle, so Leia had to be Belle too. Aren't they adorable?The Belle dress will be traveling with us when we go visit Addy later this month so we can get pics of the girls together.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-39367838865078569672011-10-29T22:37:00.000-07:002011-10-29T22:37:19.786-07:00

Remember the first quilt top I started? The one I did after falling in love with the 1600 quilt? The reason I started quilting in the first place? It's done.In today's marathon session, I added a 1" border all around, then put a 3" border on the long sides and 6" on the top and bottom.  I needed it big enough to cover hubby when he's sound asleep relaxing in front of the teevee.Still need to

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-22819779898355524072011-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:09:34.883-07:00

Both quilts are done, with bindings hand-stitched and backs labeled.  I put the big one through the washer and dryer - gentle cycle - and both cats have had a turn sleeping on it, so I guess it is officially finished.  I thought stitching the back binding down by hand would be a pain, but turns out I loved it.  Found a great tutorial here (scroll waaaaaaay down) on how to do the blind

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-41063396684034302852011-10-23T23:53:00.000-07:002011-10-23T23:53:48.470-07:00

We took the girls pumpkin hunting a few days ago, on an afternoon that was cool, overcast and almost drizzly - as close to Fall as we're likely to get in So.Cal. The hay maze was new this year and all three girls loved it, jumping from bale to bale, following paths high and low.  They would have been content to spend all afternoon running back and forth,  but the call of the pumpkin was strong

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-24973561586205841882011-10-22T23:46:00.000-07:002011-10-23T00:46:32.966-07:00

I finished this earlier in the week and got my favorite model to pose for me, once she was done decorating the house and herself for Halloween.Love how this one turned out. It's an easy, one-row repeat on the main portion and the ruffle is all double crochets. Almost six balls of yarn - over 1000 yards - with as much used in the ruffle as in the entire rest of the shawl; details are here.Now

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-10198524423039075232011-10-18T18:49:00.000-07:002011-10-18T19:00:09.198-07:00

Hubby and oldest granddaughter decorated the house for Halloween today, both inside - mostly Naia's job -  and outside.  We have the classics - the repeaters, back for a second year- the new - and the just plain wacky. Leia and I love these sparkly bats that hubby hung above the ghostly pumpkin.  And speaking of wacky (in a good way), check out these shoes Naia's mom bought her for getting good

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-61661879650659178932011-10-17T22:08:00.000-07:002011-10-17T22:08:50.621-07:00

To have any chance of getting this finished by Halloween, I needed to get my rear in gear. So today I added the borders (all of them were redone several times; nothing was going right today), picked the batting and backing fabric, made my quilt sandwich, and got it all ready to quilt tomorrow. Or Wednesday, since the little girls are here all day tomorrow. Stitchin' in the ditch requires a

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-74034445220748966172011-10-16T20:18:00.000-07:002011-10-16T20:18:16.933-07:00

We attached the borders and pinned the quilt 'sandwich' - top, batting, backing - together in class last week, so all (!) I had to do for homework this week was quilt it together.  I drew my chalk lines,attached my brand spanking new walking foot, set up the fancy multi-color thread I bought just for this project, and ready, set, quilt! As you can probably tell, a lot of time passed between the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-56860790767745862962011-10-14T21:40:00.000-07:002011-10-14T21:40:32.193-07:00

Leanne is a happy baby, always smiling and laughing - except when a camera is pointed her way. I don't know what it is, but as soon as she sees a lens, this is what we see -same face here - I think of it as her 'game face', her 'ha, you aren't going to catch me smiling' face.  And it doesn't matter what she's doing - practicing her crawling technique; hanging out with PopPop and her favorite

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-62927440557220343942011-10-13T23:41:00.000-07:002011-10-13T23:41:34.120-07:00

Naia and I have made porcupines before, but this was a first for Leia. Naia showed her how it's done.   First you mix all the ingredients together.For Naia, this takes a loooonnng time; she loves squishing everything through her fingers.Then you carefully shape the meatballs,making big ones if you're a big girl and little ones if you're a little girl. You stirrrrrrrr the sauceand spoon just the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-14684681297654319902011-10-09T20:21:00.000-07:002011-10-09T20:21:52.381-07:00

With the top, anyway. When I decided to try quilting again, it didn't register that making the top is the easy part. Only one of the three sessions in my beginning quilting class deals with making the pretty top. The other two are what the heck you do after that. This Thursday we'll make the quilt sandwich - top (above), batting and backing (below; love the kitties) I know I'm probably weird,

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-12125801600939768222011-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:002011-10-08T22:19:36.025-07:00

Sat down at 1:30 to start my quilt homework,  and got up at 9:30 with all seven strips completed and the top ready to be sewn together.   But that last step is going to have to wait until tomorrow; my back is done for the day.  The pattern is Single Irish Chain, made with 9-patch blocks. Still lovin' the colors - and hoping my mistakes won't show too badly when this is complete.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-12052395883545546192011-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T00:00:37.051-07:00

I've spent more time on bobbin lace than crochet lately. Used to be, when I'd sit down at night to watch the teevee, I'd pull out a hook and yarn. Now I pull over a pillow and bobbins. I reworked the same bookmark pattern in different colors, trying to improve my technique.I inadvertently 'practiced' different stitch combos too; the pattern called for half-stitch ground (the open area around

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-24074891563057202042011-10-02T22:19:00.000-07:002011-10-02T22:20:04.934-07:00

Hubby and I took turns having the flu most of this week - Leia was such a sweetheart to bring the evil germies home from daycare - so not a lot has gotten done.I taught a few classes and took my first quilt class before I fell ill on Saturday, hubby's birthday (darn it).  So what did happen? Addison got her Halloween costume -yep, another year of the princess. She promises next year she'll be

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-76783823430461351242011-09-26T00:30:00.000-07:002011-09-26T00:30:00.459-07:00

We knew we were in the right place when we found the yarn-bombing.By the time we got there at 10:30, an hour and a half after the Vogue Knitting Live! doors opened, the marketplace was swamped, with shoppers crowding into every vendor stall.By the time we left 8 hours later - taking only an hour out for lunch (BJ's Brewhouse, fantastic!)  and another 45 minutes for the lecture on antique knitting

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-26067766698886146042011-09-24T19:39:00.000-07:002011-09-25T17:40:13.985-07:00

I love cell phones and their ability to send - and allow me to get - grand baby pictures from around the country, almost instantaneously. While at Vogue Knitting Live, I received a picture of Leia at the San Diego Zoo and Addison, camping with her daddy in Colorado (and learning to p** in a bucket for the first time. She didn't believe her mom and me when we told her that was going to happen.)

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-83537570444184323032011-09-23T17:19:00.000-07:002011-09-25T17:20:37.436-07:00

aka "Doing Our Part For The Economy." We're not calling it 'shopping' or 'enabling' or even 'enhancing the stash'. Thursday's Craft Shop Crawl was done strictly as a way to show our support for local shops; it was our patriotic duty. Yeah, hubby didn't buy that one either. But the three of us had a great time visiting yarn shops - my $3.53 total-price-including-tax haul  book stores, both new

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-19817709845595768512011-09-19T18:51:00.000-07:002011-09-19T18:51:15.858-07:00

Look who's seven months old!  Seven months and one day, to be exact. This was the first time we've been able to put Leanne on the floor, on her belly, without her making a fuss. Suddenly, she loves being able to do push-ups, flip over and pull herself (no crawling yet) where she wants to go.  And it probably helped that cousin Leia was right there, ready to play.  The two of them were

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-22433411439080678492011-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:002011-09-17T21:53:24.743-07:00

I didn't get much bobbin lace done over the summer - my teacher was on vacation in Denmark and Norway - but since we got returned from Colorado in mid-August, I've gotten back into it with a vengeance. Last night I finished a new pattern that I worked completely on my own, beginning to end.  I love the twisty, curvy lines of the 'trails'.  There are a few areas that could be improved on (

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-60951993346859453392011-09-15T21:27:00.000-07:002011-09-15T21:27:14.663-07:00

Hubby took Leanne, almost 7 months, out to visit his mother.  Leanne was her usual, wiggly self, so the pics are a bit blurry. But having pictures of Great-Grandma feeding her youngest great-grandchild? Priceless!

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-73238899338312606432011-09-10T14:48:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:48:00.469-07:00

What to do with cute t-shirts that Leia flat refused to wear? Why, make dresses, of course.  I loved this Tinkerbell shirt, with its blue sparkles, and really thought Leia would too. Wrong. But now that it's a dress?    She doesn't want to take it off. Unless it's to put on the Elmo dress.  Same thing with this shirt; it's bright, colorful and Elmo's one of her favorite characters, but

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-42973189441356578442011-09-09T19:16:00.000-07:002011-09-09T19:16:43.124-07:00

Leia and PopPop have a morning routine.  They have breakfast - waffles for her, scrambled eggs for him - do their exercises and go for a walk.  This is supposed to be done while gramma sleeps in, but that seldom happens - Leia loves to sneak away from PopPop and wake gramma up. Little stinker.  This morning I was awake enough to grab the camera as they got going. They've done this so

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-29520668186315868802011-09-08T23:27:00.000-07:002011-09-08T23:28:04.124-07:00

Or more accurately, quilt top in a day. The trouble started 2 or 3 (4?) years ago when Ellen, her Texas friend, Ann, and I spent a day shopping the bead, yarn and fabric stores in Ventura.  I found this jelly roll, in "my" colors, and just had to have it. I had no idea what a jelly roll was, or what one did with it, but home with me it came. Fast forward to July, about a month before I got

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-6695948401807671642011-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:002011-09-08T23:27:39.779-07:00

Leia had her first ballet/tap class today, along with two of her day school buddies. They looked sooooo cute in their leotards and tights, each with her own little carry bag.  Brooke, Leia and Callie First, the girls met Miss Lauren  and then it was time to dance.   Leia got into the swing of things pretty quickly,  unlike one little girl who had an immediate meltdown and had to be taken

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-44417162603576921802011-09-06T22:08:00.000-07:002011-09-06T22:09:19.578-07:00

I took Naia, 10, with me to the fabric store for the first time. She loved the t-shirt dress I made her -  proudly wore it to school today and got lots of compliments - and wanted more, pretty please. First stop was Target for some t-shirts; not many were on sale, unfortunately, but we ended up with four shirts we both liked. (No see-through, no low necklines, no 'sleeze'. Grandmas are a tough

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-29964067061019963732011-09-05T22:32:00.000-07:002011-09-06T22:09:49.611-07:00

Naia is happy because I figured out a way to make her a t-shirt dress, just like the little girls'. I took one of my medium t-shirts, added a pieced together skirt (my fabric was 44" wide and I needed 60") and voila! She loves it and I think she looks great.  (The dress is sleeveless; she has it on over a t-shirt and jean shorts.) The cats are happy because I obviously put all this fabric

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-42078002510730513922011-09-02T22:04:00.001-07:002011-09-02T22:29:17.172-07:00

Leia and Leanne both had milestones this month - Leia turned 3 and Leanne, 6 months - so we took them to my favorite portrait place, Picture People in Simi for a photo session. Love how Picture People really works with the kids to get great shots. It took two employees to corral Leia today and get her to cooperate; she had a major case of the sillies. I think they really got the essence of "3" -

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-31181156328482201912011-09-01T22:41:00.000-07:002011-09-01T23:05:31.244-07:00

When Leia got up from her nap, I had two new dresses all ready for her. Don't be too impressed; these are 'cheater' dresses. All I had to do was seam up the side (serged it on my new sewing machine. LOVE it!) and add the straps. Leia didn't care - she was happy, happy, happy with her new Ariel dress. Leia's favorite 'look at my b*tt' pose Also put the finishing touches on two hats. This one was

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-59539342570305321122011-08-29T22:33:00.001-07:002011-08-29T23:07:13.886-07:00

Little bit of this, little bit of that . . . . Named the new sewing machine "Patsy". Patsy and I had a get-to-know you session today and I finished two new t-shirt dresses for Addy. Sent a text picture and got the Addy Seal of Approval, so we're good to go. (click pic to biggify)Gifted the blankets I made last week- My niece and her hubby are fans of Sugar Skulls and Dia de los Muertos, so when I

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-65012860156246599452011-08-28T21:35:00.000-07:002011-08-28T22:39:54.561-07:00

Dear Macaroni Grill: I had lunch at your Ventura CA restaurant today and am very unhappy with my experience. Our waitress dropped an entire tray of drinks onto our table, the glasses barely missing my 6-month-old granddaughter, and soaking both she and I with soda. I'm not upset with the waitress - accidents happen and now she knows NOT to hold a tray over a baby's carrier - but I am annoyed

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-90051300991459788912011-08-27T22:11:00.000-07:002011-08-28T00:39:05.328-07:00

Decided I wanted needed a new sewing machine. Did my research* and narrowed it down to two machines. Stopped at my local sewing shop and fell in love with the Janome DC2011 (here**) Never even went to see the other machine (a Brother). Came home, sweet talked objectively described it to hubby - who offered to buy it for me as a birthday present. A 4 months early birthday present. So why this

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-27673929280747220042011-08-25T12:35:00.000-07:002011-08-25T22:15:08.128-07:00

Is there anything in the world cuter than a little girl in a leotard?? Leia's mom signed her up for gymnastics and the first session was Tuesday. Leia was willing to try everything, although she wanted the teacher close by until she got the hang of it. Each of the little ones had a 'dot' they were supposed to sit on when they were listening to the teacher. Great way to keep them focused and not

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-20910033941656254112011-08-23T22:36:00.001-07:002011-08-23T23:05:32.061-07:00

Got to spend the entire day crafting. The little girls were visiting friends, hubby went to see an Impressionist exhibit in Santa Barbara and I had the house all to myself - except for the kitties, who of course decided they needed to be right. in. the. middle. of whatever I was doing. Despite the 4-legged assistance, I finished four baby blankets - two fleece with turned hems and two cotton, one

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-50836034781146074642011-08-21T14:17:00.000-07:002011-08-21T14:37:32.242-07:00

Didn't get much accomplished craft-wise while we were in Colorado - too many grand girls to hug - but a few things have gotten done or are in progress since we got home. Loved the knit Helix Scarf that was in a recent edition of Spin-Off, but it just screamed "Tunisian" to me. Soooo, I'm working up a new version using Tunisian short rows. Had a couple of false starts (or 5 or 6 . . .) but think

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-15557634145369364892011-08-20T22:46:00.001-07:002011-08-20T23:09:59.308-07:00

Leia's birthday occurred while we were in Colorado, so we waited to celebrate until she could be home with her daddy. It was such a beautiful So. California day, that Leia's daddy decided we'd party at a local park so the kids could play before we dug into the pizza and cake. One little hiccup - dad forgot to bring a knife to cut the cake and forks with which to eat it. The kids couldn't have

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-22132974645708884812011-08-19T23:24:00.000-07:002011-08-19T23:39:52.828-07:00

We made it home last Monday night and this week has been a blur of catching up on sleep and other things (including finishing the samples for my Fall crochet classes.) Hoping to post the last of our Colorado adventure later this weekend. But in baby grand news . . . . Leia, playing while I blocked a scarf, looked up at me and said, "I happy me." Think that's going to be my new motto. Naia with

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-31363421059396931812011-08-12T12:16:00.000-07:002011-08-12T12:16:00.241-07:00

First, you get a cone almost as big as you are. Then you concentrate really hard on eating it neatly - or not so neatly, as you prefer. Everyone has their own technique for catching the drips, enjoying the cone sprinkles and getting their face as messy as possible. And that's how you eat ice cream in Estes Park.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-76987507906084742642011-08-11T22:40:00.000-07:002011-08-11T22:49:48.668-07:00

Monday we went to Georgetown to ride the old steam train. We got there early and had lunch in the historic downtown area. The little girls loved it, celebrating by dancing in the street on the sidewalks under one of the many flower baskets hanging from lightpoles. Ever since the train trip we took to Santa Barbara, Leia thinks trains - choo choos to her - are the best. thing. ever. She was in

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-21632702133159401822011-08-10T13:01:00.001-07:002011-08-10T14:31:34.063-07:00

We left bright and early last Thursday morning on our driving trip to Colorado - ok, it was 8:30, but that's pretty early for me. First stop was an hour and a half out in Llano, so the little girls could visit their great-grandmother. (click any picture to see bigger) Then it was back in the car, stopping for lunch at a Burger King play-place for some exercise and on to Las Vegas where the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-44462231202774160022011-08-02T22:35:00.000-07:002011-08-02T23:06:03.227-07:00

I seldom sew. My mother was an excellent seamstress - making matching outfits for all 8 of us kids at least twice a year, plus designing all our prom dresses - and taught me to sew when I was young, but it never really took. Over the years, I've forgotten a lot of what I once knew. I prefer crafts with a 'fudge' factor, where you don't have to be super precise to get a nice finished product.But

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-81129159836573901712011-08-01T20:11:00.001-07:002011-08-02T00:37:34.588-07:00

First thing Saturday, I took the little girl to get her hair cut. Leia's hair was getting so long - and it's so curly - that trying to get it prettified every day was leading to some cranky hair combing sessions. Leia was a little fidgety until Summer gave her a spray bottle and towel to play with. After that, Leia didn't care how long the haircut took; she was having a great time.Once that was

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-85580110896976443092011-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:19:59.802-07:00

Finally finished the shop sample for a class I'm teaching in two weeks. Can you say 'oopsie'? I started this back in May with two totally different yarns, but just wasn't happy with it. Put it in time-out for a month (or two . . . ) before deciding to change yarns for a more dramatic color variation and switch up to a bigger hook. It's hard to go wrong with two colors of madelinetosh pashmina,

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-20291212243606884892011-07-25T23:18:00.000-07:002011-07-25T23:30:04.018-07:00

The Tour de Fleece is done for this year and I love how much I was able to accomplish -Left to right: 504 yards of superwash BFL from BeeMiceElf; 424 yards of Polworth in 'Caribbean' colorway; 200 yards of alpaca/Romney blend from Morro Fleece Works; and finally - 224 yards of a Spinderella mix in the colorway 'Harvest'.For a grand total of 1352 yards. That's three-quarters of a mile, spun in

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-3228002569555775022011-07-21T23:21:00.001-07:002011-07-21T23:31:25.166-07:00

Towels, gifted:Fiber, spun:Knitting, done.I've had the woven towels finished for awhile, but was waiting until I'd given them to their recipients to share pictures. The pattern is from Webs (here) and details are on my Ravelry page (here). All three towels were done on the same warp; just the weft color changed in each one.Started spinning the first of two 3-ounce batts from Spinderella - in '

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-49260531295221079032011-07-19T22:38:00.000-07:002011-07-19T22:45:19.099-07:00

It took every bit as long as I thought it would and maxed out my jumbo plying bobbin to the point that I had to wind the last 120+ yards into a center-pull ball and finish plying by hand. But it's done and I love all 504 yards of it. Color is accurate in the top 2 pictures.It hasn't told me what it wants to be yet . . . . a shawl? A vest? A really long scarf? Sooooo happy to have this

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-4612706815497522952011-07-18T23:38:00.000-07:002011-07-19T00:06:08.801-07:00

Want to see what jumped out of the stash and demanded to be spun today? I bought this 7 ounce batt from Morro Fleece Works at the Guild's fiber fest last year. I thought the colors were the most gorgeous thing I'd see all day.I hadn't planned on spinning it for this year's Tour de Fleece but sometimes you just have to listen to the fiber when it calls to you. And once I started spinning, I

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-28791074480388726312011-07-17T18:52:00.000-07:002011-07-17T19:00:31.784-07:00

The sweater is coming along; not much done since class on Friday but I did get photographic evidence today. Still hoping to get this finished by the end of the Tour, but since I have little to no idea how to put sleeves in, I may be off by a day or so.Today's BIG news is that I finished spinning all 9+ ounces of BeeMiceElf's 'Serene'. Whoohoo!! Planning to let this sit tomorrow in honor of the

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-83155271672352619832011-07-16T23:04:00.000-07:002011-07-16T23:26:19.230-07:00

Hubby and I decided this week that it was time to get Leia into a big girl bed. She's been sleeping in a pack-and-play portable bed; great for us because it keeps her corralled safe in the mornings and when she's supposed to be taking a nap. But little girls who are potty-trained (hooray!) deserve real beds, right? Tonight, hubby and youngest son put the bunk beds together and then I made them

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-16671399812362271552011-07-15T23:06:00.000-07:002011-07-15T23:14:47.090-07:00

I love how knit- or spin-alongs get me motivated. For tonight's knit class, I was well ahead of where I needed to be; both back pieces were done and ready for seaming, plus I'd finished one of the fronts. Hoping that by the next class - in 2 weeks - I'll have the remaining 3 pieces done and ready for finishing. At this rate, I may actually have an entire finished sweater to wear this year!

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-44447441995564509932011-07-14T23:32:00.000-07:002011-07-14T23:38:29.510-07:00

Finished the first 4.6 ounce braid of BeeMiceElf's 'Serene', spinning a total of 45 grams (1.6 oz) tonight. I'm amazed that it all fits on one bobbin - but that bobbin is a Woolee Winder, which really packs on the yardage. So much yardage, in fact, that the thought of plying two of these monsters together is starting to scare me. Can you say 'spinner's elbow'?

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-89867033096175058962011-07-11T20:16:00.000-07:002011-07-11T21:40:17.027-07:00

Since it was a rest day for the Tour de France, I decided to work on things other than spinning and knitting, kinda like when the bike riders go riding for fun on their day off.Potato chip rings were the project of the day - these are going to Marie (blue sparkly one) and Rachel, including this hair clip for Addison. And this batch is going to some of my knit night friends - The part that takes

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-9542658183860926502011-07-10T20:19:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:24:17.620-07:00

While I was busy spinning*, Leia was busy building a house for Princess Tiana. A productive day for everyone.* 18 grams spun today, which puts me a quarter of the way done.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-34305440288252820452011-07-09T20:22:00.000-07:002011-07-09T20:29:12.033-07:00

Tour de France KAL - 2nd back piece almost done. Hope to start the fronts tomorrow. Or I may try working this pattern in Tunisian, making a 2nd sweater at the same time as the knit one. Can you say "crazy pants"?Tour de Fleece - 34 grams/1.2 oz (45.4 grams/1.6 oz total) of superwash BFL spun today. Hoping to get all 8+ ounces spun and plied by Tour's end.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-52826238738047389572011-07-08T18:39:00.001-07:002011-07-08T19:28:49.768-07:00

Hubby had a routine doctor's appointment today. The doctor was running an hour late - no surprise - so I got to spend more grandma time with two of my favorite girls. Leia loves Leanne but she's also just a little jealous. I am, after all, HER "gamma". Glad they're still small enough that I can fit them both on my lap.Marie wanted some lightweight cotton blankets for Leanne now that summer has

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-48950067921523235492011-07-07T22:52:00.000-07:002011-07-07T22:54:19.966-07:00

Leia decided she needed to help me spin.Click to enlargeGotta start 'em young!

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-8970163425571411872011-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:18:20.815-07:00

Want to see how Naia and her dad spent Sunday night? All of Sunday night? Naia had an appointment to get her hair re-braided on Monday but first all the old braids had to be taken out. Slowly. Individually. By hand.BeforeAnd since Naia has a lot of hair, it took almost 5 hours for the job to be finished. Was it worth the effort? Oh, yeah. I love how great she looks with her hair in long braids.

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-4928310275294777922011-07-05T21:53:00.000-07:002011-07-05T22:06:28.332-07:00

Decided to call it good, skip the last 22 grams of the crap roving, and ply up what I had on the bobbins. And guess what? Love this yarn. 424 yards of Navajo 3-ply goodness that shades from deep purple through blue, into teal. Now I'm feeling guilty about not finishing off that last little bit of roving. Think I'll put this aside for now and use my newly freed bobbins to work on my originally

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-35006937741517438262011-07-04T19:13:00.000-07:002011-07-04T19:25:50.533-07:00

Happy birthday, America! I spent the day comforting Leanne, who is not enjoying her first teething experience; spinning for my Tour de Fleece challenge; and working on my Tour de France KAL* project. I need to finish spinning the 7.5 oz of Polworth so I can use the bobbin for my real Tour de Fleece project. I'm down to just a small bump, thank heavens. This stuff is poorly prepared and pulling

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27964526.post-85101299380676720912011-07-03T17:42:00.000-07:002011-07-03T18:20:30.766-07:00

It took me until 1:30 a.m., but Leanne's dress and booties were ready for her christening today. I'm really pleased with how both turned out, but especially the booties. Every girl needs a pair of MaryJane's, right?The christening was scheduled - we thought - for 2 pm but wires got crossed somewhere. We were all there, including Scott's entire extended family, but no priest. Scott's sister

Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17188826102475335601noreply@blogger.com2