Chilly Birthdays

My baby sister turned 17 at the beginning of this month. Knowing how cold it gets in Minnesota I decided to whip her up something to keep warm with this winter.

My friend Lydia has a pattern that she wrote that I knew would be perfect.

Knit up in super chunky yarn with a swirl of rainbow candy goodness all through it this was such a quick and pleasant knit. I do feel kind of silly with GIANT knitting needles in my hands. But quick! It's the holidays and the end of my school year, I need all the help I can get even if I feel silly.

I also managed to finish my mother-in-laws blanket in the few weeks I've been gone, plus finishing up some other small odd and ends gifts. I've still got lots to work on, some socks, some slippers. Let's just say its going to be a busy few weeks over here.

Good Intentions

Despite my best intentions I've been sucked into the black hole of school. Unfortunately even my knitting has taken a hit and I haven't been nearly as productive as I would have hoped too. I did manage to start in on some of my holiday projects and finished my first of six headbands for my nieces by marriage. A slightly modifited version of Sweatshop of Love's Detriot Tiger's Bow Headband these will look so cute on all of them. Can't wait to get started on the next ones!

Tube Tops!

Just in time for winter I finished a lovely tube top. This is the first item I've made following a chart. The diamond pattern is made up of knits and purls and just repeats itself. Other than losing my place constantly I really enjoyed following a chart. I felt so accomplished watching the pattern come together.

It's really difficult to take pictures of yourself in a tube top where you can actually see the item and still see the person. I'm sure I looked a little crazy if you saw me during the process.

knit out of a nice light weight sport cotton with these adorable fabric buttons I bought from Allyson over at the Sweat Shop of Love booth at Renegade this top is going to be great to break out in about...six months.

Guess I need to get my winter knitting into hyper drive!

Stripes!

Just a little sneak peak of what I've been working on.
Even though I haven't been posting much I've been knitting up a storm- I swear!
I've got to get some good sunlight to document my recent projects and then there will be a flurry over here soon.

Busy, Donations

Well, contrary to my best intentions I haven't made it over here very often and have sorely lacked the time or will to actually make a post. So, we have lots and lots to catch up on. It's my goal to post at least twice this week- here's hoping my homework schedule will cooperate with these ambitions.

Before all of the madness started around here I did have some time to knit up a few pieces for a donation to a silent auction to my high school.

A stash busting hat knit in lambs wool pride worsted (one of my favorites). 

And a little pattern that I've working on/trying to figure out for a beautiful textured cowl. 

I love the way that the pattern pops out but there are definitely some alterations I will make next time around in the fit and transitions. I'm excited to get working on my next one but unfortunately there a quite a few big projects in the works right now and that pesky holiday list is creeping up closer and closer so it will probably be awhile before I really get to work the kinks out of this all.  But for a first shot in the dark at making a pattern up on my own, I don't think its too bad.

Lion Brand Studio

So between the start of school and the end of summer things have been crazy crazy around here. I was just browsing through my iphoto and realized I hadn't even uploaded the pictures from my fabulous (and much anticipated on my part) trip to the LION BRAND STUDIO when I was in New York a few weeks ago.

They had an amazing window display where everything was knit, crochet or crafted with or covered in yarn. The theme was a summer fair display, think Conney Island. My favorite was the cleverly crafted roller coaster.

Elephants! Crazy Scary face man!

They had all kind of cute adorable toys

Kat enjoyed a relaxing cup of tea

I found enough yarn that I needed to buy a second suitcase.

Although I don't think I'll be making these glitter lace arm warmers anytime soon

Kat on other hand, just looked lost.

I should know better than to drag all of my friends (and husband) out yarn shopping with me, but sometimes I just can't help myself. I know that things are just going to keep getting crazier and crazier around here so here's hoping I can stay on my schedule and tootle over here more often. With that, here's a sneak peak of what I'm working on next. It's pretty exciting if I do say so myself.

The Great Minnesotan Get Together

In Minnesota there are plenty of things to do during the summer but the one to top them all?

The State Fair.

When I explain the state fair to people of non minnesotan persuasion they go "oh yeah, I've been to fairs before, they're kind of cool. With their rides and popcorn and hot dogs and stuff" I of course can only scoff and say, but you don't understand, does your fair have....

The largest boar in the state?

A giant slide?

Or a Sky Glider that traverses the permanent fair grounds?

David is impressed!

The state fair is also home to my favorite booth ever. You may ask, is it the famed Sweet Martha's cookies? The milk booth (all you can drink milk for $1), maybe it's the deep fried candy bar on a stick?

If you answered the Culligan booth you are CORRECT!! What's better than free water? Especially when it comes in cute little cups dispensed from a bubbly machine? Refreshing after you've been walking around the hot dusty fair all day, no?

Other high lights from my day at the fair include breakfast cupcakes with my nephew

Checking out some sweet award winning jams and jellies

Taking a little dawdle in the arts and craft (knitting?!) building.

I loved the intricate detail on this BEE (!!) sweater.

Also notable:

Award winning hamburgers

After all the excitement with arts and farts we decided to enjoy a river raft ride

(note: I do not actually know anyone depicted in this photo and yes, my husband called me a creep for taking it)

Such an exciting day! I can't wait until next year when I can once again stuff my face with sweet spun sugar. Until we meet again next year my sweet get-together.