Yarn & Books

Soon to be on its way to a new baby.

These were a ball to make! ;-) 

More books in the stack for 1/2 Price Books.

Toss out Tuesday seems to work for me--I only have to think about it once a week and 7 things--one for each day isn't too hard--at least this week.

A few more than 7 things this week....Yeah!!

Life in the Brambles

I sat down and read each of the little stories about Brambly Hedge this morning.

They are so sweet and happy. No heavy morals or drama--just the way I like children's stories to be. Pure delight! Of course, the stories feature mice and the illustrations are so detailed and cozy, so the book had me right from the beginning. 

The stories were written by Jill Barklem back in the 1980's.

This book of all the stories was just re-released in 2011.

I remember when Meg was little, Target had a clothing line for a short while using the characters from the books. I didn't even know about the books at the time. They are British, but published here in the states as well. There is a website with a small write-up on the books, HERE. 

Don't miss out on this book!

You know me, I want to live in the little homes in the hedge

 and toast my bread by a roaring fire. :-)

Cozy

A cozy morning,

in spite of the rain and chill outside.

Circus Ball & T.O.T.

I made another knitted ball and on my way towards a few more.

They are addictive to make.

The instructions are from a Ravelry free pattern, although I used a different sized yarn--fingering instead of worsted, which changed the instructions a little. I changed the number of color panels as well, from 7 to 6 so I could alternate the colors. I don't know whether that allows me to share what I did or not. What do you think?? 

Here are the 7 or more items for Toss out Tuesday.

What does it say about my in-grained hoarding habit that two weeks into this and I've had trouble coming up with stuff to get rid of. Uh-oh!!

Happy Day

Happy Chinese New Year's! 

We decorated a short light strand with little paper lanterns to celebrate.

The red message banners on the wall,

Em and I made a few years ago out of a red plastic tablecloth.

Now to make some Chinese chicken and break open a few fortune cookies.

A Little Snow

Snow falling on a favorite tree.

Snuggling under a blanket, watching the PBS series "Frontier House"

and knitting a wee rainbow ball.

Stay warm..........

Pocket Booklet

It's time for another pocket booklet.

I love these things to keep little notes in while I'm on the go.

Obviously, I'm low-tech here, but it suits me in this case. :-)

I love the cheery colors and patterns as I jot things down

like recommended books and recipes as well as groceries.

You can find a PDF HERE to print it off.

I found a cool website that lets you make a custom booklet HERE.

There are instructions at that website on how to fold up your pocket booklet

or you can go back to my instructions HERE.

Vintage Display

I strung up a few of my vintage valentines above my bed.

I crocheted a short purple string to hang them on.

I keep forgeting they are up there and then smile when I see them.

Toss Out Tuesday

I am joining some others HERE & HERE

 in cleaning things up around the house this year.

Tuesday will remind me through the year to keep it up.

I will tally up at least 7 cluttery things thrown or given away each Tuesday.

Today's magic seven include the 3 plastic cupcakes above.

* 2 fan books--one on birds and one on mythology

*Microwave book

*Cookbook of apple recipes

*Stack of Cook's Country Magazines

I moved a bookcase this past weekend and got a good chance

to go through some books and magazines.

Out of Necessity

This tangled mess is another kumihimo braid.

I've made it rather long and I used plastic bobbins to hold the floss.

The bobbins are needed so that the really long floss doesn't get all knotted up.

The braid is 8 strands and the foam holder was purchased at a local craft store.

Directions for this braid come with the foam thingy.

This is what I wanted the braid for.

I very much need close-up glasses near me at all times,

so now I can hang them around my neck to keep them close at hand. :-)

The colors used are DMC 321, 603, 158, & 3839.

The black rubber thing that holds the braid

and the glasses together I purchased from an Etsy shop.

The little silver metal clamp is from a local craft store in the jewelry section.

The plastic bobbins I purchased from Knitpicks. Mine are the smallest size and you would need 2 sets--they come in a set of 6--not enough for an 8 strand braid.

l' Escargot

A very special delivery from some very lovely neighbors.

We shared a duplex in Germany back when all our kids were much younger.

They are still in Germany--oh I wish we could visit. 

This is the only way to eat those little snails--a chocolate version. :-)

Big Top

Have always loved the Humpty Dumpty Circus when I've seen it in magazines and toy museums. There was a set for sale at auction, so I got up real close. 

The Humpty Dumpty Circus was made by the Schoenhut Company between the years 1903-1935. I think this (above) is a reduced-sized set or assembly.

A website that has a lot of information about the circus is HERE. 

A short article about the Schoenhut Company and circus is HERE.

My girls think the clowns are creepy--they are a little. :-)

Dollies & Shoes

Meg and I stopped off at another doll auction. This time it was during the preview so we could take our time. I love these china doll heads. Those gently blushing cheeks. 

I love to see the tiny shoes as well. These are much loved blue button-ups.

It looks like the doll actually walked many miles in these.

More walking...... 

I guess I like the dolls that are well-loved, maybe the best. Especially if they are handmade. This doll is about 4 feet tall-wow! I like her polka-dot body very much and the polka-dot dress over it with ric-rac detailing. A dollmaker after my own heart!  :-)

Snow Day

Our first snow--not much at this time but still it is swirling around and making the roads a little slippery. It has kept me home, which is a good excuse to continue on my hat.

The pattern is Debbie Bliss, although I'm using charcoal gray instead of beige.

The fabric basket is my pattern. I figured it all out before Christmas to make presents for the girls. I just finished this one earlier this morning. 

Not very much snow, yet....... :-)

Welcome 2012

We celebrated last night with a party in our basement. 

Em hooked up a ball to drop.

(the pink box on the ball held confetti) :-) 

And it was all cozy with a warm fire.

An excellent farewell to 2011 and welcome to the new year!