Winter Update

I'm writing this from my room across the street from Sarphati Park in Amsterdam. My daughter and I have been visiting family in Germany and are taking a few days for ourselves before visiting some Dutch relatives.

Today we spent a few hours in the Rijksmuseum. There are many amazing things in there, even one's without the Rembrandt signature. Then we walked around town for a couple of hours and had some lunch. Italian. It was hot, saucy and cheesy. The perfect thing for the frosty weather.

I love this city. It's the first time I've been able to share it with my daughter. She goes back and forth between liking it and being bored, but she is 10, that's the way she is with most things these days.

I've brought tons of yarn on the trip and have at least one project going at all times. I finished 2 things on the plane; armwarmers and a scarflett. I've been working on a pair of fingerless gloves with mitten flaps for my daughter. Both are almost at the point of getting the mitts. Hopefully, I'll finish them before we are back to warmer weather. I'm also working on a scarf for myself, which I need desperately. My chin gets SO cold.

We came across a button store yesterday, but it wasn't open. Our mission tomorrow is to find it again and have it be open. A whole store of buttons, imagine the possibilities. We'll also go ice skating, buy some tulip bulbs for a friend and possibly take a canal cruise. The next day it's back to family.

We went to the Weinachtsmarkt 4 or 5 times in Hamburg. It's fantastic. The smells, sounds, and colors to look at. When I get home, I'll post some photos. Until then, have a fantastic new year.

time marches on...

October 22, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

Life has speeded up, like it always seems to do at the end of the year. I find myself longing to stop and notice the little things. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened much the past few weeks. I'm in the mad rush to get gifts made, pack for our holiday and get ready for my daughter's birthday.

I'm posting this photo in the hope that it will bring some rain. i think we've had 3 days of rain this fall. Everything is dry and the lakes and reservoirs are low. Another wake up call to look at our actions and how they affect everything. Which ties in to the feelings of reflection that come over me this time of year.

Holiday Hostess Apron

The end of the year rush has definitely begun. I've never been able to stop thinking about my years in semesters and finals are coming up. Really quick. 

Just 2 more weeks and I'm getting on a plane to visit my family in Germany. It seems so far away and yet I know it'll be here tomorrow. But before that can happen I have to make it through the party. 12 of my daughter's friends will descend upon my house for a sleepover. It's going to be pretty intense, but I've got help coming, so I think I'll survive.
This is the apron I made for the latest Flirty Apron Swap - The Holiday Hostess Apron. I like how it turned out, classic and festive. I can picture this with black velvet. I received my apron yesterday and it's great. Maybe I'll have a chance to take a photo before it slips my mind. We'll see.

A week and a half went by.

I caught the knitting bug a week and a half ago. I've made 7 short projects. Only 5 are pictured here. This pattern for these scarflets came from here. I love how easily they come together and the Malabrigo is divine, luxurious even.
My lovely friend Melanie modeled for me. She is an expert at most forms of handwork. We drool over Japanese craft magazine together.
I really like the closure on this scarf. I decided that weaving the end through two slits would make it lay flatter and I was right. It also creates an interesting detail.
These were fun and really quick. I was inspired here. Mine are shorter and I used linen stitch on the one above, which is my new favorite, and basketweave on the one below.

in a making frenzy...

Just three days until the Harvest Faire T's school and I've been going non-stop. Tomorrow I'll be taking photos of everything that I've finished so far. I also hope to have time to post a bunch. It's been really fun. T has been getting inspired too and is making the cutest apron, that I'll also post a photo of later in the week. 

Back to my current reality, cutting out fabric before bed. Yawn.

What a night

I am amazed by the news of our new president elect. I'm proud of our country and feel privileged to be a part of this historic moment. Wow.

another swap to look forward too...

HH08.2, originally uploaded by shawneeh.

I've already got tons of ideas. Can't wait to get started.

the latest thing

October 5, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

I have begun the mad rush to finish all of my products to sell at my daughter's school's Harvest Faire. Four weeks to go and I have 10 items. I've been dying wool, making prototypes, sewing some old standards, planning new items, and attempting to fit everything in around my normal working schedule.

Tomorrow I'm taking the day off of work, I know it's a holiday for most folks, but not me, and making as much as I possibly can. Wish me luck.

Ah Mexico.

September 18, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

I'm finally showing my lovely apron from Kellie. One of my dream trips was Mexico. The package also contained hot sauce, raspberry chipotle spread (also hot), and a bead and wooden bracelet that was quickly taken by my daughter.

Thanks so much Kellie.

Can I have another...

I just bought this fantastic book, Hello Cupcake. We had to make some immediately. They were decorated by my daughter, her friend and myself. There was a lot of laughing going on throughout the process.
We have so many toppings left over, we might make more tomorrow. And the next day...

Flirty Apron Swap

This is my first apron. Why I didn't choose an easier pattern, I couldn't tell you. There are a few small imperfections, but I'm alright with that. There was a time when I definitely wouldn't have been. That was back when sewing made me angry. I'm so glad I've come to terms with that.

Now I just need to figure out what else to send, a souvenir and a recipe. I can't ask for advice because we're to remain anonymous until our partner receives the package.

Ever since I started this blog, my writing skills have deteriorated. There was a time that I could produce an interesting, witty piece of literature, but not today. Hopefully things will change the more used to blogging I become. Any tips for loosening up?

I almost forgot to say that the pattern is from Susan Branch.

ducks and trips

August 29, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

After making a few amis, I'm finally at a place where i understand enough construction techniques to create my own. He's a bit boxy, but overall he's turned out fairly well. Tomorrow he'll be shipped to my swap partner. I hope she likes him.



This weekend is the last hurrah before school starts, so tomorrow we'll pack a small bag, get in the car, drive for an hour or two, and look for a place to stay. I don't really care where, I'd just like to spend the night away from my home. A mini road trip. I have about 10 destination possibilities. I think I'll put them all in a hat and see what I pull out.

In the mail

In the mail, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

Here are some of the wonderful cards I've received through the Art of the Note Swap.

The last few days have been spent attempting to finish an amigurumi of my own design. It's a 'rubber' duck. It's cute in a strange misshapen way. I'll post a picture later.

I've also been excitedly spending my student loans. I'm now stocked up for school, which starts next week. I love school. I'll probably be in school for the rest of my life in some capacity, as a student or teacher. We'll see how it all pans out.

The Beginning

Guy and Dolls, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

After years of reading other blogs I've decided to give it a go.

I recently finished my second gocco swap hosted by Sarah over at cloth.paper.string, The Art of the Note. Once again, it was a blast and my gocco skills keep improving.

The cards that have arrived so far are amazing. I want to keep them all, but I'll share.