update

I strayed from my list, but finished a few items on it. It's so easy to become side tracked. Does that happen to anyone else?

1. Almost finished Tea Leaves Cardigan
2. One pair of Easy Peasy Mitts
3. Holiday Traditions Exchange items
4. Baking and candy making
plus
5. Etched 4 sets of glasses
6. Completed a new photography series

And no, I didn't remember to photograph anything that I made before giving them away.

21 Days To Go...

To keep myself accountable, here is a list of projects to complete in the next 21 days.

1. Finish Tea Leaves Cardigan
2. Two pairs of Easy Peasy Mitts
3. Two Eleanor's Slouch Hat
4. Intersection Playmat
5. 15 Cloaks
6. Two pairs of pj bottoms
7. Holiday Traditions Exchange items

I know there is more, but I can't think of what at the moment. Maybe some brittle, fudge, or other yummy goodie

Like, Oh My God!

Like, Oh My God!, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

It's a little late but I wanted to share how the 80's zombie costume came out. Trick-or-treating was a blast. They came home with brimming sacks and sugar highs.

I've been working on finishing up the Tea Leaves Cardigan that I started over Spring Break. Just one and a half sleeves and the center fronts to finish. If I can find time to work on it I should have it finished by the end of the week.

I joined the Holiday Traditions Exchange. Anie over at Sweetbug Farm has graciously taken over hosting the swap this year whileMeg, at Sew Liberated, attends to her pregnancy. I've received my partner and am filled with ideas to make. I'll narrow it down while I finish the cardigan.

two down, one or two to go

Just finished these for a friend's impending baby. Now I just have to wait for the shower. That's not exactly true, I plan on making some more things, time permitting. Both of these patterns were found on Ravelry. The Stella Pixie Hat and the Top Down Bonnet with Anime Character.

Maybe a quilt or a soft book with pictures. Time to spend a day or two mulling it over. Besides, I have other things in the queue.

not quite fishtail lace

The fishtail lace pattern is eluding me. I'm following the chart, but it doesn't look like it's supposed to and I'm not sure why. I can't imagine it will change much after a light blocking. I'm thinking the chart may be too narrow. Time for a swatch test.

time flies...

abutalon and pansy, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

I can't believe it's almost been a whole year. A lot has happened, but then again not so much. The year has been filled with work, some trips, school, friends, family and many projects.

My daughter wants to show off her latest drawing. It's amazing. She's adding to her list of talents; sewing, knitting, gardening, baking, crocheting, jewelry making and story telling.

I've been craving cupcakes all day. Tomorrow, I think I'll make my aunt's macadamia nut cake recipe into cupcakes. That cake is so delicious. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

I'm also going to start a hat for a friend's upcoming arrival. I found a really soft bamboo and wool blend. I'm using the Summer Chills Hat pattern over at Ravelry. If I don't get distracted I should have it finished by next week.

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.

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.