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.