back to the real world

December 30, 2008, originally uploaded by jennifer noland.

I've returned from my holiday trip and now it's time to get back to reality. It was a lovely trip and really nice to visit with everyone. It had been three years since I'd been back.

The one thing I'm not missing is the cold. I'm not used to cold snowy winters. More like chilly, rainy or foggy winters. I walked on frozen water that was not in a rink. It was a wonderful novelty. My daughter thought it was one of the greatest things.

We now have enough chocolate to last the rest of the month. There is a part of me that wants to ration it, but I know I won't. It's too delicious.

Time to get back to work. Until next time...

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.