Gone Knitting

Here's the Haps

I am getting ready for a trip to Croatia. I am determined to keep it simple I was advised to bring 4 cotton dresses and just wash them as needed. Okay that is pushing it because I don't want to spend my time doing laundry there. I will bring 8 simple dresses, bathing suits, a few pairs of shorts, a couple tees, a Luluemon sweat suit various neutral cardigans, and some Bernardo sandals. Oh and of course a couple knitting projects. I actually love my new Jenny cardigan see below.

Here's the haps in the knitting dept.
My Drops Jacket will definitely be a staple in the fall. I have one sleeve and the collar to go. I knit the sleeve in the round for it is always my preference to have as little seaming as possible. Yarn- Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran Color- Thorny

I finished the Jenny Cardigan by Sarah Dallas in RY Classic Yarns Luxury Cotton DK and I love it! I knit the body in one piece which worked out well.

Next up on the needles is the Lady February sweater for Chick-y in Queensland Collection's Kathdandu color 400.

Remember These?

Well I finally got them recovered. Now it makes me see how badly I need a new rug. Oh well that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Hummmmm unless Ikea has a good simple one?

Pre-Season is Knitting Season

On the side lines of Passing League and Scrimmages you will see me knitting away. I'm draped with wool and steaming up in the California heat. Really but what a better way to spend the afternoon!

1. My son 2. My Drops Jacket in progress done in Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran 3. The QB getting the plays 4. The well-know Drops Jacket 5. My Rowan Jenny Cardigan 6. My friend Kristenlynnea's Jenny Cardigan. She was my inspiration. Check out her collection of sweaters on Ravelry they are spectacular.

Summertime and the Living is Easy

God has blessed me with everything I need. There is so much beauty and goodness around me and I want to take the time to enjoy it every day. Although I am struggling I have faith that God has a plan for me. It isn't always what I want when I want it but it is on God's speed.

I'm Back

I have been reading blogs while I have been away. I didn't feel like knitting or blogging for the longest time but certain individuals and their projects have inspired me. I thought this photo meme was a good way to start up again it's a fresh start.

Want to play too?
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

1. Gina 2. Lime Popsicles 3. Miraleste 4. Green 5. George Clooney 6. Lemon Drop 7. At a house in Tuscany
8. Boysenberry Pie 9. Mother of Three 10. My babies 11. Peaceful 12 My NieceToday

1. Gina Art, 2. Popsicle, Lime, Cold. Yum., 3. mira-latteretro, 4. Green, Green, Green..., 5. My cousin George!, 6. Another Crown, 7. Return to Tuscany, 8. A Tough Decision, 9. Kiss by the River, 10. bless from above, 11. Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest, 12. DSC03732

Pre-Formal Party

"A"'s pre-formal party was huge success! They are such a great group of kids. So polite, full of life and giggles and smiles! What a pleasure!

Homesick

I am in Puerto Vallarta and boy and I am homesick! Ten days here is just too long! Shopping is not interesting and the town smells! We are staying in house that is nice, we have cooks that prepare our meals. Carlos makes great margaritas and Rosa's homemade chips & guacamole are to die for. I can only eat so many chips and drink so many margaritas. All the floors are mopped daily and our bedroom and bathroom are clean. However, I need to ignore how dirty the utensil tray is and the gigantic ants that habitat the kitchen. Really I am not a snob but I like a clean kitchen! The upper living quarters to the house is all open air and bats visit each evening! I am looking forward to a detox and my own pillow when I return home.

Leslie, what a friend! She saved my day by helping me out with the pattern directions for the simple cable hat. From Cables Untangled. So, I am happy and on my way with knitting the hat. It is my first cable hat it is a learning experience.

Just for the fun of it...

I made this little sweater ornament for my mother in law and she did the embroidery. My mother in law is a very interesting woman; she is the foremost American Indian art dealer in the country. Each Christmas she is invited to a party given by a famous Indian couple, which are known for their jewelry. Everyone invited is to bring a handmade ornament and they do a swap. My MIL makes a beautiful needlepoint ornament each year but my little sweater was for her husband to bring. I am always curious to hear about the handmade ornaments that people bring to this party. Considering some of the Indian artists that attend the ornaments really can be treasures and potentially valuable important pieces of art. Someday I hope to go to this party with her.

I got this from Nantucket Knitter. Like Kaet said just because it's fun!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags
Wrapping paper...

2. Real tree or artificial?
Both a real tree and a German feather tree.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We buy the real tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. The feather tree I put up right after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take it down?
The weekend after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, but I never buy it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My pony Bleu.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, ours is kept up all year. It is more folk art-ish made by an American Indian artist. Of course a gift from my MIL. Maybe I will take a photo in the am to show you.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My Dad and my Husband

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My best friend Jackie.

10. Worst gift you received?
A instant meat marinating device

11. Mail or email cards?
Mail every year except this year I am emailing a card.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down “It’s a Wonderful Life” I just watched it this evening.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
September but if I see something perfect in my travels I will buy way ahead of time.

14. Have you ever recycled a gift?
Yes Wine…

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
My grandmother’s homemade raviolis. She died 20 years ago and no one in the family can make them like she did.

16. Clear or colored lights?
Clear

17. Favorite holiday song?
O come all ye faithful

18. Travel or stay at home at Christmas?
Home

19 Can you name all the reindeer?
No I am too tired and I am lucky to remember all my kids names at them moment

20. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Neither, this year it’s Marie Antoinette

21. Open Christmas eve or morning?
Morning

22. What’s the corniest tradition you miss doing?
Sitting on Santa’s lap!

23. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Falling into the commercial side of Christmas and putting too much stress on myself.

24. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen related to Christmas?
The stores write Happy Holidays and try to eliminate Merry Christmas in their ads and paper bags.
That the schools replace the word Christmas in the Christmas songs at the recitals.
I think it is better to keep each Holiday true to it’s meaning and not reinvent it. Sing Chanukaha songs
And sing Christmas Songs.

25., Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
I like both. We have a all glass tree for our main tree, then I have another tree with antique and
vintage inspired homey ornaments.


26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
I do like both they are my favorite sweets. I prefer them to chocolate believe it or not.

27. Do you like fruitcake?
No, I don’t understand the attraction at all.

Merry Christmas!

I have been knitting all day and I am getting no where. Scarf knitting seems endless... Don't get me wrong I love both of my resent projects but they are monotonous. Well I finally got a shot of the kids but the card will have to be a e-card which is yet to be designed. I'm cool with that we'll save a few trees and cents!

Child's Rainbow Scarf - Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Made in an adult size 35 stitches using 4 skeins of Noro Kureyon two of each color 196 and 165.

One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
I am using my new Harmony needles and along with my new favorite yarn, knitting doesn't get any better than this! Give yourself a big treat and try out Sarah The Plucky Knitter's Worsted Merino! The colors are amazing this photo doesn't give the scheme justice and I am not kidding when I say it is better than Malabrigo!

Clickity ~ Clickty ~ Clack!

The Men's Rustic Scarf, our Christmas Tree, and one of my favorite ornaments - "Marie Antoinette"

I am trying to knit as fast as I can to finish my "Men's Rustic Scarf" from Last Minute Knitted Gifts for son #one. The Noro Stripe will be for son #two. Clickity - clickty Clack! I need to move on and do other things like a Christmas card! Oh well if it happens it happens breathe Gina~ don't stress out.

I found the prefect gift to give my dad from Quantum Enterprises He has wonderful writing a non cursive variety this site turns your writing into a font.

I hope you all are not stressing too much and are enjoying your Holidays!

A few of my antique Christmas ornaments