cara lou

Finished Gifts

2011-12-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

The gift making is done! I took it easy this year by only making a couple things. I'll share more about these after the holiday...

I am surprised to realize December is basically already half-way over. Time is completely out-of-control lately. Only 4 more months until I suddenly will have two children. Can't wrap my head around it!

Finally Some Cheer and Holiday Spirit

2011-12-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Until yesterday, I was pretty ambivalent about the upcoming holiday season. So I forced myself to make a little advent garland and we got the Christmas decorations out. After cleaning and decorating a bit I'm feeling very festive and looking forward to celebrating. Yay!

I'm quite pleased with how I decorated this year. I did everything much more simple and clean than usual. Instead of just decorating around all of the every-day decor, I removed everything and just used the Christmas decorations. Like, duh.

We're going to a Christmas tree farm tomorrow to cut down a tree, go on a hay ride and have some hot chocolate. I'm going to wear boots and a scarf and pretend my 3.25 person family is on a Christmas postcard. It'll be fantastic.

*Please excuse the blurry photos. My house is dark. I used my iPhone. If I bother waiting for better photos it'll never happen. Cause I'm lazy like that.

Done!

2011-11-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

Oh, I do love checking things off my to-do list. I finished Will's scarf while hanging out in bed with him and his fever. Also finished up this set of ornaments this evening.

Next up, a knitting project that will be a Christmas present! Excited.

And a gripe: I'm really quite offended at the complete absence of colored maternity tights or leggings. Like, WTH? Seriously, they do not exist. And that makes me have a sad face.

Hello November

2011-11-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this month! In two weeks we'll find out what kind of baby we're having; we're going to Utah for Thanksgiving; my brother is getting married and there are plans for lots of fun projects in the works. It should be a great one.

I'm currently working on this ornament kit by Alicia. I also have this kit waiting to be done, so hopefully I can get them both done by Christmas this year. I made these ones last year. I'm thinking I need a tree just for these ornaments alone. Or maybe turn them into a garland. They're too cute to be lost amongst the general chaos of the other ornaments.

This and That and Christmas

2011-10-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

The sampler is finished! Just needs a good pressing and framing. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I'll post a photo when it's framed up.

Will asked me to make him a scarf "for skiing", so that's what I'm working on now. I'll probably end up making a matching hat, too, if there's enough of this yarn left. He is very excited, which makes making things for him really fun. It's nice being thought of as magical. :D

I've also figured out 85% of the Christmas gifts out. Now I just have to actually make them. Some knitting, some sewing, some concocting. I'm getting excited...

Some Items of Interest

2011-09-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

It's almost October and the weather is cooling down a *little* bit around here. The light is different and I'm craving soup and apples and pie. And, as usual, I'm now getting over my usual summer slump of disinterest and apathy. I'm starting to actually feel motivated and creative and want to make things again. All around great news.

I'm working on this ridiculously sweet crewel sampler from Alicia Paulson. I love it so so much. This is my first time doing crewel because I've been intimidated for a long time. But, turns out it's exactly like all other embroidery just with wool yarn instead of floss. It's all good and I should have this finished in a week or less. Yahoo.

Finally, that brings me to the big news around here which is that there is a fetus currently living in my uterus which will come out as a baby in early April. We are very excited and are already making plans for all the incredible things we're going to do as a four person family. Judging by how terrific the three person version is, I can only imagine it's going to be stellar.

Around the Place

2011-04-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Just a few things that make me smile.

Busy Making

2011-03-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

I kind of don't want to give this quilt away. I love it so much -- especially the backing fabric. So lovely. This is for a wee boy who will arrive in a couple more months.

This fabulous thrifted fabric is soon to be turned into a dress. I'm both terrified and excited. Wish me luck.

Some things

2011-03-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

A scallop blanket for a baby who will hopefully show up any day.

Small clutch

Another small clutch

Pleated bag for me.

My favorite fabric ever for the lining

All of these are patterns from Amy Karol's Bend-The-Rules Sewing. A fav!

Thankful #23

2010-11-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

I'm very thankful tonight to be in a warm house next to the fire while a blizzard blizzards outside.

Thankful #20

2010-11-20T12:38:00.001-08:00

This has changed my life.

Thankful #18

2010-11-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for these two people:

The people who brought me into this world. And who brought my siblings into this world. These two are interesting, intelligent, fun people. Plus, look how cute they are. I love you Mom and Dad!

Thankful #15-17

2010-11-17T11:20:00.001-08:00

For the past three days I've had a miserable cold. I've been very thankful for tissues with lotion and throat drops for those three days.

Also, so thankful that I've been able to take it easy and let other people help with my child and bring me blankets. Every time I'd start feeling sorry for myself I'd remind myself that I was sitting on a couch not doing anything instead of a factory worker in 1905 having to work for 12 hours while sick. Or some equally as horrible fate. That shut me up pretty quickly.

I'm also immensely grateful for a healthy body that can just fix itself with really no help at all from me. Thanks body and immune system!

Thankful #14

2010-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful to have the most adorable little family I could hope for. I love love love these two boys more than I can even say.

Thankful #13

2010-11-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite things to do is try new food! I'm thankful for new experiences and the wide range of cuisines this world has.

Myself and most of my siblings had lunch at Mazza in Salt Lake City today and it was incredible. We just had appetizers today but we're going back next week for dinner. It'll be off the hook.

Thankful #12

2010-11-12T14:05:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for boots in this chilly weather!

Thankful #11

2010-11-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

I love that there are still so many pretty fall colors here in UT! The trees are usually bare by this time of year and I miss seeing the Fall.

Thankful #10

2010-11-12T10:13:00.001-08:00

I am very very very thankful for airplanes! They take me to visit my family and to far away places. It's so easy to travel these days and I'm so glad to live in a time when traveling long distances doesn't include getting scurvy on a ship or walking across deserts.

Thankful #8

2010-11-08T16:15:00.001-08:00

Is it silly to be thankful for a grocery store? Cause I am. I don't think I could live in a world without Trader Joes.

Thankful #7

2010-11-08T16:10:00.001-08:00

...enough said.

Thankful #6

2010-11-07T08:51:00.001-08:00

Having the opportunity to stay home with William is probably the best thing in my life. I feel so grateful and lucky to be in a situation that makes it possible.

Thankful #5

2010-11-05T11:33:00.001-07:00

I am thankful to live in the land of thousands of oaks. They are a pretty pretty tree, and of course acorns are one of nature's most adorable creations.

I am also thankful that I can sit in the shade of an oak tree while a perfect breeze blows, watching my child play. I'm thankful to live in a quiet, clean, safe place with the freedom to come and go as I please. I am so lucky.

Thankful #4

2010-11-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

Especially after being in Iceland for almost three weeks, I am incredibly thankful to live in California where I have such easy access to the best, freshest produce all year long. Between our CSA box and weekly Farmer's Markets we are never hurting for the most amazing fruits and vegetables we could ask for. Yum!!

Thankful #3

2010-11-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful that as I was growing up I had a mother who enjoyed doing needlework. She taught me the basics when I was quite young and it's something I've continued to do ever since. To me, needlework is like meditation. It helps me feel calm and collected and gives me the time and concentration to really think deeply about all kinds of things. I don't know what I would do without it!

I Am Thankful For...

2010-11-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

...my baby sister!

I know this is almost the same as yesterday's, but today is my baby sister Alexa's 17th birthday. So today had to be about her!!

Lex is one of my best best friends. We have so much fun together! Plus, she is a super aunt to William.

I'm so so grateful that even though we are 12 years apart in age we are still buddies. I love you, Lexy!

November is For Being Thankful

2010-11-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

I figure this daily posting with a theme is good for something, so I'm going to continue for the month of November with a post about things I'm thankful for.

First up, my siblings! I love them dearly and can't wait to see them all in just 9 days. I get to spend two weeks in Utah for Thanksgiving and hanging out with these kids is going to be the best ever. I'm so thankful that all of us are friends -- even through all of our differences. Our warped sense of humor binds us together and we always have an amazing time. I'm so excited!

Daily #31

2010-11-01T16:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

I missed a few days of daily little moments this month, but over all I'm quite pleased that I did it so often. Credit must go to my blog app -- it's way easier to blog while stirring soup than to turn on a computer and actually sit down. :)

Daily #27

2010-10-27T19:07:00.001-07:00

Face-sized cookies.

Daily #26

2010-10-26T20:16:00.001-07:00

Starting a new project!

Daily #24

2010-10-24T16:17:00.001-07:00

Reading in the car while it rains.

Daily #23

2010-10-23T23:53:00.001-07:00

Brunch at Huckleberry. Oh dang. Amazing.

Daily #22

2010-10-22T15:19:00.001-07:00

Knitting, latte and Project Runway while Will naps.

Daily #21

2010-10-21T20:27:00.001-07:00

Knitting!

Daily #17

2010-10-20T20:23:00.001-07:00

This boy melts my heart into a big, goopy mess.

Daily #19

2010-10-20T20:17:00.001-07:00

Book club!

I Made a Skirt All On My Ownsies!

2010-10-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

I'm so proud. I made a skirt, from a pattern, in plaid fabric, with a zipper, all on my own!! Last week I had a test run of the same skirt with my mom's help, but today I did it by myself! It turned out pretty near perfect. It's a very exciting day -- all kinds of homemade clothing options have been opened up to me!!

A perfect zipper.

The pattern matches on the pockets, the yoke, and at all seams. Pretty miraculous!

This skirt is Simplicity 2698 with Yoke B and Skirt F. I can't wait to make another. Or several.

Daily #18

2010-10-18T21:28:00.001-07:00

In Long Beach with my mom. We had a great visit!

Daily #12

2010-10-16T23:09:00.001-07:00

I really love my car.

Daily #13

2010-10-16T23:06:00.001-07:00

'It's a Small World' ride at Disneyland. I love it kind of a creepy amount. I want to live there...

Daily #16

2010-10-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

Favorite colors.

Daily #14

2010-10-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Ooops, forgot about the blog for the past few days. We have visitors in town for William's birthday.

Speaking of, the kid is 3 today!

I Feel Like I Should Get Some Kind of 'Awesome Mom' Award

2010-10-09T15:45:00.001-07:00

William's 3rd birthday is next Thursday. And this kid is OBSESSED with doing whatever his Daddy does. Especially if it has to do with photography. Will pretends everything is a camera -- bananas, toy cars, my wallet, a book, the fireplace tools -- and he's forever headed to a photo shoot or showing us the latest photos he's taken.

While in Iceland, I had a burst of inspiration to make him a play version of Daddy's camera -- and I could envision just how to make it. This week I found all the right pieces and today I put it all together. I am so so pleased with how it turned out!

The supplies I used were a chip board box and canisters from JoAnn, black paint, white paint pen, masking tape, black fabric, wood glue (praying it holds), red piping and an old shoelace.

I think William will be one estatic 3 year old in a few days. :)

Daily #9

2010-10-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

Working on Will's birthday present. I am sooooo excited to give it to him!

Daily #8

2010-10-08T21:55:00.001-07:00

Reading and a cup of tea. Pretty much a perfect evening.

Daily #7

2010-10-07T14:42:00.001-07:00

One of the only things I missed about home while we were in Iceland was fresh produce. They do their best over there, but I've been spoiled by year-round amazing California produce. Going to the farmers market today was even more thrilling than usual!

Daily #6

2010-10-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

Finger painting!

Daily #5

2010-10-05T15:04:00.001-07:00

Yay!!!

Daily #4

2010-10-04T11:57:00.001-07:00

Boots in the rain!

Daily #3

2010-10-03T17:14:00.001-07:00

This temperature makes me exceedingly happy!

Daily #2

2010-10-02T15:14:00.001-07:00

Reading away the afternoon...

The October Daily

2010-10-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

I am stealing this idea from my friend Christen -- for the month of October, capture a small moment of happiness that would not otherwise be recorded in a daily post.

A smoothie in the morning is something I look forward to every day. It was one of the only things I missed about home while we were on our trip!

Sleevies

2010-10-01T10:26:00.001-07:00

A friend commissioned me to make a couple coffee sleeves for gifts. I think these are the cutest yet! Hmmm, maybe I need to make myself a new one...

A Walk In The Woods

2010-09-30T17:55:00.001-07:00

It only took about 11 months, but I finally finished these Christmas ornaments! I got this kit from posie gets cozy last year, and since I just ordered this year's new kits, I figured I had better get these done sooner than later.

I imagine I probably won't get this year's done until next year. :D

P.S. I did this whole post from my phone! Cool!

Wandering

2010-09-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

If you've been wondering where I've been...

We Do Iceland

I've got some crafty-ness coming soon, but in the meantime, go check out our photos of the most incredible place on Earth!

Someday...

2010-08-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am just so dying over Alicia's brand new studio over HERE. I am so so wanty over it. Please go take a look.

Someday, I will have a room of my own where I can leave my sewing machine set up and have all of my supplies organized and accessible. I am grateful to have a dedicated craft closet, but it is currently a disaster. And I have to set up my sewing machine on the dining room table, so it's constantly being set up and put away over and over when I'm working on a project. And all those little quicky projects never get done because it always seems like too much work to set up for one little thing.

I've started saving inspiration photos for my someday studio. I'll share those soon, along with a peek inside the horrors of my craft closet and show you how I set up when I have everything out for a project.

Also, I've completed the first couple of projects from the Home Ec class! I'll have some pics of them soon!

To Haul Myself Out of a Rut

2010-08-11T17:54:00.001-07:00

Oh, hello there, little blog. I am here. Still here. I've been in a rut for the past few months -- creatively, emotionally, physically, mentally. Today has felt like the culmination of a lot of neglect on my part, of myself. So, I've got to pull myself together and get back to the things that make me feel happy and fulfilled (beyond just being a Mom and Wife -- which I don't think I've been doing too well of a job with either, lately). I have definitely been feeling the lack of a creative outlet and in the past few days it's really been wearing on me.

I think I have found the perfect remedy. I've found something that will force me to be creative and to learn new skillz and to be productive. One of my very favorite crafty blog girls, Rachel at Smile and Wave, is co-teaching an online Home Ec class that started yesterday. I am so thrilled to be able to take this class. There is a new project everyday, each one teaching a new sewing skill. Many things I already know, but there are some great advanced things (like pattern reading and alterations) that I just can not wait to learn. I've been wanting to start making my own clothes for so long, but have always been too scared. I'm thinking this will break me into it and give me the confidence to continue.

Each project includes step-by-step instructions, lots of photos and even videos. Questions can be asked and there will be a few live chats with the teachers, too. The private blog will stay up for a year, so the projects can just be completed on my own schedule. I am so so excited.

And, good news, they've extended the registration to August 15, in case anyone wants to sign up! Just go HERE to read more about it, and let me know if you decide to join. I'll definitely be sharing my completed projects on this blog, so check back soon!

Food

2010-03-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog over here!! It's all about food!!

Something Delicious For You to Make and Eat

2010-03-11T15:56:00.001-08:00

Holy crap people. Has it really been a month since I've shown my face around here? What on earth have a been doing? There was a week-long visit from the mother-in-law, a week of books taking precedence over computers, a week where I thought I was going to die from a series of maladies all plaguing me at once, and somehow, now here we are a month later. Ooops.

I haven't been working on much anyway. I do have one finished project to show you and a couple of things in progress. There are two quilts I need to get started on asap for weddings both less than a month away (yikes!!). And I have a huge stack of library books that I'm still reading my way through. So, you know.

"But what about this delicious something for me to make and eat?" you ask. I'm about to tell you. It is a minestrone soup. A soup I've made every week for about a month now. We've been eating it for lunch basically every day and we love it (even William!) It was originally based on a recipe from The New Basics Cookbook, but I've made so many alterations that it's really my own now. So here you go!

Cara's MINESTRONE (or, as William calls it, Rocket Soup)

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely diced
1 leek, finely diced (I only have made it with a leek once. It's good, but optional)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 head of cabbage, roughly chopped into bite-size pieces
1 potato, peeled and diced (I also have used a parsnip, which was really good)
8 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
5 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
salt, to taste
15 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz white kidney beans (or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I get this from Trader Joe's and it's amazing -- it's tomatoes and green chilis. If you don't want a spicy soup, just use regular canned diced tomatoes)
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar(the "secret" ingredient that I think totally makes it!)
freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish

optional: Italian sausage, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces

Heat olive oil over med-high in a large pot. Add garlic, onions, carrot and leek and cook until veg start to become tender (10 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally). Add cabbage, potato, stock and tomato paste and turn heat to high. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons of parsley along with the oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

Add beans, tomatoes and cider vinegar. Simmer until all veg are tender. Adjust seasonings and add sausage if desired. Stir in remaining 3 tablespoons of parsley before serving. Serve with Parmesan.

(You can also add pasta to this at the end. Add a few ounces of a small pasta before adding the sausage and simmer until pasta is cooked. We leave out the sausage and pasta generally to reduce calories.)

This recipe yields 6-8 servings and is only between 200-300 calories per serving (without sausage or pasta)! It makes for a tasty, quick, healthy, filling-but-not-heavy lunch. And, like all soups, I like this more the day after it's made. All the flavors really come out and blend.

I will be sad when these veggies go out of season (they've all been coming in our CSA box), but will be just that much more excited to make it next winter! That is the joy of eating seasonally -- you're not likely to burn out if you can only have them at certain foods at certain times of the year! It really makes you not take anything for granted, too. Which is a lesson we all need to learn. :)

P.S. Sorry about the lack of a photo! You'll just have to make this yourself so you can see it. :)

EDIT: Got a photo finally! Doesn't it look delicious??

APPlesauce Guest Blog!

2010-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

My fun friend Marné asked me to do a guest blog for her iPhone App review blog APPlesauce (how cute is that name?). I was nervous and of course as soon as I sat down to write THE POST, all words just flew out of my brain. But I managed to write something up that is actually pretty coherent, so I'm impressed. Ha!

I got to try out this application called Stylebook. You use it to create looks with clothes from your own wardrobe, or -- my favorite -- to create dream outfits from clothing photos you get off the web. I love it so much. There are photos of some of my fantasy looks included in the review post. Go drool over them.

While you're there, check out the whole blog -- it's really cool! Reviews on all kinds of different iPhone apps and also photos that Marné shoots and edits with her iPhone. <3 iPhone <3

The Help

2010-02-10T10:46:00.001-08:00

I have another book recommendation for y'all. My mom brought this book down for me to read way back in October. With the holidays and whatnot, I didn't get around to reading it until just a couple weeks ago. And I looooved it.

The Help is set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi and is about the relationship between white women and their black maids. The story is so engaging and compelling. There are funny parts but, like most great books, it's pretty heartbreaking.

I hope the author writes more novels (I want a sequel to The Help -- I love the characters and want to find out what happened to them all); I really enjoyed her writing. The Help is her first and only book so far. Everyone should most definitely read it!

I Am The Walrus

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I made this stuffed Walrus in 7th grade in home-ec. But never actually completed him (I wonder what kind of grade I got?). He was missing his moustache and the stuffing hole wasn't sewn closed. He's been sitting around in various storage boxes in various storage facilities for these 15 years.

Until today. It took approximately 6 minutes to cut out a new moustache, applique it on, and sew the hole closed. A procrastination world record maybe?

William loves him. The Walrus sits on his bed, in all his mustachioed stateliness.

Hurray For...

2010-02-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sheena! You're the big winner! A little package will be sent on its way to you on Monday. Thanks for playing, everyone! I will have another give-away by the end of the month. Can't wait!

Freaking Amazing Sky

2010-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was on my way to my class a couple weeks ago. I turned the corner and had to immediately pull over.

The sky was so beautiful and crazy. I couldn't stop looking at it. I called John and made him pack up Will and the camera to take photos to document it.

It was truly one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen. And all these other people were just driving and walking around like nothing out of the ordinary was going on. They missed out. It was lovely.

I'll announce the winner of the scarf later today!

Lemon Yum

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over for dinner a few weeks ago. They brought us some Meyer lemons from their trees and some honey from their bees! It's my favorite EVER to get homemade/homegrown/handmade anything! It's really the greatest. Almost as great as having friends over for dinner.

I used both the honey and the lemon in tea. And then I ate more bread than I should have as a vehicle for the honey. And then I found this recipe for Meyer Lemon Curd and immediately whipped some up. And HOLY CRAP. That stuff should be illegal. I also baked some biscuits (my first, sad attempt at biscuits) to eat the lemon curd upon. Luckily, I gave most of the biscuits and lemon curd away to friends, but still ended up eating way too much of it myself. The curd was especially amazing on top of vanilla ice cream. And just by itself by the spoonful. I do love me anything lemon flavored.

So anyway, if you are here in So Cal where Meyer lemons are just dropping off trees all over the place, make some of this ASAP. And if you are some place else, find some Meyer lemons that have no doubt travelled 1 thousand + miles, and make some ASAP.

Curd is one of the sickest words ever. Good thing the deliciousness of the product makes up for it.

A Year In the Making -- Worth It!

2010-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Remember this quilt? Remember how I bought it after Christmas 2008? And then started and finished the top in January 2009? And then thought I was going to hand-quilt it before coming to my senses? Well, finally, a year later, it is done!

I sent the top back to UT with my Mom in October to be quilted. Brought it home with me after Christmas. Discovered that I had lost the binding fabric that had been kicking around for 11 months. Found the last bit of fabric from this collection at the quilting store. Spent a day on the couch watching Pride & Prejudice and drinking tea while binding. Ta-da!

It is so wonderful to finally have it completely finished and to be able to use it and pet it everyday. It's on my couch and the colors are so cute in my living room, I think. It's just perfection. I'll have to get another photo of it on the couch so you can get the full effect of rad. It's one of my very favorite things I own.

I just noticed that I have some sort of quilt draped over the back of ever chair/seat in my living room. Kind of weird?

Matroyshka Mantle

2010-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

After taking down the Christmas decorations I re-did the mantle decor. I'm so happy that I get to look at my little Matroyshaka collection everyday now, rather than it being hidden in my desk. And it makes me want more! I'm a little bit ridiculously obsessed.

1. Bought from a Russian in Tromso, Norway 2. John brought back to me from Siberian Russia 3. Ornament from Urban Outfitters 3. No idea where this came from 4.-6. Anthro measuring cups

Two Random Things

2010-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Finally organized all of my jewelry and accessories, after years of having everything kicking around in 5 different boxes and drawers. Now I can actually see and find what I have! Love it! And I am more than a little obsessed with that Paper Source paper back there.

What do you do when your 8x8 glass pan goes missing? I feel pretty incredibly brilliant for thinking this up. It worked so perfectly that I don't think I even need to buy a new 8x8 any time soon. How does one of those just disappear anyway?

Happy February -- Get Free Stuff!

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a somewhat silly photo taken before Christmas on our front porch wearing a twisted-drop-stitch scarf. This particular scarf was a little something that I sort of just did without really thinking it out. And it ended up super-wide. It can double as a hood, a shawl and probably a picnic blanket.

The yarn is natural wool that I purchased mass quantities of in Argentina in 2006, hauled home, wound into balls and then looked at for 2.5 years trying to decide what to do with it.

That's where you come in. I have so much of this yarn, and this stitch is so easy-fast, I have made a second scarf (normal scarf-sized, not blanket-sized) and want to give it to someone!

Please leave me a comment and I'll have Willaby draw a name on Saturday Feb 6!

A Little Red Chair

2010-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

I found this little chair while antiquing in UT. I looooooove it!

Quilt Finishing

2010-01-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last spring or so, my brother Ivan got on a sewing kick and put together this quilt top. And then got burned out I suppose. Knowing that he'd probably never finish the quilt on his own, I took over. I bought the backing and batting, tied it, bound (binded?) the edges and gave it back to him for Christmas. It was a satisfying day's work (after having the quilt top since July and not doing anything with it...oops).

Popcorn on the Cob

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Just some little gifts I quickly put together for all of my aunts and uncles and some friends. A couple cob of popcorn with instructions and a hot pad or two. Fun, easy and cheap!

Victoria Fingerless Mittens

2010-01-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

I tried no less than 3 times to make some fingerless mittens/mitts/wrist warmers for my mom for Christmas. She had mentioned that she wanted a pair and I thought I'd be able to just whip them up quick and not even need patten. This was not the case. It took me weeks of trying over and over to finally admit I had no idea what I was doing and just get the correct yarn and use a pattern. Psh.

And I'm so glad I did. I am happy with how they turned out. This pattern is Victoria Fingerless Mittens from Knitting Little Luxuries. I've had this book for several years, and love a lot of the patterns, but this is the first one I've actually tried. One weird thing I noticed is that all of the mittens and mitts in this book are knit flat and then seamed. For some reason I couldn't figure out how to just knit it in the round so I did it the hard way. Also, even though the pattern only called for one ball of yarn, and I got a ball that was more yardage than the pattern called for, and I had the correct gauge, I still ran out of yarn about 3/4 through the second mitten. Annoying. But it was all worth it.

Ribblins.

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite recipe site is this here Simply Recipes. I have tried several recipes and they've all been incredble (like this baby artichokes one). I am a fan. It's the first place I go when I'm looking for a recipe now. The photography is beautiful and the little bloggity posts that go along are so fun to read and usually have all kinds of information.

Photo from Simply Recipes

And anyway, the other day I was browsing around for cabbage recipes and instead I found this recipe for Braised Beef Short Ribs. I knew I had to try them. One of our favorite dishes at our favorite new Northern UT restaurant is braised short ribs so it'd be quite convenient to be able to make such a dish at home, right? That's exactly what I was thinking. And I was correct.

So, friends were invited and the two day process was completed and then the food was consumed and it was all good. All of it. The company, the process and the food. I served the ribs with sauteed cabbage and mashed potatoes and biscuits. There are a couple of things I'll do differently next time (like, mine didn't look at all like those in that photo up there and I'm not quite sure why yet) but overall I was quite pleased and can't wait to make them again.

Speaking of biscuits, I'm attempting to master them. I come from a long line of supreme biscuit and pie makers. I must say, I've got the pie thing down, but biscuits are another story. I even Skyped with my Mom the other day so that we could make them together and she could teach me all the secrets. I've made them twice now and they aren't quite there yet. Dang. Guess I'll just have to keep trying? What a horrible fate.

iPhone pic of attempt #1. Not too bad.
So anyway, get ye hence to the butcher and pick up some short ribs and make these and enjoy.

Christmas Show-Off

2010-01-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite Christmas gifts! Just pretend these are good photos and not bad iPhone pics.

John got this for me and I thought I was going to be all Bad A and dominate this game. I was sorely mistaken and was swiftly taken down several notches. It's wicked haaard. (But I'll still beat you.)

Pretty, pretty vintage locket from Beth with pics of my sistas. I pretty much wear this every day.

A wee little 1930s copy of A Christmas Carol from my brother, Trev. It's amazing and sweet.

Anthro earrings from Ruth. I had been wanting these forever. I never want to take them off.

Adorable bag made by my Mama. She made all of the girls bags like this with different fabrics. Mine is now my official knitting bag and it's so perfect.

I'm sooooo excited about this cookbook! It's so beautiful. I love just looking through it and smelling it and dreaming of cooking all of the lovely, rustic, delicious things. This was also from John, cause he is the best!

2009 Christmas Card

2010-01-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

I think pretty much everyone who reads this silly blog is on our Christmas card mailing list, anyway, but here is the card we sent out last year. The photos and design were 100% John and I think he did such an amazing job! I loooove this card! How are we going to top it this year?

Letterhead Love

2010-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of stationery. And I have a lot of it. I used to write little snail mail notes quite often and need to start writing more again. I don't know if anyone loves receiving mail as much as I do, but I'm going to send it to them anyway!

I recently discovered this blog, Letterheady, through another favorite blog, Letters of Note. Both are fascinating. I especially love the Letterheady. I want my own letterhead. You know, for all of my business correspondence. I really really love this letterhead of Eva Peron's (above). It's so lovely and simple.

Here are a few more favorites:

Super love the font on the "Lawrence Welk" on this one:

There are a couple Adolf Hitler letterheads that I actually really like. But then I felt weird about posting them on my blog. Go check them out on the site.

In other news:

-Bread making has me completely baffled
-William went for his first dentist appointment and was complimented up and down
-We're starting pre-pre-school activities this week!
-My dining room has been taken over by t-shirts and scraps
-I've had to capture and release 5 earthworms that have been found in various states of distress around my dining room floor. They keep coming in, somehow, trying to escape biblical flood that is currently in my backyard
- Today is the most beautiful gray, rainy day and all we're doing around here is playing, baking, reading and lots of cuddling!

Waiting...

2010-01-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

I've got lots of things to share. Just waiting for the pics. Patiently waiting...

And I haven't forgotten about that give-away! Stay tuned! Especially you cold-climated folk!

Must Read

2010-01-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

My brain will not stop thinking about these books I just read. My friend Ruth lent them to me on New Years Eve and I spent the next two days doing nothing but reading. I'm horrible at writing book reviews or synopsises (synopsii?) so please just go read the summary on Amazon and then order them and then read them. You will be glad you did. Either that or be annoyed that you can't drag yourself out of the world in the books and back into reality. Regardless, it'll be worth it.

The third book in the series comes out in August and I may go nuts in anticipation!

The Fam

2010-01-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

These portraits were John's Christmas gift to my mom. He did all the photography, printing, framing and surprised my mom on Christmas Eve with them all hung up in the family room (special thanks to Trev for hanging them). I think she was pretty excited and happy. Especially since before these, everyones' photos were about 8 years out-of-date.

Mom & Dad
Greg
Trevor & Christi
Bethany
Ivan
Alexa
Ryan

Also, a little photo shoot of Greg and his girlfriend Erin and her son Griffin. Aren't they the most adorable little family you've ever seen? I love these kids.

Paper cuts

2010-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yet another Angry Chicken project -- this one from her Mailorder #10 -- for a couple of friends. I'm sooo hooked on paper cutting now. It's so like, meditative, slicing through the paper with precision. I love it. I wish I could draw so that I could design my own -- I have so many ideas in my head -- but I'm thinking there are probably a lot online that I just have to look for to find.

Isn't the laundry line so adorably perfect for a laundry room? I wish I had a cute laundry room to decorate! I'm planning on doing another "Hello" for our entry, along with the two others that are in the Mailorder set -- a quilt and a kooky little house. Can't wait!

Two Simple Totes for Two Little Girls

2010-01-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

These little book bags were made for two little girls I know who love books. They seemed so tiny when I made them, but after seeing them on little ones, they were just the right size.

The pattern came from Amy Karol's (aka The Angry Chicken) Bend-the-Rules Sewing, which I've made several projects from now. The directions were soooo confusing for me, but once I actually just followed them -- instead of trying to think ahead -- it was easy and it worked!

This project uses so little fabric, is so quick and it's so fun to mix and match fabrics. I'm definitely going to make one for Will and probably will make a larger one for myself. Heaven knows I need yet another bag in my life.

Do You Miss Me Yet?

2010-01-04T23:22:00.001-08:00

Coming this week...

holiday projects revealed

PLUS

a giveaway!!

Wish List

2009-12-09T17:48:00.001-08:00

These pretty, pretty books.

All of these, from Antro, of course...
(I can't find any of these on the anthropologie website. I think a lot of them are on clearance already!)

And last, but most wantedly, a beautiful Dutch bike. Add-ons would include a baby seat and a basket. :)

Other Peoples' Crafts

2009-12-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

My dad bought this vintage motorcycle when I was just a baby. In October, he finally finished restoring it to it's full 1967-y glory. John made this little mini movie to commemorate the occasion.

You can also see some of the beautiful-ness of the little Northern Utah valley where I spent the first 20 years of my life. Love those mountains...

1967 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Restoration from John Stephens on Vimeo.

Music by Kidnap Kings -- a new fav-favorite!

I'm having a hard time coming up with blog content since all of my projects at the moment are gift-related! I do have a couple of things to show you, just as soon as I manage to get some pics taken!

Go Buy This Music

2009-12-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming but the day has finally arrived!
John's band's EP was just released today on iTunes! Please go check it out, throw down the mere $2.99 for 3 songs + a video, tell your friends and write a review.
The band's official website can be found here.

Thank you for your support!!!

One More Baby Afghan...

2009-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

And here is the third crocheted afghan I've made in the past month and a half. Phew! Yet another Vanna pattern (though I ended up doing something wrong and it looks nothing like the pattern, oops!) with Vanna yarn. I have so much of this yarn around now that I have plans for about 5 other projects just to use up all these left-overs!

This one is for my friend-since-9th-grade Christie who is due at the end of the year. I'm really hoping that the baby comes while I'm still in town at Christmas so I can meet him before I have to come back home. Make it happen, baby!

Cozy x 3

2009-11-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished my first commissioned order! My good friend Erin asked me to make a couple of these drink cozies/sleeves to give as Christmas gifts. I was so excited! These little guys are really fun to make. Erin only asked for two, but I just had to throw in one for her, as well.

While driving a few days ago I was struck with a new idea to do a crocheted ripple along the edge. I was so excited to get home and try it that I could barely drive! I'm so happy with the way it looks. Punching the holes, and crocheting with the world's smallest crochet hook takes a bit more time but I think it's so worth it.

I have another project in my head using felt and this crocheted edge that I'm soooo eager to make. It'll be my reward after I finish the Christmas gift I'm currently working on. Can't wait!!!

Pink Elephant

2009-11-17T10:46:00.001-08:00

My friend Adelyn asked me to make this sweet elephant for her daughter. It was fun and pretty fast to make and I even learned a couple new things. It's far from perfect but I hope it's ok! I get so nervous when I make anything for anyone.

The pattern can be found here.

Preikestolen

2009-11-13T12:17:00.001-08:00

Ch-ch-check it out!

Overwhelmed? Me?

2009-11-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

I just finished making a list of the projects that I'm currently working on and ones that need to be started and finished. The number is 30. 30 projects. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, designing, printing, assembling. And those are just for Christmas! There is an entirely different list of projects that need to get done in the not-too-distant future: Norway Trip blog, printing, framing, painting, photo albums, hanging, thrifting. Phew.

Today is going to be all-projects all-day. I'm not even going to bother getting dressed. I think it's going to be a very good day.

Here is my favorite song right now. It's officially my new running song -- the one I switch to when I need a burst of energy to keep me going. Enjoy!

A Tale of Two Mittens

2009-11-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time (last Christmas), a Brother asked a Sister to make him some mittens like hers. "Of course," said Sister and she promptly began to knit them.

She knit and knit, trying to finish them before leaving Brother's town for Her town. Soon it became obvious that the mittens were going to be much too small for Brother. They were too small for Sister, who was just a medium-sized girl. There was no way they would fit a large-sized Brother.

Sister got bummed out and put the mittens away. She worked on them on and off (mostly off) for many months. Then, Sister decided to finish them. After all, Sister-in-Law was a small-sized girl -- surely they will fit her!

And so now they are finally finished. And everyone will be happy. Well, except for Brother, who will still not have any mittens.

Pattern by Hello Yarn .
This is my 3rd pair of these mittens I've made and I really love them. They were my first experience doing color work and were a great introduction! Plus, cute as cute and free pattern! Why this pair turned out so much smaller than the others is still a mystery.

Manly Granny

2009-11-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

I told you I was addicted to these granny squares, right?

This afghan is essentially the same as the previous one (same stitch, etc) but in different colors and with a scalloped border.

Lisa's baby shower was today -- this afghan is for her little boy due around Christmas. We are very excited to have another boy in our little group of friends so Will has some buddies. :)

Finished Granny

2009-11-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

I loooove how this blanket turned out! The colors kill me and it was so fun and easy to make. It ended up being gifted to my friend Christy for her baby girl who will be born in just a few weeks! Can't wait to meet the little one!

I might be a little bit hooked (get it?) on granny squares now. I'm working on another one plus have ideas for some pot holders (so 70s!) and/or wall art. Oh yeah.

Hot Drinks

2009-11-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

A last minute birthday gift for a fun friend. I think this is my favorite drink cozy I've made so far!

We're Slow

2009-10-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

But we finally got Day 2 of our trip posted! Go here to read all about it.

And stayed tuned on this blog for some actual crafts, coming soon!

Granny

2009-10-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

John has the fancy camera with him at an out-of-town shoot so I'm left with the PowerShot. Adorable kid though, right?
Here's a peak at another blanket I'm crocheting. It's just one big granny square and I love it. I had tried granny squares several years ago and they were always failures but somehow it clicked this time -- yay! This pattern and yarn are both Vanna again, and I can't get over how cute the colors are. I think I'm about half-way done and then I've got to figure out which of the five babies due in the next few months to give it to. Please tell me, does it look unisex? Or does the purple make it too girly? Hmm...

A Lazy Day

2009-10-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

"I'm walking to Norway, Mama!"
Today is a lazy day. The weather is beautiful and fall-ish. The house is cozy and smells delicious. We're in lounge-y clothes making cookies and watching Beatles movies. Blogging the Norway trip and making plans.

John left for a shoot last night and won't be back until tomorrow night. We miss him.

My mama will be here on Saturday night and we are very excited. William's birthday is next Wednesday and we have lots of fun plans for the week.

We went for a wonderful walk this morning. Kickboxing tonight. Maybe another walk after dinner. More working on the trip blog (I promise more is coming!) -- I didn't keep a journal while we were there so I've got to get it down before I forget things.

I should be mopping the floors and cleaning the shower. Washing the windows. Vacuuming.

I think I'll continue to enjoy this lazy, comfy day and worry about the cleaning tomorrow. Hanging out with my best little buddy "cooking hot french fries" and "walking/flying/driving to Norway" is the best way to spend today.

Trip Blog!

2009-09-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Head on over here to check out our trip blog! So far I've only got one day up, but it's better than nothing right? More to follow soon (I hope!)

Off On a Grand New Adventure!

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well kids, the time has finally come! By the time you read this we will be off to begin a 21 day adventure all over Norway (and I do mean ALL over), Svalbard, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Oh yeah, we are totally rocking the entirity of Scandinavia. Woot!

I'll definitely be posting a few pics and updates from the road. Arctic regions here we come!

Carry On

2009-09-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just got (off etsy) this vintage carry-on piece -- the newest member of my vintage luggage family (and they're all Samsonite!) Woot!

And, inspired by Elsie at A Beautiful Mess (one of my very favorites!) who was inspired by Orla Kiely (j'adore!), I added some hand-embroidery. It's just 6 strands of floss, doubled (Elsie used yarn). My fingers are a bit blistered now but it was totally worth it in my book. :)

This cutie will be serving as my carry-on for Scandinavia. It's packed to the brim with goodies to keep a 2 year old and a mama entertained and comfortable (?) for a 14-hour flight. We're only four days out now! Eek!