My Button Jar

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2011-12-16T09:17:00.005-05:00

Christmas festivities are in full force here at the McAlindin's!! I am frantically knitting/crocheting and we are having a lot of family time. Here are our trees:

This is the train tree. It is an everlasting tree and it sits in my knitting room and can be seen from the street as you drive past our house. I never decorate this tree, but I love to have the lights on all day.

This is our Family tree it is a real tree and this is where Santa leaves the gifts for everyone. This tree is in our family room and is so nice to smell… Otis really digs the water… blech!

This is the candy cane favor tree and it is in the formal living room.

Last but not least is another everlasting tree in our entrance foyer… it is a new tree this year and I love it! I collect snowflakes and this is the first year I was able to display them all!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-22T09:57:00.002-05:00

I am reposting one of my favorite blog posts from 2008 for 2 reasons:

1. My super-duper camera is broken and is in the shop (don't ask)

2. I will be baking these this afternoon with Marin.

Go Here for the post!

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T10:21:00.003-05:00

Giving a shout out to the Navy Men in my life:

Thank you Dad for your service.

The Perfect Procrastinator

2011-11-08T10:02:00.005-05:00

As a designer, this is my busy season. I seem to have a bunch of designs due mid November which causes me to panic mid September. Everything seems to be put on the back burner except the designs - laundry, decorating my house, basic cleanliness, etc. Every year I say to myself, Kimberly, don't wait until the last minute with these deadlines, get your fanny in gear and write those patterns.

Obviously, I don't listen to myself! This weekend is no exception. I have 1 and 1/3 of a sample to design and knit and what did I do this weekend????

I learned a new spinning technique on my spinning wheel.... Yep! Here are the photos.

I bought this fleece in September: I washed and dyed the fiber (I tried my hand with dying something brown, and I wasn't that successful - so I thought I would practice with this part of the fleece, no harm done if I don't like what I was going to do)

Here is the fleece washed and dyed (see how compacted it is)

I hand picked the fleece apart and made it fluffy:

The fluffy fleece went into the drum carder (my birthday present this year from Mr. Fantastic) and I made a batt:

The batt was split in two and then I stretched it to make the fibers nice a loosey-goosey:

Using a large knitting needle I wrapped the stretched batt around the needle and when it was wrapped once around the needle I broke it off from the batt... I rolled the section around the needle .... And

Viola! A rolag made from a batt.

I really can't describe how much fun I had during this entire process - makes me look like a real fiber geek, but I was giddy with this whole process. The entire basket took me.... ready? 2 days!

On Sunday afternoon I was feeling very clever and sat at my wheel to begin learning the English long draw method of spinning fiber. Long draw creates a lot of air in the yarn as you are spinning and you end up with a really squishy yarn....

EPIC FAIL..... total frustration (a few bad words), thrown rolags, and a shot of Captn' Morgan later...

I sat down to finish my designs that are due....

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T09:32:00.005-04:00

We had a wonderful Halloween at the Mac house:

There was a beautiful southern belle (with her real hair that took forever to curl)

There was 'Graham n Em'

And.... a teenager who didn't trick or treat... or dress up (and didn't want his picture taken)

The Spanish Peacock

2011-10-21T14:36:00.002-04:00

My spinning obsession continues with a Russian supported spindle and bowl set from The Spanish Peacock.... I think this is one of the coolest things ever.

I have to do a lot more practicing to get it going smoothly!! This set is made of Lignum Vitae and it is so beautiful, the wood smells like roses. The whole spinning thing fascinates me!

15 Years

2011-10-06T09:10:00.002-04:00

"In the name of God... I Kimberly take you Christopher to be my husband....

To have and to hold from this day forward...

For better, for worse...

For richer, for poorer....

In sickness and in health....

To love and to cherish....

Until we are parted by death...

This is my solemn vow..."

The grate....it must be Fall

2011-10-04T08:54:00.003-04:00

This morning we woke up to a 50 degree house.... I had to turn the heat on for a bit to take the chill out of the house.

Our house is old... and our heating comes up from the floor vents... a favored spot for the McAlindin children.

Fall is here!

The Crafty Knitter

2011-09-21T13:49:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my niece's 9TH birthday. On Saturday we went to her house to celebrate. She showed me her current knitting project for her baby sister... it's a scarf - I love it!

What I really loved was she made me a necklace for my birthday AND she lent her knitting needles to her younger sister, so she used pencils as her 'knitters'.....

Crafty and Brilliant!!

Real Quick

2011-09-19T08:45:00.004-04:00

Real quick post this morning... I am super busy and under the gun to have 2 designs completed by Thursday. Both designs are knit and my friend Natalie will be wearing them this weekend to Vogue Knitting Live in Los Angeles this weekend....

Last night I went to bed real late (actually it was this morning) and I left my current project on the couch. This morning this is what I found....

Looks like Otis loves Namaste Farms yarn also!!

Moss Fern Wrap

2011-09-16T07:49:00.002-04:00

Look what made the Crochetme newsletter!! My Moss Fern Wrap From Interweave Crochet. This shawl is an easy pattern repeat and does not take forever to finish.

This morning it was 48 degrees when my children left for school - a wrap is perfect for this fall weather.

Dying for Fall

2011-09-13T20:21:00.003-04:00

Well, I have been in a dying frenzy for the past two days. I have to say that I was a bit nervous when I started dying and I am getting used to the whole thing, but I LOVE it!

Monday I started with 1lb of the Cormo. I washed it and dyed it with Jacquard dyes. I mixed two colors together and I like the results. It's almost dry and I can't stop touching it!

Tuesday I washed 2lbs of Cormo and I tried a different dye this time... WOW!!! I tried 2 colors again. As I put the first dye in (called chili pepper) I noticed little specs of blue on the while fiber... hmmm. So then I put in a little bit of yellow. I mixed and mixed and looking at the fleece, it looked a beautiful red.... but if you looked at the dye bath... the color was a gorgeous blue.... so I added a little bit more yellow (thinking blue and yellow make green) and added a bit more wet fleece to it.... THIS is the result!! Fantastic!!

It looks like Fall around here!!

Garden State Sheep Festival

2011-09-12T08:56:00.004-04:00

This weekend Marin and I (along with our neighbors) went to the Garden State Sheep Festival in Ringoes NJ.

It was a fun day! There was face Painting....

Goats....

Sheep of all sorts of breeds. This sheep is a Cormo sheep....

And this.....

11 pounds of fiber (cormo) that I scored at the sale! I was so excited and happy I felt like a kid in a candy shop (the human kind, not the baby goat kind)! I walked around with this huge bag of fiber for a bit and was stopped along the way by other fiber lovers. I gave some away, I let people touch it, it was great.... But the the best part was this.... the Cormo sheep and fleece that I bought was from a young 4-H boy. I almost cried!

Today I am working, working on new designs and finishing up some old ones. I am also going to wash up some of that new fiber.... I am so excited!

Look at that crimp... SQUEEE!!!

Hurricane Irene

2011-09-08T10:09:00.011-04:00

During Hurricane Irene - I was ready for no power, flooding, and downed trees. I have never been that scared in my life. Seriously. We were so lucky during the storm. We never lost power, had my parents and my brother and sil here with us and it turned out to be... well... fun?

Before the storm it was beautiful and Marin and I decided that we would prepare some fiber so I could comb it during the power outages.

Here is the raw fleece:

Now, this fleece this is a Teeswater fleece is from Namaste Farms and my friend Natalie is the coolest chick I know. She sells her fleeces on Facebook. They go real fast, so go over and friend her and keep looking to see when she sells. Her fleeces are clean, long, long, long wools and spectacular.

Next we washed it. We wash it first with Dawn dish washing liquid and then we use a product called Unicorn pour scour... order it from Here. Really. It's that amazing. Look what the fleece

looks like after it is washed!

That is his George Washington impersonation!Here is my brother helping out and is fascinated with combing (he was so good at it!)

His little nest ready for spinning.

After it was spun, I took this picture of it with one of Natalie's yarns available over at Yarnmarket. I am in the process of knitting something with them now and hopefully will have it done soon. This project is currently my snuggle with Marin while she is going to sleep project. These projects are so special to me because sitting with her while she falls asleep has become one of my favorite things.... one day she won't want me there, so I am savouring all the snuggle time I can!

And They're Off!!

2011-09-06T10:01:00.003-04:00

What a craptastically rainy day to send off my babies! Here they are:

7th Grade:

5th Grade:

2nd Grade:

Guess who was SO excited for the start of school that he couldn't sleep last night???

OTIS..... he is napping now - it sure was a busy morning!

Crochet, Recycle, Reuse!

2011-09-01T07:56:00.004-04:00

What could be so important to get me out of summer hiatus blogging?? My friend Marty Miller asked if I would be on the blog tour of her latest booklet Totes for All Reasons from Leisure Arts:

Let me tell you, it was hard for me to decided which to make first! What I love about the book is that Marty made each design in the book twice, once in easy to find yarn (from big stores such as Michaels, ACMOORE, etc) but then she made the same design in yarn shop yarn....BRILLIANT!!

We all have those reusable bags that we buy at the grocery store... but how many times have you run into the store for a few things and realize at check out that you've left the bags in your car? That drives me crazy!! What I love about these bags is you can roll them up (besides the felted one) like a pair of socks and put a few in your pocketbook.... they don't take up too much space and will always be there when you need them! I have even given one away to a lady in CVS who gushed over it so much (I think I converted another to pick up the hook again!)

So, my dear friends, in the last waining days of summer I suggest you get this book and make a ton of these bags, they will be perfect gifts for the holiday season - and with school and holidays right around the corner... you are going to be doing a TON of shopping... might as well look sassy while doing it!!

For the rest of the blog tour please visit these sites:

August 29: Marty Miller http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day1
August 30: Ellen Gormley http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-TourDay2
August 31: Drew Emborsky http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day3
September 1: Kimberly McAlindin http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day4
September 2: Doris Chan http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day5
September 3: Vashti Braha http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day6
September 4: Kate Steinke http://bit.ly/Tote-Book-Tour-Day7

DESTASH

2011-08-10T17:53:00.004-04:00

I am in cleaning mode here! It doesn't happen too often, so I have to hop on it when I get the feeling to clean. In June, I went through Marin's bedroom and got rid of everything she didn't play with anymore... it was invigorating!!

At the end of June, I went up into the playroom - and 3 days later the place is so clean, I like to just go up there and look at how clean it is!!

August brings about a lot of work in knit and crochet and I was feeling so completely bogged down by the dung pile that is my workspace. Monday afternoon, I started in on my yarn and needles and hooks and notions.... I came away with some beautiful yarns that I will never use in my lifetime...

So, I'm having a sale!! Click on the LINK to see yarns and prices. Shipping is on me if you are in the US and Canada....

Have fun.... Up next: My knitting and crochet BOOKS!!

30

2011-06-22T18:03:00.003-04:00

Thirty years ago in 1981.... wow, that's hard to type. Thirty years ago, I 'graduated' from elementary school. I looked like this:

Today, our middle boy did the same..... he looks like this:

Yep, he's mine!!

The Little Things

2011-06-20T12:38:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was Father's Day.... ALL day I tried to think of what my Father's Day post was going to be. What could I write that would be both a tribute to my Father and not be redundant of years past. I was tired (I was at a concert the night before) I was sick (I've been battling a stomach bug for a few days) and I really didn't want to toss something up that I hadn't really thought about and wouldn't be proud to have on the blog.

I'm sorry it's late Daddy, but here it is:

I'm searching for photos, pictures of milestones of our life together. My wedding, births of my children, my graduations the prom. I found a few in my gigantic box of pictures in the basement, but what struck me as I was looking at all the photos was... my favorite ones? The pictures that made me smile the most were the ones that were just.... captured. Little moments of everyday-ness that made me happy I was holding them in my hand. Here are a few.

Waiting for you on Friday nights to have dinner at the marina. You are so handsome in a suit and wingtips. Eating dinner on the back of the boat.

Eating dinner and realizing it was time to take pictures for the church directory - actually mom remembered - but look at how dapper you both looked (I remember we left the dinner table and got ready in 15 min.).

The time you and mommy hosted the McAlindins before my senior prom and you and my future Father in law realized you were both scotch (drinking) men and navy men.

Never making me feel like I was too old (or big) to sit on your lap

Having Colin and Graham help you lower the flag at the Yacht Club and hosting dinner for the family.

Having Graham 'help' you with yard work.

Little glimpses into my memories and my life with you. I Love you: I have never doubted how much you love me, our family and your commitment to providing us with more than we could ever hope. More importantly, I remember never being afraid to talk to you and having you treat me like a human being. What a lucky girl I am to have you. What a lucky girl I am to remember the little things. What a lucky girl I am to have married a man whose entire Fatherhood is about appreciating the little things:

Three Things

2011-06-13T15:50:00.003-04:00

I've learned 3 things today:

1. When you eat all the leftover spinach dip from Sunday dinner for lunch, it makes you feel not so good.

2. When you give your sister in law yarnny goodness for her birthday present....it makes you all squishy inside. It also doubles as a wonderful Ms. America sash.

3. When your father teaches your son 4th grade math, you wish he was home when you were in 4th grade (instead of working like a dog) so it didn't take you until you were 40 and listening to their lesson to understand 4th grade math.

I am happy to report that I can now convert fractions to decimals. Understand the percent of things and can happily multiply fractions.

Michelle

2011-06-06T15:40:00.003-04:00

Michelle is my sister in law. We live in the same town. We get together for Sunday dinner during the school year and today..... today is her Birthday.

I've been told that I have never done a blog post about her for her birthday, so here you go Michelle (count this as your card too!)

Michelle has a love of yarn.....'nuf said.

Michelle has the softest skin of any woman I have felt (in a totally non creepy sort of way)

Michelle has a 20 year old daughter!

Michelle was in my wedding.

Michelle is a kickin' cook.

Michelle can wield an iron like the cleaners - it's an art really.

Michelle loves my children.

Michelle is married to my husband's brother.

Michelle lives at the beach in the summer.

Michelle is one of my easiest people to buy a present for.

Michelle is really pretty.

Happy Birthday Michelle...I love you!

Happy Birthday Otis

2011-06-01T07:45:00.002-04:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Otis....you make our lives happy!

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T23:01:00.003-04:00

For the past few years on Mother's Day I have listed things I love about my Mother. Things that I remember about her from growing up. I usually end with a real zing, you know - something that makes me tear up after reading it..... but this year? This year I get her! I get to smell her smells and feel her hugs. I get to watch her watch my children. I get to eat her delicious salads and say grace with her. I get to hold her hand and drink tea with her. I get to show her all of my knitting stuff that I am working on.

Funny.....no zing, but I'm still tearing up after reading. I can't wait to squeeze you Mom.. I adore you, I am thankful for you, I am so lucky to be spending Mother's Day with you.

TEN

2011-04-18T13:24:00.006-04:00

Ten years ago today I had the easiest birth in the history of births to this treasure of a child.

He is the middle - he gets me and I get him.

He is a blessing.

He is my heart.

From the second I saw him, I was madly in love.

Happy Birthday my sweet, kind boy...

Vacation

2011-04-11T11:34:00.002-04:00

We just arrived home from a wonderful vacation in the Bahamas! Life is getting back to normal, but I am still craving Bahama mamas! Just wanted to send out a quick post so that you know I am back and will be blogging regularly again. Have a great day!

Mary Kate Vest

2011-03-31T10:43:00.005-04:00

Another new and FREE pattern available from the Caron website.... I made this on the beach this summer and it was super quick. The yarn is so soft and the sparkles are not at all rough. I made one for the local yarn shop in 1 day, yup one day... it's that quick.

My sample is in Cascade Yarns Sierra, and it goes into the washer and dryer!!

Crochet vests are everywhere this season, go make your own!

Getting Loopy

2011-03-29T10:44:00.002-04:00

Last night 3/28/11 I was the guest on a crochet podcast called Getting Loopy. To hear the podcast click here.... it's about 45 min.

Scroll down, it's about half way down on the right side of the screen, but I think it starts automatically.

Enjoy!

A Letter to Remember

2011-03-25T16:00:00.003-04:00

Last week I recieved an email from Brenda:

Kimberly, you are everywhere these days, and I couldn’t be happier for you! My Spring 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet arrived today, complete with your Freesia Pullover.

So, once again, congratulations on having another of your designs featured. I am looking forward to crocheting this one (although considering the length of my “to be crocheted” list, it could be awhile!). Thank you for including, as Oprah might express it, us “women of size” in the pattern instructions. An XL often is a touch tighter than I’m comfortable with wearing.

Having read your blog from time to time, it is obvious you are a lovely, engaging, and incredibly self effacing woman. How wonderful it is to see such a nice person making her mark in a big way in the crochet and knitting world!

Brenda

My Response:

Brenda-

I am very sorry I haven’t responded to this earlier, but quite frankly I couldn’t come up with the right words to thank you.

Your note has made me so very happy, it will be one of the nicest gifts I will ever receive. I can read it when I am feeling low or when I need inspiration, or even when I get a nasty email.

Your note has touched me in such a way that I really am…… speechless (hard to do for a jersey girl like me!).

It makes me happy to know that there are still people out there that take the time to simply be……well, nice.

I will never forget your letter. Thank you-

Kimberly

I love Brenda!

Spring

2011-03-23T10:33:00.006-04:00

It looks like Spring around the house, but it is snowy and gross outside! Looks like it is a good day for hunkerin' in and finishing up some Spring projects.... stay tuned for the finished pictures on Friday.

I made this prayer shawl over the weekend for our friend Patty who needs it.... I hope she enjoys the warmth it brings her and prayers that went into it - and I hope she wears it for a long, long, long time.

Yarn is Dream in Color Smooshy and I made it with 2 skeins, I just crocheted until I ran out of yarn. Pattern here. I threw the whole thing in the washer and dryer and it came out beautifully.

New Pattern

2011-03-18T07:22:00.005-04:00

I just noticed this morning that a new pattern of mine is now available! I LOVED making this little girl's tunic this past summer, it was quick and fun to do. I hope you enjoy the pattern.... it's FREE! When I was making this for the little girls, I thought you know, I would make this for me without the flowers and ruffle bottom and make it a dress - with simply soft it wouldn't cost a fortune and would look really cute with leggings and boots (and easy to clean). Stay tuned, I may get on that soon!

Last night was St. Patricks Day and you would think with a last name like McAlindin (pronounced Mac a lindin) that this house would be smellin' like corned beef and cabbage, right?

NOPE!! Mr. Fantastic is not a fan (although I love it) so I made a first for us - a different type of "wet meat" Parppadelle with beef ragu.... it was fabulous. I used this recipe and while it takes a long time to make, it is so easy and well worth the effort. I also used packaged parppadelle because I had it in my pantry - but next time I am going to try to make it fresh. Speaking of fresh..... fresh baked crispy bread, holy cow it was so good and easy. Recipe here.

It wouldn't be St. Patricks Day without this!

Have a great weekend!

PS for all you followers of Otis, yes I did finish my deadline and I did not let the "miss fancy pants designer" comment slide.

The Difference Style Makes

2011-03-17T10:53:00.005-04:00

Here is a perfect example of the difference styling makes in your life. I made this cardigan a few years ago and it was published in a crochet magazine. I loved this design, as did anybody who saw me making it. I thought it was a quick cute everyday sweater that could go over jeans or a sundress - a really versatile garment. And then, the magazine came out and to be honest? my heart sank. Here is the picture that was published in the magazine:

Yep, it looks like a cabled square box.... I couldn't believe how crappy the sweater looked. I really thought that the sweater looked better on my dress form than in the picture.

Today I was checking out my projects on Ravelry and noticed someone nominated this sweater for a Crochet-a-long. It was on the Red heart website and it was being offered for free. And better yet? It has a new fabulous pattern. Remember, this is the same exact sweater in all three photos - pretty amazing isn't it?

So, when you have a boring everyday outfit on (we all have them, currently I am in exercise clothes) put on a great necklace, scarf - wear a bright coat and see how much better you feel...... I know I do!

Friday Starts With F.....

2011-03-11T12:34:00.005-05:00

Well folks, Otis here.... yes miss fancy pants designer is freaking out and is too busy to post, so I thought I would let you in on what's happening here.

My human it seems cannot figure out that March 15th is coming up pretty quickly, I thought it odd that she was extremely calm on Monday (1 week before mail date for the deadline) and she really hadn't done much work on a new design that's due. Now, my human? she can bang out a crochet garment in no time, I know, I've seen it... but this design, this design is knit.... and it has lace and it has some funky neck thing (I'm a dog, give me a break on the specifics)! She went to bed on time this week, no extra caffeine in the afternoon, nothin' so I thought, cool - this will be a piece of cake. You all know where this is heading, right?

It's 12:42 in the afternoon, she still has her jammies on - she did feed me, so that was good - glasses no teeth brushed, you get the picture she has gotten up and down about 50 billion times to measure her mannequin, come back rip something out - measure again, talk about how she wished she inherited her father's math brain instead of his legs.... and the cycle continues.

Actually, it's pretty comical for me and to really tee her up? Every time she gets up to measure, mumble and slap on that calculator thing: I swipe her spot....

Have a great weekend.... my human isn't going to !!

PS I also gave you a little sneak peak of the garment...... Otis out.

Chain Reaction

2011-03-09T09:04:00.004-05:00

Chain Reaction is my newest self-published pattern. The idea came from the very talented and super-fly Meera of Knitknack (she is also the model). There is a Crochet-a-long starting at Knitknack tomorrow and I will be there to help with any questions and changes anyone wants to make.

Check out the AWESOME mailing that went out about this.....

I am so lucky to be a part of such a special shop!

Photos by Glenn Cho (the super cool ones that is, not the plain jane one I did!)

Spring is Coming!

2011-03-07T13:28:00.003-05:00

Howdy! Yes, I have been busy, nope, can't show you a darn thing! So sorry about that, but I do have some news (actually I have quite a lot since I have been blowin off the blog!) I am going to spread out my news over the week so I will for sure blog on Wed and Friday of this week.

First news is that another one of my designs is in Interweave crochet this month! It is called the Freesia Pullover and I loved making this. It is done in herringbone crochet... all in one piece from sleeve to sleeve and then the ribbing is added after.

This design is written up to size 52" bust, and the directions for the larger sizes are a bit different with shorter ribbing around the middle and more herringbone in that so-cool slenderizing vertical line.

For a sneak peak at the rest of the designs in this issue, click HERE.

See you Wednesday!

Elizabeth Grace

2011-02-14T07:16:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend, topped off by the Baptism of my niece. I was so excited for this event because my sister (being the Godmother extraordinaire) was there. I haven't seen my sister since my brother's wedding in September and I couldn't wait to squeeze her!

Here is the Guest of honor meeting her Godmother for the first time.... What a doll baby, she is the sweetest, good natured "lump of love" I have ever seen!

Here are the parents and Godparents.

It was such a great day, followed by a yummy lunch and more time with my sister.

Here is the blanket I made for her. I made it out of NaturallyCaron.com Spa and I hear she does snuggle with it. Many Thanks to my brother Adam and Diane for hosting such a wonderful event.

Blocking Lace

2011-02-10T09:39:00.003-05:00

Well... that Moss Fern Wrap is at it again in the crochet news, and I am thrilled. This time Sarah Read (project editor for Interweave Crochet) shows how to block crochet lace.... Go check it out and look at her beautiful finished object!

Crochet Me Newsletter

I have been working on lots of crochet goodies, but I can't show you a darn thing!!! The waiting is very hard for me and makes for a very boring blogger!!!

Snow Day

2011-01-27T13:52:00.002-05:00

We've had another snow day.... no knitting/crochet work, but lots of play!

Here is what happens when you let your dad use your husband's snow blower..... he blows your whole driveway!!! Whoo hoo for Dad's (well, my dad anyway)!! Anything that gets in his way has no chance!

How To Wear A Shawl

2011-01-06T07:46:00.005-05:00

The Moss Fern Wrap is showing up again.... this time as a topic on CrochetMe. Marcy Smith (editor of Interweave Crochet) shows a few different ways to wear a crochet shawl. Check out the article here.

Here is another way to wear shawls (and one of my favorite ways) These shawls I made for my brother's wedding this past September.

When you have a triangle shawl - place it over your shoulders and wrap around your arms... tie in the back underneath the shawl.... it stays in place - covers that nasty flab that has seemed to creep out under my armpits and keeps you nice and warm.

Holiday Week In Pictures

2010-12-28T13:50:00.011-05:00

The last of our Christmas guests left this morning and I am busy getting my house back in order. I have a trillion loads of laundry to sort and put away. I need to organize my daughter's toy haul in her bedroom, wash my floor, throw away all the leftover treats (this one will be the most difficult) and come up with some sort of dinner plan that doesn't include cocktail wieners and crescent rolls (which is about what I have left in the refrigerator - so let's add get to the grocery store to the list!) Mr. Fantastic is back at work and I am here with my three children - 4 extra children (make that 5, someone else just came to the back door) and almost 3 feet of snow (and ALL the snow gear that comes with it)

Here is our last week in pictures:

Santa came on the firetruck:

I made a rockin' veal goulash with dumplings for Sunday dinner:

The kids received emails from Santa:

I wrapped, and wrapped and wrapped and wrapped.......

We decorated Baba's sugar cookies:

My parents came and we went to Christmas Eve Mass:

Everyone came over for Christmas Eve Dinner:

Santa left an awesome letter:

Presents were opened:

Another Dinner:

Sorry folks... too tired at this point to take pictures!

Some of the McAlindins came and we had a BLIZZARD (Oh, and another dinner was served):

THE END!

Wrap It Up

2010-12-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

Today I will be enjoying my favorite tea and wrapping..... I hope you get everything done that you need to!

Frosted Windowpane Pullover

2010-12-15T12:08:00.005-05:00

Here is my latest published design. It is published in Interweave Crochet Winter 2010 and will be available Dec. 28th. It is called the Frosted Windowpane Pullover, and I must say.... I love this thing! It's all crochet but looks knitted. I made it on the beach this summer (yes Estella, you did see this in the works!).

Shimmer Cowl

2010-12-13T11:37:00.004-05:00

I designed the Shimmer Cowl in June, just before we left for the summer. It was a quick tight deadline and I remember stitching the lacy bottom one day and then the remainder of the cowl the next day..... I am making these as my teacher gifts this year and let me tell you - stitching from the pattern, the cowl is just as quick.

The pattern is from Red Heart and is featured on their 12 weeks of Christmas free patterns (week 10). Link to the 12 Weeks of Christmas patterns can be found here.

I made this one in Classic Elite's Waterlily and it feels so dreamy! I want to make one for myself once things slow down here.

We decorated our tree yesterday and we are anxiously awaiting Santa!

Crazy Busy

2010-12-08T08:48:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to tell you that I am under the gun with a design and will be a super happy girl tomorrow after it's overnighted to the photographer!

I am still in a fight with the green sweater.... it will be next after the current design.

I made my first teacher's gift.... here's a picture, I'll give you the details on Friday.

Crochet Time Out

2010-12-02T09:34:00.003-05:00

Right now I am working on a project for Knitknack.... it was supposed to be easy, I was going to "whip it up in a weekend". It was Thanksgiving weekend and I was very confident that I was going to show up at the shop with a brand new pattern and fantastical garment for display.... when I realized quite late into the design (I was 2/3's of the way finished) that the thing was going to be sooo long and sooo heavy, no one would wear it. Seriously..... I had to take a knee.

I ripped the whole thing out on Monday thinking you know what? I am still going to crank on this thing and have the body done and show up to the shop with this fantastical garment to tease knitters and crocheters into having to wait for sleeves and pattern. Monday afternoon after school I was feeling quite pleased with myself I was splitting for the armhole, when to my horror - I didn't have enough stitches and I counted about a billion times thinking those stitches would come out of nowhere to help me.... but they didn't. I ripped the thing out to the first armhole.....said something to the effect of Turd... and put it in a time out. Yes, there were tears and yes we are totally still in a fight. I have other things to do and I am going to do them!

I finished a beautiful shawl in lace weight Malabrigo, color ..... it's a shocker here.... green, no wait let's have it sound really cool Verde (green in Spanish).

I mostly worked on this shawl while snuggling in bed with my daughter at night waiting for her to fall asleep... it was perfect to work on at night and working with the yarn feels so good on your hands after a long day.

I am still trying to pry my awesome sweater off me so I can fix it, but as you can see as of this morning, I still have it on!

I have to start work on a secret project this afternoon, so no pictures of that.

Next post will be about a crochet-a-long for a quick and lovely cowl (not the sweater, I'm still mad)

My Favorite

2010-11-24T08:45:00.003-05:00

You know what my favorite part of Thanksgiving is?

Dessert!

Old Faithful

2010-11-22T14:06:00.005-05:00

I love this sweater. I designed it right after learning about (and then having to own everything she has ever written) Elizabeth Zimmermann. It was my first lesson in steeking and I loved every second of the construction of this easy, dropped shoulder cabled design. I remember knitting it during the winter Olympics and it was cold and snowy outside.

I love this sweater. It is the warmest garment I own and I wear it all the time. I used to wear it all fancy smanshy with cool jeans, boots and a turtleneck.... then I lost a button and I would wear it over my jammies driving the kids to school, and around the house. As you can see... I also eat with it on (and.....from the looks of the poor dear, I am a messy eater) get the mail with it on, cook with it on.... you get the picture.

After my wonderful trip to Ireland and searching hi and low in Dublin for a shop that had yarn or those sweaters everyone has in their closet that smells like sheep that they don't wear, but their aunt's sister's cousin went and brought it back.... wait I'm getting off topic. Oh yes, I couldn't find a shop - the only thing I found was a store in the airport as we were leaving and the prices were crazy pants... plus, I could make one! Wait! I already have made one.... my lovely warmest sweater ever missing a button with kung pow chicken caked on the buttonband.

I am going to fix her up. Tighten up the neck and clean her.... find that button and sew it on....

I'll show you my tricks along the way.

Sidewalk Shawl

2010-11-19T09:55:00.003-05:00

This summer I had the pleasure of designing for Debbie Stoller again. This time she requested a pineapple shawl - not too pointy - with really long fringe. The result is the Sidewalk shawl in the luscious Bamboo Ewe in Mercury.

I have to say that I'm not a fringe girl... but Debbie knows her stuff because this thing is so sassy, you can't help but feel New York Chick in this thing.

I was going away to Ireland last week and went to the stash to find I didn't have enough Bamboo Ewe (the horror), so I whipped one up in Dream in Color Classy in the color grey tabby. I made mine with an I hook and lots more fringe (so much for not being a fringe girl!).

Let's see how miss sassy sidewalk did in Ireland:

She was stunning over a chair

She really came in handy in the rain

She was uber-cool draped over my pocketbook in the Guinness Brewery

She was ready to keep we warm and vogue outside!

Want to know the coolest thing about her?...... the pattern is FREE!!

Perfect Time

2010-11-16T09:49:00.006-05:00

I have just arrived home from a getaway trip with Mr. Fantastic. Can you guess where we went? Here are a few hints....

Crochet can get down and dirty with the common man and hang with pints...

Crochet can be fancy pants and chat over tea.....

It was a perfect trip!!!

Fourteen

2010-10-06T08:55:00.004-04:00

Man, I'm lucky...

Still having fun and madly in love with my man!

Happy Anniversary Mac.

I love being your friend.

Forty And The 4 Letter Word That Begins With F

2010-09-22T09:43:00.003-04:00

Well, here it is.... I am Forty and do you know how I feel?

same as yesterday.... a lucky girl with a great family.

And the other four letter F word?

Happy First Day of Fall!!

HUGE Month

2010-09-09T11:01:00.004-04:00

September is always a big month for me, my children head back to school, scheduling starts and my birthday is in September. This year is a B I G one for me, and to be totally honest? I'm not liking it. I know it's just a number and I know you are as old as you feel, but the only thing I can think of when I think of this birthday is another word that starts with F!!

A bit of sweet news for me is that this month in my 40Th year..... my work appears in 3 different magazines and two different medias.

Let the self promotion begin!

In Crochet! magazine, my Circle Vest (for Caron International) is the Editor's Choice!! I crocheted this version while skiing in Vermont and staying with our good friends... Deanne that's you!

In Knit 'n Style magazine, my Ribbed Slit Shawl (for Coats & Clark) is my first published knitting design in a magazine. I have designed knit patterns for a long time... they are just starting to be published. The magazine has 7 pictures of the shawl- all different ways to wear the wrap.... I am blown away! Patty, I was making this at your house in January.

The last is not really IN the magazine, but it's in an add on the back cover. It's the sweater I did for Debbie Stoller and seems to be a big hit on Ravelry. I love this sweater and I designed it while on vacation in the Dominican Republic this year.

End Self Promotion - but I am smiling!

One, Four and Six

2010-09-07T09:44:00.003-04:00

This year I sent one to Sixth:

One to Fourth:

And one to First:

But I am not alone!

Ok, where was I?

2010-08-02T09:27:00.004-04:00

So the last time we talked it was Father's Day? Wow, time is flying! Let's see:

We finished up the school year with a nail in the foot (son #2) and emergency surgery 10 days later. It was rotten and totally threw me off my game. I don't want to go into details, but it was scary and not fun. Everything is fine now - Coke Slurpees are my cure-all I must have had about 15 during this whole ordeal.

Son #1 was on a great baseball team (is is the handsome guy in the center of the shot, his friend has his arm around him) and finished up the season with a collision to the outfield fence (the fence won) - the ambulance was called and an emergency visit to the dentist (to make sure his teeth were not damaged) and he is fine now - total Slurpee consumption...3.

Otis turned ONE!!! We had a lovely party for him. He enjoyed it!

Michelle (sister-in-law extraordinaire and Sunday dinner com padre) turned..... you know what? I don't remember! Doesn't matter, she looks great and we had a great time at her party. Even her little niece was able to come and celebrate with us. Total Slurpee consumption..... 0 - libations were in order (I did need the Slurpee the next day for my boo boo tummy!)

So you see, you've all learned something else about me... I love coke Slurpee's and consider them a cure-all - from stress to hangovers, relief is just a quick ride to the 7-11!!

That's enough for this post.... Next up what I've made during the last month.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T10:03:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Thank you for Bay Head.......

Thank you for being strong.

Thank you for seltzer...........

Thank you for sunsets and crab on the dock.

Thank you for nicknames that last 40 years.

Thank you for serving your country.

Thank you for boat rides.

Thank you for Ruby.

Thank you for investment talks.

Thank you for loving my husband.

Thank you for Daddygrams in college.

Thank you for purple martins.

Thank you for......you!

I love you-

Bony

My Flag Day Girl

2010-06-14T16:05:00.003-04:00

Happy 6th Birthday to the prettiest girl in the world!

Is It Summer Yet?

2010-05-20T11:43:00.003-04:00

Oh, how I long for the Dog Days of Summer.......

Beautiful Blogger

2010-05-18T09:52:00.004-04:00

WOW! What an honor to be passed the Beautiful Blogger Award from my friend Estella! I have to say when I was reading her blog minding my own business and then I scrolled down to finish the post and BAM!!! There was my picture! Such a nice thing to be given. You can read about how Estella and I met over on her blog.

As part of my acceptance speech, I have to list 7 interesting things about myself. Here it goes!

1. I love to stay in my jammies and only shower and get dressed if I have somewhere to go.

2. I am a procrastinator and do my best work under pressure.

3. I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers.

4. In 6Th grade I fell in love with my husband after seeing him for the first time in the hallway of middle school. I told all of my friends that I was going to marry him.

5. I love to bake and cook.

6. I was treated for postpartum depression after 2 of my children's births.

7. Knitting and crochet calm my nerves and soothes away the stress of everyday life. I can't imagine my life without my craft.

So, I now nominate Ellen Gormley....because between raising a family (and a ton of pets) and writing a book, and hosting crochet-a-longs and regular design work.... she updates her blog more than any other blog I read - plus, she is a really great person...

Here you go Ellen.... your turn!

When Bobbie Comes (and PaPa too!)

2010-05-13T15:45:00.004-04:00

When Bobbie comes....

Presents are given to good little children.

Hair is styled..

Otis gets his summer cut and blowout.

You find..... a "leaf umbrella" and twirl around in your new tu-tu! (points for those who know what that is!)

Little girls fall asleep in the most comfortable place to be.

Mommy doesn't do much knitting or crocheting.... but she laughs a lot!

PS my mother wore her coat the entire time she was here. The season is spring, but the temperature indoors and out feels much like late fall.

Crochet Me

2010-05-11T10:32:00.004-04:00

Crochet Me is the name of the blog from my friends at Interweave Crochet.... I was looking over some blog posts (OK I really was self googling again!) and look what I found!

Marcy (the editor of Interweave Crochet) and Sarah are making the Moss Fern Wrap and blogging about it!!! Whoo Hoo!!! Go check it out, come on go!

CROCHET ME (Mom, click on the letters that are a different color than the rest of the post... that's how you see the other stuff on the blog.)

My Mother's Day was fantastic!

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T10:19:00.003-04:00

This will be my third year writing my Mother's Day blog post. If you have been a follower of My Button Jar you already know that my mother and I are called "the twins", that she smells real good, that she LOVES hand knit socks and that she is one of the best present receivers out there.

This Mother's Day I thought I would share a few things that you don't know about my Mom.

She never wears skirts or dresses. The last time I saw my Mother wear a dress was my wedding (PS she rocked it!... She looked so beautiful)

She carries a Nantucket Lightship basket as a pocketbook and is known all over as "the lady that carries the basket"

She can sniff out the best things in an antique shop.

She stuck up for me in highschool when a friend of hers said that I attended a party where I was not supposed to be. This exchange occured at a soccar game in front of other parents (I was not there I was at the sleepover - where I was supposed to be) and my Mother never invited that woman to her house again. I have never forgotten that.....

She makes the BEST cupcakes on the planet.... we call them vitamins.

She is not a knitter/crocheter, but her mother was....

She is a fierce planner and her parties and events always go off without a glitch.... and if there is a glitch - the solution has been planned already (probably three ways to tell you the truth).

She has this unbelievable way of knowing exactly when I need her. She can tell everything that's going on with me by the way I answer the phone. It's almost eerie.

This Mother's Day I will be knitting socks for my Mother, on needles that were her Mother's and I will close my eyes, and smell her smell and I will be thankful, thankful that she's mine.

Lyon Circle Jacket

2010-03-24T07:06:00.004-04:00

It is busy here getting ready for our up coming vacation, this morning I noticed the release of this new pattern from Naturallycaron.com - it even made the newsletter! I really enjoyed making this.... it looks complicated, but is very quick to crochet. The sleeves have a bit of a fiddly part at the top - hold onto your hooks now - short row shaping!

I can't begin to describe the thrill when you are minding your own business doing the "self google" and bam! You find something new you have done, professionally photographed and looking spectacular (not to mention that pang of jealousy that you are not as thin as the model - or the fact that you had to have your 15 year old niece try on the sample to make sure all would lay right on a real body - if you call those real bodies.... whoops I am going off on a rant here, can you tell I have to get myself in a bathing suit in less than a week?!)

Fear not, ladies with real bodies.... I have one (body and circle jacket) and it looks great on any body type. Here is what I look like in mine - minus the sleeves. It's only a sneak peek, but you get the idea.

Many thanks to KJ Hay for tech editing the pattern and Kim Guzman for adding the pattern to Ravelry.

Obsession

2010-03-19T09:17:00.004-04:00

Wow, Friday already - it's been a busy week and now that Spring is almost here, the boys are starting their sports practices.... it's going to take me a bit to get used to the new schedule. I really do enjoy the winter when there is no practice to interrupt my afternoon stitching!

I wore my newest Liesl and was happy with my results. I decided to make this one a short sleeve and I love the way the lace opened up after I gave it a good bath.

I wore my new shawl on St. Patrick's Day and I love the way it goes with just about everything I own.... I just love shawls. See how after blocking it just looks.....better? All the stitches open up and lay properly, if you ever question whether you should block or not, you should - it makes your work look more professional.

I have enjoyed a quiet January and February on the design front, but that is going to change.... yarn is showing up weekly now and it's time to put my own things aside while I work on projects for next year.

My Liesl obsession continues....this time in Blue Sky Alpacas cotton.... for our up coming Spring Break trip!!! I just can't stop!!!

Wet Morning

2010-03-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

Wow, did we ever have a storm this weekend!! It rained so much I couldn't believe how much flooding happened around here. We are nice and dry and spent most of the weekend inside. I didn't do much knitting/crochet, but I did finish up two projects I had in the works. Right now they are soaking - along with the rest of us in this area! I took some pre-blocking photos, they aren't the greatest since it is still so dark here, but here they are:

New Liesl this time short sleeved with plain body. I am teaching a class at Knitknack on this design, how to make it into a pullover. It really is such a beautiful design, so many ways to make it. Here is the Ravelry link to see other versions. My current version is in Lana Bambu by Cascade Yarns.... it's a wool/bamboo mix and it feels wonderful to knit with.

This is a quick free pattern shawl that I tried out using Handmaiden's sea silk which was great to crochet with.

I am soaking my pieces in this delicious smelling wool wash. I love the smell!

Last night was my turn for Family Dinner and I made a huge pot of Spaghetti sauce. Our niece came home for spring break with her boyfriend (brave boy) and we had a great evening. Nice boy, looks you in the eye when he speaks to you - firm hand shake... qualities I am teaching my children. I snapped this picture right before dinner.... looks like a Verizon commercial....how many bars... you get the gist....(wait, is gist a word?)

Look What We Did!

2010-03-12T12:27:00.002-05:00

Look Everyone... Dumplin' got a haircut!

So did Mommy and Son #1 and Son #2, but the most drastic is "the chatty one".

Have a great weekend.

In The Works

2010-03-09T09:27:00.004-05:00

Here are the projects on my needles/hooks as of this morning:

On the left is a new Liesl that I am making a little differently. I love the color.

On the right is the Green Sweater from Schoolhouse press that I still have one sleeve to knit and a ton of finishing work to do. I love the color.

In the center is a new shawl that I found the pattern for on Ravelry and I needed something small and portable to bring to the salon today for my Spring spruce-up! I love the color.

Unbelievable how the colors in the left sweater and the color of the right sweater are the colors in the center shawl - man I am consistent!

OH, and I am working on a new design.... this time a shawl - and it's not green!

What do you think of the new set-up of the blog? See how you can click on the patterns and get them? Cool, Right (thanks Joy!)

Lobito Jacket

2010-03-05T08:58:00.004-05:00

Here is my latest pattern release from Caron yarns.... it was so much fun to design this sweater, I love the asymmetrical opening, and when I wear my version of this sweater, I wear my belt buckle on the side of my pants so that it is visible in the opening.

Two great things about this pattern are:

1. No seaming!!

2. Its FREE!!

Have a great weekend... I am hoping the Fantastic's come out of sick land (son #1 has strep now!)

Here's to You Mr. Robinson

2010-03-02T16:15:00.003-05:00

This weekend we had the heart wrenching but necessary task of saying goodbye to a very dear friend. Mr. Robinson was loved by so many people that his funeral was a real celebration of a beautiful life. A life that served his country, was married to his sweetheart for over 50 years, had 8 children, 19 grandchildren, and gave away about 20 bazillion laughs.

At the service I said to his wife, "Mrs. Robinson, I am so sad - but I have to admit, whenever I think of Mr. Robinson I smile." She replied, "Yes, Kim (she's known me that long!) he was a glad man, he lived a glad life."

I don't know why that stuck with me, but I am going to try to live my life this way.

After a sad weekend my weary bones hit the sheets only to be woken up at 4:30 am to a vomiting 5 year old. And so, after picking up vomit on the only surface she deemed acceptable for her spillage (that would be our wall to wall carpeted bedroom) I could only think of one thing... Coo coo ca-choo Mr. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know (Wo wo wo).

Goodbye dear friend.

Not Socks

2010-02-24T09:30:00.006-05:00

This Christmas as most of you know I made my mother Norwegian mittens and blogged about her reaction. When I was as the yarn store picking out the colors for the mittens, I looked down and saw this beautiful yarn still in the box and not on the shelves yet. The yarn was Lorna's Laces worsted in a beautiful colorway. Meera told me she can't keep that colorway in the shop it is so popular, so I picked up 2 skeins thinking I would make my Mom socks for her birthday...

My mother saw the yarn in my knitting basket and commented on how pretty the yarn was,I was stoked because I knew she would love her birthday socks. My mom then said, how I made her socks in those colors. Crud.... what was I going to do now?

I went back to my LYS and found that there was only 1 skein left (Meera wasn't kidding about the color flying out of the shop) and so I picked it up thinking that I would make a vest, or find something to make with the beautiful colored yarn.

Picture copyright Ysolda Teague.

After searching on Ravelry and deciding that I didn't want to design something - I found a popular pattern called Liesl by Ysolda Teague and she was donating a percentage of the sales to help Haiti... so it was a no brainer that I purchase the pattern and make myself a Liesl. The picture above is the designer in her Liesl. The great thing about Ravelry is that you get to look at every one's completed patterns and see how the finished product looks on real people. I knew I was going to make a larger size so that it didn't look so tight on me.... and I began to look over the pattern. My designer brain chimed in and said. "why don't you make this a pullover and not a cardigan.... you have a million cardigans". So, that's what I did... I changed the pattern a bit and made it a pullover.

I love it...

This yarn may or may not have jumped into by knitting bag last week to become another Leisl...

Weekend in Review

2010-02-22T10:03:00.006-05:00

We had a busy weekend..... Friday night I went to a pampered chef party, and I may or may not have brought my own flask of scotch. I bought some lovely things and you know what? The pampered chef lady (what do you call those women?) was famous! She was Miss Molly from Romper Room! As soon as I figured out who she was (well, I was told who she was - remember I may or may not have brought scotch) I turned into a 5 year old star stuck girl.... and she even had the magic mirror! Dudes, she said the whole magic mirror shpeel and said my name! Whoo Hoo it was a grand night.

Saturday, Jenni (my future sister-in-law) and I picked out the bridesmaid dresses for their upcoming wedding. They are very pretty and guess what? The color is GREEN, lovely green - my favorite.... GREEN!!!! We hosted our good friends to come for dinner, which turned into a big sleepover and that was super fun.

On Sunday, Mr. Fantastic and a bunch of helpers made this super sized snowman from the snow we still have.... It was Jenni's birthday, she and my brother came over for cupcakes after Sunday dinner.

Olympic knitting took a back seat this weekend when Mr. Fantastic and I found out a friend of ours is in need of a prayer shawl. I made it over the weekend and it is on it's way to New York today.... The pattern was so easy and the results are so pretty - two of my favorite things in a pattern - Oh, and it was free. Link here. I made it in a great washable yarn called Lava Hand Painted by Punta Yarns..... it is 30% wool and 70% acrylic. I hope she wears this shawl for a long, long time.

New Crop of Knitters

2010-02-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

Today is the beginning of an after school program that I am involved in. It was 30 years ago (ooof that was weird to write) that I was a participant in the same program and learned how to knit. I feel great excitement about this program because it gives me the opportunity to teach fresh new people how to knit - and it is up to them what they do with it. I find that very satisfying and exciting, I wonder if in this new group of 8 young people if there is a great new designer just waiting to emerge....

Olympic knitting continues on the green sweater, I love the colors in the yarn. Yesterday I was coming home from teaching a lesson at the yarn shop when a huge truck in front of me got stuck. The roadway was such that you couldn't turn around and so I was stuck.... I sat there for 30 minutes, good thing I had my knitting to keep me occupied!

Have a great weekend! The flowers in this post are from my brother, he brings me boxes of them.... aren't they beautiful?

Ski Weekend

2010-02-17T11:45:00.007-05:00

This past weekend we were lucky enough to go skiing in Vermont. We stayed with friends and had a wonderful time. I am amazed how well my children ski/snowboard and with the Olympics starting, it was great to be in a ski town and watching the winter games.

I finished a restitch of a project and sent it off to the magazine... and now I am working on another project.... this time a knit wrap that is really pretty. I have been staying up to watch the Olympics so I needed a project that I could work on while watching TV and who better to help me with mindless knitting in the round, but the Goddess Elizabeth Zimmermann...

Photo by Jared Flood.

I am going to be making the famous (in the knitting world, that is) Green Sweater, knit by Elizabeth Zimmermann (goddess of knitting) and dissected and written by Sunday Holm. I bought this kit for myself for Christmas and I was lucky enough to get the exact wool that Elizabeth used. Thrilling for me! The story of the sweater is here.

Lacy Capelet on TV

2010-02-08T10:34:00.006-05:00

So, last post I told you that I found some exciting news during my last self-google. Well, here it is! Lacy Capelet that I designed (and is a free pattern) is being featured on Knitting Daily TV!!

Wooo Hoo!!! And it gets better.... for me that is, I don't think this will blow your dresses up, but.... the very fabulous Kristin Ohmdal is touching my design. The capelet on the show is the exact one I made.

To view the preview of the show go here.

From what I can get from the preview, the show is about finishing techniques. The crochet part is about the foundation beginning technique that I use in a lot of my designs and how that can effect the "finish line of your project".

Now you know that I am super stoked about this.... but I will voice (well, my written word - not really my voice here on the blog) that I am a bit nervous that my hero Kristin may diss my finishing technique on television..... that would really stink, since I already bought the entire season of knitting daily to see the episode my capelet is in!

Northfield Two-Way Jacket

2010-02-05T11:07:00.005-05:00

I was searching around the web last night - OK, I self googled again - and I found 2 really exciting things.... here is the first, the second I will share on Monday.

The Northfield Two-Way Jacket I designed well over 2 years ago. It is made from Naturally Caron.com's Country and as the name suggests, it can be worn 2 different ways. I love the way Country crochets up, it feels so wonderful right against your skin, so this piece would be a great addition to your wardrobe as you can wear it for 3 seasons.

And get this..... the pattern is available on the Michael's website for FREE!!!! I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it may even be one of those tear-off patterns that you get at the store by the yarn, and you know what? Being a tear-off sheet would be really really sexy!!!

See? Even Otis is excited!

January in Review

2010-02-03T13:58:00.005-05:00

So sorry to be gone for so long, but quite frankly.... I didn't have anything to say. Here is our Month in Review:

We went skiing in Vermont. It was a great, great time.

Otis had another bath, this time he smelled like chamomile....

And less than 48 hours later, he smelled like a man again! (that's fresh mud dripping off of him)

We celebrated Mr. Fantastic's birthday. Here he is with my father, and my brother whose birthdays are days apart from Mr. Fantastics. This year we went to my brother's house and my sister-in-law served up a delicious meal.

I made a sweater for ME:

I made the clapochet. I switched it up a little bit and will be posting my version on Ravelry.

I restitched the lacy wristers that I designed for Coats & Clark for someone to wear to a trade show (OOH, I have to send them a bill!)

I designed a knit shawl (ooh, I have to send them a bill!)

Currently I am working on someone else's pattern (changing it up a bit). I am working with Lorna's laces and I love how soft and beautiful this yarn is!

I beat Mr. Fantastic in Scabble!!! To be fair, he did let 2 things slide - 1. I cheated and looked up the spelling of a word when he left the table for a minute, I'm not proud of it.... 2. he helped me spell a word. Those of you that really know me, know that I can't spell to save my life and I was one of the first people to have a spelling ace (it was electronic spelling aide) and wore it out in college.

And finally.... I am in the process of sending back the 15 lbs of fat I received for Christmas....it is taking a lot of my time (I am jogging or lifting weights in my basement and sounding like the ever so eloquent "Jersey girl") so please excuse the silence for another 10lbs.

Love Actually

2010-01-08T11:25:00.004-05:00

It all started on the train.... my friend was on the train with her friend and a man on the train from the mere sight of her.... knew he had to know her. He was able to get her phone number (from my friend's friend) and a relationship was born.

Fast forward one and 1/2 years....

On Tuesday, Dumplin' and I went to their wedding. It was a simple, lovely, beautiful wedding and I was so pleased to be included.

Here is the bride... she borrowed my headpiece - I was so thrilled! My Christmas present to her is the shawl she is wearing.... can you guess the pattern?

It was a wonderfully romantic day!

Heart & Sole

2010-01-06T10:43:00.003-05:00

This summer I designed two projects for an accessory book from Coats & Clark titled "More than Socks"..... all the projects in the book are made from Red Hearts Heart & Sole sock yarn.

This lacy scarf is super quick and looks great!

These wristers take only a few hours to crochet. The lacy edge is crocheted back and forth in rows first and then the body of the wrister is worked in the round from the lace.

Right now I am finishing up a knit design, then I have 2 more work projects to complete and then I can work on something for me!!

New Year's Day

2010-01-01T15:14:00.004-05:00

Thirteen years ago today, I lost my maternal grandfather Norman Holcomb. I woke up to the phone ringing and news of his passing. I was a newly married woman and went downstairs to have a cry. While downstairs, I found a live bird in my house.... I knew that bird was my grandfather coming to let me know he was free (he suffered from Alzheimer's). I caught the bird, went outside in the cold and said a prayer to my grandfather. I opened up my hands to let the bird free and to let go of my grandfather. What a beautiful story, it really happened and because my life is so full of humor I will continue....

So when I open up my hands to let the bird go, it keels over and falls to the ground. "Holy crap!" I say through my tears and bend over to retrieve the bird. Turns out it was just stunned and after I righted it it flew away. Not really Hallmark, it would have been had the bird taken to flight right away, but real life isn't the movies or a channel on cable. And so, on this day of new beginnings, I thought I would share what I consider a new beginning. The beginning of my life without my grandfather:

Here he is holding me for my first Christmas in 1970.

Here he is in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. He was a mover and moved Babe Ruth's things (among others) when there was a restoration of the Hall of Fame. While visiting there in 2006, Mr. Fantastic found the picture (he is the handsome man in the center of the picture, holding the picture of Babe with a bat). It was a thrilling moment for me.

Here he is today:

He is in the stubbornness of my first born and in his golf swing.

He is in the beautiful face of my second born and his very infectious and distinguishable laugh.

He is in the unbelievable ability of my third born to fall asleep in any position.

And his face is in my mother, in her humor and if I squint real hard...... I see him.

So you see, I never have to live my life without him, he is still everywhere if I take the time to look. Happy New Year.

Why I Knit

2009-12-27T15:30:00.009-05:00

When deadlines are looming (they are again) and I am sick and tired of knitting or crocheting.... I am going to watch this. I love you Mom.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year!

Mom is Busy!

2009-12-15T09:33:00.003-05:00

Hey all! Otis here, Mom is real busy getting ready for the Holidays, so I thought I would check in and show you what's been going on.

Santa came on the Firetruck and the kids all got gifts, and I got really scared.

We decorated the tree in the family room. That was fun and you know what? The water in the tree tastes sooooo good!

I like to lay around under the tree in the knitting room. It messes up the tree skirt, and it makes me giggle that Mr. Fantastic has to fix it a million times a day!

I had my first professional groomer come and that was lots of fun.... the groomer says I was a perfect gentleman and I was so fluffy and smelled like blueberries...... I had to fix that - so the next day, I went out back, dug myself a nice hole laid in it..... and now?

I smell like a man again.

I went to Jared!

2009-12-09T16:07:00.004-05:00

As in Jared Flood aka Brooklyntweed, not that annoying jewelry store!! Well, I'm sure the jewelry store is not annoying.... but the commercials on TV are super annoying. I walked into the store rockin' my new Quincy hat (available in Jared's new book) and I wore a skein of Malabrigo as a scarf. Turns out, people loved the skein of yarn for a scarf thing!

Anyway, on Saturday my LYS Knitknack had a book signing and on Sunday Jared taught classes (which I heard were amazing!) Can we all stop at look at how CUTE he is!!! Holy cow and he was so nice and just a regular guy. When I walked into the shop, he was sitting behind a table and there was a lull in the action. The shop was quiet and he look at me and said, "Hi, I'm Jared." Yeah, no duh! So in my most casual, not starstruck what-so-ever voice, I said, "Hello, if I weren't' happily married would you run away with me so we could live on a farm with sheep and knit all day long? my name is Kimberly"

Look at what Meera (LYS owner extraordinaire!!) is wearing! It's the newly competed (did I mention no one is getting handmade gifts from me this year?) Moss Fern Wrap in a larger weight yarn.... Doesn't she look pretty??? Cool thing about it is that it only takes 1/2 of the ginormous skein, so if I were making holiday gifts this year I could make 2 from 1 skein!!! Hop on over to Ravelry (I'm fiberlover) and check out the specifics I did modify the numbers for this one - it took 2 days to make and 1 to block and dry. Great, great last minute gift - well, not really a minute... more like frantic crocheting for hours and hours... but you get my drift!

Finger Work

2009-11-19T19:56:00.005-05:00

I know I have been silent..... I know my family has missed me..... I promise I will be back after Dec. 1st.... I have been working my fingers to the bone, to the bone I tell ya, and I have nothing to show for it.... Here is a bit of my other finger work! Make sure to note around 50 seconds how my Dumplin' goes from pure happy, to something different!

And speaking of fingers..... I am officially addicted to butterfingers. It started at Halloween, I had about, oh.... 15 of them (fun sized, that is) and I love them, I know... but I do. Well, after I went through the leftover candy here..... I started to pilfer through my children's candy when they weren't looking. I told them to hide their candy from me because well, I know me, and I would eat it. Turns out.... my children have sucky hiding spaces and to be honest? I was a little bit peeved that my 11 year old chose under his bed. Under your bed?!! Please, his butterfingers didn't have a chance - poor things.

Total 'finger count for today..... 6. Well, now it's 7 because I was writing about them and needed to have one while my video was processing.... Crap.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T09:50:00.005-04:00

This morning I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for a Halloween party we are going to tonight. They are really good - although I like raisins with my pumpkin much better than chocolate. Don't get me wrong... chocolate and I are really, REALLY good friends, but with pumpkin, it's not my favorite.

While baking the cookies, I thought I would share with you my favorite fall oatmeal recipe. When I eat this in the morning.... I stay full for the most part of the day... bonus!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

makes 4 servings

Make the oatmeal according to the box recipe (for 4 servings, do not omit the salt!) I also make the oatmeal with 1/2 the liquid water and 1/2 skim milk.

When it is finished cooking on the stove add in:

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup sugar (I use in the raw sugar)

Stir together and enjoy!

Fried Turkey Love

2009-10-19T08:16:00.004-04:00

This weekend, my friend came to visit us from Florida.... we had such a great time together and the kids picked up right from where they left off. It was cold, so we had a cozy fire and spent a great night together (the Yankee win was the icing on the cake!)

Sunday was a cold, rainy day and my brother came over to fry a turkey. It was our first time and it was a lot of fun - well, anything with my brother is a lot of fun! The turkey was really good and cooked in 50 minutes!

I have started to work on 4 projects for Naturally Caron that are due by Dec. 1st.... If I stay on track, I shouldn't be too crazed (I can almost guarantee I won't stay on track.... it does make life more interesting and good things to write about on the blog!)

The next blog post will have knitting.... I promise!

Ancient Episcopal Proverb

2009-10-09T10:52:00.005-04:00

"Puppy who eats knitting spends many hours in crate"

OK, I am sure you are sick of the puppy talk... but to be totally honest? the puppy thing is kicking my butt! I know it will get better, I know I won't have to clean up house messes for much longer, I know the barking in the crate at night that goes through me like nails on a chalkboard will stop, I know I will be able to sleep with my husband again, I know I will be able to design again soon, but for right now all I do is follow around an 18 week old canine and get my basic house chores done (well most of them)

This weekend our oldest Son turns 11...wait I have to take a knee....... I cannot believe how grown up he looks and what a great person he is turning out to be. He is opting to spend his birthday weekend at the beach with his grandparents..... need I say more?

New Puppy

2009-09-30T07:41:00.004-04:00

This is what children look like when they get a new puppy:

This is what Mommy looks like:

Any questions??

When Dreams Come True

2009-09-26T14:41:00.006-04:00

Here is my first ever Interweave Crochet design and, in my opinion, my largest Crochet design accomplishment: The Moss Fern Wrap.

I designed this after meeting Gina Wilde at my local yarn shop. She was an amazing person and I felt very inspired by her yarns, her dye process and pretty much everything about her (can we all say stalker together and get it over with?!)

If I had one person to thank for this it would be Meera, my local yarn shop owner. Meera has pushed (without even knowing it) my design engine. Her choice of yarns and color is something I have never seen before. Walking into her store knitknack is a feast for the eyes! I am always inspired by her shop and my wallet can attest for that!

Thank you Meera for steering me in the right direction, for your confidence in my designs, and for your friendship and honest nature that I so admire.

Otis

2009-09-19T18:43:00.002-04:00

And Here He Is!

Meet Otis our Australian Labradoodle.... I am in love!

School

2009-09-11T14:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I sent one to Middle School:

One to third grade:

And one to Kindergarten:

I need a dog!

Vacation

2009-08-28T16:44:00.002-04:00

We will be on Vacation until Sept 9th!!! Enjoy the last days of Summer!!

Secret Project Done

2009-08-25T12:09:00.004-04:00

I have been working on a secret project for a little over two weeks now and I am thrilled to say that she is done! Well, not really done because I still have to block her and write the pattern. I wish I could give you a little glimpse of what she is but I can't do that.... Wait! Here she is!

Sorry, I wish I could show you more! I have two sketches to send off this afternoon, so I have to get going, it's finally a swimming beach day (hurricane Bill did not let us swim the whole weekend!)

How Many More Days

2009-08-21T11:56:00.004-04:00

this picture was taken about 20 min. ago

Mom, How many more days do we have at Bobbie & Papa's?

We have a little under 3 weeks.

Man, summer goes by way too fast!

The Dress

2009-08-17T09:33:00.003-04:00

I am still posting about the Conference in Buffalo because so much happened to me during that week! One of the first things I found out when I arrived at the hotel was that I was going to be modeling in the fashion show. Now, I am not a model..... but I have to say, it was a lot of fun to be one for the day! I was asked to try on a dress, THE DRESS which turns out was the grand prize winning dress of the design contest. I tried on the dress because, well..... I could fill out the cup size. The dress was made by fellow designer Renee' Barnes and was really beautiful. The bottom of the dress was a lace alpaca and literally floated when I walked. It was so soft, so comfortable. The top was free form crochet over a strapless bra. I was a bit smaller than the bra, so I had to be tapped and stuffed in there and I was nervous the whole thing was going to slide down! Here is the picture taken of me after I came off the runway by Drew Emborsky.... I needed some spray for my tan lines!! (that's model speak.... way cool, or that's what I was told)

Renee' blogged about the dress and her winning, and she even asked me to answer some questions and put it up on the newly featured designer profile. Thanks Renee' for the opportunity to wear that beautiful dress and the designer profile!

I'm Famous...... in Buffalo

2009-08-14T13:28:00.004-04:00

My girlfriend and roommate (and extremely talented crochet designer) Tammy Hildebrand sent over this link from Buffalo.com. It was taken on Saturday at the conference. Pictured from left to right are: Marty Miller, Me, Tammy, Drew Emborsky, and Carol Ventura.

A new friend of mine emailed me via Ravelry (hey Sheldon!) and wanted to know what I had been up to since the conference. I give you my response:

I came back from Chain link to lots of hugs and smiles from my wee ones, they really missed me and were on their best behavior for about......... 10 hours. Since the conference I have

Washed, folded and dried 4 loads of laundry

Cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Made 4 beds

Went to the grocery store twice

Spent the night in the ER (Son #2 has a ruptured ear drum)

Made a liqueur store run (and I'm fixin' to go again!)

Begun to design a knit tunic for a book that is coming out in spring '11 (Oh, that was weird to write '11, that is.... not the book thing. It's not MY book it is a compilation book I am going to be in - but I didn't say that out loud!)

We just finished lunch here, and I am getting ready for the beach.... Son #2 is upset because there will be no swimming for him this weekend.... but he can play all the video games he wants. It seems that I am still very, very..... not famous, just had my picture taken with a bunch of famous designers.

She Works Hard for the Money

2009-08-12T10:10:00.003-04:00

Chain Link was an incredible experience (again!). This year I was a little bit more involved in the behind the scenes, something that I found I LOVED! Last year I signed up to be on the Professional Development Day of the conference and I really enjoyed the behind the scenes. Tammy Hildebrand, Marty Miller, Drew Emborsky, Amy Shelton, Doris Chan, all pulled together by the incredible Robyn Chachula (are you impressed yet? If not, google a few of those names..... I was in Designer Hog heaven I tell you!) put on a great day for aspiring Designers, contract crocheters, future yarn shop owners, and many more! The day was long and my feet were killing me (my shoes Rocked, though) but I had a great time.

I got to hob nob with the biggies of the industry, and I loved every second of it. Pictured above are Me, Vashti Braha, and Marty Miller: we are in the "office" after hours...... we are switching crochet garments and Drew is taking pictures of us (note to self: never leave camera alone with Drew - I have some crazy photos!)

I came home from this conference with a lot of design work ahead of me..... I am thrilled! I have a knit deadline coming up August 31st...I have made all of my swatches and started the numbers part. Today I get to cast on...... the yarn is Decadent Fibers Marshmallow, and knit up it really feels closer to cashmere than wool. The colorway is going to be called Honey Butter, Mmmmm I need some tea and toast for breakfast! I love this work!!!

I don't love this work though!

Chain Link

2009-08-03T09:21:00.004-04:00

Manicure/Pedicure and Foil Touch up...................$150.00

Full Tank of Gas to drive to Buffalo.........................$70.00

New Clothes and shoes to match the crochet garments I made.............. Honey, you don't want to know

Spending 5 days with your crochet peers........... PRICELESS!

I will be spending the next week either driving to and from Buffalo for Chain Link (the national crochet conference) or taking classes, helping with the professional development day (I am on the committee) or spending more money on yarn. I am so thankful for this opportunity to go by myself to recharge my mommy batteries and hang with other Fiber - lovers. I can't wait to see my friends from last year.... Pictured are the garments I made in the past week for the conference.

Ribbon Candy Shawl

2009-07-29T22:48:00.003-04:00

I have been working on a lot of crochet designs..... and let me tell you I am tired! I have been working on a new shawl design for the Decadent Divas of decadentfibers and tonight I have finally put the finishing touches on the pattern. I had a little bit of a problem because I always photograph my work in my house and as everyone knows I am at the beach for the summer. I really needed to get the latest shawl photographed, so I went into a little shop in town today and asked if i could use theirs. While I was there I found the PERFECT shoes to wear with the shawl at Chain Link next week........BONUS!!!

Here she is.... the Ribbon Candy Shawl named for the silk chenille edging that reminds me of ribbon candy. The shawl is made of 3 skeins of the newest sock yarn from the Decadent Divas and 1 skein of the silk chenille. Kits will be sold at the conference next week.

This past weekend we had a great visitor that made us laugh all day.... here he is at the dinner table.... priceless!

Dr. Itch

2009-07-24T18:02:00.004-04:00

Dr. Itch is an elderly gentleman who comes to our dock to crab every other morning. Since we have been coming here every summer for the past 3 years, Dr. Itch really enjoys seeing "the little people". Dr. Itch is over 80 and used to be a dermatologist - his license plate says Dr. Itch, so that is what we call him.

Every morning my children climb out of bed and "help" Dr. Itch with the crab traps. They chat his ear off (I don't think he can hear them too well!) and they genuinely enjoy his visits. I love to watch them scamper after him and yesterday on the porch was this treat....

Crab Legs! The crew devoured them and can't wait for the next bunch! I love to see Dr. Itch and the way my children love to see him makes my heart smile.

Weird

2009-07-21T16:29:00.004-04:00

Dearest Katherine (my sister)-

Thank you for your email requesting I update my blog. Really, I love to see that you are clicking on My Button Jar everyday! I am so sorry I haven't updated in a week... I was doing some design work today when I received your email and I wanted to post a picture of you on the blog real quick.... but I haven't downloaded all of my pictures from when you came to visit. Lucky you! Anyway the other day, Mom and I were in town shopping with my 3 cherubs and we met one of Mommy's friends. She had with her two of her grandchildren. Guess what?! She has 3 grandchildren... and they have the same names as my children! Weird.... right!

I snapped a photo of them all and I was pleased to figure out that my children are older, and I named them first!

Love you-

Kimberly

The Wedding Shawl

2009-07-14T14:31:00.003-04:00

A few days before I was leaving for the beach, my friend called and asked if I could make her a shawl for her brother's wedding..... I couldn't resist. My friend came over and brought her dress and we found the perfect yarn. It was a brown sock yarn that I bought on sale and I had just enough. The pattern is not my own... but I will be making one for myself soon! The pattern is from Carolyn Christmas

I was thrilled that she sent me pictures of her in the shawl!

It was my first project this summer. The next project I made was a sweater for myself and I had to rip it back to the armholes.... currently I am working on 3 designs all due by Aug 4th.... I am super busy, but it is great to be working at the beach.

Commercial

2009-06-29T10:44:00.003-04:00

Car tune up and full tank of gas...........$100.00

Packing, laundry and unpacking..........blood, sweat, and tears

Groceries and alcohol.............................$300.00

Spending the summer in paradise with your Grandparents.......PRICELESS