Learning New

After reading Jane Brocket's The Gentle Art of Domesticity (again), I've changed my mind about 2 things: learning to crochet and knitting socks. Before I thought, why bother? Then her words and pics inspired me so. I picked up a copy of Erika Knight's Simple Crochet. I LOVE this book and the projects.

So, armed with a crochet hook and some cotton yarn, I tackled our 7 + hour ride to western NY with the goal of learning how to make a granny square. guess what? I did it. Still learning and lots of frustration, I did it. They're not perfect but that's ok. I love changing up the colors and using my stash.

So once I caught this crochet bug, I'm a bit obsessed (typical Elizabeth-style). Came across Wisecraft's Granny square scarf - this might be the perfect project for these squares. Attic 24 has a great tutorial on joining the granny squares. I don't know how warm the cotton yarn will keep me put it sure is cheery.

Crochet is so portable. I'm loving it....now to be inspired to sew in some loose ends.

I missed you

I've been wanting to write. Really. With the holidays and the getaway to the in-laws in rural western NY, we are just getting back to some sort of normalcy. Our chaotic normal where creativity lives. With sleepy heads who can't fall asleep or get our of bed in the cold morn. twirly skirts with one leg warmer. a number of knitting projects because i like variety. And learning crochet. why not?

A few findings throughout the holiday break.



Yummy pomegranates

Well-deserved naps

A juicing for Christmas Day: apples, spinach, kale, ginger, lemons, beets. Festive and yummy.

Oh. You must meet Sally, the latest addition to our family. 'Sally Stitches' is wearing the pjs the kids refer to as 'elf pants'. She fits right in.

Busy, Busy holly days

We've been running around enjoying the holidays. Here are some snaps:

Seeing Santa

Holiday concerts wearing our Sunday best.

Selling items in time for the holidays

A last-minute gift for mom, lover of many things including Strawberries. I (HEART Cath Kidston MAKE)!

Lots of applique.

Off to finish some pj bottoms while kids are in school/play date. merry, merry

I did it!!

This is me at a table. Smiley for a variety of reasons.



I signed up for a craft show. I made things, showed up, and sold things. Phewww...All my nights working toward this event caught up with me. I crashed.

Overall, great success. Next step is etsy land (there is no problem with link, just a blank shop that is not open for business...yet). Need to re-charge, instead of plowing through. Hoping to get items up in the new year.

So off to enjoy the December festivities with our friends and family.

Cherry Jubilee

Our harvest of Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry from Seed Savers Exchange. I'm saving fruit and freezing until I figure out what to make.

Recipes I can't wait to try:

• Ground Cherry Salsa via Catertots
• Ground Cherry Jam via Cooks.com

Signing off to begin Thanksgiving celebrations.

Dainty fall sightings

I wanted to share the following finds:

mini haystacks greet you at this DC home.

Violas, a contrast from the foliage. so dainty and yet proud.

I pull the shade in my daughter's room and this is what we see. This Japanese Maple takes my breath away. What a wonderful way to start the day.

POP!!!

I have a story to tell. It started with a little seed. This past spring, we ordered Strawberry Popcorn from Seed Savers. Planted it in our raised beds and it grew.

Something magical happens when you grow something from seed, care for it through all kinds of weather, harvest, and then enjoy it.

Hopping towards the Holidays

I heard my first Christmas song yesterday. Too early by my standards. I am trying to get an enjoyable early start on holiday shopping so I can enjoy December instead of my usual frazzle trying to get last minute things done.

Angela from The Artists' House started A Crafty Holiday blog - a hop of sharing the handmade love as we think, plan, and enjoy the holidays. I've enjoyed looking at everyone's wish lists of handmade items. Joining this group has been inspiring and motivating. It takes a few more moments to pause and actually think about what people in my life would like what. It makes the gift-giving a bit special, instead of standard gifts for the sake of giving. I want my family's gifts to me an extension of our thoughts - I am thankful for having you in my life. What better way than discovering a talented individual who, although you don't know personally, spent their precious time, creating something for your someone. with love, of course. I don't think it gets better than that, really.

My virtual shopping list:

For my husband -
To add to his growing Kennedy collection, a JFK print by squibb.

For my son -
A giant checkerboard set from porchswingafghans for game night on the porch. I'm drooling over the detail in this afghan.

For my daughter -
Who dreams about the 'croissant moon' while adoring her Hello Kitty friend. A sweet necklace to remember this stage in her world by LillyEllen.

A few items for me, should anyone ask.
 - A poppy embroidered bracelet by irenagasha.

 - Doesn't everyone need a Tweet's Tea Time Ring by Doodlebirdie.

- And, to bring green into my office until I tackle making my own terrarium, this Small tree terrarium garden by NYCterrariums.

with an addition of these sweet mushrooms by SerenityMosaics, of course.

While taking time and starting my holiday wishing and shopping, I've noticed:
 - I'm enjoying shopping (this soming from one who prides herself on making it to the mall 1x a year)
 - Inspiration from such talented individuals.
 - remembering why we give gifts
 - I really do love the holidays and feel like a kid again.

I've enjoyed sharing the holiday, handmade love. The momentum continues with Emily Myer’s Blog tomorrow. And, if you missed any posts prior to, here's the listing.

Here's to you making your own handmade holiday. Share the love...

Off West

I was in San Diego last week for work. And, although I wasn't able to enjoy the city because of long work days, the city was a beautiful backdrop. I can't wait to come back and play. I am still amazed that this piece of paradise exists.

A Summer memory

I realize, and can't believe!, Thanksgiving is in a couple weeks. I was going through some pics and was reminded of the great time our family had on the Cape. Here are some of my visual, inspirational reminders of our summer holiday.

There are so many sweet spots to stop and see including Karen's Garden Cottage Antiques. I dream about being the owner of such a show. I am in love with the idea in my head. Shabby chic goodness! Loved this 'garage' linked to home by wisteria pergola. Just dreamy.

Loved walking the streets of Wellfleet. Time stood still around every corner.

Loved the colors (and smoothies) from The Juice.

Oh and this sign and yellow door. Memories are flooding back and, all of a sudden I am surrounded by the warmth of family escape this summer. Delights all around.