big lovely cowl

You know what's in right now?  COWLS.  They are fantastic.  They are like scarves, but you don't have to worry about what to do with the ends.  Just loop it up and around you as many times as you like, and off you go.

Not only that, but they are fun to make.  Knit in the round on large needles and big yarn, this project was a one-weekender, the ultimate in squishy satisfaction.  Here is the pattern link for the free download.  In wool ease Claret, I thought it made a nice gift for a dear and fashionable cousin.

I might need to make another for myself.  It seems like just the thing to wear to the dog park on a winter afternoon.

sunday inside

Outside: Windy, cold.  
Lunch: Winter Vegetable Soup and GF bread, Green Tea
Reading: The Whale by Herman Melville
Listening to: The Goat Rodeo Sessions
On the needles: Top Secret Project #2


And you?

purgatory chasm

Another good knit for the cold moths: fingerless gloves

 

I used the stitch pattern from Woodsie Gloves, but I did not like the glove construction of this pattern, so instead I used the basics of this pattern.  I am very happy with the results.  I named it after a hike that I did with my FIL last year, as he was the happy recipient of the gloves.

If you bundle up enough, the cold weather can't stop you from getting outdoors.  Let's get out and go hiking!

happy feet

A necessity for January: knitted slipper socks.

I made two pairs this past year, one for my DB and another for my DH.  This is actually DH's second pair; I finally had to give up darning his last pair and make him a new one, he wears them so often!  This time I added a suede bottom, which I hope will extend their life.  The yarn is Lion Brand Thick and Quick, the pattern is Slipper Socks (with a few modifications), available as a free download.

Warm feet make any cold day better.  Enjoy with a cup of coca and have a lovely day~!

and twelve

2011 was quite the year, wasn't it?  This coming year has it's own exciting events to look forward to, but overall our family can expect something a little more calm, but joyful still.  Our goals are very domestic; doggie frisbee lessons, finding a dentist, community farm shares and storing and canning, learning to quilt.  We are very happy with our lot these days.  Just look at these sleeping puppies; what's not to love?

So here are wishes for a joyful and calm 2012.
What are your goals and thoughts for the new year?  We're just starting out- anything is possible!