Not sleeping

The second snowman ever to glide into the collection, long before I realized there was an illness associated with the little buggers. This is an old 'Hallmark' ornament from 1997. When I bought him I was just impressed with the clever way he opens at the waist, revealing a super-secret compartment. He's a tiny porcelain box.

One of my secret holiday fantasies is that I'll find a whomping pair of diamond ear studs inside him on Christmas morning. I always check on the sly, in case Herr Becher has a sudden bout of telepathy about gift giving. The kids noticed me peeking two years ago. Last year I found a note, no bigger than a postage stamp, tucked inside, that said 'we love you mom' with all their names and the year. I was crushed that this year it was gone. Someone mentioned in passing that they thought Eli ate it the day we packed up the ornaments. Oh, well...

Last night at the theater, as we prepared ourselves to step into the bracing cold, Melly saw a woman in a hodge-podge scarf and asked what the story was behind it. As knitters, we all know these things do not just happen on their own, right? It turns out a friend of hers lost her son recently, and the swatch scarf was knit to keep hands busy during the initial grieving process.

It makes me ache, but I'm so glad Melly thought to ask about it.

Well, time to chase the kids out of the bathroom and carve out some alone time with my blow-dryer, then it's off to the shop, with a grand total of 3.5 hours of sleep under my belt (and under my eyes). The Xanax seems to be losing it's touch, though I suspect the caffeinated sodas from last night were more to blame. Be well, and stay warm. C

Giving the bird

Today was one of those perfect days that will glow in my memory for quite a while. A day spent hanging out in the shop with muh knittas, the anticipation of the evening out (again, with muh knittas), and a rather fast paced drive home in 'Justice'. Dark evening, curving roads, and a wild-eyed girl (har) getting more and more familiar with the roadster's capabilities. Shoes off definitely helps.

This little snowman is another very recent addition to the menagerie, courtesy of Miss Robin. I can remember this because little dude is holding a bird (albeit a cardinal, but still). He's keeping the shop tree company until Christmas eve, when I saddle him up and haul him home.

Here's the 'Route 66' quilt top from Rachael. I'm putting a border on it and it'll be for the youngest boy in the family we're drowning in quilts this winter. Perfectly wonderful, and many thanks to the big-hearted, beautiful woman who brought it to us (you, me, and the mouse in Clementine's pocket).

Here's the larval-stage quilt for the oldest boy, a young man of sixteen. Homespun plaids and checks, right out of Phyl's stash. Properly aged and waiting to be needed. I can't think of a better use for stashed blocks than the project we are embarking on now. You rock, pretty lady.

Tonight, Melly, No-Amy/Noemi, and I went to see 'Twilight'. Other than the wretched special-effects, the movie was gorgeously crafted. Having read through the book a few times first (ahem), it was hard not to have a critical eye at the way the storyline emerged, but The Edward more than made up for any shortcomings. I didn't even get us kicked out of the theater, but several giggle-snorts were heard amongst the three amigas. Probably muttering 'nom, nom, nom' during the kissing scenes did not aid in keeping the peace, but what can I say? Dude kept missing his chance.
Time to head to bed, as tomorrow is Second Sunday, and thus a 'workday' for our Clementine. Grab your knitting and claim a seat in the knit pit. I'll be there. Latah, crafty chicas. C

twitch

Another day, another snowman.

My camera is waiting to be relieved of it's photos, and I had big plans to show you, tonight, the quilt top Rachael made, and the whopping stack of nine-patch blocks Phyl brought in today (with backing, even. She is so good, that Phyllis.), but for a brain cramp I am suffering with. Today was a headache, and all due to some dumb man I don't even know.
Anyway, this dumb man sees himself as a bit of a practical joker. The office boob, if you will. He is also 'the boss', and possibly feels no compulsion to reign in his unruly side. Now imagine you are a burgeoning sock knitter, and you took your socks to work with you to pass the time as you sat waiting for the phone to ring. You have many inches of 2x2 ribbing finished, on 2mm needles, and you are called away from your desk, just for a moment.

This is where I start to get a little shaky. I need a minute...
(deep cleansing breath in...) so you come back to your desk and find the needles pulled out of your sock. All seventy-two of their ribby little bodies twisting free of the confines of your knitting; the needles lay beside them on the desk.

(and breathe out slowly. And in again...)
What kind of freaking lunatic does that to another human being???

That is so far from funny, it couldn't find funny with a map, a military satellite, and a damn guide dog.
You may have guessed by now that I spent the afternoon performing sock surgery. Not a stitch was lost, though many were mangled and split in our valiant sock knitter's attempt to get them picked up... and she did get them back on needles before she brought it in for help. That she attempted to re-knit them was just a bit more confusing, but in the end, I think it's all fixed. I have to go rock myself in a corner while I chew my hair. Back when the twitching stops. C

Objects in mirror

Quickie 'bonus post' from your's truly, because the day is getting away from me. Quippiness to resume tomorrow (with photos). Here is a new snowman/woman, who I suspect is winking. Stinking cuteness.

Objects of my desire, (and tea)...

"No-Amy"/Noemi just informed me about this, so it'll be playing on a loop in my head through the weekend. Like I needed that. (But, yeah, I did.)

And for My Evil Twin, further proof of our separation at birth... we might both be slightly less than handi-capable at bathroom photography... and yes, I am pretty much all nostrils... and they flare, too.

guest blogger

Because Cami is a lazy ass, by her own admission. So heeeeeeereeeee's melly! with her own, super-cute snowman:

Cami made me swear I wouldn't post a picture of a Santa (which is what I collect). You'll have to surf on over to my blog to see Santa Cuteness (coming soon).
She's ass deep in the fourth Twilight book. Next thing you know, I'll be hooked and she'll be guest posting on my blog!

You want some yarn porn? It's been a while since we saw any knitting on this here knitting blog. I've cast on the Modern Quilt Wrap from Knitting Daily. It is a stunning pattern. Knit in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, or crack as we like to call it. Only this crack you don't say no to:

Don't you just want to rub it on your naughty bits? I remember having a conversation in the shop about what would be the perfect outfit for this wrap. It went something like this:

me: jeans, boots and a t-shirt.
Cami: a nice pantsuit.
Rhonda: naked.
We all agreed with Rhonda. It's that nice.

I think Cami is still willing to put together a kit for this. Give her a ring on the telly. Tell her melly sent you. :)

ETA: Linky fixed. I laughed my ass off! Sorry for the scare, folks. I have not been born again. I was born ok the first time. :)

Two - Two - Two posts in one

Confession time.
I went out to do those all important errands with the children on Sunday afternoon, and promptly fell down the latest literary rabbit hole. Yes, gentle readers, I've fallen under the spell of Edward and Bella, and would be held captive in the pages still, had I not come abruptly to the end of the third book just an hour ago. I don't know what made me pick up the first two volumes, but I found myself standing in Target with both of them clutched in my hands. Something about the crazed look in Noemi's face as she'd been describing the story to me, the hushed tones her voice took on... reverent and incredulous... awestruck. She's not even, by her own admission, much of a reader. I had to see for myself.

Today was reserved for Herr Becher, and after my dentist appointment, he surprised me with a trip to the bookstore to score the other two tomes. Of course, the holiday crush of shoppers had left the store with exactly zero copies of book four, but the third was waiting for me. Once home, and with a fist full of cookies, I kicked off my shoes and crawled into bed. The grey skies and rain outside the window set the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of reading under the covers. Tomorrow I'll start the hunt for the fourth book. In the meantime, here's the belated 'snowman' that I couldn't be bothered to post in a timely fashion (hey, blame Edward, not me):

More function than form, this little half-bucket is perfectly adorable. My plan was always to hide peppermints in it, though I always forget to buy any in time to hide in the tree. This year should be different, since I've now been forced to remember in time. Good plan.
The next one didn't photograph nearly as well as I would have liked, but over the past few years he's become a tad cloudy in his little glass bubble of a snow globe. A good shaking gets the fluff flying, but I can only play with it when the kids aren't looking. I have to set a good example, you know.

And that's all there is to say about the tiny obsessions on the tree for today. Yesterday, though technically a day I'm not in the shop, found me not only at the shop, but solving my own computer glitch. Gasp. It also brought in Rachael's quilt top (done in car/Route 66 fabrics... perfect for a boy!) and even as she was en route to deliver it, braving the icy roads, I was in contact with another blogger about quilty-bits for our donation quilts... all the way from California. Yay. You guys are just amazing. Thank you both. Time to get busy and get them ready for the quilter. We might need to have a bake sale or something to offset the very minimal (thanks to Laura) quilting costs. More to think about. I might even be persuaded to offer up my chocolate croissants for this. But for now, I'm off to enjoy a quiet evening of not reading, but knitting, next to the Herr. Latah, crafty chicas. C

Another snappy scarf

The ready availability of the paper-mache, glitter-coated snowman has made them a prominent feature of the snowman tree. This one may look like the other glitter covered, red scarf wearing snowman of a previous post, but this one is totally different. He's sitting down holding a tiny tree, for one thing. And his hat is bigger. Worlds of difference. There's about a dozen more just like 'em. The vintage look of them is what totally gets me, with the pinked edges of their felt hats, the tiny tags, trees, and/or candies they hold, and all that glitter. Adorable.

Here's a somewhat recent (in the last two weeks, anyway) shot of little man for the "where's Eli crashed out now?" album. I scrolled through a year and a half's worth of photos this morning and it's appalling how many weird shots of Eli we have passed out. On the stairs. On a cardboard shipping crate full of fabric. Propped up in the corner of a chair with his mouth hanging open, looking disturbingly lifeless. Ugh. But I thought I'd share this one for Thimbleanna, who was the first to out him as the narcoleptic toddler he is.

This photo is for Gaylen. I just wanted her to know she's not alone in her war against rodents. See? Even our bluebirds have issues at their house.

Or, rather, they did, until that tree blew over this fall. Herr Becher needs to go choose a new home for them. Bit cold for the out-of-doors today, though. I'm headed to the kitchen for some decaf and a bit of Xanax, and then I'll be enjoying 'pajama day' until noon, when I officially have to pack everyone up and go get some errands done. Greenwood on a Sunday, two weeks from the holidays... shudder. (Just in case you were curious what the meds were for.) C
p.s. for Miss Laurel: go here to the bottom of the post for the molasses cookie recipe. Eat enough of them and they are very likely to kick-start your labor, lil' mama. Be well. *mwah*

Pardon my street light

The tiny burg of Franklin was all lit up for the holidays, as tonight was the "town tree lighting". In Franklin-speak, that's code for "we're gonna throw the switch on all these strung up lights what we got attached to that there court house and all... git 'er done!" Add a swipe of a nose to a sleeve and some fireworks (because what is a town celebration without explosives in twenty-seven degree weather?) and you have something that looks a little like this...

And this. I missed all the really good, big ones because instead of snapping the shutter, I was mistakenly (and sad to say, repeatedly) turning my camera off and on. Duh. But I caught a few, and will forever remember standing in the cold with No-Amy (Noemi) while we watched fireworks, the wind driving snow into our faces.

Aside from the cold and snow of the day, it was altogether a pleasant day at the shop. Miss Deb, Melly, and Noemi all sat and knitted with me, I had some fun people come to shop, and the day was punctuated by lil' friend Susan, coming to visit and sneak in a nap as she played hooky from her cafe.
Today's snowman is new to the collection. Another gift from Gaylen, he's been hanging out on the shop tree, because he really seems to have a thing for the white branches. He's coming home for Christmas, and I'm sure he'll receive a warm welcome from the rest of the gang... well, as warm as any snowman could comfortably bear without risking puddling.

That's all for tonight. I have to go get caught up on my blog reading, and a certain sock is needing attention. I'm just thrilled tomorrow isn't a second Sunday, because I need a pajama day. Bring on the 'weekend'. Woo-hoo. C

Heart of Glass

I have a 'thing' for blown glass. An irrational urge to possess it. (The Chihuly exhibit at the Children's Museum completely unhinged me.) An uncanny knack for finding it in the strangest of places, in the oddest forms. No surprise then that I found a brightly colored twist of glass with a smiling face and carrot nose...

ridiculous cute, right? He's one of a few that get special treatment in the 'packing up' phase, because I've never seen another one like him since.

Here's a quick peek at what the Andrew brought to the shop yesterday. A smattering of "Daisy Chain" to feed the creative fires of more than a few dedicated bag sewists (because 'sewers' just looks plain awful). I'm trying to get some shelf space ready, but for now these bolts have to sit with

these bolts on a rolly-rack. A recipe for disaster if some monkey-kids come in. There would be blood and stitches involved. And Xanax. The five bolts down here on the left are the add-ins to the 'Midwest Modern' (2) collection. They have mates on the shelves. And they all need to consider moving out. Soon.

The really odd thing is I can remember not believing I'd ever get the shelves full in the first place. What happened? Who left all this fabric laying around? C

and the snowman of the day

 

I jumped ahead of myself (see how distractable I am when goodies, yarn, and fabric are involved?) and forgot to add the snowman photo to the post below. This one seemed just right for today's post, since he's a teacup and saucer. Hoping he survives the Eli, who may be 'tea party' obsessed. (bangs head on desk)

Amazing Everything

That Gaylen is a wonder (as you may have heard me mention before); here is a whomping stack of rail fence blocks from the woman who disavows all knowledge of patchwork...

and here is the breathtaking 'snail's trail' quilt top she sent along with the other blocks. There's also some scrappy-play blocks that will be put to excellent use in the tops we're assembling for the Oliver family. Gorgeous stuff, Miss G. Just flippin' wow.

I got this really awful photo of the quilt top due to toddler interference, and you can't even see all the border on it. As it happens, I paired it with the cocoa mini dots from Lakehouse Dry Goods and it's a perfect combination. And, Laura the Quilter has agreed to charge a minimal (and I do mean practically free) amount for her machine quilting services. Dropping off Gaylen's tops on Tuesday, and possibly a third, and the other three (boyish quilt tops) are still in need of creating, so if you have any good scrappy bits laying around, send them on.

Today's mail held another surprise. My coffee and yarn swap partner's package arrived! It was jam-packed with goodies. Decaf Starbucks House blend beans, dark chocolate Toblerone candies (which are fabulous, btw!), a knitted scarf in a pretty chiffon bag, cute snowman gift tags and socks, two copper cookie cutters in sizes I didn't have, and... AND... (see, it gets even better) pink and orange yarn. *happy shiver* Susan, you packed this box like you live next door. I can't wait 'till all my 'holiday knitting' is over and I can cast on a project with the Jojoland yarn you sent. Will it be a lacy wrap, a tiny tank top, a pair of knee socks? Who can say, but for now, I'm just loving on it... with a mouthful of chocolate, waiting for the coffee pot to finish brewing. Thank you so much.
My poor partner in England is still waiting on her swap box. I didn't mean to fall so behind, but I'm hoping she'll think the yummy handpainted yarns were worth waiting for.

Well, tomorrow will bring you more fabric photos, as two boxes of Amy Butler were delivered today by the cute new UPS dude, called Andrew. It's an assortment of 'Daisy Chain' (yes, I caved. Shush.) and some of the 'Midwest Modern 2 collection. I'm hoping this is bait enough to drag Ann out of her nest, though they're all recovering from a road trip. Go look. Her museum pics are amazing, but if she tries to move back to KC, I'm shackling myself to her leg. You hear that, Ann? Bathroom breaks will be very awkward with a whining thirty-something stuck to your pants. And I refuse to go running. Or biking. Or anything that could otherwise be construed as 'exercise'. Okay, stalker-ish moment over. It's a very good thing that she's just a few keystrokes away and the interwebs iz everywhere. *whew*
Y'all go have a night; I'm about to have a nice hot mug o' joe, courtesy of Miss Susan. C

Candy Girl

The parade continues. This was a particularly good find from a now defunct gift shop that had a whole room of Christmas things on display year 'round. Purchased on a hot and muggy day in August, two years ago, I remember being suspicious of leaving her in the car as we went about our shopping for the day, so realistic are her 'licorice rope' arms and scarf. Oh, to be so stinking cute whilst covered head to toe in sugar. I'd like to add, as a testament to my willpower, that even in the throes of Weight Watchers, I haven't yet nibbled on her. It does leave me craving one of Melly's cupcake pops, though.

I made doubly sure, by the way, that our Melly knows for fact that I will require those fabulous cupcakes-on-a-steeek for my birthday, still months away. Can't leave anything to chance.

Today a fabulous package arrived from Miss G. An entire quilt's worth of blocks, a pile of random patchwork-play blocks, and a completed quilt top that is stunning. Gorgeous. You'll see it here tomorrow, because I was an unprepared putz today and didn't have my camera at the ready. I can't believe she insists she "doesn't quilt", because it's the coolest two-color quilt I've ever seen. I'm just honored and so proud to have her in my corner as we get ready to shower a grieving family in quilts this holiday season. You rock, Gaylen, and I totally adore you!

I'm off to do a bit of the holiday knitting. A wee pumpkin hat needs my full attention, and another project popped into my head full of fluff this evening. Bed socks. Wildly colored, self-striping, and not required to fit into an actual shoe... ahhh, the stuff of dreams! If it Doesn't Work Out, I'll snag them up for myself. Turning into quite the yarn hog again, I am. C

Catching Up

The man of the hour, since I'm all about getting up to date and all. More glass glitter, more cuteness, and a snappy chenille neck scarf. Be still my beating heart...

Yesterday got away from me, as it was, after all, t.v. night. Our three hours a week of mind-numbing bliss, and a perfect way to begin the "weekend" at Becher Haus. (It was also WW day, and I'm pleased to report another 2.6 lbs of me have gone missing.) Yesterday also saw the new Opal 'Hundertwasser' yarn collection arrive at the shop. Gorgeous colorways. I might have groped and fondled a skein or two. Some may have even thrown itself under the counter, squirreling itself away for the not-stash. But you didn't hear it from me. I saw nothing. Nope. No stash-enhancement over here.

Twenty-two days to Christmas. Twenty-two evenings to bake cookies, wrap gifts, get the very few cards written out, get the cat off the tree. Twenty-two nights of knitting. I'm making excellent progress on a pair of 'Mockery' socks, being spurred on by finally finding the other skein of ShiBui sock yarn of Miss Rob's. *whew* I didn't want to fess up that I may have misplaced it, but it's corralled in the knitting bag now, awaiting it's turn on the needles. I'm not a "New Year's Resolution" kind of girl (who wants to be her, anyway?), but if I did make one, it'd be to get the yarn fires under control in the upcoming year. Not that I have that kind of stamina. But maybe, just for a day, it might be nice to know, not just suspect, that I own a particular yarn/fabric/needle, and to walk to the place where it lives and actually have it be there, waiting for me. Swoon. It would be a Herculean effort to get there, and as soon as my back was turned all the neat baskets/bins/bags would burp up their contents and I'd be back where I started, only with several hours of my life sucked away to The Organizing That Didn't Stick. (Possibly I've been down this road before?) Maybe there's a class I could take (or a medication) that will help. I'm going to look into that. You go be crafty. Type at you tomorrow. C

Yesterday's News

The snowman that started it all. He has a nickle implanted in his back, and is crafted of an unusal paper-mache glop. Glass glitter and wirey little arms top off the wee bundle of cuteness. How could an obsession not be far behind?