What I Did on My 4-Day Weekend...

How could four days fly by so fast? I know. I say that a lot, don't I? It's normal for a regular weekend, but FOUR whole days? (Hmm...I also had 1/2 of a day on Wednesday, tho' frankly, I worked the afternoon at my client's office.)

Otherwise, as you know, I've been sewing:

I'm about half-way finished with the orders from the Home Shows at the beginning of the month, which is nothing short of amazing.
Two little girls are going to be exceedingly happy this Christmas, don't you think? I had a lot of fun making these Grace bags this weekend. (you can click on any of my photos and make them larger, and you'll want to do that with this one!)

I finished the second top-secret Christmas gift with fun fur that I was knitting, and have made progress on my Big Sis's sock.

Enjoyed a part of a Christmas movie this afternoon, too. (Lifetime is playing all Christmas movies, all the time - you know what? That does get me in the mood, far more than Christmas music does.)

This week will be busy at work, and we have our knit group's Christmas party, too.

I'll try to touch base here and there...have a great week!
(((Hugs)))

Day Three of Four Days Off...

Have to admit that there's been precious little housekeeping this weekend and even less cooking.

This has, yet again, been a crafting weekend...The Big Sis's sock is OTN:
(Looks a lot like mine, huh? I don't think mine started with a teal stripe, though. I should check!)

And here are a couple of Nana Sadie Rose bags ready for shipment:
I just adore those lilacs in the Mera up front, but the solid black Knitnana lined in turquoise, orange, and coral Koi fish is just striking! I was delighted to be able to do a stack button on that one...

I've been trying all fall to get The Meezer to settle down under the sewing table and keep me company. This afternoon, I decided to be sneeky: I dropped a few 'nip leaves on the purr pad.
That was all she wrote...

I'm NOT stoned, Mommie...

Black Friday...

I have to admit that I find this day of mad shopping an appalling way to spend one's time, but I usually do make a foray out to the fringes of our mega mall each year. This year was no different.

The only remaining chain fabric store is near this mega mall, but thankfully you don't actually have to get INTO the mall to get there. I needed to go, mostly because of gift requests from my grandsons' - not what you'd expect from Nana Sadie Rose, huh?

I was very lucky, for while the store was mobbed, and the lines to check out took 45 minutes, everyone was relatively patient and in good spirits. I don't understand why anyone would endanger another in the "spirit of Christmas" but since people lost their lives today, in the interest of shopping, I suppose I should consider myself lucky.

It really does boil down to making the decision ahead of time to treating everyone as you'd like to be treated, behaving like a reasonable and responsible person instead of behaving as if you're vying for the last scrap of food on the table and there will never be anymore - after all, folks, it IS just stuff and really has such a limited value...is it worth the taking of a life? Bah!

My heart this season, will be filled with prayers for the families of those who lost their lives today - shopping.

And those who have lost their lives in the past few days at the hands of terrorists in India, will be there, too.

How odd to see the two disparate scenes on the news...and realize that such violence can exist at opposite sides of the globe for such astoundingly different reasons.

But the commonality is violence.

This is the season of peace and love. I hope we'll all carry that with us over these next weeks and into the new year.

Ok. I'll get down off my soapbox.

I did do a bit of shopping, as I said. In conversation yesterday with my Big Sis, I discovered that I've truly spoiled her rotten. No other socks will do now. (I kind of knew this was going to happen! *wink*) And the socks she wanted? JUST like the ones I made last - My Berroco Sox. I hoped that our new LYS - Yarn Explosion - might have another ball of it, and they were having a sale today. So since it's only about a block from the fabric store, I was out the door about 10:00 this morning (not as early as many of you, I know). Sure enough, I was able to get a ball of the same colorway and then because I liked the socks I made so much? I bought another ball of this:
What do you know? That's a little bit of knitting - ok...really it's stash enhancement. Except sock yarn isn't stash...Still I didn't think I'd be telling or showing much in the knitting department till after the holidays! Aren't those colors gorgeous? Can't wait to knit them up. But Big Sis's socks come first.

And tonight, I finished the second Christmas gift I was knitting on...but I can't tell you what it was...visit me on Ravelry to find out!

After my shopping trip, I came home and made these:

A Metro Blue Stripe Mera and an English Library Kerri. Both are orders, what do you think?

On another note, in previous years, I've sent gifts from Heiffer International in the names of friends and family, but this year, I'm going to do something different. We have a small non-denominational program staffed by several churches and synagogues here in the valley that house homeless families. I think this year, a contribution to them and one to our food pantry will be my "gifts."

With the difficult economy, and so many doing without, I'm trying harder to shop locally, and also to contribute locally. The shopping part is hard to do with my business, but personally, I can choose to buy here. In our community, we also have a very large shelter that most are likely to contribute to, thinking, I'm sure, that this is the organization that is most in need. Yesterday, there was a mass group run to raise money and they made quite a bit considering there were approximately 4800 people running! As large as this shelter is, as organized as it is, it gets the bulk of contributions from the rest of the valley's residents.

This smaller group does amazing things without a large facility and paid staff. Sometimes, I think, a small group of people with heart can make even more of a difference in people's lives...And that's the sort of group I prefer to support.

Just my two cents worth, tonight. I think I'll go light a candle now...

It's The REAL Turkey Day...

And I was blog-reading, and discovered Melanie's post about the fact that today is Thanksgiving and there's so much negative and wrong in the world, scary and bad, and just plain angst-inspiring...so she had this as a bit of a challenge and I decided to take her up on it:

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?
"Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.
So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for."

Ok...Melanie, here's my list:
1. My health. Because it's really true, if you have your health, you're able to handle so much more...
2. My job - where we make a difference in the lives of those we empower every day.
3. My two businesses. (This includes both my client and my customers - you are all so cool!)
4. My family. (You know who you are...)
5. My cats. OMG. Yes, the cats - and BB, we miss you today. I hope they're fixing turkey at the Rainbow Bridge, because I know you're first in line, honey.

6. Knitting. (And the nice stash I developed in better economic times...as I'll be enjoying it over the next many months!)
7. All of you! The friends I've made here the last few years. What would I do without you all?

Eat a wonderful meal, enjoy the football (if you're so inclined), and have good turkey sandwiches tonight (I will!).

And I'm making progress on the two Christmas gifts I'm knitting these days (better than 1/2 way through each of them). Wish I could show you, but they're on my Ravelry notebook if you're interested...
(((hugs)))

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sunday Again!

I didn't leave the house today, so no escapades to relate, sorry!

But I worked all day...wanna see?
Isn't this just gorgeous? I have to tell you this is another of those fabrics that was requested in an order, I hadn't seen it. When I did, I almost swooned (yes, that's the perfect word to describe the feeling)...

Purple and gold are the colors of royalty. They're also my high school's colors. I reminisced with Sandra yesterday that I believe my love of purple began in kindergarten when my teacher, Mrs. Merritt (aka "The Purple Lady,") was attired in the color every single day. It was her favorite shade, and I loved her. I think that might have been the start.

Then in elementary school (probably fourth grade or so) my mom finally allowed me to paint my room lavender. (sigh)

It was gorgeous.

Then high school. In my advanced choir days (my sophomore year) we wore short royal purple dresses with puffed sleeves (Mom's had to make them). In A Capella choir, my junior and senior years, we wore long gold gowns, also with puffed sleeves. The two groups often sang together. You can imagine what we looked like? The long gowns in the front of the short ones? (And those of us not able to wear old gold? We looked terribly sick in that funky color - "old gold," indeed, it was MUSTARD!)

Anyway, I digress. I do believe this color combo is stunning and this fabric is amazing. That's a Mavis up there, and below? A matching Glady case:


Another Mavis order:
this is a batik (there is no way a batik will turn out badly, I do believe). The colors are copper, gray, black, and a lovely slate blue/silver.

I had a blast putting the coordinating fabrics into these...and I hope the new owners love them as much as I do.

Just to update you, my "cold" or "allergy attack" - whatever it was - seems to be gone. One day? Never heard of such a thing. It must have been an allergy, but what could have hit me? I'm fine today. I took another of the Mucinex stuff this morning, just in case, but have been fine all day.

Whew!

Now the good news? For all that this is Sunday and the end of a short weekend, this is an amazingly short week for me. Our office will close at noon on Wednesday and I don't have to return until Monday again.

Here's hoping you're lucky enough to have a long weekend heading in your direction, too!
(((Hugs)))

Bor-ing! But OOh! Cats!

Ok. I'm not sure what's going to become of this blog between now and Christmas, but knitting probably ain't gonna be on it...Everything on the needles right now (and actively being knit, that is) is a Christmas gift. (sigh) Short of giving everything away to the recipients (and most everyone reads my blog) I think we'll have to call this something other than a knit blog for the duration...

So. With that out of the way, I can tell you I met Sandra at Panera this afternoon for an early dinner and knitting (on Christmas gifts, of course). I didn't take a single photo, tho' I suppose I could have taken a shot of the marvelous Cafe Mocha (decaf) that I treated myself with, now couldn't I?

But I didn't. Sorry.

Otherwise, I spent a lot of time today with a box of Kleenex. Sneezing and blowing. I finally thought to take a Mucinex tonight. The headache is now gone, and I've managed to get an entire room's distance from the tissue box! This is progress. I don't feel bad. I am hoping I just came in contact with an allergen from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks. Ok. The headache felt bad. The nose rivals Rudolph's in color now that I've used half a tissue box (the 280 count, too!).

Um. Yes, I managed to do some of the cutting required to sew. I also washed two loads of fabric prior to cutting. And made two trips to the fabric store for supplies I'd run out of. Now, I actually went once before hitting Panera's and then again after. I forgot something (obvious, too, but I still forgot it). They were very funny there. "She's already been here ONCE TODAY...and NOW SHE'S BACK AGAIN."

You'd think no one ever forgot anything, right? These ladies know me well, of course. And they're delightful gals. So I try to take it in stride.

Is there really a recession out there? (I do watch the news, and I think that's what I've been hearing a lot of lately)

You couldn't prove it by the wall to wall traffic at our huge mall today. Nor could you prove it by how long I had to wait for a parking space. (sigh)

Anyway. Now that I've bored you to death? I'll reward you for reading my prattle this far...

My Big Sis's cat at the Home Show earlier this month...

Actually, he came in before the show and couldn't figure out just why his reality (ie his living room) had been so desperately rearranged...but he's a wonderful cat (loud, but wonderful).

And CC earlier this evening:
She doesn't really like this Millie bed I bought for dear BB over a year ago. She doesn't like it, that is, until it's absolutely too cold for her silky bunny fur coat to be of much warmth to her...THEN? Well, she finally cuddles down into it. It's been out for a couple of weeks. She finally got IN it two days ago.

And then? The Meezer:
Who was decidedly put out today by the number of times I made her get down from the cutting table. I suspect it's warmer than the floor, but it's also exactly where I needed to be.

And we all know, that's where cats have to be, right?

Especially a certain Siamese...

(I hope next time, I can think of something more interesting to share with you!)
(((hugs)))

Mail Call!

I was surprised today to find the Interweave Knits Winter issue in my mail! (I keep having this problem of thinking it's still late summer, even if the temps are in the 20s at night and there's flurries all over the place...)
A fairly short perusal found The Ropes & Picots Cardigan as something I think I simply must knit...and in the Rowan Scottish Tweed DK, too! I just love the vertical lines of that cardigan. The two pair of socks are interesting (tho' they are both cuff-down, and we know I don't do those, right? Then there was Murano - the Trekking XXL scarf. The only thing making me think twice about that one, is that it's stockinette. Hmmm....Not sure I want a scarf that curls up on me, besides I do so love my Trekking on my feet!

Just so you don't think I've abandoned my sewing business...here are a couple of new bags from this week:
Orders, both. And isn't the batik in front interesting? It's gray, pink, and taupe splashed across black - and it does indeed appear to be paintbrush splashes. A fascinating non-pattern. The interior is the gray with pink pockets.

And the crayon cat bag? A modified Mera for a friend who is a photographer. Everything has additional reinforcement and padding to protect expensive lenses and equipment. It turned out nicely, I think...

Now, tomorrow is Friday. Please, don't get too excited about it? YEE-haw!
:)

Finished MY Socks...

So I can move on to more Christmas knittings...

I bought the yarn for these socks at Yarn Explosion, the new knitting shop here in Roanoke:
I love this yarn. I love the colors - I have so many different tops in colors that will work with these socks (along with my black jeans and black Birkis!). At first, I wasn't thrilled with the almost burnt orange in the mix. Well? NOW I love it!

Pattern: A combination of Judy's Magic Cast On for toe-ups, and then stockinette to the cuff, where I did Wendy's picot edging, and then sewed down the top using the instructions down in the sidebar, over there ---->

Needles: 2 circs, my 1.5 Harmony set, of course.
Yarn: Berroco Sox colorway 1425
Time to complete: Nov 6 thru Nov 18. Not too bad (and I knit a Christmas gift and made bags in that time, too...wonder how long it would take me to knit a pair of socks if I didn't have to do ANYTHING else?)

So now, it's time to concentrate on finishing bag orders, getting thru a family Thanksgiving, getting our annual audit completed, and oh - yes! - making lots of Christmas gifts...
(((Hugs)))

Making Christmas Gifts Isn't The Same As Wanting to Listen to Christmas Music Too Early in the Season...

I'm sneaking in a photo here of a gift I'm making...
Okay, you can't tell what it is (and many of you are aghast to see the Fun Fur, I know...)

That's the best you'll get, till after it's gifted. I'll show you the finished product, I promise. And I'm not crazy, either. (Promise) Even if you think I might be.

No. It's not another Huggable Hedgehog (tho' that would be a pretty combination for one!) The multicolored yarn is yet another of my Art Walk Sock Yarn club selections (meaning it's superwash, so won't felt into a Hedgehog), colorway Phenomina.

I'll eventually get stuff up on Ravelry, but today has been a quiet day - I woke with a migraine in the middle of the night, last night, and have stayed in the dark almost all day. Ventured out long enough to gather a bit to eat (this time, the stomach wasn't involved - thank you, migraine gods!) and a bit of caffeine to help get rid of it, but other than putting out the trash and recycling (and now this post!), it's been a lost day. The Meezer enjoyed spending the day under the covers with me, tho'.

lolol

Not to Be A Scrooge or Anything....

But please tell me why the radio stations have gone to all Christmas music THIS FAR OUT from Christmas?

It's insane...thankfully, my public radio station is still a haven of calm...

Geesh people - it's not even Thanksgiving yet! Can we save it for Black Friday, at least?
obviously not, or they would have already

Drive-By Posting

A really fast commentary on Anne's Spiralucious cowl: Cast on Friday night and finished tonight (this along with doing lots of laundry, cutting bags, doing the vet's books, and some Christmas shopping, as well as celebrating DD's birthday today. So it's a really fast knit.

Choose a lovely yarn (since I used the Blue Sky Alpaca/Silk blend, which is a sport-weight). Anne's pattern says 150 yards, but there's 146 in a skein of the yarn I used, and I had quite a bit left over.

It's a fun knit. And there's a gift, all finished...this far ahead of the holidays? For me? That's a huge accomplishment!

(But you'll have to wait for photos...I'll block it this week, and post photos to my notebook on Ravelry, as the person this is intended for can't get there to see it.)

Showing Off the Work Space...

I've been reading new blogs, mostly sewing, some general crafting, these days, and there was a challenge to share your sewing space. These photos are of my current space, which I think could use more light. Alternatively I wish it were warmer. If I would just take steps to put curtains (with thermalining) on the windows, the warmth issue would be gone, but the light issue would be worse! And when am I going to do that? LOLOL! Maybe after Christmas?

Same space, slightly different perspective...Yes, I do use the step stool to reach the top shelves...I'm a short gal!


And those of you who saw the pattern I bought from Anne yesterday: Spiralucious is OTN using a pale ice blue from Blue Sky Alpacas (their image is below) - the lace is working up very nicely. Pray I have enough yarn?

Happy Weekend!

Patterns! Oh MY!

Twist Collective's Winter edition is UP!

And...I've bought:
Ice Fantasia - a Faroese shawl from that wonderkid, Anne

And Jadis (is that not the loveliest, simplest, most elegant sweater you've seen in a bit?) Ok. The Daily Sweater, Ravelry link, (from MDK: Knitting Outside the Lines) is, too, and that one is first on my queue...after February Lady Sweater...after Christmas knitting....after a couple of WIPS are done. *wink*

I also bought this, earlier today:
Spiralucious (shhh...someone's getting one for Christmas - I hope!)

I know. I'm trying to be good. It's just not working.
:)
Or...maybe I'm just doing my part to kick-start the economy? Yeah...THAT's it! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

You Know I Had To!

There's no way I could avoid joining in on this, and then publicizing it to give me more chances to win. And you'll see the button in my sidebar, too!

In other news...
I'm spending some time these days thinking of what to do or...shhh...Christmas.

Like I have much time to spend on it?
Still, it will come, so I might as well get started in my "spare moments."
Not sure how much of it will be blog-fodder. We'll see. (There are a few people who do not read my blog, after all.)
*wink*
What are you up to for Christmas gifting - Knitting? Quilting? Baking? Making something in another manner?

btw...Bloglines just told me for the third time today that I have 4298 knitting blog posts to catch up on - this after I've cleared them 3 times. What's up with that?

From Carrie

And you know what? It's true! I've got to go get a purple umbrella, I think! (oh, um well, except for that little part about accepting things and not trying to change them! Because I'm determined to bend everything to the force of my own will!)
lolol!

What Your Purple Umbrella Says About You

When faced with adversity, you remain together and graceful. You are very balanced, and it's hard for you to let yourself get too down. You are brainy and philosophical. It's hard for you to lose your broad perspective on life. You accept things as they are. You don't try to change anything that can't be changed. On a rainy day: you should spend the day reading

The Umbrella Test

More Goodies - Spoiler Alert!

Spoiler Alert - if you haven't received your Art Walk for November...you are warned:

I can tell you Roxie has done it again! Just lovely.
Not sure what I'll do with it yet, but it's so pretty...

And then. Chris and I have been pals a long time, and when I saw her latest, most gorgeous rose shawl pin, I knew I had to have one...we did a swap and here's what arrived today:
That pin? The gold in the upper right corner? Isn't it just divine? I adore it!

And the stitch markers are rose quartz, the earrings amethyst and crystals...too pretty for words. I hope she loves her Glady just half as much! We'll be even.
:)
(((hugs)))

Stash Enhancement is So Much Fun...

From On the Lamb, this weekend, I discovered a truly sensuous, soft as all get-out, handspun alpaca from Mercedes of Kenly Hill Alpacas - that's the animal's name...a black alpaca named Mercedes...I have a Christmas gift in mind for this yarn, so I can't say what, and can't say for whom, but will take photos when finished and show it all off after it's been gifted...
While this fingering weight alpaca was pricey - I had a gift certificate so I didn't break the bank at all...

The Meezer liked what she smelled...Mercedes is a hit, apparently.

Then from Knit Happens? I didn't really enhance the stash, because sock yarn doesn't count, right?
Two colorways of Regia a lovely chocolate brown and cobalt blue, then another of blues and lavenders with aqua. I'll enjoy making both of these up.

I also found a copy of Franklin's book and t-pins! I never have enough of them, so picked up a couple packs while I could.

So you see, I really was a good girl. I could have been sooooooo bad. But I've already enhanced the stash so much lately, it's time to knit a bit of it down. Really. I want to.

Really.
Yes. Really.
*wink*
Oh...there might be ONE more bit that came in the mail while I was gone....check back tomorrow?
teehee...

What A Weekend...and Cliches?

A wonderful visit to Northern Virginia, a great day of friends and customers, both repeat and new (I hate to say "old" customers, b/c none of us ARE!), some fun-filled stash enhancement (no I didn't go overboard), excellent food, and a chance encounter I'd have never expected.

What a WEEKEND!

I trekked, as planned, up the valley, stopping at On the Lamb and bought some yarny goodness there - for the life of me, I don't know why I didn't pull out the camera, but never thought of it. Nonetheless, Angel was so helpful, it's a lovely shop, and you really must stop if you're ever in Staunton!
(If you're not from around here? That's pronounced "STANTON" - yes, I know...I'm from New England - I'm just letting you know you will be corrected if you try to say the it the way it's spelled...)
lolol
Yes, there was some stash enhancement there...

On arrival at my sister's we didn't stop for long. Off down the George Washington Parkway to Old Town to Knit Happens:
More stash enhancement occurred... *wink*

Big Sis and I had our traditional dinner at La Madelines (we don't always have the same food - except of course, for the Tomato Basil soup)
Doesn't that just look yummy? Yes, we were good. Only water with lemon. Because we had to go home and set up for the shows, so no chance of feeling a little bit tipsy! Not this time...

Show "hall" was my Big Sis's living room:



Nice job! BIL was so good to move most of the furniture out of the living room!

The shows were a delight. Much merriment, good conversation (and yes, sales!) occurred.

Today, one fully packed Forester and Nana Sadie Rose trundled home. I think Big Sis planned to rake leaves this afternoon (I would have been too exhausted).

On the return trip, I stopped at an exit off I-81, with a plan to hit the restroom and grab a quick lunch. A Taco Bell sounded just right. I ducked into the restroom first, and as I was about to leave, the door handle rattled. I opened it to find a lovely dark-haired young woman standing there. I blinked!

"OH MY GOSH - What are you doing here?"

Gina blinked and her smile spread across her face in wonderment - "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? I'm on my way back from Stitches East, did YOU go to Stitches?"

"No, I did home shows in Alexandria this weekend!"

What are the chances?

Gina. The proprietress of Mosaic in Blacksburg VA, it's my #1 Favorite LYS (no longer tied with Becky since the closing of Knitter's Knook). And here she's standing in front of me across the threshold of a Taco Bell women's restroom on an interstate several hours north of where we both normally are in Virginia.

I know it's a cliche. But the world, is indeed, a very small place.

Who'd a thunk it?
lolol
(stash enhancement photos tomorrow...I promise!)

OH, and GINA? You have a beautiful family...

When Is She Coming Home?

I miss her

Last Minute Mera Bags...

I just wanted you to see these...they're all really new fabrics, and I just had to have them.

Scurrying To Leave...

I'll be hitting the road to NOVA in the morning, but wanted to touch base and say that I'll be checking email during the weekend. If you find at the last minute that you'll be in the area and would like to attend one of the Saturday events? EMAIL ME! We'd love to see you...
I'm a sock knitter! I know, you already knew that, right? Well...here's the proof! Part of my sock drawer drying from the wash.

And here's the latest sock:
I had to have one OTN for this trip, you know? Just a plain vanilla with probably a ribbed edging on the cuff, but I'll decide when I get there...Thank you Miss Muffin for modeling the toe for me. Berrocco Sox yarn and my Harmony 1.5 circulars...

Oh. I'm stopping at On The Lamb in Staunton tomorrow, and then hitting Knit Happens tomorrow evening (at least that's the plan). And La Madeline's tomorrow night for dinner! I'm using a gift certificate at OTL, and don't plan to break the bank at KH, but no promises, okay? But you can be sure, Big Sis and I will have a blast...I can't wait to see everyone Saturday!

(((hugs)))

The Day After...

And back to the things I do best...

6 more Fionas for the shows this weekend! (I have bags in process, and hope to have them to show you tomorrow night)

Then, two items came off my needles in the past two days:

Trekking XXL 62 (I call them my gray socks). Knit on size 1.25 Inox Grays. My normal sock pattern with Wendy's easy lace pattern. These went pretty quickly. I started them right after the first symphony concert (when I realized I didn't have any black/gray socks to wear to the concerts) in mid-October. The next concert is Monday night, and these are ready! Whoohoo!
And last night, as the election was called and I listened to our new president's acceptance speech, I cast off these gloves. They're really too large for me as the pattern is for a size L, and I do have small hands (and feet, the smallest things about me!). If I had it to do over, I'm make them smaller around in the hand by at least 10 stitches. That is, if I could figure out how to adjust the fingers, too. Will I make them again? Perhaps. This is STR Mustang Sally and the Knotty Gloves pattern. They may be a bit too big? But they're going to be warm...
:)
So how's that for a crazy, busy week?
((((hugs))))

Blessed Be.

History is made.

Vote...

My Mommie says it's the most important thing you can do today! Don't hide your head under the blankets...VOTE!

Is It Sunday Already?

Taking a little break, as I've got to get to the grocery store while it's still daylight!
(and I do not like time changes, anymore than anyone else - I'm sure I was supposed to get an extra hour of sleep last night, but since I have a new habit of watching SNL, that went out the window!! lol!)

Today's been productive so far...an order completed!
A neat African-Inspired print in a big Sadie bag...

And a few checkbooks for the NOVA shows next weekend...

The clock is ticking...back to work tomorrow (sigh)

And hope everyone has a good week! DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUESDAY!!!
(((hugs)))

Saturdays Are Made For Sewing...

It was a brilliantly sunny day today (so I guess I really AM related to those two from yesterday's post, as I stay IN when it's like this to avoid a migraine! Not to mention I'm a lot happier as a night person, than as a day person. I must be related to bats, but I digress...)

As a result, I was busy sewing, mostly in preparation for next weekend's shows, but also filling orders:
Three Fiona cell phone cases (I'm actually using mine these days to hold my Palm, as the flimsy leather "cover" that it came with is useless!)...
And here are two Graces - one is an order, and the other will be at the shows. I love both of them. Truly - I'm always delighted when fabrics turn out better than I expect and that was the case with both of these! (That's another reason I love doing bags on custom order - you all pick the fabrics, and while I might be a little hesitant about something, I'm always amazed at how they turn out! Whoohoo!)
Then this was the scene this afternoon. Can you believe it? These two are mortal enemies, so it must have been a tad chilly around here for this to have occured...a true lion and lamb type of thing.

Not to worry, tho'. They were back to their normal hissing, growling, and chasing up and down the stairs at fisticuffs by dinnertime...

CHILDREN!!

Now I'm off to bed. I did get a little bit of work done on the second Knotty Glove, but I'll save that for another post (maybe when it's done!).
(((hugs)))

Halloween!

It was an early afternoon off from work, as my sciatic nerve was screaming...must've gotten pinched in the muscle spasms from the fibro/Lupus flare up this week from the drop in temps...(and I'm feeling better, since knocking myself silly with pain meds and muscle relaxers, falling asleep on the microwave heat pack and basically feeling no pain for a couple of hours! I hope that continues...)

So I got up and made Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans (and I added in dried cranberries):
Mentioned earlier, this is a recipe from NPR's Morning Edition (if you click that link, I am not responsible if you succumb to the Lazy Person's Mont Blanc that also appears on that page...I enjoyed listening to Nigella Lawson as much as I did trying her recipe...!)

Then the DD and family appeared for the requisite Halloween Fright Night:
A Care Bear and Two Transformers (I think, not sure, but think I'm related to them...)

Sorry to say, but I'm related to these two as well. May I introduce Mr. & Mrs. Dracula?

Then it was time for a little knitting, some Keith Obermann, Rachel Maddow and then bed. More pain meds and muscle relaxers, a bit more microwave hot packs. I might be able to sit and sew tomorrow at this rate.
:)
Hope you had a fun-filled Halloween!
(((hugs)))