It's All About the Timing!

When I'm not sewing or doing a jillion other things I knit...I really don't make a conscious choice whether it's cold weather, sizziling hot weather or perfect weather...there's almost always something on my needles.

The problem with not paying attention to the season (if you can say San Diego has seasons) is that I usually finish something and then can't wear it or my giftee has to put it away for a while cuz it's just too warm or too cold.

Such is the case with my most recent "FO" finished object! Friend Marcia deCoster turned me on to an adorable swing coat/jacket by Lisa Chemery. It's a great pattern, knitted top down and can be finished in a short period of time. I used Spud & Cloe's beautiful pure white yarn and made it for my newest granddaughter, Braelyn.



Of course, it's now 80-90 degrees and this isn't really what she wanted to wear...but was a real trooper for her Moma and I as we got her to pose (rather quickly) for a picture.

Actually it's really good the weather is warm, by the time it cools off it may actually fit!

Cousin Ellie

Didn't think I would do it again...guess I'm just a softie when it comes to friends and monsters! So when my good friend fell in love with Iris and said, "I would LOVE one in pink" - I immediately agreed to create Iris's cousin Ellie.

She's a wild little one, with stars in her eyes, big eyelashes (which by the way she curls every morning) and a cute little belly button! I'm sure when she grows up the talent agents will be breaking down the door!

When Ellie heard all about her new family she began to search my house for things that would create an instant connection...

One morning after curling her eyelashes, I found her going through our CD collection. She'd been playing the piano, but when things got quite I knew I had to find out what she was doing. As a Mom I know that the "quite" isn't always a "good thing"!

And there she was sitting on the piano bench with her picks, asking to have "Diva" turned up!


She was still looking for the "one" special CD, but didn't find it. Thought I was going to have to go out and buy it for her...Did I mention she's a bit of a Diva herself? More on this later....

While pouting, (refused to go a buy a new CD) she decided to burn off a little steam practicing her jumping jacks...her new Daddy, besides being a "music nut" is also personal trainer, so being in "shape" is important to Ellie!



Whew....curly eyelashes, lots of great music, workouts and all in the few minutes after I got up and was trying to get ready for work. At least I thought I was going to get ready....couldn't find my hair brush or clippies...hummmmmm - where's Ellie???

Since Ellie's other Daddy is a fabulous hair stylist, I know that Ellie is a very smart little
monster! She really listened to the stories I shared about her new family.
Love the punky look Ellie!

I finally got ready, rushed off to work and there on the wall of my friend's office was what Ellie had been pouting about all morning. Well, thank goodness I had dropped my camera in my purse, because she grabbed it off the wall and was a happy little monster! Wrapped in her and her new Daddy's favorite superstar Diva!

I'm sure she'll be joining her new Daddy's when they go to the Diana Ross concert later this month....if not they might find all their ice cream gone!

Bye Bye Ellie - be a good little monster!!!

Roll It and Stash It!

Class is coming up this Saturday at The Grove to make this fun Knitting Needle Case. It's BIG and lets you store a ton of needles! The pattern is from the book Stitch 'N Bitch and is quite easy to follow.

The most fun is picking out the 3 to 4 different fabrics and then it's all "freeway" stitching! That's my term for "put the pedal to the metal" and sew straight! No curves...ALL straight, couldn't be simpler!

Those of you who knit and haven't dusted off your sewing machine for a while, will enjoy "getting back on the bike" and sewing the handy take along roll up!

The Needle Case if folded in half in this shot....

If you're in the San Diego area and are open on Saturday, call The Grove and sign up - a few spaces are still available. They also have copies of the book to purchase. If you're not in the area, pick up the book and get some fun fabrics and sew away!

Iris the Gormet Monster

In January I saw this adorable pattern by Rebecca Danger of Dangercrafts and couldn't resist it. Mind you I've never, I repeat never, knitted an animal before and I don't have any little ones around that would enjoy it. But I just had the feeling that I HAD to get it and knit it.

It was combined in a kit with Lorna's Laces Revelation, and although it was displayed in many color choices, I chose the blue one.
I tell you all of this because 3 months later, my daughter tells me she's expecting and her and hubby are "thinking blue". Was it Mama's intuition? A mother/daughter telepathy? Did all the stars line up and drag me to the table at the TNNA (knitting and needlework conference) and say "buy me"? I'll never know, and won't question why it was so easy to make and so timely.
So here's some pictures of my latest (non-sewing) project...

Iris had a ball at my house, she posed like a good little monster and then went
crazy with the antics!

Standing on her head...

Looking "Cool"!

And trying to look fashionable when sitting in her carrying case for her trip to her new family.


Yes....she's now with her new mommy and daddy, waiting for a new little one to join the family!


By the way, there's a sweet story that Rebecca writes about Iris. Iris evidently adores food...all the tastes and colors of food. She cooks everyday and is a BIG lover of cheeses! According to Rebecca, Iris will do anything for a nice gourmet meal and would walk through fire for some good cheese!

A Monster after my own Heart!