My unfinished year

In my knitting world, 2008 is the year of unfinished projects. I have 3 sweaters started and abandoned.


I have 2 other sweaters where I have no more yarn to finish the sleeves.


Then there are 2 scarves that are waiting for more yarn to be purchased so they can be completed.


On Sunday I cast on for Clapotis #3. I'm pretty sure I'll run out of the Malabrigo Silky. I only have 4 skeins and I'm just about ready to join the third skein.


I'm not one to make a long list of resolutions but I'd like to finish up all these projects in the first part of the new year. For a couple of these, "finishing" may mean ripping them out and starting over with a new plan for that particular yarn. This time maybe I'll plan better for the yardage I actually have.

I took a picture this morning that is truly priceless. Nothing is more peaceful than seeing my eldest child relaxing under the Christmas tree with his dog.


I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!

Yarn Harlot Bucks

When I opened my gift this morning I thought,"Why would my husband give me a set of checks?"



They're coupons he printed up for me to "spend" on knitting purchases only.
That's so cool!

I hope you all have a great Christmas!

Fa La La

The men in my house gathered a tree Sunday night. It was covered with ice and snow so it sat in the basement defrosting before it was brought upstairs on the hardwood floors.

The dog has only eaten two branches. I thought he would have the entire tree mulched within 12 hours. As long as we keep him busy with a kong for the next three weeks the lights and ornaments may make it to next year too.


As a kid I would beg my Dad to buy the "spray snow" for our windows. He agreed as long as I cleaned it up after the holidays. This stuff was next to impossible to remove. I noticed the other day some of my windows frost "naturally".

1941 windows definitely are not energy star compliant but they sure are pretty!

Seat For Sale

Is it really that difficult to elect an Illinois governor who's not corrupt?

Plastic or Real

It's December! It's time for most Christians to decorate their house with a Christmas tree. This year I almost convinced husband to buy a fake tree. Both of us have never had anything but a once living tree so this was a huge step. Things I hate about a real tree-EVERYTHING! I can anticipate a month of sneezing and wheezing due to the pollen. I can't have any part of it touch my skin or I'll break out in a rash. The constant monitoring of the water level. The dropping of needles and having them stick into the sole of your feet. Each swipe of the dog's tail ends up causing hundreds of needles to fall so it's an endless battle.
This year I could finally unbox our tree instead of hauling in a once living fir. That is until I read an article on "how to minimize the environmental impact of my tree purchase--and enjoy the beauty and smell of a real Christmas tree while knowing you’ve done your part to protect the planet." Oh no-they had me at doing my part to protect the planet.

Point #1:While there are admittedly some chemical inputs used in tree production, the amount pales in comparison to the volume that’s used to produce a typical plastic tree.
Point #2:Real trees help support the U.S. economy.Real Christmas trees create jobs right here in the United States. More than 80 percent of artificial trees sold here are manufactured in China.
Point #3: Support local farms.You’ll minimize the amount of fossil-fuel burned getting the tree from the farm to your house.
Point #4: Real Christmas trees are a natural product that’s easy to recycle. After Christmas is over your real tree is chipped up and turned into mulch.

I'm ready to wait another week to decide even if it's making the kids antsy!

I received yarn in the mail today. This is from the Sundara December 2008 Artist’s Choice Sock Collection(Mixed Palette). I think I'll try to sell all of them as I don't see myself wearing $30/pair socks anytime soon.

It was fun to have a surprise waiting by the mailbox on this chilly December day!