Austin Snapshots

I didn't take many photos while in Austin. I guess we were just having too much fun! Here's a little glimpse, though. The sad puppies were on display at Uncommon Objects (same store where we found the coveted sad kitty s&p shakers). I guess they have a thing for sad kitschy porcelain animals. The second photo is of downtown with a view of the Austin Capitol Building heading North on S. Congress. Lastly, Stephanie, Janie and I after dining on raspberry pancakes at Kerbey Lane. Good times... --L

A Sweater in Progress

I can't even remember when I started working on this, but it was at least over a year ago. I was distracted by other knitting projects and was getting a little discouraged by how long this was taking me to knit. But... now I'm on a roll with it! This pattern came from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel (a Christmas present from a certain sister). Right now my biggest obstacle to finishing this cute little cardigan is that I seem to be quickly running out of yarn which was purchased in San Francisco. Just hope I can find enough to finish it! -S

My lovely aunt Chris took Tom and I out to lunch a few weeks ago at a favorite Thai restaurant, and what was she wearing, but the "Mustard scarf" cowl I made her for Christmas! Isn't she cute? --L

Finished "Lace Ribbon Scarf"

I finally finished this scarf a few weeks ago, but since I was in Austin visiting a certain sister (pics from the trip to be posted soon) I didn't get to post the photos until now. I'm pretty happy with the end results. It wasn't too difficult, just time consuming. It's hard to see in these photos, but the yarn has a silver sparkle throughout. --L

Messing around with Photoshop

Just having a bit of fun with patterns... also wanted to show off my favorite shoes: little red cuties! - S

That is Sooo Cute!

During Tom & Leiza's surprise visit to Austin, we had to visit the best antique store in town: Uncommon Objects. Here are some of the cutest treasures ever seen... oh, how I wanted to bring home the sad-faced kitty salt & pepper shakers... cute! - S

New Obsession

If you haven't already heard, one of the best television programs out right now is a little show called Mad Men. I promise you, it is some good entertainment. Plus, being set in the early 1960's, there is some amazing fashion going on! It's truly inspired me and it's got me scouring vintage stores for similar styles (full skirts, tweed suits, etc.) They've even made men's fashions cool...suits complete with skinny ties. I just love it. -S

Finally Finished Buttercup Beret

Here is my version of the Buttercup Beret, a pattern found online designed by Sweet Sassafras. This top photo was taken before I blocked it. It looked nice, but the shape wasn't quite right...

So I blocked it (soaked it in water and then re-shaped it). The second photo is the hat drying on a dinner plate...

And finally, I'm wearing the end result. Now it looks more like a beret and less like a pointy elf-hat. Not that I have a problem with elf hats, mind you! 

I'm liking hats right now. I think I'll be knitting up a few more before winter's over. --L

This Years Christmas Cards

... were only mostly homemade. I bought cards with a simple design on them (blank inside) and embellished with sequins, ric-rac, felt, ink stamps, and paper. And I still didn't get them all done! --L

Aunt Chris' Christmas Cowl

My Aunt Chris wanted a pink and purple scarf to match her hat, so I ended up making one from a cute pattern I found on ravelry.com called, "Mustard Scarf" by Jane Richmond. I added a wooden button after I took the pics. I love how versatile it is. Here are a few possibilities demonstrated by Jane (sorry she's so small!). --L

Knitting in bed

It's a beautiful day here in Austin -sunny and warm- but I've been feeling rather out of sorts. I've spent the better part of the day under my covers watching British Mysteries and knitting my new scarf. You might recognize the pattern, it's the same that Leiza's making in sparkly blue yarn. Hopefully I'll get the energy soon so I can go out and enjoy the day, but in the meantime, I'm happy to make some progress on mr. scarfy. -S

Resins, lights, and elves.. oh my!

I recently returned from another delightful Christmas with my family in Michigan (land of Homes). For some reason I took very few pictures, and even fewer turned out nice. Oh how I wish I could get a fancy new camera!!! Anyways, here are a few of the highlights of the visit.

Overexposed Christmas lights... these pictures really make me want a new camera!

Trying to stay warm while showing off some of Leiza's super sparkly rings. Hope everyone has a magical New Year!!! My New Year's resolution is to be even more crafty and to post more often on this blog. Cheers! - S

The Triplettes of Bear-ville

Recently completed bears... phew! Now it's time for making something else. - S

Big Bear & Little Bear

My very first Otto bear was recently featured on Tiffany's blog (to whom I gave the first Otto to). Thought it was a cute picture with Otto's mini-Otto. -S

Kitsch-mas is coming!

Some colorful Chrismas kitsch to feast your eyes on... --L

On the Second Day of Christmas.... a few days late

(2 Turtle Doves) - S

Kitty Cameos

Just thought I'd share a few recent photos of some the gang. From the top: Lord Flynn, Amber and Tyndall. Amber and Tyndall are brother and sister cats who we're trying to find homes for. If anyone out there is looking for two nice, but semi-feral kitties, please let me know. We found them in downtown Orlando, Florida as kittens couple of years ago. We thought we'd be able to tame them and then find homes for them pretty quickly, but it turned out that they were older than they looked since they were so underfed (as you can see, the days of scrounging through garbage cans are long behind them now). It's hard to tell by the photos, but both have beautiful, Peridot-green eyes. --L

Latest Knitting Projects

The scarf is a work in progress called the Lacy Ribbon Scarf from the Spring issue of Knitty.com. The beret pattern is from knittingpatterncentral.com. For some reason the beret came out way too big-- seems to fit Brigadoon, but I'm going to have to felt it if I want to wear it myself. Tom tried it on, but it's even a wee bit too big for him. Who'd 've thought? I have to mention too, that for some strange reason, Stephanie and I seem to always pick out the same knitting patterns. I recently found out that she's also working on the same scarf and has already made the beret. Great sisters think alike! --L

Kitchy Confections

So, these lovely images come from a 1950's magazine I inherited from our dear Grandma. I'm totally inspired by the layers of fluffy pink confections. I think I need to make that doll cake immediately! Enjoy - S

Klaus Nomi - Lightning Strikes

I think it's finally time to give Mr. Nomi a little of the limelight on our blog, don't you? Thanks, Janie! --L