christmas success

the java jackets or coffee cozies (whatever you want to call them...) were a big hit. I think i'm going to have to knit up several more for all of the starbucks fans in my life. So far, mom hasn't trashed either one of them, but I know the day is coming.. hehehe... anyways, i hope you all had a wonderful christmas holiday and are enjoying the calm after the storm of business... sometimes i feel in a slump after christmas, but this year i am enjoying a few days of nothingness before its back to work. if you get a minute check out my new blog and let me know what you think. goodnight to all- amb

starbucks coffee cozies...

I'm starting a christmas travel project this weekend... while the hubs and I are traveling to dallas from houston in the car, i'm going to attempt to knit up three or four of these awesome coffee cozies designed by mkcarroll. my mom and dad are avid starbucks fans, so i'm trying to adapt the pattern to be more of a sleeve than a cozy, we'll see how well it fits the cup?? Also, i'm pretty confident that mom will accidentally throw hers away after finishing her first cup of coffee, but its worth a try anyways! Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you're holidays are filled with calm moments and laughter. - amb

Molly's Sweater...

Here are a few pics of my 1st sweater, made for my niece’s 1st birthday in November. I started so long ago with no idea if I’d be able to finish it by November, but I made it just in time and the little pink thing was ready to be wrapped up before the big day. Easy pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and I’ll definitely use it again in the future. I used Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep Company in provincial rose, and was generally happy with how it knit up. With the new nephewling due after the holidays... there may be a little orange or gray version in the near future??

the BBBB is done...

I finally finished the BBBB thanks to extra, post-finals free time lately! I don't think I'm even going to need to block it since the yarn I chose is fairly springy and holds its shape nicely. I'm pleased with the finished project, but don't think I'll be casting on another anytime soon. The patterns goes on and on and on with rows of knit and purl that are nearly mind numbing. But the overall look is really cute and perfectly boy. Anyways, hopefully I'll have several more interesting projects starting up soon, but for now, here are some pics of the process... Enjoy- amb

10 rows away...

the day has finally come... i am literally 10 rows away from binding off the BBBB I've been knitting for the new newphew due in Mar. What a great pattern, I loved how simple it was and how all of those rows of knit and purl turned out looking so cute. the yarn i used was varigated, so it actually turned out looking like a little blue camo blanket, which i think is just about perfect for the little guy. I'll post pics as soon as its off the needles! amb

holiday goodness...

check out these adorable holiday cards from magnoliamoonlight... every year i labor over my choice for holiday card, and these may just be it! I love the cute designs! I love that the holidays are still an excuse to spend time sending "real" mail for a change and i love every piece of the process from choosing, sending and receiving... so enjoy and happy holidays!

the girls...

sweater for lil' m...

my first baby sweater was a success! little mkf turned one on thursday and i received rave reviews from mom and grandmom about the little pink sweater I knit for her. I used Joelle Hoverson's children's placket neck sweater pattern from "last minute knitted gifts." After reading the errata on this pattern and only one major frogging incident, the little thing turned out pretty cute. I plan to make another smaller, yellow version for baby nephew who is due in march, and i'll probably take the advice of others and make button holes this time rather than use the small beads... they make me nervous that they could fall off and choke the poor kid. But overall, for my first attempt at a sweater, i was pleased! Pics of the babe to come! -amb

here i am...

my new blog... how exciting! I've been hoping to get this blog started for weeks, but after a sad mishap using iweb, I've decided to follow the lead of many and just get started with a free site. I hope this turns into a place for sharing ideas, patterns and stories with other knitters, seamstresses and friends. I have always loved making things and giving gifts to those I love, so welcome and i'm excited to meet you along the way.... i'll post some current projects soon! -amb