Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Delicious leftovers

We made pot pies with leftovers again - 3 pies, and I still have filling for one more!  My brothers and DP really enjoyed them, and I froze one for my sister.

It's actually somewhat warm today (34), so I'm only wearing one layer of clothes.  You have a lot more flexibility when you're not bulked up.

The presents went over well; everyone seemed happy, and my brother wore his cowl from the moment he got it until he went to be on Tuesday night. 

If I can ever pry the camera from DP's clutches, I'll put some pics up.  If I look at my project page on Ravelry, there are hardly any pictures for the last few months.  The downside of having a husband interested in photography :)  Of course, the upside is that we have beautiful pictures around the house!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

World enough and time

Two weeks since my last post?  Time flies.

I finished the cowl for my brother and need to block it.  I like it, even though it is a bit tall.

I have one more glove to do for my other brother.

I ordered an apron for my other other brother, since I wouldn't have been able to finish the embroidery in time.

Now to print and frame some pictures, and hope for the best.

I also am drinking caffeinated coffee today.  I haven't had any non-decaf in months, and the effects are crazy.  Shaking hands, sweating profusely, cold appendages...I know caffeinated coffee still has caffeine, but obviously it has less!  Outrageous.

I have to do some laundry now, and try to felt those mittens again.  Eek!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sotto voce

Or notta voce?  I basically can't talk because of my chest cold.  Saves me the bother of answering the phone!

The mini cupcake bath bombs seem to have turned out, but I'll have to test one of them to be sure.  The mini lotion bars are great.  I'm wondering if I should do a bath tea bag, and just call it spa in a bag for Christmas...

I made a few more lip balms because I'm on my last one, and with the dryness I really need it.  At least testing all these unguents is moisturizing my hands.

I started the owl cowl for my brother, so we'll see how that goes.  It may end up being too big, but he is very tall.  Positive thoughts!  The tosh vintage is great stuff to work with - I'd love to get more.

I made bread yesterday, but the crust came out too thick.  I think that's due to a too-cold second rise, or maybe not enough moisture in the oven.  It tasted okay, but it was too crusty.  It would have made great bruschetta or toasts with cheese.  Hmmm...that sounds delish...maybe some cheese toasts are in my future!

I have an idea for DP for Christmas - since we're not giving each other real presents, I can be creative.  I have a little photo album, and I think I'm going to try to concoct a mini wedding album.  Our pictures didn't really turn out, but I think there are enough good ones to make something.  I also have pics from our honeymoon, which will be nice.  When he goes off to his meeting tonight, I think I'll tackle it.

I've been trying to work on being more thoughtful toward him and put more effort into things.  I want to make sure he knows he's loved!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Warped and ready

We warped the loom last night - as I was having DP hold the warp ends, he said ,"Oh wait, I remember this!"  It's been a long time since I've had him help me with a warp :)  I started weaving with some sock yarn, but I might have to switch it up...it feels a bit too feeble.

I also bought this little number to make a cowl or mittens with for my brother.  The item will depend on how much time I have, and if I have a skein of white worsted lying around somewhere.  I'm thinking of fingerless gloves for my other brother, and I have no idea what to do for my brother in Texas.  What do you get a mathematics professor in a land of hot weather?

I wanted to make socks for DP, but that takes a month at least, and I just don't have the time to finish.  With being sick, I'm not on my A-game, and I haven't been actively crafting much.  Our electric snowblower is our corporate gift this year.  DP's wrist and ankle injuries and my back mean that we're no longer able to shovel with impunity.  Sigh.

Maybe I'll start those socks so I can show him I'm giving it the old college try...

I also need to sew up a few stockings for my sister and niece to decorate for the twins.  DP's handwriting is so beautiful that I have him write the names in pencil and embroider over them.  My handwriting shows I should have been a doctor :)