learning cursive...

Do you remember when you first started learning to write in cursive? I remember handwriting practice, but not when I specifically was taught how to write in cursive. Luke started on Tuesday with the letters "i" and "t" and added "u" today. Today was a much happier day then yesterday...

We also started art this week. I have been wanting to for a long time. Over Christmas break I took the time to read some of Drawing With Children to get me started. Everyone is excited (including myself).

Some old and new thoughts.

First the old. A couple of the many mini-sweaters I made this year. Still not enough because I would like to give several more away-I will stick with getting more done throughout 2009... And Erin Harris's The Rose Hill Hat. Wonderful pattern, however, I never like this shape of a hat on my head. I kept thinking the entire time while knitting that "maybe this one will fit me differently".. no, it fits exactly as it should... I am more of a beret style wearer. Still I recommend this pattern because it is well written, and I think my head shape/size is just a bit odd.





I always enjoy the week between Christmas and New Year. It seems like I start to write down some of those ideas I have that I want to start or try. One idea I have had for a long while now is EZ's "Knitter's Almanac, Projects for Each Month of the Year". I love the idea of a project planned out for you each month of the year. I keep trying to figure out how I could make a plan for more then myself, but then when I start to list what I want to accomplish in January and February - well, let me just say the list is long and mainly contains knitting with a very small bit of sewing thrown in for good measure. Also a bit of scrap booking, which I am very behind on, but that is mainly it. So, for now, I'll just share a few projects I have started since the Christmas present making has ended.
-finish sewing a skirt I started last month
-finish sewing the pajama pants I started in August?
-Knitting a Porom
-knitting on another sweater
-finish sewing up some bibs that are past due
-finish knitting a mini-stocking to save for next Christmas
-knit EZ's Norwegian mittens
-knitting another men's hat

This is only a partial list mind you, but now maybe you can see why it is such a struggle to even be a part of a knit/craft along since I already have so much in the works. Alright, enough rambling. I wonder what else is everyone else working on?

Handmade gifts and toys.

Even though I don't sell what I make, I do support others that do. Please take a few minutes to check out this link if you do as well.

The snow has left.

Very early this morning, the wind blew in and took the remainder of the snow from earlier this week. I know I may sound like a poor sport, but I am glad. I know it will be back-at least I am sure the extreme cold will be back, and I will have plenty of opportunities to trudge out to break ice for the chickens, try to avoid the nasty rooster, and take quick photos of what I find. ;)

I found the wreath pattern here. I just used some of my scrapbook paper stash, you can also use pages out of magazines or catalogs.

The view.

Thursday afternoons are always crazy because we rush from one place to another, and then waiting for 3 kids to finish piano lessons, followed by rushing home to make supper. (That sentence is a perfect example of my brain on Thursday afternoons.) As I was pulling away from Mrs. H's home last night, the sunset was beautiful. A beautiful reminder of how God has wasted none of His minutes nor sunsets. Too bad that didn't hit me until this morning.

I started this post with eggs in mind. Note to self: I am still gathering 3-4 eggs a day. I was expecting the hens to start laying a bit less by now. The chickens also love those left over Autumn pumpkins, they are working on their second one right now.

Recently I found Twist Collective. It is full of beautiful knitting patterns. One in particular I especially am fond of. Maybe some day I will be a proficient enough knitter to try this.

A bit of this last week...

The hot chocolate is a recipe from Apples for Jam. The best hot chocolate I have ever made. (And like bread, I've tried quite a few recipes.) The berries are from before the snow yesterday.

The pattern for the hand warmers is from The Purlbee. They were a Christmas gift for a friend.