How we spent the weekend

A lot of this, poor man...

No reason why he shouldn't help a little...

And when they got too cold or tired, we did this...

...and this.

It was a good weekend.

Providence

So I woke up Friday morning with an unexplainable compulsion: I must make myself this hat. Now. Ewenique Yarns in Bel Air happily obliged me with a couple skeins of a wool blend and mohair blend, and by evening, I had this soft, warm and sweetly apple-y green hat. Love it.

This was all Providential, as I had no particular need for a hat at the moment, aside from the fact that I didn't have one. I had no clue of the approaching snowstorm, nor any premonition of the couple feet we would get within 24 hours of the knitting urge. I tell ya, folks, the kindness of God is a marvellous thing - He even works through obscure pregnancy urges...

Pootling

After a very pleasant Thanksgiving with family, it's been busy and yet quiet around here. Nothing of great significance going on, but we've been making and schooling and doing.

My Singer Athena 2000 (sewing machine - duh) has all but died - definitely on her last legs (or spools). There was a frenzy of comparison shopping and trying to figure out: do I want mechanical or touch pad-face? What speed? How many stitches? How much? At the end of it all, I realized that in spite of the Black Friday sales, if anyone else was to receive a Christmas gift this year, my new machine would have to wait. Enter my sweet friend, Mandie, who has generously provided me with a long-term loaner. And so the business continues...

Business in the form of more hanging pockets, to organize Phoenix card supplies...

... a sewing machine cover for the mini-machine Abigail got for her birthday - after all, all Mommy's machines had them...

...a knitting bag, complete with internal pocket for yarn, external pocket for whatever, and 2 internal loops for knitting needles and/or keys.

Thanks go to Zoanna, who kindly provided all the scrap material I've been able to make stuff with!

Now, time for a market research question: For the crafty among you - what features would the perfect craft-bag have? Regardless of the craftiness in question, every bag I've ever bought had one little thing I didn't like or didn't use or didn't have. What's your must have: long or short straps? Velcro or zipper closing? Small hole for yarn feeding? Plastic pouch for stamps? Reinforced pocket for scissors? Give me some good feedback, and I might be able to come up with something special for you - you never know...

Sunday nights

a good fire

popcorn and caramel apples

apple cider

our new game, sneak attack

all we need for a great family night

Wishpot

This must be one of the best tools to organize your Christmas shopping: Wishpot. The ultimate wishlist, it pulls all other wishlists together into one central location. It also allows you to organize what you'd like to buy for others on your list, and even has a price comparison facility. For those who buy online or know those who'd like to shop for you online, this is a great tool. It's free to sign up, and the biggest thing (at least for me) has been the ability to create a wishlist for websites that don't have the facility (ie Vision Forum). And did I mention that it's got a baby and wedding registry? So cool. Check out my wishpot, if you're interested - you know, for research...

Recycling

So, remember that neck warmer I made for Toby? The one that was too small and I accidentally cut into when trying to modify?

Well, yesterday I ripped it out and made my own version. We're looking at a 2x2 rib running width ways and a sewn seam up the back. It fits beautifully, and I have some more of that lovely alpaca left (though not much).

I'm happy and Toby's happy. Not bad for a couple hours' work.

A quick poll

At the moment, orders can't be placed on my Phoenix website, but I am considering an upgrade. I'd love to know if anyone would be more likely or willing to place a card order if I put the payment facility on the site, or if emailing me orders is sufficient. Feedback, please!!

I'm not sure...

Most of this looks pretty cool, but the ginger just seems a bit of an overshare, somehow.

I *Heart* Yogurt Pots

I am a loser. I know. What else would explain such a lame title? But it's true. I've come to think of yogurt pots as one of the most versatile pieces of rubbish-fodder in our home. Their uses are legion, for example:

• Measuring cups - the cheap, store's own brand are about a one cup size, and they live merrily in my flour, sugar, rice, etc. tins.
• Bath toys - poke holes in them or leave them whole, the kids can't get enough of them. And if they get gross, throw them out.
• Painting pots
• Tea bag bins - not the most aesthetically pleasing, but it does the job and it all goes into the bin.
• Baby stacking toys - different sizes work better for this, but Ellie still had a ball with them during the girls' school work the other day.
• Playing telephone - yes, my kids still do this.
• Beach/sandpit toys - put a bunch of little ones inside one or two big ones, and you've got castles and turrets, and no one cares if you lose a few. Any leftover sand stays inside, if you're clever enough to keep the lid.

I know there are more ideas and I know some of you have them. Please share with the class. After all, I'm now loathe to throw them away and Toby's getting concerned that they're starting to breed.

The store is open!

Online store, that is. As of today, I have my own Phoenix Trader website where you can view the products, ask questions and find out more about the products on offer! Not that you couldn't before, but still...Come check it out!