FO Friday

Rotten Fruit

I know you probably can't tell what this is, but it is my FO for this week... it is one of the first finished objects that I can actually share in a long time!!!

Yes, this is a post about knitting... And??

The pattern is Citron and the yarn is Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in black(I think).  I have a bad habit of winding my yarn into neat little balls and misplacing the labels before I get them cataloged.

Anyway, Citron is a truly lovely pattern and I really, REALLY enjoyed knitting it.  It took me a little over two weeks of inconsistent knit time.  The picture is of it blocking.

I've been wanting a black shawl and this perfectly fits the bill!  I even wore it to an IEP meeting last week and felt quite proud that I had actually created something wearable.

In other news, I've been helping out at my favorite LYS (Local Yarn Shop), Cast on Cottage,  as they prepare for their big move.  It was nice to get out for a few hours each day this week and fondle smooshy, soft yarn in rich, amazing colors.  I have a few new favorites: Misti Alpaca (any-all-YUMMY), Malabrigo Twist in Indiecieta, and Lorna's Laces new Ysolda Red.

I'm working on finishing my beaded Saroyan and intend to have it ready to share with you guys next week!

My other fantastic FO for the week has been the addition of my Facebook Page for Right to Learn Education Advocacy and a facelift on my Other Blog.  If you have a spare second, please "LIKE" my page on Facebook and add Right to Learn to your blogroll!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Expect more from me next week...

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

FO Friday

I'm completely slack lately and only have one FO to share.

I missed my friend's little girl's birthday party last Saturday, but finally gave her this gift so I can share it here.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

FO Friday

Thank Goodness Friday is FINALLY here!!!  And I'm soooooo excited to share this week's FO's with you!

First of all, here is my "Darling Dumpling" for Mini-Me:

You can purchase the pattern here.  The embroidery (read: blue splotches) are "supposed" to be stars... I got lazy and didn't do a very good job on them.  However, I am so in love with this project that I'll probably whip up a few for end of the year teacher's gifts.  This was also my first experience felting, which is something that I didn't think I would like but wound up really enjoying!  I made a few modifications because a) apparently I can't count OR measure and b) I didn't have the rings which the pattern calls for.  I'm still pleased, however, and so was the recipient!

I am also quite proud to say that this was the first week I've actually stuck to the "one project a day" rule that I set for myself.  Of course, I keep modifying the rule - I believe that rules were MEANT to be flexible - but for now, I am feeling accomplished and like I just might make some headway over the next few weeks.

Here are some embroidered shirts I did for one of the mom's at my childrens' preschool:

I have even posted this style in my Etsy shop for purchase!!!

I also ventured into the world of bags this week and made these two little cuties:

I've already gifted them to a friend with apologies for the imperfections.  However, I think they're cute and have picked up zippers to make a few more.  

And can you say YUM?!?!  I took a tip from The Pioneer Woman and made Macaroni and Cheese and Meatballs for dinner on Wednesday night.  They were ridiculously easy and a total crowd pleaser... even the littlest one ate them!  And in case you were wondering, YES! cooking counts as an FO in my house!  I rarely do anything that requires more than five minutes of preparation, so this is a big deal that deserves notice!

Here's a picture of the yummy goodness.  I cannot tell you how delicious and easy these were... which says a LOT because I am not a fan of meatballs or any meat product that even resembles a meatball.   Run, don't walk to The Pioneer Woman's website and check these out!!!  You MUST make them!!!

And last but not least, I am so excited to gift these to one of my best friends who just had a baby!  My irrational fear of flying kept me from going to Seattle to see her during her maternity leave.  Fortunately, however, she is not irrationally afraid of flying and is coming to my neck of the woods this weekend!

I am so in love with this set, it's pretty ridiculous.  I want to eat it, it's so damn cute!

And here is the CutieT and matching Hambone Huggers... Yes, I made BOTH of these!! And although you can't tell from the crappy picture quality, they are brown and teal and everything coordinates perfectly.  

Love.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Love.  

If you have any FO's to share, I'd love to see them!  Leave a comment with a link to your blog or flickr and I'll check it out!!!

Love, hugs, and blessings,

The Mama

FO Friday

No, my title is not an abbreviation for a profane salute to this day... although, if I stop and think about it long enough, I am kind of "there" right now.

FO is a knitter's term for Finished Object, or so I am told.

I just got back from a 4 mile walk pushing 100 pounds uphill both ways in 30 degree weather.  I'm not in the mood for much chatting.  My kiddos loved the walk.  This is the three of them knocked out after we got back.  That plastic looking thing on top is the wind/rain cover.  It adds an additional 40 pounds to my uphill pushes when it's windy outside.  Like today.



My body is now revolting and I'm finding it impossible to get warm.  So to make up for it, I'm looking at warm things.

Like my grandmother in her Gretel.  This was the point of my whole post today.  Here's my Grandmother in her Gretel.

Isn't she just adorable?  Love this picture.

So there's my FO for today.  And now, I'm off to try and get warm.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama