Shalom

Well, here is my new pattern!

I got it though Involving the Senses via Amanda Soule (Mrs. Soule used more of a cream yarn and also added sleeves.)

It looks like a great one to have around here in Houston and can be done many ways! I'm really looking forward to making something for myself, aside from various scarves that is :)

Right now I'm finishing up a few baby items but I'm itching to go to the yarn store and begin casting on for this one. This is also be my first sweater (no really, it is), so that should be interesting. Although this seems like a simple pattern because there are no sleeves, multiple button holes, or a collar of any kind.

Be looking for updates and pictures on my first sweater (Yes, really)!

Seven hours, knitting with friends, and some joint pain oils later...

It is finished!

Now Dad's head will no longer be a wee bit chilly (and just in time for this weekend); naturally, if I were living up north I would have done this much sooner in time for the snow!

I must say that this pattern nearly took me to tears. I've never (no really, never) been bored by a knitting pattern but this one really tried me. But just when I thought I would die knitting three and purling two, it was time to decrease! And that is my favorite part of this hat. I would definately suggest this one if you have a free weekend or just want something simple to occupy you during the week. Plus you could do all sorts of fun stripes and patterns!

"The Dad Hat"

::Right, so I have this habit of forgetting past projects. I admit.

This is not the first manly thing I've ever knitted but it is in fact the third.

I know what you're thinking, "Elena, you got paid for those projects! Don't you remember something that you were paid for?"

You would think that I would remember the past two manly projects but...well...

I didn't. So sorry!::

Here is a picture of the Boyfriend Hat that I got from Ravelry.

(another great knit and crochet site!)

I confess, I've never knitted anyting manly.
Ever.

::Ahem, please read red print above::
My fancy has always leaned towards the cute and pretty patterns.
But today is a new day and my Dad's head is a wee bit chilly,
thus "the Dad Hat" is in the knitting process.
And since I live here in Houston,
I think I had better get a move on before our mid to low sixties weather leaves!

Great New Knitting Blog!

A dear friend, who also knits extremely well, has introduced me to my new favorite knitting blog called, Soule Mama. I would definitely encourage you to go have a quick look at what this stay-at-home mama of four creates with her needles. She is also a wonderful photographer and takes beautiful pictures of her recent creations as well has her surroundings.

This is also a great resource not only for the Knitter but also for the crafty person; Amanda does lots of other things around her house and gives fun tips and ideas.

Picture Credit~I loved this chair and thought that it would be a great one to cozy up in and knit!

Project Inspirations: Lovely Thoughts and Moss

For this weeks creative inspiration, I'd like to introduce you to another blog on my sidebar:

A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles by Breezy Brookshire.

I came across her blog through her sister Emily, on Simply Vintage Girl and was really encouraged by her blog posts and I love her artwork!

Emily and Breezy have recently started Noble Rose Press which is a creative endeavour to use their gifts and talents by creating lovely paper dolls of prominent, godly historical figures (Abigail Adams, Katharina von Bora, and Sarah Edwards to name a few).

Her blog is so very sweet and lovely; I enjoy looking at it and being sweetly encouraged by the things she blogs about or the art project she is working on.

Sometimes it is really the little things in the day that make it pleasant :)

So, I encourage you to take a peek at the things she creates and be inspired!

Project Inspiration: "No lace Mrs. Bennett, I beg you!"

Well, for this weeks Project Inspiration I would like to present two things:

A very inspiring blog, (Oh hello Friend) You Are Loved

It is a creative blog by Danni, who lives in Orange County, CA.

I really enjoy browsing through what she posts and getting ideas for future projects.

And it was on her blog that I discovered a new way to make greeting cards:

SEWING!

(See above photos)

I might not go back to pasting my cards together...at least for a while yet :)

This is a great way to use scap pieces and put them together for a "Anthropologieish" look.

I might get some pictures of some recent experiments together.

Enjoy :)

Project Inspirations: Birds and Sparkles

Inspirations are something that are essential to a young woman, particularly when that young woman is striving to bring glory to God through hidden arts.

I have loved looking through different magazines and art blogs for project ideas and I thought of starting a series on Project Inspirations.

So, each week I will be posting something that has encouraged or inspired me that week; it may be a portion of scripture, magazine article, or a post on an art blog.

And please comment if you have something to contribute too!

This week I'd like to share a link to my friend Cait's blog,

In Company With Sparkles.Cait is a sweet, creative young woman whom I have enjoyed to spend time with; although I live in the States and her in the U.A.E., we have been able to connect through a mutual friend and I have been blessed to call her my friend and frequent, creative inspiration.

Today she posted a great project idea for pillows!

So hop on over to her blog and be encouraged and inspired! It's so fun to see the different things she creates and how she uses them to bless others.

Week Two of AHC: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."

Here is week two of A Homemade Christmas put on by Emily Rose at Simply Vintage Girl.

(It's always best to begin at the beginning)

Here is a wonderful recipe for Crusted Nuts that was given to me by some dear friends.
I love this recipe because it is one of those that can be changed and

adapted, however you like it.

This is a great gift for neighbors, you could couple it with a "thank you" note,

sprinkle them on ice cream, or simply leave on the counter for whenever you feel the least bit hungry!

They may not be chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but they really taste and smell yummy, in whatever weather you may be.

You start with:

~ 2 beaten egg whites

~ 1 tbsp. water

~1 1-pound bag of your favorite nuts (I used halved pecans but it tastes good with almonds or walnuts as well)

~ 1 1/2 c. sugar

~ 1 tsp. salt

~ 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees, then for an easy clean-up, I lined my pan with some greased wax paper.

2. Beat your egg whites until they are white and foamy (think sea foam, without the salt). Coat your nuts well; this is what the sugar mixture will be sticking too, so make sure all of the nuts are well covered.

3. Mix sugar, salt, et cinnamon and coat the eggy nuts well.

4. Pour nuts onto sheet et bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Et bon appetit!

You could store this in a glass jar with some cute ribbon or fabric and leave on the counter for some edible decoration.

A yummy option would be to add some dashes of nutmeg or allspice to your sugar mixture.

And, to add to the ice cream idea,

you could chop your nuts before using them so they fit easier on the spoon.