A few changes around here

 I am lucky to have a friend who is an interior decorator and I think she is very talented. She has been helping me around here. Left to my own devices I do okay but usually waste some money along the way. My friend just re styles what I already have and what a difference she makes. These are a few pictures of the improvements she made a week ago.

 There is going to be a floor lamp here.

 I like this because it represents both of our interests. Joe likes to hunt and the wreath has little needlepoint signs on it.

I did this myself. It's one of my favorite Christmas presents.

Very appropriate for us.

This is the before picture. I need some more cabinet space in the kitchen so there will be shelves here with nice things on them. I'll keep you posted.

Check a few things off

I have had pineapple upside down cake on my mind for awhile. I can't make a dessert like this just for my husband and I  but it was perfect for the Superbowl party we went to. I am not a good baker and it came out great. The recipe called for a little coconut in it and that made it a little special. The cake was just what I had been dreaming of. I can check this off my list.

I needed an easy project to take to the Superbowl party. I can't seem to watch television and do nothing. I have been commissioned to knit this afghan for a woman so I thought I'd take a square. I think I have again underestimated the time it will take. My dilemma is always charge too much and not get the job or take the job at a low per hour rate and make some money. I've decided to make this a personal challenge. I am going to make one of each square.

Some squares are challenging for me and I think it will be fun to conquer all of the patterns.

And in case you were wondering if I finished something - I did indeed. This is the front flap of an evening bag. The actual bag zips on to the top of this piece.  I always love to needlepoint  so this was fun. A gentleman is going to give this to his wife for Valentines Day. It was fun to be a part of his romantic gift.

One project completed - Check!

As Usual

I'm very busy with many unfinished projects. This poor fairy needs another wing, legs face and hair. She is very time consuming to knit but it's the first time I've ever knit a stuffed item. Fun but no where near a money maker. I'm also knitting a sweater, finishing an afghan and doing some needlepoint. All are in progress and hopefully some will be finished soon. Otherwise the girls and I are enjoying some nice spring weather. I hope you all are finishing something!

New Year, New Project

There is nothing like starting a new project. I have owed this child a baby present for a year. Nothing quite struck me as the right thing and time seemed so fleeting. But... I finally got it into my head that he needed a guernsey sweater.  I  found the pattern and have a stash of yarn that's perfect  so it all fell together. Then I started knitting. It's just fun. The house is still a mess from Christmas but I'm enjoying my knitting. Here's to many more fun projects this year.

Clean up and out

While Hillary is home we cleaned out the rest of her room. I had already thrown out some stuff and removed some furniture. I had left a pile for her to address and several drawers and shelves in her closet. It is amazing what came out of that space. We swear the stuff grew as we took it and put it in bags. We had four bags of trash, four bags to donate (pictured in trunk) and a bag for the consignment shop. Neither of us can figure out how all this fit in the room. Hillary claims she can feel the lightness in the room. I'm just stunned.

I am so glad I decided to start this project. Clearly we have too much "stuff". The next job is to paint the room. Next month after I do a few All Stitched Up jobs I'm going to get busy.

This certainly is a good start to the New Year.

Good to Go

 A week ago the girls thought I need to be doing some knitting so they tried to bring me my knitting. They are so sweet I could hardly yell at them.

Last night I finished up my home made Christmas presents. Socks and a cowl for friends that ski.

I just realized there were a few needlepoint ornaments I could report on as well. It was fun to have knitting every evening after the wrapping and cleaning. Now that my presents are done I'm thinking of what project to get back to first. I'm thinking my quilts!

I hope you are all ready to enjoy Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Peace

I've been busy with all the usual holiday preparation just like all of you. All my crazy projects are on hold for now. I received a very cute Thanksgiving card and this sentiment has been on my mind ever since:

Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.  (unknown)

I hope everyone has a peaceful holiday season.