Like most of you I'm sure, the holiday weekend didn't afford much time for knitting. Only a few rounds on the long-forgotten Gayle sleeves that will...ahem...someday be completed. Plenty of time for visiting with family and friends though, and I was reminded that you're never too old to put your two cents into building a snowman.

Last night I had the privilege of spending a few hours with my three year old nephew. At first I was taken aback at just how much chaos ensued from the addition of a toddler to my mom's house--usually a quiet, exceptionally ordered and well decorated home that wouldn't be out of place in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. Last night however, it seemed as if the living room was transformed into a playroom with puzzles and crayons strewn about the floor, and a surprisingly large rev-up car track in front of the entertainment center. And on this first visit to Gram's, an endless supply of adults to play with him, tickle him, and watch his every move for the he-just-did-the-cutest-darn-thing-ever photographs.

I have to admit, he's a lucky kid--the holiday weekend lasted him four solid days--two with his mom's family and two with his dad's (my family). Of course at three the presents are the most exciting part--that and Gram's gingerbread men. But what struck me as interesting was that the toy he seemed most engrossed in was the Viewmaster--yes, the same simple technology from the 90s, 80s, 70s....and so forth, sure it's dressed up in a snazzier plastic shell, but it's the same little slide viewer. He kept pressing the little lever and his mouth would open wide with a 'woooooah' followed by a quick run to me or my brother and say 'whas this?' Disney scene after Disney scene and (disturbingly close-up) insect after insect (how do they photograph those things?!) his awe was just as great.

For me the experience was almost majestic, watching his enthusiasm and enjoyment (and that something that held his attention that long) over something so classic, that to me had previously seemed so mundane. For a moment it was as if I was seeing it all for the first time through his eyes.

On the way home I couldn't help but notice, in all of his energy and toddler babble, how successful he had been at making me slow down for a moment to appreciate one of the simplest joys of life.

*Ashley*

What do Tubas and knitting have in common you might be asking? Well, the Tubas relate to my 16 year old son and his high school band (he plays the Tuba, but I bet you already guessed that?) they will be marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years day. Only 12 high schools are invited to participate and McQueen High School got the nod! So naturally we are making the trek down to Pasadena and there will time to knit on the way down, YEAH! Naturally as any good knitter might, I have a few (maybe 8, blush) things on needles right now in various states of completion, so what to take is the question. I will be of course taking my Artyarns beaded mohair and silk project to finish up (so close :) and reveal it to you when I come back.

This project has been sidelined a couple of times; most recently by Laura's need for a quick design for some the Grayson E beaded handles that will be featured in a couple of magazines in the Spring/Summer. This was a fun one and we should have some pictures soon. I really am in love with all of these handles and am thinking of doing another bag as soon as I get the Artyarns project done.

We will be gone about 6 days and I think the Artyarns project should be cast off about the 3rd day, so I will need another project for the balance of the trip. I need something simple and cute! I think I am going to work up the Blue Sky Alpacas Kitty Hat and leave my other WIP's at home; what's one more cast on??


I wish you all the holiday of your dreams, with lots of fiber in your diet!

See you in the New Year! Jeanne

So late Thursday night, I (finally) picked up my grandma's socks (see previous blog!) to finish them up and send them out today...and realized I just couldn't stand the pattern. It was one of my own design, and really, the back was fine. The front however, ended up with these haphazard eyelets that just looked terrible.


After feverishly frogging the things, I began flipping through every magazine and pattern book in my library trying to find a pattern in the approprate gauge, that called for needles I already had--since I'd be knitting well into the wee hours of the morning. I settled on the Brick-Stitch Tea Cozy in the 2008 Interweave Holiday Gifts magazine. It doesn't call for sock yarn, of course...but it sure was a quick knit. Only about 7 hours total.





I used the 1824 Wool the pattern calls for, but in Earth and Russet instead of the pinks or natural (um yeah, my grandma hates pink!). I also switched the MC for the CC in a few places--the ribbing on the bottom, for example, because I didn't want it to scream RED in her mostly terra-cotta tiled kitchen.





Anyway, that and a porcelain teapot I found at a local thrift store for a few dollars turned into a nice little gift in relatively little time.








A little project update: Ocean Granny's scarf was finished in just enough time to send it with some of the family heading over the hill for her big birthday bash on Sunday:










With that, I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday! (Happy knitting to all, and to all a good....night?)


*Ashley*

I didn't quite have all the pictures needed when I blogged about our spectacular night out, so I thought I would get those up too! We are all still on an elegant night out twitter right now and work is so much fun!
The adorable couple to the left is our own Ashley and her handsome boyfriend Cory! During the evening I ran around and tried to get pictures of everyone at the table, but Cory took a walk and I didn't get the two of them. Thanks Sandy for your picture of them as they came into the dinner.





Now here is yours truly below with my honey, Geoff, but I think Geoff was caught off guard and he does have a nice smile, really. I just wanted to make sure everyone one was represented.

Thanks again to the Zander's for all you do for us.

My first road trip as an 'adult' was when I was 19 with my best friend Jamie. We drove from Reno to Santa Cruz, CA (only about 5 hours) to visit her Ocean Granny--a kind, spunky, creative, tap-dancing, singing, and remarkably modern grandma living in a retirement community close enough to the ocean to sneeze on it. And I was sure she couldn't be more than 75. An incredibly fit 75, at that.

When we pulled up, I was a little worried that in coming along with Jamie for her annual visit, I would be intruding on something sacred between them. When we walked in however, she opened her arms and scooped us both into a big hug like only a grandma can.

After making sure we were both sufficiently stuffed on a chicken-tomato-bean soup that seems to be entirely her own concoction, we spent the next five days playing a card game called hand and foot, walking along the beach, Boardwalk, and the open air mall (Pacific Arden, I think?). It was a lazy, low-key, relaxing, and simple vacation unlike any other I've ever had.

Recently, Jamie (now living in Sacramento--it's amazing how much distance 120 miles can feel like after spending four solid years seeing someone every day) and I were on the phone and she said "Mom told me the most amazing thing over the weekend, Ocean Granny is turning 90 this month!". Ninety. Neither of us had any idea she was anywhere near ninety. (Mind you, she's still cooking, tap dancing, card playing, and sharp as a tack. She came to our college graduation and kept up with all of us without batting an eye. Whatever she's done to stay that healthy, I want to know).

So--why am I telling you all about her and this milestone birthday? A ninetieth birthday calls for a knitted scarf, appropriately light for the Santa Cruz winter (usually not less than 65 degrees, from what I hear...?).

It's the Lace Spiral Scarf by Gail Owens, from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders. I hope the color suits her, it's Kid Merino Print in Painted Iris.

Happy birthday, Ocean Granny!

*Ashley*