Simply Sweet Stitches

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe a few less words. Since it's definitely feeling a lot like Autumn round' these parts, Gabe and I took a stroll to the pond today. I took the camera and took a few shots.

This is my sweet little Gabe, however did he get this big so fast? My baby is growing up.

His favorite things right now are being outside, taking baths, playing with his brothers and sister and did I mention playing outside??

xoxo,

A little Spring fever...

2011-03-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

It isn't quite warm enough to plant flowers or veggies here yet, but I did have a few minutes to build a terrarium! It's taken me 2-3 weeks to gather all the supplies, but finally, here it is.

I have been fascinated by terrariums for a long time and really like how this one turned out. The animals I bought at a toy store on vacation in Gatlinburg TN. (I'll tell you about that later.)

Those cute teeny mushrooms I bought at this shop.

Look at the gorgeous mood moss! Got that here.

If anyone is interested, I'd by happy to talk more about the construction.

xoxo,

My soul is fed with needle and thread...

2011-02-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

I needed just one more day of sewing therapy, so I headed to the craft room with a project in mind. I'm sure these fabrics look familiar, it is more from my "bliss" stash, LOL! I got to use my rotary cutter, cutting mat and the easy square. I can see how these tools would be a necessity to a quilter. I managed to walk away with just one injury. :o)

Can you guess what I made?

Who can't use another potholder??? These are like socks in my house, they always go missing!

Here it is sans "quilting."
All finished! I measured everything twice before I cut, but still ended up with a little strip of green on the end. Don't know how that happened, everything matched up... I swear! Anyway, it's my first quilted project, and I love it!

"Finished is way better than perfect!"

If I have time, I will be sneaking in my sewing room more often... but I have a really big knitting custom order hanging over my head that I must finish.

Till next time, xoxo

Just Lounging Around...

2011-02-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today we had one of those lazy Sunday's. I decided to take a day off from knitting and sew a little. It seems my children are growing an inch a week, so I decided to make them a new pair of pajama pants. This one is for my daughter.

Here is the cupcake fabric... chosen because she is crazy for cupcakes!

Starting to sew the legs.

Sewing the legs together.

Here the waist hem is pinned, leaving an opening for the elastic.

The waist is all done.

Here is the leg hem... All done!

She threw them on and ran off before I could take a picture of her actually in them, LOL!

Till next time, xoxo

Winter Fun

2011-02-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Well, we got a little more of the white stuff today and two of my snow bunnies could not resist the urge for a "winter walk." We made our way to our usual spot; the pond across from our house. They followed some rabbit tracks into the woods, played a little and after we were half frozen, we headed back to the house.

Here is something I threw together one night while hubby was traveling. I needed something to hold my DPN's and other odds and ends. It's not easy looking for a stitch marker in the bottom of my knitting bag while my 1 yr old is having a field day with my yarn!

I made it using Moda's "Bliss" line. I *love* this line and hope to get my hands on more of it to make a few more goodies! I have been asked for my pattern for this, but I have to tell you... I used the zipper for the pattern. I had a 9 inch zipper just laying around and simply cut the fabric to fit. However (you knew there was a "however" didn't you??) if you'd like to try to make your own, here is an online tutorial.

Happy Sewing! (or knitting!)
xoxo

2011-02-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Still thinking of Spring...

Nothing is so beautiful as Spring

2011-02-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Not a lot to say today, so I'll just share with you this photo of my flowers from last year. I have Spring fever and am so anxious to play in the dirt!

When I have a few moments, I'll share with you all the exciting news regarding my little knitting business. :o)

What I've been up to

2010-01-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a while... I know. A long while actually, and I sincerely apologize for that. 2009 was a really strange year for us. So happy to see 2010! It's going to be a good year, I can feel it.

So this is what I've been up to the last month. Snuggling, kissing, nursing, changing and bathing this sweet little thing my dh and I named Gabriel. Isn't he just the cutest little monkey? It's been 6 years since we've had a baby in the house and man is it great!

He weighed 8lbs 9 ozs and was 21 1/2 inches long. I promise this won't become a baby blog, but I can't resist to post a pic from time to time.

I wanted to end this with my thoughts on crafting for this new year. I have been knitting, but will be fairly quite till around Easter time. We are house hunting and hope to close late Feb. early March. I've had some ideas for my own knitting patterns for a while now but have been too scared to actually write them up and experiment.

This is my favorite handknit bunny from 2009. Wish I had kept this one!

Here's to a great 2010! ♥ Marissa

Christmas Knits

2009-10-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Have you seen the new free pattern section at Knitty? Go check them out! I really like this one.

Here's a little preview of what's to come this holiday season. I adore the norwegian star pattern and it was pretty easy to incorporate into this sweater. It was all the math that plagued me.
If you use the chart mentioned above, you will have to adjust your printer settings so it doesn't cut off some of the lines.

Be on the lookout for my hand knit Christmas ornaments coming soon. I am excited to be working on them at this time of year. Have to start early as I will be getting a very special "gift" this year right around Christmas Day. If you haven't noticed the little ditty on the left hand menu, we are expecting our 4th child. We feel so blessed to be experiencing this again, and my older children are very excited as well.

Happy knitting!

Country Living Magazines

2009-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to an antique mall in search of some bedside tables and walked out with a great find! Country Living magazines from 1989. I've scoured over these mag's all morning, reading beautifully written articles, drooling over the recipes and getting awesome decorating ideas.

I got issues Sept-Dec. What a find! I can see that I'll be spending more time searching for old treasures.

I came across many old mason jars, blue ones which are my favorite. There was pyrex as far as the eye could see, and many other treasures. I even found some old aluminum ice trays like the ones my Great Grandmother still used when I was a kid.

♥xoxo♥

Summer Cooking

2009-07-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

We were just chatting about how summer changes what we eat during this time of year. Some grill more, some eat lighter... I tend to eat more seasonal foods like watermelon and strawberries, fresh salads and homegrown tomatoes. This is one of the things I love about summer - fried green tomatoes.

You will see these on many Southern tables this time of year, but did you know they actually originated in the North? I read here that Northern farmers found themselves in a predicament with too many green tomatoes on the vine when the first frost hits. They couldn't eat them raw so they fried them. I'm so glad they did!

I will type up my recipe and post it tomorrow.

♥Marissa

A birthday coming up

2009-05-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Patches playing in my dolly "stuffin"

Patches, our family kitty (shh don't tell him I called him a kitty, he pretends he is a tiger!) will be 3 very soon. I remember the day my dh brought him home. He was so little and scrawny. Pumpkin, our older female cat wouldn't have anything to do with him. Patches slept on my pillow for a few weeks, I suspect Pumpkin was bothering him during the night. Anyway, he fell in line real quick and now he is just like one of the kids. Pumpkin is no longer with us though, as she had an obsession of the outdoors and snuck out one day.

Lounging on the deck

Determined

2009-03-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

That is what I am this morning. I am determined to learn to crochet. I learned to chain and do a single stitch (it might be called something else) 2 yrs ago and that is as far as I got. I ordered this

I have Debbie's Stitch n' Bitch The Knitter's Handbook so I thought her crochet book would be just as good! I'm so excited, I can't wait for it to arrive.

~~~~~~~~~

I am busy this week knitting more bunnies. It's hard to have a crafting business when you make so many different things. I'm always torn on which to do this week/what to work on today. Now when I get custom orders, I drop everything to get those done, but I really like to work on my own stuff as well. Last week, I made rag dolls so maybe this week I can get a few bunnies done. It is getting closer to Easter afterall. I'm actually working on a boy and girl set. I've already made their clothes-lime green and aqua. So cute!

I also have an April fool's project I'm working on . When I saw this knitted toilet paper , I just knew I had to make it. The night before, I will be putting this in my husbands bathroom (we both have our own) oh I wish I could see his face when he sees this.

♥Marissa

Lots of Curls

2009-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

This cutie has a load of hair on her head! Did I mention how much I love sewing rag dolls?

She just screams summer!

These 4 dolls will be on ebay tonight.

♥ Marissa

P. S. There will be a dolly giveaway on my blog soon, be on the lookout for it!

Not only do I knit, I also sew

2009-03-25T19:19:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I had to take a teeny break from knitting and revisit how I began this journey at making rag dolls. I am hooked on this pattern from Anniescupboards. It's quick, easy and I like bigger dollies. *Ü*
They all are 20 inches tall and will be listed on my ebay tomorrow- March 26th. I have another that I didn't photograph today that will be listed as well. I hope you will take a peek at them. I've really enjoyed spending time at my sewing machine this week.

♥ Marissa ♥

Fluffy goodness

2009-03-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

How are you this sunday afternoon? Lately it seems I get most done on sundays, so here I am another sunday, blogging. I wanted to share a few blogs I happened upon recently that I have learned so much from. If you are a bit "crunchy" check these out. Trust me, you will love them!

Crunchy Chicken

Down---to---Earth
Simple, Green, Frugal Co-op

I started taking photos for my shop update and (remind self to make sure batteries are charged before i try to take photos) had to stop because my cam died. I got these listed though. Will finish later today.

Meet my boys, Ethan

and, Logan

♥ Marissa

Sunday afternoon in the kitchen

2009-03-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Other than knitting, I had a very productive weekend... we looked at a few potential homes with land. It is our goal to become more self sufficient. I want to grow more of our own food and have my girls back- aka hens. These are the ones Jay got me for mothers day 4 yrs ago. I had 9 in all, but hope to have at least 2 dozen next time 'round.

So anyway, I made butter-from scratch (I know, can you believe it?) this weekend. I was totally inspired by this. All it took was heavy cream, salt and a little elbow grease.... and look at what I got. We had it on homemade bread last night and it is so very yummy.

I forgot to mention you get raw buttermilk out of this too. I intend to use it for the whoopie pies I make later this week.
I'll talk more about the bread later, I have to get my youngest pumpkin ready for school. We are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday today and I'm bringing cupcakes. ♥ Marissa

Friday Shoppe Update

2009-02-13T08:37:00.001-08:00

Miss Madelyn

and Miss Kate

They are both in my sweet little shoppe.

I've already started knitting for next weeks update. Hope to see you then!

I am helping with my daughter's Valentine party today then going clothes shopping! I just love Valentines Day, I wonder if I will get my favorite flower - pink roses.

xoxo, Marissa

Cloudy Days and Blackberry Tea

2009-02-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

As much as I love warm, bright days, I also love the cloudy grey ones. Today is one of those rainy, relaxing - stay in your jammies kind of days. I've been surfing the net in search of some cutesy girls clothing patterns for big girls. I love the peasant style shirts like this one and pillowcase dresses too. Now I just need to figure out the measurements I will need for my 8 yr old pumpkin.

I will be busy seaming up knitted lovies this afternoon for my Friday shop update.

This is what I enjoy on cloudy kinds of days like this...

(cup and blackberry tea are both from adagio teas. I *adore* this site... and their tea!)

xoxo, 'Rissa

Warm n' Cozy

2009-02-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

When I saw these yummy wrist warmers HERE, I just knew I had to try the double moss stitch and who can't use a pair of wrist warmers in the weather we've been having.

These were knit with Sublime baby cashmere merino DK in "vanilla."

xoxo, Marissa (who's awaiting Spring)

We're Here

2009-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Today makes one week since we moved to Indiana. I'm so ready to get things back to normal! I've been knitting just as I promised and hope to add more knitted lovies to my etsy shop. I've taken photos of our beautiful home and as soon as my camera cable gets unpacked, I'll show.

The kids started school yesterday and had a wonderful first day back. My oldest son is in middle school now. He was given placement tests and did fantastic, only missing one question on the entire thing. He was placed in GT classes, I'm such a PROUD Mama! My daughter made plenty of new friends and my little one is enjoying the half day Kindergarten. (I have to admit, I really like it too!) I'm so happy they had a great day, it makes things so much easier when they love school.
xoxo, Marissa

My search for the perfect pumpkin bars

2008-10-18T17:32:00.001-07:00

We had these for dessert tonight. Need I say more? They were so awesomely delicious! The recipe can be found here.

Now I'm searching for the perfect pumpkin soup recipe. Anyone know of one? Pretty pretty please?

Happy Fall Y'all, Rissa

Purchase my snow pops e-pattern

2008-10-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am making it possible for you to purchase my snow pops epattern straight from my blog.

View the "buy it now" button over on the right side of my blog. Of course there is free shipping as I will be emailing you the e-pattern. It can't get much easier than that, can it?

xoxo, 'rissa

Good Saturday Morning!

2008-10-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've had a very productive week. I finished knitting 2 wool rabbits and an organic cotton one. They just need to be seamed and put together. I finished another "chocolate" colored rabbit then started a new one last night. I want to get several finished then list them in my shop all at once.
Here she is all knitted up.

Part of the dress

What should I name her?

I also started a new pair of socks this week. It's getting chilly here and I'm longing for my wool socks more and more. I need to drag them all out and get them cleaned for the new season.
Yummy kelly green wool socks! I was considering putting in a navy heel and toe, but decided against it at the last minute. I can't wait till these are done so they can warm my toesies.

Here is the wool hat I recently made for my husband. It's a charcoal color, it's cloudy these days and hard to take good photo's. It's soft, fits well and he loves it, so that's good! If you'd like to knit your own, It's an "I live on a farm" pattern.

This is cascade 220 yarn, and I believe I used a size 6 needle. Check your gauge on this project!

One last photo! My LYS is carrying Debbie Bliss now! Yay! This is what a picked up this week.

Such delightful colors! I intend to knit a sweet little dress with this. It's on my "to do list."
My daughter was a cheerleader in her first game tonight. I will write about that later!

xoxo, 'Rissa

Waldorf Dolls

2008-10-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering for some time about making these dolls. I've purchased kits and patterns, a book now and most recently a DVD. The whole idea still intimidates me greatly but I think I'm finally ready. My first doll will be a baby girl and she'll be for my 8 yr old daughter.
If you are interested, I purchased my items from Dancing Rain Dolls, the book from Amazon and the DVD from Sarah's Dolls. *Ü* Marissa

A few things I've been working on

2008-10-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is a pattern from Bit of Whimsy Prims. Isn't she just the cutest? I still need to embroider her facial features.

xoxo, Marissa

News and TGIF

2008-10-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

We got some good news that we've been waiting for, for a couple months. We will be moving to southeast Indiana. Now the big question is when. All the paperwork will go through HR then we will know. We are so very excited about this move. We've enjoyed living in Iowa the past 2 1/2 yrs, but honestly it's never felt like "home." In Indiana, DH will be able to come home most nights and right now I think that's just what we need. We have some good friends in Cincinnati that we are looking forward to spending time with as well.

Will keep you all updated on our move.
xoxo, Marissa

There's a new rabbit in town

2008-10-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

You know I couldn't leave my knitting alone for too long. Just look at what I've gone and made!

This little cutie is Adeline and she's all dressed for pumpkin pickin' in her cashmere cardigan. The cardigan is a new pattern for me and I really enjoyed knitting it up. I purchased the pattern from this really crafty lady from Fuzzy Mitten named Barbara. I have several of her patterns and they are GREAT!

This guy has to be my most favorite. Anyone who knows me knows I have a thing for stripes.

His name happens to be Brannon. This sweater took a little more finishing, but totally worth it. I can't wait to do more stripety things.

Adeline has already found a new home, but if you're intersted in Brannon, please visit my sweet little shop here.

xoxo, Marissa

Wooly Goodness

2008-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again for me to start on my Fall and Winter sewing projects.... which means I have to put my knitting down for a while. :o( Before I do that, I'd like to show you some of the wonderful yarn I picked up recently.

On the left, the white is an organic cotton by Blue Sky Alpaca's. Can we say yum, yum! I'm not a fan of knitting with cotton, but this is so soft!

The oatmeal and navy heather are both Cascade wool. I love working with wool! I intend to knit myself a pair of wooly socks with this navy yarn.

I am finally working on my Raggedy Cabin Blog, so if you like primitive things, please check it out. You never now what I might write about. *Ü*

xoxo, 'Rissa

It's been way too long

2008-07-15T18:06:00.001-07:00

I'm so very sorry... I've been a bad blogger again! It's been so long since my last post.

The kids and I have spent the summer at the library, the park, watching movies, eating watermelon, swimming, spending all day in our jammies, having tea parties, baking cookies, picking flowers... planting flowers, catching fireflies, having lunch outside, baking bread and knitting. We even had a 3 day holiday visiting friends in Ohio!

Here is a loaf of whole wheat bread we made. It didn't last long!

Here's our cat, Patches, lounging on the back patio. Oh the life of a cat.

We have almost 5 weeks of summer left, I wonder how much more we can do. The time is flying by and next fall, my baby will be going to Kindergarten. (sniff, sniff)

Till next time,

xoxo, Marissa

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail

2008-05-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hopping down the bunny trail...

They're here! The two bunnies I promised this weekend. These will be the last two for at least 2 weeks. My pumpkins (the kids) have 8 days of school left so that means Mama is super busy!

I had a really fun romp in the yarn shoppe this week and came home with some great colors. I just love this heather blue (view Alex below,) and got hunter green. I can't wait for all the Autumn colors to come out. I'm already thinking pumpkins! I know... I'm pumpkin crazy.

This is Alex.

My first attempt at a lace pattern! Yeah, it was fun, can't wait to do another!

And this is Sophie.

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

You can find these cuties in my sweet little shoppe!

xoxo, 'Rissa

How fast can you type?

2008-05-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, I surprised myself! I did 73 WPM (words per minute) I took this fun little test that I found on my friend Jodi's blog HERE

73 words

Speedtest

Hope you all have a great Friday!!

xoxo, Rissa

Waldorf Dolls

2008-04-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

I have to tell you, I am in love with this style of doll! They're just beautiful! Maybe it's because they're made from all natural materials, maybe it's their simplicity... I think it's both. There is something so "enchanting" about them.

I came across these sites today that sell waldorf supplies, kits, pattern and toys. I know where my time this week will be spent, lol!

Dancing Rain They have downloadable patterns, and OH MY GOSH, isn't everything just so cute?!?!

A Child's Dream Come True I simply have to make Kate one of these dolls!

Magic Cabin Lots of toys to choose from!

One of the fondest memories that I have of my Great Granny was her love of dolls. She had them all over her home, and even had a spare bedroom filled with them. Boy did I spend hours and hours playing with all her dolls.

Sorry, no pics, just rambling today.

xoxo, Marissa

Bunny in a hoodie

2008-04-13T13:57:00.001-07:00

I guess these are the signs of the times... I've knitted a bunny wearing a hoodie. I couldn't wait to add her to my sweet little shoppe, so if you're interested in her (and I know you are! *Ü*) you can purchase her here.

Such a cute hoodie!!

I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend. We got a flurry of snow yesterday. I am so anxious to get out and play in the dirt. My tastebuds are watering for some homegrown veggies.

A little note about my next shoppe update. It might be the end of the month before I add more toys. I got an order for 3 custom bunnies, so that will be taking most of my time.

Till next time,

xoxo, Marissa

The Preemie Project

2008-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so do you remember me mentioning The Preemie Project? Well, I've finished my first item! Yay! It's so cute and you wouldn't believe how small it is. Here it is with my hand inside so you can compare. I have a hard time imagining this would fit a precious little baby.

There were yarn guidelines so I had to knit it with acrylic. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a natural kind of girl. It's super soft though, and I hope some little girl out there has a warm noggin wearing this hat.

I plan do make the same amount of boys and girls items, so I suppose my next item will be for a boy. I do love pink though. ;o)

xoxo, Marissa

Bun Bun's

2008-04-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for my next shoppe update? Here they are!

Two little knitted bun buns!

See them here.

xoxo, Marissa

Someone's been sleeping in my bed!

2008-04-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

And he's still there!

This is Patches, our 21 month old male cat. He's such a sweetheart. He's trying to keep me from making the bed.

What a rascal!

Ok, the bed is made, but he's still on it...

xoxo, Marissa

I've been tagged!

2008-04-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

There she goes again..... taggin' me. That Janna of Country Creek Creations.

I have to tell 5 things about myself.

1. My very first job (besides baby sitting) was at Dairy Queen. That job lasted 3 days, man I hated it!

2. I just celebrated my 11th wedding anniversary.

3. I am completely head over heels in love with my kids, pumpkins, knitting, cats and strawberries.

4. One of my favorite dishes is eggplant parmesian.

5. I experimented with vegetarianism during my teen years... And, still ponder the idea.

Now let me think, who am I going to tag?

Jo of Cotton-Eyed-Jo

Pat of Yellowsweetpotato

Leanne of Harvest Moon By The Lake

Debbie of Simple Country Blessings

xoxo, Marissa

Late night chatter

2008-03-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've been busy lately. I took the plunge and opened my little knit shop over on Etsy. This is something I've been planning to do for quite a while now. I'll update it twice a month with knitted toys and other goodies. I had an "aha" moment while soaking in the tub tonight and can't wait to get started on my idea. Here is my first item listed in the shop. She's already found her new home, (thanks so much!)

I have 2 items completed and ready for the next update, but hope to have a few more done by then. My next bunny is wearing a lavender dress *Ü*

Speaking of Etsy, my CPLG (Country & Primitive Ladies Group) group is now listing there! Type in our group letters CPLG to see some of our handmade crafty goodness.

I've decided I want to knit for The Preemie Project here in Iowa. My LYS is an official drop off spot. I've printed off a couple hat/bonnet patterns and hope to get started tomorrow. My goal is to knit 3 things a month, then donate everything this fall. I've decided to drop it off then, because I ♥ Fall and thought it would be silly to drop off pumpkin hats in the Spring.

Before I forget, I was given my first blog award! It was given to me by a good friend of mine, Janna of Country Creek Creations. I've known her for nearly 4 years and she is such a sweetheart!

You Make my Day

Now the rules for the “You Make My Day” award are to re-present it to those whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land. Let them know through email or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times, and if you do, consider yourself really, really loved.I award the "You Make My Day" award to:

Carmen: who makes the cutest little Annie graphics. I've lost count of how many signature tags I have of her's. She's so very sweet, and I love chatting with her over on PrimMart.

Janna: who has been known to stay up late with me on the phone. She makes the cutest rooster and chicken items that I have all over my home. *Ü* She's sweet and funny, kind and a very good friend. Luv ya!!

Sherry: who is so unbelievably creative. She should be an inspirational speaker... really! I love her sweet dollies.

Dana: A very talented artist, and an awesome mom to 7. She's a good friend too.

Till next time,

xoxo Marissa

Busy as a Bee

2008-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say hi and that I will be putting another little cutie on ebay tonight. She is my very first attempt with putting hair on the entire head. It was fun, but took a little longer than I expected. So sorry, she hasn't had her pics taken yet, but I promise she will! She's begging and pleading for some bloomers (her legs are cold) ;o) so when that's done, you all will be able to see her.

~Update~

Here she is! The pics aren't so bad considering they were taken at night. She's so cute, if she doesn't sell, it won't hurt my feelings. ;o)

Click on photos for a larger view *Ü*

I have two more dollies that will be done this weekend.

XOXO!

If you like my new siggy, check out my friend Wendi's site here.

Ebay Update

2008-02-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

I've listed a set of my teeny raggedy babies on ebay this evening. If you are in the market for 5 of the cutest little things you ever saw, take a peek at them here.

Raggedy Babies on ebay

xoxo, Marissa

Handmade goodness and Mail

2008-02-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I didn't mean to be away so long. I actually finished felting the booga bag a while ago. I've already gotten so many compliments. When I finish my lime green wool socks, I will be starting another bag. I've found another craft I love... felting! I can just hear my hubby groaning in the background, lol.

(Click photos for a larger view)

I took the picture after I filled it up, so it looks a little lumpy. I *love* how the colors turned out and was so surprised when I pulled it out of the washer that the felting really did work!

Look what came in the mail!

I simply could not resist this Japanese fabric from Purl Soho. It is so nice, I don't want to cut into it. *Ü*

More mailbox goodies...

These two are my favorites. The photography is breathtaking. I would *love* to have my home decorated like the pages of these books.

Till next time...
xoxo, Marissa

Shop Update!

2008-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one night, wowsers!

Just wanted to let you know I've added some things to my

sweet little shop.

A new dolly

Some cupcakes and cookies... Yum Yum!

I have some ideas for new dolls running around in my head. I'll be working on those this week so check back for an update.

xoxo, Marissa

Knitted FO's (almost!)

2008-02-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello!

I wanted to post photo's of my booga bag before it went to felting. I used Noro Kureyon #188 and just love how the colors came out.

I've decided to make another with more "summer-y" colors.

I'll show you all when the feltings done.*Ü*

xoxo, Marissa

Warm Socks for Winter

2008-01-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

So... my sock class ended this weekend. I have to admit, I really enjoyed my 2 hours of knit time on Saturday mornings. I've been a mom for 10 1/2 yrs, and a SAHM for 8 so time to myself is almost unheard of. Well, enough about that, lets talk about the socks. They're pink, betcha couldn't guess that! Here is one at the beginning of the heel flap stage.

These are my Brittany needles. My socks were knitted on size 6 DPN's.

Here is one almost finished, I just have the toe to do. My 2nd sock was knitted on aluminum needles, I discovered during this project that I prefer aluminum needles for knitting in the round.

This is the last photo. Would you believe I don't have one yet of the finished sock? After class, I had just one sock done. I was so excited I came home, had lunch then finished the second one and wore them that day. I'm still shocked that I was able to replicate the kitchener stitch on my own after coming home.

Now that I have a warm n fuzzy pair of pink socks to wear, I'm casting on the booga bag tomorrow. I'm so excited (I get excited easily, don't I?) about this new project. It will be my first felted item! If I know me, once I get started, I won't be able to stop till it's done... so check back in a few days to see my new bag!

xoxo, Rissa (as my friends in CPLG like to call me)

More unimportant rambling...

2008-01-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

After beginning this post twice and deleting, I'm just going to jump in. My sock class starts this Saturday. I feel like a school girl again, checking and rechecking my supply list... Making sure I've got everything, lol. Silly, huh? I'm making a needle roll tomorrow to carry in my Holly Hobbie knitting bag. After all, I don't want to be the unorganized one in class with needles falling out everywhere.

I found the most awesome knitting pattern site called Knitting Pattern Central. I've been perusing this site for 3 days now. There is soooo much to look at!

Wow! It's 2008!!

2008-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe 2007 has passed so quickly! Here's to another awesome year.

So much has happened since my last posting. My sweet dh and I celebrated our 11th anniversary! Woo hoo! We had a quite Thanksgiving at home. Between him and I, we managed to pull it off. We roasted our turkey inside this year as it was snowing outside. We usually like to deep fry it, but I was too afraid of the hot grease exploding if any snow fell into it. (Just call me worry-wart)

My computer had a hard drive failure in early December that sort of took me off the map. I'm back though, and gearing up for another year of crafting!

I pulled out my knitting needles and decided to knit the holiday stress away. It worked. I made a teddy bear. Me, a teddy bear, can you believe it? She is wearing pink over-alls. I'll take pics later. *Ü* I purchased the pattern at Fuzzy Mitten. Easy to follow, love it!!! I'll be working on the bunny next. (as soon as I can sneak off to the yarn shoppe!)

I've signed up for a sock knitting class that starts on Jan. 12th. Try as I might, I mess up at the heel every time. Plus I need another excuse to go to the LYS (Local Yarn Shoppe) to knit (kid free) with a group of wonderful ladies.

We had a wonderful time in Texas for Christmas. We were only there for a few short days and tried to visit as much of our family as possible. I came home with bags of fabric and crafty supplies. I'm so excited! woo hoo! My dh even took me to Michaels (we don't have one here) I finally got to walk down the "Martha Stewart" aisle. It was as nice as I imagined. Ü

Books I bought with Christmas Money

Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair This is such a cute book! Once I picked it up, I had a really hard time doing anything else till I finished it.

Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Holiday Knits

What an awesome Christmas!

Till next time, (and hopefully I will be able to post pics then!)
Warm (Brrrr! It's 2 degrees here) Rosey Hugs,
Marissa

My latest project and Tuesday news

2007-11-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

After many requests to wholesale my snow pops ornaments, I finally caved in.

Here is my first big order, completed! All 30 of them, took me a little over 24 hrs to finish! Ok, I'm ready for the next one, lol!!

Tuesday news: Today the kids are out of school for conferences so we are having a day of relaxation and fun! Being the super organized person that I am, I scheduled both conferences last week, so we could really have today off.

This evening (after the kids go to bed) I will start working on their crayon rolls and zipper pouches for Christmas. I'm so excited about these nifty little things, I'll be sure to post a pic when they're completed.

Thanks to everyone who's leaving me such lovely messages! So far, I'm really enjoying this blogging thing. *Ü*

Till next time,

Warm Rosy Hugs, Marissa

Christmas Shopping

2007-11-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

That's the dreaded topic I've been avoiding... Christmas shopping, have you started yours? This year, I've taken the handmade holidays "pledge." Who's pledge do you ask? Well, my pledge, lol. I'm making as many of my kids gifts as I can. Hopefully, I can manage to give them wholesome educational toys not filled with lead.

I taught myself to knit earlier this year, so my family will be blessed by my knitting skills. I promise they won't all get frumpy sweaters. (well, maybe one or two of them will) ;o)

My sweet hubby, has a job that requires him to travel, sometimes weeks at a time.... so we are dusting off the Christmas decorations early this year. I hope to have it all up before we leave for the grand ole' state of Texas for our Thanksgiving vacation with the kin' folk.

Here is one of my new Christmas items this year.

Hugs,
Marissa

This is me

2007-11-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Let's see... where to start, where to start. Well, I was born on a cold winters night 28 years ago... Just kidding!

I have been sewing and creating since my early teenage years... anything from cloth diapers to little girls hair bows. I've dabbled in soap and candles as well, but my favorite so far is sewing raggedy dolls. I'm still amazed every time I create something with my own hands.

We are a family of 7, I have 3 children and 2 fur-babies. My husband and I have been married for almost 11 yrs. We are Texans at heart but reside in Eastern Iowa.

I really like primitive style, but honestly my taste in decor changes with the wind. I like prim, country, shabby chic, french, cottage (pretty much the same as shabby...)

I spend a lot of time volunteering, gardening, sewing, and just being a Mom; so we'll see how often I actually get on here to post.

I hope you will check back to see what I'm rambling about. ~grin~

Till next time,

Warm Rosy Hugs,

Marissa