What I've been up to

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

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!

Determined

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

Fluffy goodness

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

Friday Shoppe Update

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

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

Good Saturday Morning!

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

There's a new rabbit in town

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

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

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail

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

Bunny in a hoodie

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

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

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

Two little knitted bun buns!

See them here.

xoxo, Marissa

I've been tagged!

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

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

Handmade goodness and Mail

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

Knitted FO's (almost!)

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

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...

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!!

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