I've said it before....

Embroidery Project
It's All in the Details

Mollie Johnson's Wild Olive blog is a warm, welcoming, wonderfully creative spot to spend time in.
Her embroidery designs are fresh and interesting. I am totally hooked.

 Just now, I am taking her "All in the Details" embroidery project course online. The theme for the first week was Bits & Baubles. Back before Xmas, I mentioned that her "I Love Pumpkin Lattes" had inspired me to add embroidery to my creative repertoire (as well as begin my addiction to Starbucks). Well, now she has me adding beads and sequins to my work, and I like it.

 My first finished project for the class is this wreath. The only change I made to her pattern was to use less circles on a smaller wreath form, and to wrap the wreath form in red ribbon (which I had on hand) instead of red fabric (which I did not).  Also, I found the felt a bit floppy, so I hot glued card board to the back to them before attaching them to the wreath (OK so I made a few changes.  You know how I am.).   As you can see, this baby is already hanging on my front door (Yes, I know it needs painting (the door, not the wreath)).

A mind is a terrible thing to lose...

While I have always loved learning something new, I do not remember it being as much fun as the last few weeks have been.   You may remember my talking about Stefanie Jappel’s (Glampyre Knits) Design Your Own Shawl class.    While I did learn a lot in that class, the shawl I designed, although simple in thought, turns out to be complicated in execution.   Still not finished, I find that I am pulling back only slightly less than I knit.  I gave it (& me) a rest for a  couple of weeks, and worked on it again last night.   I promptly knit a row & a half, noticed that I had picked up in the wrong place in the pattern, tore that back, and knit two rows correctly.   Obviously, I am not giving it the attention it deserves but I am not ready to put it aside permanently.  Despite the angst, it is very pretty.   I will persevere. 

Most of my last six weeks have been focused not on knitting (GASP!), but on art journaling.   I must have thought I would like it or I would not have signed up for the online course (Brave Girls/Soul Restoration1).  However, I did not anticipate loving it to this degree.   Even in my sleep, I am thinking of newer prettier things to do.  I did not even own any paints when I started.  Now I have had to reorganize my studio/office/mom cave to accommodate another beloved craft.   The six week course is almost over but I have already registered for Soul Restoration2 (which will begin on my birthday!) and am looking closely at She Art.  

I have recently taken two ½ day classes at my local quilt shop (Cinnamon’s).  You’ve already seen my wrapped rope tote.   This Saturday it was a locker hook rug class.   The craft is fairly easy and the class was a blast (all thanks to a terrific teacher).    My rug is not very impressive but then I have not gotten much done yet.    Hopefully, it will grow up to be a lovely kitchen rug.    

Today my favorite embroidery designer (Wild Olive) announced a summer class (how cool is that?).   We have been dealing with some stressy things in my family of late and these classes have been an inspiring and productive cave to hide in when the need arises.

Getting there....

Chrismahanakwanzadan

Right around Thanksgiving, I realized, to my horror, that Christmas was coming.   I am an early Christmas shopper, but an insane, last minute, scrambling, maker.   This year my plan was/is to make an ornament for everyone in Hubby's family along with a few for my friends and family.    Thanks to Wild Olive's inspiration, I did get an early start.   However, I quickly figured out that, at a couple of days each, the ornaments would take too long.   I chose another, this time simpler and of my own design.   Still, the going was slow.   Then, while working on my Chrismahanakwanzadan Wreath, I found the perfect solution.  

Peace & Goodwill

I am now making ornaments based on the peace dove that I made for the wreaths (found here).   Unfortunately, I dithered, started, stopped, and changed my mind so many times that once settled on a workable idea, I found myself with only seven days to finish the first twenty (assuming that we will mail out of town presents on the 15th).   Today is the 12th.  I have nine done with eleven to go.   Wish me luck.

It must seem that I don't knit anymore but, really, I am just doing a lot less of it.    The socks in my handbag are almost done (just the ribbed cuff to go), and I am about half way done with the bind off of my latest Shawl That Jazz (would be nice if I finished this in time for T2's performance tomorrow night).   I have lots of ideas for new cast ons but am trying to stay focused on those ornaments for the time being.

Enjoy the holidays even if the lead up makes you nutty.

I Heart Peppermint Mocha Lattes

Like most converts, I have gone off the deep end.   It may have taken me longer to appreciate Starbucks than the rest of the country but now that I have found it, I am enjoying myself immensely.   Coffee monogamy, however, does not seem to be in my make-up.   Pumpkin Spice is just so last month.  My new sinful indulgence is Peppermint Mocha Latte's.   OMG, I am totally hooked on their chocolaty goodness.   The fact that I can get them decaf, non-fat, & very short, only makes them better (If you look at them that way, they are practically health food.).   As you can see, I am so enamored, that I had to embroider my devotion onto this cup cozy (Thank you Wild Olive for inspiring me.).

Sadly, as with the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, two or three a day (T2, T1, & me, my diet does not allow for more than one short one a day) was adding up fast.  So, once again, I experimented until I could create them at home.    This copy cat creation took longer then the last one and is no more or less diabetes friendly than the store bought ones.    However, after a few near misses, and at least two spectacular failures, I think we finally have it.    Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Lisa's Peppermint Mocha Latte

4 oz espresso or extra bold coffee
1 tsp Splenda Sugar Blend
3 Tbsp Starbucks Peppermint Syrup (I tried another brand but did not care for it)
2 Tbsp Ghiradelli Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
8 oz 1% Milk

Prepare coffee & set aside

In sauce pan, combine milk, Splenda Blend, peppermint syrup, cocoa.
Bring to a bubble, stirring often.
Remove from heat & add coffee
Stir & enjoy

NOTES:  For coffee I use either Keurig's Green Mountain Espresso Blend (made on the 4 oz setting), or one packet of Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast prepared as directed (use 4 oz per latte).   Also, I tried another brand of Peppermint Syrup because it came in a sugar-free.   It was vile.   At this time, Starbucks does not carry a sugar free peppermint syrup (I happily use their other s/f syrups).   As written, this drink kills a whopping 299 calories.   I am hoping that Starbucks will expand their selection or that I will happen upon anoher brand that tastes just as good.  

Ooops, I did it again....

I Love Pumpkin Spice Latte 

Help, I've rediscovered embroidery and I can't stop.    Wild Olive should carry a surgeon general's warning.    Not only have I been working her designs but those same designs have inspired me to come up with some of my own.   I did a set of really cute coasters for the co-op (forgot to take pictures), and a couple of Xmas designs that will eventually be ornaments I can give as presents to our families (just waiting for the right Sizzix die to arrive).

Gentleman's Scarf

This scarf was begun as a Xmas gift for a dear family.    The pattern is eminently doable, but it does require attention that I can not give it while chatting with friends or, heaven forbid, watching a movie.   With the fine yarn, small needles and 4 false starts (I can be really picky), it has been very slow going.    I even gave serious consideration to ripping it out and running up a simple Shaker Rib scarf instead, but when it came time to do the deed, I could not bring myself to do it (Even barely begun, it looks lovely).   The new plan, is to keep working on it in the hopes of being done in time for his birthday.  Love a plan B.