I love cats, but do I love them this much?

Saw this book today and I was instantly relieved: obviously someone loves cats far more than I. Though I was momentarily tempted to try my hand at this, I quickly  decided to pass. (My mediocre knitting skills far outweighs my desire for a knitted replica of Han and Sock)  However, if anyone wanted to knit my cats for me... 

Surprise!

Sort of a funny story to share today :)

 You know how I posted about my pining for a specific  NORO knitting book the other day? Well, I had been looking at it on Amazon right before I blogged and for a moment  I thought I might have accidentally clicked "buy it now" but I didn't think anything of it. So exactly 3 days later I receive a package from Amazon shaped very much like a book. I thought, "hmmm... I must have accidentally bought that book..." Turns out my lovely Mother had seen my post and shipped me the book as a surprise gift! THANKS MOM!!  I've already started in on a project :) So many beautiful patterns to make, I highly recommend for the intermediate to advanced knitter. 

Today I'm also applying for alllll of my shows up until about July. I'm really excited to be traveling farther this year so I will hopefully have some interesting stories from the new places we stay! (Kind of like combining vacation and work!) Speaking of traveling, Kirk and I will be staying in Times Square this Thursday - Saturday! He has never been to NY so this is going to be a busy, crazy, adventurous weekend! 

Happy Monday みなさん! 

Update in Photos

Hooray! Fresh Photo update!

Stacks of applications for my Spring Show line up.

New cozy cabled fingerless mitts I made up this winter, super happy with the result

(Pattern is here for any of you knitters who want to make these lovelies! )

My design sketch book, always open, always a mess.

Say hello to my new flip book pattern pendant! It's like 3 necklaces in one, actually it IS 3 necklaces in one :)

New Japanese Yukata fabric bracelet design. Totally love this one, you can purchase it here in the Shop!

The BEST Chocolate chip cookies that I made tonight. They seem pretty happy next to Mt. Fuji don't you think?

I'm Sharing this recipe with you all because it's really that good!

Ingredients:

1 Cup butter, softened (50 sec. in the microwave usually does it)

1 Cup white sugar

1 Cup packed brown sugar

2 Eggs

2 Tsp. vanilla extract

3 Cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. hot water

1/2 tsp salt

2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1)Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

2) Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in the hot water ( I usually just pour the baking soda into the batter then add the hot water overtop and stir together). Add salt. Stir in flour and mix thoroughly.

3) Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed through batter.

4) Drop by spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 10 min. or until edges are just barely browned.

ENJOY!

Cozy Things

For some reason I was so cold today! Bundled in far too many layers for an October Tuesday, my mind of course started thinking about knitting. Since getting back with my new yarns from Philly, I've been carefully thinking of what to make from their expensive greatness. I decided it has to be something intricate because I just don't feel right using a $20 hand-dyed skein for a scarf. I'm thinking these lovely leg warmers might fit the bill.

Then I saw a photo of a hot water bottle and thought: now that's something I don't think of very much! (actually ever) but now I am. Ever since I found this crazy beautiful cabled hot water bottle cozy I can't stop thinking about them! I must make one this winter.

Lastly, the coziest thing I can think of when I'm cold, is of course the Kotatsu. The Japanese really have something good going on. To all who are unfamiliar, Kotatsu is basically a heater beneath a table covered in a futon that traps all that glorious warmth. I make a similar style in the winter and it is the greatest thing to just relax and watch tv while drinking hot tea or chocolate with your friends!

Hoping tomorrow is not quite so chilly!

(but if it is I can always make kotatsu)

*** Getting lots of replies for home show invites and I'm beginning to run low! Please let me know soon if you would like a physical mailed version of the invitation soon! Paperless versions are infinite, so if you'd like one of those, contact me anytime. Visit the Fall Home show page for more details.

Update in photos!

 Hello!  I've been away in GA visiting family :) Hope everyone is well! I never like trying to explain everything that has happened during my long absences from blogging ( which happen frequently ) so here is my update in photos!  In summary, I embraced turning 23, explored felted knitting, knitted some more, and did what I do best: jewelry design! Lets all have a productive week!

^^Amy