Emptyknitster

I'm so glad I waited for The Tiger's Thanksgiving visit before knitting his Christmas socks.  Look at how his feet have grown! Pattern: Fish Lips Kiss Heel socks by the Sock Therapist Yarn:Cascade Yarns Heritage 150 Prints Colorway: 12 Holidaze Needles: US Size 2

Traditionally we put our tree up and decorate the day after Thanksgiving but last year we weren't at home for the turkey day and then one excuse followed another. The biggest excuse being the fact we had a new kitten who pretty much did exactly what she wanted! I was certain the tree would spend more time on the floor more than in an upright position. Even this year I was apprehensive but....... Polly LOVES the tree!

Several of Hubby's photos were featured on the news tonight!

Three o'clock in the afternoon and Denali just realized the intruders are gone. Then the unusual happened and she climbed on my lap!

I've spent most of my knitting time this month working on Selbu mittens.  Selbu mittens are usually knit in black and white and have a history spanning over 150 years. More than four hundred different traditional patterns for these mittens are registered at Selbu. There is a dramatic difference between the pattern on the back of the hand and the palm and the two different patterns are separated with a literal dividing line on either side.   Cuffs show the distinct difference between the male and female mittens. Men's mittens are knit with short cuffs all covered with patterns and the female mittens have longer cuffs with out patterns and mostly are ribbed. I love the patterned cuffs and knit them for the gals before I knew they were for male mittens. Everyone has liked the patterned cuffs and, truthfully, I've yet to find a pattern big enough for the ND Norwegian male's hands. If I were to use a bigger needle on the pattern as suggested the fabric would be too loos...

We had a fun filled and busy week. Many games were played, Ticket to Ride, Montanaopoly, Garbage, 4 wheeling, cookie baking, making wish lists, black Friday shopping,  and tree decorating.

When SadieLou comes to town I like to have a project of two we can do together. She loved sewing the makeup bags as Christmas gifts for friends.  We both ended up with bags for ourselves and I think mine will get a lot of use.  All four of us made some Scandinavian Star Christmas ornaments and I'm proud Isaac stuck it out and made one too!

I found some yarn in my stash to use for this cowl. It was 4ply superwash and MAN is this going to be warm when we go to Iceland! It was much to warm for the breezy fall day of football! Pattern: In the Loop by Espace Tricot Yarn: Beroco Ultra Wool Colorway: Hollyhock, Cast Iron, Granite,  Black Pepper Needle Size: US Size 8

It's so nice having a little one to project for again! I've enjoyed knitting this sweater in the past and was happy to pull it out again to knit a Christmas sweater for grand niece AnnaMarie. I also found a stuffed doll pattern I thought was cute. It's called Sleeping Buddy and is intended to be scented with lavender. I hope this becomes a favorite but little ones often love them to death or they don't give them a second glance, and they end up at the bottom of the toy box, time will tell! Pattern: Tasia's Cardigan #607 by Dana Gibbins Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heather Colorway: Navy Needle Size: US Size 5, US Size 6 Pattern: Sleeping Buddies-Lavender stuffed dolls by Vanja Grundmann Yarn: Hobby Lobby I love This Yarn! and Red Heart 4-ply acrylic Colorway: Tropical Pink, Bloomtique, Flesh Color Hook Size: 2.0mm

Pattern: Vanilla Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Colorway: Blue Tit Needle Size: US Size 1 Pattern: Vanilla Yarn:Zwergar Garn Opal Reiselust 6-fach/6-ply Colorway: Rum Nien Needle Size: US Size 1 I finally had a pair of needles confiscated by airport security, It was on our journey home, leaving Ecuador to Miami.... the guard said they were "dangerous" and I couldn't take them on board the plane and then proceeded to stare at me. Finally I asked for them back and slid the needles off the almost completed sock and handed her the needles. Her response, "Those are very pretty socks." - Oh, come on lady!