The Christmas Mitts

Well, it wasn't pretty at the end, but I did finish all the fingerless mitts for my daughters-in-law, grand-daughters, step-daughter and the girlfriend of my stepson. (I finished the last one around 3:00 AM! Next time I should start a little sooner-you think?) Anyway, I'm really happy that I decided to give each of them something handmade and though it's trite to say, I hope they realize there was love knitted into every stitch.

So here's the line-up, as best as I can recall:

Top row-starting on the left-(1)Maine Morning Mitts from "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" in my own handspun, hand-dyed yarn---(2)Fingerless Mitts from page 7 Interweave Knits Fall 2005, made with Cascade Pastaza (love this yarn-it's 50/50 llama and wool)---(3)more Maine Morning Mitts made with an odd Malabrigo skein from the stash---(4)the famous "Dashing" from the Spring 2007 Knitty made with Noro Cashmere Island

Bottom Row-(5)Braided Cable mitts found on Ravelry made with Briar Rose---(6)Axel Fingerless Mitts pattern can be found on Ravelry made with Debbie Bliss Soho---(7)another Axel made with Tahki-Stacy Charles Taos---(8)yet another pair of Maine Morning Mitts from something in my stash (I've not been able to find the band-will keep looking)

There are still two pair not delivered to the intended recipients which I will try to remember to show and tell later.

(I love the colors in this pair.)

I suppose it's time to start thinking about next Christmas since I sort of mentioned to the male family members that next year would be their year. Yikes!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from sheep dreams at Tanglewood Farm to all who visit us here. We send you our warmest wishes for a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year.

'Tis the season of too much

At this point, I have had too much sugar, too much caffeine, too much food (in general), too much rushing around, been in too much traffic (and I haven't even been near a mall), and had too little sleep. I tried really hard this year to stay on top of preparations for the holidays, but here I am, on the evening of December 23rd, with not one present wrapped and the tree has just lights and no ornaments. (I'm starting to like the tree with only lights, but I will get it decorated tomorrow.) As for wrapping the presents...........well, that will get done tomorrow too. I have finished all the baking and candy making, delivering goodie bags and shopping. (I'm still knitting...just a little more to go on that.)

Why is it so hard to keep the holidays simple? I struggle with the difference between my idealized version and reality. I seem to be inching closer to a handmade celebration, but with eight grandchildren ranging in age from 11 months to 19 years, it's not totally realistic. I am happy to be buying books for all of them this year and that seems nearly as worthy as handmade. I know I'm not alone in wanting this time of year to be less stressful, more meaningful; less about stuff, more about time with the people who are dear to me; less noise, more quiet time for reflection on the year nearly past and the new year ahead. How do we support each other in an effort to accomplish this? Is there a 12 step program or a support group out there to help me? If anyone knows, please tell me!

***Those are the famous "Wicked Good Gingersnaps" that we love. I never even liked gingersnaps until I tasted these. You can find the recipe here on my friend Lindy's blog. I highly recommend them!

'Tis the season for school programs

Is there anything sweeter than an 8 year old boy wearing a halo and singing during his school Christmas program? Well, maybe his baby brother, who just couldn't stay awake through the whole thing!

Of course, being the "Nana" of Preston (the 8 year old) and Parker (11 months old), I couldn't possibily choose.