up next

I started this the other day and have loved working on it. It is the "Beach Blanket Bingo" out of Knit Simple Magazine. My mother wanted to make it and of course all her girls are making it as well. Hard to believe....right? We are using Four Season Cotton from Classic Elite. It is a super-easy seed-stitch afghan that alternates stripes of various widths in nine bright colors. I only wish I started it before the end of summer. My sister Lisa came down for a little r & r. The weather was so great. Jay and Lisa did yoga poolside while wife/sister was in the house preparing dinner....Yes, Jay loves yoga and he is really good. The more flexible you are the better your golf game. :)

This is what "The Misses" was doing all weekend. She cracks me up laying pool side like that. I swear she thinks she is a person.

The pool was closed today so summer is officially over for us..... I hope you had a safe and pleasant Labor Day Weekend.

birdhouse

The birdhouse auction,"There's No Place Like Home", held by the Princeton Community Housing will begin on September 30th. Creative people in the Princeton area are working hard to get the birdhouses in by the deadline.
Pins & Needles will be entering 2 birdhouses. One of which will be knit and the other needlepoint. Beth, Anne and I were in charge of the needlepoint. This only seemed fitting because we all like to needlepoint and Anne has a soft spot in her heart for birds. How many birds does Anne have now...8 or 9? The birdhouse was first made out of plywood and then we made templates to fit the sides, grass, and roof. After we stitched till our fingers were sore, Beth began to add embellishments. She thought, the more "stuff" the better and I could not agree moreAt first, we were very sceptical about the whole idea. However, as the idea took shape, we grew more and more pleased with ourselves (we have to toot our own horns.....right?)

It was well worth the endless days and nights of stitching on nothing but the birdhouse. Just don't tell us if it doesn't get any bids.

Thanks, Beth and Anne, great teamwork! I hope the Princeton Housing Community has a successful auction.

PS... I'm sure you are curious to now what the knitted birdhouse will look like, well, we are too.

When Kathleen unveils her creativity, I will hopefully be able to share it with you.

flip flops?

Remember when I was working on this needlepoint belt, well, when I took it into my LYNS (Local Yarn and Needlepoint Shop) they talked me into making flip flops instead. How many belts can a girl have, anyhow? The finisher requires 36" of stitched canvas and they cost about $130 depending on you local shop. They can be made with a neoprene sole, or leather, and you can choose any color of leather in between the needlepoint. Pretty darn cute, but unfortunately I will not be wearing them anytime soon...
They are on display as a shop model at my LYNS where I work part time. It is a great place to work and it supports my very bad habit. Not only do I work at Pins and Needles but I also work at Delta Airlines as a Flight Attendant. The summer flying has been crazy and I've had to work more trips than I normally do, hence why I have been traveling so much. I can't wait until September when things slow down.

I am able to have some fun though. Jay and I saw Kenny Chesney for the 2nd time on Thursday night. It was an awesome show. He is quite the entertainer!!!!

Does it get any better than a cold Corona Light and Kenny Chesney on his Flip Flop Summer Tour? Did I say flip flop? You gotta love flip flops......

summer days

I just wanted to check in....

I've been traveling a lot. Thinking about you... I hope all is well!

the swing

We love our porch swing...it is our favorite spot in the house. Nothing to look at but the nature ~ turkey, deer, woodchucks, birds, etc etc... "The Misses" (Pebbles) is the guard dog. HA! We are so lucky......

Hope you had lucky day..... 7.7.07

no more belts!!!

I promise no more posts about needlepoint belts, after I show you what the heck I've been working on. I make these custom belts for the club where my husband works. It all began by charting the logo and club font on graph paper. Then I painted it on the needlepoint canvas and stitched a belt in the signature colors. The model belt is on display in the golf shop and members can order them with or with out a monogram. Last Friday my husband came home and told me that "Mrs. Smith" wanted a belt for her husbands surprise birthday party on July 21. OMG! My little fingers started working on it right away and you will be happy to know that I put the belt in the mail today to have the finishing touches done. Below is the model belt and the belt was stitching for "Mrs. Smith". In five years, I think I have done 21 belts. Many of you have asked where you can purchase a belt to needlepoint; Pins & Needles, M's Canvashouse, and Needlepoint.com are some good places to start (unless you have a local needlepoint shop).
I am happy to tell you that I finally started a Chevron scarf ~~ my sister says I always do things a little late.... After reading some of your posts about your scarves, I realized that most of you were unsure of your color choices. The blogoshere cheered you all on, now I think I need a little encouragement..... Have a great weekend!

poking along

I saw this little guy out my kitchen window and he made me smile. No knitting or needlepoint finished, everything seems to be poking along...... how apropos~
I guess we should all take the time to enjoy life, family and friends. Happy 4th of July, and try to live in the moment.
Have a safe and wonderful journey......

belts belts belts

That's what I've been doing lately, belts (needlepoint belts that is). I was commissioned to stitch 2 belts for someone who could not get motivated to finish them. Sign me up!!!! I stitched them both in 2 weeks, fun and fast. One Princeton University motif belt delieverd, waiting on the second belt to come back from the finisher. What's great about these belts is that they can be personalized ~ monogram , graduation year and this young man plays on the university lacrosse team. The belt below has kind of a sad story.... My moms friend, Jenny, stitched the belt for her niece and when she sent it to the finisher, it was lost in the mail. That's right....never seen again. I can honestly say, this is the first time that has happened. Bummer, but what can you do? In an effort to get the belt stitched quickly, I volunteered to stitch the background (sorry about the photo, it's kind of blurry).

I started this belt this am, with my little friend watching. This is Pebbles routine~~ first we potty, followed by breakfast, then sit on the back of mommy's chair and watch her stitch, while keeping an eye on the front yard. An after breakfast nap is next. I told you she is a dog not a cat, right???

The international flag belt(on the tray) is for a new friend of mine that did me a really big favor......

It's done!!!

Don't you think the spaghetti is done? My grandmother used to do this trick when I was a little girl. I don't do it that often, however, when I threw the pasta last night the first thing that came to mind was, what a great post. I know I should have been reflecting about my grandmother, sorry Mom-mom.
Jay and I try to eat dinner at a reasonable time, but tonight we were hanging on the porch swing with a glass of red wine in hand. Simmering on the stove was Bob's Marinara. You know of him, he is Leslie's other half. It is a really great recipe that Jay and I love. I always serve it with Healthy Harvest whole wheat noodles, Caesar salad and garlic bread. YUM!

BOB'S MARINARA

2T olive oil
2-4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 lg cans crushed tomatoes
1 sm can tomato paste
1 1/2 t oregano
1 1/2 t basil
2 t parley
1/4 cup sugar

Optional: onions, mushrooms, meatballs, sausage.....

Saute garlic in oil. Add all other ingredients. Simmer 2-3 hours.
Hint~ the sugar is the key (that little trick is from my grandmother).

By the time we did eat Pebbles was very tired

going down...

I must tell you about the much anticipated second book by Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns. I haven't picked up any knitting or needlepoint because I have been turning pages. I like to pass on a good book because it takes a lot to pull me away from my passions.
I highly recommend reading his first book if you have not already done so, The Kite Runner.

Have a great day!!!!

Part II

As most of you know already, the road trip took us to Columbus, Ohio, for our sixth annual TNNA show.

Some of my highlights...on the PA turnpike with my sister Lisa.

Entering the show and being overwhelmed and excited all at the same time. It is a special treat that we are able to attend and see all the new designs, styles and yarns. Check out Leslie's skirt and handbag....too cute!

The girls at Volia! I promise, if you have never tried needlepoint or haven't done it in a while, it is the perfect summer project.

The Amy Butler booth was unbelievable. Need I say more?

Maggie with my mom. Notice the book in my moms hand. We went to 3 book signings. How great is that! I was really inspired by the Lacy Little Knits book. It might be a little advanced for me, but I would like to give it a try.

The 2007 TNNA will go down in the books as the best ever. We are very grateful that we are able to attend, but the best gift of all is spending quality time with your family. I am blessed to have 2 wonderful sisters and a totally cool mom. My life doesn't make sense without them........

Road Trips...

They are always fun, especially when you go with your mother and sisters. The four of us try to do a girls trip once a year(no kids,or husbands allowed). In the past we have gone to a spa outside of Chicago, met in DC and now this trip, just to name a few. The trip always includes lot of laughs,maybe some tears(happy), cocktails, knitting, needlepoint,knitting and needlepoint, knitting and needlepoint, oh and a little bit of exercise to appease my sister Lisa. She is a certified Yoga guru and quite good I might add. Our trips are not complete without these little tasty treats.
Pepper nuts are a crunchy, sweet,peppery snack that you can't eat just one. They kind of look like Bellini's treats, but I promise they are for our pleasure only.


Pepper Nuts


6 cups flour
3 cups sugar
1t pepper
1t cinnamon
1t salt
1t baking powder

~mix the above ingredient's then add 1 1/2 cups of melted butter and 1 cup of cold water.
roll into snakes and freeze (they are easier to cut). Then cut(with scissors) into almond size shapes. Bake 350 until light brown. About 20-22 min. Cool on wire rack.

Hint~leave "snakes" in freezer until ready to cut.
CAUTION~~~ Pepper nuts are very time consuming but I promise they are sooooo worth it.



I dropped the Yarmulke off at my LYNS to be finished. As you can see, I changed some of the colors. You can do that you know.....

Have a great weekend!

PS...Are you wondering where we are going on this trip? TO BE CONTINUED :)

Ice Cream Anyone?

This is one of the high lights of my summer, Jake's Cree-Mee Freeze.

It is yummy....and seasonal so you must get it while you can. That's every time I pass the famous stand. For those of you that are Sex and the City fans, you may recognize the spot.

***

My sister Lisa, and her daughter Kelli, drove down from NY, on Sunday afternoon. Guess where we went.....

Pebbles even likes Cree Mee Freeze ~
Is that ice cream on her chin?

It was a great weekend had by all. Thanks Lisa and Kelli for coming to visit us.

If you're ever in the area, don't miss this spot!

Summer Time

Not much to post about but I wanted to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. No traveling for Jay and I as he will be working all weekend. I on the other hand will be pool side...knitting or needlepoint in hand. Sounds and looks relaxing doesn't it?

Have a great weekend!

Luscious

Manos Cotton Stria.... isn't it luscious... It is Pure Peruvian Cotton Kettle Dyed and the perfect weight for a summer baby sweater. My friend Beth (she is working on her Blog as we speak), found this cute daisy sweater. The embellishments are fun but since the sweater is going into the gift basket, I picked....the "Plain Sweater" in Color 214 (below) on size 6 needles.

I know the photograph kind of looks like cousin it, but, it is beautiful, super soft and lightweight. Can you believe I made that big blob and am posting it????

I was tagged by tiennie knits, so here goes...

1. When I chew gum, it is either cinnamon and bubble gum.

2. I like Lilly Pulitzer.

3. I love to cook for my husband (Jay) because he is so appreciative.

4. My favorite flavor of ice cream....is ice cream (especially Cree Mee Freez).

5. If Kenny Chesney were a foot taller, I would leave my husband in a second.....I love

country music.

6. Jay is a clean freak like me.

7. A perfect evening is, Jay and I, on the porch swing, with a glass of wine~the misses in the

middle.

~No reason to tag...just a little bit about me.......~

Ta Da

Finished.... a small feet for most of you but it was a never ending project. First of all, we had the SSS thing. Then we had the fact that they were KNEE socks, so they went on and on. I finished them though and didn't know if I would ever go down the sock road again, until ...I saw these..... Are they too cute or what???? They are Sox Stix by Lantern Moon.They come in different types of wood (Rosewood, Ebony, Blondewood) and sizes. I had to choose the ones with the cutest bags.....not really.

It is a chilly damp night here in the Northeast. I made a pot of Chili and we are in for a big Friday night....

I'll find something to work on that will require US 3 Ebony needles....

~~~~~~~~~

Chili

1lb ground meat

1 green pepper, chopped

1 med onion, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

2-4 t chili powder

2 lg cans,28oz, crushed tomatoes

1 can chili beans(not drained)

Saute first 4 ingredients until done. Add chili powder. Add crushed tomatoes and chili beans.

Cook for 1-2 hours on low heat.

~~~~~~~~~

Top Chili with~

Cheddar Cheese

red onion

sour cream

Serve with~

Tostitos Scoops

No Spoon Required

Have a great weekend~

before and after

When you've completed a knitting project, you sew some seams together, weave in a few tails, and presto you have instant gratification.

For those of you that know very little or nothing about needlepoint, let me fill you in...

This is a belt I just finished. I took it to my local needlepoint shop, and they will send it away to the little people that do the finishing touches. In this case backed with leather and made into a belt.

I made this belt, below, for my husbands birthday in March.

On this particular belt I choose saddle brown leather and a brass buckle. The leather color options are plentiful.

It is always such a great day when you receive your belt back from the finisher.

It will take about 4 weeks for them to finish my flowered belt...stay tuned for after pictures.

My sister Lisa thought this post was a little confusing so I've revised it...

SSS

second
sock
syndrome......

I'm having the hardest time finishing the 2nd sock. Does this happen to you? I'm bound and determined to learn knitting on 2 circular needles. Is it hard? I really think it would be so much more fun, because the excitement is gone after I've seen the first one complete :(

The socks are knit out of Trekking XXL. (this colorway is no longer available.)
The bag is from Neiman Marcus. (free gift with purchase.) I don't shop there but my friend Jennifer does and she was sweet enough to pass it on to me.

Thanks Jenny!

I love it

Quattro De Mayo???

I love love love margarita's... my husband calls me "Margarita Mimi". So, in honor of Cinco De Mayo, we thought we would celebrate a day early and beat the crowds :0... In fact, if we want to avoid the crowd all together, I make a pretty mean margarita at home.....

Margarita's ~

one blender and lots of ice

1 4oz. can Minute Maid Limeade
40z tequila
2oz Grand Marnier
splash Triple Sec
1oz water

Blend above ingredients. Serve in a salted rim glass with a wedge of lime.


Another favorite...Ina's Guacamole

Guacamole~

4 ripe avocados
3T freshly squeezed lemon juice
8 dashes Tabasco sauce
1/2 Cup small-diced red onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1T kosher salt
1t freshly ground pepper
1 medium tomato, seeded, and small-diced

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh out of their shell into a large bowl.
Immediately, add lemon juice, Tabasco, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss well. Using a sharp knife, slice through the avocados in the bowl until they are finely diced. Add the tomatoes. Mix well and taste for salt and pepper. (I make a couple hours ahead and chill.)
Serve with chips and salsa.

Happy Cinco De Mayo......(the 5th day in the 5th month.) Cheers!!!

happy girl

Well, let me introduce....PEBBLES. We call her The Misses. Like all the other dog lovers out there, she is our pride and joy (she can be a little devil though). She is a Brussels Griffon and she is 5 1/2 years old.
Thanks for all your help on what to do with her blanket. The Kitchner stitch worked and it looks great , thanks to my lys.

Pebbles is back on her purch making sure nobody invades her turf.

Other favorite places....

Asleep on the top of the stairs.

In her daddy's lap..... P.S. I will learn how to make the afgan and share it with you when the time comes.

the engagement

It all started at the local knitting and needlepoint shop ...Pins and Needles. (I work there one day a week...lucky me). One of our Thursday night regulars Kate, has been dating John for about 10 months. John called and asked if he could propose to Kate in the shop. We were thrilled. He got down on one knee and asked Kate to marry him in front of a shop full of regulars and staff. It was such a special moment. Roses, champagne and cupcakes for all. We are making one of the Manos Four Seasons Throws for Kate and John as a surprise wedding gift. Twelve squares, thirteen people (Beth's putting it together) all in color 14 Natural. The surprises just keep coming.