Aaaaaaahhhhhhh

Some much needed time post-Christmas to deflate, sleep a bit extra, visit with folks and create!! I've started a rug that Smidgie wants for her bathroom (sea theme). There will be two mermaids - patterns that have been sitting in storage for 10+ years.... ahem. Ironically after all that time waiting, I've done this much in 2 days. 

Smidgie and I have taken to the high school track every day this week. Of course she's left me in the dust, but I'm not built for jogging so it takes some time for me to build up some stamina. She needed an ear warmer, so I crocheted this headband for her one night. I'll be making myself one also. Pattern on Lion Brand's website.

And I've been waiting for a chance to get to knitting this hat for myself, so that got done yesterday. Yippee for free time over the holiday break. "Drew Hat" pattern by She Makes Hats.

Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead. Can't believe it's 2015. 

I think I last blinked in 1995.

Refreshed

Sometimes at this time of year, you need to just stop. And. Slow. Down. 

Do something enjoyable that refreshes your creative spirit and your soul. Due to an unfortunate illness in a friend's family, our plans for today changed. Not that I'd wish sickness on them (or anyone), but this has given us the time to pause, and enjoy the small tasks that we had on our list to do today. Some wrapping, packaging up Christmas goodies, vacuuming.....maybe not all enjoyable tasks but since hubby's manning the vacuum, life is good.

Plus some bonus time to do whatever came to mind. I saw something online the other day, this isn't an original idea. But it turned out completely different than what I saw a picture of. That's what inspiration does: it allows an idea to germinate, grow and blossom.

Et voilà! A gift for my sister for the 26th.

New House....New Welcome Mat

This past July, Smidgie, Rocket and I moved a whopping one kilometre from our previous home. That's less than a mile for you American folks. Only halfway across a small town. Why? Well, a number of reasons of course with the biggest probably being that that wanted move space. And yes, I acknowledge that it was a 'want', not a 'need'. I try to emphasize the importance of that with Smidgie. 

So around the time that we moved, I saw a tiny picture online of a rug that looked quite amusing to my eye. It was designed by Elinor Barrett, so I contacted her to see if I might buy a pattern from her. Yes, indeed! 

Around August, I started hooking this stinkin' mat. I have to say it was a great deal of fun....even the background. It suits the decor in the new house to a T. I finished it in November and promptly hung it on the half-wall at the front door. 

So if you're ever in the neighbourhood.....come on in!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Have you been asking yourself what to get for that rug hooker on your Christmas list? I was too, but then I had an idea. 

What does a rug hooker like more than anything? Wool! 

And how do we keep that wool safe from nibbling moths? Lavender. 

And so they were born, the wool cloth lavender sachet suitable for the season no less. Wee little Christmas trees!

 

Hopefully I haven't ruined the surprise for anyone reading!
O Christmas Tree, how adorable art though hanging amongst my piles of wool. 

Or you would be if I'd have the presence of mind to make myself one.

Dang it!

The Secret to Happiness

If you're like me, you read blogs Monday to Friday but rarely on the weekend. Nothing thrills me more on a weekday than when there's more than one post to read on one of my favourite blogs. It's a gift that adds happiness to my day. 

I enjoyed watching this TED Talk given by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on the Secret of Happiness. It was filmed 10 years ago but is very relevant. 

Along with the video, hopefully having this extra post to read next week will add to your happiness. 

Happy Saturday!

Final Barn

In my absence (again, my humblest apologies), I realize that I neglected to show you my final barn rug. I think I agonized over this rug more than any other. I don't know if it helped the process or hindered it. 

I added a border of many different textured browns. The idea was for it to look like an old wooden frame. Don't know if I achieved that. I was happy with some parts of it, but like any rug I can look back now and see some things I might do differently now. It's good to learn from each and every rug, wouldn't you say?

Lots more to share with you. I realize I've finished a few things of late that I haven't posted here yet. 

And in other news....only 3 days left until that dang Elf on the Shelf returns. Pray for my sanity. 

Gobble Gobble Day in the U.S.A

Absence makes the heart grown fonder? Me hopes! Ridiculous absence - my humblest apologies. Just doing a few reno's to the blog and trying to kick-start a triumphant return! Ahem.

Allow me to begin with a hearty Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends in the US of A. Enjoy your turkey and all the fixings!