The Almost Sweaters

Today was a day made for books, tea and knitting. The snow was gently falling, the girls were busily occupied reading and making things. I began pairing up yarns with patterns. Then I saw it. The dreaded pile. Those three almost sweaters, just lying there begging to be made into proper sweaters. Ugh.

I love to knit. It's relaxing, it's fun. Even more fun is the excitement of planning and playing with the colors.  For me, sewing sweaters together is not fun. It is work. 100% chore. Today I decided that I will finish at least one of these sweaters before I start a new one. I am toying with the idea of running them up on the sewing machine. I know it is unorthodox for hand knits but I really, really dislike doing it the "right" way. I will let you know how it works out. Then I might just start some socks. At least with socks when they're done, they're done!

Christmas and the Vitamix

I have been hemming and hawing for years about getting the Vitamix blender. Each year I talk about it's virtues, and there are many! I say I want it, then as Christmas draws nearer I chicken out and say I definitely do not want the Vitamix! I guess I feel like if it is not a necessity I just can't justify the price. Last year my in-laws even wanted to chip in with my husband to get it for me. That was great, but then I chickened out once again. Well, this Christmas my husband didn't listen to my "I really don't NEED it", "It's just too expensive" kind of talk. He surprised me with the Vitamix under the tree on Christmas morn. He said, "It's for the health of the family", knowing that I would feel better spending that money on "the family". Of course I was thrilled, shocked, and yes, a wee bit nervous that it wouldn't be all I hyped it up to be. But it is. It really IS worth it. Within the first three days I made: pizza dough, sorbet, ice cream, dressings, soup, coffee drinks, waffles (the best I've ever made!), salsa and gluten free bean cookies. I don't think I could have gotten the beans that pureed in a regular blender. Since then I have made much more. I use it every day, usually twice. I stored away my food processor and gave away my juicer.

Do you like those cute kokeshi dolls? They are actually measuring cups! A gift from a friend, the heads and bodies each a different size standard dry measuring cup. So cute!