Making

Sarah asked me last night if she could make her own patchwork quilt.  I, of course, started reciting all of the reasons why right now would not be the best time to start such a project.  But, first thing this morning, in Sarah fashion, her requests were repeated and how could I not help her get started.  

We were out of candles for our advent log and Abraham helped me dip some more beeswax tapers.

A quick little ornament inspired by a pinterest pin.

Sanding wooden blocks, cutting out pictures and then coloring and gluing to make a little nativity scene.

And Abby has been needle felting.

What are you making?

Today I am

wood burning, finishing and packaging birch branch ornaments

keeping the busyness in perspective - that the orders will slow down soon and to be grateful for the much needed business

sometimes failing at this - miserably

thinking about how wonderful it will be to browse the seed catalogs after Christmas

finally saying yes to the hundreds of requests to "can we please do the gingerbread men now?"

thankful to the family friend that gave the gingerbread making kit to the children

remembering that all of the sweetness is just a special treat and not to worry too much

grateful that Emily is much better, but feeling badly for Abraham as his body works on recovering now

boiling water with eucalyptus drops to help with the congestion

thinking lots about all those that have to struggle so much more than our family and coming up with ideas to do what we can

admiring my new shipment of yarn from Peace Fleece - their new rustic colors are just beautiful and their new blends of wool seem softer to me

dreaming about what I will knit with the new yarn and looking forward to having more time to do so soon

loving our chalkboard quote 

what are you doing today?

warm wishes,

Tonya

Sun Catchers

Abby, our twelve year old daughter, has been busy making these beautiful sun catchers.  They truly add a bit of sunshine to these darker days of December.

She is excited to be offering a few of  them for sale in one of our etsy shops.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Yarn Along!

Happy to be here this Wednesday - somehow working to get through one minute at a time during this super busy season.  We are blessed to be busy with our business, but knitting truly helps to keep me sane

through it all.

I am finishing up a Plain Vest for a customer in a Peace Fleece brown wool with beautiful flecks of color in a size 3T.  I also just cast on a Plain Vest in a size 7/8 for Sarah for Christmas in Peace Fleece lavender.  I know she will love it.    Here and there I am working on finishing some more gnome dolls in Peace Fleece naturally dyed wool yarn.  I really like the soft colors of the hand dyed yarns.

Reading has been nearly non existent.  However, I do attempt to get a few pages read before falling asleep.  Emily is getting better and I am so thankful that we have been able to get a bit more sleep each night.  The new issue of Taproot has arrived and I am hopeful to make myself squeeze in a bit of time with a cup of tea to get at least an article or two read.  I did glance through it and had to stop myself from casting on for that beautiful knit blanket.  I have a bad habit of having far too many projects going on at one time.

Do you have any suggestions for some quick knit gifts?

  Looking forward to all of the sharing today with Ginny.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

A Natural History Museum

The sign on the door.

The collection box for the admission fee of 50 cents with a sign in sheet if you want to know about museum updates.

Feather collection, rock collection, and even an owl skull.

Sarah set this up yesterday and today she is in the process of creating an art gallery:)

Simple Traditions

Finding a tree on the edge of our property

Giving the clippings to the goats

Enjoying the bit of greenery inside

My words may be few as I nurse a little one back to health, fill and package our orders, and work to squeeze in some holiday crafting and baking.  I hope to at least share images, though, as we enjoy this beautiful season.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Embracing Winter