Grand Canyon, AZ

It was really tough to decide which Grand Canyon photos to post - it's impossible to take a bad picture there!  There were a couple of days that were sunny and clear and a couple that were blizzards, so I've chosen a few shots representative of each weather extreme.  I hope you are inspired to take a trip to the canyon, it's absolutely wonderful!

This one has a blurry spot because a stray snowflake landed on my lens!

* Just a note to say that I'll be doing a mini shop update that will be complete by the end of the day!  

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It doesn't get any better

Blizzard at the Grand Canyon!  It was so wonderful, hiking through the snow, sitting by the fireplace, eating the most delicious breakfasts ever, did I mention hiking through the snow?

More photos to come!

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Another adventure

I'll be getting out of town tomorrow - meeting up with some family members and driving up to the Grand Canyon!  I can't think of a better place to decompress and unwind, the scenery alone makes you forget about everything else.  Here's a photo from our first visit four years ago...

I'll be back Monday the 29th!  

 

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scooped up

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Free Pattern :: Last Minute Mitts

Here's a project I whipped up when the mornings turned chilly last week.  I wanted something to keep my hands warm on the bike ride to work and I wanted it ready for... the next day!  This is a pattern you can finish in an evening or during a movie so it's great for people who love instant gratification knitting (like me).  

I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn and US 8/5.0mm needles.  

2x2 ribbing: K2, P2 repeat across row.

Continue in pattern, purling and knitting the same stitches to create ribbed look.

Cast on 34 stitches.

Work in 2x2 ribbing until piece measures 8 inches long.

Bind off.

Using a yarn needle or a small crochet hook start at the top edge of the mitt and sew closed for 2 inches.  Leave a 2 inch section unsewn for thumb opening.  After the 2 inch opening, sew the rest of the wrist closed.  

Weave in your loose ends.

It couldn't be easier! 

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I'm still here!

I can't believe it's been ten days since my last post!  It's been a busy and tiring couple of weeks, but I'm back on track and ready to get some serious crafting accomplished over winter break.  

I finally finished the second Spring Forward sock.  I really love this pair...

Speaking of socks, I've been wondering about learning to knit socks on a circular needle.  I saw a book about knitting them two at a time on one circular and wondered if anyone's tried it.  If you have, I'd love to hear your opinion!

These are going to be the Cable Footies from Oneskein, I knit a pair for my mom last year and couldn't resist using some leftover yarn to recreate them...

I'll be making up for lost time over the next few days, posting photos of all that's been going on since my unscheduled break!  I'll also be checking in with my usual blog haunts to see what you've all been up to.  : )

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Sometimes I amaze myself

I can't  believe I actually finished this sweater!  It really seemed like a never ending project, but I'm really pleased with the result and can't wait to see my brother try it on.  

I also have an idea for a new art-free form-crochet-assemblage-type piece.  I'm dying to start working on it, but I think I need to do a couple of sketches first.  I'll work on those tonight so I can break out the crochet hook tomorrow!

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a winter evening

The clouds were amazing today, like cotton candy...  

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sometimes pictures are blurry, sometimes that's ok

Outgoing mail and a furry foot... happily out of focus!

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And now it's December

The sweater is almost finished!  I've knit all pieces, sewn them together, and now I've picked up the stitches for the neck and am 2 inches away from finishing!  Yes!!!!  Pictures will be taken once it's off the needles.

Since I've been hearing holiday music, seeing ads for The Nutcracker, and been feeling generally cheery, I've decided to extend free shipping in my shop through December.  Also, if you mention in the "comments to seller" that you've visited my blog I'll through in an extra surprise!  

A hat from my shop - so sweet!

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