Attack of the Giraffe Santa

So Emma's costume is done, per her very specific specifications. She was inspired by the fact that my brother was once a "Wolfman Detective" for Halloween (as in, at the last minute, he put on an old wolfman mask and my mom's trenchcoat) and wanted to come up with an unexpected combo of her own. And here it is... the Giraffe Santa (yes, there is a tail in back!)

Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders

This is going to be my friend come knitting-for-holiday-gift time. Lots of cute ideas, and since I tend to buy one skein of fancy yarns (just for a taste) and then don't know what to do with them, this should help! My Blossom Shawl (in Seasilk) is one of the patterns, and I'm proud to say I tech edited the book as well (try not to lynch me if you find an error, we did our best!)

Edited to add: So far it just looks like a couple of the charts had mistakes made when they were redrawn for the book (hey, the people that do the illustrations are not necessarily knitters), but the Storey website has corrected charts you can print out.

Just saying

One of the books I tech edited (Vickie Howell's latest) is available for presale on Amazon now, and I'm just going to point this out because the book has some really cute designs (and I didn't even design any of them, I just think they're cool). Going through the box of projects while editing I wanted to keep a few, especially a little girl's dress so cute it's worth buying the book just to get that one! It's always a treat to find cute crochet projects, so check it out!

Harry Potter sock yarn

Had to get some-- I love Harry Potter! I wish the colorways were better though-- but this one was my favorite.

Back to work-- I'm nearly done with another sweater and well into another book edit (the projects in which are soooo cute I can hardly stand it!!)

The joys of messing around

After finishing one really big project on Wednesday (and in anticipation of the others I still need to take care of) I declared today to be a "saw sharpening" day as Hubbo would say (something from some work seminar he had to go to once). So, in the spirit of not working today, I...
1. Took a 3 mile walk (and it was sunny out- bonus!) Sidenote- I have been REALLY GOOD and worked out every day (except 2 when I was sick) for the past 6 weeks. Yes, I'd like a pat on the back for that one!
2. Had my guilty pleasure lunch, Taco Bell.
3. Knitted (of course!)
4. Went to the library used book sale and scored some bargains for Emma and me
5. Took a nap (oh the delight!) The cats were happy to assist.
6. Watched some Seinfeld episodes on DVD.
7. Looked at bellydancing costumes online to get some ideas for the one I have to make myself.
8. And now, to get out the spinning wheel and spin the last of that neapolitan-colored BFL.

So pretty good day, I'd say.

Cookie-related goodness

Sunday we had quite the day for Sonya's 40th birthday. She's got lots more pictures up on her blog, but I stole two of them to sum it up...

Yes, a healthy portion of the Detroit Area Knitters piled in (several) cars and drove out to Lansing for the Cookie A. workshops at Threadbear! (A few people are missing from the picture, unfortunately). We had a great day, with the added bonus of a big fancy cake, Chinese takeout, and shopping. I opted for some more spinning fiber (because as if I need yarn) and picked up some more Lorna's Laces:

Hopefully I'll get to spin that soon. I still need to finish plying the pink and brown stuff I got at Rae's to empty my bobbins.

As for today, I'm putting the final touches on a book I've been tech editing, plus a little more unrelated editing, and then I'm plowing on toward a sweater deadline. If I'm lucky I'll get to spend a little time thinking about how to fancy up the bellydancing costume I'm soon to be making...