2 Bags Full - My adventures in travel, knitting, and the blessings of my every day life.

Moses Basket for "Little Baby No Name"

2010-03-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

For 30 years this little Moses basket sat in my attic, wrapped in sheets and plastic bags - all but forgotten - until last week~~~

My Mother found this little basket at a flea market near their winter home in Florida. She lovingly hand made a little mattress, blanket, and decorative edging all around the basket that we used for my son when he was first born.

Sadly, my parents are now gone and when I brought this little basket out to the light of day last week, I also brought out a flood of precious memories.

My mother had decorated this basket with a gingham fabric that was printed with bunny rabbits in reds and blues. Just perfect for a little newborn boy. Just seeing it again after so many years, made my heart stop.
~~~
There was no way that I could preserve all of the fabric decorations, so I ever so gently removed my mothers careful stitches one at a time so that I could make this little basket brand new and fit for a little Princess. I know my Mother would have loved and approved of this little creation, but it broke my heart to have to undo some of her stitches.
~~~
Even though I removed the outside fabric, I saved the mattress as it was originally covered by my mother. I just simply wrapped the mattress in this little pink blanket, tucking it in along the sides - it can easily be removed for washing. I also have saved the original blanket that she made - just in case. (Don't you think that it would be sweet to take a picture of our grand baby laying on the matress and covered by the blanket that was once used by her Daddy?)

The outside of the basket is decorated using two crochet lace pillow shams that once belonged to my paternal grandmother. This bedspread and pillowcase set was one of the treasures that became mine when she past away last year. (I am planning to use the bedspread as a table covering at the baby shower---).
~~~
The pillow shams were then tacked to the basket from both the inside and out. I like the way that they are lined with the muslim cloth, it seems to make the lace design look prettier. They are also rather heavy and seem to hang nicely along the basket.

The top and sides of the basket are decorated with pink ribbon roses, pink satin yo yo hearts, crochet green leaves, some green ribbon from my stash, and a beautiful flower that is complemented by some exquisite ribbon embroidery.

Each piece is individually sewn on by hand and it took me one very long day to complete this project. This is not the kind of project that you can do in your lap - so I had to stand and lean over the basket to do all the sewing. (Ouch for my back!)

This last little heart is not actually attached to the basket, but rather hangs freely from the little green ribbon. (I was feeling a little whimsical I guess--).

The beautiful green ribbon was left over from my last year's Christmas gifts that were wrapped by my friend, Mary. (She knows that I save everything!) I was thrilled to have an opportunity to use this pretty ribbon in such a delicate and dainty way. There is also a little tiny piece of this beautiful ribbon in the top of the beaded hat that I knitted for "Little Baby No Name". (Go back to the top of that posting and see if you can see the ribbon!)

The lace design on the pillow shams was just perfect for me to weave the ribbon through along the edge of the basket. These little bouquets of ribbon roses look so pretty around the bottom of the basket and also at the sides, near the handles.

Decorating this little basket was indeed a labor of love. Following the stitches created by my Mother, with my own little hand made stitches, gave me a feeling that I can not describe - except to say that it filled my heart with some tender feelings that I know have not been there in a very long while. (I miss her so--).

("Can you see this Mom? I hope you like it---")

vicki

And so it begins~~~ A trousseau for a little Princess.

2010-03-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Finally - I can begin to show you the little baby treasures that I have been working on for so many months~~~

Little "baby no name" is expected to arrive in about 5 weeks. We are calling her that because her parents are keeping her name a secret. Fine. (so much for any personalized heirlooms!)
~~
The very first thing that I made for our little princess was this little beaded hat. (I painstakingly pushed every single bead to the outside so that none of them would be against her little head.) Pink tulle adorns the top of the hat - and in the middle of the tulle is a little piece of green ribbon. (You kind of have to look hard to see the green - it did not seem to photograph very well.)

Do you remember the pink beaded yarn that I showed you earlier? I knitted a little princess coat from that yarn. I kept the pattern simple because the yarn was already so exquisite.

The little coat has 3/4 sleeves and is meant to fit like a little loose coat or cardigan. Like the little beaded hat, I literally spent hours pushing all the little beads through to the outside of the coat. This was one of the projects that I knitted while we were gone on our travels.

While we were strolling around on the beautiful island of Curacao, I found a little fabric shop on one of the side streets in the city of Willemstad. (!!!!) Inside this sweet and dainty shop was a delightful display of laces, all of them handmade there on the island. I bought this beautiful assortment of laces---

The pale pink beaded ribbon was the perfect trim that I needed for this little princess coat. I hand sewed it around the neckline and up the front of the coat.

The exquisite beading is rather hard to photograph - I hope you can see the beautiful detail of the lace from these pictures.

(That is the little Moses basket peeking out in this picture - I will show you more about that later---).

So, do you like her little trousseau so far? She really will look like a little princess wearing this coat and hat, don't you think?

Not everything has to be pink does it? I also wanted to make her something a little more traditional. (Traditional meaning, not pink and beaded---).

This little boat neck sweater has rolled sleeves and a rolled hem. The sweater is knitted from one strand of Lorna's Laces shepherd worsted. This is the softest yarn to knit and work with - an absolute delight to your hands. This yarn comes in a variety of fabulous color variations, (and I have quite a stash going!) The little hat is knitted using 2 strands of Lorna's Laces shepherd sock yarn. (And yes, I have a bit of a stash in that also!)

The adornment is my own design. OK - I have a confession to make. I am obsessed with those little green tags that come attached to the Vera Bradley handbags. (I mean totally obsessed!) I save every single tag from every piece of Vera Bradley that I own. My family and friends - they give me their tags also! Here is a picture of my "green tag" stash in a teacup in the Sacred Yarn Room. Admittedly, this is pretty weird.

~~~~

Here is a little heads up for you---. I will be giving away a beautiful purse from the newVera Bradley Spring collection in a "Welcome to Spring" give away, probably around May. When the winner receives their beautiful purse - rest assured that I have ALREADY removed the little green tag. (Yep - I already did!)

Using those little tags in this design was so much fun! They naturally twist and curl, and this played into the design on the hat and sweater. (I have been waiting for just the right opportunity to decorate with my little "stash" - and this was the perfect chance!) Don't you just LOVE it when you get to do something really creative with your "stash"!

The little off white ribbon flowers were purchased - (but they were part of yet another stash, and I have had them forever. Don't remember where they came from.) The little green leaves are actually little glass beads.

~~~

This little hat takes FOREVER to knit. It is not hard, just basically round and round, and round. But - when you get to the part where you have to put it on 4 needles (!) - then you have to knit that way for about another 6 inches, because that is the part that ties in a knot at the top of the hat.

~~~

Picture this - I am sitting outside on the top deck of the cruise ship on a sea day. We are cruising along and the wind is about 15-20 miles an hour. I am sitting there trying to keep my yarn straight and keep it from blowing into the ocean below AND I am knitting with 4 double point needles. The best part - just watching the looks on the faces of the people as they walked by me. Hilarious! (I think I have pictures of this to show you later!)

The back of the hat and sweater features a little adornment also. Part of the design on the sweater actually starts on the front of the left shoulder and crosses over onto the back. The picture below shows the back of the little knitted set.

This is just the first of so many little things that I want to share with you. There is another little knitted heirloom to come - my beautiful storybook blanket. (I can't wait to show that to you!)

~~~

Remember the vintage baby story gift tags? My dearest friend, Mary, created the most beautiful treasure using those little gift tags. She showed it to me today and I was moved to tears. So that is yet to

come---. (And the Moses basket, and the beautiful lamps, and the sweetest little doll baby pram that you have ever seen, and the bunny basket and the diaper cake---- AND the baby shower is next Saturday! )

~~~

If you are not just totally enthralled with baby things - you might just want to skip the next SEVERAL postings! Being a grandparent is really such a wonderful blessing!

Vicki

Sacred Yarn Room Explosion!

2010-03-12T08:22:00.001-08:00

The Sacred Yarn Room is a disaster! You have to promise not to show this picture to any one. (I am only sharing this with you - LOL!!) The baby shower is next weekend and I have been working day and NIGHT to get my projects finished. Obviously, I am not cleaning up as I go----

Last night I was up until 3 am sewing lace around the little princess coat that I knitted from the pink beaded yarn. Today - I am working on the "Moses in the bulrushes" basket that you see on the couch. We used that when my son was a newborn - (I will tell you that story later----).

~~~

There are just a few more days before the shower that I can devote to the projects and I am burning the candle at both ends. (If you guys were here - I would have a project for each and everyone of you!)

~~~

So - give me a few more days to wrap this all up and then I will show you the baby heirlooms, the decorations, the gifts, - the whole baby event! And then - after this is all over - you know what I have to do next? Somehow I have to put some order back into this Sacred Yarn Room!

~~~~

Make me feel better - tell me if your craft room ever gets out of control like this ----

Vicki

Back from our Tropical Trip (contest winners)

2010-03-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

We are just back from our almost 3 weeks of travel - our running away from the cold and dreary winter. Seems like we were gone forever and yet our days passed so quickly~~~

I can't begin to thank you all for the precious prayers and best wishes while we were away. I am not the best traveler when it comes to long flights, and yet I was so very comforted to know that your prayers were with me all the way.

~~~

I am so very anxious to tell you all about our travels. We spent 4 wonderful days in San Juan, Puerto Rico and then we boarded a cruise ship for 2 weeks of cruising that took us to 10 different tropical islands. We had some amazing experiences and I have some fabulous pictures to share with you all. But, the reality of life is that when you are away for long periods - you have to rush like crazy to catch up when you get back! So- just give me a bit and then I will have pictures and all kinds of wonderful stories to share with you.
~~~~

I brought back some treasures to share with my blogging friends and followers. My little random number generator (aka Maddy) helped me to pick the winners, so here they are---

Tami from A Girl's Gotta Nest is the winner of the beautiful sea glass necklace pictured above. The necklace is made from naturally tumbled glass from the ocean. This piece was created for me by Andria. She makes absolutely gorgeous jewelry using sea glass and vintage beads. Please visit her beautiful shop and see her lovely creations for yourself.

Kathy from Sweet Up North Mornings is the winner of this lovely bag from our favorite island of St. Martin. I chose this gift for one of my followers as a very special thank you for supporting me in this incredible blogging journey. Inside the bag is this lovely matching beach wrap. The bag also has an attached small zippered case inside that you can use for smaller items.

Dorthe from Den Lille Lade is the winner of these little bottle earrings that contain bits of natural shells. Ladies, please contact me so that I can send your treasures to you!

~~~~

While I was away, I continued to KNIT frantically for our newly expected grand baby. I simply cannot wait to show you the things I have been working on all this while!

So - the next several posting are going to be all about baby things. I am in serious baby shower mode now that I have returned. Not counting the days that I have to work (at my real job!) I only have about 6 days to finish all my projects for the baby! It is a good thing that I have a wonderful, understanding husband who is going to have to fend for himself until after this baby shower is all done!

~~~

The shower is on March 20 - so visit here often for all the amazing pictures of decorations and knitted treasures. I have used so many of your wonderful ideas and suggestions noted in previous postings about the shower. So in some small part - you are all helping me with this shower! This is going to be great fun and you are all invited!

~~~

One more thing - (and because I am never one to miss a wonderful opportunity!) - I will be participating in a fantastic on line flea market hosted by my friend Colleen at Designing dna. All the proceeds from the sales of the various items will be contributed to the re-building program of Samaritan's Purse, as they continue to rebuild the homes that were destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. So stay tuned for more info about that also. I am donating a percentage of the sale of my sweater cowls and my snowdrop wrap. I may have some other surprises as well!
~~~
Yes, it is a good thing that I had a wonderful vacation because it is going to be very BUSY around here!

Vicki

Getaway ---- (and a new contest begins!)

2010-02-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

We need a winter respite~~~~. The days have been so gray and long. Our world has been filled with snow and ice and cold. We are miserable and just have to get away. So we are going here---

and here---

and here---

and here---

to a place that is waiting just for us---

I am kicking off my shoes and squishing my litle toes in the sand!

and having one of these---

(well, maybe more than one---)

We want to swim with little tropical fishes---

and see a sea turtle or (two or three---)

(my very favorite!)

and relish in the beauty of the island sunsets---

maybe we will make some new friends---

if I get too warm, I will sit here (and knit!)

and when I return from my travels,---

I will have some wonderful tropical treasures to share with one of my readers and one of my lucky followers ~~~

What will the treasures be! Something so very special for one of my dear blogging friends and an especially wonderful surprise for one of my followers! Do you like surprises? Can you wait a bit? (Don't hold your breath- I am going to be gone almost 3 weeks - that is a long time to not breathe!)

I will give you just a little bitty hint~~~

Something that is fragile and precious.

A gift from the sea~~~~.

Your treasures began as this---

Can you do me a favor? I so want to share these treasures with you---. (I wish you could all go with me , but that is not what my dear husband has in mind for this trip! ) AND my suitcase is already way too heavy and I have not even put in my yarn yet!

~~~

For my followers to win this little treasure surprise - just stay where you are and do me this one little favor - please pray for our safe travels. When I return, one of my followers will be very, very lucky!

~~~~~~

For my dear readers - (because not everyone wants to be a follower!) (and readers are very special people too!) I will have a special treasure for you as well, something wonderful, I promise! To enter for this chance to win - just leave a comment on this posting and please pray for our safe travels. You may enter as often as you like (but not more than once each day). I am going to be gone until March 8 - so you have many chances to enter! (Will you miss me?)

~~~~~

Wherever you live in this big round world - you are welcome to enter. I will ship these little treasures wherever you call home!

~~~~~~

When I return I will share with you the wonderful (and oh so very beautiful ) surprises. I love you all---

Vicki

(My photo friends:

nicolas monnot, rhodri andrews )

Valentines Day Winner - Knitting Needle Give Away!

2010-02-14T18:20:00.001-08:00

We are finally going to give those knitting needles away! Someone is about to be very, very lucky! These knitting needles have virtually changed my knitting life. They are so easy to use, they feel so good in your hands, and they are so very easy to travel with. Love, Love, Love them!

Here is my adorable little random number generator again - sweet little Maddy. She has so much fun with the little pieces of paper - so funny!

Don't you just want to kiss and hug those little cheeks? She has a new trick - if you say where is Auntie Vicki? She points straight at me - brilliant for one year old don't you think!

This is her little sock monkey basket that I got for her. A perfect place to put all the numbers pertaining to the comments. We made a big mess in the kitchen floor with all the paper scraps. (You can do things like that and get away with it when you are playing with a baby!)

Oh - she wants to show you her new trick. If you say "Touchdown!" she automatically raises both her hands straight up in the air. Super Brilliant!!!

So - without further ado - here is the lucky winner as picked by Maddy girl---

Just in case your computer won't play the video (or you don't want to watch it- (gasp!) ) - the lucky winner is Andy - who entered the contest for his wife - comment #26 on the listing. What a wonderful Valentines day that lucky lady is having! So Andy - you wonderful husband of the year - please email me so that I can send these knitting needles to your lucky wife!

~~~~~

Wait! Stop! - lets give a set of needles to our runner up winner Julia - comment #7 on the listing. So Julia - please contact me with your email and address so that I can mail these to you also. Thank you for being one of my followers - I appreciate you so very much!

~~~~~~~~

Giving these knitting needles away was something that I have been wanting to do for a very long time. Reading the comments of those who entered really pulled at my heart strings - I wanted each and every one of you to win. So - we are going to do this again. Mark your calenders for October 1 (I already have!) when we are going to have another knitting needle give away. (Just in time for your last minute Christmas knitting!) But this time - I am picking the winner based on your story of why you want these needles. So be thinking about that - and be here for October 1 and this little give away.

~~~~~

Happy Valentines Day to all my new friends and a special congratulations to Andy and Julia!

Hugs,

Vicki

And the winner is---

2010-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Finally the big day is here! Someone is going to win this little knitted birds nest OR a set of Denise Interchangeable knitting needles. Who will it be----? What will they choose?

Meet my little random number generator, our sweet and adorable little Maddy. Is she not just the most perfect little random number generator ever? Here she is holding a little bag that contains all the different postings since the beginning of the contest.

"Pick one Maddy - give it to your Auntie Vicki---"

"Hmmm, which one should I choose ~~~"

And the chosen posting is ~~~

So we numbered all the comments (and the names) and dropped them in a bowl. "Here you go baby girl, shake these all up for Auntie Vicki ~~~"

"Maddy girl, give one to me ~~~"

And the winner is KAREN. Her lovely blog is Knitalatte. Karen has chosen the little birds nest (no surprise there - I still am amazed at their popularity!)

~~~~~~~

So - lets give away the knitting needles, what do you say? Here is what we will do---If you want a chance to win the knitting needles- leave a comment on this posting. Make it easy and say - "I want those knitting needles, please!" (Remember to say please, it would make our Mama's proud!) Be sure that you have an email so that I can contact you! I want to wrap this up and move on to the next little give away - so I will choose a winner on Sunday night and post it about 9pm.

~~~~~

I want to thank every one who participated and left so many nice comments over the past few weeks. Through your participation and comments and emails to me - I feel that I have come to know so many of you and that I have been very, very blessed to have made so many new friends. To dear sweet SuzeQ - who left me the most precious comments every single day since the contest began - please email me directly. (My email is on the sidebar of the blog. )We need to talk!

~~~~~

More later dear friends - be sure to check back. The give away is not yet over AND a new one will be just beginning. (something wonderful, something tropical, a gift from the sea~~)

Hugs~~~

Vicki

(More !!!) Vintage Sweater Cowls

2010-02-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

These little vintage sweater cowls are heading to the ETSY shop in the next few days - but if you just can't wait - you can email me directly! They are all priced at $25.00.

Winter Rose
Just a hint of a beautiful embroidered pink rose peeking out from beneath the fresh fallen snow. Accented with little seed pearls and stunning embroidery work - this little neck accessory is just oh so lovely! Outside is a soft acrylic sweater and inside is a beautiful mauve lightweight cotton sweater. The bottom of the outside sweater is trimmed in beautiful crochet edging. Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Measurements are 23 inches (from shoulder to shoulder) and 17 inches long. Definitely perfect for that extra slouchy effect. So elegant and yet would be adorable with your jeans and a sweater.

Snuggle Baby
You will not believe how utterly soft this is! The softest sweater cowl we have ever made! This outside of this beautiful accessory is made from the softest chenille blended sweater and the inside is made from a soft acrylic lightweight cabled sweater. The beautiful turquoise sweater is trimmed with bobbles and a stunning cable pattern. We even kept the fabulous turquoise mother of pearl buttons! Just beautiful. This will be your favorite "sweater" to wear over and over again!
Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Measurements are 25 inches from shoulder to shoulder and 16 inches long. Trust me - you are going to love this one!

Monet
Just like the famous painter of beautiful art works - these colors mingle together to form the most beautiful hues of pink, and grays, and mauves. Just a hint of brown thrown in for good measure. The outside sweater is a soft acrylic with a slightly "nubby" texture. The inside is a lightweight cotton in a beautiful mauve ribbing pattern. Simply gorgeous! Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well! Measurements are 22 inches wide from shoulder to shoulder and 16 inches long. This one is definitely soft and drapey!

Gypsy Rose
Get ready to be noticed - and HOW! This neck cowl is loaded with pizazz! Two previously retired cotton lightweight sweaters are combined to make a unique and fashionable sweater accessory. The outer layer is covered with seed beads and applique flowers. Beautiful green ribbon is stitched as a compliment to this design, as well as a string of turquoise beads. Simply stunning! Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible. Measurements are 24 inches from shoulder to shoulder and 14 inches long. Definitely big enough for that slouchy look. Easily light enough to take you into spring and early summer.

Renoir
Just like that famous painter - these swirls of colors mingle and mangle together in the shape of beautiful flowers. Accented by little colorful sequins and seed beads - this little neck accessory will make you feel so very special. Truly beautiful - the outside beaded layer is made of a cotton recycled sweater, while the inside layer is made from a lightweight soft acrylic sweater. Totally washable (in cold water) this treasure is totally reversible also. Measurements are 22 inches wide (from shoulder to shoulder) and 14 inches long. Just perfect for now and lightweight enough to take you well into spring and early summer. You are going to love this one! SOLD

~~~~~~~~

Just a reminder - the contest giveaway ends at noon on Friday. Someone will have the chance to choose between the knitted birds nest or the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles! My random generator (alias - sweet little Maddy) will choose a posting between the original contest posting and this posting.

~~~~

The exception is that the OHOW posting will not be considered for this contest as that is a separate contest it self.

~~~~~

After choosing the posting - then sweet Maddy will choose a numbered comment from that posting. This is so very exciting as this first contest is about to come to the great moment of give away! Good Luck to all my new blogging friends!!

Comforts

2010-02-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

I've been away from here~~~~

The latest winter misery brought us a mixture of rain and snow and sleet. My forty mile commute between my workplace and home, was just not safe. And so I stayed~~

and stayed~~~

and stayed~~~~.

I missed my home and I missed the gardener~~ a lot~~~. Just a hug when I come home every evening makes the end of a long day so much better. But there is more~~~

~~~~

My absence has made me appreciate all the little things that I love most about my life and my home. Just silly little simple things, like sitting down for a rest in the sacred yarn room, putting my feet up and having my little calico kitty snuggle next to me while I try to knit. Like making my special coffee every morning - the blend from Nicaragua that I am so very addicted to. Like knowing that when I go to bed at night, the gardener will be there~~~.

If home is where the heart is,

then may your home be surely blessed.

A shelter from the storms of life

A place of love and rest.

And when each day is over,

And toil put in its place

Your home's dear warmth

will bring it's smile

to light the saddest face.

(John McLeod)

So, I want to know~~~ If you were to have to be away from your home for several days, (besides your family and loved ones), what little simple comforts would you miss most?

Please share your thoughts~~~

Another favorite thing about home ~~~ it's where all your stuff is!

Hugs,

Vicki

My photo friends,
(Ting Hay, j yarbrough ,iKrissi, )
Thank you.

Valentine Wishes

2010-02-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

You’re in my thoughts and in my heart
Wherever I may go;
On Valentine’s Day, I’d like to say
I care more than you know.
(poem by Joanna Fuchs)

My friend Colleen from Designing dna has created the most beautiful way to celebrate this season of LOVE. She is highlighting a different designer for the 14 days leading up to Valentine's Day. Her blog is both amazing and creative. The photography alone will make you gasp with delight.

Day one features some out of this world jewelry creations by the very talented designer, Karen Sugarman. You simply must see these beautiful pieces. (I would die for one of these----)

~~~~~

Day two features another designer - one more near and dear to my heart - ME! Colleen chose to feature my little knitted bird nest creations on her second day of Valentine treasures. The posting is titled "nesting" and it is just lovely. You cannot even imagine how thrilled I am to be a part of her Valentines celebration and to be featured on her beautiful blog.

Please take a moment to visit Colleen and to leave a comment on her amazing blog. I have already bragged to her about how wonderful and kind all of my new blogging friends are! She is new to the blogging world so please make her feel welcome!

~~~~~

One more thing - she is having an amazing giveaway and you know how we all love treasures! When you leave a comment - you are entered to win a wonderful surprise!

Vintage Sweater Cowls

2010-02-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

These little beauties are headed to the ETSY shop in a few days. But if you can't wait to buy one - you can email me directly. (Even if they are not shown in the ETSY shop - they are for sale here unless they are marked as sold.)

Pink-a-boo SOLD

Like a breath of spring - this pink embroidery flowered sweater cowl will make you feel as pretty as a spring flower. Made from 2 "soft as can be" acrylic sweaters, this little neck warmer is totally washable. Outside the pink sweater is covered with beautiful embroidered flowers and a delicate scalloped border. Inside, the sweater lining is decorated with delicate embroidered flowers scattered all over the sweater. We have used the pretty little buttons also - to add more detail to your newest and most favorite fashion accessory. Measurements are 23 inches wide and 17 inches long.

Priced at $30.00

Whisper

Muted tones of soft pink and sand make this little sweater cowl so desirable. Made from 2 soft acrylic sweaters, the inside lining is decorated with tiny little pink sequins scattered ever so softly around. Totally washable and loveable. You want this - you know you do---. Measurements are 23 inches wide (from shoulder to shoulder) and 16 inches long.

Priced at $25.00

Robin's Egg

You know the color - that perfect little Robin's egg blue! An outside acyclic sweater is paired with a fleecy soft darker blue sweatshirt - this one says "wear me on a date!" Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Measurements are 20 inches long (from shoulder to shoulder) and 15 inches wide. Just the perfect size to pair with a sweater or blouse. You are really going to love this one!

Price $25.00

Winter Snowfall -

Crisp and white - wearable with everything you own - this beautiful cabled sweater cowl is THE one to have! Outside is a soft acrylic cabled sweater - inside is a thin and incredibly soft cotton sweater. Simple and simply beautiful. Measurements are 21 inches long (from shoulder to shoulder) and 15 inches wide. Totally washable (in cold water.)

Price - $25.00

Caribbean Blue-

The colors of the Caribbean waters mixed with the colors of sand - a gorgeous combination of colors for this lovely sweater cowl. Will this dress up a basic jeans and white blouse combination - or what! The wide ribbing along the outside of the sweater gives added detail to this beauty. The outside is a touchable soft acrylic sweater, while the inside is an even softer acrylic fleecy sweatshirt. Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Measurements are 26 inches wide and 16 inches long. This lovely sweater cowl is extra wide for that fashionable slouchy effect. SOLD

Price $25.00

Fiesta

Bright and colorful - a perfect accessory for your winter time wardrobe. You will love the way this one feels - oh so soft. Outside is an acrylic sweater - inside is a fleecy warm pale yellow sweatshirt. The extra wide ribbing along the outside of this sweater gives just that special touch of added detail. Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. You will be noticed when you wear this - so get ready for the compliments. Measurements are 24 inches wide (shoulder to shoulder) and 16 inches long. This extra wide sweater cowl will give you the desirable slouchy look and you will love it!

Price $25.00

Spirit

Show your true colors - this is as good as it gets! Beautifully drapey and oh la la soft - this red, white, and blue combination is lined with a washable cashmere (yes, Cashmere!) sweater in a soft white color. This one is to die for! Totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. This is so very desirable and will dress up your jeans in a heart beat! Measurements are 22 inches wide and 13 inches long. You want this - you know you do!

Price $25.00

Winter Dreams

Softest yellow with intarsia patchwork snowman, snowflake, and snow covered pine tree - this little sweater cowl is just perfect for a winter stroll. Two acrylic sweaters, inside and out, make this totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Outside is a thicker yellow sweater while inside is a delicate sweater decorated with little embroidered flowers. We kept the little pale yellow buttons for added detail. Measurements are 24 inches wide (shoulder to shoulder) and 14 inches long. Sweet! SOLD

Price $25.00

Valentine-

The softest Valentine red is paired with a patterned winter white - just perfect for your sweetheart celebration. Totally washable and totally reversible - you will love the variety of ways that you can wear this fashionable sweater cowl. Totally washable (in cold water) - this little cowl is reversible as well! Measurements are 24 inches wide and 17 inches long. Nice and wide so that it can be nice and slouchy. (One more thing - when Christmas comes around next year - you will be so glad that you have this little fashion statement!)

Price is $25. SOLD

Holiday

OK - maybe she is a little late for the Christmas rush - but if you wait until next Christmas for this little jewel - she will be GONE! (Sad, but true!) This little fashionable cowl is made of two beautiful acrylic sweaters. Outside is a multi-colored mix played upon a beautiful green sweater - inside is a vibrant Christmas red. Both are totally washable (in cold water) and totally reversible as well. Measurements are 24 inches wide (from shoulder to shoulder) and 14 inches long. Come next Christmas - you will wish you had this! Priced at $25 - just to tempt you!

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And yes - I am STILL knitting----

One World One Heart ~~ A Magic Carpet Ride

2010-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

2/15/10 UPDATE - the winner is Ragmuffin girl! I have emailed you dear lady, so please email me with your name and address as soon as you can. (I am leaving town for 3 weeks tomorrow-----!) Congratulations on winning and a special thanks to everyone who participated in this event! This was a wonderful celebration of blogging all over the world. Through this event I made so many new friends and visited so many fabulous blogs! I am already looking forward to next years event----
Vicki

I am so excited to be able to offer a whimsical and unique experience to my new blogging friends. Through the One World One Heart Event - you all have the opportunity to literally travel around the world on a beautiful "blogging" magic carpet.

Hundreds of bloggers, (actually almost 1000 so far!) are participating in this fun and exciting event. This is your chance to make new blogging friends AND to win some great prizes. (Think "hundreds of give aways" all at one time!) To begin your travels, simply click here to be taken to the host blog. Listed there are the hundreds of blogs who are participating - including mine! (I am #751 on the list)

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Here are the "official rules"---

Visit as many blogs as you want between now and February 15, 2010. Leave a comment on the Contest Posting for every blog that you visit. You can only leave one comment per blog. You must have a valid email address where you can be reached on February 15 - should you be chosen as a prize winner by any of the participants. No Anonymous comments can be accepted for this event. Check your email on February 15 to see if you have won a prize or maybe 2 or 3!

This little handmade porcelain heart brooch is my prize entry for the event. Isn't it cute! Who wouldn't want to wear this sweet little brooch on a hat or scarf or coat? Hand formed from beautiful white porcelain clay, it has had vintage lace pressed into the clay before being bisc fired. The crimson red glaze makes this a beautiful accessory piece for your wardrobe. For your chance to win ~~~ just leave a comment on this posting.

Enjoy your blogging travels --- make new friends--- and hopefully pick up a treasure or two along the way!

(This beautiful little heart brooch was created by Karen at HodgepodgeArt. She has a shop full of lovely things---)

Vintage Baby Story Gift Tags

2010-01-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes--- the baby shower! Between the knitting and the baby shower planning, this little grandma is burning the candle at both ends! These little baby gift tags made from a vintage Beatrix Potter children's book are my newest treasure. Aren't they just adorable?

Wouldn't they be lovely displayed at the baby shower somehow? They would be so cute as a focal point of the decorations.

I would love to hear your ideas about how these little treasures might be used and displayed at the shower. My blogging readers are sooo (!!!)creative and I just know that you can all help me with this little project.

So set your minds in motion and share your ideas with me about how to best display these little gift tags~~~~

And also - could you please share with me your thoughts about how to use these in the baby's room after the shower? I am so excited to hear your ideas!

Don't you just love the little one that says "the end"!

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I want to thank everyone who took the time to share with me your ideas about how to use the little blue cabled blanket. I really appreciate your show of support in the thinking that this would be a loving gift for a little baby girl! Thanks to your creativity, I now have some lovely plans for the blanket. I will be excited to share with you the new little girl cabled blanket soon! In fact, I plan to share the whole baby shower experience with you all. Consider that you are all invited!

Baby Blue ~~~ ( What would you do? )

2010-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

This little cabled baby blanket has been a challenge for me. I started it last year (it pains me so to admit this----) and it is still not finished. But - it is ALMOST finished! Obviously, it did not get completed for the birth of our first grandchild, our precious Mason.

As you know, we are expecting our second little grandbaby in April. Soooo---- if you were me, and you wanted to give this little blue blanket to this really special little baby girl - what would you do to make it look - well - more girly?

Does anyone besides me think that little girls can also wear blue? Believe me - this little girl is going to have lots of PINK little things to wear! Remember the pink posting a few days ago? I am frantically knitting a pink baby trousseau----

I have invested so much time and love on this baby blanket. This little project has literally, travelled all over the world with me. On the beaches in St. Martin, on the beaches in Florida, on a cruise ship that sailed around South America, on a cruise to Bermuda, and traveling hundreds of miles as we drove back and forth to Atlanta to see Mason and to Florida to our condo - this little blanket has logged some serious miles! I can't bear the thought that I might lose an opportunity to give this to a special grandchild.
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So, I am open to your suggestions and ideas. I really do want to know your thoughts. If you think that this blanket is not meant for a baby girl - you can say that too. Just give it to me straight----

Snowdrop Knitted Wrap

2010-01-16T09:22:00.001-08:00

My beautiful Snowdrop wrap is waiting for a home----

This scrumptious wrap is knitted from the most luscious yarns - blended together to create the softest touch ever. On the coldest and most blustery days, this wrap will warm you all over!

The yarns for the fringe have been collected from our travels all over the world. These yarns are so special to me and I have saved them to use as fringe in my beautiful wraps. There are over 30 different yarns in this extra long fringe.

Extra long, for extra warmth, this special wrap measures 60 inches long and 22 inches wide.

There are 14 inches of beautiful fringe on each end------

This little wrap looks as beautiful with jeans and a sweater as it does with your best cashmere coat----

One of my most favorite creations is my knitted wraps. When I seek peace and calmness in my life - this is what I choose to create.

You can visit this little creation again here if you think you might want to bring it home to live with you-----

Hungarian Mushroom Soup - (Perfect for a Wintery Day!)

2010-01-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Gardener and I took a little road trip a few days ago to Black Mountain, North Carolina. While there, we ate this soup at one of the local restaurants and it was fabulous. (I asked for the recipe but, alas, they said NO!) Not to be defeated, I came right home and perfected my own recipe - pretty darn good it is too----. If you love mushrooms, you will LOVE this soup!

1 pound of sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tsp dried dill weed
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups chopped onions
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste
2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tablespoons dried parsley (fresh would be great also)
1/2 cup sour cream

Saute the onions in the butter for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for another 5 minutes. Add the dill, paprika, soy sauce and broth. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour - pour into the soup, stirring constantly. Allow soup to thicken while continuing to stir. (You may add more flour if necessary to thicken.) Simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, sour cream, and parsley. Cook just until all is blended. Serve with some warm crusty bread.

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You are going to thank me for this----

PINK !!!

2010-01-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

The Sacred Yarn room is definitely in the "pink" these days as I am in the midst of knitting for our newest grandbaby who will arrive in late April-----

I have so many things planned to knit for this expected little one - there are just not enough hours in the day! Does anyone besides me just wish that you could lock yourself in with a good cup of coffee, some great music and not have to answer to anyone or any thing - and just KNIT! That is me right now!!

I am going to be so anxious to show you the precious little things I am making when they are finished----.

Don't you just adore this beaded yarn from Tilli Thomas? I have knitted with this Flurries yarn many times before and it makes beautiful little treasures. (The only trouble with using this yarn - is that after the little clothing is made - I am meticulous about pushing every little single bead to the outside of the clothing so that it does not rub against the baby's skin. That can be a little time consuming!) (So many people have asked about the little dolls in this picture ---- they are Anthropologie Christmas ornaments that I bought last year. Aren't they just the cutest little Snow People? )

Stay tuned to see the latest developments from the "Pink" project. I will have a couple of postings coming up that I will be asking your help in - including one that has to do with a little knitted treasure that is BLUE!

Gratitude - (Overwhelming Gratitude!)

2010-01-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

To My New Blogging Friends - I am absolutely overwhelmed by the response to my little knitted birds nests. I never, ever, in a million years, thought that anyone would even give them a second look - let alone vie in such numbers to receive one as a gift. I am amazed, I am shocked, I am in awe of your kind words and the precious comments that you have left on my blog. In less than 24 hours, I published over 50 responses - and they are still coming in! From the bottom of my heart - I am so grateful.

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First off let me say that the contest is great - someone will win and ( then a whole bunch of you won't and you will be sad) - so we can't have that! I promise that we will go straight into another contest that will include something wonderful and a birds nest. Heck - lets just give birds nests away all year!

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Now for those of you who actually want to purchase one of my little creations ( and I am still amazed that so many of you have inquired about that---- !) here is what you need to know. I have the little nests listed in my friend Jan's ETSY shop - click here for the link. I just sold the only 2 nests that I have made up BUT I will make more. When I initially placed those nests in Jan's shop I told her they were just there to fill the space - I was sure that no one would be interested in them! (Thanks friends! for proving me wrong!)

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Here is the thing----. Right now, I am knitting feverishly for my new little granddaughter who is due to arrive in late April. The baby shower is March 20 - if you are a knitter, you totally understand the pressure I am under. For me right now- it is all about knitting PINK.

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So - if you want a Birds nest AND are willing to wait until April to receive it- you can email me and place your Now. I will keep track of the orders and fill them in the order that they are received. Once the nest is knitted - I will email you and then you can make the purchase in Jan's ETSY shop. You won't have to pay until the nest is actually knitted. Fair enough?

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Thanks so much, I have never felt the love of so many friends who have left such nice comments. Bloggers are just the nicest people ever----

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My direct email address is vboster1@windstream.net

A New Year's Contest! (somebody's going to win!!!)

2010-01-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

BRRRR! It is so cold outside and the world is covered in a blanket of snow - so I am staying warm and planning for a year of fun and contests for my blogging friends.

The first contest is going to start off with a fabulous prize! My knitting friends might want to choose these Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles. Knitters everywhere know that these needles are wonderful and practical. My knitting life changed when I found these needles - you will LOVE them.

I am just realizing as I look at this picture that 2 of the pink cables are missing as they are in use in my projects. Not to worry - the winners set will be complete and brand new as I will ship it from the manufacturer straight to your door!.

For my friends who do not knit (How can that be?) - then the prize will be one of my lovely knitted birds nests. Just looking at this little nest will bring thoughts of spring to your soul! The little nest will be complete with 2 little bird eggs. These little nests are made from my knitting stash - so no two are alike. You will love the one I am making for you now!

Don't you just think SPRING when you see these little nests?

So - how do you win? Easy-----

Just follow the blog from now until February 12. Leave a comment on any or all of the postings between today and February 12 - you can enter as often as you want. I will randomly choose a posting and a winner at noon on that date and will post your name on the blog. You will have 3 days to contact me and give me your address. The winner can choose between the Knitting needles or the knitted birds nest. If the nest is chosen - then I will have another contest specifically geared towards Knitters to give away the Needles.

For my blogging friends who do not live in the United States - not to worry. I will deliver these prizes any where in the world.

This is going to be a year of fun with lots of contests and great prizes. So follow along in this blogging adventure---

Tell all your friends about the contest and send them to this blog!

Winter Knitted Cowl Neckwarmer

2010-01-07T16:13:00.001-08:00

Just in time for the snowy weather - this knitted cowl is sooo warm! I love the cable design (cables are so much fun!). I found the perfect model for this photo shoot don't you think? This little fella did not complain one bit! He loves to be outside in the cold and snow!

I made this neckwarmer from 5 skeins of Berroco Alpaca (this may just be my new favorite yarn!) This yarn is so soft to the touch and is just a delight to knit. The pattern is from the Winter issue of KnitSimple magazine.

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate

2010-01-07T14:32:00.001-08:00

The Gardener and I took a short little trip to Asheville to celebrate his birthday. We visited the Biltmore Estate - one of our favorite places for a getaway. The Mansion was still decorated in Christmas tradition and was simply beautiful. Here is just a little glimpse into this magnificent home and the holiday decorations that were so resplendent there. (Cameras are not really allowed inside the Mansion - so my disclaimer is that I do not know how these pictures appeared on my cell phone---)

After touring the Mansion, we enjoyed the most wonderful buffet dinner at the DeerPark restaurant on the estate. The restaurant and courtyard were decorated with hundreds of lights - it was a magical sight.

We spent the night in Asheville and headed to the montaintop town of Montreat, just outside of Ashville. Our purpose was to visit the Montreat College Campus and to see the fresco inside the Chapel of the Prodigal. Unfortunately, the Chapel was closed because the college was on holiday break. So we will visit there another time to see the fresco - but we so enjoyed our visit to the College Campus. The little snow covered campus was truly beautiful---

Behind the bookstore was this little dam, a perfect place for respite don't you think? The campus housed a beautiful bookstore, a general store, and one of my favorite stores Ten Thousand Villages.

The campus is home to a very friendly family of Mallard ducks and swans that live on the lake there. Their colors were so vivid and beautiful. We threw out a few crackers and made "instant" friends with them all!

After leaving Montreat - we drove to the town of Black Mountain. This little town is filled with a variety of craft shops, antique shops, and eclectic shops of all kinds. Nestled among the montains, this town was just the perfect place to spend an afternoon. We had so much fun shopping and walking arond the town. We had a wonderful lunch at the Veranda Restaurant (my Hungarian Mushroom soup was to die for!) They would not share their recipe (bummer) but I am going to make my own, so watch for that soon to come to the blog!

The Gardener found a wonderful display of model airplanes - he was a happy boy!

Everything was on sale after Christmas - yea! - and I bought this beautiful winter wreath.

The Gardener made best friends with one of the local shop kitties!

The train depot has now been restored into a local arts and crafts gallery. There is some serious shopping to be done in this little town. We will definitely be returning----

New Year Wishes

2010-01-01T18:15:00.001-08:00

Welcome to a brand New Year---
a clean slate on which to write our hopes and dreams.

Looking back on the months gone by,
as a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
and we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Happy New Year ----
Vicki

Holiday Wishes

2009-12-24T18:42:00.001-08:00

Under the tree the gifts enthrall,

But the nicest present of them all

Is filling our thoughts with those who care,

Wanting our Christmas joy to share.

To you, whom we're often thinking of,

We send our holiday joy and love.

Love,

Vicki and (the Gardener)

ICE in Florida!

2009-12-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

We were "freezing" in Florida when we attended the ICE Exhibit at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando a few days ago.

This unbelievable display is made up of about 2 million tons of carved ice - all displayed in a room kept at a "chilly" 9 degrees! This ICE Nativity was the crowning glory to the exhibit and was breathtakingly beautiful.

Honestly, we did not really get all that cold until about the last few minutes of our tour. I kept taking my gloves off to take pictures and my fingers were pretty numb!

I hate to be cold - but this exhibit was amazing and so beautiful. Definitely worth a little frostbite!

Shades of Blue (the leaf and vine shoulder wrap)

2009-12-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

The leaf and vine shoulder wrap is completed and I LOVE it! This was probably my most challenging project yet. Actually the knitting was a dream - I was so amazed to watch this pattern transform. The nightmare was in the rewriting of the graph. ( I nearly stayed up all night making that graph work! ) I am so pleased to be able to share these pictures with you now. I am not a very good model so I brought along my adorable Maddy. She is a ham for the camera and she is modeling the new little blue jacket that her Aunt Vicki just bought for her.

If anyone is daring enough to want to try this wrap - I am available for consult. I have already made all the mistakes - will be a breeze when I make the next one. (I already have the yarn!)