SpiderWomanKnits

Our Family 2010

Family Album 2010 by The Connors Clan | Make Your Own Book

Oh what a year it has been! Lots of ups, a few downs but so much fun!

We made this Blurb Book to gift to our family for the holidays this year and it is so special to have. If I don't take the time to do this sort of project all of my photos remain in the digital world.

It's so nice to be able to sit and look through an album. Since I can't have everyone over to knit and talk chickens and alpacas with me while we flip through the book together (which I would prefer) let's just pretend that we are. I'll go grab a cup of coffee and wait for you to get yours :)That little box in the right corner with the four arrows makes the book go full screen which I highly recommend. There is one picture of Simonne and me in there that requires the 'full effect'. You'll know it when you come to it.

I have a lot of desires for this new year coming up. 2010 was a year of us settling into our larger family size and all that that entails, just finding a rhythm and also emerging from a preceding year of unemployment. Now, I feel like we can really get down to business. First up, is a huge organizing and de-cluttering project. I know that seems so cliche but it is something I am looking forward to. You have to clear the path for new adventures right?!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish everyone a magical and joyful New Year filled with dreams fulfilled, projects realized, family joy, well being and much, much happiness. See you 'next year'!

xxoo,

Spidey

merry merry

Wishing you all a belated but truly Merry Christmas and New Year!

We had a truly magical day with many wishes fulfilled, wonderful surprises, the warmth of family, lots of good food and tons of joy! I hope you find yourself in a similar state!

xxoo always,

Spidey

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FO: Free Pattern for Peekaboo Mitts

Just some last minute gift knitting.

And a wee bitty gift FOR YOU! Here's the pattern for the Peekaboo Mitts! I wrote it up and turned into a neat and tidy PDF.

  Download Peekaboo Mitts

or queue it on Ravelry

****PLEASE UPDATE YOUR PDF TO THE LATEST VERSION AS OF 10:30pm 12/16****

there were some wonky areas in the first one but they are all set now

These will fit basically any man or woman, use a wee bit of worsted, and take just a wee bit of time. Maybe you can whip up a last minute pair too? They are so basic but make a great unisex gift. These are going to Jorn's guitar teacher but in the past I've knit them for the postman, friends, and family.They are always appreciated. I always have a pair on myself. Let me know if you find any quirks in the pattern or have any trouble with the download. Enjoy and don't forget to let me know if you knit a pair!

oooxx

Spidey

Chicken Chicken

We had a bit of snow last night in Vermont. Our first bona fide snow fall of the season so far. There has been much complaining about the weather in these parts. Not enough snow, too much rain, oddly warm temperatures, it doesn't feel like winter etc. Well, let me introduce you to one chicken who would much rather see things the way they were just a few days ago, with no snow, warm breezes and misty rain. Meet Chicken Chicken.

She was the first one out of the coop this morning when I went to open up but she wasn't so sure about all the white stuff. As you can see, I brushed off the start of the ramp to ease her out but she wasn't having it.

Then she started holding up the line which can get ugly. Usually that leads to lots of pushing, shoving, squawking and sometimes even a peck on the derriere.Today, her coop mates were a little more patient with her because none of these hens have been through a winter yet. The deeper snow seemed baffling to them. So, they were willing to let her be 'the first' this time.

Until one Rooster, who shall remain nameless, decided it was time to quit pussy footing around. He's never seen snow like this before either but he showed no fear. Come to think of it, I may have witnessed the greatest demonstration of Chicken Machismo of all time.

He just jumped right out. No ramp walk, nothing. Chicken feet first right into the snow! Then there appeared to be some taunting or maybe he was just showing them that the snow was only web feet deep.

But Chicken Chicken (and all her friends) still weren't having it.

So back into the coop they went (and stayed) for most of the day.  The Rooster stayed out all day, crowing his crow and strutting his stuff in about a 10 foot area. He stomped the snow down just enough to entice a few bold hens out of the coop for a bit. Honestly, I just think he was trying to be a gentleman and that stomping the snow down for the ladies was his plan all along. You know, so they could have a nice afternoon out in the snow together. I mean c'mon, doesn't he look like a gentleman to you? I think Chicken Chicken should give it another try.

happiness is...

FO: Waffle Hat

I'd like a hat with a waffle on top please.

Project details on Ravelry

Wow, it would have been awesome if I took these pictures wearing the 'join side' to the back instead of right smack in the middle of my forehead, eh? Woops.

Hey, can you do me a favor? I just created a Facebook page for my Esty Shop. I know, I'm a wee bit slow to the game.  'Like' Red Comb Vintage on Facebook and help me spread the word to your vintage and handmade loving friends. Thanks so much!

ooxx Spidey

the tree is in*

Every year we go to the same local tree farm. On the way there we pick up a few bales of hay for Indy and Hayden at a beautiful horse farm nearby. It feels so nice to be this close to so many local farms of different variety, to have these people as 'neighbors'. The rhythm of these actions feels better and better every year. Last year we were getting some of our very first bales of hay for our new boys and our foster boy. The smell of the car filled with 2nd cut hay and a fresh tree on top is almost overwhelmingly good.

We had a wee bit of drama this year during our 'tree hunt'. Just as we started driving away Greg's hands and arms felt like they were on fire and he all of a sudden found himself spotted with hives. When we got home, he washed his hands and it went away in an hour or so but it was weird. Has that happened to any of you before? We'll have to proceed with caution while decorating this year I guess. I didn't even feel like we should bring the tree in but Greg insisted. So there it is, waiting to be decorated today. I feel like doing something different with our tree this year but I am not sure if I have everyone on board yet. I'll be sure to post though if we do. I hope you all had a lovely and relaxing weekend. ooxx Spidey