Amanda's Hat
Labels: knitting
a journal of crafts and DIY projects
Labels: knitting
A couple of years ago, I went to a holiday season fundraiser where hot cider was served and chestnuts were roasted on an open fire. I had never tasted a chestnut before, and fell in love. I've thought about that fundraiser every year since, and this year finally got up the nerve to try roasting chestnuts myself.
Labels: cooking
This summer I decided to try composting. I was intimidated at first because of all the rules about what you can put in, what you can't, what constitutes "green" compost vs. "brown" compost, the delicate balance between the two, the moisture content, the temperature, the turning....
My pepper plants aren't big producers, but what I have been able to eat was lovely.
Labels: yardwork
I picked up this headboard for Abby's room for $5 at a garage sale earlier this summer. I couldn't have found a new one that I like more. What a steal! Good timing, too, since it's been the summer of houseguests!
Labels: homework
I'm teaching myself to crochet. Mollie tried to teach me a few months ago, but I didn't get the hang of it. When I saw her awesome squares for Henry's blanket, I knew I needed to try again. This time I decided to teach myself using the Happy Hooker book by Debbie Stoller. I had learned most of my knitting skills from her Stitch 'n' Bitch book years ago, so I decided if anyone could teach me how to crochet, Debbie could.Labels: crochet, nieces and nephews


Labels: knitting, nieces and nephews, other people's crafts
A couple of years ago I read in the New York Times about a photo scavenger hunt. Here's a snippet of the article.
ONE reason people visit New York is to catch a glimpse of things they'd never see in the average American city. Some such sights are mystifying, some charming, some jaw-dropping — and some are even legal.
This week, Weekend in New York offers a photo scavenger hunt, in which you (working alone or in a group) seek out scenes and objects intrinsically New York and capture them with your camera. The hunt could be the centerpiece of your weekend, but also could serve as just a way to enhance your downtime as you wander from restaurant to park to museum, observing the natives in their natural habitat.
I'll post some photos after the party next weekend.
That's Seth on the far left, and Ilana is third from the right.
The Californians really enjoyed Kassie's Hashbrown Casserole. Ted and I hid in the kitchen and devoured all the leftovers while the others cleaned up.
Labels: knitting, nieces and nephews
Today was beautiful. Spring is finally here. So I decided to walk to crafternoon at Mollie's. While I was waiting on the front step for Sarah to show up so we could walk together, I scanned the yard for signs of new spring growth. Instead, I found a sign of death. Yikes! It feels a little bit like a bad omen.
In just a couple weeks, Cole and Brynn will have a baby sister. I expect her to look like a mini-Brynn. And she's going to have a sweater just like her cousin Ava's. Maybe not right away, but that's why it's a 9-month size. Here's my progress so far:

Labels: knitting, nieces and nephews
Labels: knitting
In December, Sarah and I went to the MCAD student art show and saw some alphabet-shaped pillows that were simply adorable. But being the crafty ladies we are, we decided to try to make our own, rather than buy the artist's version.
Labels: nieces and nephews, sewing