bestitched

My Black Friday

Two  recent book purchases had me thinking about my childhood. It wasn't what was contained inside the covers, rather the image on the exterior of little red shoes triggered some memories. Specifically, wearing my own little red shoes (made for me by my grandfather) sitting at the kitchen table leisurely eating pastina. 

Sigh. 

So I made some pastina for the kid.

And we played on the stairs

And I made some handmade gifts for the holiday.

And I was grateful that I wasn't in megalomart with a  swarm of other frantic shoppers buying crappy holiday gifts.

  Hope your Black Friday was just as peaceful.

let the holiday crafting begin

Suddenly, I have to complete a shitload of projects before the holidays (after I vowed not to make any gifts). Lucky for me, I have my faithful apprentice.

You'll notice that's she's standing next to the finished chocqua quilt top, which is destined for a good friend having surgery right after the holidays.

And she also helped me make some placemats for JMB (long overdue!). I used the pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing and added some turquoise topstitching. Nice result but I need to iron them a little more.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Off to eat more pie!

and, now, a quiet weekend

BL + LL flew to Pennsylvania for some quality time with the grandparents, leaving me along to stay in my pajamas, watch crappy movies and get some knitting done.

I'm still working on the back of Roam. Slow going there. All seed stitch. Gah.

I'm making glacial progress on the  buncha panties blanket. Five squares done and 25 more to  go. It's possible I may be done with this project before next winter. Hah!

And a quick shopping trip last night resulted in this lovely grouping of fabric. I just need some inspiration to turn it into the perfect throw-sized quilt.

And since I didn't have LL as my shopping partner today, I headed over to an antique store that I've been meaning to check out. Jeezus! I've never been in a store that utilized that much air freshener. Why, why, why do this to your customers? I came home smelly and itchy. And with no purchases.

a good week

Monday afternoon, LL + I met up with Maritza of soto softies (local) and Megan the Knitting Philistine (visiting our lovely city) for some yummy snacks.  Yay for yummy lunch with friends and a good-natured toddler! 

Then on Wednesday, I boarded the Downeaster for Portland, Maine for a conference.  I diligently sat in on some relevant sessions and then TC + I sneaked away for some yarn shopping. 

I wasn't able to visit any yarn shops on the last trip, so we headed over to Tess' Designer Yarns. Beautiful yarns, excellent prices, wonderful service and amazing selection.

I picked up some gorgeous petite silk in the English Sheepdog colorway.

Any suggestions for projects with this unique yarn?

Later that night we ate dinner at Fore Street.   

Hands down, the best dinner at a restaurant I have  ever enjoyed. (Nova, have you eaten here? You must make time on your next trip to Portland!)

Ridiculously fresh mussels in almond garlic butter sauce, pan-seared local flounder with caramelized delicata squash, tarte tatin  featuring local empire apples, caramel sauce + butter pastry, and finally, the option of a plate of handmade chocolate (hell, yes, I'll take two). Heaven. I only wish I had worn elastic pants.

Then a nice, quiet train ride home that gave me an opportunity to work on Roam.

And then home with my lovely family and a girl who looks like this when she wakes up.

Hope everyone had a lovely week!

things I love

orange knee highs on chubby legs :: chocolate fudge cupcakes :: a bat from Maritza