Friday, December 17, 2010

Snow is Magical

I've forgotten how wonderful a snow day can be.  Today wasn't a work day for me, but still there is magic in that first snow.

I also forgot how peaceful and quiet my house is without a puppy.  Don't get me wrong - love her - but, damn.

The vet-assistant says Haley did great in surgery.  She'll be all set in the morning.  I've completed the laundry, washed windows (the horror!), washed dishes (I'm ill for sure!), dusted, watered the plants, updated my blogs, watched "Julie & Julia" AND "You've Got Mail" (which is one of my new favorite Christmas movies) and even made a little surprise for John.  And yes, they are totally for John - I HATE peanut butter cookies, and don't particularly care for blackberry or blueberry jam, all of which he'll enjoy right after he digs the HUGE splinter I got in my finger washing the out side (call a doctor!) of the windows.

Snow!

We woke this morning to the first snow of the season.  We received 4 inches of very heavy, wet snow that packs and ices easily.  John barely got out of the driveway!  I was up at 4am shovelling, trying to help John get to work on time.  Once he was off, I cleared the driveway and put in some time rescuing laden trees.  Just when I was beginning ache from shovelling and wishing it hadn't snowed quite so much, I found joy again - Haley experienced her first snow.  This is the only good picture I got of her, the rest are blurs - she loved the snow and was running all over the back yard, diving through the sagebrush.  It was a relief for her after spending all day yesterday cooped up in her crate while it rained and we worked.  But sadly, her joy was short lived.  Haley went to the vet first thing and is still there having her spay surgery.  She'll be home tomorrow morning and under orders to take it easy.  She'll just have to wait for the next storm.  Until then, Stinky and Chica are napping quietly, grateful there isn't a wet puppy pulling at them to play outside.

Christmas Knitting Officially Finished.

I'm officially finished with my Christmas knitting, and honestly amazed it's still December (I've been know to give I.O.U.'s for knitted items).  I love giving handknit items, but I never give myself enough time to actually knit them, and so here it is that I set one of my New Year's Resolutions.

In 2011, I resolve to begin my Christmas knitting in January, and work to complete all gift projects before Thanksgiving, allowing time not only to ship affordably, but to sneak in last minute projects.

My very last project was these socks, made of Paton's Kroy Socks yarn in "Coal".  The pattern was "Mr. Pitt's Socks" by Kaitlyn Wong.  The pattern is available for free on Ravelry.  The recipient of these socks has tried them on and declared them a wonderful fit and very warm.  He will be wearing them proudly Christmas morning.  Thank you Kaitlyn for a fantasic pattern!  I love how you came to name them.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Giveaway Winner Announced!

The random number generator has provided me with the number 7 - Amanda!  You are the winner of the Set of 5 Caribbean Stitch Markers and Your Choice of Any One of my Knitting Patterns.  Please contact me with your mailing address and pattern choice. (I will also attempt to contact you by email.) 

Thank you to everyone who participated!  This was fun and I look forward to hosting another giveaway soon!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Last Minute Holiday Sale - 15% OFF

The holidays are quickly approaching - are you done shopping?  I'm hosting a Last Minute Holiday Sale in my Etsy Store for all my blog readers.  Simply enter Coupon Code: JKHOLIDAY2010 for 15% off anything in my Etsy Store from now until January 1st (New Year's is a Holiday too!)

And... the holidays are about sharing - feel free to pass this coupon code along!  Blog about my sale and comment with a link to your blog post and I'll give you a secret coupon worth 20% savings, just for spreading the good cheer!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

New Design to the Third Power

Cowl, Cowler, Cowlest!  I've created a new cowl pattern that will actually be three patterns in one.  The concept is simple - sometimes you want a functional Cowl, sometimes you want a fashionable Cowler, and sometimes you want a dramatic art piece Cowlest.  Each of the three cowl versions will have the same basic construction, just turned up a notch or two in the exaggeration department.  Stay tuned... the test knitting has begun!

Monday, December 6, 2010

"Brandy at Sea" PDF Pattern Available!

At long last, "Brandy at Sea" is active and available for purchase.  For this hat,I created a stitch to represent rolling waves, and matched it up with a lovely Aran stitch that just makes me think of the twisted rope netting you see in old pre-wire wooden lobster traps.  It has a little bit of a lacy feel, created through simple yarn overs, representing seafoam and spray.  I think this will be a lovely addition to any ocean lovers wardrobe!

"Brandy at Sea" has been posted to my Etsy store, MyKnits.com and Ravelry.com for sale. Both MyKnits and Ravelry provide automatic delivery / download of the PDF file upon receipt of payment. Etsy sales will receive an email containing the PDF file directly from me.If you are interested in purchasing "hard copies" please email me!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Giveaway!

I recently won a blog giveaway and have decided to pay-it-forward by hosting my own giveaway!

PRIZE: Set of 5 Caribbean Waters Crystal Stitch Markers and a Digital Copy of one of my Knit Patterns
VALUE: $11.75-$13.75 (depending on pattern selection)
# WINNERS: 1 (one)
END DATE: 11:59 PM MST, Saturday, December 11
WHERE PRIZE CAN BE WON: United States and Canada Only


To enter the giveaway to win a Set of 5 Caribbean Waters Crystal Stitch Markers (free shipping) and a Digital Copy of the Knit Pattern of your choice from my designs (emailed to you), first, go browse through my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/northwind; then come back here and leave a comment on this page telling me what your favorite item is from my shop.

You can also earn additional entries by:
- Following the Jesse Knits Blog at http://www.jesseknits.blogspot.com/
- Visiting http://www.myknits.com/ and joining the mailing list
- Adding a pattern to your favorites on http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jessica-morin
- Sharing this giveaway on your Facebook page
- Posting a link to this giveaway on your blog
- And, finally, a purchase from my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/northwind this week will earn you an additional 5 entries to this giveaway!

To get credit for your additional entries, please be sure to let me know what you’ve done by leaving separate comments for each entry that you've completed.  You must list your blog address if you post a link.  Be sure to include your email address, substituting "at" for @.

This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM MST, Saturday, December 11. A winner will be chosen using a random number generator on Sunday, December 12.

I look forward to reading each of your comments!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Available in My Etsy Store...Crystal Stitch Markers

Great for gifts or your own collection, I'm offering two different color sets of stitch markers, Napa Valley (pictured right) and Caribbean Waters.  Each set includes 5 markers and is packaged in mini envelope with ribbon tie closure for safe keeping. Holes are reinforced with eyelets for extended life (see picture below).  To purchase, please visit my Etsy store or follow the links above directly to product pages.


Additional color options are on the drawing board, including some beaded designs, so be sure to check back often!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Crystal Stitch Markers!

It's not the traditional red and green decorations that catch my eye during the holidays... it's the sparkle.  So, in celebration of the holidays and all their twinkling, glittering glamor, I'm making stitch markers for sale with beautiful crystal beads. 

They easily glide over needles as large as US Size 10 (6mm) and will be available in sets of 5.  Keep an eye out on my Etsy store for them!

Happy Holidays!

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