Garter Stitch Picushion

The pincushion that I had been using was too small and so small that it kept tipping over, so I decided to try and knit one that was bigger and more stable. This one is about 4 inches in diameter and the weight of it makes it have good stability. You know, I like it. If I had some wool yarn, I would have used it...but, since this was just something I just tried I used what I had available at this time. Wool yarn could be used for the next one. I started it last evening and finished it, this evening. It is all done in garter stitch and on size #1 knitting needles. I used Vanna White yarn and then casted on 3o stitches and used my judgement on how long to make it. Keeping into consideration that it was going to be rolled, so it has to be long. My completed knitted piece was about 18-20 inches long. I folded it lengthwise in thirds....tacking it in place to hold it in place. I then rolled up the long folded piece { like a cinnamon roll or a snail shell }, tacking it in place to hold the "roll" in place till I had it completely tacked and held in place where it looked the best I could do...and then trimmed off the yarn ends and put the straight pins in it. With all the nice yarns out there, a person could make some real a real awesome pincushions!

Starry, Starry Night

We woke up to blowing snow and a temperature of only 1o degress. The wind blew all day and tonight was Starry, Starry Night.
Starry, Starry Night is an annual Christmas Celebration in Grand Marais where gift shops or any business that decides to be open the night after Thankgiving. We thought for sure people would not be venturing out on such a night....but, human spirit and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Grand Marais...it was a great success! People are tough in The Upper Pennisula....I was happy to see that "spunk and spirit" is still in it's people! This snapshot of our red and gold decorated little Christmas tree glowed so pretty with red lights, in the night.

Little Handknit Hat

You may not have much yarn on hand to make something something big, perhaps you could make a little hat like this, though. It would make a cute gift for a little girl's doll. I used just straight size 2 knitting needles, also for the ribbing. ....using smaller amounts of yarn. I casted on the amount of stitches that I thought would be a good amount and started decreasing at the crown when it seemed long enough. I then drew the yarn through the remaining stitches and fastened off.

Prancer?

When what to my wondering eyes should appear , but a minature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, with a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.~ Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the Night Before Christmas....such an enendearing story about Santa and his eight reindeer!
That reminds me, I still have a little Twas' The Night Before Christmas book with all the illustrations by Holly Hobbie. My nephew, Brad when he was just a toddler would love to look at the pictures and hear the story about Santa.

Colorful Holiday Bundles

Above are just a few of the colorful knitted dishcloths that Dorothy has handknit. We bundled, and tied them with either red or green glitter ribbon...and then added a green homespun tag for Christmas. These really are the best dishcloths! We got this great pattern from my sister, Nancy. My mom sold many of these holday sets at the Christmas craft show we in this past weekend.

Natural Pinecones

These waxed pinecones make cute natural table setting markers for your holiday table. The pinecones were dipped in cranberry scented wax, and then a tag made from green cardstock was tied to each pinecone with a natural cord. The edges of the tag were distressed with green Distress Ink. A name can be written on the tag to mark a person's place at the dinner table. Later, they can also be kept in a basket for starting fires in your fireplace. Really kind of sweet!

Shake a Turkey Tail Feather

Early this morning I found this feather laying under one of our big pine trees. It had to be from the wild turkey that visits the area quite often. It can be found scratching the ground and looking for whatever turkeys are looking for. { Seeds and what not } Turkeys are huge birds!
I know that the turkey is a hen, she must have " shook a tail feather" and left this handsome feather. How fitting.... so close to Thankgiving. Thank you!

Frosty Ice Scene Ornaments

These ornaments have a "frosty ice" look to them, so with the handpainted winter scenes on them, they seem to come alive with past Christmas memories. They are each different, from a scene with a covered bridge or a little country church, to two people dragging a Christmas tree home. There is even a lighthouse scene with smoke coming out of the lighthouse keeper's cozy little house .....they are indeed quaint handcrafted Christmas ornaments. They can be personalized with a name, date or both!
Handpainted by Dorothy.

Handmade Creations

In between painting glassware and Christmas ornaments, Dorothy can be found
knitting. This is yet another example of one of her handknit creations she has made. This snapshot does not quite capture the true color of this light colored, almost hemlock green color scarf.






The potholders pictured above are done in a subdued color theme....yet, very much the colors that come to mind of a rustic north country Christmas!

Clown Bear made with.....

This little clown bear is made with fabric yo-yo's, the body, arms and legs..that is. The head was made with just a regular teddy bear pattern { this pattern that I used was for very small teddy bear..but, just used the head part of the pattern}]. I had extra fabric yo-yo's leftover from a previous project and decided to to see if I could make a little clown. The yo-yo's were strung on a heavy thread that was doubled. It is a good way to use extra fabric yo-yo's if you have any. This little guy sits on a woooden chair...and has a bit of a sweet and innocent expression....maybe because he is so small.

Keeping Cozy with Handknits

The weather has been just so very nice it is hard to beleive that before you know it the wind will be blowing and snow flurries will be in the air. You will be needing a hat and scarve, maybe something like this set that Dorothy Woropay has handknit in this beautiful and colorful yarn in rich autumn colors. On your way to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving, they would sure keep you cozy. Grandma would probably love them also!

These ear warmers are hand knit by Dorothy Woropay and made from the a soft and bulky type yarn. When the air becomes brisk they will keep your ears toasty warm while taking your dog for a walk or just being outside in general. They can also be used as a neck warmers. Either way, they are a must have for you or make a nice gift!

Looks a lot like Santa

This little black bear sitting in an evergreen tree looks a lot like Santa.. just minus the white beard. He is completely handcrafted right down to his red jacket and hat with white trim. He is about 8" tall.

Fun Little House

I recently posted a photo pretty simlilar to this one...but, I went back to the "drawing board" and changed this house key chain. I was pretty proud of it , until someone asked me... what is that?
I said " a house"... like, are you kidding? Obviously, I then looked at this house key chain it in a different way, because I changed it around. I did not feel it was unrecognizable before ...it looked like a house..maybe too much junk in the attic, though.
It is a fun little house for keys. AnywayI like it much better, now...it fits in my purse better,too.
Before I had it stuffed way too much, it was like I was carrying around a small loaf of bread or a mango at the end of my key chain! Change is good.

Kind Little Friends

Funny how a picure of a snowman can melt your heart. Snowmen are always a friend to little birds. So many times birds are shown sitting on a snowman's hat or his carrot nose. That is a pretty good friend when you will let someone sit on your nose!
The Christmas season is around the corner!