The Mittens that Ate Manhatten

Ok, the mittens didn't eat Manhattan. Not even a few buildings. But they have eaten my life the past few days. I'm making them on commission for an Etsy customer - I'm using Adrian Bizilia's really excellent pattern - find it HERE.

I love how the colors have turned out, and I think the inside of the mitten is just as beautiful as the outside...

This, folks, is why you block. Unblocked mitten right, blocked mitten left.

My super fancy blocking frame? Yep, wire coat hanger. Works great.

I just have to knit the lining - I have some nice alpaca yarn. Back to mittens!

Oh, and remember, our 15% off sale at AWM ends December 3rd at midnight. Visit the site for a list of participating shops. Cheers!

Lots of Thankyness (Thankiness?)

Here at the Underhill House we are thankful for a happy, healthy baby, a warm house, good food, good friends and a fast internet connection. And yarn, of course.

A few things - help out your economy and community. Join the local movement this year and do your shopping with small businesses as much as possible. Here is a nifty site that makes it easy to track done small businesses in YOUR area:

http://shiftyourshopping.org/2011/

If your area includes Western Massachusetts come and join the fun with Artisans of WMASS  - There are sales, specials and some great artists to discover!

Gah. Enough shopping stuff. If I'm being honest, this Black Friday stuff makes me shake my head and want to never buy anything ever again.

But then our cats would be hungry. Like this. Wow. He is thinking:

1. I am in a chair where food is delivered. Turkey would be nice.

2. I will now get food.

3. Otherwise you die.

4. Numbers 2 and 3 are not mutually exclusive. Timing is key.

I'm thankful my cat has not murdered us yet. How about you?

Some Winter Love....

A new treasury from the good folks of Artisans of Western Mass - some splashes of heat to offset all the snow we've been having...

I guess this is a seasonal blog...

...But if so, now begins the blogging season!

Happy Hallowe'en! - This year we put together some Pumpkins for Sanity and/or Fear.



A quick wrap up of the summer: Lots of gardening (mostly watering... we had very Sarahan summer), vetting (now a regular part-time gig), and enjoying visits by family and friends.

I've also been occupied helping establish the Artisans of Western Massachusetts as a legitimate non-profit organization. We are over 50 members and growing fast - feel free to visit the AWM website by clicking on the logo. You can find great handmade items made with love by local artists.

My artwork and knitting has been squeezed in between the previously mentioned activities - I did get a chance to do some custom work of a very sweet kitty.

I also had fun putting together a few treasuries using the great new treasury tool over at Etsy.com. Now... we're cleaning the garden, raking leaves, and enjoying cozy wood fires and mulled apple cider. I hope to keep the blog a bit more updated... but right now it is time to go light the pumpkins!

Stay safe, and remember to VOTE on Tuesday!

-k