I don't think I will ever understand the game of football. Other than the really important plays, like running the field, kicking a goal, or scoring a touchdown, the rest is just confusing noise. My apathy for the game has always bothered my husband (as someone who takes every-single-play very personally). Imagine his delight when I began my most recent major knitting project - Michelle Hunter's Scoreboard Scarf.

Participating in this nationwide "knit along" meant that I had to stay on top of the weekly scores for my team, which also meant multiple conversations about football - or "teaching" moments - with my husband. Seriously. He was giddy.

The idea behind this scarf was just plain fun - for every point that your team scored, you knit a row in one spirit color. For every point the opposing team scored, you knit a row in a contrasting spirit color. For example:

1 touchdown + good kick = 7 rows
1 field goal  = 3 rows
1 kick-their-butts-no-one-else-even-came-close-to-scoring game = 52 rows

I divided each game with a row of purling and alternated between black and gray for the opposing teams to break up the Halloween vibe.

By the end of the season, you have a wearable document of the scoring plays.

I knew I had to make this for my best friend, Kellie, for Christmas. We both bleed orange and black for our Mercer Bears, but she's the one dedicated to sitting through cruddy weather to cheer them on. Not me. I've had my lifetime's share of bad weather in the past 3 years. Reserve for me a permanent seat in a warm, dry environment.

So, I started this scarf at the beginning of football season and wrapped it up at the 11th hour, just before Christmas. There was A LOT of knitting, knitting, knitting... and with game scores of 52-0, there was a lot of monotonous knitting.

Look at all of that orange! Go Bears!!

I'm so pleased with the outcome (not so much with these pictures), but I'm not anxious to do this again for a long time. In the words of Squints from "The Sandlot," this project took...

via GIPHY

It's not too late to knit your own scoreboard scarf! Just head over to the Scoreboard Knit Along site for the pattern and your team's website for the season's scores and knit away! If you need help deciphering those box score summaries, just give me a holler. I'm an expert now.

**wink-wink**

If you've ever moved to a new place, you know how hard it is to find solid friends.

I've been incredibly blessed over the past 2 1/2 years. Since moving to Pennsylvania, I've been wrapped in support and kindness from all sides - neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances... I've been overwhelmed by warmth and acceptance.

So, let me introduce you to two ladies who now occupy a very special place in my heart - Cristy and Missie. These ladies have made it their personal mission to make me feel like family. They are now my sisters. They embody all of the characteristics that you could use to describe the "perfect friend."

Cristy was one of the first people I met when I moved here. She has done an amazing job of pushing me out of the house and forcing me into social settings. That's a tremendous feat for this introvert! She asks for as much as she gives (which is, in my opinion, THE hallmark of true friendship). She also introduced me to knitting, which has had a powerful effect on my overall well-being.

Extra bonus: our hubbies hit it off, too, and our little guys are like brothers.

Missie is one of the most positive, inspirational women that I've ever known. She has faced incredible hardship due to chronic illness over the past year and a half. Her body has betrayed her in every way. She lives in pain—yet, she never complains. She remains upbeat and chooses to focus on care and concern for others, rather than herself. I will forever think of Missie when I'm compelled to complain about trivial issues.

Needless to say, it's going to be really, really, really hard to leave these amazing women behind! I'm constantly brainstorming ways to take them with me.

In a silly moment, I declared, "We should get matching tattoos before I leave. We'll be bonded forever!" Before I even had time to process my own idea, Cristy had already made appointments for the three of us.

So, I spent the next two weeks hyperventilating at the very thought of getting this tattoo. I didn't have any tattoos... neither did Missie... Cristy, well, let's just say she has her fair share.

**wink-wink**

I'm 37 years old! I decided if I was getting a tattoo, it had to be meaningful and original so I worked up a concept for the 3 of us and the artist tweaked it.

Tattoo Day came and I awoke thinking of this video:

Needless to say, the girls made me go first. Here's how it all happened.

One week later, I'm getting used to my permanent addition. I was in shock for a few days. Not necessarily a bad feeling, but I had to work through all of my emotions. Truthfully, it was an awesome experience - one that I've always wanted to have. I'm so grateful that I got to experience it with two women who mean so much to me.

k3tog... knit 3 together... It's heartwarming to know that we're forever linked in our own creative way.

I did not enjoy Christmas "marketing" this year. I grew sick of the cries of "more, more, MORE!!!" coming from my television/radio/internet very early on. It was all just too much.

Bleh.

I have always tried to give handmade to close friends and family. My crazy schedule did not permit me to spend much time in my studio, but I was able to make a few things.

If you're looking for a few last-minute ideas, these might be just what you need!

Felted Mum + Scarf

A few months ago, I fell in love with this felted flower brooch, made and shared by Megan Reardon:

Until now, I haven't had the time (or motivation) to sit down and make one. I thought it would be perfect for my dear friend, Elly, who has stepped into the role of mother, comforter, and confidant for me since moving to Pennsylvania.

She has her own style and a flair for the unexpected accessory. I thought this brooch would look great on her.

I followed Megan's tutorial step-by-step. Materials required were:

• high-quality felt
• fabric glue
• chipboard or cardboard
• embroidery thread

And, lots of time. This is not a quick project!

I did omit the envelope on the back that Megan included on hers. Adorable, but not right for this gift. Instead, I did some simple embroidery on the back to further personalize the flower.

I actually wound up making two of these - one for Elly and one for my sweet neighbor. I paired Elly's with a black and white chevron infinity scarf and my neighbor's with a turquoise and white scarf.

The two items work together perfectly and make beautiful presentation. Great girlie gifts!

 

Handmade Labels

Another dear friend that I've made since arriving in Pennsylvania is Cristy. Pretty much my entire social calendar revolves around this girl. And... our hubbies really hit it off so that's an added bonus.

Talk about handmade Christmas... Cristy's fingers have been hard at work for months as she's knitted scarves and hats and dishcloths and more for all those she loves. I'm astounded at all she's accomplished!

It only seemed fitting to give her custom labels for her handmade wares.

For this project I used:

• 100% linen fabric
• Pellon paper-backed Wonder-Under
• Inkjet printer

I love the natural, almost burlap, look of this linen.

I designed my art in Photoshop. The font is "Snow," available through CreativeMarket.com.

I cut a piece of Wonder Under to 8.5" x 11" and ironed it on to the back of my fabric on the bias. You can see in the photo that the fabric grain is on the diagonal. This prevents excessive fraying.

I then trimmed my fabric to the size of the Wonder Under and ran the sheet through my inkjet printer. Tip: if you're printing line art, change your printer settings to print 600 DPI or greater.

The results were exactly what I had hoped for.

I used a ruler to guide my rotary cutter as I cut out the individual labels (50 of them!). It was no quick task, but well worth the results.

When she is ready to use one, all she has to do it peel off the paper backing and iron on to her handmade item. She can finish off with an embroidered border, but it's not necessary. The bond is permanent.

I was so excited to give these small gifts because these are women who appreciate the art and personal meaning behind something handmade. It takes more thought and more care to create something from the heart.

This season is not about giving "more, more, MORE!"

Yet, in a way... it is.

Merry Christmas!

I have mixed emotions about Facebook. In fact, it can take you through your full range of emotions in one session... happy, sad, touched, annoyed, reflective, inspired...

But what I love about Facebook is reconnecting with old acquaintances and discovering where life has taken them.

Emily is one such acquaintance from high school. After reconnecting last year, I learned that she is an amazingly talented photographer. I've been in awe ever since.

There is an angelic quality about her work.

There's an angelic quality about her heart, too.

Emily put together a very helpful post on her own blog this week about styling your entire family for photos (without breaking the bank!). Given this is the most beautiful time of year, I know many of you are planning your own photo sessions and thought you might find her advice helpful.

So, head on over to Here On Earth Photography to meet Emily. Your heart will be warmed and I know you'll leave inspired.

Happy Friday!

Sound check... testing... 3, 2, 1...

Is anyone still listening?

Whew! What a time I've had!

Allow me to briefly fill you in on the last several weeks.

I... accepted job in Pennsylvania... gave two months notice at work... put house on the market... sold house in THREE weeks... took a quick vacation to Disney World...

...hopped a plane to PA... negotiated contract on purchase of house (more on that in another post!)... finished graduate school... spent every possible moment finishing work projects in hopes to leave everything in great shape for my replacement (who happens to be one of my BEST friends!)... packing... packing... packing...

And somehow fitting in Christmas shopping and wrapping in between all of that.

I wish that I could say this was a handmade Christmas, but it's not. You know how I love a handmade gift!

However... my friend, Kellie, and I collaborated to make something special for a mutual friend... who happens to be a hero to both of us.

Chris exudes light and positive energy. He's quick witted, hilarious, and insanely intelligent. He knows more about pop culture than anyone I know.

He's an amazing baker and always makes it a point to whip up something special for his friends to celebrate their special occasions.

So, we wanted to honor him this Christmas with something from our hearts - a superhero apron!

We teased him with Facebook & Instagram photos for several days while, but I'm pretty sure he had no idea what we were doing.

I couldn't find a man's apron pattern so we altered a simple pattern from Simplicity.

At Kellie's brilliant suggestion, I used mixing bowls as a template for the rings of the shield.

Genius!

We were so proud to give it to Chris!

And, he seems like the kind of guy who appreciates something handmade from the heart.

I know that I say it often, but I praise God every day for the special heroes he has blessed me with in life.

Hope you are all doing great! I have truly missed you so much!

I'm a long time customer of Keurig. I absolutely love, love, love my machine! So, I jumped at the chance to host a House Party for Keurig's newest brewing system, Vue.

But, honestly... how could they really improve on perfection?

Well, they did.

The Vue system is astounding! You can select the strength of your coffee, create café beverages with fancy froth, and brew over ice! Like your coffee "extra hot?" Vue's got you covered!

As a House Party hostess, I received a Keurig Vue system, six boxes of coffee, delicious cookies, an apron, after-coffee mints, and all of the necessities for hosting an amazing coffee break for my friends.

But what's a party without a fun activity?

I've been dying to experiment with decorating mugs with Sharpies, as seen on A Beautiful Mess. So, I incorporated a little crafting session into my party.

We each picked our favorite coffee quote... well, except for Patrick, who chose to rebel... and set to work!

We had such a great time!

Get in on the House Party action! Head on over to their site and apply to host a party today!

Happy brewing!

"Are you wearing something DIY-able today?"

I'm not sure that's even an appropriate question, but Kaitlin always humors me! Her Anthropologie wardrobe is just so inspirational!!!!!

Today was no exception.

I'm really loving this top. Constructed out of a beautiful silk, the shape is so striking! Definitely something I want to look into DIY-ing... Do you know of a similar pattern?

While I'm doing that, enjoy another episode in Kaitlin's search for Mr. Wonderful!

**********

As we continue on my dating journey, it is important for me to introduce you to Man of My Dreams (No. 2). This was a particularly sticky situation. 


Have you ever found yourself in the friend zone? It is an uncomfortable area to be in when you have strong feelings for a person, especially when everyone else thinks you’re a couple. 

Man of My Dreams (No. 2) came in to my life during my junior year of college. I studied abroad, thinking I would meet a dreamy Welsh man, but ended up finding an American in Wales. It was the perfect scenario. We flew in to the same airport, got on to the same bus, and discovered we were in the same program. It was truly serendipitous. Shortly after arrival, we became the best of friends. There was just enough for me to think that it was going to go in the direction of a relationship... while he was thinking there was just enough for us to stay the best of friends. 


Ladies, communication is the key to any successful relationship. This relationship absolutely showed me that. With too much of a gray area (for example, I don’t think that "friends" kiss), we had a falling out. 


Looks like we were on the search for MOMD (No. 3).

**********

Ahhhh... the life of a single girl. I love hearing about her e-Harmony experiences. She'll be sharing those with you, too!

One more point of DIY inspiration in closing... this awesome necklace!

{And, yes, I did misspell "asymmetrical." My apologies!}

One of my greatest pleasures in life is teaching others a skill that I possess and knowing that I may have inspired them to try something new.

You’ve met Kellie before. This pint-sized, precious girlie is one of my dearest friends.

We’ve certainly rubbed off on each other over the years, although I would credit Kellie with being the better influence. She’s taught me how to always find the positives in any given situation. I’ve taught her the importance of drinking coffee… and of not talking before 10 a.m.

Kellie gave me the most amazing blanket for Christmas that she spent SIX MONTHS crocheting. Six months! Can you believe her heart?!

It was the very least I could do when she asked me to help her learn to sew. I was so honored! We started a few months ago with a basic valance for her bedroom. She moved on to making window panels for the rest of her house and finally gathered her confidence to tackle her first garment.

So, we’ve spent the last week, side-by-side during our free time, constructing the most precious little dress ever for her to wear to her sister’s graduation!

She selected Simplicity 1803 and an adorable anchor print fabric for the job.

You take a lot of things for granted when you have sewing experience – like the basics of laying out pattern pieces, understanding technique terminology, even buying the right materials. It was such a wonderful experience to walk her through all of the steps and to teach her my limited knowledge of such things.

Let me begin by saying that I would NEVER recommend this pattern for a beginner seamstress. The instructions were hard for even me to understand at times!

For the most part we stayed true to form. We selected Bodice B and added a green trim to the sleeves. I also had to take in the top a great deal because Kellie is so stinkin’ tiny. We also shortened it by about four inches.

Can you believe how great she looks? And she is so proud and ready to go for #2!