You know it's a good sweater when...

it has been worn by three of your children...


















and it still looks great!

Yankee Knitter Roll Raglan sweater pattern #21. Yarn by Plymouth Encore worsted weight yarn. Made by me 5 years ago! Worn by all three of my boys at one point or another.

Joy!

2008.01.17, originally uploaded by poketypatch.

We weren't sure if it was ever going to snow again. But today we were given the gift of big, wet flakes pouring out of the sky. The kids got out of school at 1:30 and raced home so that they could get some sledding in before it gets dark. It has been so warm here this winter, the kids rarely wear winter coats anymore. Henry decided he would try to catch a few in his mouth.

Needlework Project & Good Reading

Flower Power , originally uploaded by poketypatch.

I finished the glasses case made from recycled sweaters, some of my boys old pants and buttons! It is soft and thick; and, I think it will work wear to protect a pair of glasses from scratches. It is also a good size for a cell phone or ipod.

Speaking of finishing...I have recently finished two "quick read" mysteries with a needlework theme. I picked them up at my local library. The series is written by Monica Ferris. The main character, Betsy Devonshire, owns a needlework shop, "Crewel World" in Minnesota. She solves crimes with her store manager, Godwin DuLac (who is gay), and other needleworking friends, one who is a police officer. I started out reading the most recent book, Knitting Bones, since it caught my eye on the new book rack at the library. I liked it so much, I have plowed through Crewel Yule and am getting ready to start Sins and Needles. All of the books are featured on Ms. Ferris' website and include the first chapter of each book. She also contributes to a mystery writer's blog, Killer Hobbies, and Wednesday is Ms. Ferris' day to contribute. If you like themed mysteries, I recommend these for a fun read! I have added them to my Amazon Widget.

Old Magazines and Old Buttons

button flower, originally uploaded by poketypatch.

Does anyone else hate to throw away old magazines? A few weeks back, I was cleaning out the bookshelves in my bedroom and came across a stack of old magazines. I decided to pick out one magazine, look through it, and if I didn't find anything of interest, I was going to throw it out. Good try! The magazine I chose was the February 2000 issue of Country Living. Since Valentine's Day was on my mind, I found it uncanny that I would randomly pick out a Valentine issue!

Besides wonderful articles on "Flea Market Makovers" and "Collect it Now", there was one article in particular that caught my eye. "Button it Up!" chronicles the art of folk artist Mary Teeter who makes one-of-a-kind mosaics out of old fabrics, buttons and embroidery. A google search came up with a couple of galleries that feature Ms. Teeter's buttonwork which is awsome. And, since I have a sewing box fully of old buttons, I was inspired to start using them!

Valentine Needlecase Project

My creation, originally uploaded by poketypatch.

As I was rumaging through the attic this weekend, I found some old patterns I had printed out at least a year ago. One was a Valentine Needlecase. Since I have been trying to improve on my embroidery of late, I decided to use some of the felt I have been collecting each time I travel to Michael's, and whip up this little project. I am really pleased with the way that these turned out. They will be perfect for someone special on Valentine's Day!

Turkey Chili - Even Better the Next Day

With the cold, wet weather finally kicking in, I could eat soup at every meal. Since ground turkey was on sale in the market, I decided to cook up a batch of white turkey chili in my crockpot. We had it for dinner one night, and then lunch the next. Like any chili, the flavors intensified after being left overnight, and it was delicious the next day.

Turkey Chili Recipe (4 servings)

Brown 1 lb ground turkey on the stove.

Mix together in Crockpot:
Ground Turkey
1 can Great Northern Beans (I like Glory Foods seasoned beans)
1 cup of sliced onions
1/2 cup sliced green peppers
1 tsp of cumin
2tsps chili powder
1/2 tspground pepper
salt (to taste
2 cans of chicken broth

Cook on low for 4 - 6 hours.

Serve with a dollop of sour creme and fresh bread!
Enjoy!

Progress on Cobblestone

Progress, originally uploaded by poketypatch.

I have made it up 3/4 way the body of the sweater. It is very easy to knit and I am impressed with the yarn. It is a great color. The Patons (which is very economical yarn) seems to be holding up great!