Marching forward...

There is so much catching up to do here, so much that has gone unsaid...there are several pattern releases, reviews, and projects that have gone undocumented here these past months.  This slide started with a loss. The days since have been more about learning to navigate the new normal than anything else.  It's been five months since I said goodbye to my mama. I can't and won't pretend that it's past me but I am learning to walk forward, putting one foot in front of the other. It feels like it's time to try to pick up some of the things that have fallen by the wayside along this path.  For those of you who are just here for the knitting, I'm sorry to burden you with this.  I try to keep this little spot pretty cheery, and try to straddle the line between professional and personal here. But you see my mother was/is a very big contributor and influence on my knitting and making life~~it was by her side that I learned to knit, sew etc.  And it's become abundantly clear to me that I can't be present here until I, in some way, acknowledge her absence. So there it is...one more big step forward.  I think she'd be pleased. 

For today though, no catching up on pattern releases or anything else, just a little beginning of March cheer by way of a blueberry coffeecake, because that's what weekend mornings should be made of...

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Blueberry Streusel Coffeecake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour an 8"x8" cake pan.

The Cake~

Sift together-

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

After the dry ingredients are sifted you can toss in 1/2-1 teaspoon grated lemon zest if desired.  The lemon zest is optional unless you're like me and love a little citrus-y goodness with all of your sweets.

Put dry ingredients aside for later.

Cream together-

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 large egg

Combine-

1/2 cup milk and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and stir into butter mixture. 

Stir dry ingredients into batter. The batter will be stiff.

Gently stir in-

2 cups fresh blueberries

Streusel Topping

Combine-

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup all purpose flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

Sprinkle streusel topping on top of batter and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Voila! Eat and enjoy as you peruse the paper, chat over coffee, and plan the perfect lazy weekend. 

~xox~

alison

My Latest Advent-ures...

Well as you could probably tell, things have gotten a tad busier here. There has been no shortage of making around these parts but the felties have been coming every other day lately, instead of daily. So much to make, so little time. Such is the way of things.  Anyway, I do have three new felties to introduce to you. 

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Mousie decks the halls...

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He looks a little weary. Must be all that shopping and holiday readying. 

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But you can tell he came a long way in a day...

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Next up...

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A swan princess...

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And last but not least...

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One of our very favorite kid chapter books by Tor Seidler. It's a lovely story, beautifully written and illustrated. It's a perfect read for middle elementary kids or a read aloud for younger children. The story is so poignant and dear (with a pinch of action and suspense thrown in for good measure) and is very much reminiscent of E. B. White's writing.  

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Well that's all for now. ​hope your day is merry and bright!

~xox~​

alison​

Owl be here..

A little rapter for day 13!  Owls are the only animal that I've repeated year after. We are getting quite a parliament of owls. 

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I'm thinking I'll name this little one Tatty, for ​she is truly a little frowsy and homespun. Nevertheless, I do think she's rather sweet. 

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I'm off for now.  There's lots of holiday making on my dance card for today. Hope you waltz through this weekend with happiness and joy.  Owl be seeing you...

~xox~​

alison​

Meeting Mrs.Duncan...

12, twelve, TWELVE!!!!  Can you believe it?!!!  I can't quite believe it. 

I would like to introduce you to Mrs. Duncan... 

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Some of you may recognize her.  No?...Here's a hint.  Mrs. Duncan is mom to Sylvester.  You know Sylvester, from William Steig's wonderful children's book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.  If you don't know this book, you should really check it out. I was introduced to this book by my husband. He loved it as a child and all three of our kids have loved it as well. It's a really wonderful story, poignant and dear, uplifting and hopeful. I love it. 

So Sylvester's mom... 

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A lovely  and loving lady, and a perfect companion on this twelfth day of advent.

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And now this.  I thought some of you might enjoy seeing a process shot.  

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She looks a little mannerist here and she hadn't completely decided who she wanted to be yet. That emerged just a few minutes after this shot was taken. Funny how that happens, but it does, almost all the time. There is a general direction and then the piece seems to make its will known. Strange. I know. But. True.

I'm really teaching myself as I go here. I am a total novice and am in no way a needle felting expert. I am leaning as I go though.  Mrs Duncan is my first feltie with an armature and this site has a great video tutorial on making them. Sarafina Fiber Art~~truly a great resource. 

Anyway, thats all for now.  Onward! 

~xox~ 

alison

ps~I've had a couple of questions about her clothes. They are fashioned and repurposed from swatches from previous knitting designs~ upcycling at its best!

Gnome for the holidays...

Oops! Day eleven just slipped right by me. I'm not sure how, but I forgot to post here.  Everyday I post the felties to Instagram first thing in the morning, right after the lad discovers over them breakfast. I tend to blog later and sometimes it just falls through the cracks. Like I said, oops!

Anyway, Better late than never... 

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A little holiday tomten...

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Bright eyed and bushy bearded.

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We're almost halfway through advent and the garland is looking very full and festive these days!

Be well and have a wonderful day, friends!

~xox~ 

alison

All a twitter...

Another avian offering for day nine of advent... 

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I have to admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for birds.  My sweet mother loved them and because of that I grew up with all variety of little chirpers perched throughout our house.

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This little snow bird is simple and sweet, just a little white fluff ball, a perfect canvas for a little wintery embroidery. 

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He's very festive, and just in time.  Only 16 days left!  Eeks!! Time to get busy!

Until tomorrow, friends! 

~xox~ 

alison