My Friend Cadi at MaeheGirl is SO Talented

I have the pleasure of knowing Cadi both online and in the real world.  I joke that she is my only successful online relationship.  She contacted me on myspace probably three years ago.  We have talked each other through many trying situations.  She has visited me in Alaska and I went with her to her divorce hearing, we share dreams, ideas, stories, and laughs every chance we get.  She is one of my closest friends and I value the friendship so much.

In addition to being a great person she is so creative.  An amazing fiber artist.  This girl can knit like no ones business.   I saw she posted a new a new blog with the cutest snowman this morning.  I don't know how she has the time.

Check out her blog maehegirl.blogspot.com.

And her Etsy store: maehegirl.etsy.com

Christmas Just Around The Corner

With all this snow on the ground (a good half foot in the last day or so) it's hard not to remember that the holidays are nearing. Since I'm on bed rest with a broken ankle I have been brainstorming lots of small crochet and embroidery gift ideas to work on for Christmas gifts. This year all my gifts will be homemade.

I have tons of wool so I'm definitely thinking lots of fun little felted amigurumi (means crochet dolls in Japanese) creatures. I came across this great pattern site: Free Amigurumi Patterns.

I especially like this Christmas tree ornaments:

Update on the NO shopping for Year Challenge

Last June I made a vow to buy no new clothes for one year.  It was going really well.  I've been mending clothes and finishing sewing projects and the urge to go shopping was definitely there but I resisted.  Until...the perfect opportunity to rationalize a shopping trip arrived: the job interview.  When I was asked to interview I had a mild panic due to my lack of professional clothes.  As I looked over my current selection of tattered and coffee stained khackis it was very apparent that I didn't own anything professional enough for an interview.  So I told myself I would buy one pair at old navy and be done.

Once inside the store I started to panic there were sale signs everywhere.  Comfy T's for 5.99, Peasant blouses for ten dollars.  I threw all rationale to the wind and spent just under a hundred dollars.    I walked out of the store feeling sick to my stomach.   On one hand I had some new articles of clothing perfect for interviewing and starting a new job but on the other hand disappointed that I didn't have the will-power to go one single year.

So here I am starting again but with a more reasonable goal.   For one year I will participate in the Dottie Angel Challenge; only purchasing used or handmade items for my house and closet.  I will attempt to first buy locally and if that doesn't work then online from small indy stores or etsy type marketplaces.  Additionally I can only buy new fabric IF I use up my ample fabric store (Boxes and boxes of beautiful fabrics I've purchased over the years).  The only exception is I need new carharts, a necessity for Alaskan winters,  and when my broken ankle is healed if I need new shoes or boots thats ok for the sake of my orthopedic health.

Join me in this challenge and check out the Dottie Angel blog.