We got a nice dose of fluffy snow on Friday so I spent the day shoveling.   I started a sleeve on my sweater. I'm using the magic loop method – that's when you use a circular needle instead of multiple double pointed needles. It's all new to me. I made two scone/biscuit recipes. The first…

We went for a quick cold walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden over the weekend. And I made panna cotta with mango curd for dessert. Also, how can it still be January. This month is dragging along.

I made another shirt – my second Geneva V-Neck Blouse from Liesl and Co. This time, I'm more in love with my fabric choice. I chose a Liberty of London lawn fabric. It's always a splurge getting Liberty fabric but the feel of their lawn is the best. It's light and silky but also strong…

We spent the weekend at Starved Rock State Park. It's a couple hours southeast of our home. I think in the summer this park is overrun with people and that would probably be a big turn off. But there weren't too many people this time of year and I really enjoyed our weekend. The park…

I appreciate any bit of sunshine this time of year. Things are quiet, I've been puttering. I mended a wool sweater that I've had since high school. First time trying this. Should have used finer yarn but I chose to match the color instead. I sealed my kitchen/hallway/bathroom floor.  And I splurged on some Liberty fabric.…

I just spent a really fun weekend away – a girls crafty weekend in Michigan City, Indiana. I had the best time! Most of the five ladies are big into scrapbooking but I decided to do a few different paper crafts. The rental house was all set up with work stations for each of us.…

This is my first sweater and sometimes when I look at it and I see all my mistakes I want to unravel and start again. But I also want to finish it and I look forward to my next sweater. Sigh.

We have been getting snow and that makes me happy. We've taken some snowy after-dinner walks. I took down all the Christmas decorations. I've been hanging some pictures and vacuuming up all the Christmas tree needles.  A January tidy up always feels good.

I tried a new blouse pattern – the Geneva V-neck Blouse from Liesl and Co. Can't quite decide what I think of it. As usual the pattern itself was great. It has these lantern sleeves that are sort of funny. And since I made it in this bright fabric it feels a bit clownish. I…