Countdown to Christmas

The snow has arrived - finally!

Lucia Fest came and went successfully - the number of beautiful Nordic sweaters, dancing children and smiley Swedish faces was like the flip side of that quote about "you'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." 

I finally blocked my Wilhimina Shawlette.

And, once I tinked back the mistake cables, the cabled boot toppers began to whir along.

Things don't move along until this gent takes a nap, however . . .

I let him stay on the chair long enough to get a good photo.

Holiday bling!

We like a flashy Christmas. 

I've asked for plain white lights for a while but, apparently, that isn't traditional in our family. 

I've been pushing St. Lucia Day (December 13) as a tradition for some time. Now that Youngest Child is the only one left, though, we had to mix our metaphors.

Meet Star Boy & Lucia!

I decided to extend the season by making some beaded pins. I used this artwork (from Lucia, Child of Light: The History And Traditions of Sweden's Lucia Celebration by 

Florence Ekstrand) as my inspiration.

I sketched it to be just larger than a pin back.

Maybe not so many beads?

My first pin - light blue felt front and red backing. 

I decided to embroider the greens on the the wreath and bead only the candles, flames and berries. 

After I beaded the design, I sewed the pin back to the backing felt piece, then glued them together. I added a bit of embroidery around the edges and Ta-Da!

Pin #2.  This one looked a bit like an advent wreath.

I ended up with three different designs.

There has been some knitting going on as well - but those are presents!

Happy Holidays!

The holidays struck early!

Good Friend Melissa stopped by early on Sunday morning for a little Saint Lucia Day festivities. She brought everything but the coffee cups and the wreath! Yum! I didn't make any saffron buns this year - just too busy with the weaving on Saturday - but I enjoyed all her hard work.

GFMelissa and Mr. Daisy enjoying a cup of Swedish coffee!

And if this didn't get you into the holiday mood, stop by

The Minnesota Knitters' Guild annual Holiday Party & Silent Auction

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Our annual holiday party caps off another fabulous year of knitting. Bring a treat to share with the group and high-quality yarn and knitting notions to donate to the auction. The proceeds from the silent auction are used to fund the Service Committee budget.

Location: 3000 University Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Contact: (612) 436-0464, ext. 115
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

See You There!

Happy St. Lucia Day!

Saffron buns all around!




One present down - I'm sending them on unfelted but I'll felt them for her when I'm in PA for Christmas. Yes, she's got a top loading washing machine!

Star Boy wants YOU or Happy St. Lucia Day!

These early morning celebrations really put a crimp in my day. Especially as Star Boy was up at 5 a.m., asking if it was time. No, it wasn't.



After a little time had passed, we did all sit down to some saffron buns and coffee. Now, that's a holiday tradition I can take! Oldest Daughter was a reluctant Lucia but everyone wants that lighted wreath! As today is also my anniversary, let the partying continue! And keep those exclamation points coming!