Christmas Sweaters and Red Heart

So I got a bee in my bonnet, or a bright idea depending on how you look at it. I've been having a really hard time deciding on what to do for my two sons for Christmas. It may be their last official Christmas at home. DS1 is planning on going to college this next year and DS2 has joined the military. I decided that I would make them sweaters.

I haven't knitted for either one of them since they were young. They lost interest in me knitting for them. I've noticed that DS1 all of a sudden has been wearing sweaters all the time. He is wearing a few pull overs, but the majority of them are cardigans. DS2 is wearing the pull over that I bought him last year almost constantly lately.

I always use sport weight yarn, since we live in the desert. Worsted is just too hot even in the winter. The only store that carries sport weight in town is our local Hurst Ace Hardware store. I usually use Red Heart since it is affordable and it is washable. I went a couple of weeks ago and couldn't find it on the shelves. I asked a sales person and was told Red Heart has discontinued this line. I was so disappointed that I was almost in tears. The sales clerk said I could probably find a yarn online. I knew that, but it is going to be more expensive and I will have to pay shipping.

Red Heart I'm not happy with you right now!

I was able to find find some yarn online tonight. Thankfully not too much more. Still within my budget. For DS1 I am making a heather grey cardigan with cables running up the sides. For DS2 I an making a color block crew neck pullover. The top will be a sky blue and the bottom navy.

Fall Front Door Decorations

Here are my front door decorations. I have had this wreath for about 10 years. I love it, but noticed the pumpkins are getting really faded. I probably ought to replace it. It went on the door anyway.

The new idea I had was at the foot of the door. I bought a small hay bale at Michaels to use. I actually found these colored pumpkins in town. Pumpkins are not exactly cheap, but it was with it for a display for a month and a half. I really liked the look of this.

Halloween Decorations

Several weeks ago I decided I needed to make some Halloween decorations. I really don't have any.

I started out making some homemade witches potion bottles. Just put acrylic paint in them. Found some printable potion labels on Etsy. Voila!
The witches hat was just a paper mâché hat from Michaels that I painted. I added some cute polka dot ribbon.

I also found a rat at the Dollar store. I half hid it behind one of the bottles. It had a motion sensor in it. Every time my DH or my youngest go by it it squeaks. LOL. They hate it, but it makes me laugh.

Wontons

I love Asian food of all kinds. I can't usually afford to go out when I have a craving. Saw a recipe on Pintrest the other day for homemade wontons. I have always wanted to to try making those, so I decided it was time to try.

They were easier than I thought, just time consuming. I made a chili garlic dipping sauce to go with them.

I had the oil a little hotter than I thought and so these got a little browner than I wanted.

The main attraction was a new Beef Lo Mein recipe.

Write My Novel?

I have been having an internal debate for the last couple of months. One of mt coworkers Cheryl and I have been talking about writing. (everyone is an aspiring author). We challenged each other to publish our first novels.
She just published hers on Amazon in digital format. She wrote hers 23 years ago, and it is really good. My first novel is really bad. (Trust me, I wrote it at 16).

My debate comes from whether to try my hand again now that I have more life experience. I have the concept for a genealogy mystery. I have always wanted to write, but can I justify the time spent.

Bow Tie Onsie

There are days I feel like an over achiever. I can't do just one idea I have to do two or three. The other idea I saw was a suspenser and bow tie onsie. Here is my version. Again, I think these are darling. Especially for a newborn. This way you are not constantly tucking the shirt in.

Baby Suit from Onsie

I saw the cutest outfit for a newborn on Pintrest the other day for a little boy. It was a vest added to a onsie for dress up. I had to try it. As a coincidence it have a baby shower for a boy in about two weeks.
This is my version. I had to make a pair of pants to go with it. A newborn in a suit is to die for cute.