selbusokker

Some progress on my Norweigan stockings! Selbu is truly a knitter's mecca.

brother's chocolate cupcakes

It is my brother and Nonno's Birthdays today - they are exactly 60 years apart. Given they both love chocolate, and I am a sister to one of them, nothing could have been more appropriate than ming's "Sis' Chocolate Cupcakes."

The thick chocolate frosting just begged for a fresh strawberry.

Ming Cupcakes: 6/33

merry craftsmas/crafty new year

With the holiday season officially ended (until my brother's Birthday in two days, anyways), I thought I'd take a second to brag about what a spoiled brat I was this Christmas.

So, so, so excited to get into these gifts in a big way in 2011:

Embroidered Effects, by Jenny Hart. Martina of wollstoneCRAFT gave this book a shining recommendation for its fresh patterns and easy instructions, and I can't wait to get started on some embroidery projects ( like making this illustration into a pillow).

My cousin's girlfriend Laura - of headband fame - gave me a gift certificate to my local yarn store, Mary's Yarns, which I am too thrilled to use. It justifies my ever-growing stash without the added reach-and-grabs into my bank account.

And below, probably one of my all-time favourite Christmas gifts (next to N64, natch): an addi bamboo interchangeable needle set. The packaging is beyond gorgeous and sleek, and the inside is lined with leaf-printed silk. The red card is signed by the person who packed them. This present has solidified my already fervent belief in German engineering.

I already have them slated for a new project: once my Selbu stockings are finished, I will make my first-ever sweater! Exciting times - I will keep you posted!

Until then, best of luck in the new Year, and thank you for reading!