This and That....links to cool stuff, and lots of chocolate

It is 8 degrees outside now, and I just got back from walking the dogs.

I like these slipper socks, there is a free pattern for knit or crochet (from LionBrand)

These are called Cottage slipper socks and also available in a free download either knit or crochet (from LionBrand)

I fell in love with this little gingerbread man ornament. You could still make this a last minute stocking stuffer or wouldn't he look cute on a package? This is a free crochet pattern.

Check out this Knitters Review article on the new Addi Click Interchangeable Needles.

I love this floppy hat, you get the pattern free with purchase of the yarn at Colorful Stitches, they have a list of totally free patterns here.

I had to explain what a Muff was to someone at work yesterday. And here is a pattern for one if your feeling nostalgic.

I am lusting after some KnitPicks DPN wip tubes

and the Chart Keeper, my pattern instructions usually look like I slept with them, and sometimes I do, (especially when working an off shift).

I am done knitting all of my gifts, but my husbands fingerless gloves. Every year I am knitting on Christmas eve. (I've decided to think of this as a tradition)

I have all the gifts posted (all of our family lives at least 4 hours away), and I have all of my baking done! This year we made 35 dozen cookies, (no pics of this due to extreme messiness) and 12 lbs of German Chocolate Fudge. This fudge was so loved by everyone young and old, I am passing on the recipe to you.....my mother-in-law doesn't consider this "real" fudge due to the fact that it contains marshmallow creme, but this makes it fool proof. (even for me)

German Chocolate Fudge

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

6 1 oz squares of German sweet chocolate

6 1 oz squares of Semi sweet chocolate

1 jar marshmallow creme (7 oz)

4 1/2 cups white sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

1. Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook at a slow boil for 6 min. (stir, stir, stir, this is the only hard step)

2. Dump all of the chocolate, and marshmallow creme into the pan. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth, then add nuts if you like them, I usually use pecans.

3. Spread into a buttered 10X15 inch pan. Let stand until firm, (about 2-3 hours)cut into squares.

I have poured it into cookie sheets and cooled it. The pan makes thick pieces of fudge.

Depending on how you cut it and how thick you make it, it makes anywhere from 5 to 7 dozen pieces.

Enjoy!!!

May your needles fly as fast as dragonflies!!

Happy Holidays..

Technorati Tags: Knitted Muff pattern link,floppy hat kniited pattern link,gingerbreadman crochet pattern link,slippersocks knit and crochet pattern links,German Chocolate fudge recipe

Review of a Kick Spindles Or Mother Marion to spin

When I made the decision to buy a Kick spindle I could find very little info on it, anywhere. Below is what I gathered, bought and my experience with mine. I could only find two being marketed, since I purchased mine I have found a third. Below is my views on the Kick spindle I purchased (Little Meggie from Heavenly Handspinning), and some info on all of the other Kick Spindles that I could locate. Links and costs are included. Review: Things I like about my Kick Spindle. 1. Long spin time, I like the addition of the ball bearing. 2. Leaves both hands free to draft 3. It's my "wheel" 4. I like using my foot, I am moving around and don't get stiff from one position. It's a very "active" type, rhythmic motion. 5. You can actually stand and use it also. 6. Great price point. 7. I have never spun on a wheel and when I sat down at one the first time, I could actually spin (some) I think this action of foot/hand coordination helped. 8.

Aran Shrug, Bridesmaid Wrap, Baby Bunting Pattern free

Here is the start of my "Bridesmaid wrap" from " Wedding Knits " by Suss Cousins. I am making it out of heavier yarn, From Handpainted yarns I love the yarn it is so soft and the colors are beautiful. The wrap is made in mohair in the book. I plan on making it a shorter wrap, due to the heavier yarn. I hope it turns out OK . If you check out the book link, there is photo of it. If you want a free Bridesmaid wrap pattern this is a lovely one from Knitty! I made this baby bunting, on the spur of the moment, just playing around. I used one skein of red heart yarn, and a small amount of the fun fur yarn in a coordinating color. Cast on 80 stitches at 4 sts /inch. Knit in the round, until 24 inches long. If you would rather knit flat, knit even rows, purl odd rows. Add Fun fur yarn, or other novelty yarn for the last 10 rows. Bind off, using a very loose bind off. I like to use the Elizabeth Zimmerman method of the Sewn Bind off

Crochet A Plant Hanger (easy)

It is getting frosty here and the leaves are turning beautiful colors. I had a mass die off of plants, (well, due to my neglect), I did revive a few by repotting. I brought in some plants from the deck, which Mother Nature took better care of. I decided to hang the larger plants, to save space and didn’t have any plant hangers. I prefer to put my plants in plain clay pots, and had already made my StuffMart run for the week. I got online and looked around for an easy DIY plant hanger. Of course I couldn’t find what I was looking for, although I found some really cute ones that I will link at the end. I was going to macramé one, but when I found some crochet patterns, I thought that would be faster and just as pretty. I looked around and did find a unopened ball of jute, opened it up and got my crochet needle out and started playing around. I’ll place links in the directions in case you don’t know how to crochet, this is super easy. Crochet Plant Hanger (easy) You can customize t

Knitting Dragonflies

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