Five on Friday

I've been wanting to get in on the Five on Friday fun, but it's so hard when I'm working. Today, however, I'm enjoying the second day of winter break, so here I am!

1. Last night, we celebrated Hanukkah early. It was the only night that my son is going to be around. Today he's flying to Israel for a few weeks. My parents came over to celebrate with Keith, myself, and my two kids. Nagi is the the only family member who didn't object to be photographed. He really enjoys playing dreidel!

2. Of course, there were presents. Among other things, my mom was kind enough to indulge my love of Gudrun Sjoden with a gift certificate, which came in this gorgeous card.

3. I had to run some errands today, so I stopped in to pet some yarn at Knit Circus and chat with owner and talented dyer, Jaala Spiro. I added this gorgeous cowl to my queue: the Contravene Cowl.  I feel a case of startitis coming on.

4. I've started a new embroidery project of my own design.

5. And while my son is off, my daughter is visiting from Miami, so I'm looking forward to some quality time with her.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's Five on Friday's at Love Made My Home.

Happy holidays to all of you!

On My Dream List

I am absolutely dying to knit this:

I rarely buy Vogue Knitting. The patterns tend to be too "runway" for me. Not quite right for a down-to-Earth Midwestern girl. The minute this cover caught my eye, I knew I'd be purchasing this issue.

Even the downside wasn't a problem. This gorgeous cowl uses an armful of Koigu sock yarn. Kind of pricey. However, I had a gift certificate that I had held onto since my birthday in September -- is that self-control, or what? -- and that same store is selling kits of yarn for this pattern!

Apparently I'm not the only one who is swooning over this cowl. The staff at the store told me that these kits are flying off the shelf!

What are you dying to knit?