Off the Needles Finally!

I am finally finished with my third Camp Loopy project. Hurrah!  And it's the first finish in my Christmas gift list. Yay!  The pattern is called Tycoon Vest, and I got it on Ravelry.  It includes sizes 6 mos. to 12 years so is very versatile. I used Cascade 220 in Forest Green because the grand son it's for loves green. Next time I'd used fewer buttons.  The pattern calls for 1-row button holes, something new to me.  I wasn't real happy with how they look, but decided to leave them.  The texture stitch isn't difficult but requires concentration as it's easy to "get off". (Ask me how I know!) We were gone a lot this month, and it was hard to squeeze in knitting time. I'm also working on a stitching project but can't show it yet, and that deadline is creeping up fast.

We babysat for Max and Stella this week which was fun.  I think Stella has finally decided that we're OK. She doesn't look too thrilled in this photo, however!

In case you're looking for a easy breakfast treat like this one, here's the recipe:

Aunt Jane’s Caramel Rolls

Using a Bundt pan, place about 18 frozen bread rolls side by side in pan. Sprinkle 1 pkg. butterscotch pudding over rolls. Melt ¼ cu. butter, add 1/2 cup brown sugar and ¾ t. cinnamon. Pour over rolls and let rise overnight. Bake in the morning at 350° 25-30 minutes. Let sit 5-10 minutes before removing from pan. (Aunt Jane’s note: I use more butter and sugar and don’t bake so long cause the kids like it GOOEY!)

BTW, we are still waiting for our camera.  The restaurant has been very slow in helping us retrieve it unfortunately. ( They have it but haven't sent it back and it's been way over a month.)

Our Week at Grayslake

We've been very busy for the past two weeks! Our whole family gathered in Grayslake, Illinois, and had a wonderful time together. Even the weather cooperated!

The cousins had fun playing together.

Lots of time was spent at the table.  Aunt Jane and Uncle Ted from Minnesota even joined us.

 Uncle Brent made ribs for everyone to enjoy.

Sophia helped Auntie Catherine made Aunt Jane's Caramel Rolls.

Grandma Janet brought a special cake which the kids helped decorate so we could all celebrate Stella and Sophia's August birthdays.

Here are the birthday girls with Auntie Catherine.

I finally got to see whether the Heartwarmer fit Stella.  The purple dog was Sophia's gift to Stella, a project that required both grandmas' help.

There was even time to read!

All too quickly our week together was over and most of the Northwest folks had to return home.  Oma and Opa stayed an extra week, however.  More about that later!

Off the Needles~a Sparkly Bonnet

If you've not seen Cascade's Sunseeker yarn, check it out!  Sunseeker Multi is what I used for this bonnet, and I liked it so much I ordered 2 more skeins in different colors. (I needed more yarn, right?)  This bonnet is a Fiber Trend pattern, and I'd forgotten how much fun it is to knit.  Remember this photo?

She definitely needs a new hat, don't you agree? (And I need mine back!)

The ties are an I-cord that also makes a nice finish on the bottom edge.

What's on my needles now, you say?  A bunch of things, but I am going to concentrate on my Camp Loopy #3 project, started this morning.  It's a vest for a certain someone; the pattern ranges in size from 6 mos. to 12 yrs., so if it turns out well, there will be more to make in the future for 2 other someones.

With the unusually sunshine this July, our garden has kept both of us busy.  Enjoying the extra warmth is one of my favorite plants to grow each year, the Black-eyed Susan vine.  As you can see, it's headed up to our second story!  Each time I look at it I'm reminded of a prettier version of Jack-in-the-Beanstalk!

This year's flowers are sort of a peachy color with a dark center; all the other years before they have been orange and black. It was a surprise this time! If you've not tried this plant, it's  very fun to watch. See you next time! Meanwhile, don't forget to check out Patchwork Times for some knitting inspiration.