Sunday, December 7, 2014

Simple Sunday

I run around so much for work, and of course for Little Buddy that today I need a simple day.  Actually every Sunday I need a simple day.  My decorations are up, well except for my tree which is the last thing I put up and the first thing I take down.  My yarny gifts are almost complete, the last crochet cowl is in the works as I type this.  I have Christmas cards to address and must get my husband to write a wee note about Little Buddy to include with our cards.    A lot of people don't know about him yet and I want them to see how he fits into our family, and not to think he is our Grandchild (I am assuming Mr. 21's ?!?!?!),  like one acquaintance thought after he ran into my husband and Little Buddy at the grocery store.  Seriously this man, who actually knows Mr. 21, actually asked that!
Today is about simple.


Maybe I will wear my new scrap yarn slippers.  These are made with the leftover Malabrigo bits and bobs I had from the crochet cowls I made.  The flowers were already made, I have a tendency to whip one up when I have a bit of yarn leftover.  I used them to cover my wonky seams which are ever so much more apparent in stripes.  Funny the stripes match up from the wrong side when I sewed them up.  Lets just say my finishing techniques leave much to be desired.


I love the wonkieness of them, is wonkieness actually a word? You can find the pattern for them here.


I saw these plastic ornaments on sale at Joann's for a dollar each and had an idea.  Only a true yarn lover would think of putting yarn ends into a plastic ornament and think it would look dazzling on a tree. 


My lovely friend Lynda sent me these two ornaments.   They have been on her Christmas tree for years.  I think she sent them to the right place.


May I introduce you to Mrs. Claus with toothpick knitting needles.

And of course this darling sheep who will never be packed away in the Christmas bin again.  I think this lovely sheep deserves to be displayed year round. 


Her Highness is getting ready to burst into bloom.  She was moved closer to the house this year as our summer was very hot.  She has grown a little but is in risk of being shown up by her daughter, Princess.


I purchased Princess last year and she has outdone herself growing and adapting to her new home.  She is huge and apparently loves the total neglect I give her.  If you have read my blog in years past you will know my Christmas cactus live outside in the Florida heat and humidity, I water them all the time, re-pot them and frankly forget they are supposed to be treated differently.  I never follow the rules on growing them and they seem to thrive so I am keeping with what works. 


I almost forgot to buy an Amaryllis plant this year.  I loved having one on my table last year, so when I saw one at the grocery store a few days ago I bought it.  I bought the smallest one they had so I could see it grow.  It has already grown inches in just a few short days.  I look forward to seeing that gorgeous red bloom.

So today is about simple, being at home, making blueberry muffins, addressing cards, maybe a row or two of crochet, a bike ride/walk with Little Buddy and just being at home. 

How is your Sunday shaping up?

42 comments:

My Garden Diaries said...

I think your simple Sunday sounds perfect! Those slippers rock friend!! And the ornaments are all so special!! I was thinking of getting some of those clear ornaments too!! And what a stunning Christmas cactus you have up there! Wishing you a very relaxing day!!! Nicole xo

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a lovely Sunday you have planned. I need to finish a few decorations around here and I think spend the afternoon with Tiger! Now that is not relaxing but it is great fun!
hugs,
Linda

mamasmercantile said...

Sounds like an idyllic Sunday to me. I love the baubles with the yarn ends inside such a simple but effective idea. They would make great gift toppers for the crafty person.

Bridget said...

Meredith it sounds like a pretty perfect day to me - I hope you really get to enjoy it!

I'll be working at the yarn store this afternoon, which is fun so I don't mind as much as I would if it was my full-time job. Though at this time of year, I love having Sundays to myself.

Take care. :-)

Ljubinka said...

Beautiful slippers!!
Wonderful decorations and flowers!
Happy week for you and your family.:*

Unknown said...

This sounds like a nice day! I love the slippers, and yes, that sheep really needs its place around the house all throuh the year! : )
Btw, I love you Xmas cacti - as a lover of succulents it's not a big surprise, but yours look amazing! xx

Amy at love made my home said...

I hope that you had a wonderful simple Sunday and that you enjoyed it. Your cactus are beautiful!! I have one that I just bought, but I won't be putting it outside - far too chillsome here! xx

kathyinozarks said...

Ah simple days-especially a simple sunday sounds perfect-and much needed.
I love your new slippers-they look cozy warm too.
Isn't it amazing what "gossip" or ideas people come up with? amazes me sometimes lol
Enjoy your day my friend Kathy

Teresa Kasner said...

There is nothing better than a day like yours! We had one like that yesterday. Today we are running off downtown so I can pick up a calligraphy pen. I am going to teach Gracie and her daughter some calligraphy next saturday. I wish you could join us!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Géraldine B. said...

Your ornaments and slippers are great !! I'm gonna make ornaments too with plastic baubbles .... Have fun and a lovely evening !

http://woolandcats.blogspot.fr/

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Hope you are getting a chance to spend a little quite time today. :) Love your shoes....and the yarn ends in the ornaments are just too cute...awesome.
((hugs))

Chris said...

Your slippers are so funky and super cute! Hand knit slippers are the best! I can't believe your beautiful Christmas Cacti, wow, mine grow a couple of leaves a year if I am lucky! Sounds like a great Sunday for you, I am knitting away on a sweater for my daughter and will probably finally pull out my Christmas decorations! Have a lovely day!! Chris

Anonymous said...

Steve is slowly getting the lights on the tree.

I am making a mix of knitting, computer and laundry. It's a quiet day at home today.

If you look out the window, it truly does look wintery.

My Christmas cactus opened it's first bloom this morning.

Christmas can't be too far behind!

millefeuilles said...

Hello lovely Meredith!

First let me start by saying that your slippers are so wonderful! I love the scrappiness of them! Also, I wanted to tell you how much I admire you: your love and dedication to little Buddy is so delightful to observe and I am in awe of how you manage to fit everything in. So, three cheers for a quiet, simple Sunday surrounded by yarn and plants.

moonstruckcreations said...

Those slippers look so cosy and comfy. Would be very handy here as the weather has suddenly got very cold.

Hope you had a lovely Sunday!

Helenxx

Unknown said...

You sound like you are having a wonderful, carefree day!!!
Mine has been busy, I cleaned all the top cupboards (and got rid of ALOT!) Made an enchalata dish, and some bars. WOW! I wonder where I misplaced my usual self. I never ever get this much done. I am a housekeeper in a hospital so cleaning is not on my favorite thing to do list on my days off. But it feels good to see the extra stuff gone. Well in the basement until we get it to Goodwill.

Between Me and You said...

Hi Meredith - I've missed so much of your posts - I don't understand why they don't show up in my blog list - I haven't pressed any buttons I shouldn't have!!! Lots of catching up to do! I love your cutesy slippers - mind you don't slip on those gorgeous floors of yours. Also, may I ask that you pm me your address please? Off to read some more now......xxx

Mrs. Micawber said...

The slippers look so cheery, and WARM (says She of the Chilly Ankles). I've been pondering the seaming of knitted stuff lately, and garter stitch seaming is just plain awkward. It's so knobbly on the edge. Your slipper seaming looks great to me!

The Princess is definitely going to give HM a run for her money.

I will tell you right here and now that you DEFINITELY look young enough to have a son LB's age. What are those people thinking?

Simple Sundays are the best. God knew what he was doing when He ordained a day of rest. :)

P.S. The yarn scrap ornaments are genius.

Betsy said...

Your Sunday sounds perfectly lovely Meredith. We had church this morning and the annual ornament exchange for the ladies and tool exchange for the men this evening. In between I need to clean the guest rooms and guest baths to have them ready for our next round of guests on Tuesday! But, it's at home and where I love to be. I love your slippers and the clear ornaments. I need to look for some of those and fill them over the next year. Thanks for the idea.
Have a lovely day and week my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

CJ said...

It sounds like a wonderful day, I'm so glad. I agree about the sheep, he should definitely be out all year in such a wool-loving household. We had a most excellent Sunday. Football for everyone this morning, and this afternoon we went to the country park and had so much fun playing in the rockery, hiding from each other and hunting each other down, one by one. Sometimes it all just works doesn't it. I hope you have a good week too. CJ xx

kathy b said...

Aww Lil buddy is the best part of 2014!
I love your wonky slippers Mere.

I need some paperwhites to force..I love them

Best part of today: kittens got adopted.
Neighbor is cooking dinner for us.
Fireman is painting the kitten/nursery al's room, for her arrival next week! and
im knitting

Anita said...

I love the idea of a simple Sunday, I do try to take it easy because every other day is crazy!! lol Super sweet idea of the Chrissy decoration filled with yarn.....yes, a true yarn worker would see the magic in that idea.
Cheers, Anita.

Handmade and off-centered said...

Wow this post is pact full of inspiration! The wonky slippers are so adorable. I agree, they have just the right bit of wonkyness to them. Oh and the yarn ends ornament is geneous! Ehemm....I may be taking a trip to the dollar store to pick up a few clear balls.
I hope you enjoyed your Sunday and were able to recharge. Having a slow day once a week is a must for a buys mama.

Birgitta xx

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
Your Sunday sounds lovely. :-)
I am so jealous about your Christmas Cactus. I had to laugh, you do everything wrong you say, yet have blooms galore. I am going to start doing everything wrong. ;-) I also love how you named your plants, maybe I need to do that.

Fun, sweet post, just what I needed.
♥ Carla

Gracie Saylor said...

Happy Feet will enjoy the soft warm slippers you made, Meredith! I love the slippers' cheery colors and pretty flowers. Having two sons who are adopted and are from different ethnic origins from me, I am not surprised by questions folks ask...annoyed sometimes but no longer surprised...and I still get questions even though my sons are 45 and 39!! I got another little Christmas Cactus the other day because it is blooming and my other one bloomed beautifully last month, but I have not had an Amaryllis in years, and have been thinking of getting one because they are so pretty and fun to watch growing. I love the stories around your Christmas ornaments and mine, and I keep some of mine out all year...especially my herd of sheep and the clear balls filled with fiber that my youngest daughter gave me. So glad you had a simple Sunday! After church today I watched the Seahawks vs. Eagles and crocheted a bit as well...
a simple Sunday for me, too :) xx

linda said...

Simple days are the best Meredith and yours sounds perfect, I love your slippers I think they are a bit like my socks they have character, I always find seaming garter stitch a pain too but really yours looks fine. What a fab idea to put scraps of yarn in the baubles they look really great and your Christmas cactus both look very pretty. I hope you have a great stress free week. :) xxx

Jo said...

I love the leftover element of your slippers - that is my kind of style. Your Christmas cactus reminds me of my grandparents house - they used to have a massive one cascading off the side of a serving dresser. Jo x

Kris said...

Hi Meredith. Long time, no see. I see you have been very busy too! I get a lot of curious questions about me and Noah too. People try to be diplomatic, as they are never quite sure if I am an older mother, or a youngish Grandma!!
I have been almost too busy to blog. I miss it
Hugs dear Meredith!
Kris

Anonymous said...

ohmygosh I LOVE the yarn ornaments!!! Yes, Sunday for me too is the only day of the week that is truly for me.

Anonymous said...

The finishing part of yarny projects is always the biggest pain in the backside! :D One of the reasons I don't like making pieced-type projects like crocheted squares and such. Love the look of them when done by others but that finishing process...Eeeeek! I love the way your scrap slippers turned out, the colors are stunning. Look at that Christmas cactus... OMGosh! :D
Just popped by to say Hi and hope you are keeping your energy levels up!!!
Hugs my sweet blogging sister,
Beth
P.S. We are at the definite BRRRRRRR level up here in NH! 9 degrees this morning!!! We are due for another storm supposedly tomorrow, Tuesday... we'll see what that brings!

Maureen said...

Your slippers look great!

I love the idea of putting the wool scraps in the clear ornaments. I have a mason jar that I am filling up with the ends from my cross stitch floss. It's been a WIP for years now!

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Meredith!

Sounds like a great sunday to me, hope you enjoyed yours.

Your slippers look lovely, I have saved that link to my ever growing ravelry collection of most wonderful links of things I want to make... ;)

My son has flown back to England, so I felt slightly bereft today, the week went by much too quickly.

Just came home from night school of my first round of exams, more to come this week... and I got a horrid cold! :(

Your cacti look great!!!

Have a nice week!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

That sheep is ridiculously cute! And I love the idea of filling those Christmas balls with yarn ends. I've never been able to knit or crochet a pair of slippers successfully. The shape, the size, all wrong. However, my sister sat down one afternoon, after learning to crochet, I kid you not, the day before, and she made herself a wearable pair! The next day??? A pair worthy of giving as a gift. That was last year, and I'm obviously still not over it.

elns said...

What a great Sunday post! Your slippers are cute. If you mean wonky because the stripes/colorway changes don't match up, I think that is definitely what gives them their charm. Oh and Malabrigo and Malabrigo! I like that you are going to display the sheep year round. And now, I must hunt down those plastic ornaments to make my own yarn ornaments as well! Great idea!

Babajeza said...

Good morning Meredith

I could use a simple Tuesday! But I'm baking Christmas cookies with the students, which is hard work. I've never had an Amarylis. This may be the year! :-) Have a good week. Regula

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Love the slippers! I often grow amarylis, but decided on paperwhites this year as a change. One has a bud already!

Pammy Sue said...

I had to check and see if I'd commented on this post, and sure enough, I hadn't, but I did read it. I think it was about the time I discovered my comments were not linking back to me when I made them with my phone. Grr. Anyway, I loved seeing that you are growing an Amaryllis inside. I saw Lucy's has bloomed, and it is soooo pretty and supposedly smells strongly. Cute ornament idea stuffing them full of yarn ends. How crafty and frugal of you! Cute shoes too, and fun to putter around the house in. I bet LB is excited for Christmas! He's at a fun age for all this stuff.

Linda said...

I love simple Sundays, especially at this time of year.
Those clear ornaments look absolutely fabulous full of your tail ends of yarn, what a lovely decoration idea.
Mrs clause busy knitting and some gorgeous Sunday slippers. A great post Meredith xx

Caffeine Girl said...

You deserve a simple Sunday after work and Christmas decorating!

Gillian said...

Love those Christmas baubles with yarn inside! They're brilliant - must try it myself. And I love your slippers. An acquaintance once asked if my husband was my son!

MaryLynne said...

Poor little Buddy. I hope he has recovered somewhat over the last few days since you posted. I'm sure a few of his bruises are turning a lovely green by now. Isn't it good, for the most part, that the young heel so quickly and well! The cowl is a lovely gift and the receiver is very lucky! I love the Christmas cactus! I was lucky enough to see the ancient variety of todays Christmas cactus growing in the Amazon basin in Peru. They grow in the trees. It reminds me that they really don't like to be dry, but in Florida's humidity it is showing how happy it is!

Bestest,
Mary Lynne

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Being at home, my very favorite place to be. My weekend was all about relaxing and crochet and some baking. Bliss! But today was back to school boo! But, only 4 more days and then winter break begins. Yay! Love those slippers. I like scrappy. And yes, wonkiness is a word (without the e). :) My finishes are always wonky and I'm okay with that. Hugs, Tammy