Hidden storage table

We found a tutorial on about converting an IKEA LACK table into a hidden storage table and since we had a couple of LACK tables laying around we decided to give it a try. After a little time with my Bosch Oscillating Multi-Tool and a couple of drawer slides I had a reinvented sidetable! Perfect for nail polish and knitting notions.

Sneak Peek!

I am over the moon with excitement about my newest project. This is just a little preview of what's been on my mind and on my needles for the last few months. I'll have the finished pieces in hand by the end of the week, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!

The Cuddlebug {free baby hat knitting pattern}

Finished dimensions: 5"h x 15"circ.

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Refashion
68% recycled wool, 5% recycled cashmere, 23% nylon, 4% rayon
Color: 804

Needles: US size 10.5, double-pointed needles

Gauge: 12 sts over 4 inches

: :: ::: :: :

Begin:
Cast on 44 sts. Join in the round and begin ribbing. Work *K1, P1* repeat from *to* around. Work ribbing pattern for 1 inch.

Next round: K all sts. Continue working in this manner until hat measures 4" from CO edge.

Begin decrease: K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog. 32 sts remaining.

Next row: *K2, K2tog* repeat from *to* around. 24 sts remaining.
Next row: *K1, K2tog* repeat from *to* around. 16 sts remaining.
Next row: K2tog around. 8 sts remaining.
Next row: K2tog around. 4 sts remaining.

Finish off remaining sts and weave in all yarn ends. Hand deliver immediately to the cutest baby you know.

DIY: Gas cooktop install

With the upcoming insanity reroof project, I realized that I don't really talk about the crazy DIY projects we get ourselves into around this house. Thomas is a big-thinking engineer and I grew up helping my dad build cabinets and fix things around the house, meaning he dreams it and I plan it, measure it, and cut it. It works well for us.

Here's how we spent our New Year's Eve 2007, installing a gas cooktop in our island. Me, cutting:

I'm not quite sure it's going to fit in that hole but we give it a try.

Now we need to plumb the gas lines!

And, done! Such an improvement over that yellow, ring range on the back wall! The cooktop is still working, no gas leaks, and it's so dreamy! DIY success!

Gutters: Gone

I don't know if I can actually call them gutters as much as they're just glorified rock holders. Once we cleared the 6 tons of rock from inside them Thomas tore out the 9" nails holding them to the house and I swept the rock into tidy piles. Removing the gutters was really not as tough as we thought it was going to be. Stay tuned for next week where we pelt the dogs with the 2,469,321,898 remaining roof rocks.