Busy! Busy! Busy!
That time of the year again, when harvesting, canning and freezing take over our lives. Now, I'm not complaining, mind you. I love to put things up and have some of that home made taste over the winter. Our garden wasn't very big, and went in late with everything going on with Dad. DS pretty much did all the gardening. He has truely been a blessing!
So far we've canned:
6 pints peach jam
3 pints spiced peach jam
8-1/2 pints barbequed hot peppers
7 pints pickled hot peppers
3 half-pints banana butter
7 pints stewed tomatoes
and frozen:
16 quarts of our own beans
7 quarts corn
10 quarts sweet Italian peppers
I have a ton more stuff on the porch waiting to be taken care of so it's back to the canner again today. I bought a bushel of hot Hungarian peppers and a bushel of sweet Italian peppers, so I'll be working on them today and making more BBQ'd hot peppers (YUMMM!!!) and pepper rings, plus some salsa.
Weight hasn't dropped much more - just a half pound, but it's still coming off. With that I'm pleased.
On the needles, I have a CIC sock, but I'm starting to worry I won't have enough to finish the second sock. Not sure what to do there, as I 'd hate to put another color on the foot of the second sock - think it would look silly. Trying to figure something out - but at the same time, would really hate to rip out that toe on the first one. Might have to to make them match somewhat.
Not much else going on here except getting ready for our long winter....
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Last week was a great week! I hit my 30 pounds lost goal and passed it, put a lot of beans up for winter, dug some yummy fresh potatoes for dinner, worked on painting the house, and even finished my DD's "Grow With Me Afghan". I was a productive week with lots of odds 'n ends finally finshed. Now, just the ambition to throw out more clutter.
I received my Heels & Toes Gazette from Dawn Brocco. That is one awesome magazine! It has 4 beautiful sock patterns and a pattern for leg warmers that would be perfect for one who wears dresses or wide leg pants in the wintertime. I sure wish I could do the warmers in cashmere, but I had better think of learning how to spin - as that's the only way I'll ever get it! There's also a gorgeous pair of stranded socks that look like they could have come out of "Folk Socks" but they are worked from the cuff down, instead of toe up. That's a must do for me! They are awesome!! But then again, all Dawn's issues are nothing less than awesome!!! I have every one of her gazettes and some of her patterns, and and one day hope to have them all.
Well, Labor Day has come and gone, and it appears the hummingbirds went with it. I haven't seen any for the past couple of days. There may be a straggler or two left, but it appears the majority is gone. I always hate to see them leave, but I know they'll be back next year. Their migration blows my mind. Those tiny little birds go for more than a thousand miles, and then in April, make the treck back, and the wildest part is, I really think the same ones return. They fly to the exact spot where we hang the feeders looking for them even before we put them out. Yes, some years they appear early, and they were the ones that alerted me to realize they must be the same ones! I can't find my way out of a paper bag, and these little critters can come back to the same nesting spot?!!!
I received my Heels & Toes Gazette from Dawn Brocco. That is one awesome magazine! It has 4 beautiful sock patterns and a pattern for leg warmers that would be perfect for one who wears dresses or wide leg pants in the wintertime. I sure wish I could do the warmers in cashmere, but I had better think of learning how to spin - as that's the only way I'll ever get it! There's also a gorgeous pair of stranded socks that look like they could have come out of "Folk Socks" but they are worked from the cuff down, instead of toe up. That's a must do for me! They are awesome!! But then again, all Dawn's issues are nothing less than awesome!!! I have every one of her gazettes and some of her patterns, and and one day hope to have them all.
Well, Labor Day has come and gone, and it appears the hummingbirds went with it. I haven't seen any for the past couple of days. There may be a straggler or two left, but it appears the majority is gone. I always hate to see them leave, but I know they'll be back next year. Their migration blows my mind. Those tiny little birds go for more than a thousand miles, and then in April, make the treck back, and the wildest part is, I really think the same ones return. They fly to the exact spot where we hang the feeders looking for them even before we put them out. Yes, some years they appear early, and they were the ones that alerted me to realize they must be the same ones! I can't find my way out of a paper bag, and these little critters can come back to the same nesting spot?!!!
Monday, August 23, 2004
Frustration!!
Here I am trying again to post to this possessed blog. UGH! I'm half tempted to never post again. Yah, right. What is it about these things that makes one have to post so that there's a chance that others may read it? Who in their right mind lets their diary sit out so that all can read their private thoughts? Yet, here we are doing the same thing. Is it because we aren't to be really ever seen face-to-face so it's safe, or are we secretly into wanting others to really know us?
Now that I've pondered the universe, I can now get on with my blogging. The last time I tried to post, I had a huge entry that disappeared when my connection was lost during mid-publishing. So, bear with me while I try to remember what I've been up to.
I broke my pattern diet with a couple of auction wins. They were just too good of a price to let go, and they are patterns I'll use. I am already using one: "Many Mittens" that is a pattern for two-needle mittens by Leisure Arts. I've finished my first one for DD using Bartlett Yarns Royal blue. Although it fits well in the hand, the thumb is too large in circumfrence and she doesn't like it. Sure, after I get it all done and woven in, then I hear the complaints. Not before when she could have, as we were trying it on through all the stages. I'm not sure how to fix it now - maybe just rip the thumb out and knit it again - but it's going to be so hard to find my woven ends as I do a good job getting them in so they won't come out - now I'd say too good of a job!
The other leaflets I received were "Jean Greenhowe's Bazaar Knits" and LA's "The Complete Book of Raglan Sweaters". I was thrilled about these wins - all totalled $3 with shipping! Now could I really have passed that up? Especially getting the Gean Greenhowe's book. I've been wanting one of them for a very long time. There are so many adorable patterns in it, and one that is especially cute is "The Cozy Family". They are a cute family of egg cozies - Mum, Dad, Boy, Girl and Baby (complete with pacifier/soother)!! Now I want MORE of her books!!!
Currently, I'm working between a CIC sock and getting ready to either start the new mitten or
the big thumb. I keep telling DD that a large thumb might be good because the wool will felt as she plays in the snow. Think she'll buy that? LOL
Here I am trying again to post to this possessed blog. UGH! I'm half tempted to never post again. Yah, right. What is it about these things that makes one have to post so that there's a chance that others may read it? Who in their right mind lets their diary sit out so that all can read their private thoughts? Yet, here we are doing the same thing. Is it because we aren't to be really ever seen face-to-face so it's safe, or are we secretly into wanting others to really know us?
Now that I've pondered the universe, I can now get on with my blogging. The last time I tried to post, I had a huge entry that disappeared when my connection was lost during mid-publishing. So, bear with me while I try to remember what I've been up to.
I broke my pattern diet with a couple of auction wins. They were just too good of a price to let go, and they are patterns I'll use. I am already using one: "Many Mittens" that is a pattern for two-needle mittens by Leisure Arts. I've finished my first one for DD using Bartlett Yarns Royal blue. Although it fits well in the hand, the thumb is too large in circumfrence and she doesn't like it. Sure, after I get it all done and woven in, then I hear the complaints. Not before when she could have, as we were trying it on through all the stages. I'm not sure how to fix it now - maybe just rip the thumb out and knit it again - but it's going to be so hard to find my woven ends as I do a good job getting them in so they won't come out - now I'd say too good of a job!
The other leaflets I received were "Jean Greenhowe's Bazaar Knits" and LA's "The Complete Book of Raglan Sweaters". I was thrilled about these wins - all totalled $3 with shipping! Now could I really have passed that up? Especially getting the Gean Greenhowe's book. I've been wanting one of them for a very long time. There are so many adorable patterns in it, and one that is especially cute is "The Cozy Family". They are a cute family of egg cozies - Mum, Dad, Boy, Girl and Baby (complete with pacifier/soother)!! Now I want MORE of her books!!!
Currently, I'm working between a CIC sock and getting ready to either start the new mitten or
the big thumb. I keep telling DD that a large thumb might be good because the wool will felt as she plays in the snow. Think she'll buy that? LOL
Monday, August 16, 2004
Two Finishes!!
I finished 2 hats - both came out nicely. The first was the Adult Size Pumpkin Hat by Sarah Bradberry. My DD just loved how it came out. She has decided that it will be perfect for both halloween and Thanksgiving.
My second finish was Dot's Ponytail Hat pattern. I made it from Red Heart's Plus in French Blue. I used an "H" hook and got a gauge of 3dc = 1" and 2dc rows = 1". Since I made this for my 11yo, I added 4 rows of double crochet at rows 4-8. The rest of the pattern needed no alterations. My DD just loves it! She likes that it can be worn with or without a ponytail with the way Dot designed the frilly opening that allows the ponytail to come through. This is really a neat hat - THANKS DOT!
I've looked at the newest hat Dot has posted Sarah's Shells and that is another that has my DD's name written over it. Another must to make. First I have a pair of mittens to make for DD. I'm going to try a 2 needle pattern instead of my usual 4 needle one, and will be using a Royal Blue from Bartlett Yarns.
I finished 2 hats - both came out nicely. The first was the Adult Size Pumpkin Hat by Sarah Bradberry. My DD just loved how it came out. She has decided that it will be perfect for both halloween and Thanksgiving.
My second finish was Dot's Ponytail Hat pattern. I made it from Red Heart's Plus in French Blue. I used an "H" hook and got a gauge of 3dc = 1" and 2dc rows = 1". Since I made this for my 11yo, I added 4 rows of double crochet at rows 4-8. The rest of the pattern needed no alterations. My DD just loves it! She likes that it can be worn with or without a ponytail with the way Dot designed the frilly opening that allows the ponytail to come through. This is really a neat hat - THANKS DOT!
I've looked at the newest hat Dot has posted Sarah's Shells and that is another that has my DD's name written over it. Another must to make. First I have a pair of mittens to make for DD. I'm going to try a 2 needle pattern instead of my usual 4 needle one, and will be using a Royal Blue from Bartlett Yarns.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
You know, it amazes me - summer is supposed to be a time to relax, but it seems that I'm usually busier at this time of the year than any other. I guess it's catch up time, as when we are seriously homeschooling during the school year, I put things off when I can, and do them at this time of the year. Yes, we do homeschool all year, but we go easier over the summer.
I've been taking some time for knitting and getting mittens and hats for winter done. I am working on Sarah Bradberry's Adult Size Pumpkin Hat for DD. I'm knitting it with size 6 circulars in Bartlett Yarn's Hunter Orange and haven't decided what to use for the stem color yet. I have a couple of different color greens, so I'll figure it out when I get to that point. I started it yesterday, so I only have 2" done. The pattern is easy and I think it's going to come out really cute.
I finished a dishcloth type shawl for DD in a variegated blue/green/purple that she picked out. I used Red Heart ww and 12 oz. and size 13 needles, which made the perfect size shawl for a 5'1" girl. The shawl was a breeze - adapted from one of the favorite dishcloth patterns.
Dishcloth Shawl
Cast on 1.
Row 1 - Knit (1)
Row 2 - Knit in front and back of stitch. (2)
Row 3 - Knit in front and back of stitch. (4)
Row 4 - Knit (4)
Row 5 - Knit 2, yo, knit to end. (5)
Repeat row 5 until you have desired size shawl.
Cast off LOOSELY. Weave in ends.
See how easy?!!! And DD LOVES it!!!
I've been spending a lot of time sorting and throwing things. The clutter here is driving me crazy. Don't know how I got so much, and worse, why I've been keeping what I have been! Does everyone keep so much, or am I just weird?!
We are coming down to the wire to be totally approved for being able to adopt. I'm so excited!! We have a couple of classes to do, and then the home visit, and that's it! Then we can finally get to start looking for a child. It's been a long road for us - and we are so close finally.
What a noise! I turned to look out the window next to me, and there are 8 mourning doves at the feeder by the window. Such beautiful birds and it's so exciting to me to see them bring their babies to the feeder. Finally they are trusting us. We've had the feeder up for 3 years, and they have only sporadically been here - until just this past month. They've been here every day, and now bringing their young ones. We've seen quite a few unusual birds this year. Ones normally not for this area, and some not this region. It is a good year to do a unit study on birds. We will be starting it soon. Waiting for the bird book that out state DCNR puts out to arrive. I ordered it a few days ago, so it should arrive soon.
Well, guess it's time to get back to decluttering. I need to hire a maid and tell her to throw all that she deems not worth keeping. Man - would I have a clean house after that!!! LOL
I've been taking some time for knitting and getting mittens and hats for winter done. I am working on Sarah Bradberry's Adult Size Pumpkin Hat for DD. I'm knitting it with size 6 circulars in Bartlett Yarn's Hunter Orange and haven't decided what to use for the stem color yet. I have a couple of different color greens, so I'll figure it out when I get to that point. I started it yesterday, so I only have 2" done. The pattern is easy and I think it's going to come out really cute.
I finished a dishcloth type shawl for DD in a variegated blue/green/purple that she picked out. I used Red Heart ww and 12 oz. and size 13 needles, which made the perfect size shawl for a 5'1" girl. The shawl was a breeze - adapted from one of the favorite dishcloth patterns.
Dishcloth Shawl
Cast on 1.
Row 1 - Knit (1)
Row 2 - Knit in front and back of stitch. (2)
Row 3 - Knit in front and back of stitch. (4)
Row 4 - Knit (4)
Row 5 - Knit 2, yo, knit to end. (5)
Repeat row 5 until you have desired size shawl.
Cast off LOOSELY. Weave in ends.
See how easy?!!! And DD LOVES it!!!
I've been spending a lot of time sorting and throwing things. The clutter here is driving me crazy. Don't know how I got so much, and worse, why I've been keeping what I have been! Does everyone keep so much, or am I just weird?!
We are coming down to the wire to be totally approved for being able to adopt. I'm so excited!! We have a couple of classes to do, and then the home visit, and that's it! Then we can finally get to start looking for a child. It's been a long road for us - and we are so close finally.
What a noise! I turned to look out the window next to me, and there are 8 mourning doves at the feeder by the window. Such beautiful birds and it's so exciting to me to see them bring their babies to the feeder. Finally they are trusting us. We've had the feeder up for 3 years, and they have only sporadically been here - until just this past month. They've been here every day, and now bringing their young ones. We've seen quite a few unusual birds this year. Ones normally not for this area, and some not this region. It is a good year to do a unit study on birds. We will be starting it soon. Waiting for the bird book that out state DCNR puts out to arrive. I ordered it a few days ago, so it should arrive soon.
Well, guess it's time to get back to decluttering. I need to hire a maid and tell her to throw all that she deems not worth keeping. Man - would I have a clean house after that!!! LOL
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Doggone it! I have no clue what is up with blogger, but I couldn't ftp for anything - so I moved to a new home. We'll see how it all works out, and if it does, maybe I'll just have to stay :-)
Now to catch up on things, a new school year has started, Dad is getting better and is learning to hop on one leg, and I've been knitting my little heart out. Yes, you've read it - KNITTING!!!! And crocheting a bit, too. The summer here has been cool and wet, and I just had the urge to pick up my needles and get busy again.
So far, I've done up a pair of mittens, and 4 dishcloths. I'm on dishcloth #5 and am half way through a hat for DD. I guess I'm weird, but after a dry spell of not doing any knitting or crocheting, I always start out with small things to get back "into" the rhythm of things.
Now to catch up on things, a new school year has started, Dad is getting better and is learning to hop on one leg, and I've been knitting my little heart out. Yes, you've read it - KNITTING!!!! And crocheting a bit, too. The summer here has been cool and wet, and I just had the urge to pick up my needles and get busy again.
So far, I've done up a pair of mittens, and 4 dishcloths. I'm on dishcloth #5 and am half way through a hat for DD. I guess I'm weird, but after a dry spell of not doing any knitting or crocheting, I always start out with small things to get back "into" the rhythm of things.
So good to be back!!!
Monday, June 21, 2004
For about a month, I've been bogged down with personal things. Not much in the way of stitching, knitting or any crafting. All my time has been divided between Dad's situation and getting all my stuff straight in the homeschooling department. This year will soon be finished, and we'll be starting the next school year. July 1st marks our 9th year of homeschooling.
With that said, I must get back to all the paperwork that waits piled here on my desk.
With that said, I must get back to all the paperwork that waits piled here on my desk.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
What is it about these daggon quizzes, that I have to take them every time I see one? :-)
You are Barefoot!You're a total free spirit, go with the flow girl You can't be restricted by shoes for very long And unsuprisingly, the same goes for men Your match is out there - and he's as carefree as you are What Shoe Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |
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Erica Michaels "Summer Sun Square" freebie. I stitched this on 7 ct. cream Klostern using my own choice of size 3 DMC Perle. I'm waiting for the Royal Blue FyreWerks to arrive, so that I can fill in the sun's sunglasses. 
Freebie from Indigo Rose called "Four Little Lady Bugs". I stitched this on 28 ct. Bridal White Alma using the recommended DMC colors.
Freebie from Indigo Rose called "Four Little Lady Bugs". I stitched this on 28 ct. Bridal White Alma using the recommended DMC colors.
It's already Tuesday - man! Time really seems to be flying! All the trips to the hospital really have distorted my sense of days/weeks. Amazing how that happens.
I've started my summer stitching, and have found a real joy in stitching the freebies I get from Needlecraft Corner with each order. I've been putting them aside for quite a while, for the time I could afford to play with them and buy the recommended threads, buttons, etc. Since I've been keeping with my promise of not buying any new patterns, I've found that I have a lot more $ to spend on supplies and honestly, I've never had so much fun!! In fact, I'm considering not buying any patterns next year either. I have so much stuff to stitch up now, I really don't miss getting the newest stuff. Weird, eh?
I've started my first Chantelaine Design - a dragonfly freebie that came in one of my packets from Drema. I'm just loving the colors, and I so love Caron's Waterlilies thread. Ohhhh! So nice to work with and the colors are so vibrant! I think this is going to be just gorgeous when it's finished.
Anyhow - here's two pics of my latest finishes: (One's not quite done, am waiting on one color of thread.)
I've started my summer stitching, and have found a real joy in stitching the freebies I get from Needlecraft Corner with each order. I've been putting them aside for quite a while, for the time I could afford to play with them and buy the recommended threads, buttons, etc. Since I've been keeping with my promise of not buying any new patterns, I've found that I have a lot more $ to spend on supplies and honestly, I've never had so much fun!! In fact, I'm considering not buying any patterns next year either. I have so much stuff to stitch up now, I really don't miss getting the newest stuff. Weird, eh?
I've started my first Chantelaine Design - a dragonfly freebie that came in one of my packets from Drema. I'm just loving the colors, and I so love Caron's Waterlilies thread. Ohhhh! So nice to work with and the colors are so vibrant! I think this is going to be just gorgeous when it's finished.
Anyhow - here's two pics of my latest finishes: (One's not quite done, am waiting on one color of thread.)
Sunday, May 23, 2004
I finally figured out how to post the pictures. I tried yesterday w/o success, and discovered why. I was under the impression that there would be a host for my pictures, but instead, they are uploaded to Fortune City - and of course, Fortune City was down yesterday... So no successful uploads. The case of the missing pictures is solved! So - you will find them at the end of this post.
I took some time today to sort and list my flosses - matching up my charts with the threads I have in stash. I have another huge list of supplies to order from Needlecraft Corner someday soon. I love playing with all the wonderful specialty threads and fabrics. Speaking of fabrics, Silkweaver has a 3 day sale going on. I ordered a hand-dyed piece that I hope will work for one of the space designs that I have to make for DH.
I'm stitching "Party Mario" for DD's birthday. I'm doing it on Silkweaver's hand-dyed Opalescence in skye. Those shiny threads make it a little more difficult to stitch on, but I think it will be really neat when done. So far, all I have is Mario's hand stitched. I'm not pushing hard, as I have till mid-August to finish it.
Today, I decided to do something for me, so I started Indigo Rose's freebie "Four Little Lady Bugs". I'm done with 3 of the four "legs" of the design that separates the bugs. Pretty neat! I wasn't sure I'd like the golden yellow that is used for the "legs", but now, I think it will look OK.
I love freebies - if you haven't noticed. I'm on my 50th freebie (that's if I haven't forgotten to count any - LOL) I enjoy changing threads or using the new ones in the freebies - it helps me decide if I really want to go to the expense of buying a large pattern and using all the specialty threads/beads/charms that many of them call for. I also like to substitute things for them - and if they don't come out great, well, I really haven't lost a whole lot of time or money. They also make nice small gifts and ornaments. Yup - freebies are the best thing since buttered toast!!
I took some time today to sort and list my flosses - matching up my charts with the threads I have in stash. I have another huge list of supplies to order from Needlecraft Corner someday soon. I love playing with all the wonderful specialty threads and fabrics. Speaking of fabrics, Silkweaver has a 3 day sale going on. I ordered a hand-dyed piece that I hope will work for one of the space designs that I have to make for DH.
I'm stitching "Party Mario" for DD's birthday. I'm doing it on Silkweaver's hand-dyed Opalescence in skye. Those shiny threads make it a little more difficult to stitch on, but I think it will be really neat when done. So far, all I have is Mario's hand stitched. I'm not pushing hard, as I have till mid-August to finish it.
Today, I decided to do something for me, so I started Indigo Rose's freebie "Four Little Lady Bugs". I'm done with 3 of the four "legs" of the design that separates the bugs. Pretty neat! I wasn't sure I'd like the golden yellow that is used for the "legs", but now, I think it will look OK.
I love freebies - if you haven't noticed. I'm on my 50th freebie (that's if I haven't forgotten to count any - LOL) I enjoy changing threads or using the new ones in the freebies - it helps me decide if I really want to go to the expense of buying a large pattern and using all the specialty threads/beads/charms that many of them call for. I also like to substitute things for them - and if they don't come out great, well, I really haven't lost a whole lot of time or money. They also make nice small gifts and ornaments. Yup - freebies are the best thing since buttered toast!!
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Wouldn't you know, the only time I have to really sit down and write, and Fortune Cities is down for upgrades - so this post will be late getting published. I'm trying a new program to easily publish pictures to my blog, but can't preview them right now. Hopeing it works - as it would be so much easier to upload this way.
Been a busy week. Dad had more of his leg removed on Tuesday (the 18th) and I've been at the hospital quite a bit. I've also made some rhubarb-strawberry jam to put up for winter. Seems it never makes it though, as the kids devour it before the cold weather sets in. They've already opened one "to sample". Uh-huh! Got to get more made.
Pinetree Garden Seeds sent all my plants this week, and with all the rain, I can't get them in. I hope they don't suffer while waiting to be able to get into the ground. I've got asparagus, strawberries, horseradish, garlic, blue potatoes and wintergreen to get in. They sent these later than I would have expected, but won't complain until I see how they do. Our last frost date here is usually around June 1st.
I got a bit of stitching done while I've been offline waiting for Dr.'s calls. It's miserable with one phoneline, but I'm getting more done being off the PC!!! I've finished another old WIP and even framed 3 FO's that I had done earlier this year. I'm quite pleased with the results. I've uploaded the pics of them using the new program, so I'm hoping to have good results with it.....
Been a busy week. Dad had more of his leg removed on Tuesday (the 18th) and I've been at the hospital quite a bit. I've also made some rhubarb-strawberry jam to put up for winter. Seems it never makes it though, as the kids devour it before the cold weather sets in. They've already opened one "to sample". Uh-huh! Got to get more made.
Pinetree Garden Seeds sent all my plants this week, and with all the rain, I can't get them in. I hope they don't suffer while waiting to be able to get into the ground. I've got asparagus, strawberries, horseradish, garlic, blue potatoes and wintergreen to get in. They sent these later than I would have expected, but won't complain until I see how they do. Our last frost date here is usually around June 1st.
I got a bit of stitching done while I've been offline waiting for Dr.'s calls. It's miserable with one phoneline, but I'm getting more done being off the PC!!! I've finished another old WIP and even framed 3 FO's that I had done earlier this year. I'm quite pleased with the results. I've uploaded the pics of them using the new program, so I'm hoping to have good results with it.....
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Fortune City was down for maintenance the last few days, so even though I had been writing to my blog, it wouldn't publish. Not sure if that was a good thing or not :-D Anyhow - we are back on track and "live".
I took some time yesterday to work on my newly adopted project - filling in the doll's hair and working a bit on the border. I decided to put this permanently on stretcher bars, so I could work on it daily for a while. Guess I'll deem this one as a focus project. I also started Shepherd's Bush "May" from their "A Year In Stitches" series. I picked a piece of True Colors Backgrounds in Chantilly instead of using the recommended Cherub Pink Linen. I'm not sure what I want to use for the butterfly button. I've got a bunch of different ones in stash, and I also just purchased a box of Sculpey clay to do my own buttons, so I might try getting more creative and doing my own butterfly instead.
I'm not sure how good the Sculpey clay is - as most of the people I know that make the buttons use the Primo brand. That was twice the price in the store - not sure why, but thought I would try this first, and see if it is satisfactory. If not, the kids will have something to play with while I purchase the other brand. I'm getting tire of spending a couple of bucks on each button when it only uses a few cents worth of clay. Granted they are cute and someone has to be paid for their work, but if I can do the same thing myself, so much the better, as I can use that saved $ on more gorgeous threads.
I took some time yesterday to work on my newly adopted project - filling in the doll's hair and working a bit on the border. I decided to put this permanently on stretcher bars, so I could work on it daily for a while. Guess I'll deem this one as a focus project. I also started Shepherd's Bush "May" from their "A Year In Stitches" series. I picked a piece of True Colors Backgrounds in Chantilly instead of using the recommended Cherub Pink Linen. I'm not sure what I want to use for the butterfly button. I've got a bunch of different ones in stash, and I also just purchased a box of Sculpey clay to do my own buttons, so I might try getting more creative and doing my own butterfly instead.
I'm not sure how good the Sculpey clay is - as most of the people I know that make the buttons use the Primo brand. That was twice the price in the store - not sure why, but thought I would try this first, and see if it is satisfactory. If not, the kids will have something to play with while I purchase the other brand. I'm getting tire of spending a couple of bucks on each button when it only uses a few cents worth of clay. Granted they are cute and someone has to be paid for their work, but if I can do the same thing myself, so much the better, as I can use that saved $ on more gorgeous threads.
Saturday, May 15, 2004
I really need to keep personal stuff out of this blog - as I created this as an escape and to keep a journal of my stitching, knitting, crocheting, etc. I need an outlet for my "creative" side (ok, well creative with someone else's help in pattern form - LOL) and an escape from life, because life isn't always the best thing to write about.
So without futher blabbing, on to better things.....
My CIC socks are sitting and staring at me and making me feel guilty that I'm ignoring them. I should have never picked them up :) Our weather here has turned hot and muggy - promoting thunderstorms every late afternoon and evening. With no air conditioning, my hands get sweaty awfully fast when I knit, so I won't touch them until I'm either in air conditioning or when it cools down.
I had a small finish today. I'm one of those people who like to comb yard sales and the sales sections to look for cool frames. If they are a great deal and are cute, I'll buy them. At the time I don't have a clue with what I'll do with them, but along comes a project that is just perfect for them. This is one of them:
This was taken from the June 2004 issue of Stoney Creek Mag., and was designed for their specialty frames. The size was just perfect for a very small frame I found a while ago. It's only 1"x1-1/2" and fits perfectly when stitched on 18 ct. Damask. I'm really pleased with it, but my scanner just doesn't like the shine to the fabric. Actually, I don't think my scanner likes much when it comes to needlework. But, hey - the price was right when we got it.
What a wonderful trip to the mailbox I had today! I found an envelope containing an UFO that I adopted from Annette of the TWRBB!! It's a beautiful TW called "Under the Evergreen". I've had this pattern in my stash and have wanted to do it for a while, but like everything else, it was never started, because I always seem to get caught up in committment stitching, and not much with what I like. Since this is already started, it HAS to go in my rotation stitching!!!
Here's a pic of what Annette sent:
Thank you so much, Annette!!!! :-)
So without futher blabbing, on to better things.....
My CIC socks are sitting and staring at me and making me feel guilty that I'm ignoring them. I should have never picked them up :) Our weather here has turned hot and muggy - promoting thunderstorms every late afternoon and evening. With no air conditioning, my hands get sweaty awfully fast when I knit, so I won't touch them until I'm either in air conditioning or when it cools down.
I had a small finish today. I'm one of those people who like to comb yard sales and the sales sections to look for cool frames. If they are a great deal and are cute, I'll buy them. At the time I don't have a clue with what I'll do with them, but along comes a project that is just perfect for them. This is one of them:
This was taken from the June 2004 issue of Stoney Creek Mag., and was designed for their specialty frames. The size was just perfect for a very small frame I found a while ago. It's only 1"x1-1/2" and fits perfectly when stitched on 18 ct. Damask. I'm really pleased with it, but my scanner just doesn't like the shine to the fabric. Actually, I don't think my scanner likes much when it comes to needlework. But, hey - the price was right when we got it.
What a wonderful trip to the mailbox I had today! I found an envelope containing an UFO that I adopted from Annette of the TWRBB!! It's a beautiful TW called "Under the Evergreen". I've had this pattern in my stash and have wanted to do it for a while, but like everything else, it was never started, because I always seem to get caught up in committment stitching, and not much with what I like. Since this is already started, it HAS to go in my rotation stitching!!!
Here's a pic of what Annette sent:
Thank you so much, Annette!!!! :-)
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Thursday Already?
They removed Dad's leg on Tuesday, and he's not doing well with the reality of it gone. He's not eating much, so to entice him, I took a Happy Meal in for him. He LOVES McD's cheeseburgers and fries, but he really didn't touch it. A couple of fries were chewed and spit out and that was the end of it. I don't know if they told him he would be put into a nursing home for rehab/therapy or not. Dad is 79 and from the old school, so when he finds out about the nursing home, he's going to assume it's forever and we're dumping him there. We have all been discussing this between us (all the children), but there's nothing else we can do with the extent of the therapy he will need and they won't keep him in the hospital for it.
I haven't really been online at all, as we need to keep the phone line open for the doctor to check in with us as well as other family members. My one aunt - whom I never seen - made a huge deal of me being online one day when I got on to work on my online classes. I think I was on about an hour to an hour and a half and she made a large scene at the hospital about my irresponsibility of being on the computer and tying up the line when my father is ill. Since then, I really haven't been on except the early hours and late at night - but feel guilty even then. I need about 12 hours a week to do my classes, and I haven't been doing that. I'm behind and will probably lose my certificate now. I have less than 2 weeks to go, and I don't know if I'll be able to catch up. Oh well - it's no biggie, but it's frustrating that I get reprimanded like a child, and buy an aunt I haven't seen in years.
So, anyhow - I need to get off this, and on to more relaxing things...
Knitting. Yes, you saw it in print, I did some knitting. LOL I took a CIC sock with me to work on through the operation. It's much more portable than XS and as long as I don't have to count and just do straight knitting I was great. We could sit and visit, and the knitting kept me busy enough not to worry too much. I made it to the turning of the heel, and decided that's as far as I should go then. I'll get that turned and then let it sit to do more straight knitting when they operate on Dad's other leg in the near future. I tried to work on DH's sock, but ended up dropping a stitch, and for the life of me, I couldn't pick it up! Guess the stress of the operation was enough to keep me from getting that bugger. Dropped stitches and stressful situations don't go together for me. No count, calming straight knitting is more my style then.
I've been working on some old WIPS out of my XS box this year - and am happy to report a finish of 10 old WIPs/UFOs with another almost done. I'm having a great time working on them and it feels good to get them done finally! I won't own how many more I need to go, though. At least, not yet :-) I'm not only sticking to just those in the box, but am also doing whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like it. My latest finish is a Just Nan called Beaded Rose. I found the frame at Walmart, and it's exactly like the frame pictured on the cover of the leaflet! The only difference is, the one on the leaflet cover is $19 more!!!! Here it is framed:
On that note, I must get off line - as it's getting to that time when the Dr. calls.
SEIZE THE DAY!!!
They removed Dad's leg on Tuesday, and he's not doing well with the reality of it gone. He's not eating much, so to entice him, I took a Happy Meal in for him. He LOVES McD's cheeseburgers and fries, but he really didn't touch it. A couple of fries were chewed and spit out and that was the end of it. I don't know if they told him he would be put into a nursing home for rehab/therapy or not. Dad is 79 and from the old school, so when he finds out about the nursing home, he's going to assume it's forever and we're dumping him there. We have all been discussing this between us (all the children), but there's nothing else we can do with the extent of the therapy he will need and they won't keep him in the hospital for it.
I haven't really been online at all, as we need to keep the phone line open for the doctor to check in with us as well as other family members. My one aunt - whom I never seen - made a huge deal of me being online one day when I got on to work on my online classes. I think I was on about an hour to an hour and a half and she made a large scene at the hospital about my irresponsibility of being on the computer and tying up the line when my father is ill. Since then, I really haven't been on except the early hours and late at night - but feel guilty even then. I need about 12 hours a week to do my classes, and I haven't been doing that. I'm behind and will probably lose my certificate now. I have less than 2 weeks to go, and I don't know if I'll be able to catch up. Oh well - it's no biggie, but it's frustrating that I get reprimanded like a child, and buy an aunt I haven't seen in years.
So, anyhow - I need to get off this, and on to more relaxing things...
Knitting. Yes, you saw it in print, I did some knitting. LOL I took a CIC sock with me to work on through the operation. It's much more portable than XS and as long as I don't have to count and just do straight knitting I was great. We could sit and visit, and the knitting kept me busy enough not to worry too much. I made it to the turning of the heel, and decided that's as far as I should go then. I'll get that turned and then let it sit to do more straight knitting when they operate on Dad's other leg in the near future. I tried to work on DH's sock, but ended up dropping a stitch, and for the life of me, I couldn't pick it up! Guess the stress of the operation was enough to keep me from getting that bugger. Dropped stitches and stressful situations don't go together for me. No count, calming straight knitting is more my style then.
I've been working on some old WIPS out of my XS box this year - and am happy to report a finish of 10 old WIPs/UFOs with another almost done. I'm having a great time working on them and it feels good to get them done finally! I won't own how many more I need to go, though. At least, not yet :-) I'm not only sticking to just those in the box, but am also doing whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like it. My latest finish is a Just Nan called Beaded Rose. I found the frame at Walmart, and it's exactly like the frame pictured on the cover of the leaflet! The only difference is, the one on the leaflet cover is $19 more!!!! Here it is framed:
On that note, I must get off line - as it's getting to that time when the Dr. calls.
SEIZE THE DAY!!!
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