First Finish of 2023

I have had the pleasure of doing a test for a wonderful designer who goes by the name TheWoolenRose on Ravelry. Her designs are so feminine and to me, have a Victorian/Edwardian type flair to them. I tested her Edwardian Cowl in 2021 and fell in love with it so when I saw her new shawl available to test, I had to do it.

The shawl is not named yet, no is it live to purchase at the time of this posting. I used yarn out of my stash, a soft acrylic baby yarn. When I saw the shawl, I immediately thought of a new mom wearing the shawl and covering her baby with it while she held her precious bundle or taking it off and wrapping the baby in it. For this reason, something extremely soft and easy care was needed in my mind.

I had some "Bleu" Zeeman's SuperSoft in my stash and thought it was perfect and then for the border I used Herrschner's 2-ply Baby in "Eggshell". The pattern was easy and the finished shawl turned out large, lovely and so very, very soft. I used about 3.25 skeins of the SuperSoft and 1/2 skein of the Herrschner's.

This shawl was a lovely start to the new year. I have not decided where to home this shawl yet.

Works In Progress/Unfinished Objects

I have been looking at everything in stash as well as my UFOs and WIPs. Strangely enough things seem to keep multiplying. I close the door to the craft area and all the stash seems to "get it on" and I find even more surprises the next time I visit the craft room. 😆

I saw that I had missed a few items on my end of year list and I'm sure there will be more found as the year goes on. I really need to finish these things. Having them just sit in bags and take up real estate is no good for anyone. They aren't being worked on or used for their intended purpose and they aren't being enjoyed by anyone. 

That's my reality check and one of my goals for this year. The other goal is to use more stash than what's brought in. I would just say yarn stash, but I think all craft stash. I mean how many decorative paper pads, stamps, paints, yarn, etc. do I need? According to the craft world, MORE! Did you ever buy something because it was only available for a limited time only? Have you acted on purchasing something because once it's gone, it's gone? Need I go on? 

So tell me, why does the craft market make you feel like you have to have that item and why do they make it so it's around for a couple of months and then gone? I got caught in that web more than once and I can show you all the stamps and stuff I have that I've never used because I got it because I might want to use it someday. Worse part is, I get it, forget it and then buy something else that's somewhat similar and then may or may not use that, and then buy something else because it's limited.... and the cycle goes on.

I have found the internet and influencers has caused that panic feeling of need to buy the item or losing out on it for good. I don't remember that feeling before net. I went to the yarn store, bought something I liked and usually on sale, took it home and made things out of it. I certainly did not have the stash I do now. Even with sales and closeouts happening. I have no one to blame but me. I fall for the good marketing skills of the craft world. And there's so much to be had. I "need" it all!!!

I know I'm not the only one. I've been watching videos of people who are whittling down their stash and many have the theory that if you no longer love it - get rid of it by donating it or selling it. It is interesting to me that we had to have it at one point - probably to the point of paying a nice hefty sum for it to only turn around and get rid of it by selling it for less than was paid or just donating it. That's not going to fly with me. I bought the stuff, so I AM going to use it. I cannot in all good conscience donate it without making something out of it first. If I truly don't like the yarn, I can make something out of it and give it to a charity as a finished object. Just because I don't like it doesn't me everyone else has the same opinion. Hats, scarves, mittens, etc. are always in demand, so that unloved yarn will be turned into something that can keep someone warm.

I think it's just my generation. My father was raised in the Great Depression and my mother in WWII. I learned the "waste not, want not" way of life and find the more disposable way of life difficult sometimes. My adult children don't want the heirloom china set, etc. and things that mean something to us, don't necessarily mean anything to them so why should they want them? I know, in the end it's just stuff. 

Well, this sure got off my thought of UFOs and WIPs. My brain does a dump every now and then - looks like this is one of them. LOL Before I go rambling on any more - I'll post this mess. I could start over, but who knows where the next post would go.... 

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year! Here's to a new start - a reset for me. I know it's just another day and really nothing special if I weren't following a calendar, but by putting up a new calendar everything feels new to me. Yes, I know, it's all in my mind.

Here's to new finishes, new starts, new ideas, and new adventures!!

End of Year

2022 is winding down and I cannot believe it is almost over. I've been doing an evaluation of my stash and projects that I want to do and the list is soooo long! There are times I wish I wasn't multi-crafty, because then I wouldn't have so much area dedicated to my craft supplies or wasting time trying to decide what to do next with so many lovely things I want to make. Oh the tough choices! 

Currently in progress is:

• Simple Striped Cowl by Hanna Illuzzi
• Feather Wave Cowl by Carol Feller
• Stripey Cowl by Aberdeen's Wool Co./Heather Scott
• Tippets by Claire Slade
• Lattice and Lace Cowl KAL - Mary Maxim
• Lattice and Lace Cowl CAL - Mary Maxim
• Kitty Cat Pot Holder by Sonya Blackstone
• Snowman Crochet Towel - Mary Maxim kit
• The Socks from Hell - UGH - Long story!!!
• Wave Scarf by Anne Collins 
• Heart's Desire Cowl by Eleanor Swogger
• Holiday Heather Mittens by Donna Druchunas
• Candy Cane Socks by Amanda Clark
• Snowman Family - Snowbaby - Mary Maxim kit
• Herpetology 101 MOCK Socks - Becky Greene
• Crochet Slippers - Mary Maxim Crochet of the Month Kit
• My First Knit Sweater by Marly Bird
• Serrena Poncho - Italian Story Design Team
• Basket and Carnations - Mary Maxim kit
• Jounce Cowl by Sarah Jordan
• Cuddly as A Cloud Cardigan by MJ's Off the Hook Designs
• Crochet Tee (unnamed) - my own pattern in progress
• Grogu and Mando Diamond Art
• Floral Pillow Cases (Embroidered)
• Snowman Diamond Art
• The Color of Purple Bracelet (Peyote) by Susan Arrighi

There are a few things I didn't list because I haven't decided if I am going to frog them or continue on with them.

Seeing everything listed is an eye-opener. It seems like I'm a serial starter, but not really the case. I work on things and have to put them aside to do something for someone else, then I either forget about them or I just don't want to pick them back up right away. Some of the projects listed above have been in progress for awhile - like the Socks from Hell. Oh those things were started at least 10 years ago and no matter how much I tried I couldn't get a perfect match with the sock pattern. I just couldn't understand it - I'd think I had the pattern, cut and start over, and NOPE - so I'd try again and again. FINALLY, I figured it out. Although I started each ball from the center, it appears one of the balls had the pattern backwards. After I figured it out, well, I had cut and cut and cut until I finally gave up. Then there was the heel. I had finally made it to the heel of the second sock only to find out my gauge was way looser than the first heel. It was a garter stitch short row, so it really was obvious. That was ripped and now that sock sits. I should just give up on it, but I'm going to get that miserable thing conquered even it if kills me! lol

With the prices going up and up, I think I'll primarily be playing in my stash next year. I won't say I'm totally going "Cold Sheep" but instead, my goal is to use more than what I bring in. 

Twist Hat Preview Knit

Twist Hat 

 I love doing test knits for two reasons - first I get to help the designer check the pattern and give some feedback that is actually listened to. The second reason is I get to try new techniques from a pattern that I may not have been able to purchase. If I buy a pattern, I want to use it over a few times to make it worth spending the money on. On some of the test patterns, I may only want to make it once or just learn the awesome technique. 

This hat falls into the first category. I love testing for this designer. She's great!!! The pattern pictured above is called Twist Hat and is by Verily Knits. Although designed to use 2 solid colors, I decided to try something way out of my comfort zone and use a variegated yarn with a solid. Well, it's turning out a a bit unusual and I'm not sure if I like it. It's bright and cheery but busy. The good thing about doing this with a test is that those that may want to try a variegated can see what it may look like finished and then decide if they want to put the time into it or not.

Not all designers allow you to stray from their norm. Some want the item done in the same yarn as they used, others want specific colors or fibers. Then there are others that you need approval from. This test is actually called a "Preview Knit" which allows you to knit using whatever yarn you want and even make some modifications to the pattern. The pattern itself has already been tech edited and tested, so no worries about catching problems or mistakes. I love the freedom that comes with this type of test.

I'm using Knit Picks Memories in the colorway Easter and Schachenmayr Regia for Hand-dye 4-fadig/4-ply in the colorway 1992.

Mando and Grogu Diamond Art

The start

I confess... I am a Geek at heart. I love the comic book heroes, Harry Potter, the somewhat older Dr. Who, Star Trek and offshoots, as well as some of the Star Wars (the original trilogy and the Mandalorian.) I totally adore Mando and Grogu, so when I saw the diamond art for them posted at Amazon, and at HALF PRICE even, I HAD to order it! 

Mando and Grogu 

Diamond Art isn't for everyone. It's sparkly and very simple and has a blocky look like cross stitch. My kids think it looks cheap, but for me, it's a nice alternative to counted cross stitch, which my older eyes don't do well with any more. My start is at the lower right hand corner. So far I'm enjoying this kit!

Creative Ewe Addresses Creativity

I have been crafting for almost a half century now. (Man - that makes me sound so old!!) During that time - I've gone through the same things discussed in this video. From childhood creativity to having to think inside the box. Once I got there, I didn't didn't break free until this past year. I've started changing things, looking at things differently and just having fun.

I started with an online tutorial with no written pattern to follow. By not having the directions in front of me, I started to see things and how they were constructed. It's been a true eye-opener and the only thing I would change now would to have been able to have jumped outside the box sooner.

Disappointed with Ravelry

On June 23rd, I logged in to my Ravelry account and as usual, looked at the Ravelry main page to see what amazing patterns or designers were being featured. Instead, there was a posting saying that they would no longer allow support of our President and his administration. Those that supported them would be banned. Instead of a NO POLITICS, there was a NO TRUMP policy. Why? Because according to those that run Ravelry, those that support President Trump and his administration were white supremacists! Then, they stressed the importance of inclusiveness and how everyone should be included. My chin hit the floor.

If I voted for Trump or if I'm a Conservative is no one's business but mine. I have never posted anything political, racist or anything offensive about anyone. I went to Ravelry to gather with like minded fiber artists for education and encouragement - and that sharing ran both ways. I have been on the receiving end of help as well as giving it. Unfortunately, that feeling has gone by the wayside. I am no longer comfortable in what is called an inclusive environment when it is obviously not.

People became labeled as white supremacists because they didn't believe what those that ran Ravelry does. Tell me how this is any different than the bully on the playground telling you that you had to do whatever he said or think the way he thought, or you'd pay one way or another? I remember being a child that befriended someone that my friends didn't like. They told me I had to stop being friends with that girl or they'd stop being my friend. I thought it was absurd and didn't follow their rules. I was mocked, kicked, punched, shoved, etc. every time they went past me to let me know that I was going against their "rules". Yes, we made up and became friends again, even though I never unfriended the girl they wanted me to, but there was a level of distrust from then on. I always wondered what I'd do to make them angry again. Tell me how Ravelry's new policy is any different?

When we allow labels to be put on groups, then we notice a difference and hatred gets a foothold. Don't believe it? Watch a group of young children play together. They don't notice race, religion, IQ scores, or anything like that, until it is pointed out to them. They do see differences, but accepted it like hair and eye color. Discrimination and hatred is learned as soon as it is labeled.

Tell me, why can't we all just be a group of people who love the Fiber Arts? Why does politics, religion and sex have to be allowed when it should be excluded - they are hot topics and have no real place in a group that many of us use to escape from our daily lives. It WAS a safe haven for me. Obviously, it is no longer.

Test Knitting Dishcloth

Ravelry... a great place for inspiration and a lovely community of people who love the same hobbies you do. I spend way too much time there but it's much cheaper than therapy! LOL

While cruising the boards, I came across a nice quick test knit opportunity. It was for a beginner dish cloth. With my friend, Peggy, always wanting me to make her dish cloths, I could "kill two birds with one stone" by testing the pattern and at the same time, making Peggy another cloth.

The Checkered Blocks Dishcloth is designed by Angela Childress and is a teaching pattern for beginners. It is very detailed, included a practice swatch and even has a place for your notes. This is definitely perfect for teaching someone how to knit a useful item. This free pattern will be released on 7/1/2019.

I made my sample using Lily Sugar 'n Cream Scents in the Chamomile colorway. The pattern was not only easy, but made a nice size cloth of about 8" x 8". This is the first time I've used Lily Sugar 'n Cream Scents and honestly, for the price and yardage difference, it's not worth it. There was a slight scent but nothing really noticeable. When I picked up the yarn, I was getting different colors and never even noticed this was a "Scents" and not straight up Sugar 'n Cream.

Braids Crochet Scarf Cowl

My Christmas list has grown significantly over the past couple of years, and I have been searching for something useful and "different" to make for those on my list. I found a very interesting cowl on Ravelry, and knew I had to make it! It looked quite complicated although it was listed as being super easy to make. On Ravelry, the pattern is available for purchase as well as a link to a video. I viewed the video to see if it was something that I'd like to try and found that I really didn't need to purchase the pattern, as the designer, Karen Valladares, gives all the counts as well as very detailed instructions in her video!

After viewing the video, I just had to dig out a Lion Brand Mandala cake and start hooking right away. I chose the Unicorn colorway and found in no time, I had the beginnings of a most odd looking cowl developing. My husband took one look at it and asked exactly what was I making and who on earth was I making this odd thing for?!!

I have to admit, it does look quite strange in the stitching process, but the beauty is in the piecing together. I continued until I reached about 35 inches, then finished it off. I did have someone in mind when I picked the colorway, but after finishing the length, I'm not sure if I'll still give it to her or someone else. The person I made it for loves the color pink, but there's not a lot of pink on it.

After braiding the loops together, the cowl had quite a different look. Hubby certainly liked it better than the wild loop look, but he dislikes the colorway. Personally, I think it's pretty, and even though it's called Unicorn, it makes me think more of Hello Kitty. That's why I thought about someone else - because she's a Hello Kitty nut and has things in her wardrobe that will match the color scheme of this cowl.  Oh the decisions!

The cowl is finished except for weaving in the 2 ends and adding buttons. I'm going to have to go to Michael's, JoAnn's and/or Walmart to see if I can find buttons the correct size and color to match. I hope the recipient will love it as much as I loved making it. It should be warm and easy to put on and take off without messing up one's hair. I love cowls, but the one thing I dislike is how easy it is to muss your hair when taking it off.

If you'd like to make your own Braids Crochet Scarf Cowl, I've included the video below. If you prefer to have a written pattern, you can find Karen's instructions for sale here.

Newborn Hats and a Great Weekend

The weekend was quite fun for us. My son gave hubby a HD video drone that he played with all weekend. Unfortunately, the drone will only fly for 10 minutes on a charge. It frustrates hubby that he can't get much flying in between charges, but he's still having a blast with it.

Our daughter lives on the other coast, so she mailed him a package that won't arrive until today, but also bought him a fun mug that says "I don't snore... I dream I'm a motorcycle". That girl nailed it! LOL

Since our son had to work over the weekend, he couldn't spend time with Dad, but it gave us an excuse to get out and go to a local Beer Festival. We had VIP tickets and got a glass and early entrance. Of course, hubby had a good time!

I've been going through more boxes. I've got a goal of one a day, but have been doing more. It's amazing the things I'm coming across, like baby clothes, stuffed animals, etc. and of course - yarn. I've pulled out the baby clothes to wash and will donate those that aren't stained and are in good condition. I had put them away in the attic in case we had another child, but that didn't happen. Unfortunately, they moved with us and ended up in storage. Well, time to go!

I so enjoy making baby and child size items, but with no grandchildren, I was starting to feel a bit sad that I didn't have anyone to make anything for. Well, the light bulb came on one day when I thought, "Why do I need grandchildren? So many children need warm clothes and I have all this yarn..." Talk about a DUH! moment. I don't know why I didn't think about that before. Shoot - I used to make things for charity years ago. I guess it didn't hit me then, since the kids were still young.

I made a few newborn size hats for charity using Bev's Easy Round Baby Hat pattern. The pattern is written for both preemie as well as newborn sizes. The charities I'm considering donating to both need newborn and larger, so I made 5 to add to the charity box.

I used 2 partial skeins and wasn't sure how many I would be able to get out of them. The striped had finished off the skeins. I ended up playing yarn chicken with the pink and had to change the bottom from the FPDC/BPDC ribbing to a single crochet round in blue, then a slip stitch round in pink. I had 19" of pink left.

That's two more (partial) skeins out of the stash!

Shell Beanie Makes Three

Honestly, I'm surprised how quickly these crocheted hats are working up. I guess I've been knitting for so long, that I forgot why I used to crochet instead of knit. Knitting takes a much longer amount of time to get the size hat and you won't get the distinctive look of a crocheted item. Crocheting, on the other hand, can replicate the look of knitting, however, it will be heavier.

This hat was made using Breann's Shell Beanie pattern from last year's CAL. I used a 5.5 mm (I) hook and Caron's Simply Soft in Sky Blue and obtained a gauge of 6.75 stitches and 4 rows to 2". I did find that I had a tendency to make the shell area a bit tighter, until it clicked in my brain that I'm working in the round and not flat. Once I figured that out, I was ok. I have no idea what the difference was - but hey - whatever works! My hat fits an adult woman (adult medium).

This makes hat #3 to donate.

Strawberry Patch Hat

Yesterday I told you about Breann's Crochet Along for A Cause 2019. I also mentioned that she had great patterns and that she also had tutorials. I went back to last year's crochet along and looked through her patterns and to see what she had done in the past to decide if I wanted to join in. The first pattern posted for last year is called Strawberry Patch Hat. It is an adorable hat!

Well, I had to try it out to see how the pattern was done. I was really pleased! The pattern was quick and easy as well as well written.

I used Caron Simply Soft in Sky Blue and a 5.5mm (I) hook.  My gauge was 6.75" and 4 rows to 2". The finished hat fits and adult woman (adult medium).

Crochet Along for a CAUSE

Nothing is more fun than crocheting or knitting with others. Unfortunately, not all of us can get out to meetings due to when they are scheduled, where they are located, time constraints, no baby sitter or an illness/disability. An online crochet or knit along is the next best thing! Everyone comes together and does the same project(s) and some like to have a discussion and show off what they made, while others like to sit back and enjoy seeing and reading about others experiences. There is no pressure in a group like this.

Hooked on Homemade Happiness is having a Crochet Along that runs all summer. One FREE hat pattern per week will be posted and only takes a small amount of time to complete. Her patterns are well written, she has tutorials posted and everyone has fun while making something for a great cause!

I'll be joining this great crochet along and hope you will join along with me. We will have fun while doing something good for our community - sounds like a win-win situation to me!!!

For more information, visit:
https://www.hookedonhomemadehappiness.com/crochet-along-for-a-cause-2019/

Charity Crochet - Ugly Yarn

I have been going through boxes of things that have been in storage. When we moved here, we moved quickly and didn't have time to put thought into what we really wanted to keep or discard. What we didn't realize was, we were downsizing. Granted, the house is actually larger than the one we moved from by about 100 square feet, BUT, this one has no attic space. On top of that, the contents of a 2 bedroom apartment added to the "collection". UGH! So this is a huge project that is going to take some time (a gross understatement!)

While going through some boxes yesterday, I came across some very "dated" yarn that came from my mother when she died. It screams 1970's. I wonder what made my mom purchase such a color scheme. Was it on sale at the right price? Or maybe she had a project that called for it. Could she have possibly LIKED the color combinations? Or maybe it was just given to her. Mom never said no to free yarn! Unfortunately, I will never know.

I figured I'd give it a chance and crochet a swatch up to see if by some chance, there would be a surprise result. One never knows exactly how the yarn will work up while still wrapped on the skein.  I worked the swatch over 20 stitches using a size 10 (J) hook. I did 5 rows of single crochet and 3 rows of double crochet. Maybe I'm just not seeing the beauty, but it's certainly not getting any better than my first reaction... UGLY!

Now I felt I had a challenge on my hands. I had to do something to make this yarn into something useful and something someone would want to wear. Margaret Olander (her YouTube channel can be found here) is such an inspiration to me. She loves the challenge of crocheting and knitting with scraps and she does a lot of hats for charity. She was showing a some hats she had made using the Better Late Than Never Beanies by Kathy North. It was perfect for using this yarn in!

I think it tones down the yarn some. Unfortunately, the picture is a little off. The brown is a bit darker than what it appears here. I used Red Heart Super Saver in Brown for the main color. I also changed the pattern a little. I followed the pattern for 18 rows. In the directions it says to end the main color and work the last rows in the contrasting color. I ended the contrasting color and continued with the main color.
Row 19: Double crochet around.
Row 20: Chain 3 and work a Front Post Double Crochet and a Back Post Double Crochet around
Row 21: Single crochet around. Finish off.

I liked the ribbing look on the bottom. This hat was made in the Adult large size. I used an "I" hook and the gauge came out spot on.

Textured Washcloth With Hanger

My dear friend Peggy loves handmade washcloths and dishcloths. She always asks me to make them for her. When I asked her how many she needed, her reply was, "As many as you want to make for me!" So, I'm on a mission to make a bunch of cloths for her. How can I refuse making something that someone will actually love and use?!

I will be giving her a mix of both crocheted and knitted cloths and scrubbies and see what she prefers so I can tailor more to her liking and needs. Knowing Peggy, though, she'll love them all.

Textured Washcloth with Hanger is a crocheted cloth that is on the smaller side. It was easy to make and has a nice wavy texture to it. It also has a chain hanger in the corner that will allow one to easily hang it to dry. I used the same cotton yarn as I used making the Market Bag: Peaches & Creme in 159 Pink Lilacs colorway.

Market Bag Finished

The Market Bag is finished and although it's nice, it's not exactly what I wanted. The bag is smaller than I thought, however it does hold quite a bit. I put in a decent size head of cabbage, 2 grapefruit and 8 clementines and still had room to spare.

The only thing I didn't like about it was the bottom design. Although it is solid and won't allow things to slip through, it has corners that look like weird "ears" when you put something in it that doesn't completely fill the bottom. My cabbage was the heaviest and looked VERY odd in the bottom. I know that aesthetics won't affect usefulness, but I guess I'm just a snob when things don't look right. I will continue on my bag search, but will still use this one for smaller things like peppers, etc.

WIP - Market Bag

I've been looking for good bags to use at the Farmer's Market. I'm not sure how sturdy my Tyvek type reusable grocery bags are, and they aren't the most joyous to carry around at the market. I usually have a numb and painful hand by the time I get back to the car.

I came across some market bags on Ravelry (don'tcha just love that place?!!) and found one that I liked. It's called Market Bag by Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Bernat Design Studio. It's a free download at their website. Ravelry has posted you need to be a member to download it, but I am not logged in, and could still download the pattern.

I'm using Peaches 'n Cream 1-pound cone in #159 Pink Lilacs colorway and am about 1/3 of the way done. It's an easy pattern and I'm hoping it will perform the way I want it to. I chose this over other mesh bags that were on Ravelry, because of the solid bottom. I thought it would help keep smaller things from falling/poking through the bottom. I also like that the sides expand and fit around the items that you put in the bag. Just not sure if it will be wide enough to get things like cabbages, etc. in. I guess I'll find out when it's finished and being used.

Darn Good Yarn Subscription Box Projects

Subscription boxes... you hear all about them, but are they worth it? Some are, and some aren't -IMHO. I have tried quite a few and will discuss them in future posts, but I really need to share one that I'm currently subscribed to now. It's called the Darn Good Yarn of the Month Subscription Box from Darn Good Yarn. When I subscribed to it, there was a code that made the first month free. At the time of this post, I see the code is still active. It is at the top of the page in large white letters on a blue header. If you're interested in trying this out - now's the time! The normal price for each month is $10 plus shipping. The cost of shipping will depend on where you live, but for me here in the US, it is about $4.

What separates Darn Good Yarn from other yarns? Their yarn is made from reclaimed silk that would have been normally just thrown away! I love the idea of making something useful out of something that would just become more landfill. The yarn is interesting. I've used three different skeins of their yarns and have enjoyed each one of them. They are, of course, silk and they are a lot of fun to work with.

The subscription boxes contain a pattern, a skein of yarn and a surprise. The pattern has both a crochet version and a knit version of a project, so you don't have to worry about choosing one that is for your favorite craft. I love the versatility of the kit. Sometimes I like the knit version of the project better than the crochet version, and vise versa.  My first kit allowed me to add a surprise item for $5. Of course, I had to add it to the box! When my first kit arrived, it contained a pattern for a cowl, Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk in the Rainbow colorway, a set of knitting needles and a crochet hook, both in size 5.0mm (their surprise) and the $5 surprise was a skein of Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk in the colorway Crimson Fire.

Since both skeins of yarn were the same type, I worked up both versions of the pattern. The crochet version is called Ripples Neckware by Victoria Dorn, and it was the perfect design to use the Rainbow colorway with.  This cowl worked up so quickly and in the round, so there was no seaming and just ends to weave in.  I love how bright and cheery this cowl is. Although you cannot really see it in the photo, this is done in a ripple pattern.

The knit version, called Snow Big Deal Cowl by Darn Good Yarn was knit using the Crimson Fire colorway of the Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk. Both cowls turned out nicely. The directions are easy enough for a beginner and each uses one whole skein. I did have a very small amount left from the crocheted version, but used the whole skein with the knit version.

My second box contained a pattern, a skein of Darn Good Yarn Fancy Twist Silk in the colorway Pink Flamingo and a needle bag. The bag is the perfect size to hold the needle set included in the last shipment. Each month, a few items are offered at a special price to subscribers and you can add 1 or all of them to your shipment if you want. With this box, I chose a handcrafted yarn bowl. I had expected my shipping costs to go up with this added item, but it didn't! So no only did I get the bowl at a great price, but there was no extra charge to add it to my order.

The second box contained directions for an adorable bag called "Treasure Keeper Pouch" by Darn Good Yarn. It comes in both a knit and crochet version. I did the crochet version because the dimensions were a bit larger and the bag would be more durable. I followed the directions with no modifications and found I didn't have enough yarn to make my tie the length that was specified on the directions. I was off just a bit, but still had enough to make a decent size bow when I tied it.

I am enjoying the subscription so far and will continue it. So far, each skein of yarn has been 50 grams and the patterns are designed for the yarn you receive. I like that you can pause the subscription if you need to take a break from it for a bit. I find the yarns different and fun to work with and the patterns, so far have been useful. This bag will be used as a gift bag.

The hand made yarn bowl was an add on.
The needles, crochet hook and case were the surprise gifts
from shipments one and two

I'm looking forward to next month and can't wait to see what yarn and pattern I will get - as well as the surprise. There have also been a few nice offers of exclusive add-ons that I'm mulling over. I'm sure at least one will be added to my next shipment.

Wave Scarf - A Memento of Australia

Anne Collins Australian Hand-dyed Merino
Colorway: Ocean

In 2016, I spent a good 5 weeks in Australia. It certainly wasn't long enough, but all fun things have to come to an end. While there, I spent some time at The Rocks and happened to meet a wonderful textile designer by the name of Ann Collins. She was friendly, helpful and oh... the items she had on display! It was so difficult to choose what items I wanted to bring home. I finally decided on two delicious skeins of yarn - one of her hand-dyed Australian merino and the other her hand-dyed mulberry silk. Ann also included a pattern with both skeins of yarn. I had decided when I returned home that I would look for the perfect pattern that would capture what I loved most about my stay there. I looked for awhile, gave up, and forgot about it. When cleaning my closet, I came across the bag of yarn and upon pulling it out, found that the perfect pattern was in the bag, all along. It was Ann's Wave Scarf pattern! I was entranced by the ocean and spent nearly every day by the water - either at Circular Quay or at Manly. This scarf has all the elements of the sea to me - the colors as well as the wave pattern.

I casted on and have been knitting on and off for awhile now. I haven't gotten a lot done, but have questioned my technique of the drop stitches. It looks messy to me and I'm not really sure how it should look, since I've never really done a drop stitch where you can see the yarn/stitch definition so clearly. I have also gotten my fingers caught in it and pulled the stitches, which gets frustrating. That's when it's time for me to set it aside. I have watched some YouTube videos to see if I am doing things correctly, and as far as I can tell, I am. I guess I'll just have to keep going, block it, and see the results. I know blocking can make all the difference. I had considered just ripping it out and making something else, but after seeing the videos, I think I'll continue and finish the scarf. The wool is so beautiful that I want to create something that will show it off.

Cardmaking

I read a book about a Mennonite family that did card making along with other hobbies. The one girl said she wasn't as good as her sister or mother and told about how much they loved it. There was a reference to a Stampin' Up representative that gave her mother a catalog, so out of curiosity, I did a search on the net about card making and Stampin' Up. Wow! I found so much information and had no idea how much of an art making cards could be. I had stamps when I was younger, but never really knew how to use them.

I will have to say I went hog wild the next few months. I subscribed to card making kits and bought tools, inks, etc. I've since cancelled all the subscriptions except for 2 Stamp of the Month clubs and one subscription from CrateJoy. The subscriptions are a great way to start out with stamping. You can find many tutorials using those kits on YouTube and they include almost everything you need to make some gorgeous cards.

I needed a thank you card and Simon Says Stamp had a lovely card kit in January that made some great winter themed thank you's.



 I found this perfect and just in time for making and sending out my Christmas Thank You cards. I had a ball making them up! I used the stamps from the kit and instead of using the designer papers, I used watercolor brush markers for the background color. I also added snowflake and bottle cap sequins to give it a little sparkle.

I'm learning how versatile stamps and other embellishments can be. There are things I would have never thought of doing - like decorating on the inside of the card or using different types of embellishments to decorate. I'm learning to look at things differently.

We Need a Revival!

This poor, poor blog has gone neglected for way too long, as had my crafting. Let's face it, life gets in the way and mine really got in the way. I hadn't really touched any crafts or needlework until just a bit ago, so I'll finally have something to post about again.

Cross stitch has gone to the wayside. It's not that I don't love making those precise little X's, but between my eyesight and my offspring not liking the "blocky" look to the finished design, there's really no reason to continue down that path. I'll keep a few things and a couple of kits to work on, but I'll be liquidating my cross stitch stash. I wonder if there are people out there who still stitch. Almost everyone I know has moved on to other hobbies.

I'm now a member of The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) and am taking the Basics course to prepare for the Master Knitter's course. It is a lot more in depth than I had expected and I'm very pleased about that. I'm enjoying it and learning a lot. I've also found a local Guild here, so I will be attending my first meeting next month.

I've also been learning a bit about paper crafting, painting, drawing, and playing with inks and dies. I'm having a lot of fun with that as well. I've dug some crochet back out and have dusted off the sewing machine. I'm just having fun trying out new things and exploring the old and taking them to a new level. Life is full of excitement and things to do/try. I hope you will join in my journey and share your trials and triumphs with me as well!

A Sort of Confession With A Little Progress to Report

I  have been sorting my cross stitch and other crafts slowly over the past few months and it amazes me how many things I have in my to stitch pile as well as my WIPS pile. One of the things I wanted to focus on and finish last year was my Noah's Ark piece. It's nothing impressive but I found it cute when I bought it. I started it back in 2005 and picked it back up in 2006 and then it sat until last year.

11-4-2006

As of today.

There are times I wonder why I keep plugging along on it. I don't have any small children or anyone that would really want it now, but it is something I need to finish. 

Do you have anything that you keep pulling out, putting a few stitches in and then putting it away again - and every time wondering why you keep plugging along on it?

Welcome 2015!!

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We can again begin with a brand new slate and a fresh outlook with new goals. There are no failures, just setbacks that can be learned from or changed. I love sitting down at the beginning of each year and plan. Those plans will be many and I may or may not attempt or succeed at doing them all, but this list of plans always signifies hope and dreams for me.

To start the New Year off right, I decided to spruce up this old blog and get down to some serious business. It's been forever since I've done any type of updating and boy could I tell. I miss writing about the projects and things I have been doing around here. There's something to be said about going back and reading old entries. It surprises me how much I've forgotten over the years.

One of the things I want to do is get back into stitching. I've had some issues with my eyes that have prevented me from putting my needle to a blank cloth. I am hoping that the issues are truly going away and I can see relatively well again - at least good enough to continue to stitch. I have so many projects that need finishing!!! So with all faith in my eyes healing, I've signed up for the 2015 Smalls Stitch Along (see sidebar for more information). I think that will be a great incentive to get back into the swing of things.

On Wednesday, we went to town to get a pork shoulder for the traditional New Year's Pork and Sauerkraut and of course I have to browse the after Christmas markdowns. We always replenish our wrapping paper and boxes for the next year and look for things that can be used throughout the year as well. I found a nice assortment of cute gift bags and bags to put cookies and other goodies in. I'm now all set for the next Christmas Cookie Exchange!

While browsing at Home Depot, I came across a marked down amaryllis that was abused and begged to be rescued.  It absolutely STANK with the smell of a putrid aquarium - almost a sewer smell to it. The poor bulb was swimming in water and it was hacked off - no flower, no leaves, nothing but a spent mass of smell.

I had to take it home and disassemble it. What I found was a bulb that had the basal plate chopped off, roots trying to grow but most were rotted off.  I washed it off and cleaned it as best as I could.

I really wish I had taken photos of the condition it was in when I took it out of the container, but my main concern was getting this poor thing planted in a new pot in soil and hope that it would recover from all its abuse.

It is now in a sunny window and possibly in soil for the first time in its life. I wonder what it's "thinking" now...

The plant was in a very tall vase type container that was filled with rocks and the spiked stand that kept it off the bottom of the container and kept it level. These things had to be washed and washed to get rid of the putrid smell. They still need to be bleached and then they will all be repurposed. That poor amaryllis will never have to worry about seeing that torture chamber again.

Now we just have to convince it to survive...

December Snapper Finish

Finally! The December Snapper is finished and am now working on the border. Now, maybe I'll have it done before the New Year!

Stash Stitching In 2013

It has been forever since I updated this blog. Life had thrown many changes our way, and I'm finally back on track to enjoying stitching and life and general. The last three years have been difficult, and with those difficulties, I put aside my stitching - actually all crafting in general and just escaped reality through books. I guess it's what I needed at the time. Now it's time to get back to work on those poor pieces that have been hiding in boxes for the last 3 years (or more).

2013 is the year for stash stitching for me. No purchases except for the occasional thread or bead that I may run out of while stitching a WIP. In fact, I've joined along with others on the Abstinence/Celibate Wagon and have committed to a year of stitching without buying new stash. My project list is as follows:

My UFO/WIPS List (starting with 38 in '13)

Art Ventures Old Sentinel - 15%
Bent Creek - Snappers (12 w/border) - 12 completed plus 1/3 of the border
Carriage House Samplings - The Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
Cross Stitch & Country Crafts North Woods StockingCrossed Wing Collection Hummingbird Garden 35%
Curtis Boehringer Needlewomans Murder Mystery
Dawna Barton - Dinner Call - 60%
Diane Arthurs Happy Everything - 60%
DMC The White Bindweed Fairy - 15% - found mistake must rip
Dimensions - A Bird For All Seasons - 5%
Dimensions - Magic In Motion - 5%
Dimensions - Wolf Portrait - 65%
Drawn Thread Miniature Reversible Sampler
Drawn Thread - Winter Spot - 10%
French Calendar free weekly - 23 of 52 finished
Hearts Delight Noahs Ark Kit - 50%
Helga Mandl and Barbara Ana - Mystery Sampler - 45%
Just Cross Stitch 2001 Ornament Issue Cinnamon Bear 70%
Just Nan First Stitches
Just Nan Last Stitches
Kustom Krafts - 4 Horses of Apocalypse
Kustom Krafts - Fire & Ice
Kustom Krafts - Sofa Cat
Lanarte Romantic Picnic 15%
Lavender & Lace Celtic Spring - 35%
Leisure Arts Noahs Ark Baby Afghan 50%Marquoir Mystery Sampler freebie SAL 3 of 9 finished
Marty Bell - Hideaway Cottage
Pamela Kellogg Cupids Garden Mystery SAL 15%
Pat Rogers Hearts & Lace Sampler 70%
Paula Vaughan - May
Pegasus Pekingese Dogs V. 4 15%The Silver Lining Aymars Amber Rose 30%
Sweetheart Tree - Olde English Needle Roll - 15%
Sweetheart Tree Teenie Tweenies Spring Has Sprung 30%
Teresa Wentzler Stretch 15%
Teresa Wentzler Under the Evergreen
Vermillion Stitchery - The Holy Family

*Item in fuchsia is my focus piece.

Here's where I am on my focus piece. I can't believe that the last time I worked on it was in November of '06!!!! I'm hoping to have this one done in the near future - then onto the next...

Long Month

It has been almost a month since my last post, but it certainly doesn't feel it. The time has gone by so quickly, probably because we've been quite busy around here.

First, I really need to tell about something that has still has me speechless. I have a dear online friend that lives miles and miles away. I'll probably never get to meet her in person, but she still touches my life in so many ways. I received a box the other day from my favorite needlework shop, and it contained the following gifts from this wonderful friend. (she made me cry)

1. Hummingbird w/accessory pack - The Victoria Sampler
2. Living Free w/accessory pack - The Victoria Sampler
3. M is for Mother w/accessory pack - The Victoria Sampler
4. Snow Sisters w/carrot noses & buttons - Wildflower Stitchery & More
5. Sparky & Friend w/carrot nose & buttons - Wildflower Stitchery & More
6. The Vally of Peace - Thomas Kincade

How do you say thank you and make it sound as grateful as you feel? And what do you do to repay someone for this much kindness? My last purchase of anything cross stitch was the JCS Ornament issue and I can't even remember what it would have been before that. This package certainly made me feel special :) With all that said I had to stitch one as soon as it arrived and after I found the perfect fabric in my stash for it.(Can you guess which one? see below)

Garden season has started, and I've been spending some time getting things planted, plus getting the garden ready for all the seedlings that will need to be put in soon. The garlic is growing nicely, the onions are doing well, and so is the rhubarb. The peas are peaking out after being in the ground since Easter weekend, and I'm impatiently waiting for them to really grow! I'll be putting more onions and potatoes out today, and will try to get the Swiss chard and lettuce planted.

We've had a few days of 90(F) degree weather, and the nights have unseasonably warm. It has been nice for hanging out clothes and the weather has made things bloom quickly. Sadly, today is the last day of this weather, and we are going to see a 20-30 degree drop in daytime temps starting tomorrow. I'm worried that we are going to see frosts that are going to hurt the plants in bloom. That would be awful for the apples and berries that had a quick awakening.

DS was accepted at all the colleges he applied to, and has finally decided on the one that he wants to attend. Surprisingly, it's quite close, so we'll get to see him more than expected. He was looking at a few outside the state, so this was a very nice surprise!

The paperwork that we needed to do has been ...ummm... interesting. As a homeschooling mom, I've come to appreciate all the the school district did when I went to college :) We've made it though, and after the evaluations this year, my son will be officially graduated, and then we send off the end paperwork for his state approved diploma. YAY! He made it!

Stitching

I ended up with an abscessed tooth, which put me down for a while. Between the pain and the antibiotics that made me sick, I had a bit of time to stitch since I couldn't do much else. So I have a few finishes to post :)

I had promised to post a picture of my Helga Mandl and Barbara Anna SAL, and totally forgot to put it up. I'm not quite as thrilled with it as I thought I'd be when the SAL first started. My problem is that I need a picture to make sense. At first this one did, but as I stitched the other parts, it felt more like a bunch of cute pictures thrown together without any type of a story behind it. I tried and tried to make sense of it, but haven't been able to. If someone knows or has any suggestions of how it all ties together, I'd appreciate hearing from you. You know, it's funny. I never knew why I picked what I do to stitch until doing this piece.



My goal was to get 4 WIPs/UFOs finished this year. I'm going to make that and pass it. For some reason, I'm really drawn to finishing things from "The Box" that holds those pieces that have been put aside for one reason or another.

This finish is called "Sneak Zucchini Nite" and was a free chart from Just Another Button Company with the purchase of the buttons. The Needlecraft Corner had the whole kit on clearance last year that cost about the same as just purchasing the buttons. Well, since it was such a reasonable price this design just had to be stitched for our home! There has always been a standing joke in our area, that when you are tired of your squash, you would sneak and leave it on your neighbor's porch to get rid of it. :) Thus, the reason it just HAD to be stitched. This design was stitched on 30 ct. R&R No Longer Blue linen. I started it last summer, and had put it aside thinking I'd have it finished by August.



I pulled out another UFO - SanMan Originals "Blooms", and was happily stitching away, when I realized that I was going to run out of thread for the lettering. No where in the instructions did it state that I would need 2 skeins of thread, and now the thread is discontinued. I did find another skein, but being hand-dyed, there was a BIG difference in the thread colors. I matched up the orange but got very frustrated, and tossed it back in the UFO pile. The worst part is I don't even like the color of the lettering threads and it doesn't look like the colors at all on the chart. The chart doesn't show any orange in it that I can see. Oh well.



This is probably on of my favorite finishes so far this year. It's "Hummingbird" from The Victoria Sampler and is stitched on Silkweaver's Potpourri 28ct. Jobelan. I've had the fabric in my stash for a long time. It was a piece that I got from the FOTM club (that was QUITE a while ago!) This piece was a real joy to stitch. I decided to leave off the word "Hummingbird" that went along the bottom left under the branch.



After that lovely new stitch, I went back to the WIP/UFO pile, and pulled out the Bent Creek Monthly Snappers. This makes my 7th finish on that piece - only 5 more to go!