Diane, Yarn & Fiber Addict

Good-bye Pixie Girl :(

2011-02-12T16:22:00.003-05:00

The End

2010-10-03T10:06:00.001-04:00

It's time to end the blog. No one ever comments. I have no idea if anyone is out there. So it's time to say good-bye. It was fun at first, now it's like a chore, and with no feedback I have no idea if it's even interesting.

Bye.

No trespassing

2010-09-18T09:03:00.003-04:00

Not much going on here. Not much to write about. Same old crap, different day. I won't write about the backstabbing that happened. Or the trespassing.

I will show you some fabs I recently bought. I love them! I have left them out to admire before I put them into the cabinet.

I love looking at all my fabrics.

Whenever we go shopping my cousin always drives and won't take any money for gas, so I made her a totebag. I love the colors. Reminds me of ice cream.

Fall is fast approaching. My favorite frozen custard place is closing down after this weekend. I need to go get one. Season finale.

I really need a laugh

2010-09-08T21:31:00.003-04:00

Somebody. Anybody. Make me laugh. I'm so stressed about this fast approaching loss of my job. Trying to stay calm. Sick of sending out my resume. OK, rant over. For today.

Got some new fabrics. These are so fun. They just make me smile when I look at them!

Look at those fruit butt ladies, LOL! They just crack me up! I just HAD to have that fabric when I spotted it in the quilt shop over the weekend. And I totally fell in love with that fall print from Joann's. New fabs in the house. That always makes me smile!

I also bought some fleece to make the kitties a new blanket.

They love to lay on that ottoman and look out the window. The ottoman is getting kind of ratty looking so I made them a little blanket to put on top of it. Gotta keep them comfy and cozy. Love my kitties! They also make me smile :)

It's the little things that count

2010-09-06T15:16:00.003-04:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend! The hot humid summer sure flew by. It's been a lot cooler and less humid lately. I love it. Fall is my favorite season. But it's still officially summer. I found this little quilt at a garage sale the other day. I could not resist the fall colors so I bought it.

Time to rearrange things in the living room again and put out fallish type things. Haven't figured out where I'll put this little quilt yet.

I'm still working on my Knits Picks Spring/Summer Shawl. I'll probably still be working on it when spring comes around again, lol!

I'm ready to change colors again. This thing is taking me forever. I'm a slow knitter. But I do other crafty things too besides knit all day and night. I'm almost done with a quilt I'm also making. I just need to hand sew the binding down and that one will be done. Next one is a Christmas quilt. Been gathering the fabrics for that one. But it's way too early to think about Christmas. Especially since I'll be losing my job soon. The stress level is very high here.

I sewed my daughter a little pouch. We had a pickle event a couple weeks ago that made us laugh so when I saw this fabric I just had to buy it and make her something.

Can't wait for her reaction!

My Aunt sent me this little cross stitch ornament the other day. It cheered me up. It's always the little things that make me smile the largest. I need to hang it in a place of honor.

Hope you're enjoying the nice long Labor Day Weekend!

My great bargain!

2010-08-31T17:34:00.002-04:00

Raise your hand if you like estate/garage sales? Fun fun fun! I love going to them. You never know what you will find. It's the thrill of the hunt! I went to an estate sale over the weekend. Found this china cabinet. Didn't want to pay the price they were asking and had no way to get it home anyway. The seller told me I could have it for $45. I still had no way to get it home. He said for $50 total they would deliver it. I bought it!

It's mine! All mine! And only $50! It's in my house. I did not want it for china. Nope. I wanted it for my fabric! I want to be able to see my fabrics!

There it is! My fabrics are in there. On display. It was fun to sort through them and put them in there. It was like rediscovering old friends. Some fabs I had forgotten about. So good to see them again. It did not take long to fill this cabinet up.

But there's still room for more! Must go shopping . . .

I pinned together my Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along Quilt. I just need to tie it. I'm not going to quilt this one. It will get tied. I think I'll start working on the tying tonight while watching TV. It's so hot outside, miserably hot, so I will stay in and play with my quilt.

Once I get it all tied then all that's left is the binding. And it will be DONE!

I did make another totebag. I'm a bag ho. I love bags. Bags are my thing. Can't have enough bags.

I just love this one. I think I like each one better than the one before and then I buy more fabric and it just goes on and on and on . . .

Stressed

2010-08-25T17:51:00.004-04:00

Sewing. Sewing a lot lately. Stressed. When I'm stressed it helps me to sew. Just a few more weeks and I won't have a job. No job, no health insurance. No health insurance, no heart medicine. Do you see where I'm going with this? Stressed. Stress is not good on a heart patient. So I sew. It's an endless cycle. As long as I have fabric I can sew. I made my daughter and I some pillowcases. I used Soft & Comfy from Joann's for the ends. It's their version of Minkee. Very very very soft and cuddly.

I had a little bit left so I made my Aunt a little pouch. She takes the same heart meds as me. Us heart girls have to stick together.

I'm also finishing up a quilt and I have another one to cut out. Plus I made another totebag and a yo-yo tree. Pics to come soon.

I bought some cute little goodies on my little vacation. I just fell in love with this little clock! And it ticks!

It ticks quietly. A very comforting sound. I got the little runner that's under the clock at the same store. A vintage/antique/gift store. Very nice stuff. Reasonably priced. Lots of fun to look around! I also got this table runner there.

It looks cute on my table. I always wonder about the person who stitched these things when I come across them. Fun finds. They will live on in my house now.

I need to go sew some more. Still stresed. My daughter sent me the funniest card to cheer me up. It worked!

I think I'd like some morphine about now ;)

I'm craving chocolate

2010-08-21T08:50:00.002-04:00

What I wouldn't do for a big fat donut right now. Or a huge piece of chocolate. Or a handful of cookies. Sigh. I miss junk food. Lots. But I'm adapting. I should not complain. The stent is working, and I'm losing weight. And I'm still here!

I finished the shawl I was making with Farmhouse yarns. It's so soft!

It's still very hot out so I haven't been able to use it yet.

It will come in handy once the cold weather sets in.

I also finished the quilt top for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. It has a brown border, hard to see it as I took the picture on the grass.

Today I'm going to go buy the backing, binding and batting. The 3 B's! It's going to be twin size. I'll be glad when this one is done. I also have the making for a Christmas quilt that I can't wait to get started on. I just don't have a lot of ambition when it's hot and muggy, even with the AC turned on.

We hit a couple of antique shops on vacation last weekend. Bought the cutest jar of buttons! Also hit a quilt shop . . . of course! And got some fats.

I also bought a couple more things from the antique/gift shop. Still need to take pics and get them on here. Wish I was still there. Vacations and long weekends always go so fast.

Vacation

2010-08-17T19:26:00.004-04:00

Why do vacations fly by so fast? I went away with my daughter for a long weekend. It was awesome! We had a lot of fun. Tried new things. Went one from extreme to another in the temperature department, from almost 90 degrees to the lower 50s.

We attended a tastefest of food from local restaurants at the locale we went to. OMG such good food and wine and desserts! And so fun! There were also animal rescue units in attendance, getting the word out that they need donations, etc. One place rescued wild birds. We got to see some owls up close and personal! What gorgeous anmimals!

That little beauty was the barred owl. Such sweet cute eyes!

I can't remember what kind the second owl was. But she was scared and just stayed in the cage opening and closing her mouth and flicking that tongue in an out. Fascinating creatures!

There were ducks at the beach. My daughter wanted to stick her feet in the water and attracted ducks.

They were probably hoping she had a piece of bread for them.

Love the sound of waves washing onto the shore.

And at the end of the day . . . a beautiful sunset.

A wonderful time was had. Good mother-daughter bonding. Can't wait to go back!

Keeping cool

2010-08-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

A couple of cool nights and low humidity days and I'm hooked. But it won't last. The hot humid stuff is coming back. I did manage to get a shawl done made with wool yarn in the cooler weather. It's blocking.

Do you like my blocking mat? A kid's toy from Walmart, lol! I need to get some more so my blocking space is bigger next time.

I finished the last block of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. Of course I screwed it up. Terrible instructions on some of these blocks. Maybe I shouldn't complain as the pattern was free, but the designer knew they were writing free patterns so maybe their heart wasn't in it and they didn't care. Anyway, it's done. I'll probably never do another "along" again, sometimes they just aren't fun.

Next up is getting the sashing done, then the border. Then the quilt top will be done! I'm just going to tie this one. Nothing fancy. I still need to get the backing, binding and batting for it.

And on a totally different note. Went shopping with my cousin and aunt and sister last weekend. These cranes hang out in my cousin's front yard. What a view!

Imagine looking out your window and seeing that!

Lots of knitting, but nothing finished

2010-08-03T16:34:00.004-04:00

Been knitting and knitting and knitting. And getting nowhere fast. I have three shawls on the needles. One is almost done. Until then, all I have is this quilt block to show. It's for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. It's the second to last block! I can't believe it's almost done.

After the next block the instructions come out on how to finish it then after that I'll have a finished quilt top. Must buy batting. And backing.

From me to me

2010-07-23T08:04:00.003-04:00

Humid. Humidity makes me crabby. Humidity makes me lazy. Humidity makes me very lethargic. It's very humid today. Just hanging in the air. Very tropical. All I want to do is sit. Or hang out in the frozen food section at the grocery store.

I finally got the red, white and blue table runner done. I really like it!

I will leave it in the living room all summer. I just love the red white and blue stuff.

It will stay on the entertainment center, but of course I had to get an outdoor shot.

Lately I've been doing a lot of knitting. Just too hot to do anything else. I'm very surprised that I can stand to touch wool yarn, but I've been managing. I treated myself to this.

It's my birthday and that's what I bought myself. The Knit Picks ball winder. I love it! Some of my knitting group friends are making the Knit Picks Spring/Summer Shawl. I jumped on the bandwagon too. I used the ball winder to wind all the lace yarn for the shawl. Otherwise I'd still be winding it by hand. What a timesaver! Here's what I have knit so far.

I haven't gotten very far. Just started last night. I took the day off and I plan on sitting and knitting a lot. It's my birthday, I can do whatever I want! I may be dodging severe thunderstorms later, but I'll worry about that later. I'll hide in the basement with my shawl and ball winder so they don't get destroyed.

Have a great weekend!

Sit and Knit and Read

2010-07-18T10:14:00.003-04:00

Look! They are almost ready. My first cherry tomatoes of the season. I can't wait to eat one.

I'm keeping a close eye on these. They taste like summer! They are like candy all warm from the sun and fresh. YUM!

It's been hot. Every day it's hot. It's hot at night. Not a lot of energy when it's hot, so I've been sitting and knitting. I got some socks done. Just a plain old vanilla sock pattern using Hobby Lobby yarn.

I'm impressed with how well I matched the stripes. They were knitted separately. First time using that brand of yarn. Not sure if I'll ever use it again.

I started a prayer shawl. I just fell in love with this pattern when I saw it and had to buy the booklet and enough yarn for it. It will take me a while to get this done. Good TV knitting. Good knit night knitting too.

I also started this little shawl. The yarn was being used for another lace shawl. I kept screwing it up, it frustrated me, so I frogged it and I'm making this little shawl. I did make this pattern last year with a different yarn and my daughter ended up getting it. This one is MINE. This one is Farmhouse Yarns. Real nice yarn.

I also added to my stack of summer reading. Used book sales are fun. I could browse them for hours.

Good beach reading here. Just a few more weeks and I'll be on the beach with my daughter for a mommy-daughter weekend. I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to that. Current read is Catcher in the Rye. Next up is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. That's what is going on here. Time to go turn on the AC and knit.

Summer Projects

2010-07-10T08:10:00.003-04:00

Still healing, resting, getting stronger every day! I have lots of projects to keep me busy. First off I completed Block 10 of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I can't believe there are only two more blocks to go!

I'm also still working on the red, white and blue table runner. I got the quilting done. By machine of course! The binding is now on. All I have left to do is hand sew the binding to the back then it will be done.

It's bigger than I thought it would be. If I was really skinny I could use it as a quilt, lol!

After what I've been through heart-wise, I've become brave and decided to learn a new knitting technique. Two at a time socks! It can't be any scarier than heart surgery.

It will be so awesome to have both socks done at the same time! That yarn I'm using is red, the camera just kept capturing it as orange, so I gave up. I'll be fooling around with this in the near future. I have a pair of socks on the needles now that I want to finish before I start this project. So many projects, so little time.

And last but not least, what would summer be without some good books to read! I had fun in the clearance area of Barnes & Noble the other day. Bought a bunch of books AND a heart health cookbook and didn't break the bank. Bring on the iced tea and my deck and I'll be happy sitting and reading for hours.

That's what's going on here. Hope you're keeping cool where you are. The awful humid heat wave has passed. I'm sure another one will come in the future. For now, I'm going to enjoy the warmth and low humidity.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T13:48:00.003-04:00

Happy Independence Day! It was a hot one here. And even hotter today. I made this little dolly for Independence Day. I think I'll leave her out for a while so I can still admire her.

I've been working on a red, white and blue table runner but just wasn't able to get it done in time for the 4th of July. I finally got all the blocks made.

The log cabin block! First time I ever made one of those. I need to sew the blocks together and put on the borders.

Once that is done, then the usual, add the backing, batting and quilting, then binding. I need more hours in the day.

I also got this beautiful Asian fabric from Joann's. I want to make yet another totebag with it.

I love totebags. Bags of all kinds. I want them all! I just can't seem to have enough bags. My addiction!

Here a block, there a block

2010-06-27T12:22:00.002-04:00

Phew, hot and humid lately. I don't know why, but I love to sew when it's hot. I finished the most recent Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. Block 9 already!

I really like this block. Much better than the last block.

I'm working on a red, white and blue table runner. I don't think I will have it done by the Fourth of July, but that's OK, I leave red, white and blue stuff out all summer. Here's what one of the blocks looks like.

My first time doing a log cabin block. Fun! I am changing the pattern from what the directions state to do, putting my own spin on it. It's been a fun project so far.

I did get some more towels done. I really like how these two turned out!

So that's what I've been working on, mostly sewing. I do have a sock on the knitting needles, but I haven't worked on it much as I don't like to touch wool when it's hot outside. I did get my little red, white and blue dolly done, but have been unable to get a good pic of her. Maybe next post.

Gotta go check the sky. We have yet another severe thunderstorm watch today. Maybe it will cool it off a little bit. Or at least get rid of some of the humidity.

Summertime summertime sum sum summertime!

2010-06-21T17:56:00.002-04:00

Summer Solstice. Happy First Day of Summer!

Before you know it, the Fourth of July holiday will be here. In preparation for that I'm making a little ragdoll. She's going to be all dressed up in red, white and blue. She started out in bits and pieces.

Had to stitch parts of her face, paint parts of her face, and paint the stripes on her legs. And sew her hair on. And then sew her all together.

And there she is! All ready for her new clothes. Making her dress will be my next project. I'm loving her so far!

Summer means fresh tomatoes from the garden! I do not have good luck with garden tomatoes at this house. Something always eats them. So I'm trying the Topsy Turvy thing this year. We'll see how that goes.

So far, so good. My son came by and planted and hung that for me. I can't lift heavy stuff yet.

Now if I could just get someone over here to clean out those damn little trees growing in the gutters . . .

Simple Things

2010-06-19T08:56:00.003-04:00

It's the simple things that make me smile these days. Such as a nice comfy pillowcase! I made a red, white and blue pillowcase for the pillow I've been keeping in the living room for naps. I seem to take more naps these days. Still recuperating. Need my rest. I have a red, white and blue quilt (bought from the store) on the couch in the summer and it needed a pillowcase to go with it. It doesn't match perfectly, but good enough, I'm not picky.

I like making simple things these days. Can't concentrate long. Maybe it's from the heart attack, I have no idea, but it's like I have ADD now. So I'm keeping it simple. I made a set of pillowcases for my bed. I love this fabric! There are little birds in that print. Very cute.

I found the cutest pattern on line for decorating towels. But I couldn't find plain muslin, cotton or tea towels. I'll have to look harder. I ended up buying some hucktoweling fabric and some waffled muslin and made my own little towels. Then I decorated them. Lots of fun. And for a mind that can't concentrate long they were the perfect project. I have a whole bunch of them lined up to sew. Maybe today.

Have a nice weekend! Go do some crafting or something fun, and keep cool. It's going to be steamy here.

Yes, I'd love a chocolate shake

2010-06-12T13:05:00.003-04:00

I'm still here. The ticker is still ticking. I would love some fast food, some fat, some bacon. But not allowed. I guess the only fat I can have are fat quarters. May have to take a trip to a quilt shop for some, and satisfy my craving.

I did get the next Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along Block done. I hate it. I was so confused on the instructions, I was ready to give up on this quilt. I did not enjoy it. And quilting/crafting/sewing/knitting should not be like that. Maybe it was just me, maybe some brain cells died off during the heart attack and I couldn't understand the instructions. So I just did it my own way and moved on.

I hope the next block isn't so hard to follow along.

Maybe I should stick to making bags. The instructions for this bag were a charm. It's a Lazy Girls Design.

Very detailed steps, good instructions. And I love how it turned out! Here is a peek at the inside.

Nice size bag. Now if only I had somewhere to go so I could use it.

And last of all, I finally got the Picot Edge Socks done.

Love the colors! And now that it's hot and muggy socks and dishcloths are probably the only things I'll be knitting until the weather turns cool again.

The Big Scare

2010-06-01T16:42:00.002-04:00

Long time no blog. Sometimes bad stuff happens, we are never prepared for it. I have lived through some big scary words lately: Heart attack, myocardial infarct, stent, heart catheterization lab, ambulance, heparin, hypertension, blockage. And that's just a few. I lived through it and am healing now. I will go back to work soon, I don't want to but I have to, gotta keep my health insurance and pay my bills.

Now that I'm feeling better I've been able to do a few crafty things! I finished the block for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along.

Once I got that done and enjoyed sewing again, I started on a skirt for me. Lots of ruffles and gathers. Fun to make and very comfortable for summer.

And I got to use wonderful cotton fabrics for the skirt. I did line it. It can go to work or it can go out for fun. Very versatile summer skirt.

And I just couldn't pass up this fabric. I bought it to make my daughter a little summer dress, or a bathing suit cover up, or she can just use it as a nightie if she wants.

I'll get that in the mail to her soon so she can enjoy it. The weather has been hot lately. One minute it was cold, then suddenly it was summer. And technically it's still spring. I hope you're enjoying the weather where you are.

Done!

2010-05-16T10:31:00.005-04:00

Finally! My two little quilts are done and it's nice outside to take pictures of them. First off is my Candy Hearts Quilt.

I just love this quilt! So cute and fun and just amazing to look at. Amazing to me because I made it and it's so cute!

This is what the backing looks like.

Fun and colorful! And here's a close-up of the hearts. After you finish the quilt you wash it and the unfinished edges of the hearts fray.

I'm so in love with this quilt. Can't stop looking at it. I did some machine quilting on it and I tied it in other parts.

The Schnibbles quilt is also done. So colorful!

I love colorful backs on quilts. Couldn't resist buying this fabric for the backing.

Haven't decided on my next quilt yet. But my brain never stops thinking, planning, looking for that next quilt pattern, fabric, charm squares, thread. It never ends.

I'm actually going to make a skirt. I haven't sewed any garments for myself besides jammies in ages. I'm looking forward to this. I have the pattern. I have some fabrics. I can't decide which ones to use, can't decide whether to make the long or the short skirt first. I need to buy more fabrics to supplement either one.

Decisions, decisions. Maybe I'll get enough fabric for both. I hate when I can't decide, but I better decide soon before the fabric isn't on sale any more.

Wild windy day

2010-05-08T10:09:00.004-04:00

A wild windy Saturday today. Wow! Windy, cold, rainy, and did I say windy? A good day to stay inside and work on crafts, and pray the power doesn't go out.

The totebag I was making for my mom for Mothers Day is done. I love it!

Have to guard this totebag so my sister doesn't steal it, lol!

Here's a closeup of the prairie points and covered buttons.

I will definitely make this again. It was a very fun project, and I learned some new things. I found the pattern in the current issue of Quilts & More, my favorite magazine.

Had craft night at my house last night. Always a very fun night! I made a scissors fob for my aunt. She's always sending me little gifts and notes and cards, so I wanted to make her something. She loves cupcakes.

And look what I bought! A cross stitch kit.

I used to cross stitch all the time but it got pushed aside when I learned to knit. I found this kit not too long ago and just had to have it. Purses in a purse! It's so me. I love bags. This will be a good summer project. Sometimes I don't want to knit in the summer, yarn just feels too hot to touch when it's hot outside.

I'm off to do some crafting. Have a great weekend!

One can never have enough calico

2010-04-30T22:27:00.003-04:00

It's Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along Block time again. I got the most recent one done today.

I thought I'd screw this up and have to rip some out, but I didn't. It all went together as it's supposed to. That's five blocks done now.

Yesterday I worked on something I haven't done in ages. I made some covered buttons! I forgot how sore my fingers get when doing that, but they turned out really cute.

They are going to be sewed onto that totebag I'm making my mom. They are just decorational (is that a word?), not functional. I'm glad there were only three of them. More than that and I may not have had any fingertips left.

Patchwork

2010-04-28T18:10:00.004-04:00

I've been back at the sewing machine. My latest project is yet another bag! This time it's not for me though. I'm making this one for my Mom for Mother's Day. Here's the patchwork, machine quilted.

That's the pocket. It goes in the front and back. I love how it turned out!

Last night I sewed on some prairie points! That was a whole new thing to me. I love it! It wasn't hard at all.

I would definitely do prairie points again. That was fun and I love how it looks.

I'm just about done with the Candy Hearts Quilt. Just some small finishing touches, then I'll show you.

I'm off to clean up some of this mess, then time to eat.

Ruffle McFluffle

2010-04-25T12:32:00.003-04:00

I tackled the ruffle on the Candy Hearts Quilt yesterday. Wow, what an ordeal! I calculated it to be around 480 inches of fabric in that ruffle. OMG what a lot of gathering. I gathered it and gathered it and then gathered it some more. Finally got it pinned onto the quilt.

It's pinned on now. Had to get down on the floor and do this. Oh my aching back when I was done. I felt quite old after my floor escapade. Today I'm going to sew that thing on. It does look really cute just being pinned on. Can't wait to see it finished!

Heart Love

2010-04-24T15:20:00.004-04:00

Just moving right along on the Candy Hearts Quilt. I've got the quilt top done. Next up is pinning/basting then quilting. I'll do the quilting by machine, but not a lot on this quilt.

See! Isn't it cute! I'm loving it so far. I just love the giant rickrack on there.

Once I get the quilting done I'll put a ruffle all around the edges then it will be done. Not sure how long that will take me, it's going to be a really big long ruffle.

Hearts

2010-04-20T16:41:00.004-04:00

I started the Candy Hearts Quilt from the Moda Bake Shop. So far I've gotten the hearts sewed to the strips of fabric.

Very colorful and fun! Next I will sew the strips together with sashing which has GIANT rick-rack sewed to it. A very fun project so far!

There was a big ribbon sale at Michaels. 20 cents for the 1/4 inch ribbon. How could I resist. I stocked up!

More color! You never know when you might need some ribbon for a project.

That's it for today. Time to go work on my quilt . . .

Friday, finally!

2010-04-16T16:12:00.005-04:00

TGIF! Let the weekend begin!

Been busy sewing some more and finally took more pictures. First off this little bag. I got the pattern from Lazy Girl designs. Such cute stuff they have. It was free too!

All folded up, nice and neat. And it unfolds into this:

A fun little project. Didn't take long at all. And I'm so in love with that pansy fabric. Bought it on vacation last year.

I made another notebook cover. This time for my daughter.

This one turned out much better.

And yes, I do still knit. It just takes so long to finish a project so you don't see much knitting on here. I'm still working on that lacy shawl. It's in timeout because I keep making mistakes and have to rip back to the lifelines. I did start a sock and did a picot edge on it.

That was my first time doing a picot edge and it turned out! I love it.

I've made so many bags in the last few months. They are really stacking up, didn't know where to put them. I found these bird hooks at Joann's, on clearance for $2.97 each and hung them on the wall.

I love them! Now my bags can hang neatly on the hooks instead of on doorknobs.

Next up is the little quilt from Moda Bakeshop. I have it all cut out and hope to start sewing it this weekend.

More sewing

2010-04-14T16:41:00.003-04:00

I'm still having a blast with my sewing machine! I just can't stop. I did get the Downy Quilts for Kids quilt done. It's so cute. I hope it gives comfort to a sick child.

Might have to make another one in the future. It was a fun project.

I found the cutest pattern for making notebook covers! I made one over the weekend. I don't really like how the patchwork turned out but I love the cover. I have another one cut out. I've learned from my mistakes and the patchwork should be much better on the next one.

It even has an inside pocket for pencils and things!

That was also a fun project.

The new block pattern came out this week for the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. I got mine done.

That's four blocks so far.

And I'm itching to start a new quilt. I found a really cute pattern at the Moda Bakeshop. The charm square pack I ordered from an etsy seller to make it with came in the mail today.

Isn't that fabric cute! I can't wait to get started. It's for a quilt called Candy Hearts Quilt. I'm going to cut the hearts out tonight.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T14:33:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter! My daughter has been home for a few days and I had a wonderful fun time with her. We had Easter yesterday as she had to leave today and my son had to work. Today I have the whole day to myself. It's so quiet around here now.

I was able to get back to the sewing machine this afternoon. I finished this week's Jelly Roll Quilt Along Block.

I'm not really sure I'm liking this jelly roll, but it's all I have so I will carry on. Three blocks down now.

I started a shawl last week, the Arrowhead Shawl. I found the pattern on Ravelry. Usually me and lace do not mix. I have learned (the hard way) that I must use lifelines! And so I am. Those pink and white colored yarns are my lifelines. And it's a good thing I have them there as I have had to rip back. Not fun.

I can tell this shawl is going to take me a long time to knit. But that's OK, I'm really loving this yarn. It's from Farmhouse Yarns, a worsted weight. Real soft as a shawl.

I'm going to sew down the binding on my Schnibble quilt this afternoon and hopefully that will finally be done. That is how I'm spending my Easter Sunday. Hope you are enjoying yours.

A little sewing, a little knitting

2010-03-28T16:50:00.004-04:00

I finally got my Schnibble quilt pinned together and quilted on the sewing machine.

It's a manageable size that I could quilt it on the machine. Took some maneuvering at times, but I got it done. What a busy looking sewing area. Does yours get as messy as mine when you sew? I love having a window by my machine. It lets a lot of light in.

And the quilting is now done and the binding is on. Yay! All I have to do is sew down the binding and it will be done. I will be using it as a wall hanging.

Ooops, looks like I missed trimming some small thread ends. That will get done as I go along.

I've also been working on the watermelon house socks and they are done. What a fun knit this was! Love the colors.

Can't wait to give them to my daughter. Hope she likes them and they fit.

And look at the cute little tin I bought at Joann's! I just love this owl!

I'm using it to store my quilting safety pins. Only $1 at Joann's. Go get one! My sister has one too. We love our owl tins. My daughter is also getting one but she doesn't know it yet.

And that's how I spent my weekend.

Fabric, fabric everywhere

2010-03-25T16:26:00.005-04:00

I'm on the home stretch of my Downy Touch of Comfort Quilt. It's all pieced, the borders are on, ready for the next step.

It's all layered with backing and batting and pinned together. I've started the quilting on my sewing machine.

This quilt isn't that big so I've been able to quilt it on my sewing machine. It still takes some maneuvering but I'm managing. Just a couple more rows of quilting and then I can bind it.

I've been learning more each time I make a quilt. I'm totally addicted. The next one will be better, the seams will align better, the colors will be better. I'm totally enjoying this! Once this Downy quilt is done then I can get back to finishing up the Schnibbles quilt and then . . . the list is a mile long of what I want to make.

In the meantime I received some fabrics in the mail that I bought. Once again from an etsy shop. I can't stay away. Fabric is taking over my life.

Aren't they cute! I have no idea what I'll make with them. Maybe a little bag for Easter goodies. Maybe an Easter table runner. The possibilities are endless.

It's National Quilt Day!

2010-03-20T14:15:00.003-04:00

Look! I have knitting! I finished these socks the other day. Nice and bright.

I used Lion Brand sock yarn for these, and just a basic sock pattern. Another pair of socks to add to my collection.

Today is National Quilt Day. I am doing my part. I'm working on a small quilt. Downy is sponsoring Touch of Comfort Quilts. You can read about it over on the side under my Links. They sent me the cutest fabrics to use!

That's what I'm working on today. I've gotten quite a bit done on the quilt top so far. This is very bright and colorful too!

And I just HAD to show off this fabric that I got in the mail. I fell in love with it in an etsy shop and just HAD to buy it. Aren't those birds just the sweetest little things!

I have no idea what I'll use it for, but I'm very happy it's now in my stash.

Another week, another block

2010-03-19T19:31:00.003-04:00

Block 2 of the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along. So far, so good!

Have a great weekend! I plan on doing more sewing, working on a quilt, knitting, watching a movie.

So much fabric . . .

2010-03-18T05:57:00.004-04:00

Just moving right along on my little Schnibble quilt. Next step is to add the borders. It is going to be so colorful.

It's been such a fun little project. But there has been a lot of ripping and re-sewing. Gotta get those seam allowances just right or the whole thing is off. I finally figured out the 1/4 seam mark on my sewing machine and things should hopefully go a lot smoother now when I make a quilt. I still need to get the backing fabric for this and the binding. Can't decide on a color.

Had a grand time this past weekend shopping with my daughter. We met up halfway between where we each live and shopped in a whole new area. Found a quilt shop in our travels and just HAD to go in!

Love those charm packs! So addicting. And also found a pattern for journal covers. Something different! Can't wait to make some of those.

I have plenty to keep me busy. I need more hours in the day. But I better get to work so I can earn more money to buy more stuff . . .

I have a fiber addiction

2010-03-14T11:32:00.004-04:00

Such a dreary gray rainy weekend. I just want to stay inside and sew. And I will. Later.

I got the St. Patty's Day totebag done for my Aunt. It's on the way to her in the mail. I hope she likes it.

It was hard to part with. I like how it turned out. Instead of using fabric for the handles I used grosgrain ribbon. And I added some lace trim to the pocket. It was fun to make as I love making bags. I'm addicting to making bags. I can't stop.

I've also been working on my Schnibbles quilt. The blockss are sewed together and done.

Next step is to sew the rows together. Then I can add the borders. That will keep me busy today.

I also started the house socks I'm making for my daughter. I'm using Plymouth Encore worsted weight yarn. These will knit up a lot quicker than socks using sock yarn.

I love the colors! I've dubbed them "watermelon socks".

Time to go do a few chores and errands then the rest of the day I'm hoping to sew. And sew and sew and sew. Have a great Sunday!

Sew Till You Drop

2010-03-10T17:15:00.004-05:00

I've been busy at the sewing machine again. Completing one project, immediately starting another. It's been fun!

I got the can caddy completed. A lot of stuff can fit in there. Scissors, rulers, rotary cutter, etc. And of course the one thing I use a lot: a seam ripper.

Just may have to make more of these. It would be a cute gift.

Also finished is the fifties housewives apron. Love the fabric! It just cracks me up.

I'll add it to my pile of aprons. I love making aprons. Little pieces of creativity for not a lot of money.

Today I worked on my little Schnibbles quilt. For hours and hours. It's amazing how time flies when I'm sewing. Here are the blocks before I sewed them into rows.

So colorful! This is going to be a very colorful little quilt. And why yes, I did eat quite a few of those jelly beans. Very addicting.

Green Things

2010-03-08T17:36:00.003-05:00

Spring is in the air. I'm sure it won't last, but it's nice while it's here. The snow is melting and I can see grass. And the temp is in the 50s! But this is Michigan and that could change in a day. I noticed that the days are getting longer now too.

I finished the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along block. That was fun working with a jelly roll.

The next block pattern doesn't get released until next week, so I have plenty of time to play with other fabrics.

My Aunt was born on St. Patrick's Day. This is a milestone year for her, so I'm making her a gift. These are the fabrics.

Green. Shamrocks. I'm making her a totebag. Can't wait to give it to her!

And look! I bought yarn! Haven't done that in ages. I'm going to make my daughter some house socks with this yarn. So bright and colorful! Super wash. Easy for a college student to take care of.

I'm hoping to have them done by Easter so I can put them in her Easter basket. Yes, I still make her an Easter basket.

It's the Weekend!

2010-03-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad it's Friday! I live for the weekends. More time to do stuff I enjoy.

My Jelly Roll came in the mail! I was so happy to come home to a package. It made my day. I have it all cut out and ready to sew. Here it is before I unwrapped it and the scissors got to it.

An unusual blend of colors. But they go so well together. Can't wait to get started on this for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along.

I signed up for a mystery quilt class. It was supposed to start in February. Hmmmm, it's now March and no class has started. I did buy a secondhand sewing machine to take to the class. It's just sitting here waiting to go.

So I made her a dress. Gotta keep her clean and free of dust. Hopefully soon we can travel together and have fun. She sews so smoothly. I'm glad I bought her.

If the class doesn't start soon, I can leave her on the dining table and sew there if I don't want to sew in the sewing room. It's nice to have choices sometimes!

And, yes, I still knit. I've been working on a pair of socks. They take forever. Eventually I'll have some knitting content. That's what I've been working on. How about you?

Have a great weekend!

Coming attractions

2010-03-03T18:55:00.006-05:00

I just can't stop sewing. I'm just about done with the 50s apron. No pictures yet.

What do you think this is? A big empty coffee can, a pattern and fabric? Why, a can caddy. Of course you knew that!

I can keep all my sewing notions and tools that I need by the machine in this thing. I keep having to pull out more and more little sewing tools when I'm sewing. Now I'll have a big pretty caddy to keep them in right by the sewing machine. I could probably use a bushel basket for all the tools I have, but a can will do for now.

I keep coming across the term "Schnibbles" lately. So I just HAD to find out what that meant and then jump on the bandwagon and order a pattern. It arrived safely in my mailbox! I can't wait to start this. I've got my charm squares and background fabric all set to go.

I'll probably be working on it this weekend. I always need to keep busy when someone I love is traveling. It passes the time until they arrive safely. And it will give me something to work on while I impatiently wait for my jelly roll to get here for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along.

Charming

2010-03-01T08:44:00.005-05:00

Charm squares. My new addiction. I can't get enough of them. And I love bags. I love making bags. From start to finish. Here are some charm squares all sewed together ready to be quilted for a totebag.

Here they are now quilted. Nice and soft and with a little bit of body to them now. I love taking pictures in the morning light.

Once all the quilting was done, by machine of course, it was time to assemble the totebag. Everything went together so easily. A very well written pattern.

And nice colorful pockets on the inside! Of course, made with more charm squares.

Done! And now I have a new totebag.

Here is where it all happens. The sewing area. I had this all straightened up and organized the other day. That didn't last long.

I just can't say away from my sewing machine lately.

Next up, another apron. I love making those too. Love the fabric I'll be using for this. Retro looking fifties housewives! I'll be making the one on the top left of the pattern envelope.

I'll be back at the sewing machine today. Impatiently waiting for the mailman to bring me some goodies I ordered.

I refuse to shovel today

2010-02-27T15:46:00.003-05:00

Snow, snow, snow. Every day it's been snowing. Every day I've been shoveling. But not today. So far. I'd rather be inside sewing.

I did get one more pair of jammies done. Last pair for a while. I FINALLY made it through all my jammie fabric stash. I love this fabric!

So comfy!

I wanted to make my son some throw pillows for his new couch. So I got busy at the sewing machine and came up with these.

I think he'll like them. I used a bag of fabric scraps I bought. Yeah, I actually bought a bag of scraps. Like I don't have enough of my own around here.

I signed up for a jelly roll quilt along. I'm excited! Every other Monday we'll get the pattern for the newest block. I bought a jelly roll from an etsy shop. I can't wait until it gets here so I can start my quilt. If you don't know what a jelly roll is, it's a whole bunch of 2 1/2 inch x 40 inch fabric strips that come all rolled together in a package. That will save time on some of the cutting. I also ordered a pattern for a Schnibbles quilt. Funny word. Schnibbles. It's a little quilt made out of little pieces. I'll be using a charm pack of fabric for that. So while I wait for these things to come in the mail, I'll be working on a totebag. Can't wait to get started on that!

Something Different

2010-02-21T18:45:00.004-05:00

I finally got around to a project today that's been sitting patiently waiting for me to work on it. I altered a sweatshirt. It was way more work than I thought it would be, but now that it's done . . . I love it!

It's so warm and comfy. And it has CATS! Here's a close up of the pockets.

That's how I spent my Sunday: Having lots of fun with my sewing machine!

Cough, cough

2010-02-15T19:48:00.003-05:00

Cough, cough, hack, hack. Bronchitis. I've never had bronchitis before, but I have it now. Not fun. It just sucks the life right out of you. All my plans for a marathon sewing weekend with my sister went down the drain. So I didn't get much done this weekend. A lot of naps tho! And a lot of sitting on the couch. I finally got some knitting done. I made a pair of mittens for my grandson. I can't believe how fast these knit up. I've never made child size mittens before. Fun! I'll definitely have to make him some more.

That was some Vanna yarn I had in my stash, color is denim. I worked on them while watching the Olympics, which I'm enjoying. So at least there was something good on TV to watch. My heart goes out to the family of the young man killed on the luge track, what a terrible tragedy.

I did make a couple of pairs of jammie pants. These are for my daughter. Got the fabric at a quilt shop when I went out of town.

I love that fabric! Cotton flannel, very cozy.

And I made these for me with some fabric I had in my stash. Tiny ice cream cones and popsicles. Cute. A girl loves new jammies when she's sick.

Some ice cream would be nice about now too.

Snow Day

2010-02-10T17:28:00.004-05:00

Snow, snow, snow. Lots of snow came out of the sky between yesterday and today. Nope, didn't go to work. And I have a stupid cold, so I stayed home and have been lazy all day. Except for the shoveling part. Ughhhhhh. No energy to sew today, so I'll show you what I've made.

First off, remember that quilted fabric I showed you a while ago? This is what it became. A bag.

I love it! It's very roomy! It was fun to make.

And another bag. This one a totebag.

I just love that fabric! Can you tell I love bags? I love making them. Can't make enough of them. I have fabrics and patterns to make more.

I bought most of those fabrics when I went to see my daughter this past weekend. Just couldn't help myself. Now I have to quit buying fabrics. Let's see how long that lasts, lol! I have a lot of fabrics, but then I see more that I like . . . and it just happens.

I also made this bird pincushion.

A fun little sewing project. But I don't really like making stuffed things. I don't like the stuffing part. He did turn out cute, and I like him. So that's what I've been up to.

Super Sunday

2010-02-07T19:02:00.003-05:00

How is that for supersize? A big huge eclair. And it's all MINE. It's going to take me days to eat that thing. The picture does not do justice to how huge it is. My Super Sunday treat. Oh yeah, isn't something else Super going on today?

February already

2010-02-04T19:19:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it's February already? Time sure is flying. This used to be mostly a knitting blog, but I have lost my knitting mojo lately. Just can't get excited about yarn or patterns or knitting a thing. The last thing I made was a pair of fingerless mittens. Love the yarn. Shepherd's Wool. The color is Cherries Jubilee.

I'll get my knitting love back soon, I think. Just taking a break.

I have been sewing. It's an obsession lately. Bought some beautiful fabrics from the quilt shop.

That's only part of them. There's much more. Oh much more. Projects have been cut out and are in the project box waiting to be sewed.

I did make this little pocketbook. It's so cute.

I used charm squares and fat quarters for it. I love charm squares. My newest addiction. Here's the inside.

I think I'm going to give it to my daughter. She can keep her makeup or just stuff in it.

And lastly, I know it's wayyyyyyyyyyy early, but I made my grandson a Christmas stocking. This was so fun to make. I just made up the pattern and sewed it. The stocking is flannel I got at the quilt shop, and the top part is called Soft & Comfy, it's Joann's brand of Minky. So so so so soft! I'd love a whole blanket made out of it!

So that's what I've been up to.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-24T10:29:00.004-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year! I've neglected my poor little blog for a while. The holidays are over with, winter has set in, time for hibernation. I haven't been knitting much but I did get a pair of socks done. I used Red Heart "Heart and Sole" yarn for these. It wasn't bad to work with. I did not make them identical, too lazy to match up the place in the yarn to start the second sock.

I'm back to sewing! After all that Christmas sewing I took a break, now I'm back at it again, and loving every minute! I got some new fabrics recently. The fat quarters were a Christmas gift from my sister. I love them all!

Fun stuff to play with!

I've made a couple of bags. They are called Market Bags. I found the pattern in Quilts & More magazine.

Cats.

And flip flops! Both fabs were bought at a local quilt shop that I have totally fallen in love with. Can't wait to go back!

Here is what I'm currently working on:

Any idea what it is? Stay tuned to find out. It's not a quilt.

It's Monday and I'm not at work!

2009-12-28T08:25:00.005-05:00

So how was your Christmas? It was a lot of fun here! Crazy and funny and a magical fun day. I really enjoyed it this year. It was nice to have my little family here to celebrate it with.

There we are after we ate. Next up . . . opening gifts! Lots of fun gifts, so much wrapping paper everywhere when we were done. What a mess! And I loved every minute of it.

My daughter loved the potholder/oven mitt set I made her. I wasn't able to show this before as I wasn't sure if she reads this.

And look what she got me! It just made me laugh. I fell in love with this thing in the fall and she ended up going back to the store and buying it for me and putting it away for Christmas.

So funny to get a Halloween thing for Christmas!

It was a real fun holiday. I'm so glad I saved some of my vacation days and I have this whole week off. A whole week to do nothing! No alarm clocks, no traffic, no stress. I can spend it with my daughter while she's home on her break.

I did get some socks done before Christmas. Plymouth yarns Sockotta. Nice and comfy!

I do have another pair of socks on the needles, but they are taking forever to knit. I just haven't been in a knitting mood lately. Maybe today. It's snowing outside and there's nowhere I have to go. Maybe I'll just sit and knit.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T13:54:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

I'm done!

2009-12-17T16:59:00.004-05:00

Finally. All my gift sewing and knitting is done! Yay! My sewing machine has been working real hard lately, and it hung in there and did a great job. I'm giving it a rest for now.

I made my daughter's boyfriend a set of pillowcases. He loves to go fishing. These are a nice soft cotton flannel.

I think he'll like them.

I made my grandson a set of pillowcases. Bowling pins! He loves to go bowling with his daddy. I think he'll like these. Another nice soft cotton flannel.

I found this Bart Simpson fabric at Walmart. Couldn't resist buying it. And then decided to make my Dad some potholders with it. He does all the cooking these days, and hopefully the potholders will put a smile on his face.

Shadow looks rather mean in that photo, but she's really the sweetest cat you'd ever meet.

I have some other things that I sewed but I can't show you.

I did knit up a silly thing for my son and grandson. I made them a pickle for their Christmas tree!

I think they will get a kick out of it! It looks grey in that photo, but it's green.

My daughter will be home tomorrow for Christmas break. I'm looking forward to spending time with her and having her here for Christmas!

If I don't get a chance to post again until after Christmas, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you have a lot of fun!

Old Man Winter Has Arrived

2009-12-10T16:38:00.003-05:00

Wow, I haven't blogged in a while. I've had a nasty sinus infection that has just whipped my butt.

Still getting ready for Christmas here. I haven't sewed very much. I did get a set of pillowcases done for my mom.

Snowmen! I love that fabric.

And I did get a curtain done for my side door. This time in a wintery/Christmasy print.

And on the other side of the door is a pinecone door hanging I made.

It's made with those cinnamon pinecones that are in the stores at this time of year. It smells so nice when I come in and out of the house.

I did get a pair of socks done that I've working on for a while. Just a plain old pattern, mindless tv knitting. I love the yarn. It has sparkles!

We've been getting ready for Christmas. My grandson had Santa's Secret Shop at his school and brought his gifts to my house to wrap. He left them here under my tree until Christmas. I smile every time I look a them. He had a grand time wrapping them and putting the tags on. They are the ones in the blue snowflake paper. It was so fun to see him getting into the spirit of Christmas.

The one on the right is for me. Kids make Christmas such a joy!

Just moving right along . . .

2009-11-21T08:04:00.003-05:00

I'm still sewing gifts, and having a blast doing it! My sewing machine has been a real workhorse lately. I better take it in after Christmas and have it cleaned and serviced. It's been a long time since that's been done.

I made my son a set of potholders and an oven mitt. A fun little project!

I love them! Might have to make a set for myself too.

I made my dad a set of pillowcases. I know he enjoys watching the Pistons and when I came across Pistons fabric I knew it was the right choice.

And of course, as usual, a cat in the picture.

My Aunt got me hooked on making yo-yos. She makes little trees out of the various sized yo-yos, so I made some too. It was so hard to get a good picture of these, so just pretend it's crystal clear.

Enough of those for now, I'm sick of making them. I have been knitting some socks but no pics yet.

I am enjoying my new quilt. And so are the cats. It's hard to get them off the bed in the morning so I can make it.

I'm so looking forward to Thanksgiving! Gotta go buy my food today and get things ready. Have a great weekend!

Fabric Joy

2009-11-15T10:25:00.005-05:00

My beautiful warm quilt!

It's done and on the bed. I used it for the first time last night. Nice and toasty warm! I love my quilt.

I'm so glad I made it. Can't wait to make another one! The next one will be bigger. This one is more of a full size, my bed is a queen size. After the holidays are over I'll plan the next one.

I went to a new (to me) quilt shop yesterday. What fun! Oh my such beautiful fabrics and friendly service. I will definitely go back. I bought a few Christmas fabrics while there. Not sure what I'll make with them, but I was not leaving without buying them.

I'll be back at my sewing machine today. I've got more stuff to make and a wonderful long three day weekend to play with my fabrics!

Busy time of year

2009-11-09T17:26:00.004-05:00

It's the busy time of year if you make Christmas gifts. Busy busy busy. But I love it! I love making gifts. I've been knitting and sewing, lots and lots of sewing. I can't show some of it yet.

My son is a big University of Michigan fan. I made him a set of pillowcases. I think he'll love them! Of course a kitty had to get in the picture.

I did make another curtain for the side door, it's not hanging up yet since it's a Christmas fabric. Pics of that will come later.

I also made some little fabric Christmas ornaments. OMG they just turned out so cute! Hard to sew a perfectly round circle, but I'm happy with them. They'll make cute little gift tags which can then be used on the recipient's Christmas tree.

The quilt is finished but I haven't had a chance to get a good picture of it yet. I'm almost done with a pair of socks I'm knitting for myself. After that, some gift knitting. Lots to do. The clock is ticking.

Making Progress

2009-10-25T11:24:00.004-04:00

I'm just moving right along on my quilt. I have the quilt top done. Now it's all pinned together and basted.

I'm loving it! The next step is to tie it together. I'm not going to quilt it. After that I can sew on the binding, and then it will be done. I have enjoyed making this quilt so much!

I have gotten some knitting done this week. I made a pair of mittens, a very old pattern. I think it goes very nicely with the yarn I used. It's from Marr Haven Wool Farm in Michigan. It's not processed a lot, I can still feel the lanolin in it. I love how these mittens turned out.

I can tell they will be toasty warm!

Sewing, sewing, sewing

2009-10-18T14:07:00.005-04:00

Has an idea ever just hit you out of the blue? I had a brainstorm the other day. Here is the little curtain I had on my side door. Ladybugs. Cute. Summery.

Then it hit me. Why not make a new little curtain with some fabric I recently bought while shopping with my Aunt. I copied and bought some fabric she bought as I fell in love with the fabric too. A quilt looking fall print. So I made a little curtain for the side door. I love it!

I'll keep it up until it's time to bring the Christmas stuff out. Then I'll change it to a Christmas print. Gotta get busy and buy some Christmas fabric then sew another little curtain. What a fun little change for the seasons.

I've been having a great time working on my quilt. All the blocks are sewn together now into rows of blocks. I'm making progress!

Now I just sew the rows of blocks together and then the quilt top will be done. Haven't gotten the backing fabric yet. Can't decide on a color. The quilt colors are reminding me of Mardi Gras colors. Very bright! I'm loving this so far.

On a final note. Shadow was sitting so nicely in the kitchen the other day. I just had to take her picture. Do you know how hard it is to get a good picture of a black cat? Very hard. At least she sat there for a while so I could try.

Busy Weekend

2009-10-12T17:58:00.004-04:00

What a busy weekend. From pizza to the cider mill and a hayride to a jigsaw puzzle and a quilt. Non-stop. It was so fun! I finally got my fix of apple cider from the cider mill. So yummy!

My daughter was home for the weekend and we kept ourselves busy working a jigsaw puzzle. It was great fun! I haven't done a puzzle in ages.

1,000 pieces. We got it done in 24 hours. We did sleep and eat and went back at it. Good bonding time!

I finally had a chance to work on my quilt. I made some strips, then I cut the strips into little blocks, and started sewing the little blocks into bigger blocks.

I have really enjoyed working on this quilt so far!

Apple Cider Season

2009-10-07T19:44:00.004-04:00

Fall is in the air. The days are shorter. The temps are cooler. The cider mills are open! Time to pull out the wool yarns again and knit. I also decided I'm going to make a quilt. Had a grand time shopping for the supplies this past weekend with my sister, aunt and cousin. It was a wonderful day. I've actually gotten the quilt cut out too.

I'm ready to fire up the sewing machine and have at it! Stay tuned for progress.

I've also been able to touch wool yarn again. Just couldn't stand it in the summer. I made this little scarf. The pattern is Paula's Scarfette. I found it on Ravelry. I love it. Such a cute name. Scarfette!

I started another shawl. This one I'm keeping. It's made with Misti Alpaca in fingering weight, so soft. I love to just touch it. It's called Multomah. The pattern has also been found on Ravelry.

So the needles are flying again, the sewing machine is waiting to be fired up, the cider is waiting to be drunk. Fall is my favorite season.

Cute Things

2009-09-16T21:09:00.004-04:00

Cute overload today. Let's start with the little pink felt bag. I embellished it with some adoreable cupcake buttons. They look so real I want to eat them.

I bought the cutest lampshade for my candlestick lamp at the craft store. A bit early for Halloween stuff, but I have it out anyway. I just love it!

I did a little Halloween crafting. Coffins usually aren't something that are cute, but they are when they are painted with glow-in-the-dark paint and have music buttons in them. One for my daughter, one for my grandson.

While I was painting the coffins my daughter made these little dolls. So precious! And I painted the papier mache cupcake and gave it to her. The top comes off for storing precious small items.

I haven't been knitting much lately, but I did get these socks done for my grandson. I can't wait to give them to him.

I don't have anything on the needles at the moment. Can't decide what to knit next, so I'm taking a break.

My grandson started first grade. Here he is with his school haircut. He's just so cute in my eyes!

And here's my daughter fishing from the paddleboat when we went on vacation. No fish were caught that day.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-05T09:34:00.003-04:00

Labor Day Weekend already. The end of summer is near. I do love fall. It's my favorite season. Cool nights, colorful leaves, apple cider. And being able to knit with wool again! I can't stand touching it in the summer when it's hot.

I did get this little shawl done. It's so soft and delicate to the touch. It's made with Farmhouse yarns, a merino, silk, cotton blend. Just lovely!

I just love touching it.

I sewed a pair of slippers for my grandson. He loves Sponge Bob. I was so excited to find Sponge Bob fabric! Couldn't resist and had to use it for some slippers for him. He loves them!

Last winter the ladies in my knitting group started a group project. The Traveling Socks. Each person knits on these socks and passes to the next person, and so on. Mine finally made their way back to me, and I finished them off by doing the toe.

Aren't they crazy looking? I just love them! I will wear them with pride. And every time I wear them I will think of these ladies and smile. We have a lot of fun together. The most wonderful friends in the world!

Hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Where did summer go?

2009-09-01T20:01:00.003-04:00

Wow, Labor Day weekend coming up. Where did the summer go? It never really got all that hot here, one weekend of 90 degree days. But I don't like it real hot anyway. I like the cool nights, and 70 degree days. I've got a five day weekend coming up and let me tell you, I'm sure looking forward to it!

Not much else to talk about. I've got pictures of some stuff I bought when I went out of town. First some fabrics from various shops in the lake town. Beautiful and fun stuff! Wish I lived closer so I could take a class there.

And some more pretty fabrics. I can't get enough of them!

And some patterns from a very nice quilt shop in that area. So cute! My sister bought me the snowman pattern. Can't wait to make all this stuff.

And some miscellaneous crafting things I bought, the little wooden eggs are also from my sister.

I have more than enough to keep me busy for a long time. But soon there will be another sale ... somewhere, and I'll feel the urge to go and keep adding to the stash. Hard to stop. I look at it as stocking up for retirement.

I wish I was still at the lake

2009-08-23T16:33:00.004-04:00

If I close my eyes, I can still imagine I'm up north at the lake. I wish I could click my heels like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and be there again. Next year I'll go back. I did get some fabulous fat quarters while there. I'm so addicted to them. Can't quit buying them.

There are still more out there that I don't have. I want them all!!!!!!

I did buy a pattern to make slippers. So I made a pair. This is my prototype. I screwed things up so now I know what to do next time. I have another pair cut out for my grandson. They will have Sponge Bob on them. I'll show you those when they are done. Here are mine.

I never thought I'd sew slippers, but I did it. Fun to make. And they don't take a lot of fabric. A good way to use fat quarters.

I finally finished the socks I was knitting in a Ravelry Knit-Along. Summer Lovin Socks.

They are not a bright pumpkin orange like that picture! I don't know why the color came out like that. The pattern was easy to follow. It took me 3 weeks to knit them, it felt like forever some days. Here's another picture which shows a more true color of them.

A burnt orange color. All in all I really like them. I should wear them today. It's been very fall-like around here the past couple of days. We went from extreme heat to cool temps. It's nice though not to be melting.

Humid, Hot & Lazy

2009-08-18T16:52:00.005-04:00

Phew, it's been hot and humid lately. And when it gets real hot like this I get lazy. Too lazy to even write on this blog. I'll show you a few things today. More to come soon.

I finished the pink and black socks I was knitting. I love them! I absolutely love the colors. I didn't want to put them on for the photo but I toughed it out and did it in this heat. They'll go into the drawer until fall. It's just too hot to wear wool socks at the moment.

I've had fun playing around with fat quarters and my sewing machine. I started this pincushion when I was out of town with my sister and daughter, which was a blast by the way! I finished it after I got back home. It's really big for a pincushion. My grandson calls it a needle pillow. I love words kids come up with!

I don't care how big it is, I really like it! I will always call it a needle pillow now.

Then I played around with a pattern I got at a quilt store and made this little bird.

He was fun to make and turned out oh so cute!

I'm still working on the Summer Lovin Socks I showed you in my last post, those will be done soon. I have lots of fabs I bought at the quilt shops out of town. Just gotta get some energy to take more pics.

Is it hot where you are? Hope you're keeping cool.

Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-07T18:11:00.003-04:00

It's going to be a hot one here this weekend, up into the lower 90s, which is going to be really hot compared to how the rest of the summer has been. I'm going out of town for the weekend to the lake again. Yay! I just might have to jump in the water . . . and get my feet wet! I can't wait! Craft store, quilt shops, gift shops, a lake, good company, restaurants, campfires. I'm going with my sister and my daughter. A girls' weekend! Should be lots of fun.

I'm taking a sock to work on. I'm doing a Knit-Along in a Ravelry group. The Summer Lovin Sock. Here's what I have done so far.

I hope I can get that one finished and start the second one while I'm gone. I'm using Knit Picks Gloss. It's working up beautifully.

I've also been working on a little shawl, but put it aside for a while to work on the sock. The yarn is so soft and luscious to knit with. I'm loving it!

So far, so good. I'm not a big fan of knitting with large needles, so it has to take a break for a while. That's a wool, silk, cotton blend on size 13 needles.

I made this little purse last week with a pattern I got at a quilt shop on my last trip out of town. Such a handy little thing to take shopping or when you don't feel like lugging around a full sized purse.

That's my prototype. A few mistakes in it. But I know what I did wrong and will know what to do next time. I still love it!

Whenever I get back from shopping trips and put the craft bags down my cat Shadow just HAS to investigate. Maybe she wants to do crafts too.

Gotta keep bags away from that one. She'll eat them.

Well, I'm off to pack. Have a great weekend!

Birthday fun

2009-08-01T17:04:00.005-04:00

I know, I've been missing in action. Had a lot going on here. I went out of town for a few days with my daughter and some cousins. Had a decent time. But I was so glad to get back home. There's no place like home. I had a birthday while I was gone, and so did a distant cousin. We had cake!

Mmmmmmm, I love cake!

My daughter got me the coolest plant holder. A big huge coffee cup! I just can't take a picture to do it justice. I have a fake fern in it at the moment until I decide where to place it and what to really put in it.

My son knows I love to do crafts and paint stuff. He got me this painting kit, little planters and a tray to keep them on. For ages 6 and up. I qualify, LOL!

Such cool gifts! But wait, there's more! My sister got me the cutest little bird decoration to keep in my yard. We just love cute yard stuff.

Tweet, tweet! Isn't it cute! I love it. She also got me the cutest bookmarker with kitties on it. We also love kitties.

My other sister got me a bag full of goodies. First off, I did get some fat quarters while out of town, and she got me one too. That one is the one in front. Such a cute old fashioned pattern on that fabric. The others are from my trip.

And look at this . . . I've been wanting a teapot for the longest time. I don't really drink tea, but I wanted a teapot so I can knit tea cozies for it! Now I have one. But it's so cute, I don't want to cover it up with a cozy. But eventually I'll make one for it. And she got me the cutest little rolls of ribbon.

And lastly, she got me the cutest snowman pattern. She knows I love snowmen! I can't wait to make this.

So, it has been fun getting gifts, it's been like Christmas in July! And I love eating cake. I'm always in the mood for cake.

Quilt shop fun

2009-07-19T16:07:00.002-04:00

Have you ever gone wandering around in a quilt shop? Lots of fun! My sister and I hit a couple of quilt shops yesterday. It made for a fun wonderful afternoon! I don't know how to quilt. That's the next craft on my list I want to learn. So fun to browse all the beautiful fabrics in the quilt shop. Any kind of print you can think of, it's there. Oh so fun!

I bought these little fat quarters to add to my stash. I love to look at them all spread out. They just look happy!

Whenever there is a cupcake fabric I MUST buy it. It's the rule. We both got cuts of those cupcake fabs. She gave me this cutest little Kewpie doll she found at a garage sale. We love those little dolls, so adoreable! So I just HAD to make her a dress.

All dressed up and ready to sit in my living room on the shelf and make me smile!

We also went into an old fashioned candy store and bought some candy. We're not sharing it with anyone ;)

I've gotten a little bit of knitting done. I made a dear distant relative some mittens for her upcoming birthday. I will see her in a few days when I go on a little trip out of town. I'm so looking forward to it!

That's a Vanna yarn with a glittery thread running through it. Dressy mittens!

Summer has returned

2009-07-09T17:00:00.004-04:00

Beautiful weather the past few days. Summer is really here now I think. It was a nice 4th of July weekend. I took a few days off and the time just flew. I did get a lot of knitting done. After the disaster of the light green socks, I made a pair that I just love! I present . . . the pink and black socks:

I'm totally in love with this yarn. I love how the socks turned out. Just plain socks. My favorite kind to make.

I will wear them with pride!

The growing season is underway. I have some little tomatoes on my plants! And some beautiful yarn. It sure would be nice if yarn grew in the back yard.

That yarn will be a future shawl. A small one. It's so pretty. And those tomatoes! I can't wait until they get bigger and turn red. I wait all year for them. So much better than the ones in the grocery store. They taste like summer. A few more weeks and I'll be able to pick them.

I also grew some flowers from seeds that I started indoors. And look . . . it bloomed!

Bachelor Buttons. I love the color! And yes, I did paint those little birdhouses to give to my parents. They'll look cute in their yard somewhere.

And lastly, I finally finished the apron I was sewing. First I embroidered the cherries on the pocket then I sewed the apron. I wanted it to look vintage-y, and I think it does. I love it! I need to put a hook on the wall in my kitchen so I can display it.

That's about it for now. Hope you had a nice 4th of July if you celebrate it!

Summer has departed

2009-06-30T17:01:00.004-04:00

One minute it's summer, the next it's fall. Summer is vacationing somewhere else this year. Really strange weather. Chilly today. A good evening to stay inside and knit.

I finished the socks I was making with the green yarn. I just don't like them. So many mistakes, so much struggling with the pattern. I'm surprised I didn't rip them out. They have the longest darn heel flap I ever did.

See how long that heel flap is? Very strange looking. But they do stretch and fit my foot.

I don't think I'll be making these socks ever again. The yarn was doomed from the start. Long story there, I won't even get into it.

So what have you made that you don't like?

Summer has arrived

2009-06-25T17:37:00.004-04:00

We went from one extreme to the other. Nice cool nights, warm comfortable days . . . to muggy and 90 plus degrees. Yuck. I can't even stand touching wool yarn when it's like this. Socks are good knitting for this weather even if it is wool yarn.

I was working on a house sock. It was turning out so pretty too. Lovely Malabrigo. The best heel I ever turned. I went to try it on and it was a struggle to get it on. Hmmmmm, what to do . . . frog or continue.

Isn't it pretty?

I frogged it. I didn't want to take a chance that it would shrink when washed, or felt. It will become something else in the future.

That's always such a hard decision. Rip it out or keep going. Deep inside you know what to do, but you don't want to. Finally you do it. Rip it, rip it.

So I started another sock with different yarn. Pictures to come.

While my brownies bake . . .

2009-06-16T17:00:00.004-04:00

I have a severe chocolate craving going on here. So, I put a pan of brownies in the oven. Yummy! While they bake I'll put up a little post here.

I took a lace class a week ago at a nearby LYS called Artisan. Such beautiful yarns there. Absolutely scrumptious! Here's a little sample of what I made.

I didn't use a lace weight yarn for the class, that's a DK weight. One of these days I'll make a beautiful shawl. In lace weight. But not at this time. I'll just admire them for now.

I did buy some more yarn from the destashing group on Ravelry. I just can't stay away. Beautiful pink Malabrigo!

I wish I could just grow it with my plants like in that picture! I love love love Malabrigo!

I also bought some Japanese fabs from an etsy seller. I swear this internet shopping is going to be my downfall. I just can't help myself some days.

Precious little Matroyshkas, or Russian Dolls as they are also called. So absolutely cute!

That's it for this time. I need to go check my brownies.

Strawberry season

2009-06-13T10:43:00.003-04:00

We recently got an outdoor Farmers Market in the city I live in. It's very small at the moment. Hopefully it will attract more vendors in the future. I went last weekend and bought the most delicious strawberries! They must have been picked that morning. They were so fresh and juicy and sweet. I want more. Must make another trip there today.

Yum yum yum!

Here is the other ball of yarn I bought last weekend from the yarn shop. It's such a pretty shade of blue, very different, the picture doesn't do it justice.

It's a worsted weight. 450 yards! I have no idea what I'm going to make with it yet. It's from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC. That pink and black one I showed you the other day is also from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC. They have such pretty colors, and the yarn is very soft.

Time to go get ready for the Farmers Market. I hope there are more strawberries. What are you up to this weekend?

Also, thank you very much for your comments. I'm happy to know there are people out there!

New Yarn!

2009-06-10T18:17:00.003-04:00

I saw this yarn the other day in the LYS, just had to have it! It's now mine. It's so gorgeous. A sock yarn, pink and black and some purple in there too. I can't wait to start knitting it!

I have to ask, is anyone out there? Is it time to close down the blog? I don't think anyone is reading anymore. Let me know if you're there.

Watch out!

2009-06-08T16:46:00.004-04:00

Here we go. The first tornado watch of the season. It's going to be a long night until this is over with. Hopefully nothing will happen, just a thunderstorm. A good excuse to sit on the couch and knit in front of the TV. Any excuse to knit! I've got my knitting mojo back, YAY!!!! I started another sock, Hedera by Cookie A, free pattern on Ravelry. Here's my progress.

This is slow going, but looking at it now, I do have a lot done. There are a few mistakes in there, but I just keep plugging along. It will be OK.

Before my daughter left we had one last craft night. Here is a picture of our stuff. It was so much fun! That picture makes me smile, it reminds me of that fun night.

I've also made some more little pouches. So cute! And so easy to make. I'll be gifting them and some of those mini birdhouses to my cousins this weekend when I help out at my cousin's garage sale. A mini family reunion! I'm looking forward to it.

I'm also working on an apron. I'm going for a vintage look. I actually did some embroidery work on it. Check it out:

That's the pocket. Now all I have to do is sew it together. Hopefully I will get that accomplished this week. But not until after I sit on the couch watching the weather watches and warnings. While knitting.

Drained

2009-06-02T18:37:00.004-04:00

What a crazy busy week it's been since I last posted. My daughter is renting an apartment in the town where her school is. She moved out this past weekend. Moving is always so crazy, busy busy busy. I was so tired from that, just drained. She loves her little place, and I'm adjusting again to the quiet.

I managed to get a few things done last week. I ironed some of my beloved little matroyshkas to a t-shirt with fusible web. So simple.

Very comfy. I love it!

I also sewed these little pouches. I found the pattern on line. Such a simple pattern and so cute!

They hardly take any time at all and use very little fabric. A good way to use up scraps and fat quarters! I know I'll be making more of these.

I finally gave up on the sock. I just didn't like it so it went into the frog pond.

I did start another sock with that yarn. I'm liking it much better. I'll show you next time.

Sewing Time

2009-05-27T16:46:00.003-04:00

I had time to sew this weekend. It was wonderful! First off, I made this bag.

It's an Amy Butler pattern. It was a joy to make! I really like how it turned out. Here's a closer shot.

I used some calicos I picked up recently at Joann's. Just might have to make another one, or ten, of these.

I've been really sick of the pillows I had on my couch, so I covered them with some calico fabric.

So bright and cute!

And this is for a future project. I probably won't get to it for a few more days. It's going to be a vintage apron. I bought some iron-on transfers to use to embroider onto the pocket.

Stay tuned, more to come!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T09:54:00.002-04:00

Have a great Memorial Day! Remember those who gave their all for our freedom.

Long Weekend

2009-05-24T08:17:00.003-04:00

At last, a nice long weekend. But it started out on a crazy note on Friday. We had a barricaded gunman one block over from here. I've never seen such out of the ordinary things as I saw that day in my neighborhood: swat teams, tanks, helicoptors constantly flying overhead, big huge guns, streets closed, lock down. It did not end well. The gunman lost his life. I've seen him in the neighborhood, knew he was a bit "off", but never expected this. May he RIP.

Yesterday it was back to normal. Many neighbors out planting flowers, working in their yards. It was nice to visit and catch up with them. I did get some planting done. I wanted to take a picture of this flower before it fades away. I just can't think of the name of it at the moment. It blooms in my back yard every year around this time, and it has spread. There used to only be one flower.

It just fascinates me how it is so round!

I had to take my cat back to the vet the other day for a recheck. She had an accident in her cage on the way there. Pee all over the place, and she stunk. When we got back home I gave her a bath. That was the first time I've given this cat a bath. Shadow was not crazy about it but she tolerated it pretty well.

It was hard to take that picture, she wanted to run and hide. She's all fresh and clean now, no more stinky kitty.

I've gotten a little more knitting done on my sock. I'm just not really feeling the love for this sock. It may end up in the frog pond and I'll use the yarn for something else.

I've put it in time-out for now. Maybe I'll start something else this weekend. I did do some sewing yesterday. I'll hopefully have that project completed today and I'll show you in my next post. It's an Amy Butler bag. Really cute!

Craft night

2009-05-20T16:48:00.004-04:00

We had craft night at my house last weekend. What a fun time! Here is some of the stuff my daughter and I worked on:

My sisters were here too for the hilarity. So many laughs, so much fun!

I also painted this birdhouse:

I have it sitting on my front porch. I weighted it down with rocks on the inside so it doesn't blow away. It looks so cute and colorful out there!

I haven't been doing much knitting. I finished a preemie hat which is in that picture above, and I started a pair of socks. Bright green!

It's been slowing going on the sock, just too many distractions lately. Maybe today I'll get more done on it. It's so beautiful outside. I just may have to go sit outside and knit on the deck. It's very relaxing knitting out there.

Gifts

2009-05-12T18:51:00.003-04:00

How was your Mothers' Day? My kids spoiled me! Wow! I mentioned in my last post that my daughter got me a birdhouse. I finally hung it today. I just love it!

Don't ya just love it! I do! Here's the rest of my haul from her:

Yarn, and a candle, and a kitchen towel and some little lights for my yard. I love it all! I can't believe she got me all that. What a kid!

And here's what my son got me:

Aren't they so cute! He knows I love hedgehogs and found these to put in my yard. They're so cute I could stare at them all day.

It was a very nice Mothers' Day!

I did a little knitting and finally finished this hat. It's made with Alpaca With a Twist, Baby Alpaca. So so so soft!

It fits perfectly and I can tell it will be nice and warm. And as we all know, winter will come back. But I can't even think about that yet.

Happy Mothers' Day!

2009-05-10T10:25:00.003-04:00

Happy Mothers' Day!

I don't have much to show you today. Except for my Eastern Redbud tree in bloom. It's so pretty when it's in bloom!

My daughter got me another birdhouse to hang in the tree but I haven't hung it out there yet. Kind of chilly this morning.

Good Bargains

2009-05-05T16:53:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love a sale? I love sales. A local library had a used book sale recently. Of course I went. I bought a few things. That stack of Martha Stewart Living magazine was $1 for the whole stack! I like looking through that magazine. And I got a Christmas craft book. Like I need another one. Well I guess I did, I bought it. And a Firehouse Cookbook. I rarely cook anymore and I have tons of cookbooks. But I do enjoy reading them. All together I spent $5.

Then I spied this little book at Joann's. It's so cute. I love these kind of books. Had a 50% off coupon, so into my cart it went.

Have you ever looked at the stuff people destash on Ravelry? Oh boy, very dangerous. I need to stay away. I got this ball of Malabrigo for a song. I just love this stuff. It's so addicting.

And I bought a ton of calico when it was recently on sale at Joann's. I got this pattern on ebay and I'll make that bag with this fabric.

I love finding a good sale!

The Sewing Bug

2009-05-04T18:22:00.004-04:00

I got bit by the sewing bug again. This seems to happen every spring. I made this totebag and used fabrics all in a cupcake print.

It's so bright and cheerful! Here's the inside, there are two pockets in there.

It was a lot of work, but I got it done. And I really like it! I can carry around a pretty good sized knitting project in there.

In addition to that fabric, I bought all this:

Joann had all their Keepsake Calicos on sale for 40% off. Had to stock up!

I also bought some colorful cottons, they're mixed in with those calicos, but look at the colors on this:

Love those guitars! Now I need to sit at that sewing machine and create something.

I haven't been knitting too much lately. I did start this hat.

OMG, that yarn is so soft. Alpaca With A Twist, Baby Alpaca. Very pettable.

Good things

2009-04-27T18:05:00.003-04:00

It's done! The Clapotis is done! I can't tell you how happy I am to be done with it. But suddenly it got hot AND very humid the last few days. I won't be using it . . . yet.

That picture makes it look huge, like a blanket. I made the shawl size, not the scarf size. I am pleased with how it turned out.

I'm still working on the Traveling Socks. Almost done with this month's section then I can move on to a whole new project.

My daughter won a partial scholarship! I'm so proud of her. She got chosen! There was an awards' banquet at the college over the weekend and I was her guest. Yummy food! It was so nice to go see her and to attend the banquet. Such a proud moment for this mom.

The semester is almost over. She'll be home in a week. I need to dust off the stove and practice cooking again.

Fun with a swift

2009-04-22T16:30:00.004-04:00

I finally got a swift. It's a very simple one. I found it on etsy and I love it! I used it for the first time yesterday and wound a hank of sock yarn. It was a small hank. OMG, it was so fun, LOL!

It was my first time using a swift. I don't have a ball winder, so I wind my yarn by hand. That part I don't mind. But not having a swift was a real pain in the behind. I had to hang the yarn over a kitchen chair, and it just took forever. Here is the finished product.

I can't wait to wind some more!

I did get the Clapotis done. Finally. It's soaking, then I'm going to block it. Pictures next post.

I did get some sewing done lately. I made this bag.

Cute! Here's the other side.

I really screwed it up. The directions did not make sense. But now I think I got it. So I bought more fabric for another one. The outside is supposed to be the all brown color, the inside the print. I still like it and will use it.

More Color

2009-04-19T13:04:00.004-04:00

We had some beautiful weather the past couple of days. Lots of sun. Warm temps. It was truly enjoyable. Some of my tulips opened up!

They look so cheerful in my yard!

I'm on a roll with painting things very bright colors. I had this little old rusty table that I use on my patio.

I got a can of spray paint and . . . voila! It looks new!

So bright and colorful! It looks really cute now.

I just had to check out the clearance Easter candy at Target the other day, and came across these colorful kitchen towels. They ended up in my cart. Half price. What a deal! I love colorful kitchen towels.

You can see a kitty in the background, lol! That happens a lot when I take pictures.

The sewing bug has bitten me again. I'm going to make myself a new bag. I love these colors.

I have a new pattern I'm using that I bought on ebay. So today I will be sewing. I'm looking forward to that. The fabric with the circles is going to be used to cover some old couch pillows.

Hope you have a great weekend! I'm off to play with my sewing machine.

Cozy with Cats

2009-04-17T17:50:00.004-04:00

This is how I spend my evenings. I knit and I'm surrounded by cats. It's OK, you can laugh. I did when I saw the picture.

I'm going to turn into one of those old ladies with 100 cats.

Color!

2009-04-15T17:34:00.004-04:00

After all the dreariness and drabness of winter it's time to add some color to my life. I had this shelf in the living room, full of my treasures.

I added a coat of paint . . .

So nice and bright! I love it. You can see my lamp from Ikea on the table. I just love that thing.

Then I added some silk flowers to a vase I had.

A couple of corners in my house are now brightened up!

Here are the colorful Easter eggs we dyed. I might add, they were delicious made into deviled eggs.

I went shopping with my daughter while she was home for Easter and I got a bright colored bag for spring. Nice and roomy!

I just love that color!

And take a look at this sock yarn I bought not too long ago. Very very bright and colorful!

I'm sure looking forward to my tulips blooming. They will add some color to my yard. And hopefully soon I can get outside and plant flowers.

So what's colorful in your life?

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T15:22:00.007-04:00

Happy Easter!

I hope you and your family are enjoying Easter. I had fun with mine yesterday. My daughter dyed most of the eggs. I did a few.

We ate the butter lamb on our rolls.

And today it's just peace and quiet and my knitting. My daughter is back at school, and my son and his family are doing other things. I did buy myself an Easter gift, said it was from the bunny. I've been feening this book. It's now mine!

I went out to Barnes & Noble, just to check, and surprisingly they were open, so I bought the book. I've been having fun looking through it.

Now back to my knitting . . .

Almost Easter

2009-04-10T09:17:00.004-04:00

Wow, I've really neglected my blog lately. Have you missed me?

Not much going on. My daughter is home from school for the weekend. We are going to dye eggs today. We haven't done that in years. I'm having Easter with my kids on Saturday since my daughter has to leave to go back to school on Sunday. I bought us a butter lamb to use with our dinner. It's kind of a tradition in this house.

I saw my cousin the other day and she gave me that glass bunny. Hard to get a picture of it. It was my aunt's bunny, the aunt who passed away almost a year ago. It reminds me of my little bluebird of happyness glass bird that I have. I need to go on a hunt and find that thing and set it out by the bunny.

I'm still plugging away on the clapotis. I'm just a little over halfway done.

I laid it on the floor to take pictures and suddenly Shadow was my best friend. She would not stay away.

She must think it's there just for her. I would push her off, she'd get right back on it before I could snap the picture.

So I'm showing you clapotis pics all with a cat in them. Cozy little kitty.

Time to go check on my eggs. They should almost be done cooking.

A rainy lazy Sunday

2009-03-29T17:12:00.004-04:00

It's cold. It's raining. It's dreary. A very lazy Sunday. So I played in my kitchen and made Red Velvet Cupcakes. I got the recipe in email from somewhere, can't remember where. It's a Paula Dean recipe. They are so RED!

I ran out of red food coloring. I wonder how red they'd be if I had enough to use the whole amount. I had some cute Easter cupcake papers that I got from Joann's that I used for them. But it's real hard to see the paper.

I ate one. Yummy! I want another one.

Yesterday I bought a book I've been wanting. Love those 50% coupons at Joann's! I really haven't had time to go through this book yet, but I will. My sister gave me the other pamphlet. I'm so dying to make that snowman on the cover. It's so cute!

I discovered the destashing group on Ravelry. Oh lordy! I. must. quit. looking. This yarn came yesterday. I got both skeins of yarn and shipping for $8. Yes, $8!!! It's such an unusual color. Pumpkin. I'm loving it!

I'm still plugging along on the Clapotis. I'm almost to the dropped stitches. I'll have a picture next time. Right now it's just bigger than the last picture I posted.

And now I guess I'll go make some dinner now that I've had dessert!

I can't stop knitting

2009-03-25T17:50:00.004-04:00

I just can't stop knitting lately! Or buying yarn. I would knit in my sleep if I could.

I finished the socks I was making. I was going to work on these when I went to knit nights, but I was on a roll and couldn't stop. Now I have a new pair of socks!

I love the color! I bought the yarn from an etsy shop, KnittedToaT. Nice yarn! Now I have to start another pair of socks to take to knit night. Next up is a pink variegated color I have in the stash.

Last night I started the Clapotis. Strange word. Clapotis. But pronounced different from how it's spelled. Clap-oh-tee. I have two repeats done so far. I haven't come to the part where you drop the stitches yet. I'm loving the color!

I've also been working on what is called the Traveling Socks with my knit night friends. Each person does a section of a sock, passes it to the next person, and so on. It will take us a few months to get this done. I'll show you when I get mine back. It's been real fun so far.

It's Spring!

2009-03-22T14:57:00.004-04:00

The calendar says spring is here. And immediately the eye itching started. So weird. Luckily eye drops are helping so far.

I had the most wonderful day yesterday! I went yarn shop hopping with some friends. We hit three yarn shops and went out to lunch. OMG, the beautiful yarns we saw! I wanted to bring them all home with me. The yarn fumes were overpowering. See what I bought:

I must have been in a purple mood! I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and make a Clapotis shawl. I've been wanting to make one for a while, and the time has come. That's what the Poems yarn will be used for. Good sale price on that. I can't wait to get started. And the other yarn I bought is a beautiful purple Malabrigo. I just want to tape it to my arm so I can take it everywhere. I love Malabrigo. I got a package of double point needles in a size 10. I came across a pattern the other day that called for them, but I'll be darned if I can remember what pattern it was now.

It was so nice to get away from the crazy drama going on in my family. I just won't get into all that today.

I bought some cute little Easter kitchen towels the other day at Joann. I wanted something pretty and springy looking to go with that pink dishcloth I got in the mail last week. So cute!

I'm almost done with the socks I'm knitting. They are also in purple. I don't know what's with me and purple lately, but I'm enjoying it!

That's it for now. Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

Swap

2009-03-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

I participated in a dishcloth and soap swap on a Ravelry group. My goodies came today! I was so excited to get something fun in the mail!

My partner sent me a pretty pink striped dischloth, some hand gel, a pretty little Easter egg shaped soap, and some soap that smells wonderful, the flavor is Oats & Groats. AND a box of Andes Chocolates! Chocolate cherry. I've never seen these before. I love all my stuff! This was a fun little swap.

Thank you Reese!

Daylight Savings Time

2009-03-09T17:28:00.005-04:00

Jet lag. That's what daylight savings time feels like to me. I don't know why it makes me so tired, but I'd like to sleep for a few days. Not possible though, gotta work. And I want to knit! I've been working on a plain sock, the Yarn Harlot basic sock recipe. I just need mindless knitting at the moment. I love the color!

I finished the hat I was knitting in a Knit-Along on Ravelry for Malabrigo March. It was a fun pattern to knit, and it knit up pretty quickly. It's Malabrigo worsted in the color Apricot. The pattern is called Dean Street Hat.

I'm in love with that yarn. So soft and it knits up so nicely. I will definitely use it again!

Some yarn I had ordered on line arrived in the mail, and boy did it ever get her fast! Oh it's so sweet! It has a smell all it's own, not a bad smell, just a nice earthy smell. I'm in love with this yarn! I don't know what I'm going to make with it yet.

It's from Marr Haven Farm. The link is over to the side. As you can see I updated the template on the blog. I like it. What do you think?

I've been dealing with another sick kitty. I swear lately so much cat drama. The new kitty is still healing from her surgeries. She's doing very well. In the meantime, Mia got an eye infection. Have you ever put eye drops in a cat's eye? Let me tell you, not fun. I'm much better at it now than I was the first day I did it.

She's doing a lot better now. I still have to sneak up on her with the eye drops. If she knows I have them in my hand, she hides.

So that's what's been going on around here. My daughter is home for spring break. I'm enjoying having her here!

Yarn, yarn, everywhere I look

2009-03-03T19:09:00.004-05:00

It's a good thing I live alone, there's yarn all over the place here. It's out of control at the moment. I just can't stop buying it. I ordered some more today on line. I was not going to buy any yarn during Lent, that didn't last long. I bought this sock yarn the other day when I went knitting with friends.

Isn't it pretty! I love the colors. I can't wait until the weather gets nice again and I can take pictures outside.

I started another hat in a Ravelry Knit-Along. This one is the Dean Street Hat, made with Malabrigo. My first time using Malabrigo. Ohhhhhhhhh, this stuff is nice! The first hat I started got frogged, story of my life lately, it was just going to be too big. Started the smaller size last night and now I'm moving right along.

I also need to start on a dishcloth for an exchange. I ripped out the socks from the last post and started a new pair. I could not get a good picture of them so that will have to wait until another time.

Do you ever go to estate sales? They are lots of fun, you never know what you will find. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are crappy. I went to one with my sister on Saturday and bought these items.

Like I need more stuff. But this stuff was calling my name so I bought it. I also got a nice big tote bag with a zipper. I'll keep a big knitting project in that thing. I did my part to keep the economy going.

To frog or not to frog?

2009-02-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

Have you ever been knitting and just not enjoyed the project? I've got two projects on the needles at the moment that I just am not enjoying knitting. First off are these socks, Aquaphobia.

I've got a little more done than in that picture. The pattern is so tedious, I just cannot for the life of me get a good rhythm going on it. I love the yarn, but not the pattern.

I started this lacy scarf, Juliet. I just don't like it. Even when I stretch it out and look at it, it just looks bunchy and icky to me. Once again, love the yarn, not the pattern.

So tell me, how long do you knit something before you know it's just not something you want to continue with? When do you say, ackkkkkkk I just don't want to knit this anymore? To me knitting should be enjoyable, relaxing. Take my stress away. These two projects just don't. I see them jumping into the frog pond in the future.

I did get a hat done. I really like this hat! It won't be going into the frog pond.

I made that hat with Patons Classic Merino Wool. It worked up really quickly. The yarn is double stranded. An enjoyable knit.

I am starting a knit-along tomorrow in a Ravelry group, Malabrigo Junkies. This will be my first time using Malabrigo yarn. I'll be using the apricot colored yarn for the hat.

I have a feeling this project won't be in the frog pond.