Some End of the Year Thoughts

Time is so fleeting and there never seems to be enough of it; here it is almost the end of the year 2010. As I think back over the year some thoughts come to mind. I think hubby and I need to plan to visit our daughter more in the coming year and not just wait til she comes home on the holidays. We enjoy our time together so much; and a few times a year just isn't enough.

I got stuck on the letter R as I typed up memories of Mom. I really want and need to finish the alphabet. Hoping to think of an R memory soon. When I have the alphabet finished, I may print for the rest of the family.

I've been really busy with things on Bridge and Beyond in the last couple of months. Did quite a bit of P.R. which seems to have paid off, in that we're getting more frequent donations, and more donations from new pairs of helping hands which is always exciting. The more donations we receive means we can help more people in need. My hope for the coming year is that continues to be the case. If you've not been to the blog lately, please do. Even if you're too busy to knit or crochet something at the moment; spending time on the blog is helpful...as is leaving comments. Both help the page rank with regard to search engines, and placing well on search engines helps us be more visible to possible knitters and crocheters who can help.

I'm hoping to finish the border on a ghan I'm currently working on and get it laundered and blocked in the next couple of days, and finish a ghan my daughter started for the same cause while she was here in town.

I don't make resolutions, though I do sorta make goals for myself for the year. Do you? Belated Merry Christmas to you, and Happy New Year. If you're traveling; travel safe.

The photo was from a 2nd start of the Oddball blanket I mentioned not being happy with previously. I used 2 strands of fingering weight yarn to accomplish the right thickness and since I had the blanket longer then is normal, didn't do anything fancy in terms of stitches. Just did your basic garter. It made a nice contrast both in color and texture to the previous strip. This is only the start; forgot to get a photo of the completed section before I mailed it off. Darn it. I'm expecting another oddball blanket shortly to work on titled confetti. The one pictured was titled Candy Land.

Hat Doctor

These 2 hats were part of a rather large garage sale donation for Bridge and Beyond. Where the color changes is what was sent. A sweet little elderly lady (who's no longer with us) had crocheted these. Perhaps she didn't realize they weren't finished, long enough to stay on someone's head, or snug enough to stay on. I'm not one to let things go un-used and so...doctored them a bit and sent them on their way to warm the head of someone in need. When forming your initial ring (when crocheting a hat), you do not want a hole. Snug up your draw string. These both had a 1/4 inch hole in the top that needed attention. I've seen this problem listed as one of the most common mistakes when someone makes their first hat. Several methods will work to snug it up. You can stitch it together if your drawstring won't get tight enough and add something to the top. You can also go around it twice with your draw string using every other stitch to get it tighter.

In the green hat, I decreased when adding the brown to make it more beanie in style. The yellow one was pretty wide so I decreased much slower and it gives it more of a tam/slouchy style. A third one I forgot to take a picture of was solid green. I happened to have the same color of green...can you believe it and made it like the two tone green and brown.

Hope you're all staying warm, staying safe if you're traveling, and getting all your projects done if you're stitching for Christmas. I finished a scarf for my older brother before heading to his retirement dinner the other night; also forgot to take a picture of it. I loved the yarn and will have to see if I can get a picture to share with you. Was nice tans, browns, gray...very manly wool. Taos, a favorite of mine to knit with.

Sometimes Ugly Changes

Using up odds and ends from basket beside the chair (my knitting and crochet station), I made this hat of whatever for my friend who asked for an ugly hat for a gift exchange. One of those white elephant things. Some of the yarn is knitted worsted weight, some is bulkier (Light n Lofty), and some was fingering weight (though I mixed it--the green with another light weight blue). As you can, no rhyme or rhythm for the colors either.
To add to the ugly, tacky, weird, funky............whatever, I added bows that don't match. I used purple and tangerine bows, there is no purple or tangerine in the hat. I used black curly things as well. After all, I had a pile of them needing to throw out, so why not throw them in for contrast. LOL

My friend actually ended up thinking it was cute, vs ugly. But, it will serve the purpose anyway. Talk about fun to make! What's the ugliest thing you've knitted or crocheted?

Not sure this is going to work

This isn't the best of pictures, so hope you can see this well enough to see what I'm talking about. This is a scarf in the works, made from very small crocheted granny squares. These granny squares were part of the garage sell donation from Krystinne. I didn't want to use these in a ghan due to their size and thought I'd try a scarf. Was in the mood to try something different and so didn't line them up as squares to join, but as diamonds. Joined and edged...well the edging is still in the works. What I'm not sure about, now that I'm this far is if it will be thick enough between diamonds to not curl too much. I don't necessarily need it to be rigid....but will this work as a scarf?

My plan is to donate this through Bridge and Beyond.

Seems it would be appropriate for a teen through one of the 2 free clinics we donate to.

Thoughts? Have you done before? I've seen zig zag type scarves and thought this would be similar.

Hope you are all getting things done for holidays, staying warm, and being safe.

A Frogging we will Go

I'm round 2 on this Odd Ball Blanket, it's theme is Candy Land. I didn't realize until I got it that they used sport weight yarn..........something I never buy or use. Or at least haven't in YEARS. I have so much yarn in my stash I didn't wish to buy more. Searched for Caron Simply Soft, another yarn I don't like to use; though I think it's slightly better knitted vs crocheted. The yarn isn't wrapped well and always splits and irritates me. Not liking the 2 purples together at all. It's in que to be frogged, which seems perfectly in line with me. I was frogging voice wise for a few days and totally without a voice for a few more. This time of year, constant changing weather, play not nice with my allergies.
Started what was going to be a light weight scarf with this soft and thin sock yarn. Though not really red and gray, I thought it looked close to being ok for a Buckeye (Ohio State's Colors). Not liking the way this was shaping up so tossed it aside and worked on something else. My plan was to have made this when the weather was still ok...cool, but not nasty. That plan didn't work so well, so this too is in que to be frogged.

Now I'm actually less congested, head hurts a bit less, but now running a low grade temp....to bad I can't make myself quickly better...like I can these two projects by frogging and starting over.

Getting Things Done?

A busy time of the year has once again come upon us. Are you getting things done? I made my usual homemade egg noddles for Thanksgiving with the help of my DD. We spent the better part of Wed, the day before Thanksgiving working on them and made 3 large batches. A little over a batch is needed for the meal, the rest always gets divided between my Dad and 2 SIL's. This year we had a problem. I thought I'd done the noddles in the crock pot before, though DD says no. Anyway....it didn't work. I don't know if the crock pot simply doesn't get hot enough, or I didn't allow the brother to get hot enough before adding the noddles. We had a gooey mess. So, I got the egg noddles done....sorta? My Dad had since enjoyed several meals from the uncooked he went home with. My brother is on a gluten free diet so the one SIL didn't take noddles this year. I still have some here.

I managed to finish the above purple and green wool scarf for DD. Had hoped to have it done by the time she arrived on Tuesday evening; didn't quite make that deadline. Managed to finish it the next day after we'd made the ill fated noddles. I love this yarn, it's Taos, light, soft and very warm. Green and purple are her favorite colors. So, I got it done, just not quite when I had hoped. At any rate, she was able to pack and take back with her...which was the plan even though I thought I'd give it to her at Christmas. Heck, between now and then is a whole month of cold.

Been working on the scarf (from the previous post), which will be for my young niece for Christmas. Finished 3 ghans (for Bridge and Beyond) and all need to be laundered and blocked....maybe I'll get that done tomorrow?

Managed to start another scarf, and do some trim on a couple of pair of mittens for The Bridge as well.

Spent today with Dad in Urbana, my elderly aunt had cataract surgery. That went real well, I'm pleased to say.

So, how bout you...are you getting things done with the end of year fast approaching?

Young, Youthful or not?

When I bought this yarn I wasn't sure if it would be a scarf for a gift, or a scarf for me. I liked the colors but, just wasn't sure who it was appropriate for. I started it just before leaving for Mexico, as I thought it would be a good small, light weight item to pack and work on during my travels. I'm using a lacy stitch pattern. Not sure how much you see the lace in this picture as I'm holding it up to get snap the picture with my other hand. Believe it moved a bit. (I think you might see the lace pattern better in the first picture I took when it was started, click on I bought this yarn).

So, my question is...is it youthful looking or not? If it's youthful looking it may end up being part of a Christmas gift for my niece who's 14, I think. I'm terrible at birthdays and remember ages; but believe she just started middle school this year. If it's not youthful, it may go to a charity for battered women that likes lacy and pretty scarves. This scarf though lacy, is also warm as it's 100% wool, made with one of my favorite yarns to work with, Taos. Then again, it might find it's way around my neck because it is a warm scarf. Generally, I make light weight scarves for those battered women; not knowing what climate they're in. Light weight works for all as an indoor scarf for decor and comfort. A wool scarf would only be welcomed by those living in cold climates part of the year, so is less usable.

Open to you thoughts and ideas. What do you, Young Youthful, or Not?

Continuing to work on a scarf for DD, which I should be able to finish by tomorrow when she arrives. Finished the corner to corner ghan for Bridge and Beyond 2 days ago, worked some yesterday on tucking in the ends; just a few left to do today. On last section of the blue and burgundy squares also for Bridge and Beyond; should finish it today. Hoping to get both those ghans in wash so I can block them. Have some fun colorful yarn sitting here starting at me, calling my name. I might have to give in and start something with it.

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, travel safe and enjoy.

Art, wearable Art

This is the jacket I bought at this years art festival. I really liked it when I got it in the summer; but now that's it's cool and jacket season....I don't know. Put it on to go to dinner the other night and it just didn't seem right. I loved the big buttons and the way the collar folds down like a big cowl; but the rounded scooped cut of the jacket made me feel like it should be on someone smaller, or at the very least someone without a stomach. Love the fun colors, the circles and squares; but....wondering if this would fit my niece. Looks good I think with snazzy jeans with the blues.

Purchased it from the same lady I had purchased from before and her sewing is so nice, am disappointed that it just doesn't seem right to me now.

Chipping away at a scarf for DD, a scarf for my niece, two ghans for Faith Mission through Bridge and Beyond. Looking forward to DD arriving for Thanksgiving. Hubby and I tried to purchased a new washer and dryer today; but looks like it will be on sale on Black Friday. Groan....I usually avoid all shopping on that day; but...it's a good price break. So, think that's our current plan.

Hope you all have a good week end.

Busting Blue Stash

Busting my blue stash now. This is the 3rd color. Process continues the same. Dump bag, sort, separate, roll, and yank out small balls to add to the corner to corner ghan. It's been fun organizing my yarn, reminding me what I actually have, and fun to see how the ghan is taking shape, in hues of the same color done in batches.
Will work until the blue's gone, or until I feel like busting another color. This ghan will be for Bridge and Beyond.

Starts for the trip

I generally like to start a few small projects in preparation for packing for a trip. I like to start it before leaving home to see if I'm going to like my idea rather than do that actually on the trip.

Here's my little start. A lacy scarf with 100% wool from one of my favorites Taos. This is I think a discontinued colorway. Why, I don't know because I really like it. Got it in the sale bin at my LYS (local yarn shop). Still not cheap, but more reasonably priced then it typical is. Taos is never cheap yarn to my way of thinking.
Holding it up here so you can see the lace pattern a bit. It's the old fashioned faggot stitch. Colorway is Tucson. When I originally purchase the yarn I thought I'd probably make myself a new scarf with it; but am now thinking maybe it will be a Christmas gift for youngest niece? Not sure yet. When I get further along I'll decide if it's youthful looking. This was one of the projects I started and put in my carry on bag for the trip to Mexico.

My plan for this past week to work on 10 rows for the corner to corner ghan for the homeless for The Bridge, and 10 rows for the scarf I'm working on my DD for Christmas fell a bit short. I did manage my 10 rows a day for the corner to corner ghan; but only managed 18 of 60 rows for the scarf assuming 10 x 6 through yesterday. I also planned to visit 5 people daily from my blog log and didn't manage that successfully daily--though yesterday hit a good number and just finished the remainder today. Seems lots of folks on my blog log aren't blogging as much as they used too, and for some reason Knitting by the Ocean--Joansie, is now a closed blog? Am receiving a message saying it seems you've not been invited to read this blog. What's up with that, anyone know? Joansie and I've been visiting and commenting on each other's blog a long time, so am puzzled and wonder if we've got a blogspot snafu of some sort.

Hope you all have a good rest of the weekend. I'm hoping to get 10 more rows on corner to corner, and see about catching up and or finishing DD scarf.

Everyone Loves Purple and Green

Started this scarf for my DD on the plane to Mexico last week. It's purple and green of course. Her colors, but apparently not just her's. Several folks on the plane and in the lines mentioned how popular green and purple are right now. One young gal they're really "IN". lol I'd be using them even if they weren't. Knitting this from 100% wool, Crystal Palace which is one of my favorite yarns for scarves. Light weight, pretty, soft, but still warm. No fancy stitching to detract from the pretty yarn are necessary. Using a real favorite, The Condo Stitch with size 15 and 8 knitting needles. One of the nice things about using your interchangeable knitting needles is the ability to use 2 different sizes at the same time.

The plan of 10 rows mentioned in my previous post isn't going quite as well as I had hoped. Currently doing 10 rows a day on this scarf I should be at 40 by the end of today, and am only on 19. AND following the same plan for the corner to corner ghan I'm knitting for Bridge and Beyond, I should also be at 40 by days end and am at 25. The day's not over yet, so there's hope but as I finish this post, I'm heading to work soooooooooooooo.....beyond doing a little during my dinner break, I don't know if I'll make it or not.

My other plan of visiting 5 blog mates a day has fallen way short. Too short to report, but I will keep trying.

Hope you're all having a wonderful day. Pretty fall day here, hope it is for you as well.

Sandy's Sunday Thoughts

There really is never enough hours in the day.

People really can really surprise you with their big hearts.

Immigration and airport security are stressful, long, involved and I wonder....do they really serve a purpose?

Yes, I really do need more time in each and everyday. I am soooooooo behind at blogging on this blog and in visiting all my blog friends. I plan to visit at least 5 of you everyday this week in an effort to catch up. And I need to get a couple of posts written, scheduled and get back in the swing of things...show you what I've been working on, what I've been doing, and find out the same from you.

Been gone for a week, and was thrilled thrilled thrilled to see so many wonderful donations for Bridge and Beyond.

Get in this line, show this paper, move over here. Put your papers away, take your papers back out. Leave your shoes on. Get them tied again, now take your shoes off. Good Grief. How much do you have to declare, what did you buy? Why don't they ask for receipts if they really care? Where did you go, how long did you stay, what happens if you don't tell the truth? How would they know? I'm not sure they would. But...I sure spent lots of time in line..........Geessssssssss Lots of details, pictures, and information to follow on my travel blog, Traveling Suitcase

Daily plan for the week:
Knit 10 rows on scarf I started for DD for Christmas (picture tomorrow)
Knit 10 rows on corner to corner (ghan for homeless, keep checking Bridge and Beyond for progress, in a blue phase now
Crochet 10 rows or stitch together sections for blue burgundy ghan for homeless, keep checking Bridge and Beyond for progress

Goals for the week:
Streamline new tab areas on Bridge and Beyond to include slipper patterns, consolidate mitten patterns
Make exciting announcement about who won the mitten challenge on The Bridge (and tally final total of mittens received for challenge made my member Beth
Make exciting announcement regarding magazine article.............drum roll please.

Adding Green to the Ghan

Dumped out, sorted, rolled, organized Green. Wow...look at all the shades of green. We've got lime green, Christmas Green, several shades of olive green, Forest Green, minty greens, almost black greens. Some almost look blue depending on what you place it next too. I followed the pink procedure and pulled out the small balls of green and have continued.

The pictures a bit blurry, sorry bout that. Still have more green to add; but making good progress. Depending on how much green there is, the decrease might start after the green. Kinda fun using up the small balls of yarn this way and seeing the way the colors show up next to each other. This will go to Faith Mission for Bridge and Beyond.

Making it Pink

Because it's October and we all think about Pink I pulled out my pink stash. Did some untangling, some sorting, some rolling balls. Decided I would pull out all the small balls things about 1-2 inches and use them up.
Here's the start. After the pink section I'm currently working on, I have one more small ball of pink....so then will yank out the green stash and do the same thing. This is helpful, it's reminding me what I have. Giving me a chance to organize a bit too, since some of the hanks etc have been in the bags of stash awhile and they do get a little messy. So far I've managed to actually end at the end of the rows, though ...when you're knitting a corner to corner the first rows are much shorter so that's easier to do. I probably won't as time goes on, and I think that's ok. Changing mid row, might add some character to this ghan. I also don't think I'll make an effort to always end on the right or wrong side. After all I want to use up the balls. I've become a real fan of the corner to corner ghans. They're easy and work up fairly fast with just doing garter stitch. They're a good way to use up yarn, they look decorative I think with the edge made from the yarn overs. This one will probably go Bridge and Beyond for Faith Mission. Those women and children are truly in need.

Apologies, it's been 2 weeks since I've posted. Wow, I never let it go that long. I've been working more hours, and have put lots of time and energy into working on the blog for Bridge and Beyond. Adding tabs, doing more frequent posts to help it's placement in the search engines, and doing lots of posting and promotions on other blogs, and forums to obtain more helping hands.

Would love you all to take time to visit The Bridge, maybe you could print a flier or two which you'll find in the tabs across the top of the blog to help spread the word. Could I also ask you to visit and comment on 2 or 3 different posts? That's helpful as well with the whole search engine thing.

I hope to get around to visiting you all again, please know you're not forgotten.

Thinking, Planning, Designing Orange Fall

Felt like throwing squares and rectangles on the floor to get those creative juices going. I remembered I had a fair number of orange-ish squares in my mish mosh bags. Drug those out and added some recent rectangles with that same fall orange flare to them. Lots of sizes here as you can see. Some pieces are knitted, some are crocheted, some are sampler type squares/rectangles and others granny style made in the round. Several of these large knitted squares are from my Darling Daughter, some have been donated through Bridge and Beyond by Alexis, RoseMarie, and some are left overs from previous defunct groups. Some I've had a while; but a squares doesn't get old you know. It's like wine, I use no square before it's time. lol
It's time. I like to photograph what I think the lay out should be, to get idea how much I need to change the squares/rectangles to make them fit. Once I pick them up and start that work, I often have to look at the picture. I really can't remember how I put them together size wise. Sometimes though the give and go of squares with different yarns and stitches changes and they do get moved from the original template.

However, this is step 1 for me. Next is step 2, what color to edge and join with. Debating with myself now between black and brown. I'll have to check the amount I have of each in my stash and go from there. It's a work in progress and will be donated to Faith Mission, the latest beneficiary I've added to our The Mission of Bridge and Beyond.

I also like to take pictures from the both the length and width views, as it helps with sizing issues.

Troubled Blanket on it's way, FINALLY

Gees, what started out as an easy project really took a turn to taking too much time and I had to solve a problem. The pink yarn was given to me and and I thought it was such a soft pink would make a nice small blanket. I started was to be a plain pink blanket, and when I was at what I thought was the 1/4 th point by counting the stitches on the needle I weighted the yarn I had left and thought I was good to go. No clue how I was sooooooo off. I don't know if I didn't weigh the yarn correctly, forgot what I came up with, or changed the count I was going for on the blanket. But, clearly I was way off. The pink yarn was old, wasn't a brand I'd ever heard of before and so I knew it wasn't possible to try and match. Two choice, rip out back to the half way point and do a 2 tone blanket or keep going until I ran out and then switch. I hate, hate, hate to rip out and had so many projects going and deadline looming that I choice to keep going and add a new color when the time came. My thought was then to make a hoody type blanket so whatever color I added for the 2nd color on one corner would be matched with a hood of the same color on the opposite corner.
The 2nd color ended up being about 1/3rd of the blanket which measures 32 x 32 inches. Susie snuggled up in the traditional wrap method showing the hood which has a small ruffle. I didn't want it to lay totally flat against the blanket feeling it might be too tight.

This is on it's way to Angela for her Blankets for All Babies request on Crochetville. She's been busy making baby items for her local pregnancy center where your mothers with low income are much in need. Give a baby a head-start and make something warm. I have a couple of hats and green pair of booties going with this donation as well, but forgot to take pictures.

The blanket is knitted in straight garter stitch on size 6 needles (yarn was lighter weight so smaller needles were necessary which made the process slower than I like, even without the added problem of running out of pink), using the traditionally dishcloth pattern. The hood is made the same. I just knitted what looked like a new start until the corner seemed large enough, edge it, as I had the blanket; and crocheted the two together.

Angela's charity is in NE, Ohio.

Ticker Tape for Women

Moda Dea Ticker Tape, 100% nylon a fun yarn to work with. Very soft and light weight and is like working with ribbon. I think this might make a nice chemo cap due to the feel. It's also quite stretchy. I'm using 2 different sized needles 13 and 17. Have gotten so for quick projects, I really like the different texture using 2 sizes of needles gives when just knitting straight (garter stitch). When you use this method is called Condo Stitch. It's amazing how different it looks based on the sizes you choose to use. How close the needles sizes are or aren't makes a big difference. This is a little open and airy. Think if I were to do this again I would go for a bigger difference in needle sizes to open it up a bit more. This will be sent to NC and is, I think a nice weight for year round wear in that southern state. It's intended more as a decorative scarf and could be used to ward off cool air conditioning on the neck in the warmer months and then again for warmth later as it cools down.

The colorway is called Monet and while I'm not one to use lots of pastels it's really quite pretty. I''ve had these 2 skeins in my stash for quite a while and had forgotten I had it. It's classified as a bulky weight yarn and suggests size 13 as the optimal needle size. Generally when I'm using 2 different sized needles I use the suggested size as the smallest of the two, or go one smaller. There's only 67 yards in a skein, so will probably use about half the 2nd skein to complete this project. Since it's more of a decorative scarf I don't want it to be doubled up and will go for about 5.5 to 6 ft in length. As I was looking up the information this morning about the yarn I was surprised to see on RAV, that's it's since been discontinued. That's a shame. I saw hats, scarves, walker totes, ponchos, sweaters, and summer tops all made beautifully from this yarn. Not sure when it got discontinued; but if it wasn't too long ago you might get some really good buys from the stores that still have it in stock. Always nice to look for a bargain.

When finished (and by the time you read this it should be, as this is a scheduled post), it's heading to Jackie someone I meant on The Hive as a give away for Mother's and More Raleigh Durham Chapter 331 convention. This is a non-profit 20 year charity focused on promoting women and their needs.

Homemade Applesauce, Tis the Season

A Granny Smith Apple here. I make homemade applesauce quite a bit for dinner; but usually in small amounts and so just peel and cut the apples. Needed to make a huge batch the other day for a large gathering and luckily hubby remember I had a peeler-slicer-corer from the days when I canned.
Center the apple as best you can on the prongs on the right (see above), turn the crank and you slice, core, and peel all at one time. It's fabulous. I did a bag of Granny Smith's, bag of Macintosh, bag of Gala's, and several large Braeburns. I like my applesauce to be a mix. I also like it chunky, so I start it cooking while I'm still working on some of the apples; that way they all don't cook at the same rate. Some will be soft and mushy, while some of it will have pieces of apple which is my preference. I use lots of Cinnamon, little bit of water, and some sugar. I don't measure so I can't tell you how much of anything. I do things by site and smell. I can tell you I use one of the shakers for sugar and only go through 1 maybe 2 a year---so you see it's not sweet sweet.
Apple slices in the pan. Some I left this size, others I broke up; again so the cooking would be different. I made a huge amount and everyone loved it. Had enough to give Daddy a container to take home after the family gathering, plus left some for my younger brother and his wife who always enjoy it.

While I'm still not happy about summer going bye bye, fall is a good time for good applesauce.

Remodel with Tile

Tiles are used in so many different ways in the house and out. Think about all the projects and possible remodeling you could do with the use of pretty subway tiles. Think about mosaic and decorative tiles you could around the fireplace in the living room. They're easy to clean and add lots of personal detail to your room. Or perhaps you need tiles for around your pool.

Think about the amount of time one spends in the kitchen, either cooking the family meal, eating it, cleaning up afterwards; or just hanging out. Kitchens get lots of use by every family member. Make your kitchen attractive with the use of tiles in the backsplash. The tiles are not only attractive but very useful in protecting your walls from food splaters behind the stove, to water splatters around the sink areas.

You could do a whole bathroom remodel with bathroom tiles. Tiles for flooring, the shower area, even the wall. The skies the limit truly with color and design. Durable scratch resistent tile in imagination shape, size, and color.

Would you like to shop with the ease of clicking your mouse? Would you like to take advantage of free shipping, sign up for email allerts for specials, use coupons, and be guaranteed the best price as well as returns and exchanges? Get free help over the phone, order a sample to determine what style or color tile you want for your project? Then click HERE and order tile that's been featured on HGTV, tile used by Bob Villa from the ease of your computer chair on a secure website. The website is easy to navigate with searches capable by color, room/project and or collection. AND that's not all, the supplies and tools you need to complete the project are also available; along with what you need for maintenance of your new remodel.

Troublesome Knitting, are you trying to tell me something?

Nothing fancy here, your very basic corner to corner ghan with a little detail on the edge created by doing the yo (yarn overs). I'm not sure what happened, or why. Did I count wrong, did I measure wrong, did I weigh the yarn wrong? Did I just forget? Arghhhhhhh

The pink yarn was donated to me HERE, 3 ply knitted worsted. As I debated about whether or not to strip the blanket I weighed the yarn on my scale and figured I had more then enough when I was at what I thought was the 1/4th point.

Well...
buzzing along with the yarn in my project bag I wasn't paying any attention to how much yarn I had left, when....at about 2/3rd's done had a snag and pulled the yarn out of my bag to untangle. Yikes...no way did I have enough to finish the blanket. I could frog (which I detest) back to the half way point and make the blanket 2 tone; provided I had the right weight of something on hand. I really didn't want to frog so came up with plan B.

Plan B, switch color, enter pretty minty green and finish blanket. Ok 2/3 and 1/3...little weird, so how about then starting a 2nd piece using the minty green and making just a corner to attach to the opposite corner of the 1/3 minty green. Like a hood? So, for now that's my plan.

I get one row done when my needles come apart and a huge number of stitches are no longer on my needles. You've got to be kidding me. I'm terrible at putting the stitches back on the needle, plus I wasn't at this point real awake. Let it be til I had my coffee. Hooked my needles back together. I've only had that happen once in several years and it was right after I got my Denise Set when I probably didn't put them together well enough to begin with. I really can't believe it. Knit half the next row AND it happens again. Seriously, not as many stitches this time. What's going on. Was that a hint I was suppose to frog? I sure hope not, cause I didn't. I've knit one row since, so far so good.

Got my toes and fingers crossed I can finish this before I have another issue. I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

**pink in first picture seems more on target, not sure why the 2 pictures look so different
****
This is slated for a charity right here in Ohio, Blankets for all Babies

Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Sandy Style

Ok that worked, the badge is here; but where's the linky stuff. I need to be more techy. Today I learned that we have filters here on our blogs. So, I'm tooting my horn cause I learned something new. We can use those filters like we do in our email, and that coupled with approving comments over 14 days old should take care of the spam. So there. To all you would be spammers. Go Away!
Toot Toot!

Silly Sunday

Julie and I after a fun full day of wine drinking at Lake Erie (Port Clinton) during our "girls time". Anyone who knows me, knows I do NOT take decent pictures; but once in a blue moon. Truly. So, this is actually a not bad picture. Julie on the other hand is much more photogenic. This was the weekend we had such fun visiting the yarn shop you might have already read about HERE.

Jan, is always photogenic even when acting a fool. lol ! She's setting a new style here with stripes and animal skin as she plays "hostess with the mostest". Was getting late and this was right before we knew we were super close to the terrible tornado.

One title seems to sum this up...."Girls just want to have Fun!" The fun prairie bonnet I purchased for my daughter as a remembrance of years gone past. When she was young she lived in one as she read "Little House on the Prairie".

Flowers, a thing of Beauty!

I love flowers. I love the beauty they add to one's yard, the wonder scents, the butterflies and bees they bring. However, with each year I get older and planting, digging, weeding, and dividing the beauties has become harder and harder. Let's face it, as you age it's just plain hard work. The arthritis in the knees, back, and or hands makes doing these things painful and certainly less pleasant. I think a wonderful alternative is a window box. I can stand to plant, and water. I would have less weeding to do, but still be able to enjoy the beauty the flowers bring.
Window Boxes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. You can even select what type of construction/material you prefer. The selection available even includes your choice of types of metal. Maybe you like ornate, while I prefer a more basic design. Windows come in a variety of sizes and so you'll want to select a style, color, size, and design that coordinates with your windows. You can enjoy your flowers inside and out without the extra work of digging up the hard ground after winter, or crawling around mulching. I'm also thinking how much more environment this could be. Seems to me I would need to water a smaller area which is not only more "green", but also should save some on the water bill.

Planters are available to match or coordinate with your window boxes too. That's a great idea. I could use one on the front step area which would also be easier to maintain then my current large flower beds.

Make your selection, then order the accessories you need to hang the window flower boxes all at the same time. It's easy, secure and help is available either by way of an 800 number or use of on line chat. There's a no hassle 30 day return policy, and FREE shipping. You can even track your order once you place it. I'm planning ahead for next year, how about you?

Stash Alert! Wear Safety Goggles

Can you feel it? Stash alert seriously....I don't need more yarn; but this jumped right into my hand. 220 yards, only $6.00. Look at those colors..........green and purple, do you know what that means? Bet you do, if you've been here and read some of my other posts that talk about those colors. This is Melody Super Wash 100% wool by Jojoland. They recommend size 1-3 knitting needles for this. When I last tried my hand with some lace I was using super fine sock yarn and just really had trouble. I think, I hope....fingers crossed this will work better for me; as a newbie when it comes to lace knitting.
Luscious, lovely and I just couldn't resists this! I've shown tremendous restraint not starting on either of this skeins right after they adopted me. It's been several days, and really I'm trying to finish one or two more WIP before starting on these but.........it's getting really hard. The orangey reddish, bright here is for mawah. The purple and green of course is for the one and only Darling Daughter since purple and green are her signature colors.

Not reporting on WIP here, maybe next post.

Uniforms

You ever wish you could wear a uniform instead of making decisions about to wear each day when you go to work, or when you send the kids off to school? I loved it when my daughter switched schools and had to wear a uniform, and so did she. Sure made life simplier, less stressful, and frankly cheaper.

I spent a good deal of time at a hospital when Mom was bad before she passed and noticed lots of different types of Hospital Scrub Uniforms. Cute designs, diffent colors and everyone wearing them always looked comfortable. I think some of the departments had their own colors so people could tell who belonged where. Back in the day in my early hospital working career surgery was the place to see nursing scrub uniforms; while other nurses wore the traditional white uniform. Things have changed. I think patients perfer the pretty, bright colorful and cheery uniforms over the scarey sterile white of years past.

Nowdays everyone can wear medical scrubs and uniforms, you don't have to work in the field. It seems it's very stylish now to wear scrubs when out and about; along with pajama's. I must be getting old and out of touch I would never consider wearing my pajama's to go out. What really floors me though it's not just the kids who've forgotten to dress before they leave the house. What's with that? I'll style out of style, thank you and wear my PJ's at home; but... scrubs...hum, they do look comfortable and so cute. How bout you? Someone the other day wearing them told me they didn't have to be ironed and laundered easily. I like easy!

Protect Yourself

Daily in the news you read and hear about someone's personal identity being stolen. This happens in every corner of the country in lots of different ways. One way people have their identity stolen is through our mail. Not our hard working mail carriers, but through information in our mail. Think about the variety of mail you receive. Some of the mail has personal details charge card numbers, ages, details about your family, and naturally your name and address.

Is your mailbox secure? Some mail boxes are attached to posts along the street removed from your house, others flemsy little boxes attached to your house, some in common hallways of apartment or condo units. Truly not much security exists to protect you and your family. As you're out driving around doing errands, take notice are the mailboxes you see in secluded areas, perhaps even partially covered by pretty landscaping? Some may even be locked, but how easy is it to pry open?

If you're concern about your mailbox being secure, I encourage to click on any of these links. You'll find a huge selection of style, color, and price. You can select a mail slot, box for post, one attached to your house, single or group boxes. You can even custome design and personalize your secure high quality mailbox and feel better about the protection you're affording yourself and your family.

I love a Good Vera Bradley Sale

Got this order a while ago, took the picture but forgot to post. I am not a shopper. I do not like to shop, except for yarn. But, shopping on line suits me fine and dandy. All of these prints are the older prints and therefore they are actually reasonably priced. I refuse to buy a full price new print bag. This though was a good haul. It was $101. and some odd cents. AND free shipping. The order needed to be $100.00 to get the free shipping. lol 3 purses and 2 glass holders. The purse on the far right is a print my daughter likes and so I shipped it to her. It's also a smaller bag which I believe is what she told me she liked. The glass holders I needed but was surprised. The blue and green one is called sunglass case and really is a nice size (I can put 2 pair in there). It's zippered and I wish I had gotten 2 in that style. The black and gold one is titled double, and is suppose to hold 2 pair...........NO WAY. In fact one large pair barely fits. I should probably return it, but don't want to hassle with it. Would not order that style again.

The blue and green bag in the middle, I'm test driving. It's a bit smaller than I thought by looking at it on line, it's well made and has a couple of features they don't have in the other bags which I like...double zipper, and a clip for your keys; but all the slots inside are too small. This was the original purse/bag. Perhaps a cell phone fit back when they were smaller and flip phones were in?

The primary bag I wanted is the black and brown one, called The Morgan. I have this style and LOVE it. Bought it while vacationing in Hilton Head at 50% off....once again because it's an older print. The bag isn't really large, but holds alot. I love the 2 large slanted outside pockets which are actually big enough to hold a water bottle.

Give Peace a Chance

Saw this the other day as I was making my way through a parking lot to connect up with a group for dinner. I had my trusted little click and shot camera in my purse and couldn't resist. Wanted to be quick, least someone spotted me and thought I was getting the plate number for something; which you can see, I've cropped out. Anyway, just couldn't resist. Haven't seen many of these types of signs, bumper stickers etc. since the sixties.

Seeing it made me start humming this.......join in if you know the words!

Give Peace a Chance
- John Lennon(written in 1969 for The Plastic Ono Band)

Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism
This-ism, that-ism, ism ism ism
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

(C'mon)
Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Minister, Sinister, Banisters and Canisters,
Bishops, Fishops, Rabbis, and Pop Eyes, Bye bye, Bye byes
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

(Let me tell you now)
Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Revolution, Evolution, Masturbation, Flagellation, Regulation,
Integrations, mediations, United Nations, congratulations
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
John and Yoko, Timmy Leary, Rosemary,
Tommy Smothers, Bobby Dylan, Tommy Cooper,
Derek Taylor, Norman Mailer, Alan Ginsberg, Hare Krishna
Hare Hare Krishna
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance
(Repeat 'til the tape runs out)

My WIP (works in progress or UFO unfinished objects)
Pink corner to corner baby blanket/kidney kozy (depending on how big it ends up being)
Opal Ghan (a project I can't seem to get rollin on to finish; but has been a WIP for too long)
Candy Corn (an even older WIP)

Help, PLEASE Opinions Needed for Orphan Scarf

Trying to decide where this scarf should go. You might also see the yarn texture better Here. This yarn was donated and therefore should be donated to a worthy cause; I'm just in a bit of a debate and need opinions. It's light weight, soft and pretty. Should I use it for the homeless via Bridge and Beyond? Is it better suited for Compassionate Creations or Threads of Compassion for Battered Women? Or perhaps you have yet a different thought?

The yarn is Italian made, but I've lost the label to tell you what it is. Just need to tuck the end in and it's ready to go...but go where?

Working on a knitted pink corner to corner (probably a baby blanket, depends on size when finished).
Need to find a blanket someone asked me to repair(no clue where I put it)
Candy Corn Ghan, wow it's almost the right season again for this long standing WIP
Opal Ghan (having a hard time gearing up for this), heavy and hard to work on it; but it's been a WIP too long.
**Added to my stash yesterday and really want to do something with it**, lol shhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell I bought more.

I've got a gaping hole!

This is my BLUE Stash. I dumped out both plastic bags, sorted and looked and looked and looked. Was just about to give up when TADA. Found what I needed.
See that wee little bit laying on the area in need. I made this ghan for SIL a long time ago. It's a miracle I had any of the right color still left. I knew I wouldn't be able to match it new. This little bit must be what's left from the last time I repaired this ghan. So laid it out and stitched here on the table on the deck.
You can see how badly this poor ghan needed repaired. This ripped was close to 12 inches long.
Here it is in the works. After I stitched it up, I was able to launder it. Then I rolled it a lot with one of those sticky lint things trying to remove some of the doggy hairs that didn't come off in the wash. Then I spotted another rip. Now I've got to see if I can match the off white. Fingers crossed; but don't think that will be as hard. Yikes this ghan was really hurting.

Yikes, What is this? Don't go Barefoot!

One evening a few weeks back hubby and I were walking out through the backyard with cocktail in hand to reconnoiter the flower beds; as we often do after a day of working in the yard. It's sometimes to admire our work, sometimes to plan what to do next. Hubby often doesn't have shoes on at this point. Me, I'm rarely without them. This pictures shows you why. Seriously I happened to look down and saw this big ugly thing. I think if you stepped on it those pinchers could do some damage. It was about 2 inches long and gave me the creeps. I went in the house to get my camera and hubby's shoes. I wasn't about to step on this wearing sandals--to much of a chance it still might get my toes or something. So, I took it's picture then waked it good a couple of times with hubby's shoes. It wasn't all that easy to kill either. Then scoped it up and tossed it way behind the shed. Maybe it'll be food for some of the critters.

You see anything like this in your yard? Any thoughts what this ugly things was?

I'm gonna pick up some yarn now and make some yoyo's. I've not made or donated these little buggers (lol, couldn't help myself) before; but am currently in a bit of a funk about what to work on; so this mindless but useful item seems like a good idea. I'll be using R,W, and Blue variegated for Fisher House.

The Ending of a Season

The ending of the summer season is upon us. Groaning big time here. Yeah, I know it's been hotter, more humid then normal and people have really complained. But, you know what comes next? Fall, gray colorless days once the flowers and leaves are gone. And then the real ugliness will be here. Short dark days, cold days, wet days, icy and snowy and dangerous days.

These beauties are already gone from my yard; but I want to enjoy them more so have posted them here to share with you. I've already cut all the dead brown stuff, or almost all. I've worked out there about 6 different times now. I do try to break it up as it's hard on the body. Hubby's made multiple trips to the dump with the debries. Each trip he's taken several of the largest trash cans full plus 2 to 3 bags. I have alot. In the back yard I have 3 large fence rows to trim and weed. That's about 99% done. Around the back of the house (which I've not yet started) is quite a bit; then there's the 2 sides of the house. Might do one side today. Though this is a scheduled post so by the time you read it, hopefully I've gotten more done. Can't do the 2nd side though, don't want to disturb Momma Bird. Looking out one of the kitchen windows the other day hubby noticed Momma Bird right up by the house. I wish I could get close enough for a picture. Hum....maybe I'll try. Let you know how that goes.

This is WIP (works in progress) s of the writing of this blog post:
Opal Ghan (crocheted)
2 scarves (knitted)
Candy Corn Ghan (crocheted), longest wip I've ever had
**repairing 2 ghans

Queen for a Day, Memories of Mom

Isn't this apron adorable? I wasn't looking for one when this jumped out at me shopping one day. Loved the pattern and style, looks old timey to me.

Starring at it there in the store I realized why I liked it so much; it reminded me of Mom. Not even because she always wore aprons, cause she didn't. Or at least not in later years. I do remember when I was a young kid she wore them more. I think all ladies did back then in the kitchen. Both she and Grandma did.

The memory that came to mind was a New Years Day long ago. It was always our family tradition to put away the Christmas decorations, take down the tree etc on New Years Day while the pork and kraut was cooking. One particular New Years Mom and Dad were acting foolish, playing around. Mom must have said something about doing all the work (that part of the memory is a little fuzzy, I was really young). Anyway next thing I know Dad's put Mom's apron on and is vacuuming and dusting and telling her to sit down and be "Queen for The Day". It got to be funny with them goofing around off and on all day as we preceeded to get the un-decorating done.

I don't routinely wear an apron, though I always do when making homemade noodles cause flour is everywhere. I always wear one when making tons of egg casseroles for Christmas gifts. Both of these projects require spending the entire day....really the entire day in the kitchen with rather large messes as I'm working fast and furious. So the apron will get put to good use. I sometimes need a second apron on these occasions when my daughter is in from out of town to help. So Mom, this cute red apron is hanging on the hook in the stairway by the kitchen ready and waiting. Even when not wearing it reminds me of you and the wonderful love you and Daddy had. This is my Q memory.

Miss you.

My alphabetical Memories:

Other Memories:
A=Advice, Afghan, Apples
B=Bread, and Bernie
C=Camping, Creativity and Courage
D=Dancing and Delaware Dam
E=Energy and Etiquette
F=Friday
G=Gown (wedding gown), grape pop
H=Hammocks and Holidays
I=Ice Skating and Isaly's
J=JACKS, Mother and Daughter, childhood games
K=Kindess, something we're taught
L=Love Story
M=Memories, One Year Ago Today (Making Do and Mohican)
N=Noodles Over Niagara
O=Ouija Board Memories
W=Wow Mom, The Wisteria

**Hey since I know many who visit this blog are also knitters and crocheters, don't forget you can win free yarn by entering the contest over on Bridge and Beyond**