Sandbox all Tied Up

(WIPW, badges in above Tab)
Making good progress with above afghan, Sandbox.  All squares have now been edged to even things up, and tied together so the process of crocheting the ghan together can now begin.  Funny when I named this afghan, I hadn't really decided what I was going to use to edge and join.  Found several skeins of this variegated in my stash that had been donated, by Rae I think from memory (over on Bridge and Beyond).  Guess the name on the skein....go ahead, Guess.  Driftwood....how perfect is that!  Seriously this is old yarn from K-Mart (Sayelle).  So few K-Marts still open, it's been YEARS since they sold yarn, lol.  I just like the shades and thought it would work.  Am thrilled how well it goes.  Couldn't have matched it better if I'd planned it.  lol

Better to be lucky then good, hubby says that alot.

Anyone having trouble adjusting to the new format of blogger?  I really dislike the dashboard area, it's not nearly as easy to do things, find things and takes longer to do everything.  Don't know why when something works well, people feel the need to change things up.  Irritating.

Been busy on both Superpoints, and Swag Bucks earning points, and swag bucks and racking up Amazon Gift Cards.  ($110.00 from Superpoints, and $70.00 on SwagBucks...haven't been there as long).  Think what you could do for your family with that amount of money/giftcards.  All mine go to my DD who uses them to buy necessary school text books for kids in need in inner city St. Louis.  I encourage you all to join one or both systems, if you've not yet done so.  They work very similar, but do have some differences.  If you join either, sing out and let me know if you have questions or need help getting started.  Have links for both above, just click on the words.  With both systems you earn by doing surveys, watching videos, playing games, clipping coupons, buying either Groupons or just buying.  With Superpoints you earn by spinning the lucky wheel (best to do it daily), on Swag Bucks you earn by searching the net (something we all do daily anyway).

Happy Wednesday.

It's important to vote, if you've not yet registered...hurry.  If you're voting absentee be sure and check the amount of postage needed...it varies even county to county.  If you have the option to vote early you can safe yourself time waiting in line.

Late for a Very Important Date

Late to post, late to visit, behind in knitting and crocheting...(though I do have something to show you if you keep reading that involves yarn). Since I've been so late I missed 2 weeks, I'm posting this one early. (YOP badge and link in sidebar)

You've no doubt since this in my side or on Facebook or others blogs. Superpoints, a place to shop, clip coupons, play games, watch video's, do surveys and spin for lucky bonus points. Convert your points in to a gift card and or money. I convert mine into Amazon Gift Cards to help buy
these school text books. Used school text books for kids in need at my Darling Daughters school. This picture represents over $700.00 in used text books, and only takes care of 1 student. To date, I've donated $100.00 in Amazon Gift Cards towards this cause, and I believe my Darling Daughter's earned 70 ish? I've forgotten what she told me.
Have made good headway on this afghan since the picture (which was taken in order to do last weeks post.......see how behind I am). This afghan is for Bridge and Beyond and is called The End of Summer. When this is completed, which I hope will be soon...I hope to get back to Sea and Sand Ghan.

I've not made much headway on my list for YOP, but hope to in the near future. Join us and see what everyone is up to. (A plea to all my YOP friends, would you please please please, purdy please get rid of the captchas's on your blog. Many of you also use approvals, in which case you're doing double and really don't need the captcha's. AND, with the blogger filters you really don't need them, even if you're not using approvals. It soooooooooo slows down visiting. Most have to be done 2 or 3 times because they aren't readable).

If you'd like to help kids get needed text books, and or earn money for you and your family/ or gift cards. Click above superpoints badge or link. Let me know if you join, happy to help you get started. Joining is quick and easy. 3 steps:

• register
• verify your email addy
• take care of profile requirements

Working Away on Wednesday

Wow, it's Wednesday again. Seems I've fallen behind with these regular mimi's of late. This cable scarf is coming right along. In fact I've worked on it more since taking this photo the other day. I love the yarn, both texture and color. I'm pleased with my progress making the cables. This is the 2nd item I've made using cables. First was a difficult washcloth....cotton not a good thing to start with since there's no give to it. My concern is...I'm going to run out of yarn. Bought this some time ago and trying to match it...not possible; plus somewhere along the line I pitched the wrapper and couldn't begin to know what the number was. It's also a bit more narrow then I like. I would add a 3rd cable if I did this again. In fact the pattern on RAV, only showed one cable and was a real skinny scarf. This measures just about 4 inches wide. Assume It will grow a wee bit when blocked?
Slowly it's coming along. My first ever one piece knitted afghan. Knitting is so much slower then crocheting; but I am enjoying working on this. I previously made a scarf using the feather and fan and decided a ghan was the way to go. You see the pattern so much more. My problem is, I keep changing the design in terms of how much of this color and that color, because I'm using donated and stashed yarn and well, it truly is a work in progress. I thought I finally had it figured out, and the last variegated yarn was to be the middle....which would mean I'm now working on the 2nd half. I'm not totally sure it's going to be large enough. See, what you think. Sooo, I may have to check my stash again for like the 3rd or 4th time. Pretty sure though I don't have anything appropriate....to have a middle, I needed an odd number of the variegated, sooooooooooo...we'll see. I do think I may need to lay this aside though and work on some other projects. I always name my afghans, and this one is titled, Sand and Sea. I can't take credit for it, the name I mean. One of my fellow bloggers suggested it.
I'm continuing to work everyday on earning points through superpoints. The points are converted to amazon gift cards. After shopping for myself and obtaining awesome needle holders, and a yarn organizer; I've been able to donate my gift cards to my daughter. Like me she's working hard everyday earning points and converting to gift cards through amazon. She's uses them to purchase text books for her students in need in the inner city of St. Louis. If you can help us by joining.........we would surely appreciate it. To join 3 easy peazy steps

1. click the button and fill out the 4 little lines, name etc
2. verify your email addy
3. fill out your little profile/post a photo

That's all there is to it! You've now earned points, and so have we. Our points are going for a good cause. Your points give you the ability to save for gifts, shop for yourself and more. You get 30 spins daily to win. I've NEVER not won something. So, once you've finished those 3 little quick steps to join...take a couple of minutes and do your 30 spins. If you plan to do more then spin (ie. play games, shop, clip coupons, do surveys), do set up a 2nd email account so the extra email you get won't get jumbled into your personal regular account. It's just easier that way.

Sea and Sand and School Stuff..........already!

YOP post

Time to think about school, school supplies and books yet again. The sales are going on already. My DD works in the inner city in St. Louis and is trying to obtain help getting books and needed school supplies for the students who are without. No, I'm not asking you to donate money, or buy anything.
I am asking you to click the above button and join, it's fast, easy and fREE. Once you join verify your email addy, then fill out a little bio. Now the fun begins. You're earning points that can be converted into gift cards from a number of places, Best Buy, Pizza Huts and Amazon among many other places; as well as $$ through PayPal. You might have seen this button on my blog, or heard me mention it before when I ordered lovely needle holders after converting my earned points to amazon gift cards. My DD recently found out she can get items her students in need through this same process. I've already turned over my remained amazon gift cards to her and will be continuing to do as I earn them. But, am asking you all to help too. It's a win win. YOu'll be helping her help students in need AND you'll be earning yourselves to shop for you and your family with the gift cards. You earn points by clipping coupons, something we all do anyway. You earn points when you join, when you shop, when you play games, when you do surveys, and when you spin the wheel. Spin the wheel everyday..........takes all about 3 minutes. I've never had a day when I didn't earn points when spinning.
Before turning my gift cards over to DD, this was the yarn organizer I received through my points. 6 holes to thread yarn through, clean sections to see the yarn; all nicely zipped in. Notice even velcro to keep the yarn from going everywhere.
I have all the yarn I need, each in it's sleeve and threaded to continue to work on my Feather and Fan Afghan, named Sea and Sand. There are places for patterns, needles and the large inside is big enough to hold....Sea and Sand in it's present size!
It's really coming along. I finished the large light gray area followed by what I hoped to be the middle variegated area and am now working on the large gray area again....working my way back down the other side. I need to lay this out on the floor yet again and determine if I finally have it large enough to be just past the half way point. As you know, the design of this ghan has changed several times due to finding out I didn't have as much yarn as I thought I had. It's a process.

Happy YOP...late getting mine posted. YOP Badge and link in side bar. Please join us. Technically I already have one change to my list. Working on a cable scarf which I posted about previously which was not on my list, however.......I'm thinking it's my warm up project using the fact I learned to make cables due to last years list.

Happy 4th of July America

Work in Progress Wednesday (badges and links in sidebar). One project was sawing up all the tree limbs that feel during the last 2 storms. My part is done as you can see. Waiting on the city (which I thought was picking up 2 days ago) to finish the job. My whole street looks like this.
And while I continue to knit on the feather and fan afghan (named Sea and Sand), no new pictures as the progress has been slow, spending time on the yard and getting ready for today...4th of July. I have taken time to look through these 2 new books that just came the other day from Amazon...work in progress is trying to pick out a shawl pattern...and trying to understand the different types of casting on. These books and other cool things (remember my 2 needle holders?)
From Amazon. You can turn your points from SuperPoints into Amazon gift cards. Work in progress is trying to amass more points to shop with. Click to join, fill out your profile, verify your email addy. Done...you've already started earning points. Now complete offers, watch video's, play games, do survey's and spin DAILY on the Superlucky Button for extra points.

On this special holiday, please remember those who made it possible. My Dad was in The Navy, a Seabee. Fly your Flag Proudly. If you're traveling, travel safe my friends.

Sunday, Let's Start at the very Beginning

Let's start at the very beginning
A very good place to start
When you read you begin with ABC
When you sing you begin with ...

You get the picture. And so today we begin with yarn, hooks, needles, patterns and ideas galore on our 2nd year of Year of Projects. Note the new fancy badge in the side bar. New Tab will be added for year 2.

Year one tab will still be available for awhile on the blog. It reminds me what I did and didn't accomplish. I did make 15 afghans (assembled them from donated squares); though I had 4 others that were on list.

I had 2 goals, accomplished one, removed one from the list. Heck, batting in the majors I'd be batting 500, so that's not to shabby.

I made a half dozen items that weren't on my list.

So, this years list will start off a bit more simple.

My Afghan Goals:
To complete 12 afghans from donated squares
Complete Candy Corn Afghan (longest work in progress project EVER)
Finish the Feather and Fan Afghan (knitted), that finally has a name, Sea and Sand

The goal accomplished last year, learn to cable. I want to make a skirt for myself using this new skill. Need to re-find the pattern for starters.

I want to make time for working on items other than the above afghans. I kept so busy with those last year, many other wanted projects didn't happen.

Cast on....I know there are other methods beyond the traditional one I always use. I get all tangled up when I try to do the thumb one and so ....do it old school...the long slow way. Would like to learn another faster cast on.

I have a knitting machine, haven't used it in over a year. In fact removed it from my office in order to make room for my antique Treedle Singer Sewing Machine. Would like to set up a space in the basement and use it some again for accomplish quick things for charity, Bridge and Beyond.

Some of you have noticed this button in the sidebar and or in my previous post. But, thanks to this Superpoints membership, I have now been able to turn this needle mess

Into this!
Look how nice and organized. I've attempted to label the needles with size and length (click to enlarge and see little white rings on the right hand pouch). I'm going to explore further ways to label and so have these 2 pouches organized with interchangeables on the left (Denise) and Turbo's and other circulars in the right.

WOW, that's quite a difference. All together, organized and taking up less space. No more searching. Thank you Superpoints. I earned points by joining, by spinning the lucky wheel, by watching video's and by doing surveys. I converted my points into Amazon gift cards and shopped for my needle holders. Thus far, I've earned $30.00 worth, have spent $25.00 and am very close to earning another $5.00 gift card. Click on the botton and join, you'll start earning points as soon as you fill out your profile and verify your email addy. I suggest you use a separate email account to keep things separate from your personal or business email.

Happy Year 2 of Year of Projects.
And....I'm still working on the feather and fan afghan, which now has a name, thanks to a comment previously...Sea and Sand.

Wonderful Wednesday, Working Away

I ordered 2 of these last night through Amazon.com. I'm pretty excited because I've been wanting and needing one for some time. Each needle holder has 15 sections. These will help me get organized and have all my needles in one location. Really anxious for them to arrive. Normal price is 29.99, on sale for $11.99; but I only paid $3.97 for both after applying
$25.00 worth of gift cards earned through SuperPoints over the last couple of weeks! And that includes shipping. I have so many odds and ends this will be really helpful. Plus, I have a set of Denise Interchangeable needles with 2 sets of cords and the flimsy plastic case things came in just really doesn't work. So, my thought was to put The Denise in one and the odds and ends in another. I still like The Denise, but find with some yarn I do better with some of my metal odds and ends. Depends what I'm making.

Work in progress...I will continue to use and enjoy my Superpoints Membership (if you'd like to join me, just click the button above on in my right sidebar), you'll start earning points as soon as you verify your email ady and fill out your profile. Enjoy and happy earning. Let me know if you have questions or need help.

AND work also continues on Feather and Fan.

The light gray should be the middle section. It measures 16 inches (should be slightly more after blocking) before the light gray. I didn't think 32 inches was wide enough and so have decided to add a larger middle section of this light gray. The variegated skein will probably be the next section, which has lots of the blue-ish gray look. Very similar to the variegated already there, right before the light gray. What I'm not quite certain about it...if the light gray is only here in the middle is that going to look odd? Do I need to scrounge around for another variegated that compliments the light gray and make it the middle...so that there's light gray on the otherside of it...therefore having the light gray in 2 spots? Sing out with your thoughts. As you know the design on this keep changes, because I'm trying really hard to use yarn in my stash and make it all work.

Happy Wednesday, work in progress badges and links all in left sidebar. Do join us.

Work in Progress Badges and Links in left sidebar, please join us. The more the merrier.

Sunday, Sketchy Internet

This is the 2nd to last YOP post for this year. Realistically, I've knitted so little in the last couple of days, seems no point in taking, editing, and posting another picture. The only thing I've been working on is my Feather and Fan Afghan. If I get some good knitting time in from now til this time next week....I might, hopefully get it done to get one more thing marked as done on my list.

There are 2 other afghans still listed, which were designed before I got the idea for this Feather and Fan Ghan; but ...I had done lots of crocheting, and those 2 ghans are pieces donated squares together. Not something I can take and go, something I really need to be here to work on. I was a bit tired of crocheting, wanted to knit, wanted a take a go item...and so shifted my focus.

I believe I'll just add those afghans to the start of next years list. I plan to organize it a bit differently. Wish I had done better on this years list. I removed more items then I'd like to admit to as this point. Though I did add items to take their place.

Hope you all have enjoyed working through your YOP lists, it's fun seeing everyones lists, progress, and being with such nice and supportive cheerleaders.

I will try my best to visit everyone, but...as you can see from the title, I'm having issues. These past 2 days, the internet hasn't played nice. I thought at first it was a particularly webpage (Superpoints...see badge in right sidebar), but it wasn't. Then I wondered if it was google as my gmail was dog slow...thought they were making more unwanted changes. But, today, hubby was also having trouble on his laptop. So if 2 different computers, using 2 different browsers (he used Int. Explorer and I use Mozilla FireFox), are having issues..........it's not the webpages, it's not the computers. I even did a full scan yesterday and clean up on my computer. Called the cable folks this am after resetting my router. Seems we're not getting full power/connectivity on all lines. They say they'll send someone out, but after being on the phone for 20 minutes, they tell me they have no openings for the whole week! Wow, that's lousy service. They gave me a claim file number and are passing the issue of no openings up to their superiors...who are suppose to call me and get this taken care of. So, sadly looks like I'll get behind trying to earn my points, visit and blog til they get this resolved.

So, please bear with me as I attempt to do my blog visits. Happy Sunday one and all.

YOP Badge and link in right sidebar.

And because I like photo's, please enjoy the flowers. I love flowers, these orange Lilies are from my backyard.

Saturday's Spin on Sweet Fun

Have you noticed this button/badge in my right sidebar? This is an important button/badge. A sweet one for sure! 2 weeks ago I joined, and started earning points. I earned by spinning the superlucky wheel everyday, by watching video's, having fun while answering some surveys, and by SHOPPING! There are other ways to have fun, you can click and print coupons to save money, and play games.
This was my first shopping venture. I purchased these 5 books (notice they are not even paperback, but real books! Hold onto your hat, I got all 5 of these books for $0.99, plus shipping. I also got a coupon to be reimbursed for $10.00 of the 12....something shipping cost. AND, by purchasing these books through SuperPoints, I earned 1,000 points!

Since these books arrived, I've printed and saved $3.00 off on purchasing my Claritin D (what a year for allergies), and yes I earned points there as well. Points add up, and a few days ago, I turned some points into $20.00 to spend on Amazon.com. I've selected a few things I want, but haven't quite decided yet how to spend my free $20.00...plus I'm still earning points and maybe able to convert more into gift cards on Amazon.

Click the above superpoints button or the one in my right sidebar and you too can join, have fun, save money, make money, win gifts and prizes.
Now that's what I call a sweet sweet deal. This cute cupcake badge is also clickable and will take you to a fun and SWEET Saturday linky. Join us.

Two Projects to Share....

Working on my Feather and Fan afghan, plan C now in action. Working with the lighter gray currently which will be the middle section of the afghan. You'll note 3 variegated yarns already used, 3 will follow the light gray will continuing using the dark gray and the tan between to highlight the colors and make it an appropriate size. A bit of a cheat, in that it's not finished; but...finally the design is! Since this is the 3rd go round, I'm pretty excited by having that finalized. Plan A was alternating the dark gray with the various variegated yarns...which presented the first problem (thought I had lots of the dark gray and those sections were going to be large); Plan B was to alternate the dark gray and the tan between the variegated yarns...given the amount of yarn, those sections weren't going to be wide enough to make the ghan an appropriate size...........thus I've settled on Plan C. Actually think it's plan D....somewhere along the line (believe between plan A and plan B thought about using a different color or colors with the gray). Anyway...........this final plan gets the job done using the yarn in my stash along with yarn that was donated, so I feel like I've accomplished something positive. lol
You'll notice this button on my sidebar with a link. About 2 weeks ago I joined Super Points and have been earning points by watching video's, doing survey's, and spinning the superlucky wheel daily. Yesterday, I converted some of my points to obtain $20.00 in Amazon.com gift cards. Will take a couple of days to be active, and then I can shop. I've already picked out a knitting pattern book, and a circular needle holder I'd like to buy; so sorta finished in that the project was to earn the points, and convert to them to either cash, prizes, or gift cards. Sooooooooooo, I've converted them to gift cards for Amazon.com. Pretty excited and plan to do continue the process of earning points. I should also mention for those of you who love coupons...they have tons of great coupons to help you save money, not just on groceries; but lots of things you need around the house.

You can do the same, click on the button here and or in my right sidebar and join. As soon as you post a profile and click to verify your email ady, you can start winning/earning points too. I know Amazon has other things like household items, books, electronics etc, but naturally I first went to look at the craft stuff. lol

Finished object Friday Badtes and links in left sidebar. Join us, it's fun!

SuperPoints Saturday for Sandy!

Have you noticed this badge in the right sidebar? It's an awesome badge. If you click on it, you too can join. Joining is easy, it's quick and it's rewarding. Sooooooooo, no reason not to do it. UNLESS

• You don't like to make money
• You don't like to win prizes
• You don't like to earn points
• You don't like to have fun
• You don't like good deals
• You don't like to shop from the ease of your computer chair

Seriously folks, you can do so much. You can load up on great coupons which will save you money when you shop. You can play games and earn points, you can spin the SuperLucky Wheel everyday and earn points, you can fill out important surveys about products and services and earn points, you can watch video's and earn points.

You can shop with your points...again saving money. How? You're buying things with your points that you would otherwise spend money on. You're buying from the ease of your computer chair and saving money by not using your car and gas, plus you're saving yourself time, and energy. My friend Marie Anne (recently made over $200.00 and that's what encouraged me to sign up). So now, I'm encouraging you to sign up. It's quick and easy, and you can have while saving and making money!!! That's what I call a win win situation.

In just barely a week, I've earned 2,000 points, got a great deal on 5 books for a total of .99, and a coupon for $3.00 off my much needed Claritin D.

Do yourself a favor and click (either the above badge or the one in the sidebar) and join. Watch videos, play games, spin the lucky wheel (daily), take surveys.

**Just this am, spinning the wheel only, I've earned 58 points**

Winning = Sweet

A fun new linky party. Join us.