Pick a Project

Good grief, I had no idea it had been so long since I'd blogged here.  I knew it was way way over due, just hadn't realized it had been 8 months.  NEVER in all my blogging years have I gone so long without blogging.  So, this will be a bit of a catch up.  Life's been busy.  I've kept up with blogging on Bridge and Beyond (My charity blog dedicated to taking care of the homeless), have traveled ALOT, have made walking daily and or going to the gym a big part of my daily routine which has greatly helped my arthritis and reduced my cholesterol level.

 The 3 cotton washcloths (knitted), were found when I decided I needed to clean up and organize my project bags.  Totally had forgotten I made them.  They were donated to Bridge and Beyond.  The purple scarf/mobius was also found in a project bag.  I'd started it for darling daughter who loves purple.  The yarn is called Marbles and it's really soft, and very nice to work with.  She decided she'd prefer an infinity/mobius scarf over a scarf scarf .  So...

I finished it and she's a happy camper.  Worked on it after she came home for Christmas, and had it ready for her when she came home to celebrate my Dad's 90th.    Really pays to go through project bags more often.  I also found some extra knitting needles that I thought I'd lost.  LOL

Started this for her as well with yarn given to her as a Christmas gift from a friend.  I think the idea was for her to have yarn to work on something, but it's very very fine fingering weight yarn which she wasn't comfortable with.  Frankly, I wasn't thrilled with it either, so she and I decided to use double thickness.  The gift yarn is the two darker colors, while in Hilton Head I purchased the pretty lavender to blend with it.

Finished this afghan while in Hilton Head also.  One needs lots of yarn and projects for an extended 3 wks vacation.  We go in Jan and Feb so it's not beach weather. And it keeps me busy while hubby's enjoying his golf.  This afghan was made from donated strips I assembled for Bridge and Beyond.  It's called Navajo.

This is Rusty Nail, another ghan I assembled while in Hilton Head.  This one from donated squares and rectangles (some knitted some crocheted).  It was a bit tedious, in that the sizes varied a lot so some rows have 6 squares, some 7.  Both displayed as they were being blocked after being laundered. You might notice the 2 different carpets...we stayed in 2 different locations.

This ghan Dusty Rose also traveled to Hilton Head.  I got started on assembling it, but didn't get it completed while there.  It's also a mix of knitted and crocheted squares from donations of varying sizes through Bridge and Beyond.  Had to spread it out here at home to see what to edge and attach next.  This ghan is still in the works, though progress is much farther along then when this picture taken.

AND found this work in progress also in a project bag....not sure I'm overly happy with the way it looks, perhaps thats why it was buried?  Will give this some thought to decide whether or not to continue or frog this.

AND....yes I need my head examined, as you see I've purchased more awesome yarn and patterns for more projects.  Really....the kit on the left was 65% off, so how could I not order it?  The greens are called woodland I think and the yarn with the orange mix is called Fall.  Why order just 1 kit when you can order 2 at 65% off?  Sorry the yarn on the right and pattern has no picture, it's a triangle type scarf that's called out to me several times, and it was still as good deal at 35% off.

Wish I could tell you that was it for my work in progress projects, but it's not.  I know I have a scarf I started for myself a keyhole scarf that I took off the needles (don't know where I left off), and I know there's at least one ghan I started years ago tucked away.........really tucked away, I haven't even found it, but I know it's here.....somewhere.  I only worked on project bags in my office, not the ones in the basement.  That will have to be another time.

Looking forward to visiting my blog log to see what you all have been up to.  Sorry for the length of this post......but after 8 months...what can I say.

Year of Projects, It's Sunday

 Slow progress on the green sweater for DD, though it does now measure 17.5 inches approximately.  This is the back.  It traveled with me recently to Park City Utah.  I was able to knit on the way out, not so on the way back, the flight was too crowded and it was night coming back.  I'm a bit concerned with where my markers are.  I think...it is my imagination...that I see a little texture change in the rows beneath them?  Wanting to be sure I don't drop any stitches I put in markers every 40 stitches, and am now wondering if that was a bad idea?

 Finished 2 cotton washcloths.  One is straight forward garter (on the left), with a few rows of purl for a half way look; while the 2nd one is a paw print.  I'm not sure the paw print shows up well in the photo, but it does in person.  Both need ends tucked.

I now have 4 washcloths done for my 2 pay it forward gifts that appear on my YOP list.

Didn't knit much at all while on vacation last week, was enjoying family time with hubby and DD.

Join us for YOP on Ravelry, click the badge

AND...don't forget to pop in tomorrow for Memory Monday!

The Cat is Chasing the Bird

Cat chases Bird! Corney but that's what came to mind as I was posting these pictures.  The yellow cotton washcloth with cat design is one I'll make again, but I won't exactly follow the pattern this time.  I think the cloth is a bit too small and the edge curls more then I like.  The pattern only has an edge of 3 knit stitches before you get into the pattern and I don't think that's adequate to get it to lay nicely.  Likewise it only has 4 rows of garter stitch top and bottom, and that doesn't seem like enough to me either.  So will be making adjustments the next time I make this one.  It's Kate the Cat Cloth by Rhonda K. White's pattern.  The shape however I think is good.  Sometimes with these shapes made of counting purls and garters the pattern isn't real noticeable, this obviously is.  I'm also wondering about doubling it to make a nice big square for say the center of an afghan?

Blue Jay, the name of this ghan...thus cat chasing bird, lol.  Well in real life the Blue Jay would probably go after a small cat, as they're very aggressive birds.  You can see there's still a few ties left.  I have 3 rows yet to crochet together then work on the border, launder and block before this will be ready to be donated.  With a busy week scheduled, fingers crossed I can show this to you next as a completed project.  And if that happens, it will be #10 on my list of YOP ghans to make from donated squares.

**Special note for Flamingo KS, I'm not able to comment on your blog now that you have google+.  This is happening quite a bit to folks without knowing it.  Once you sign up for google+, the only people who can visits, and comment on your blog are people who join up.  It really restricts people finding you.  Didn't know if you knew, and it's my understanding you can change a setting so people can blog with you like they did before you joined.  When you join google+ you are automatically taken to that forum type profile page and not to your blog, then people have to scroll around to find you.**

Happy Sunday, Happy Knitting, and Crocheting.  YOP badge and link in meme tab above.
(BL 5, R5)

Rainy Monday, Got Yarn?

Next ghan to be assembled from donated squares through Bridge and Beyond for Homesless Families Foundation is Blue Jay.  The variegated squares, dark blue, and medium blue required 1 row of single crochet as an edging, while the light blue required one row of double crochet.  I managed to get all the edging done in the car ride as we traveled back from St. Louis yesterday.  This needs to be tied together so crocheting it together can begin and I think will need a substantial border to bring the size up a bit.  Currently it measures 43 x 43.  Should be able to add several inches to it once it's assembled, bordered, and blocked.

Sorry gang, I'm a day late with my Sunday, YOP post.

My Year of Projects List for July 2012-July 2013

My Afghan Goals:
To complete 12 afghans:
10 from donated squares (9 down and 1 to go)
1.. Summers End
2.  Sandbox 
3. My Granny
4. Christmas Time 
5.  Buckeye Blitz
6.  Box of Crayons 
7.  Arapaho
8.  Desert Rose 
9.  Iris and Lillies 
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
  **Sea and Sand in the works
SO, BLUE JAY WILL BE MY 10TH AFGHAN MADE FROM DONATED SQUARES.  IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN IF I'M GOING TO MANAGE TO COMPLETE SEA AND SAND, AND THAT LONG TERM CANDY CORN TO COMPLETE THIS PORTION OF THE LIST.

Other portion of the lists are not coming along as well as the afghan list.  The project for Darling Daughter got switched after I made a scarf that the colors weren't right, and switched that project to a sweater, which is in the works, but only have a portion of the the back piece done.  Need to rip out a few rows, and so have put it on the back burner.

Cable knit skirt for myself.....no hope of getting it done, though I did get part of my goal completed.  I learned how to knit cables, by knitting a scarf with cables, which is still in need of a good soak and blocking.

Cotton cloths for myself, has gotten switched to 2 Pay it Forward Gifts, and a gift for a friend who's husband has been very ill, in and out of the hospital.  Sadly, mostly in the hospital and she's in need of a pick me up.

Here's one cloth in the works, have completed a couple of others, which have previously been posted.  Hoping to get a few more done.  Worked on this some in our recent travels from Cols, to St. Louis.

YOP badge and link in meme tab across the top of the blog.

Friday Friday, Everyone's Favorite Day

Hello Friday (5 on Friday and Finished object Friday)

1. I drink coffee to wake up, but want tea in the afternoon, or tea when I'm cold, or tea when I don't feel well.
2. I like wine, dry wine.  Typically I drink White(favorite Pinot Grigio) to sip and Red with dinner (Pinot Noir).  I tent to like lighter reds over heavy like a Merlot.
3. I rarely drink pop, maybe twice a year.
4. I like Champagne, we always have a bottle with our traditional Christmas morning brunch.
5. I love milk and it took me forever to get used to 2% after drinking the real deal forever

Finished another little project, the traditional corner to corner Grandma's Favorite cotton dishcloth.  Little projects are very satisfying.  Need to make 1 maybe 2 more and get rollin back on some major projects again.  Had planned to make myself a couple, then remembered this would be good for my Pay it Forward Gifts, then found out a friend's husband is very ill and thought she could use a pick me up with say homemade soap, pretty cotton cloth and a card.  So, looks like I'll be making more then I had planned on.

Join us for Finished Object Friday and or Random 5, links and badges in meme at the top of the blog.

Dark and Gloomy Wednesday

Got the two areas in front weeded.  Paced myself and did some last Friday and finished on Sunday, then hubby got picked up the first round of mulch.  I say first because it takes more then several.  20 bags is what fits in the back of the Explorer and that's what you see here is 20 bags.  These aren't real large areas in front of the house, but I bet 20 bags isn't going to be enough, as I eye ball it.  I should remember to write down how much we use where from year to year.  So, perhaps posting here on the blog will aid me next year.

In previous years I would have probably weeded and mulch both areas in a day.  Can't do that now.  The arthritis in the knee and back being a problem.  Must pace myself.  Do things in shorter time frames, and then ice the knee.  Getting old is not the "golden years".  It was a pretty day though to be outside, sun was out; but it was still quite cool and windy.

Monday I did the larger of the 2 areas to the left of the door and about half the other side, when I decided the body had had enough for one round.  Mulch is spread much thinner then it should be, so my initial eyeball that 20 bags wasn't enough seems to be correct.  But, it's a start.  Will take several weekends for this work in progress, and probably about 5 more trips to buy more mulch to get the 2 sides, all around the deck in back and the 3 fence rows in back.  I'm thinking I might like to do away with one of the beds and let it go back to grass, getting to hard to keep up.

Having finished the basic square, side to side garter stitch cotton washcloth started everyone's favorite...Grandma's corner to corner with what I had left of the pretty blue, white, and yellow variegated.  Just started here with the yellow from my stash and am now at the decreasing part, so just over half way.  Plan to make maybe 2 more....shhhhhhh though, am working on Pay it Forward Gifts so mums the word.

WIPW badges and links in meme tab across the top of the blog, please join us.

Dark and Gloomy, looks like night instead of morning, more rain is expected....which means I probably won't be finishing the mulching today.  I'm ok with that; but hope to do it tomorrow so there's a few days between before taking delivery of the next load.
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Almost Instant Gratification.

The beauty of small projects is you get a chance to let you mind breath, and you get almost instant gratification.  AND, if you're one to make a list you get to cross something off...that's always a good feeling.

I don't do many small items, but may have to start doing a few more.  Plus, you feel like there's more variety in the work you're doing.

And so, we have one knitted cotton washcloth, looking all springy.  After finishing this the other night, I started another; but this will be the traditional Grandma style, corner to corner cloth.  I know there's not enough left of this variegated to make another full cloth, so will see if the yellow or blue solids I have in my stash blend well enough to add when I run out of the variegated blue and yellow.

Enjoy your Friday, and share your Finished Objects, see links and badges in meme above, AND for Friday 5, as well.

1. I drink high test coffee only, mentioned that a few Fridays ago.  I only drink 2-3 cups a day, and only in the morning.  Always wondered how people could sleep if they had coffee through out the course of the day.
2. I think it's finally safe to say spring has arrived, people have begun mowing their yards, ours is in need.  I used to enjoy mowing; but my arthritis in my knee has me not wanting to do it now.  Guess hubby will do the bulk of it this year.  
3. I don't get why so many people have tattoos.
4. I'm closing in on being finished with all the blogs posts for the last of the 3 blogs I registered in the April A-Z Blog Challenge.  Got 3 more posts to write for the travel blog, X,Y, and Z.
5. Heard about a website where you can make a newsletter, that might be my big project for today....wish me luck, I've never made one before

Enjoy your up coming weekend folks.

Garter Stitch Cotton Cloth

Sometimes you just need the basics.  A cotton washcloth that works well for either a dishcloth or a washcloth in the shower.  Love the springy colors, and what's more basic then good old garter stitch?  I love garter stitch and sometimes it's nice to have something  you don't have to think about, you don't have to count, you don't need a pattern etc.

Having just complete another large project, (crocheted afghan, Iris and Lillie), I needed a quick little something that was portable.  It's travel with me to work, and is something I can easily work on in between things, and while watching TV.

It might go to Bridge and Beyond, it might be a secret gift, and I might be a wee bit selfish and keep it for me.  I've made more of these then I can count......but I don't any for me, myself, and I.

Happy Work in Progress Wednesday all.  Badges and links in Meme Tab above.
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Just Casted Off

Wow, almost wasn't going to make it today for Finished Object Friday. Late in the day to get this post up, but I literally just cast off this cotton washcloth. Been busy outside mowing, and watering and running errands. Nothing special just basic ribbing 3 x 3 with 4 rows at the start and finish with garter stitch and 4 garter stitches at the beginning and end of each row. It's still pulls in though. Though this was a big enough rib that wouldn't be a problem. Going to wet it down and see if cotton blocks? Love this color.

This is the 2nd cotton cloth from this colorway, and now it's gone. Posted last Friday about the first one. It makes it seem I've not been doing much knitting and crocheting; but I have been...just not getting anything done. Partially because other items are large items, and there's been some dreaded negative knitting going on.

FOF Badges and links in sidebar.

Thank Goodness it's Friday

A true TGIF! LONG day yesterday at work 10.0 hours, hot and very tiring day. Walked 17,768 steps at work yesterday. Was on my feet that whole time..with the exception of maybe two 10 minute breaks. 6.737 miles. Once I made it home, elevated my legs, iced my swollen knee and poured a substantial glass of wine-and had dinner of frozen pizza...I was able to finish the sea shore cotton washcloth. I'm pleased with how well the self stripping shows up with the simple stitch. Straight stockinette stitch, with 3 garter stitches at the beginning and ending of the rows. Did 8 rows of straight garter at the beginning and end for the border. Measures almost 8 inches. I've always loved blues and greens together and might need to find more of this particular color blend.

I've never made a cotton throw, as wool or acrylic is needed during the cold months here; but was thinking a cotton throw for summer might be nice...maybe that's because right now we're having cool temperatures again..who knows. My list of things to make is really to large to think about making a cotton throw, I just really like the look.

Happy Friday one and all. I'm off to work for another day like yesterday. Sure not looking forward to it, though it will be a bit shorter then yesterday so that's a help.

Finished Object Friday Badges and links in sidebar. Link up and join us.

The Sea Shore

When I was young I had a book that had been my Dad's favorite as a child, Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. I loved the rhythm of that poetry; though many today feel poetry that rhythms isn't as "cool" or as "brainy" as say a Haiku....but I confess I still enjoy the rhythm of his poems. It was an old book, and I memorizes several of his poems. Then because I liked it, bought a newer book when my Darling Daughter was young. She too seemed to like the rhythm created when I read aloud to her over and over and over. She memorized some of those poems also.

I've started this simple cotton washcloth multiple times, not liking the first pattern, royally having issues with the 2nd pattern...apparently I can't count well, when talking, watching tv, and sipping wine..........go figure.

So, switched gears...and I'm loving how much more I see the colors in this cotton with this simplier pattern.

This isn't the only thing I'm working on, but the only thing I managed to take a photo of.

What are you all working on for this Wednesday's Work in Progress? Badges and links in side bars, please join us.

It reminds me of the ocean; the sea. And that got me remembering
At The Sea Side by Robert Louis Stevenson

When I was down beside the sea
A wooden spade they gave to me
To dig the sandy shore.
My holes were empty like a cup.
In every hole the sea came up,
Till it could come no more.

Martini, Shaken not Stirred.

Photography Challenge Day! (day 2 of our week long challenge)
Today challenges you to be creative with your photography, and get yourself in with the chance to win the photography prize. Taking interesting photographs in this instance isn't about flashy cameras or a great deal of technical know-how, it's about setting up a story or scene in a photograph and capturing something imaginative. Your photograph(s) should feature something related to your craft, so that might be either a knitted or crocheted item, yarn, or one of your craft tools. One example of setting a scene would be to photograph a girl in a knitted red cape walking through the woodlands with a basket of goodies, as in the Red Riding Hood tale, or you might photograph a knitted gnome hiding among the flowers in your garden. Photo editing is permitted for competition photos. Here are a few examples of my own photographs to illustrate an imaginative use of photography, but you can do much better than these...

Please vote HERE

3KCBWDAY2 (using this code in a google search will help you find those blogging today on this challenge topic)

The mystery surrounding who made the first Martini continues; but there are several accepted stories. A Martini is a cocktail, originally made with Gin and Vermouth according to Wikipedia. Through out history how it's made has changed based on financial considerations as well as geographic locations within the United States. Though, when and where may be up for grabs (the two coast fighting over whom gets the honors), there is no question that a Martini is in fact a U.S. invention.

Bitters were probably used before the more popular Vermouth took it's place. Small amounts of Dry Vermouth rolled around in the glass towards the countries of France and Italy and then dumped became popular. Both of those countries had large numbers of Vermouth Distilleries thus the direction of the rolling.

James Bond popularized The Vodka Martini when the quote, "shaken not stirred" in Goldfinger caught on. Vodka changed over the years to include flavors which the T.V. series, "Sex and the City" took advantage of. Personally, the sweet sissy Martini's aren't my style; but they are quite popular.

A Dirty Martini uses Vermouth and Vodka "shaken...not stirred" and served in a chilled Martini glass with gourmet olives, such as these filled with Blue Cheese (my personal favorite).

The Martini Cotton Washcloth even has olives (see the holes). This fun pattern is courtesy of my new found friend, The Martini Knitter. I plan to knit more of these and was pleased with the outcome. I tend to like larger washcloths, but apparently my knitting gauge is lose enough that her 5 inch cloth became almost an 8 inch cloth for me using size 6 knitting needles. I used Lily's Sugar'n Cream Tea Rose. Wondering if the pattern might show up a bit more in darker solid. Somewhere along the line I got off 1 stitch, but the only place I see it is the skewer that holds the olives. Didn't feel the need to rip it out to fix it. I like how there's a good space between the top of the glass and the cloths edge on top, and might add several rows to get the same effect on the bottom the next time I knit one; as I think the bottom of the glass gets a bit lost with the border. The border is made with seed stitch, not a stitch I enjoy doing, so might try substituting good ole garter stitch next time round. Thank you Sarah for your inspiration and for sharing your pattern. I used a 2.5 oz 120 yard skein and had 1.3 ounces left, so if you knit a bit tighter then I do; you could probably make 2 cloths from one skein.

Remember, it's "Five O'Clock SomeWhere", get your Martini on. You might enjoy this Martini Post to help get you in the mood.

With the seasons changing, it's time to think about getting out and about, and keeping the kiddo's who will soon be out of school engaged. Please check out my new blog (just started yesterday), Flat Stanley and Friends.

It's all about Blue

Blue Feather and Fan Knitted Scarf is growing. Not yet used the first cake of yarn. Will have to see how big/long it is when I finish using the first cake to decide whether or not to continue with the 2nd one. It might actually be large enough. Dress scarves I tend to like a bit shorter, might not want to double up around the neck since it's lighter weight and dressier?
A quick no think'em project. Straight garter stitch, continuing the blue theme. Knitting a nice wide scarf for Bridge and Beyond from donated yarn.
Blue-ish cotton (Lilly's) will be a washcloth. Pattern is a scallop...really haven't done more then cast on, work a few rows, frog, switched to different needles for row 1 again....Might have to purchase another pair of needles, different size, believe I need size 7 vs 8 in above picture.
And yes, my bike is a work in progress. This Blue Schwinn Breeze dates from 1968-1972, according to the Schwinn website. In fact, this particular blue bike was made in June of 1971, according to the chart I found using it's serial number. I've not had the bike that long, bought it when my DD was in grade school in a garage sale. We used to ride alot. In fact, I even packed the basket with my Welcome Wagon goodies and my rounds using this very bike. Yes, I am dating myself....I was a Welcome Wagon Lady for several years. The bikes been in the garage and or the shed. We pulled it out, I washed it and used chrome cleaner and it looks pretty darn good, considering. Peals are rusty, as it the chain area. Hubby says he'll get around to cleaning and oiling that part.......sometime. I wanted a more cushy seat and hand gripes so we purchased those new and they are installed.
Then I decided it would be fun to have a spedometer and ordered one of the cheaper ones on line through Amazon. Gotta love Amazon. This baby tells how far I went, how fast I was going, time of day and average speed etc. How fun. Gotta get in shape and so had just gotten back from a ride when I took this picture. Road to the grocery store 3.5 miles and hit 11.6 miles an hour, lol. The work in progress is me getting in shape, and hubby oiling it to make it work better. Stay tuned.

Work in progress Badges and links in left sidebar.

A travel plan in order

I've posted about Oddball blankets before, it's a group on RAV, every knitter knits there section and sends the blanket on. Some are baby blankets, some full sized, some even for pets. This is a knitted worsted weight blanket sized for babies that requires 6 knitters and a border patrol person. My section has been complete and now that the blanket, Fruit Salad has it's traveling papers will be mailed, once again.

This blanket has traveled from Canada, to Wyoming, to Texas, to the state of Washington, then to me here in Ohio. From Ohio, The Buckeye State it will travel to Idaho for it's final section. I'm unsure where it will go from there to be bordered. The blue section is to represent blueberries.

Another Finished Object for Friday is January Cloth (my first cable attempt). And my 10th of 12th cloths for Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge which is part of my YOP. It's not great and I learned that I would NEVER again do a cable stitch using Cotton!


Cotton has no give which made doing this very difficult. And as you can see where I tried really hard to knit loser...there are some inconsistent holes near the cables. There are sections that turned out nice but I was only able to do a few rows at a time cause it played havoc on hands.

FOF Badge and link in sidebar.

What are the Right Tools?

This is the start to The January Cloth for Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge for my DD. Sigh.........The photo shows 2 cables and the pattern is called mirror image. The beginning you see is after 3 tries! Argh..........it's been frogged multiple times. First it was going to be blue and white......white for snow and blue for cold. Cold and snow pretty much sums up Ohio in January. However, after frogging twice I decided to stick with one solid color, one less issue to deal with. This is my first attempt at cables. Learning to knit cables is one of 2 items on the goal area of My Year of Projects List.

I thought (probably not wisely so), that doing a cotton washcloth would be a good way to try my hand at this stitch, because it's a small project and doing something new on a small project is probably a better idea.....right? Hum, well in retrospeak, I think using cotton for a cable is probably NOT a good idea? Cotton has next to know give, no flexibility which seems to make doing the stitch really hard on my hands......tight. I do a few rows, then take a break.
I read the directions several times, and watched a couple of video's to see how to do the stitch. Above you see 2 types of cable stitch holders. The one that looks like a knitting needle with a curve is the one I started with. My thought was, it's about the same size (gauge) as the knitting needles I'm using for the project..........figured that would keep the stitches the right gauge?
Some directions suggest knitting right from the stitch holder..........yeah, tried that and couldn't keep the count very well. Though it did seem knitting from the holder when the holder was in back of the work (C6B) was easier then C6F. Another video suggested moving the stitches back to the regular knitting needle. That method seemed to work better for me.........except I found again moving them hard to keep the right number, things just seemed toooooooooooo tight, particular with C6F.

Then I remembered the cable holders I purchased previously that looked like big safety pins and thought I'd give those a try. I much prefer these. Using these and putting the stitches back on the needle seems to be easier....not easy, but easier. One of the video's showed a v shape stitch holder that I've not seen in the stores. Need to keep my eyes open, as it seemed like it might be the ticket.

Does the equipment/tools one uses make a difference? As a newbie, I think so...but what say you all? Is using a cotton a foolish way to learn? Is a good wool easier?

YOP link and badge in sidebar. Working on the actual list, plan to have an additional page/tab here vs reposting it each Sunday.

Knitting the End of the Month

Colors in this Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge photo aren't exact. The orange is brighter, as is the green in real life, I think. Hoping to have this done by days end and should be able to manage that. This is November's cloth for DD in my Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge, it's the last day of month...so time to move to the next cloth...........but will finish this one first. She loves using cotton washcloths and I meant to have this one finished to give her when she was home for Thanksgiving; but was working really hard on finishing Pink Petuna which you'll see on Friday, for Finished Object Friday. Please check back. Need to make Dec, Jan, Feb, and March for this challenge (and item on my YOP list) will be complete. 8 down and 4 to go.
Barely a start, but a start. The blue represents Blueberries on this Oddball Baby Blanket called "Fruit Salad". They come up with cute and fun names and each knitter in turn interpets the theme and knits their section. I lost track how many I had committed to and so initially only had 1 on my list of to do's. Boy was I off, this is #4. When DD was home for Thanksgiving she wanted to work a bit on something and so started this so I'll continue and finish it up SOON.

Still working on The awesome Green Scarf for DD, and by the time you read this scheduled post will probably be working on another afghan from donated squares through Bridge and Beyond's Project Welcome Home and Give a Square.

Hope you're all doing well and enjoyed Thanksgiving. You can find all Work in Progress Wednesday's Badges and Links in the left sidebar.

Traveling with Works in Progress

This was suppose to be last Wednesday's post, but I was traveling and hubby's computer was self imploding, so very limited computer time was available which meant no blogging. Above crocheted squares were donated from a high school friend over on Bridge and Beyond. The one pink row after the circles makes the squares about 6 inches. She had started this for her daughter years ago and found it while cleaning out a closet. I've added a row of purple and or green as you can see with 2 additional rows of pink to extend the squares. Those with purple centers have no green so they get the green row, and those with pink centers have no purple so they get the purple row. These squares went traveling with me. Once joined they will be donated for Project "Welcome Home", through my other blog, Bridge and Beyond to The Homeless Families Foundation. Hopefully this will put on smile on some girls face, as well as warm her up. Some of you may know, some may not; this month focuses on another classmate of mine from school who sadly died homeless. It's Jack Otis Memorial Month. How fitting that my friend Connie also a classmate of Jack's made this donation. I'm naming this ghan, Pink Petuna.
Barely a start here, but this is/will be a knitted cotton cloth for DD. A continuation of The Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge, this is November's cloth. Had plan to work on this on the recent trip as well, but didn't make it that far. Need to push to get this done so I can pass it along to her over The Thanksgiving Holiday. Looking forward to coming home for a couple of days to visit. Don't remember what the pattern is called, or if has a name? When I jotted it down on the note card I didn't make a note...........dang it. I know I found the pattern/stitch some time back, as the note card was bent so has been around awhile.
This counts as less then barely a start. But, I wanted to at least cast on this yummy Liberty wool. It feels wonderful. I'm in need of a new scarf.........the last 2 I made for myself ended up being passed along to someone else. LOL, I do that often and know many of you do too, from reading your blogs. This though, looks to be funky colors and many of those I pass things along to aren't into the funky as much as I am, soooooooooooo it may indeed end up being mine. I selected a limited straight forward lace stitch for this, knit 1, yo, k2tog across. I'm hoping it will still be warm since this is 100% wool, and won't be too open given the DK weight of the yarn.

Hoping to get back to more regular blogging and blog visiting, Happy Work in Progress Wednesday to you all. All badges and links in the side bar.

OddBall Baby Blankets and October Cotton Cloth (YOP)

YOP #6 FO Friday Post HERE

Wow, here it is, another Sunday and time for another update of YOP (year of projects). Have highlighted in red with links to posts of the finished objects to date. Had plan this week to focus on above cotton wash cloth, part of the Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge (this is #7), and Pink Poodle. Instead I focused on the 2nd OddBall Baby Blanket that arrive, Cinco de Mayo. And the start of the new OddBall Baby Blanket which will be cast on today, now that I've selected the yarn and name of the blanket. It will be titled Pretty in Pink.

Will be heading to the post office to get both Oddballs in the mail, and The wedding ghan in the mail, hopefully tomorrow before work.
YOP list:
Wedding Ghan DONE
Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge Working on The October Cloth for DD, so am slightly over 60% done with Nov Dec Jan Feb and April left.
Cotton Cloths for Bridge and Beyond (haven't started)
Candy Corn Ghan (no headway)
Buckeye Scarf (no headway)
Learn to knit socks (no attempt)
Learn to knit cable stitches (no attempt, but....have found a pseudo stitch I may try on a cotton cloth to get me started)
Awesome wool (blue) scarf no headwayPoodle Ghan no additional headway
Oddball DONE (both Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo finished, in the laundry and needing blocked as we speak) Starting new blanket which will be titled "Pretty in Pink" and will start it's journey to other knitters.
Bridge Ghans (no additional headway) Will begin edging squares since wedding ghan is done
Red Scarf Project Scarf, DONE

Happy Sunday all

Sandy's Sunday Year of Projects, fast week

Week #5 for me Aug 21-27

A much shorter post then most of my YOP posts are, and no pictures today. Though links below to see what projects I'm talking about. I've made good headway since last Sunday (Monday when I made my post); but not 1 single item is yet to go from the YOP Work in Progress List to The Yea it's done list. Chipping away. I'm so enjoying visiting, and learning from some pretty awesome blogs with regard to this challenge.

YOP list:
Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge (about 50% done with DD's cloths) started cloth 7 which was to be Easter Colors, a basket weave design for March; but you can't see the pattern well, and needles are wrong, and wrong size and ...frogged it. Posted it HERE. Think I'll switch to October since that's closer anyway. April, May, June, July, August, and September done. Need to do Jan, Feb, March, Oct, Nov and Dec.
Cotton Cloths for Bridge and Beyond (haven't started)
Wedding Ghan (about 90% Knitting completed! Ends all tucked in, all strips joined. Have started the border. Wanted to finish this weekend, get it in the laundry and block it; that's not going to happen. Spent to much time outside doing yard work.
Candy Corn Ghan (no headway)
Buckeye Scarf (no headway)
Learn to knit socks (no attempt)
Learn to knit cable stitches (no attempt, but....have found a pseudo stitch I may try on a cotton cloth to get me started)
Awesome wool (blue) scarf (planned to take on recent trip; but as I was packing it realized I once again had not included the pattern I was using in the zip lock bag!) Why...probably because I was using the pattern on something else? I have no yet frogged this start---it's a 300 stitch cast on and I'm hoping to be able to determine what I was doing.
Poodle Ghan (had planned to finish this by now, had it packed for mentioned trip....mindless knitting would have been good; but.........needed to remove it from the suitcase to make room for our Martini glasses)
Oddball (Two rows of the border done, so bout 60% finished, waiting on a 2nd one to be delivered so I can mail them at the same time.)
Bridge Ghans (no additional headway)
Red Scarf Project Scarf, posted about it HERE. Though I'm about 65% done with it, looks like with the new regulations for The Red Scarf Project, it won't be donated there, but I will continue to work on it and it will be good for something/someone/charity wise.

Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge and Lessons Learned.

Finished Object Friday Post(link in sidebar)

Here we have the back of faded summer (Septembers) cotton cloth for DD for the Cotton Cloth Calendar Challenge. Pastels indicating the brilliant summer colors no longer at their peek. Details in this post

Here's the front of the cloth, on my lap, sorry folks didn't have a good place to lay it down to photograph at this particular moment. I finished this cloth once we arrived in Park City for our family vacation and passed it on to DD who was happy with collection to date. I had 3 finished prior to the trip, finished July on the plane, started above September on the plane. (finished Sept and April before the end of the trip). Love this pattern and will definitely use this stitch again. Actually already have, now that I think about it....as a design element in the red and purple scarf.

This is another cloth for the challenge started after arriving in Park City for the family vacation also. This cloth was started over 4 times before I hit on a pattern I liked. Several of the patterns just weren't showing up using the variegated yarn/cotton...and so were a bit of a waste of time counting etc. Both DD and I like this, it's a bit thicker and has good texture for a cotton washcloth. This now is cloth 6 in her possession. #7 which is March is on the needles, as we speak which leaves 5 to complete for the cotton cloth calendar challenge. 50% there.

I have discovered 2 things while making these cotton cloths. Some time back I posted I didn't like to work with cotton, that it bothered my hands. What I found out is, I was using my Denise needles and the cotton does not slide nicely off the needles, in fact it really sticks which makes working on the item hard on the hands, fingers, and shoulders (you know tension). However, I had a metal something (Susan Bates I think), circular needle the right size and started using it for these cloths............WOW, what a difference. It's not the cotton that's hard, it was the combination of the needles and the cotton. The 2nd thing I've learned so far with working on these cloths, is the fun in trying new stitches/patterns on a small scale.......much less fearful, and also much more willing to frog if I don't like it.