A Pretty Project, DONE!

Coral Bells (pink ones) transplanted in flower bed 1...they should perk up a bit.
2 of 10 pots planted. Rephrasing, all 10 done, just photographed 2. I love the smell of Petuna's. They don't have much of a fragrance during the heat of the day, but in the morning and evening they are heavenly. The colors red and purple attract Hummingbirds, as do the Coral Bells.
The Purple Mountain (Coral Bells), transplanted in flower bed two. Both beds wedded and mulched. They too need to perk up. The one on the right is what they normally look like.

A different kind of finished project for you all to enjoy. This yard work gets harder with each additional year I age. Though I do love the end result.

And for your enjoyment a few other pretties in my back yard.

My daisies get like bushes they grow so well.
1 of 15 Yucca's in the back yard. I love seeing these develope. First the green bush area, then the stick, then the little arms start poking out, then the pretty bell shaped flowers.

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Oh if Singer could Talk

Artie Viola (Roseboom) and Charles Albert Mader on their wedding day. These are my grandparents, Dad's parents. Grandma was born April 2, 1897, and died Oct 7, 1982. She and Grandpa got married July 24th, 1918.

I don't know when, or where this sewing machine was purchased. But This Singer Treadle Sewing Machine has been in my family a good long while. Using the serial number, my brief research indicates the machine dates back to 1910.

My Dad doesn't remember if his Mother purchased the machine new or from someone else. Many items have been made on this machine through the years. My Dad's older sister, Aunt Mary learned to sew on this machine and had it in her position for many years.

Grandma and Dad in 1944 when he was home on leave from The Navy (Seabees).

Aunt Mary, High School or shortly thereafter. Aunt Mary wasn't one to have pictures taken, so I only have a few of her. She was a tall woman, a big woman before time took it's toll. She cared for her invalid husband for many many years which also caused her to age. She lived a very simple life, and was truly very old school. She lived her whole adult life in a log cabin.

This simple 2 bedroom log cabin seemed a perfect place for a vintage Singer Sewing Machine to call home for something like 60 years. My Uncle Al built this log cabin. Aunt Mary passed away just prior to her 92nd birthday, about this time last year, after spending the last 2 years of her life away from her beloved log cabin. Rest in peace, Aunt Mary. You are now home.

I don't know when this picture was taken, but Uncle Al died in 1995 so this was well before his multiple years of illness and invalidism. Mary with her white gloves on. I believe this may have been an anniversary picture. In later years, she was quite thin.

I'm sure if this machine could talk it could tell many fascinating stories about my Grandmother, My Aunt, and more. Look at the beautiful carvings on the side of the machine.

This vintage sewing machine is still partially threaded, see the white thread coming up from the bobbin? This is how it currently looks, as it sits in my office/craft room. It's been partially dusted; but needs to be washed. My work in progress is to clean it up with some Murphy's Oil Soap for the wood, and probably just soapy water for the metal parts. To give a little lift.

The treadle portion before we moved it from Aunt Mary's log cabin. Notice the leather strap that operates the treadle....it has 1 staple in it where the cord apparently ripped from use. My Mother taught me to sew on the same type of sewing machine. She too had a staple, several...as I think back on hers. My Mother, like My Aunt and Grandmother used her machine often. I think Mom actually sewed more, as she made almost all my clothes in my growing up years. Dad traded in her Treadle Singer Sewing Machine for a newer model; so I'm thrilled to have this one in my position. Such a nice memory of my Mother, my Aunt, and my Grandmother.

Here's it is in it's current home. Sorry for the poor picture here with the light. Snapped this photo quickly this morning to add to the post. The wood is cracked in a few places, there's some minimal rust on the iron works, and some wood trim missing from the top right drawer; but I think she's in pretty good shape for someone/something a 102 years old.

My work in progress here is cleaning her up as much as possible, looking through old pictures in hopes of finding some where it was photographed showing it's place in my family history.

Work continues on my feather and fan afghan. Hope you all enjoy the day. WIPW badges and links in sidebars, please join us.

Better late then Never

I'm late, I'm late...this post was suppose to be typed and up yesterday. Sorry folks. This is my Sunday YOP post which is a day late. You can see I'm more progress with the afghan. You can see a couple of rows of the next tweedy color mix. Continuing to explore and think of options in completing this afghan. Found a wee bit more of the gray and am trying to figure out how much yardage I have with the one skein of the tan....I might be able to go with just those 2 colors and the 6 tweedy's. The Red Heart Skeins don't give yardage.

One this color section is done, I plan to get started on Sand Box Afghan to mix a bit with the crocheting time and the knitting time.

Hope you're all enjoying the weather and the end of the school year stuff. No little ones here, just remember that as being an eventful time of the year.

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Happy stitching.

Needles Take 3

Ok, where to begin. Wanting a break from crocheting edges and joining squares to make afghans for Bridge and Beyond, thought I'd start a knitting ghan. Started this Feather and Fan Design on a pair of Addy Turbo's, and even though we all know those to be excellent needles I was having trouble with the k2tog (knit 2 together), with tightness. I never thought I knitted tight and thought perhaps it was the combination of the Caron Wintuk (grey section), and the very blunt needle (the turbo's). And it was curling so badly I was having a hard time getting the yarn to move properly. Switched to my Denise Interchangeable s (a better point to pick up the k2tog'ers, and by connecting 2 nice long cords was able to get it to be less curly..easier to work with). It wasn't good, but it was better. I still have trouble getting the yarn to move, as the acrylic in Caron Wintuk and the Denise seemed to grab at each other........then after multiple long rows (250+ cast on stitches), the Denise's came apart...and naturally the yarn moved nicely off then!

Switched to new needles, got the length I need (60 inches) to spread things out and do less tugging and pushing the stitches along, and low and behold the knitting tension seemed to improve, as did the movement of the yarn/stitches. And using lace needles with a better point, was the combination I needed. The k2tog are a huge improvement.

While not totally stretched out, as it would go off the needles, it's enough you can actually see the pattern, the yarn, and the colors better then previously posted pictures. Solving the color of what comes next as I go. Posted about that problem, see previous post for YOP post on Sunday.
Here's a close up of the 3 colors thus far with the 4th skein at the ready. I'm probably going to have each section a different width, as I have only 6 of the multi-tweedy skeins and you can see it doesn't go far based on what's already showing, which was 1 skein. Probably going to start looking through the blue stash and hope to find something that works. If not, will move onto the brown stash (though the blue is larger).

AND, the new needles. Chiao Goo, notice how much lower in price they are then the Addy Turbo's!

My plan is to finish the current tan-ish section, add the next tweedy section, find something in my stash to make the next section; then move back to crocheting edges and joining some donated squares for Bridge and Beyond. Plan to go back and forth between this ghan and the crocheted ones.

Still contemplating a name for this afghan, sing out if you have thoughts. All I've come up with so far is Earthy Feathers, which I'm not really sold on...not knowing all the colors that will be involved yet.

Work in Progress Wed badges and links in side bar. Have fun and join us.

Moving on to Plan B

Plan A, was to use the 6 donated skeins of tweeds with the medium grey yarn I had in my stash in stripes. Apparently my memory failed me here. I thought I had 5 or 6 skeins of this grey...I don't. I only had 2. Must have used them previously and forgot. Had this yarn a really long time, plus don't believe the Caron Wintuk is even made any longer. Soooooooooo, I have plenty of the light grey, but....it's not really the right shade to pull it off solo...is it? I could use it with stripes and end, as I began with the darker grey? Or I could really go strippy (leaning this direction currently); with other colors that pick up on some of the colors in the tweeds. 2nd problem is.....the Caron Wintuk felt a bit heavier to me then regular WW, even though that's how it's labeled, and the 6 skeins of tweedy yarn is labeled chunky. Soooooooooo, now the yarn I'm thinking of pulling in will be a variety of types/weights and welllllllllllllll, hope it all comes together.

I think I need to go hunting through my 2 large bags of blue stash to see if I have a shade or two that works, lots of blue in the tweeds-- and blue and grey always go together in my book. So this afghan in the works has just gone from a planned out ghan to a let's see what happens as it progresses. I will be adjusting as I go. Each time I knit a section of the feather and fan afghan, I'll decide what comes next based on how it looks. With all the colors in the tweedy yarn I think I'm going to need to see it to decide.

AND, I have officially changed my year of projects list in the tab to take off learn to knit socks, and removed Candy Corn Ghan. I've added 2 afghans to assemble for Bridge and Beyond, and this Feather and Fan...which needs a name. Unsure at this point if this one will be donated to Bridge and Beyond or be an item to be auctioned off where the money would then be donated to a shelter. Will decide when I see how it turns out.

On Friday, I finished another cotton washcloth, that wasn't on the list. You can see it if you scroll back to previous post.

YOP badge and link in sidebar, list above in tab, and am contemplating next years list.

Enjoy your long weekend all, but do take time to give thanks to those brave men and women who serve in our military, past and present.

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.

Gray and Tweed Feather and Fan

Not much of a work in progress, I grant you....but a start. Actually there's more on the needles then it appears since it's all curling up. I may need to purchase a longer needle. Think this is a 34? Oophs, just looked it says it's a 40, but I don't think it measured that when I was checking it the other day. Expected things not to be so gathered on the needles. It's a ChiaoGoo lace needle size 9. Knitted worsted weight on the needles with sorta almost a chunky in the various variegated you see. The variegated is Sirdar tweed effect chunky. It's not as chunky as some, and the gray is a Caron Wintuk...heavier then most worsted weight...so they seem almost the same. The Sirdar is a blend, but is machine washable like the gray. These skein only have just over 80 yards, and each one is a different tweed; but they all blend nicely with this shade of gray. The Sirdar Tweeds were donated, so am hopeful this with my gray will make a nice afghan.
Making a Feather and Fan Afghan to donate to ,my charity blog, Bridge and Beyond for The Homeless Families Foundation. The families are given an afghan in their welcome pack when they move from the various shelters to permanent housing. Wanted to show you a close up of my cute little lambs...gifted stitch markers. Aren't they cute!

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Today is Sunday

Today is Sunday, you know what that means?
We're gonna have a quest today,
Sweep out the cobwebs
So the welcome can be seen.

Actually believe it was Tuesday, quest star day I'm thinking about, and am remembering bits of pieces of the song The Mouseketeers used to sing. The "real" Mouseketters that is. And give out a hip ho ray, and wiggle your ears, like good mouseketeers cause Tuesday is Quest Star Day. Anyone else as old as dirt, like me and remember it? The did a dance with brooms in hand and some part of it was opening and closing doors...I hear the music and see it happening on the old black and white bubble t.v....in my mind saying...sing songy Today is Sunday and this silly old thing popped into my head. lol

It's Sunday and what that really means is, time to update the Year of Projects listing and do some blog visiting. It's been a very hectic week, so very little knitting has been done. I did manage to finish another cotton washcloth (posted it on FOF, scroll back 1 post to view it). I started a 2nd one with the left over cotton (forgot I wanted to weigh what I had left to determine if I had enough), eye balling the cloth and what I have left, I think I need to add another color in the middle and maybe have enough of the cotton to end with. Gonna play through. This isn't on my list, in fact the last several projects haven't been.

So, I'm making a change to my list...I'm deleting learning to make socks from my goals list. Truth is...I'm simply not going to do it, others things need my attention. I do think I'll slid it on to next years list though. AND, the longest work in project ever......Candy Corn Ghan, might meet the same fate. I'm just feeling the love. However, for the time being am leaving it in limbo, in that I'm not yet removing it from the list. Officially that would be the last specific item on my list; but...the afghans I assemble for Bridge and Beyond is continuous so that really never gets done.

I'm having some indecision, jump in please and thanks with your opinions. I have lots of yarn, there is no good reason to buy more, so try always to use the yarn on hand when I assemble. In the thinking stage is on above ghans. First one I'm calling Sand Box, the 2nd one Retro. I have lots of this yarn.
I have a bit less then in the picture, as some was given away in the last contest on Bridge and Beyond; but certainly enough to edge and join either, perhaps even both. Does it work? I don't want to purchase dark brown or turquoise and don't have enough to do retro...and can't quite decide if it would work better on Sand Box?

Happy Sunday, Year of Projects tab has full list. Badge and url in right sidebar. Am beginning to formulate next years, as this year officially ends June 30th.

Ever had problems with your identity being stolen? This could be for you

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.

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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.

Mothers Day

Thank You Darling Daughter! This Mothers Day Edible Fruit Arrangement came early yesterday morning. Had some yummy fruit with my morning coffee. Likewise again this morning. Miss you and wish we weren't so far away; but am looking forward to our upcoming vacation in Park City so we can spend some time enjoying each others company. My Blue Lace is finished! Finished it last night, and it's almost cool enough to want to wear it today on my day, Mother's Day. This is my first true lace, in that it's not worsted weight yarn and it involved more then some of my attempts leading up to this. I had some trouble with the K2tog, until someone on Ravelry suggested pulling down a bit or up with the needle before inserting the needle. Nice tip! I changed needles a couple of times previously trying to make the K2tog's work easier. This was knit on size 8, using 1 skein of 215 yards of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% and 50% Laine Wool) from Peru. Fabulous yarn. It's 3 ply, hand washable. I usually don't bother with blocking a scarf, but perhaps I should to see the design a bit more? It's a Feather and Fan pattern, which I think would make a wonderful afghan.

This photo is my attempt at being a bit more artsy...didn't work too well, in that the blue looks a bit washed out to me. As I was finishing this up last night, was thinking about My Mother who's been gone now for 3 Mother's Day's. She's the one who taught me to know, back in the day. I made a little scarf, head scarf that she crocheted an edge and ties on. It was very rudimentary, but I was so proud of it. All these years later, the gift she gave me is still making me happy. It's an awesome gift and memory Mom, I Love and Miss you. (memories of MOM)

***This blue feather and fan is one more completed item on my year of projects list, badge and link in sidebar. For full list, please see YOP Tab

Flipping out, It's Friday

Flipping out realizing I've missed a few Friday's and some WIPW, where does the time go. Just finished this scarf last night. Nothing fancy, but warm, soft, and large enough to keep someone warm. This Lion Brand Homespun garter stitch scarf is a one skein scarf, courtesy of donated yarn on Bridge and Beyond. I love this blue it looks like the ocean to me...changing slightly as you go. This is the 2nd scarf I've knitted and donated from this donated yarn.

I blogged about the first scarf during the week long challenge when it was finished, molded to look like a dog talking....HERE. It too was donated, in fact this one was already delivered.

And I had fun finishing my Martini Cotton Washcloth. That's right I said Martini, and I said mine. I staged it, also for the week long blog challenge. Take a look HERE, please and thanks.

Looking forward to getting back in the swing of things as I start visiting you all to see what you've been working on. Need to mow today, then I think it's time to perhaps start working on another afghan. You all probably wondered about that. Figured a few scarves and cotton cloths would be a nice break from the larger more tedious work of putting together afghans.

Anyone use bloglovin? I just joined it yesterday. I've not yet added this blog; but think I will...added Traveling Suitcase just yesterday. With summer travel's coming up, you might want to have a look, I've been blogging up a storm over there. Even added a series that's called Menu Monday with reviews and recommendations for places to eat when you travel.

**Finished Object Friday badges and links in sidebar, please join us**

Pay it Forward - Surprise!

Spotted this post yesterday while making my blog rounds for (WIPW) work in progress Wednesday, and liked the idea. So, left my comment on Clean Cup, Move Down, indicating I would be posting and continuing the Pay it Forward, Random Act of Kindness....whatever we want to call this.

The rules are as follows:

• I will send a surprise gift to the first three commenters on this post. The gift will be handmade by me. It will be sent sometime in the next 365 days. It will be a surprise. We all love getting surprises in the mail, right?
• To sign up and receive a gift, you must play along, too. Pay it Forward on your blog, by promising to make a surprise for the first three people who comment on the post.
• You must have a blog (that is updated, as I will blog stalk you to find the right gift for you).
• After commenting here, you must repost this or something similar to your blog in 48 hours. If not, I will choose the next person who comments.

It's a beautiful day here today in Central Ohio, the sun's out, the windows are open (what a change), and the birds are chirping. On tap this weekend is mowing, girls night out and watching a cooking demonstration, drinking wine, a mini class reunion. Should be lots of laughs involved. Hoping to throw some knitting time in there, and maybe a bike ride.
Enjoy, the rose is from my Dad's yard. A Rosa Rugosa, old time rose that smells heavenly. Mom always loved it and when it blooms, it makes Daddy smile.

Projects Projects

Been working on these lovely feather and fan blue lace scarf. As you can see it's grown about 8 inches since last I showed it to you. I love this color of blue and DK weight yarn is awesome. I don't have much left as you can see. So, stopped working on it since I was away from home. Wanted to measure it and see how far this might take me, then decide whether or not I'm going to need a 2nd skein. Looks like I will.
And, since my last WIPW post (2 wks ago), I've started this scarf...the 2nd one actually. Will show you the completed one on Friday. Straight garter stitch with Homespun, always a hit. This is for Bridge and Beyond and is being from yarn donated to me. Worked on while out of town, and the flight...perfect no count type of project.

My other work in progress is an additional Blog, Flat Stanley and Friends. Takes some time, as you probably know to select a theme, move things around, write some posts and begin getting visitors, followers, people to comment etc. Inviting you all to please have a look, leave a comment let me know you were there. This blog is to help parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, baby sitters and Kids look at their spare time differently. To see learning possibilities, even if small in life around them or far away. I'm posting Flat Stanley Adventures with ideas of things to do with the kids with a similar experience in your area. I'm inviting everyone, KIDS included to get involved. On Saturdays each week, I'ld like to post your adventures. I know almost everyone has been involved helping a neighbor, a student, a family member with a Flat Stanley project of some sort. Sometimes they're writing assignments, sometimes history can play a part, sometimes art, geography and well...really there is no limited. Kids can color their Flat Stanley or use one of mine and get involved in something. Send me your Flat Stanley adventures--be they old ones or news ones that you create and I'll post them every Sat. Saturday will be Flat Stanley Sharing Saturdays. Naturally kids complete names will left out for protection., unless you don't see a problem with it. Kids I'm sure would love to see their story, their picture, their adventure posted on the internet.

**Badges and links for WIPW in left side-bar, join us. AND Flat Stanley's Badge and link in upper right sidebar....please join us.**

Balancing my Yarn Addiction, Knit One Double Crochet

Year of Projects Post Info And
Day 7 of the challenge Post
Crafting Balance
Are you a knitter or a crocheter, or are you a bit of both? If you are monogamous in your yarn-based crafting, is it because you do not enjoy the other craft or have you simply never given yourself the push to learn it? Is it because the items that you best enjoy crafting are more suited to the needles or the hook? Do you plan on ever trying to take up and fully learn the other craft? If you are equally comfortable knitting as you are crocheting, how do you balance both crafts? Do you always have projects of each on the go, or do you go through periods of favouring one over the other? How did you come to learn and love your craft(s)?

KCBWDAY7(use this code in a google search to find all who participated in this day's blog challenge)

I am bi-linqual, I speak both knitting and crocheting. I learned both while very young. I learned to knit from my Mother, and to crochet from a friends Aunt. I made one item using each skill when I initially learned. For years didn't do either again. Then crocheting came back into my life...big time. Hubby was working full time and going to school, and while I was also working full time, I had ........time on my hands. Since I decided I should do something with those hands, I once again began crocheting and that's all I did for years. I became pretty skillful and confident with has, scarves, blankets, afghans and the like. I crocheted Christmas gifts, wedding gifts, baby shower gifts and more.

There was no balance. I was in fact, resentful of those who knitted. They seemed a bit upity I thought. Wasn't uncommon to hear someone say, "oh ..you don't knit, you just crochet". Pattern books for knitting far and away out numbered pattern books for crocheting. There seemed to be a prevailing feeling that only Old ladies crocheted, and all they crocheted were doolies, doll clothes, and toilet paper roll covers.

That has all changed. It is no longer only old ladies who crochet, and those who crochet make wonderful wonderful items for themselves and their families, as well as for many charities. Then the fiber world offered such wonderful varieties of soft luscious fibers, that knitters and crocheters came out of the wood work. Both skills were being taught to men and women of all ages. It became "cool" to possess either skill. Battle lines between knitters and crocheters became a thing of the past.

When big fat knitting needles and fun novelty yarn came into vogue, I once again picked up knitting. I think some fibers lend themselves better to one skill then the other. Each has it's place. Knitting takes more time, generally speaking then crocheting, and uses less yarn. Crocheting seems to bother my arthritis a bit more then the knitting does, but I always have projects going representing both skills. I like to have a project that's a pick up and go item...often scarves, which can be either knitted or crocheted; along with a larger more complicated item that really can only successfully be worked on at home. Generally the big item at home is an afghan which is always a crocheted project; as I assemble afghans for charity (please see my blog, Bridge and Beyond) , from donated knitted and crocheted squares from around the globe. Additionally, I might have a more complicated knitting pattern with something that involves counting stitches and rows constantly....I do better with that home, where I can knit without interruption.

Balance between the 2 crafts, isn't the problem I have. I find I need balance between the knitting and crocheting for charity vs making something for myself or family members. Somehow, I always push aside the item I purchased special yarn for myself in order to make something I deem more important for those without.

I've shown you many of the crocheted afghans I've put together from donated squares in the first challenge post about color, HERE. The above picture is an afghan I made specifically from many different patterns for my great nephews arrival into this world. Just thought there should be a picture here for you all.

This concludes the blog week challenge......whew. Must give some thought whether to participate in this challenge again next year if it happens. Thus far, it's been lots of work with pretty limited participating; that's been disappointing. Wondering how the rest of you feel?
Day 1 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY1
Day 2 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY2
Day 3 Challenge Post (wild card) 3KCBWDAY3 3KCBWWC
Day 4 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY4
Day 5 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY5
Day 6 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY6

YOP, literally no change. I've knitted and crocheted; but everything I've worked on was something not on my list. Between traveling, and blogger not working well (scheduled posts not posting as they should), playing catch up both here and in life...I've really nothing to report. However, if you click on Day 2 challenge you'll see one item I finished, likewise Day 5...those post show 2 of the items I've been working on.

Skillset Satisfaction

Improving Your Skillset
How far down the road to learning your craft do you believe yourself to be? Are you comfortable with what you know or are you always striving to learn new skills and add to your knowledge base? Take a look at a few knitting or crochet books and have a look at some of the skills mentioned in the patterns. Can you start your amigurumi pieces with a magic circle, have you ever tried double knitting, how's your intarsia? If you are feeling brave, make a list of some of the skills which you have not yet tried but would like to have a go at, and perhaps even set yourself a deadline of when you'd like to have tried them by.

3KCBWDAY6

I am comfortable with my skillset for the most part. The important thing to me is being able to knit and or crochet for charity. I don't have a need to make amigurumi or intarsia. I make basic items, that need to be sturdy and warm; not fancy made with intricate stitches or high end fibers. I'm always knitting or crocheting when people are talking at lunch at work, or when the TV's on, so sticking to things that don't require enormous amounts of focus or concentration works best.

I guess I am perhaps more goal oriented then task driven. The goal is to make items for those cold and in need without a roof over their heads vs spending time practicing learning new things. There are times I'll set aside me-quiet time to work on something for my Darling Daughter or myself, or perhaps a special gift. I do try to stretch myself some in those moments; but it doesn't drive me. I sometimes feel guilty though when I do that. I've knitted simple lace and would like to improve on that skill using finer yarns. But, that takes time away from my primary goal. Likewise, I'd like to try my hand at socks; but always find a charity project to work on instead.

I elude to this difficulty in balancing in tomorrow's Blog Challenge Topic.

As a general statement I would like to improve my skill enough to be more comfortable working with finer yarns/fibers; but beyond that...nothing really specific. I'm pretty comfortable knowing I can accomplish my goal with my current skills and being satisfied works for me. That however doesn't stop me from being delighted to see someone with skills superior to mine.

The most I've stretched myself with regard to doing different stitches was the making of the above afghan for my DD's best friends wedding gift. I had some moments of ripping out and of being frustrated; but wanted something special for her. She and her husband loved it.

I have some special yarn I purchased on vacation to make something different for myself and my daughter, but ...it sits in the basket. Perhaps, since the wedding was about this time last year, it's once again to devote some me quiet learning time.

Day 1 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY1
Day 2 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY2
Day 3 Challenge Post (wild card) 3KCBWDAY3 3KCBWWC
Day 4 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY4
Day 5 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY5

Metamorphosis and Air Miles

Voting Here for your Favorite Challenge Post
pst...see how easy I made it for you
Something A Bit Different (this is also a FOF post, see badges and links in left sidebar)

It's back, and this time it has the most amazing of prizes (look for the prize for 'most creative post'). This was a massive success last year, and for many it was the highlight of the Blog Week, so this year you are challenged, again, to find a new way of blogging.
This is an experimental blogging day to try and push your creativity in blogging to the same level that you perhaps push your creativity in the items you create.There are no rules of a topic to blog about but this post should look at a different way to present content on your blog. This can take one of many forms, but here a few suggestions:

• Wordless, photographic post

• Video blog post

• Podcast

• Cartoon/sketch of an idea

• Write about a subject from a different perspective (for example, you could write about a day in the life of a knitted sock from the point of view of the sock).

• Interpretive modern dance (why does someone always suggest this?)

• A poem or piece of rhyming verse

• Stop motion animation

The grand prize for Knitting and Crochet blog week, as donated by JenACKnitwear and Fyberspates will be given to the most creative blog post after a nomination and voting round, and due to the immensity of the prize it is really worth putting bit of time and effort into this. At the very least you will get an amazing blog post out of it.

3KCBWDAY5 (use this code in a google search to find others in day 5 challenge)

Allow me to introduce myself. As I travel, a metamorphosis takes place. You see when I started my life somewhere in a laboratory, I was but chemicals. I traveled to New York to the Lion Brand Yarn Shop and became a 6 oz skein, 185 yards of fiber. My label read 98% acrylic and 2% polyester.

My infancy stage was spent traveling through the US mail was from Joyce's house in New Mexico to Sandy's house in Ohio. That was a long necessary journey before my next stage could begin. Paired with size 10 knitting needles I traveled from Ohio to Florida on Southwest Airlines where more metamorphosis took place, stitch by stitch, and row by row. Growing with each mile more changes taking place. My return flight from Florida to Ohio was the final stage of my traveling metamorphosis. Being Dog tired, I can now rest, as I'll be wrapped around someone's neck to warm them at a homeless shelter.
The yarn was donated by Joyce, I made the scarf(just folded it to make it look like a dog above for fun), it will be donated through Bridge and Beyond.

Day 1 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY1
Day 2 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY2
Day 3 Challenge Post (wild card) 3KCBWDAY3 3KCBWWC
Day 4 Challenge Post 3KCBWDAY4

Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall is the Time

A Knitter or Crocheter For All Seasons?
As spring is in the air in the northern hemisphere and those in the southern hemisphere start setting their sights for the arrival of winter, a lot of crocheters and knitters find that their crafting changes along with their wardrobe. Have a look through your finished projects and explain the seasonality of your craft to your readers. Do you make warm woollens the whole year through in preparation for the colder months, or do you live somewhere that never feels the chill and so invest your time in beautiful homewares and delicate lace items. How does your local seasonal weather affect your craft?

3KCBWDAY4 (use this code in a google search and find other blogs for day 4 challenge)

The short answer is it doesn't. Living in Ohio, we have far more cold weather then warm weather. Much of the spring and fall, while pretty can be cold, wet, windy, and light weight items generally aren't going to get the job done. Add to that, my charity knitting and crocheting for the homeless and that they really need warmth. After all, many are living outdoors, or at the very least spending a good deal of time out in the elements. They may not need mittens, hats, scarves and the like in the middle of the summer; but I continue to work on those items as do those who help me so we're prepared when the winter turns ugly again. It can do that over night...pouf.

I do try to not make one piece afghans in the heat of the summer so I don't have something hot and heavy on my lap. I nudge hubby about turning on the air conditioning if the temps are hot enough the yarn is sticking to my hands and not easily sliding off the hook or knitting needles.

It does perhaps influence the colors I work with a bit. For example these 2 afghans to be will not be worked on til it's seasonally appropriate.
Day 1 Challenge Post
Day 2 Challenge Post
Day 3 Challenge Post (wild card)

Traveling in my Time Machine

Your Knitting Or Crochet Hero
Blog about someone in the fibre crafts who truly inspires you. There are not too many guidelines for this, it's really about introducing your readers to someone who they might not know who is an inspiration to you. It might be a family member or friend, a specific designer or writer, indie dyer or another blogger. If you are writing about a knitting designer and you have knitted some of their designs, don't forget to show them off. Remember to get permission from the owner if you wish to use another person's pictures.

3KCBWDAY3 (using this tag in a Google search will take you to others blogging on this topic)

This topic bothered me. I couldn't put the words hero, knitting, and or crocheting together. Why? Here's the definition I found on Google.
noun, plural he·roes; for 5 also he·ros.

1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds or noble qualities.

2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.

3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.

4. Classical Mythology .

a)a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.

B.(in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.

c.(in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

With that in mind, it just didn't seem appropriate. I often feel that way when I hear a sports announcer say that about a football player. A hero in addition to above is fireman, policeman, or someone in the military that puts themselves in harms way to protect others. It seems to me calling others hero's diminishes the power of the word for those who truly are.

And so I'm throwing in my wild card.
Craft Your Perfect Day
Plan your fantasy day with your craft, It might just take up one hour of your day or be the entire focus of the day, but tell your readers where you'd love to craft, whether you'd craft alone or with friends, knitting or crocheting something simple or spending a day learning new skills.

3KCBWWC (using this tag in a Google search will take you to others throwing out their wild card)

I'd like to travel backward in a time machine. I'd like to travel back to the fifties to Marion Ohio and visit the lady who had the crochet shop in her cellar next to Meister's Drug Store. She hand hand made items for sale, dolls, capes, crocheted hangers, afghans, little infant sweater and hat sets and more. She had yarn for sale and a few crochet hooks. I loved visiting this little store. The woman was awesome and very sweet. Thinking back, I can remember riding my bike to the drug store that was right next door. Then I'd buy a gum ball or something equally as small; knock on her back door and she'd let me come in and look. She never seemed bothered by the fact I wasn't and or couldn't buy; but she let me look until my hearts content. I'm sure I interrupted her doing dishes or cleaning, as she often had on an apron over her house dress. I'd love to let her know I remember her, even though I don't know her name. I'd love to share with her my love of the craft and items I've made. I think she might enjoy knowing, the sweating little girl that bothered her grew up and uses her crafting skills to help others. (f you're new to my blog you may not know to what I'm referring. I have a charity blog, Bridge and Beyond). I'd like to spend some time crocheting with her. What a perfect craft day that would be.

After chatting and crafting with above nameless lady, I'd hop back in my time machine and visit BooBoo, my friends aunt who taught me how to crochet. I blogged about my bee-u-ti-ful mint green dollie here. I'd also like to ask BooBoo, what her real name was. lol We kids called her BooBoo and I never knew what her real name was. No one is still alive that knew that I can ask.

Once more in my time machine I hit warp speed in order to get home in time for cocktails to share my special day with hubby.

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.