Sunday, December 18, 2016

YOP Week #25


 We are almost halfway through this YOP season!  I had better get a move on.....I can't remember the last time I looked at or updated my list or Ravelry......woe is me!  I did work several rounds on my Peace cowl and I'm on round 10 of about 84 rounds, I think.  Should I put in a life line on this thing?  I have little holes on the needle bases where I think you can thread one.  I would hate to start over even at this point! LOL!
 I was able to get the presents in the mail this week and yesterday was warm here so I took advantage of it. I am still in cleaning mode but also organizing and prepping for the New Year....as far as goals, challenges and CALs and KALs that might be starting at the beginning of the year.  If you know of any please let me know! 
Still working on giraffe legs.......but I am motivated to finish up projects which is good! 
 This one is slow going as I have been really tired at night and just lay there and watch Vlogmas podcasts.....too pooped to pop.  I must admit though yesterday I washed windows and ironed clean curtains to put up and was up and down stairs and step stool but they look nice.  Today was VERY cold and windy but sunny.  We had wind chill warnings today and it was 73 yesterday...I just can't get over that!  I need to wrap Bob Ross  up this week but tomorrow is big shopping at Walmart for Christmas and Christmas Eve and New Years too.   It's just me but I want to have plenty of goodies on hand! 
 One of my grandson's friends just got a new puppy and she wanted a blanket for the puppy so Uriah asked if I could make her one......I said sure......so I'm doing a C2C blanket and it will be baby blanket size as it is a small dog even when grown.  She loves purple and I have this old acrylic yarn that wears like iron...Red Heart, so I think it will be good for a dog blanket.
 I also whipped up some crocheted stars for the grands 2016 Christmas ornaments..I have to weave in ends, block and use Aileen's Stiffening stuff on them.  Right now they look like flowers but she swears that once blocked they will look like stars.  Then there's a ribbon and button for them and those will be done.  Next, on Tuesday probably, I will be making Chex Mix and cookies to give to kids, grands, postman and garbage guy and that's about it.  I'm taking care of my neighbors cat for 2 weeks while she's gone.  She's right next door so I'll do it while I'm out getting the mail each day.
 
 I put a link above to the pattern for the stars...........so far, hers are looking way better!
It uses bulky yarn and is only 2 rounds.  It will take more time to block and stiffen and add the finishing touches.
I ordered one of my birthday presents today(my birthday is January 4th so I get lots this time of year for myself as for years I got gypped as everyone got away with saying that my Christmas present was for my birthday too!  What a rip off!)  Remember the hat I fell in love with?  The kits were all sold out at Woolyn in Brooklyn, NY but I found them at SWAK Knit shop online
if you're interested in one.   It uses all 21 colors in the new wool line at Blue Sky Fibers (formerly Blue Sky Alpacas) so you can see a kit would be good as you get to see all the colors for possible future projects......smart idea Blue Sky!  And of course, you get the pattern.  The kit was $25.00 and with shipping it ended up at $32.00.   Sort of pricey for a hat but it is for my birthday and I love it! 


My biggest decision will be whether to add a pompom or not! LOL!  I have been totally watching Vlogmas podcasts these past couple weeks.  Inside Number 23, Homespun House and Brooklyn Knits...they have been awesome!  Brooklyn Knits took us to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, Ice Skaters at Central Park, the store windows and light shows which were awesome.....lots of fun and really gets you in the Christmas spirit!
I also found a new podcast I like.........Stitching the High Notes.....very good and I think she only has about 6 out so far but she's really good!
Well, that's all for now.  I will catch up to you YOPers later as I am so tired.....I'm going to bed early.  I think I might be fighting off a bug or 2.
Happy Trails! 

15 comments:

  1. Oh boy... we are supposed to update our YOP list from time to time, aren't we. I best get on that now that the YOP year is nearly half over. I love that hat - with or without the pom pom. Can't go wrong. Since you asked about CALs, I decided to join the Block a Month CAL (2017 BAMCAL) on Ravelry. I am going to get over my aversion to "joining" if it kills me. Now to just decide on my colors... But first I think I'm going to check out those podcasts. A virtual fieldtrip to NYC sounds perfect! I hope you have a great week as you finish your preparations for Christmas. :)

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    1. I'll join you in the BAMCAL! I hope you're feeling better and I woke up this morning "refreshed" and ready to go again! Whew....I don't want to get sick.
      I'll check out the BAMCAL later...I'm off to Wally World and it's only 22 but the sun's shining...I could wait until tomorrow when it will be in the 40's but this will be a good time as the store won't be crowded when it's this cold down here! LOL!

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  2. I hope you feel better soon. Love that hat, pompom or not. And what a good friend you are to make the puppy a blanket, especially at this busy time of year.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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    1. I feel fine this morning...just needed more sleep. I have to admit, I really enjoy the C2C blankets....great for watching t.v.! Hope you're feeling better!

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  3. Cute hat! Love all the stripes! I hope you feel better soon. No fun to be sick over the holidays. That is an interesting pattern on the purple dog blanket! I need to start a baby blanket after the first of the year...for our Great Grand:)

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    1. Oh, I'm fine today....just needed a good rest. Oh, you would love the C2C blanket....so much fun. There's a video on it by Crochet Crowd (Mikey) on You Tube and the pattern is on the Red Heart site. But once you watch the video you won't really need the pattern other than for hook size and yarns reqs. There is a baby one too but really you can make it any size you want. I'm using size H hook for worsted weight yarn but you would probably use something smaller for baby yarn. I can't believe you're going to be a Great Grandmother & Grandfather...I thought you guys were already "great"! LOL! Stay warm!

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  4. I finished my Peace Cowl and gave it away today. I told her to wait until Christmas to open it so I didn't see her reaction as to if she liked it or not... I didn't use a lifeline. I found after about the 8th round, the rows became very obvious and were easy to see where you were so I didn't bother. I've been watching the same vlogmas podcasts. Today's were fun, seeing all of the other podcasters at Kristin's apartment knitting together. Those girls are all so talented. I've loved Brooklyn Knitfold and seeing all of the NYC sights. I like Opera Jo too and just heard of another tonight. It's called "Meanwhile at the Castle". I haven't seen it yet but plan to check it out soon. Love the blanket and the hat pattern. Take care and hope you feel better very soon.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Good for you! The castle podcast sounds interesting. Yes, I thought the expat girl lived overseas? She must be back for the holidays? I recognized her and Kristin...I need to watch them more regularly but I can only watch so many and I only watch at night. I feel fine...I was just tired from working so hard the day before. I actually have not been "sick-sick" for years....no colds no flu since I caught it from my grands when they were babies. Not even a sore throat....must be all my "clean living"! LOL! I think being a recluse might have something to do with it too.

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  5. I've pretty much been vegging every day and getting very little creating done. Both boys arrive over the next couple of days so I have been doing a bit of work to get their room ready. Hmmm, if I followed that pattern, I would definitely have flowers rather than stars because I never block anything. You and my hubby (Sam and Sam :) have the same birthday. The hat will be nice. Sometimes we do just have to treat ourselves to something special.

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    1. Oh, I bet you are so excited to have your boys home for the holidays! They will enjoy the warmth too I bet! We're off to a very cold start to winter everywhere in the states it seems. Wish Sam a Happy Birthday for me! He is the young one....both of you are! I'll be 68 this year but feel great and so far so good....all my diseases are in remission for over a year now so I cannot complain at all! Have a wonderful time with your family and kisses and hugs to you....you are like a beacon in the night to so many! I think you are a favorite of those above...just don't tell anyone else...but I'm sure of it! Love you! Tell Sam...Capricorns are The Best!!!!

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  6. I'm glad you are feeling better. That hat is fabulous, I love it. I'm sure your dog blanket will be well appreciated and those stars will be delightful.

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    1. Thank you, Lucy! It's hard to keep a good woman down..lol! Have a wonderful holiday season with your family!

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  7. I'm glad you are feeling better. That hat is fabulous, I love it. I'm sure your dog blanket will be well appreciated and those stars will be delightful.

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  8. You are just amazing at how much you accomplish each week. The hat kit is wonderfil and since it's your birthday gift, well deserved. Your temperatures are certainly crazy. The Bob Ross cross stitch is looking grand. I'm sure you will have it done quickly.

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  9. You are just amazing at how much you accomplish each week. The hat kit is wonderfil and since it's your birthday gift, well deserved. Your temperatures are certainly crazy. The Bob Ross cross stitch is looking grand. I'm sure you will have it done quickly.

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