Tomorrow's the big day and I am never ready!

Monday I mowed...the lawn mower guy has yet to call me back after I have left 2 messages so I guess he doesn't need my business.   The guy I called for drywall and to build a ramp for Nitty has not called back. BTW, I have an answering machine and caller id so even if they don't leave a message I know who called and who didn't.  I called the Dr. to cancel my appointment next week and left a message and they still haven't called back....I left a message with my neighbor as he is moving and I have boxes that I was going to throw out but my other neighbor said I should save them for the moving neighbor so I did......he has not called after 3 days and then came over and asked if I had any with clothes rods in them.....really?  He said he doesn't need them now but maybe later.....they were supposed to go in the garbage yesterday but I waited.  Time waits for no man!  They'll be in the garbage next week for sure! 
Yesterday was garbage day and I made my grocery list and went to Wally World...it was a long shopping day reading all the labels and getting lots of food for those growing boys!

I got all the perishables put away and the frig and freezer are "stuffed to the gills"!  I still have this to put away today.  By the time I got home and unloaded everything my knee was hurting so I needed to call it a day and get off my feet.  I think I might have twisted it yesterday while hopping on and off the mower...who knows...at this age it's always something! LOL!
I worked on my cross stitch last night and watched Stitching The High Notes podcast...still playing catch up with her. If you want to get inspired by some cross stitch take a look at Priscilla and Chelsea's podcasts.....they will blow your mind!  Also, if anyone wants this pattern which was free but doesn't seem to be available anymore, I would be more than willing to send you a copy.  It is a great project to get back into cross stitching, if you so desire, and also it only uses 2 colors and is my first project on linen stitching over 2 threads.  It's not as hard as it sounds but I'm glad it is small and not a lot of color changes.....good practice for me!  Me thinks I am liking these smaller projects!

 I also received my new Lykke needles but not the cable yet..........maybe today...........they seem very nice............

I was on Facebook yesterday trying to join a cross stitching group and up popped one of those 'memory' pictures.....it was Miss Peeps and it said 3 years ago.....I thought she was 2 years old....nope....she's 3!  Where did the time go?  No more 'cute kitten'...she's a serious grown up cat now!  In this picture she was starting to doze off when I called her name to take the picture....speaking of dozing off..............I have been dozing off in the middle of my knitting!  What is up with that?  I wake  up and there I am holding my knitting in my hands still! LOL!  Aging is one crazy adventure! 

Remember when people used to go to church on Sunday mornings and then visit in the afternoons?  I decided to replicate that old tradition by writing some type of correspondence on Sunday afternoons........I have some lovely stationary that I have had for years and I do love nice stationary.  I need to use it!  So I wrote a letter to an old friend and will try and make it a habit on Sunday afternoons..........if anyone would like to be a pen pal just let me know!  My email is slicher@centurytel. net      First come first serve as I can only write so many letters on Sunday afternoons...lol!

 Today is change sheets on my bed and guest bed, put the rest of the groceries away, water plants inside and out....it's supposed to be 90 today.  There's laundry, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms and cooking for tomorrow's meal.  I also need to clean the microwave plus about a dozen other things, I'm sure!  I hope you are all well and doing what you love!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #49

Only 3 more weeks!!!  Yikes batman!  But this year should work out a little better for me as the grands will be here earlier than usual  and staying for 2 weeks and leaving before the end of June so just in time for me to get ready for YOP 2018-19!  I've already started planning and even ordering some supplies....I can't wait!  It is like the biggest excuse to start ALL the projects! LOL!
I surprised myself this week and finally got some progress made.....no finishes but progress.
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 FO's - (Finished Objects) - none

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 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1) This is a free pattern but when I went to her website it was no longer there but she does have some other freebies and designs you can purchase at
www.thestitcherhood.com

I got a little more work done on this little cutie...........

2)  I am on chapter 4 of the Falling Leaves Creative Bug video class with my new yarn and needles.
I love it except it is hard for me to get used to the yarn overs when I come to them....I feel like I've dropped a stitch and want to tighten up my yarn.....I'm not sure if lace will be something I like but we'll see when I am finished with this project.  Also, I highly suggest needles with some 'drag' on them as this silk/bamboo yarn is very slippery and I don't think I could handle it on metal needles at all.  I started this project before the start of YOP 2018-19 because I had a free month of Creative Bug but after that I have to 'pay the piper' so I want to get through the class A.S.A.P.

  

3)  The Hitch Hiker shawl...I could work on this forever.......so relaxing......even though this is my fourth go at it, I now 'understand' my knitting and once that happens, I think mistakes are few and far between.  I know the pattern by heart and it is an 8 row repeat.  The biggest thing I had to form a habit for is moving my counter but I can also tell if I am on the right 'end' of the shawl for that particular row.  It all makes sense to me now and once that happens I'm good to go......now, watch me, I'll mess up this week! LOL!  I hope not as I have 31 of the 41 'teeth' left to go and each one is part of the 8 pattern repeat....so about 80 rows left or until I run out of yarn.  Of course, the rows are getting longer and longer so it takes more time but I am enjoying it.

P.S.  For those of you who asked about what I was using my tea/coffee dyed flags for....I just put them outside in plants for Memorial Day.....in fact, they're still out there.

4)   Whoever left a message last week suggesting that I use a plunger for my slippers to felt them more.....thank you so much, Anonymous! LOL!  I have a feeling it was Sue, the book fairy, but I can't be sure.  Anyway, it worked slick and they felted to just the right size!  They were a dickens to dry....2 cycles in the dryer and then sat out overnight.  Finally, I tried them on even though they were a little damp in places.  I think that might be a good thing, really because you can shape them more to your foot.  Now I have to order soles and get busy on the other 3 or 4 pair for Christmas gifts!  Having my new foot/sock rulers is going to help also.

5) A 'flimsy' finally!  I sewed the top of #2 of 3 I Spy quilts.............

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks -
 #2 - Something for St. Patrick's Day...socks or cowl...not sure.  I think I found a cowl pattern with a Celtic design but I would like socks too!
#3 - Still more washcloths as I have plenty of Dishie and Peaches and Creme worsted cotton
#4 - Some leaf book markers
There won't be anything more added to the queue now since it is getting so close to YOP Year 2018-19 that any new projects will go for next year. 
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What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -  These will also be going on the YOP 2018-19 list if they 'make the cut'! This is way more exciting then the NFL Draft!

#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.
 #2 - Susan B. Anderson has her 2 kits back in stock..........The Loopy Sheep
and her Spring Chicken kits  just in time for Spring but where do I get the dough for all these great items?
#3 - my new over the top obsession I discovered from Little Bobbin's mother who does the most beautiful stitchery from Jesse Chorley
I'd like to do her Friendship Quilt  if I live long enough! LOL!  I may try just a little sampler on my own but check out her website for lots of other wonderful and unique items and projects.
#4 - Knitting at the Library Cowl - a pay for pattern on Ravelry.  I'm thinking this may be the year of cowls or slippers....we'll see who wins out! The cowl looks like different shelves of books!  So cool!
#5 - A crochet square blocker either a DIY or to buy.......anyone have any experience with these or recommendations?  I saw this Crochet blocker with instructions to make and it looks pretty simple
You just need wooden shish-kabob skewers and a gardening knee pads

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 YOP Goals from last week:

*DONE*1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2
*DONE*2) felt slippers........again
3) sew first project for Sewing School
4) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
*Chapter 4*5) continue on with Falling Leaves scarf and class when my needles come in
*WIP/Secret*6) set up goals and milestones for YOP Maynia 2018-19!!!
*WIP*7) work on Hitch Hiker shawl
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YOP Goals for this week: 
1) work on Hitch Hiker shawl on breaks
2) sew squares into strips for I Spy quilt #3(last one)
3) sew first project for Sewing School
4) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
5) continue on with Falling Leaves scarf and class to finish Chapter 4 and the first 20 rows...I have 10 done so far.
6) set up goals and milestones for YOP Maynia 2018-19!!!  Also, the categories and what and how many I should have active at any one time.
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Acquisitions:
1)  I have a Lykke (?) interchangeable needle coming!  They are those new driftwood needles and I needed a certain size. Stitching the High Notes (Joanna) mentioned she had gotten one....just one....you didn't have to buy the whole set!  Someone was thinking because who would spend that kind of money without trying them out first?  That's my thinking anyway.  So I got one needle and a cable in the size and length of my choice on Amazon.  I can't wait!  Joanna loves hers and is thinking of getting a set as she likes them so much.  If I "Lykke" them, I might also...lol!

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   Podcasts:  I'm still catching up with Stitching the High Notes (knitting, sewing and cross stitch) and also catching up with The Twisted Stitcher (cross stitch and finishing) and Priscilla and Chelsea (cross stitch and finishing and re-purposing items they find at thrift stores and flea markets to use in displaying their cross stitch)
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 To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
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The grands are arriving this coming Thursday so who knows what will happen.....me alone for a week for the first time?  I am a little concerned simply because Grayson has a severe nut allergy and I have to carry an Epi (?) pen with me at all times and of course, I have to look at all products to see if they're made in a facility that also processes nuts.  Like he can't have regular M&Ms because they use their machines for processing peanuts also.  I can handle kids, no problem, I just feel a heavy responsibility for the first time in a long time! LOL!  Thank goodness my daughter has been dealing with this for years and emailed me a list of foods he can have, what they like to eat and to do.  Even Grayson is good about speaking up and asking if things have nuts....he remembers how sick he was and in the hospital several times before they determined the cause.  They are wonderful grandchildren and used to helping out and enjoying a simple life...they are not spoiled by any means but they are still kids and I raised 4 so I'm familiar with their 'scams'! LOL!  I'm sure they'll try to pull some on Grandma.....we shall see.  One thing I know for sure......we will laugh a lot!
Happy Trails!!!

Wacky Wednesday

Well, the best laid plans certainly go awry in my life...lol!  I was planning on posting on Memorial Day but I never even got my meal completely made.  My neighbor came back from her trip and came over and all I got done were the brats and the baked beans.  I am making the potato salad right now and the fruit pizza will have to wait another day.  I always think I have more time than I do plus I am SO SLOW at everything.
I did get my needles in the mail..............and my stitch markers..........I haven't even gotten a chance to sit down and take the class yet............

  The grands are coming next week so I better blog while I can as I am sure they will keep me hoppin'......I'm so excited to see them all.....it only happens once a year!
I've been cleaning and it's more like an archaeological dig! LOL!  I found these fat quarters I bought last year to do something patriotic with.....

Oh, here's the misting bottle I got from Me and My Stitches............I haven't used it yet but if it works like she says it does I will be buying more!

No batteries required! 
I'm making good progress on my Hitch Hiker shawl as that is all I have the energy for when I crawl fall into bed.  Busy time of year for all I'm sure.  I will get around to you all before next week...I don't know where the time goes.  I hope you had a great Memorial Day and were able to honor those who have given so much to this country.

Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #48

Are you having a nice Memorial Day weekend?  I hope so.  Well, let's get to it!
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FO's - (Finished Objects) -
1)  Remember my Memorial Day pillow I started last year?  Well, it's done for this Memorial Day.............I think the Stitch Maynia idea is a good one but instead of all cross stitch I will have something going in each area and for each craft........now that I have a Patriotic project finished...I will start another one!  This is a pattern that I mentioned last week if you want the details and  I will ensure it is on my Ravelry page too.

2)  Yesterday, I cleared my calendar so I could do some dyeing but this time it wasn' t yarn.  I tea and coffee dyed some flags and some cross stitch fabric..........BEFORE

DURING..................

AFTER................

 I know some cross stitchers 'bake' their fabric after dyeing and also scrunch it up so it gets more mottled looking but I just skipped that part and put the flags outside to dry and threw the fabric in the dryer with a color grabber sheet.  The flags didn't absorb as much color as the fabric but I am okay with it all.  The fabric was so soft after it came out of the dyer which gave me the idea of washing and drying the Springtime Flowers fabric.  It was so much easier to stitch on too! 
3)  This is a little 'finished' piece of cross stitch I did years ago and found it while digging through my supplies......

 


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 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1) And here it is....my next Patriotic project............this is a free pattern but when I went to her website it was no longer there but she does have some other freebies and designs you can purchase at
www.thestitcherhood.com

I just started it last evening so not much done yet...............I have been watching several cross stitch podcasts and I am learning some new tips and techniques....such as working without a hoop.....so much easier!  Also, I am completing each 'cross stitch' as I go as opposed to doing a whole row in one direction and then doubling back to cross them.  I really like these tips and they are working for me.  If you remember my Springtime Flowers cross stitch that I started from Alicia Paulson...well, I was having a dickens of a time with the fabric it was so stiff so I am going to wash it...stitches and all and 
hope that gets rid of whatever starch or fabric stiffener they used on it. 

2)   This is a WIP but I have decided to not use the Lorna's Laces yarn for this scarf and I ordered yarn similar to what the instructor used.  I used Yarn Sub to find a comparable yarn as the yarn the instructor used is no longer available.  I got this yarn at Hobby Lobby which was much less expensive and should show the lace pattern to advantage. Now I'm just waiting for the straight needles to start using this new yarn.

3)  Meanwhile, I started the Hitch Hiker Shawl again which I wasn't going to show you in case I messed up but what the hay....it is what it is.  I also realized that whether or not I frog something or start over a zillion times, those stitches and the time they took are not wasted.  Practice makes perfect or at least close enough.  All those 'do-overs' just add to my experience as a knitter and whether I realize it or not it is making me a better knitter...mile after mile!

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks -
 #2 - Something for St. Patrick's Day...socks or cowl...not sure.  I think I found a cowl pattern with a Celtic design but I would like socks too!
#3 - Still more washcloths as I have plenty of Dishie and Peaches and Creme worsted cotton
#4 - Some leaf book markers

There won't be anything more added to the queue now since it is getting so close to YOP Year 2018-19 that any new projects will go for next year. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -  These will also be going on the YOP 2018-19 list if they 'make the cut'! This is way more exciting then the NFL Draft!

#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.
 #2 - Susan B. Anderson has her 2 kits back in stock..........The Loopy Sheep
and her Spring Chicken kits  just in time for Spring but where do I get the dough for all these great items?
#3 - my new over the top obsession I discovered from Little Bobbin's mother who does the most beautiful stitchery from Jesse Chorley
I'd like to do her Friendship Quilt  if I live long enough! LOL!  I may try just a little sampler on my own but check out her website for lots of other wonderful and unique items and projects.
#4 - Knitting at the Library Cowl - a pay for pattern on Ravelry.  I'm thinking this may be the year of cowls or slippers....we'll see who wins out! The cowl looks like different shelves of books!  So cool!
#5 - A crochet square blocker either a DIY or to buy.......anyone have any experience with these or recommendations?  I saw this Crochet blocker with instructions to make and it looks pretty simple
You just need wooden shish-kabob skewers and a gardening knee pads

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 YOP Goals from last week:  I got none of these done!  But I did have a great week!

1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2...
2) felt slippers........again
3) sew first project for Sewing School
4) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
5) continue on with Falling Leaves scarf and class
6) who knows as there are treasures coming!!!
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YOP Goals for this week:  same as last week! LOL!
1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2
2) felt slippers........again
3) sew first project for Sewing School
4) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
5) continue on with Falling Leaves scarf and class when my needles come in
6) set up goals and milestones for YOP Maynia 2018-19!!!
7) work on Hitch Hiker shawl

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Acquisitions:
1) I posted about most of these this past week when they arrived so if you want to see them check back in this weeks posts.  I did receive 2 more yesterday.  I had ordered this sweet kit from Me and My Stitches but she accidentally reversed the addresses on my package and another one so I got the other gals package and she got mine.  Julie emailed me right away and apologized and said she would email me another label if I would just repack and put it in the post which I did.  So, I got my package and besides what I ordered which was Lil' Punky pattern and a misting bottle she sweetly included another pattern to thank me for re-mailing it to the other gal.  What great customer service!  She didn't have to do that as mistakes happen and she was 'right on it'.  I highly recommend you visit her website at Me and My Stitches  She has lovely pins, pendants and quilt patterns plus these new 'mister' bottles that I may need more of!  Whatever you mist with you use less like spray starch and she also uses them for tea dyeing.....I will be trying that one too!  I forgot to take a picture of the 'mister' but they are on her site.
I ordered the Lil' Punky pattern and she sent me the other one too...........they are paper piecing patterns which I really enjoyed doing but that was so long ago I may have to 'bone up' on that technique before attempting these.

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   Podcasts:  I'm still catching up with Stitching the High Notes (knitting, sewing and cross stitch) and also catching up with The Twisted Stitcher (cross stitch and finishing) and Priscilla and Chelsea (cross stitch and finishing and re-purposing items they find at thrift stores and flea markets to use in displaying their cross stitch)
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 To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
Happy Trails!!!

Thursday Treasures!!!

Treasures came in the mail yesterday and today!  I treat myself on Holidays to things I have on my wish list and also foods I'm supposed to steer clear of.  I am getting ready for the Memorial Day weekend here on my little homestead in the middle of town! LOL!  
First some charm packs and a fat quarter...............

Do I already have plenty of fabric?  Of course I do but that's not the point! LOL!
A cute pattern for a summertime mini.............

  Some books I have wanted for a long, long time.....................

 This book is by 2 gals that own a quilt shop in Pearl City, Illinois and not too far from my hometown.  You can bet I will be visiting them when I move back North!

Yarn!  I gave up on the Lorna's Laces yarn for the Falling Leaves scarf.  The yarn Debbie used in the class is no longer available so I went to Yarn Sub where you can put in the yarn the pattern calls for and it will come up with the closest to that yarn in other brands.  This yarn popped up and it is not expensive and available at Hobby Lobby!  Boy did I ever waste money on the Lorna's Laces yarn.  I will be using Yarn Sub a lot!  I will use the Lorna's Laces probably for a hat or a cowl maybe but not this lace scarf!  I hope this yarn works well.  It was highly rated so maybe you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for good yarn.  It's 85% bamboo and 15% silk.....worsted weight.  It will have a nice drape and show off the leaf pattern better than a variegated.  It will also show my mistakes too....so I cannot make any....lol!

 I got a few sundries that I needed too..........I am going to look so cute in this little number! LOL!
I've been using the cheap, 10 to a package ones from the dollar store....now I will be a 'fashionista'!

I also got tired of using cheap pens that skip and won't write even though they have ink......I used to be able to get these pens around here but not any more so Amazon to the rescue!  They're great for arthritic hands too.

Last but not least.........a new mattress protector......for my bed and I will use the old one on the guest bed........my daughter suggested it for when the grand boys come...just in case!
I love mine because I drink coffee in bed in the morning and tea or water at night plus it keeps dust mites from coming through and allergens....although sleeping with a cat sort of cancels the allergens out.  The elastic on mine is a bit stretched out so since I don't make up the guest bed that often I thought I would use the new one and put the old one on the guest bed.

There are a few more items coming but they're not here yet.  I'm boning up for YOP 2018-19.  I am really wanting to quilt some things for MOI after I finish the grand boy's quilts. 
Tomorrow is grocery shopping and prepping for a 'crafty' long weekend!  Have any of you watched any of the Floss Tube videos?  I've been watching Priscilla and Chelsea and Vonda, The Twisted Stitcher...such talent and they are a hoot!  Also, I can't stop watching the live feed of the volcano in Hawaii.......it's like watching a fire...it's mesmerizing!
BTW, I did get my stuffed pepper casserole made last night and it was quick, easy, and cheap to make.  I should revisit more of my old recipes!  Tasty too!  It had a few things that aren't real healthy....cheese and hamburger meat but I'm also trying to use up what's in my freezer so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

  Have a great rest of your day!
Happy Trails!!!

Supposed to be Witchy Wednesday in Stitch Maynia land but for me it is yardwork!

I tried hiring someone but no luck so far.  I can't get a hold of the guy I wanted to hire but I have someone working on it for me!  I've also got the roof guys coming sometime to dry wall and also to build a ramp for Nitty in the back by the porch.  So, progress is being made!  I've moved on from the bathroom to the living room cleaning.  I'm filling boxes in the garage to either have a sale or take to the thrift store but either way none of it is coming back in this house!
I need to mow today as it is supposed to rain in the next couple days and it is plenty long enough!
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 I made this Pad Thai dinner from this kit and it was really good!  I don't usually buy items like this but I love Thai food and thought I would give it a try.  You supply either chicken or shrimp...I used chicken.

 Today I need to make a dinner after I mow the lawn and bathe to get the bug spray off of me! LOL!
I always come in and take a bath right away to get off the spray and any bugs that might have slipped past the spray!  I hope I have enough energy left to make stuffed peppers with out stuffing them.  I just chop up the green pepper and make a casserole  with lots of cheese on top.  The recipe I use is from the first cookbook I ever had besides a children's cookbook.
This cookbook is at least 20 some years younger than me and it is in bad shape....not sure what that says about me but it's falling apart at the seams!

I used to write in all my cookbooks....notes and whether we liked it or not..........as I had children I kept multiplying the recipe to accommodate more mouths.........

If I have any energy left I plan on finishing this pillow I started last year for Memorial Day......it's about time...........I just need to attach the little white stars and sew it together and stuff....I would hope I would be able to finish it before this Memorial Day!

Here's the free pattern from Anita Elmore but that takes you to her blog not to the pattern page.  It might be easier to look on Ravelry as that is probably where I found it originally....only last year and I can't remember....sad.........

I hope to 'catch up' with everyone soon.  The last 2 days I have been working with my financial 'people' getting some heavy duty paperwork filled out for my coming years.  It seems they didn't want me to take out money but then when you're 70 1/2.....1 year from now....you are required to take some out....go figure?!?!  Anyway, that's taken care of finally along with some other designations.  This morning the internet was down but thank goodness it is back! 
Do you have plans for Memorial Day?  I get to eat whatever on holidays and this one will be no exception!  So far the plan is hotdogs or brats, BLT potato salad, baked beans and probably fruit pizza for dessert.........can't wait!  I can remember as my parents got older all they talked about was food and now it seems I am doing the same thing! LOL!
I hope your week is going well and I will be sharing some treasures that are coming in the mail soon...maybe even today!?!  So excited!  Have a great day!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #47

M A K E    M A N I A !!!!
My life is either exciting or crazy or a little of both but I'm not complaining because the good outweighs the bad for sure!  For one thing...I had to ask my daughter not to read my blog at all.  I felt bad but if you notice I have not been blogging except on Sundays and I realized it was because that was the only time she didn't read it.  The rest of the time I felt 'hemmed' in and would go to blog about something and realize I couldn't because it was 'gift' related or something I wanted to surprise her with.  So, now that she won't be reading it I feel freer to share without having to think twice.  Also, the things that I love to share are my crafting adventures.
I am also realizing that I can't 'have it all' so if I want to attain my goals and the ones I enjoy the most right now, I am going to have to make my life easier.  I am hiring a gentleman to mow and weed my yard so I can be free to do a little gardening/landscaping plus not to have to go out in the heat if I don't want to which I don't.  
I was sick this past week but didn't realize it....I thought I had food poisoning and then I thought I had a chronic problem but I never 'rested' because I never get sick.  Sick to me is when you take to your bed so I figure if I'm not in bed I'm not sick.  I had terrible headaches and spent way too much time in my bathroom but I kept going!  By the time I realized I had the flu I was over it.  Meanwhile I got the porch back in shape after the roof and cleaned my bedroom and bathroom.  I am getting my house ready to sell and that is the #1 priority right now.  Well, that and the grand boys coming.  So, not a lot of crafting was done but enough to make me happy and to get excited about some new 'ventures'......so here I go!
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FO's - (Finished Objects) - None
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1)  My felted slippers - I 'felted' them.  I had to take them to the laundromat as they have the old agitators which 'felt' much better and I put in some towels and a few cotton rugs with them.  They felted nicely but when I tried them on they were too big!  What is up with that?  I did a gauge swatch and also I usually knit 'tightly'.  I chose the 9-10 women's size and I wear a 9 1/2 or a 10 sometimes.....too big?  I was so disappointed as I already bought the yarn to make them for the family for Christmas.  Not sure what to do now.  Should I try felting them some more?  I guess it can't hurt except time and money to take them to the laundromat.  Knitting and I are not getting along!  I mean...I did a gauge swatch!  Hello?  I could take in a good 2 inches at the heel...that's how big they are.

2)   The yarn from Craftsy finally arrived Tuesday......9 days!  I think the pony express could do better.....it was in Memphis for 3 days.....I can go to Memphis and back in 1 day!  Also, the Lorna Laces yarn is a big disappointment!  I spent good money on that yarn and it is really not good quality at all.  The color is pretty but it's more like a cotton Peaches and Creme yarn yet it is wool.  It is very splitty and seems more DK weight than worsted.  Another disappointment!  No more Craftsy products and no more Lorna's Laces yarn.

On the bright side..........the Falling Leaves class on Creative Bug is excellent!  I have already learned a new cast on and how to read a chart.  At least this one anyway! LOL!  I am loving it and maybe taking classes will help me as I can already see I should have been using markers in my Land of Sweets cowl but the designer never told me too.  I would lose my place so now I can see why markers are important!  I did have more to show but I frogged and started over. The only size 9 needles I had were circulars but I did not like using them for this scarf so I changed to straight needles. I only have a size 10 so we shall see!  

3)  Springtime Flowers cross stitch by Alicia Paulson - I worked on this one evening and finished the skirt...big deal.....this is slow going as I have never worked on linen this small over 2 stitches.....Whoa Nellie....I hope I get my cross stitch mojo on soon!  This is not fun right now.  I used to love cross stitch but that was in the old days with 14 count Aida cloth with the big holes! LOL!

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks -
 #2 - Something for St. Patrick's Day...socks or cowl...not sure.  I think I found a cowl pattern with a Celtic design but I would like socks too!
#3 - Still more washcloths as I have plenty of Dishie and Peaches and Creme worsted cotton
#4 - Some leaf book markers

There won't be anything more added to the queue now since it is getting so close to YOP Year 2018-19 that any new projects will go for next year. 
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What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -  These will also be going on the YOP 2018-19 list if they 'make the cut'! This is way more exciting then the NFL Draft!

#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.
 #2 - Susan B. Anderson has her 2 kits back in stock..........The Loopy Sheep
and her Spring Chicken kits  just in time for Spring but where do I get the dough for all these great items?
#3 - my new over the top obsession I discovered from Little Bobbin's mother who does the most beautiful stitchery from Jesse Chorley
I'd like to do her Friendship Quilt  if I live long enough! LOL!  I may try just a little sampler on my own but check out her website for lots of other wonderful and unique items and projects.
#4 - Knitting at the Library Cowl - a pay for pattern on Ravelry.  I'm thinking this may be the year of cowls or slippers....we'll see who wins out! The cowl looks like different shelves of books!  So cool!
#5 - A crochet square blocker either a DIY or to buy.......anyone have any experience with these or recommendations?  I saw this Crochet blocker with instructions to make and it looks pretty simple
You just need wooden shish-kabob skewers and a gardening knee pads

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 YOP Goals from last week:

1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2
***DONE*** 2) sew tops on my slippers and felt them
3) work on Land of Sweets cowl as permitted
4) sew first project for Sewing School
5) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
***DONE*** 6) start Falling Leaves scarf and class
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YOP Goals for this week:
1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2
2) felt slippers........again
3) sew first project for Sewing School
4) frog Christmas Eve socks and cast on a new pair
5) continue on with Falling Leaves scarf and class
6) who knows as there are treasures coming!!!
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Acquisitions:
1) Only 2 really....the yarn for the Falling Leaves class and another type of sock ruler.  All I need now are blockers and more sock needles.  I am still going to frog my Christmas Eve socks and take Sockmatician's (podcast on You Tube) tutorial for toe up socks.  Joanna of Stitching the High Notes took it and loved it.  She said it was so easy and understandable once you do the math.  Toe up will work as I have evenly divided the skein into 2 and when you do toe-up you can just stop when you are running out of yarn!  Brilliant!  

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   Podcasts:   I watched THE ROYAL WEDDING...over and over and over again.....it was so beautiful!  Finally something uplifting to focus on in the world!  I will never forget it.  I watched Diana get married and watched those 2 boys grow up into wonderful young men.  Their mother would be very proud of who they have become.  I also admired Megan's mother for raising such a wonderful young woman with so much self-confidence.  A great role model....both of them!  Congratulations to all involved! God Save The Queen!
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 To get back to my Make Mania at the beginning of this post.  It refers to Stitch Mania which is going on in You Tube under the label Floss Tube but I cannot stick to just one craft so I am calling my version Make Mania as Joanna did in Stitching the High Notes.  It is similar to Year of Projects except that they pick out their cross stitch projects in May for the whole year and actually "kit them all up" so they can just grab and go throughout the year.  This could be pricey but I like the idea and most of them plan for it  throughout the year before.  So, I have chosen projects with pictures in each area of my crafts (still working on it) and it will help me not get 'confused' and stay focused on my YOP goals during the  year....in theory anyway!
What have you been working on and planning for?  
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To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
Happy Trails!!!