Crazy week in the Ozarks!

I was so going to blog and keep up this week but you won't believe the crazy week this has been!  First off my camera stopped working so I thought I would have to buy a new one after all...sigh.  Then I got the bid for a ramp for Nitty.  She is not able to make it up the stairs anymore.  I was desperate as it has been ungodly hot here....so hot the grass is dying out and there has been no rain for weeks now.  I kept a fan on her and put ice water in her bowl in the garage with the garage door open but it was still very hot out there. The bid for the ramp came in at $1000.......WHAT???  Cray-Cray!!!  So that was not an alternative.  I also got a bid on the drywall and thank goodness that will only be $100....small favors.  I had to go to my doctor's appointment in Mountain Home on Wednesday and wondered what I would do as I didn't want to leave her in the garage all day with the door open so I closed the garage door and put a fan in the doorway of the kitchen and left the kitchen door open so the AC would blow into the garage.  Problem solved!  I'm sure my ac bill will reflect it as there are big gaps along my garage door but it is much cooler out there and she was safe while I was gone.  I'm doing it all the time now and I just open the garage door enough to let her out morning and evening and then she comes back in.  The Vetprofin is working and she seems much happier and more comfortable.
As for the camera, I had just changed the batteries but just for the heck of it I changed them again and lo and behold it worked!  I must have picked up some old batteries and put them in with the fresh ones or something but PTL it is working!  On my way home from Mountain Home there was a police blockade but it quit right when it got to me so I didn't know what it was for.  My neighbor called when I got home and told me 3 prisoners had escaped from the jail in Ash Flat (where I go to Walmart) and they were running around Horseshoe Bend!  They had stolen a car and crashed it and were loose somewhere in town.  I was really glad I had not left my garage door open!  By the next morning they had caught 2 of them but the 3rd was still 'on the run' but they thought he had taken off for Missouri.  At least he hasn't shown up here!
Monday I had gone to Walmart shopping and after having  company I needed everything....the cupboards were bare........that was an all day event and I was exhausted.  While I was mulling over what to do about the camera situation I decided to attack clean my crafts room.  Cleaning or gardening always gets my mind off of my problems (also, my one and only working burner on my stove quit but thank goodness I was able to fix it) and my subconscious has time to work things out for me.  Here' s the results of my efforts.  I'm not done but about 1/3 of the way.

 see those empty shelves on the bottom there?  Not for long most probably!  But I did fill a garbage up and there is more stuff for the garage sale this fall.........

  This is my cutting table now instead of the dining room table.  I just need to wash the windows and hang some curtains and then I will move my cutting mat onto the desk top.....

This little book was a good inspiration to get cleaning too!  I finished it...........I got this at the library....

I also got this book which I have been wanting to read for several years now.  I haven't started it yet..........

 I'm still reading this one and it is very good....I've just been too tired at night lately to read very long...

For my non-fiction I picked this one up again which I'm not sure why I stopped reading it.......

and I'm back to reading the old National Geographic magazines...........they're timeless!  This issue is from 1982 but has a wonderful article about the Anasazi's and other tribes from eons ago and the archaeology of that time and their lifestyle...fascinating!

When I went to Mountain Home I had a 'talk' with my doctor about the 'patronization' of my health concerns over my liver test.  If you remember I had another test done at my RA doctor's and it was normal so I got a copy and showed him.  I also told him that if he couldn't take my concerns seriously at almost 70 years old I would find a new doctor.  He apologized and said he would do better.  I told him I knew he was busy but I reminded him that in the 13-14 years I've gone to him I have only called him once for a serious poison ivy episode.  I think I got my point across and I felt better for broaching the subject.  In fact the nurse applauded me as she said too many people don't advocate for themselves when it comes to their health.
While I was in Mountain Home I stopped at Hobby Lobby and they were having a yarn sale!  Lucky me as I needed some cotton yarn for dishcloths...........they all look different in size though.....

Where's quality control when you need them? LOL!

I also stopped at a fabric store and lo and behold they were having a sale too!  I got this little 1/4 yard for my hexies as I was looking for some pink prints...it looks blue but it's really a pale lilac....I didn't find any pink...........

I got this fabric for pillowcases...........the light will be the main case and the darker fabric will be the cuff.............stay tuned!

I couldn't resist this new fabric by Moda..............not sure what I'll make out of it....maybe a table runner or project bags?  I fell in love with it...........there were more fabrics in this line but at Moda's price I just got a yard of each.  I can always go back and get more if need be.................

So, I think I got you caught up with my meanderings this past week and now, once again, I have to catch up with all of you! 
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #2

It's the 2nd week already?  I didn't get much done craft wise but I have a FINISH!  Ta Da!  I finished my Hitch Hiker shawl which was a 'for me' project.  I love it!  I loved working on it, I loved the Mandala yarn and I know I will enjoy wearing it this winter.  I'm giving  up turtlenecks for shawls worn around the neck and cowls.

I also got some work done on The Pickle Dish.............

There is one more round of hexies in a different fabric to complete one 'pickle dish'........4 for the middle, 12 for the next round and 20 for the last round.  There will be 11 complete dishes and 2 half lengthwise dishes, 6 halves widthwise and 4 quarter dishes.  That doesn't count the joining/path hexies.  But it is amazing how quickly it goes really.  I'm already 'getting in the groove' of it and having a little routine.  Today I'll cut the squares for the 20 in the last row.  It's such a great project to work on anytime anywhere.   Portable too!
One thing I omitted last week was my Sewing School book by Shea Henderson......

The first project in this is...........the speedy pillowcase......we'll see how 'speedy' I am. LOL!

I had a few interruptions to my plans this week.  The 'boys' stopped by to give me an estimate on the drywall for the porch and the ramp for Nitty.  Then I wanted to quilt on the grands I Spy quilts and get them done but I couldn't find them!  When I heard they were coming I hid all their birthday stuff so well that I can't find them either!  I did finally find their 'retail' presents so I can mail them but I still can't find the quilts!  Ahhh.....adventures in aging!
So, I'm not off to a great start but here are my goals for this week...hopefully!
1) find I Spy quilts
2) find needles and cast on socks
3) cut material for next round of hexies
4) wash and iron fabric for Sewing School Project #1
5) trace pattern for PINS embroidery
6) find Folk Art Quilt
7) order soles for slippers (just mine to see how they work)
8) finish July 4th x-stitch into a pillow
9) cut binding for sampler quilt
That should keep me off the streets and out of trouble!  I am spending one day in Mountain Home for a doctor appointment and I will stop at Hobby Lobby and get some more of that cotton yarn to finish up those dishcloths.
I hope you have a great week ahead and enjoy this day of RnR!
Happy Trails!!!  

  

Wednesday - July 4, 2018.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
Happy Trails!!!

Tuesday - July 3, 2018

Well, I thought about taking care of the neighbor's cat and decided against it.  I called her and told her.  I am truly tired from having company for 3 weeks and with my girls and their meds and mine I feel like I'm running a nursing home! LOL!  I don't feel bad as I need to take care of my girls and myself first.  Charity begins at home.  I love helping others but most people don't realize I have 4 chronic diseases running around in my system and I need to take care of my health so I CAN be there for others.  She thanked me for letting her know in plenty of time.  I know I made the right decision because I feel relieved.  I gladly took care of her cat the other times but this time I was just too tuckered out.  So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  I prayed and I think God's okay with it because it bothered me all day until I called her.  
I went in to the guest room today to water the plants and found the sweetest present my daughter left me!  The class she took was on collage and paper making for her teacher re-certification.  I love collage and I love this one she made!  She used an illustration from a vintage chidren's book and the tree and leaves are all made out of paper she made.....quite the project but she loved the class.  She brought some of the papers she made and they were gorgeous!  I wouldn't mind using them for wall paper!

 She also left me this cute little notebook.  We were at the Dollar Tree one day and I had given the boys each $5 to spend.  Amy picked this up and I loved it and looked for another one but there was none.  She left it for me to have.....she is so sweet and thoughtful......that's my girl!  It helps that I always love everything she gives me!

 I was in slow motion today but I managed to get the laundry done and shake all the rugs which will get washed tomorrow.  I did some ironing including the fabric for my hexies.  I'm still eating leftovers which is nice but also finishing up some things in the frig so I can see my way around it! LOL!  I didn't get my cookies made but the butter is 'softened' so tomorrow I will bake.  I have so many leftovers that cooking for the 4th is out of the question which isn't a bad thing.  I cooked every day for 3 weeks.....that's enough for awhile! LOL!
I hope you are staying cool in  this heat wave or warm and dry if it's not hot where you are.  I will be taking it easy tomorrow.....after all, it is a Holiday here in the U.S.
Happy Trails!!!

Monday - July 2, 2018

I'm still doing laundry! LOL!  I was just starting to relax when my neighbor called and wants me to take care of her cat....again.  We are not friends, we don't socialize together yet I seem to be her 'go to' cat person when she travels.  Didn't I just take care of her cat when she went on her cruise?  I'm trying to be a good neighbor but she has all these friends that she 'hobnobs' with all the time yet "she hates to ask them because I'm right next door".  Really?  I know, it's not about her and me....it's about me and God.  So, despite the fact that I have 4 animals of my own to take care of with meds twice a day, I will do it.  Someday maybe I'll need her help....although I can't  imagine how she could help me but Jesus would do it so what's the matter with me?  The matter is I feel used but that's my issue evidently. 
Today I made 2 cards, for Sam and Uriah whose birthdays are July 5th and July 6th respectively.  I would have taken a picture but they were pitiful.  I am no card maker!  But Grandma made them and they are personalized with a Lego theme for Sam and a Cub's baseball theme for Uriah.  Another reason I might be a little 'on edge' is that my daughter just found out that a sexual predator just moved in one house away from theirs.  I will be praying every day that the children in that neighborhood remain safe.  There is no rehabilitation for these people but they let the rapists and child molesters go while they put immigrants in jail and take their children away

who are seeking asylum.....go figure.  This country is going to the dogs.
Speaking of..........I am currently reading this very interesting and informative book.....scary too........
 If you have any doubt as to where we are headed you need to read this book...........

On a lighter note.......I am also reading this wonderful series by Alexander McCall........I read him when he first started publishing this series but that was years ago so I am starting over.  I've read the first book, "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency" and now this is book #2 in the series...........I'm not even sure how many there are but he is one prolific writer!  They are excellent and I highly recommend them.

 Since my YOP 2018-19 start yesterday I have been back knitting on my Hitch Hiker shawl on breaks and taking care of "the girls".  I still have leftover spaghetti sauce and salad and garlic bread and the last of the Banana's Foster I made for the grands.  Tomorrow I'm hoping to make  some cookies and get back on my 'healthy meal planning' except for the cookies, of course.
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #1

 DISCLAIMER:  I apologize to all as I have had company for the last 3 weeks.  They just left yesterday morning so I will probably be playing catch up with all of you for the rest of the summer! LOL!
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Here are the areas of interest to me this next year.  I will fill in as I go because as most of you know by now....I am attracted to the 'shiny objects' and want to 'make all the things'! LOL!  As for a 'recap' of last year...let's just say it wasn't too productive but I enjoyed the little progress I made and of course. seeing all of your projects and progress.  I think this year will be finishing a lot of WIPs, hopefully!
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YOP 2018-2019

Cross Stitch:
  1)  I finished cross stitching the 4th of July project but it needs to be sewn into a little pillow for a bowl.  P.S.  Betsy, I will be sending you the pattern this week!

2)  I also finished this cross stitch picture which was started almost 40 years ago!  I think I'm going to make it into a pillow shaped like the bear.

 3)What I'm working on now is this Halloween cutie but this is the smallest I have ever worked (40 count!) and I had to buy a special magnifying mirror to do it!

Here's the lighted magnifying mirror I got on Amazon..........

4)  I've also kitted up this 'small' for Fall..........

Knitting: 

1)  I have several WIP's that need to be finished before my first knitting project of YOP 2018-19.  I could not knit on anything while the grands were here....one day I tried when they went out for a bit but just when I was going to sit down.....they were back! LOL!  I do plan on finishing up my Hitch Hiker shawl as I am so close!

2)  I need to continue on with my Falling Leaves class and shawl on Creative Bug......

3)  I did manage to find a box for my socks but I am way behind on sock knitting this year....

4)  I need to get busy on knitting the slippers for Christmas and a few other items for gifts.  
5)  My one really important knitted item I want to make this year is The Karma Shawl............the pattern is no longer available but I found it on Ebay and it is here in my house.....somewhere... but I'll be darned if I can find it.....time to organize the craft's room!  Here's a picture..........the information is on Ravelry...just not the pattern.  Not sure I'll use those colors...we'll see...if I ever find it

.

 Crocheting: 
 1) I have many WIP's in crochet....several blankets that I want to finish
2)  and dishcloths that I ran out of yarn for............these are some I worked on while the grands were here....I had to have something to work on..........I also made a large one for my daughter that she took home with her...........the 2 half-cloths I need to get more yarn for and I think it was at Hobby Lobby where I'm going next week.  I can get 2 small cloths out of one skein but only one large cloth.  The Christmas one is for my daughter's advent calendar that we are doing for each other.  Maybe I should have a box for dishcloths too?

 This is the yarn I got at Hobby Lobby and I love it.....very soft for cotton and easy to crochet with....also, lots of colors!

 Sewing: 
1) I am still hoping to do some wardrobe sewing....any day now! LOL!  I'm starting to look pretty shabby and I need to either sew something or buy something....soon!

Quilting:  

1)  I need to finish the I Spy quilts
2)  I also started a little/big handwork project because I couldn't work on their quilts while they were here.................little 1/2 inch hexies.........great for t.v. watching and/or grandchildren visiting! LOL!

auditioning fabrics............

the pattern is Pickle Dish from this book.............

and here's a picture of theirs............you make 11 of the full diamonds and 12 partial so this will be a fairly long term project but hopefully done by next July.....actually this is not quilted either...just framed.

3)  As for real quilting I need to make one for my bed.  I already have the materials and just need to cut and sew!
4)  I got this book as I want to learn the 'quilt as you go' method.  I'd like to make some dresser scarves and table runners.  These books were all recommended from others on pod casts and they are all very good.

Embroidery:
1)  I have fallen in love with Kathy Schmitz embroidery patterns.  I got one of her books but she also sells kits and patterns on her website..........

 I have all the material but I need to trace the pattern and get going....I can't wait!  Here's my first project............just for me!

Wool (applique, punch needle and rug hooking):
1) I have WIPs that haven't been touched in years and this is the year they will get drug out and worked on and hopefully a few finishes!  I'll show you when I find them! LOL!  
 

One of my problems in planning for YOP is wanting to make for all the holidays....not just Christmas and Birthdays.  I want a 'handmade home' and wardrobe too plus those special little ornaments for the grands.  So, I made a list of all the special days I could think of and will plug in my projects when they apply.  It's sort of a cross check so nothing slips between the cracks although it invariably will!

 Key: *  materials in house
        **  started
      ***  1/2 finished
    ****  3/4 finished
  *****  Ta Dah!!!

Holidays:

JANUARY (Winter):

New Year’s Day

My Birthday

Ben’s Birthday

*****Tracy’s Birthday – washcloth and back scrubber

FEBRUARY(Winter):
 Valentine’s Day

MARCH(Spring):

St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL(Spring):

April Fool’s Day

MAY(Spring)

Memorial Day –

JUNE(Summer):

Flag Day

JULY(Summer):

****Independence Day – flag cross stitch

**Sam’s Birthday – robot kit and I Spy quilt

*****Uriah’s Birthday – shark pillow and I Spy quilt

****Amy’s Birthday - Frida Kahlo basket

*Grayson’s Birthday – potholder maker and I Spy quilt

AUGUST(Summer):

Back To School

SEPTEMBER(Fall):
*Pumpkin Spice cross stitch 
*Wild Oaks Pin Cushion
 
OCTOBER(Fall):

**Halloween – Cat cross stitch

NOVEMBER(Fall)

Thanksgiving -

DECEMBER(Winter):

Jim’s Birthday

Christmas 
     1)4 pairs of slippers (Amy,  Tracy, Ben and Jim)

Here's a picture of the grands and their Mom (my daughter)

Sam is almost as tall as me and Grayson was always hungry! LOL!  They will be 11 and 7 this month.
Update on my girls........here's a picture of Grace....she is like a kitten again and it makes me wonder how long she was ill before I knew it.  I thought she was just a quiet cat but she isn't any more.  She plays like a kitten and runs around like crazy!  I think she was sick when I got her.

As for Nitty...I got her on Vetprofen and she seems to be perkier and I'm hoping not in pain.  She fell down the stairs the other day and now doesn't want to come  up them so I have her in the garage which I open the door every morning and close at night.  I took her bed out there and food and water and a fan.  I feel terrible because it is in the 100's heat index.  But she seems to be alright and not panting.  I put ice in her water bowl .  She takes her pill so easily twice a day and she gets 2 bacon treats afterwards to get the taste of the pill out her mouth...that helps.  Annie's back hurts her on and off and if Nitty's pills help her then I will get them for Annie too.  The gal at the vet's office said not to ever give a dog regular human Ibuprofen as it is poisonous to them.....hmmm.  Miss Peeps scratched the boys a few times but not bad and they are so good with animals!  They have an old cat and they remember my girls from when they were little.  Grayson wanted to sleep near Nitty and she guarded them every night!

 I can't wait to reconnect with all my blogging friends!  I have missed you all more than you know!  Happy YOP 2018-19!
Happy Trails too!
 

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!!!