YOP Week #1

This is going to be a different format for me this year and I hope it helps me to stay focused and finish more projects.  The idea behind my plan is to be able to cover my wide and diverse scope of creative interests but also to finish items, learn new techniques and design my own unique creations.  I will list each category and there will be something to finish and then something to start instead of start to finish.  The reason being is that I have WIP's (works in progress) in almost every creative endeavor I have ever attempted.  In order to permit myself to start something new I have to finish something in that category.  There may be some blank areas simply because I haven't 'unearthed' that category from my plastic bin museum yet but when I do those blanks will get filled in.  So, here goes!

Project List for 2017 - 2018 Year of Projects:  (once I get the hang of my new system there will be start and finish dates, links to patterns when possible, material lists and names plus any equipment  used such as needles and sizes, but for now this is all I have for you....I apologize)

1.   Charitable Giving:
      finish ==> Mother Bear Project  bear

      start   ==>
2.   Wool Applique:
      finish ==> folk art quilt (yes, really...it's still not done!)
      start   ==>
3.   Rug Hooking:
      finish ==>
      start   ==>
4.   Ornaments:
      finish ==> Knitted Star Ornament  
One of 10 star points done

      start   ==>
5.   Gifts:
      finish ==> Grayson's giraffe (pitiful, I know...I don't even have a project page out there for this!)

      start   ==>
6.   Quilting:
      finish ==> Sampler Quilt (this is SO embarassing and now I can't even find it!)
      start   ==> #1 quilt in Simply Charming book

7.   Embroidery:
      finish ==>
      start   ==>
8.   Cross Stitch:
      finish ==> The Frost is on the Pumpkin

      start   ==>
9.   Sewing:
      finish ==> Happy Easter mini quilts

      start   ==>
10. Crochet:
      finish ==> Patriotic Flag pillow (this was for Memorial Day and now it is almost the 4th of July and I'm still not done!  Maybe I need a support group?)

      start   ==>
11. Knitting:
      finish ==>
      start   ==>
12. Sock Knitting: (yes, these have to be a in a category all by themselves as I always have to be       
                                knitting some socks!) 
      finish ==> 2016 Christmas Eve cast on socks - one done and progress on the 2nd.......

 This is the 2nd sock...........

      start   ==>
13. Learning: (classes and techniques)
      finish ==>
      start   ==>
14. Design:
      finish ==>
      start   ==>
15. Utilizing books and magazines I already own....thank you to Ella for this great last minute idea! 
      Yes, Ella, everyone here knows I am a shameless copycat of great ideas but I always give credit to
       the creator of the idea! LOL!
      finish ==>
      start   ==>

     I think that about wraps it up for now and although I have many more interests such as woodworking, decorating, painting and DIY.....I need to stop somewhere! LOL!  This will be my post for July 1, 2017 but it will also be a page on the right sidebar of my blog.  The post for today will remain the same but the page on my sidebar will get updated as the year progresses.
Happy Trails and Happy YOP 2017 - 2018!
P.S.  It is never too late or too early to join in this group......here's the link to the Ravelry group for Year of Projects 
Come on along...we'd love to have you! 

How can you be tired on steroids?

I wonder if I got some 'duds' in my pill bottle as I have been exhausted!  Yawning and really having to push myself but managing bit by bit to get prepped for company.
Tuesday was laundry, cooking and baking.....
  BEFORE:

 AFTER: Split Pea Soup with ham

 BEFORE: bread dough rising

 AFTER:  Bread..........

I still have a salad and dessert to make but I had to postpone as Wednesday was the last 'cool' day before the 90's and humidity were to arrive..well, actually Thursday too but I knew I had to go to Walmart Thursday because it was going to storm today....and it did!
 Wednesday I spent the morning weeding as there are 'burr' plants that I don't want the boys to get into and then I had to spray for all the poisonous plants in my yard;  ivy, oak, sumac.....you name it I've got it!  It's better than last year though.....finally getting a handle on it I hope.  Thursday was Walmart 'very big shopping' as those grand boys are growing and they eat all day long and they have hollow legs! LOL!     The larder is full!                                

 and the freezer too.......I only eat 2 meals a day usually but these boys eat 3 squares and healthy snacks in between! LOL!

There's food everywhere!  I washed the produce up today.........

I'll show you what I've been working on in the evenings and on my breaks as this Sunday will be the new YOP year so it will be plans probably and not projects and I'm not even sure if I'll be ready for that.  It may have to wait until after my guests leave.  Anyway.....I've been enjoying these handwork projects.............I know, I was going to save the leg knitting until my company came but I just can't keep my paws off a pair of socks and this is the 2nd of the pair..............great mindless t.v. knitting too...

I am really enjoying this cross stitch after 'lo so many years'.............and making some progress too.....

And last but not least for sure............no, it is not a knitted piece of pizza.....it does look like one though doesn't it?  It's Maker's Haven yarn and Maker's Haven free  star ornament  pattern on Ravelry with beads!  Can you see them down the middle?  I watched a You Tube video which made it easy to learn how and it is fun so far............that is only 1/2 of 10 star points needed to make the star and as usual I am way behind in the "ornament a month (12 total) for the Ornament Make Along hosted by Amber at  Maker's Haven and Molly of The Homespun House......great inspiration by all!  

So, it's supper time and then jammie time and then kick back on my bed and watch t.v. time and put my feet up and work on some crafty goodness!  Tomorrow is cleaning, Sunday will be cooking and Monday will hopefully be getting their presents wrapped if they arrive soon.....cards too.  We're praying the weather holds for their trip down through Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas.....it's a long drive and there will be lots of people traveling for the holiday.....I pray mostly for their safety and everyone else's who is traveling this holiday weekend.
Happy Trails!

Good, bettter, best!

I went to Mountain Home yesterday to The Wound Clinic and what a beautiful day it was.....cattle in the fields and hay mounds and beautiful vistas with shining waters.....yes, I've been watching 'Anne with an E'...the new Anne of Green Gables series on Netflix thus my descriptive phrases have become a bit 'flowery'! LOL!
All is good...not really a wound as it is healed now and just a bit of under the skin infection.  They were extremely thorough and I got a complete check of my circulatory system and my nerves for any damage as their usual clients are diabetics and people with cellulitis.  Seeing people in wheel chairs with swollen and bandaged limbs makes you very grateful you can even walk much less deal with those conditions.  I had blood work earlier in the day and in between my appointments I read in the waiting room and then again in the room they put you in where you wait once again.  I have a new appreciation for my RA doctor as he is extremely thorough and I am  lucky to have a doctor of his caliber in our area.
After my appointments I went to Hobby Lobby.....yes, I said I would never shop there because of their stance on not covering birth control for their employees of whom the majority are women...really?  They consider the pill a form of abortion and it goes against their religious beliefs....of course that is a male dominated belief but I digress.  It is the only craft place around here so I succumbed but I was very good and only got a few supplies for 'crofting', as Joyce of Ruby Moss Cottage would say, and a few supplies/gifts for Christmas.  Yes, I said it.....Christmas.....L O V E........and I already have big plans for Christmas in July (starts the 25th don't ya know) which will be after the Big Grand(s) Birthday Bash coming up next week!
A little peek at some expensive but gorgeous vintage style scrapbook paper or is it card stock?  It doesn't say but it seems pretty thick/sturdy.  I'm a novice in this area so can anyone tell me?  It is not labeled for either.  Oh, do I have plans for this little beauty!  Stay tuned!

      I also dug out a few of my Christmas plates and will be filling them with Christmas 'making' supplies in 'The Christmas Corner' of my crafts room.
My daughter and her family got me this plate one year and I just love it....so vintage and so me.

My dear and talented Aunt Alice made this for my Mother and I inherited it...........

I got this pamphlet just to show you...it is Hobby Lobby's Yarn Bee brand of 'cake' yarn and comes in all different colors for about $6......quite a bargain.  I didn't buy any because it is not on my project list but thought some of you might want to know.  You could probably log onto their website and see a better picture of all the color combos and you can order from there also if you are so inclined.  Just an F.Y.I. as the other 'cake' yarns are about 3 times the price.

 I looked for material but they don't carry reproduction or civil war type prints which is what I was after and although they did have a few pre-packaged  fat quarters and charm packs they were all brights and patterns I would not buy for my use.  Back to my online ordering!  It's nice to know though.  I also looked for some 4th of July lights and they had them but for $25.00!  Yowza!  Actually, I thought most of their items were overpriced....a cute pillow for $24.00?  You have to be really careful, I think.
On the bright side, I was able to snag some Patton's Kroy sock yarn for almost half price but they only had 4 skeins.....another thing they do not carry....sock yarn....this must have been a fluke! LOL!

 And the beads I needed for another project were also half price so on the items I needed I pretty much scored! 

They predicted rain and storms in the afternoon but I was 'spared' and got home safe and sound about 6:00 p.m......the girls were happy to see me and we were all hungry.  After a nice supper we retired to the bedroom where I watched Inside #23 podcast, received a nice call from my daughter and worked on my Frosted Pumpkin cross stitch which I am really enjoying!  The last 2 nights I was able to do the black and everything beneath it.  Can it be that I am really going to finish things this year?             

Today is garbage day, Grace to the new groomer in town maybe, lots of weeding, making a new meal and dessert and working on YOP 2017-18 list for next week.  The grands will be here next Monday, weather permitting, so it will be a busy week preparing but all with joy in my heart and the steroids to help me keep up! LOL!
Happy Trails!

YOP Week #52

When it rains it pours.....figuratively and literally!  My RA flare is finally calming down.  I was able to get to the doctor and back before Cindy made her appearance here and after 2 trips to Mountain Home in one week and another appointment tomorrow I was behind in more than just YOP! 

 This looked like a rain wrapped tornado but no damage here except chairs blown over............

 I can't take my regular RA meds because I have an infection so I'm on steroids!  YES!!!!  I love steroids and they are my drug of choice as I need less sleep and have all kinds of energy and get things done....depending on the dosage, of course.  These are 'just right', sleeping good, energy and a bigger appetite but I have to eat anyway to take the pills.  I also have the 'grands' coming next week so it is a very hectic time here on the homestead! Thus the reason I have not blogged.....I needed clean clothes, food, groceries, lawn work done but wait there's more!

   I am finally catching up....I think.......... I am feeling so good about everything regardless and it gives me a renewed sense of confidence that I CAN do it all!  (That may be the steroids talking though).

This is the last post for YOP 2016-2017 as next Sunday starts a new YOP year!  So, this is the 'roundup post' in which we post about what we accomplished versus what our original list looked like at the beginning of our last YOP year.  This is usually a very disappointing day for me yet I look forward to a fresh start to get things done next year!  (yeah right).  Let's face it....I am slow and I like it that way.  I like taking my time and not rushing but still making progress.   So, here are my finished items from this year...not very impressive but I learned some things about myself....I really need to do more selfish crafting.  I know, it sounds bad but I can't stay motivated or enthused about my crafts if I have nothing personal to show for it and there just are not that many 'craft worthy' people out there!  There, I've said it! LOL! 
  
 Finished Items:
 Crocheted Corner-to-Corner pet blanket (baby size)
 Knitted  Halloween Creepy Cloths  - Ghost cloth, Witch cloth, and Spider cloth 
 Crocheted Giant Granny Square Blanket
 Bob Ross Cross Stitch
 My first Socks
 Hermione's Everyday Socks  

There are many WIPs (Works in Progress) that are so close to being done but they have been for over a year now!  I won't list them all here....you've seen them and I'm sure you are sick of seeing them but one day.....I will surprise you and they will show up some Sunday....unannounced as a finished object!  Just you wait and see! As for what I worked on since I last blogged...I finished sock #1 of my Christmas Eve cast on and have the cuff done for sock #2.  I may leave them alone now until the grands get here so I have something 'mindless' to knit while they are here (if and when we get a chance to sit down...lol!)

I also have knit the entire body (minus the stuffing) of Uriah's giraffe...........

 

I've been ordering supplies for this next YOP year to get started..........

Hopefully, there will be more sewing and quilting as I think it is faster and will make me at least feel like I am getting more done but when I relax in the evening I will definitely be curled up with some needles or hooks!

My own projects and projects/gifts for others will be scaled down...size wise at least...another insight into my desire to accomplish more with less..less time, less money and less energy.  These are little quilts and there will be mug rugs and littler items for gifting like hats and mittens etc.

 Another bit of wisdom I grew up with and try to put into action is the saying, "Use it up, make it do, throw it out or buy it new." 

 To that purpose I am gathering up supplies that I already have and trying to utilize them when at all possible and only purchasing to augment or complete a project.  Now, that won't account for my monthly allowance that I give myself....oh no, that will remain in my budget and is for books, material, yarn etc. or whatever my little  heart desires...within reason and within my budget.  

I made a list of every area that needs work or attention (not counting daily chores) and there are 30 areas...one for each day of the month!  These areas encompass everything not just crafts.  It seems I have an 'issue' with finishing things (not starting.....I can start all kinds of  projects!) I wrote the area and then what I  need to finish before I can start anything else in that area and also what I want to start. It is like a carrot dangling in front of me and motivating me to finish one project so I can start the next. Also, I noticed that many times by the time I am tired and ready to relax and work on a project I don't have all the supplies and/or tools I need and I am too tired to go looking or gathering.  To that end I am making up 'kits' for the next 'start' project so when I finish one I can go right to the next one and it will have everything I need in a bag ready to go!  No searching, no needing to order something and wait.....it will all be 'in the bag'!  (P.S. Did you know you can buy Jumbo 2.5 gallon Hefty zippered plastic bags?   Not every store carries them but if you find them grab 'em...they're wonderful for corralling all your supplies.  As you can see this bag holds that full size book with plenty of room to spare!)

 I am also making sure that I have more than 1 or 2 'mindless' projects that I can work on wherever and whenever.....just in case.  One excellent project is a hexie project I will be working on 'long term'.  Hexies are easy, mindless, addicting, use up the tiniest bits of fabric and are easy to transport.  They also make some of the most beautiful items.  So, yes, I am making hexies!

  I hope I didn't bore you with all my 'round up' and planning for next YOP year but I wanted to share with you in order that it might help you in your planning for YOP 2017-18.....the 'funnest' time of the year!   
Happy Trails!
P.S.  I apologize to my blogging friends for not having been by lately but it really has been quite crazy here and will get crazier before it's over!  Tomorrow I go to Mountain Home again which is really an all day trip and tiring so nothing gets done here at home.  Please forgive me if I do not get over to see you....I will try but it may be the middle of July before things settle down here!  Meanwhile, I hope you are all well and enjoying your Summer!

Hurtin' for Certain!

I can't believe I haven't posted for a week!  Where does the time go?  Well, I know where some of it has gone.....my RA is in full swing and everything takes me twice as long until about afternoon when I start 'loosening' up and even then it is slow going.  I also have an infection that I had to go to the doctor for and I'm on antibiotics for that thus I cannot take my RA meds.  But it's not terrible...yet.... and I don't mean to complain but rather explain that I am slow anyway much less when Arthur Itis raises his ugly head! LOL!  I have been in remission for 1 1/2 years so I've been lucky.  Monday I was in Mountain Home all day, Tuesday I played  'catch up', yesterday was Walmart and today was 'catch up' again.  I did manage to get a few things in Mountain Home while I was there but not much..........I've been wanting this liquid castile soap for awhile now for general purpose cleaning and who can argue with a lavender scent?

 The only bookstore that I know of in Mountain Home has closed and along with a few other reasons, I have decided to subscribe to Amazon Prime.  Almost all my shopping is online anymore as there are just not any available shopping venues around here without driving at least over an hour.  But I was able to 'treat' myself yesterday with these treasures from Walmart.............a new supply of 'melties'.............

  some new candles for that Hygge experience..............

a new magazine.............

a new pattern for cobbler aprons.............my new retirement uniform..........with pockets!  My style is the red and the gold ones..............

and fabric for each................

plus a new Pioneer Woman mug................

I also had cooking to do.............a baked vegetarian ziti casserole............ those are buffalo mozzarella 'pearls' melted on top........... and of course before making this I had to make my homemade pasta sauce.............    

Then for dessert..........a recipe for Turtle Brownies from scratch from Cook's Country test kitchens.
  I used to get a Duncan Hines mix for them but I am trying to not use any boxed or packaged or processed food....making almost everything from scratch is very time consuming but worth it in my mind.

With the RA 'blossoming' I may get more knitting/crafting done as the legs, feet and elbows are stiff and my back starts hurting after being on my feet awhile.

 But I did manage to get out and do some more weeding and 'landscaping' this morning.  Unfortunately the deer have eaten my bean plants, hibiscus and tomatoes....not a total loss but I need to do something soon!  
The more I move the better I feel in the long run but  mornings are really pitiful! LOL!  I never give in to it though....I can't or I would be a cripple.  Onward and upward and I hope you all have had a great week so far!  Hopefully, I will catch up with all of you tomorrow!
Happy Trails!
P.S.  I have also been watching all the news and hearings going on.....not sure that's a good thing but I feel the need to stay as informed as possible.  There are more tragedies than I can keep up with...prayers for all!