Sunday, July 22, 2018

YOP Week #4


Here are my goals from last week...we'll see how well I did.
*1) order rest of supplies needed for projects - done
*2) finish the one washcloth - actually finished one and knitted another!  This one is crocheted........

This one is knitted.........I should have unfolded it.......it's Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth....a free pattern on Ravelry and my favorite!
3) finish chapter 4 of Falling Leaves Lace Scarf (which may be a bit much...I'll see) - I didn't quite make it but almost...2 more rows but here's my progress...........so far so good.....
4) finish another pickle dish - didn't quite finish this either..........but I'm still loving working on it........
5) find those dang I Spy quilts and my folk art quilt - no luck here....I think I have leprechauns in the house!
6) finish heel and gusset on sock #1 and start on the foot - again.....almost........I have about 12 more rows on the gusset before I start the foot..........
7) cut binding for sampler quilt - didn't touch it
8) trace embroidery pattern if light box arrives in time (I don't have Prime so  it takes forever!) - light box has not arrived yet
9) cut material for pillowcases if blades arrive on time - blades have not arrived yet
10) attach soles onto my slippers and they should arrive this week - they arrived but I did not  get them sewn on
11) work on 4th of July pillow if interfacing arrives  -interfacing got here but I haven't worked on it yet
I did get my row counter (can you ever have too many of these?) and the soles to the slippers arrived...........the soles are leather so no wonder they were pricey.  I love this counter by Clover...so much easier then those little barrel shaped counters.

Here are my goals for this coming week:
1)  Keep searching for the I Spy quilts and my Folk Art quilt
2)  Finish the first Felici sock
3)  Finish the first full repeat (20 rows) of the Falling Leaves scarf pattern and put in a lifeline
4)  Cut and sew up my daughter's Frida Kahlo basket
5)  Sew soles unto slippers
6)  Finish Pickle Dish #2 and cut material for the next one
7)  cut binding for Sampler quilt if rotary blades arrive
8)  cut pillowcase material if rotary blades arrive
9)  do finishing sewing on 4th of July pillow
10) trace embroidery pattern on material if light box and tracing pen arrive

I also have a question for you knitters out there.....is there a reason for slipping the first stitch as opposed to just knitting it from the left needle?  In my Falling Leaves scarf the instructor says you don't need to but in my sock knitting they always say to slip the first stitch when you're doing the heel as those are the stitches you have to 'pick up'.

Please stop by and see all the other fantastic projects that other  YOP'ers are working on.
Happy Trails!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Another busy week!

The drywall guy has been here on and off all week and now won't be back until the end of August to finish....at least there's not a gaping hole anymore........
Meanwhile, I cleaned my frig really good  inside......
and out..........I should have taken a before picture because you could barely see the frig for all the junk covering it............no more!  No more white boards, magnets, coupons....nada!
I'm going for the clean and lean look...lol!



I've also continued working on my crafts room and today actually used my cutting mat in the new space.  I've ordered a bunch of supplies but was able to use my rotary cutter for the little squares for my hexies at least.  I also turned my mat around to get away from the warn parts which helped.  It rained here last night and today.  Not a lot but every little bit helps.  It's thundering again now..so cozy!

 I started a new wash cloth and I'm almost done with it!  It's the new Craftsy yarn in the colorway "Sprinkles" that I got at Hobby Lobby last week. 
 That's all the news for now.  I scratched my eye either pollen or allergy rubbing so I have a patch on.  Excuse me if I misspell...I'm trying to focus but it's a bit weird.
Happy Trails!!!











Sunday, July 15, 2018

YOP Week #3


Here are my goals from last week...we'll see how well I did.
1) find I Spy quilts - still haven't found them and I am about 1/3 of the way done cleaning and organizing my crafts room
2) find needles and cast on socks - Oh yeah.........this one definitely got some love....so happy to be knitting socks again............these are some vanilla socks to get me back in the swing of sock knitting.  It is Felici yarn from Knit Picks in the Hibiscus colorway.....I'm ready to do the heel/gusset.....

3) cut material for next round of hexies - yes, did this and finished one pickle dish and cut material for the next and got started on it............
here's part of the next one...........
4) wash and iron fabric for Sewing School Project #1 - I did this and went to cut the material and my rotary blade was so dull it went 'off track' and cut it wrong and now I may not have enough material....I may have to do some juggling.....meanwhile I am ordering new blades!
5) trace pattern for PINS embroidery - I did fuse the freezer paper to the material.  It is supposed to make it easier to trace the pattern on but I can't see the pattern through it so I need a light box and my marking pen was dried out so I need that and some knitting counters....my Amazon order is way past FREE SHIPPING! LOL!

6) find Folk Art Quilt - I found part of it but not the rest....woe is me!
7) order soles for slippers (just mine to see how they work) - I did order the soles for my slippers and they are more expensive than the  yarn to make them!
8) finish July 4th x-stitch into a pillow - I looked at the tutorial from Vonna Pfeiffer and she calls for P44 lightweight interfacing which I also need to order
9) cut binding for sampler quilt - this got no attention at all but I know where it is at least! LOL!
What wasn't on the list of goals but should have been was my Creative Bug class for the Falling Leaves Lace Scarf.  I started the class and the scarf over as I needed more markers and now I need more knitting counters too.  I want to continually work on building my skills in various areas.  Only about 3 rows on this so far...........
  That's all the progress for this week although I did get to Hobby Lobby and got one skein of yarn for finishing one of the washcloths but the other must be Peaches and Creme at Walmart.  So, this coming weeks goals are the following:
1) order rest of supplies needed for projects
2) finish the one washcloth
3) finish chapter 4 of Falling Leaves Lace Scarf (which may be a bit much...I'll see)
4) finish another pickle dish
5) find those dang I Spy quilts and my folk art quilt
6) finish heel and gusset on sock #1 and start on the foot
7) cut binding for sampler quilt
8) trace embroidery pattern if light box arrives in time (I don't have Prime so  it takes forever!)
9) cut material for pillowcases if blades arrive on time
10) attach soles onto my slippers and they should arrive this week
11) work on 4th of July pillow if interfacing arrives  
I can see the list is growing already with no 'finishes' but hopefully I will be able to wrap up a few items this month.........
Please stop by and see all the other fantastic projects that other  YOP'ers are working on.
Happy Trails!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
 

Friday, July 13, 2018

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!!!

Sunday, July 8, 2018

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

Wednesday - July 4, 2018.

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

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

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

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!!!