YOP Week #45

Only 7 more weeks to go?  I am getting excited to get to YOP 2018-2019!  I am busy making plans and this year I am already ordering materials!  I've even signed up for a class.  I am usually caught off guard and low on funds but this year I was prepared to start off the next YOP year with a bang!
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FO's - (Finished Objects) - none this week but getting close!
I thought for sure I would have my felted slippers done by now but my luck being what it is....it won't be happening this week.  I checked the instructions and to sew the top of the loafer onto the foot part I needed a bunch of removable stitch markers.  I did not have but 2 or 3.  The Knit Picks sale was on until May 2 for the wool I was using so......I ordered removable stitch markers and the wool for 3 more pair of slippers not knowing how mine would turn out.  But I trust Amber of the Yarn Hoarder Podcast so I took a chance.  Then I got the receipt for my order and it was way out of whack so I called them and they corrected it and gave me the sale price even though the sale was over and also gave me free shipping!  Now that's customer service!  It was most probably my fault too as in talking to them I realized I had used the back arrow button to go back and order things and let me tell you people.....that will get you in trouble every time if you are ordering things.  That is what goofed up the amounts although I must have had my eyes closed in reviewing the order or I just didn't see it.....who knows, but I am pretty sure it was my fault.   Anyway, I should receive my order this week with the removable stitch markers so I can finish my slippers and felt them and hopefully they will turn out and I can move ahead with the other pairs for Christmas.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL!   
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 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1)  I finished square #4 on my daughters Frida Kahlo basket............I even wove in the ends this time.  Only the base square to go now...........

2)   I Spy quilts - I managed to get the strips of 8 squares each sewn together for quilt #2 of 3 and now I need to sew the strips together to make the 'flimsy'.  A 'flimsy' is a quilt top that has not been attached to the batting or the backing yet.

3)  I'm beginning to think that 3 WIP's at a time are about all  I can work on regardless of what they are.  I worked on my cowl when I took breaks from housework during the week and I am on round 65 color #9 of 24 and according to Helen Stewart, the designer, I am 35% finished at this point.  Not bad for something I only work on sporadically.

4)  I know I am jumping the gun here for the next YOP but there is a reason.  You know how people have mentors in their life either for their career or a hobby or just someone they admire and would like to aspire to be like?  Well, I have decided to have a few mentors of my own.  I have noticed 2 pod casters that started knitting about the same time I did and yet they are way beyond me in skills acquired and not only do they have pod casts but one has been designing her own patterns for awhile now and the other is learning how.  Hello!  So, it dawned on me that maybe if I follow their projects along the way that I might gather the same skill set and become a better knitter.
The 2 pod casters I am referring to are Joanna of Stitching the High Notes and Mena Phillips of The Knitting Expat.  I also adore and will follow Amber of the Yarn Hoarder podcast but I think she has been knitting a lot longer but I will still use her as a knitting mentor regardless as we have lots in common... except for our yarn budget! LOL!     
So, to that point I saw Joanna make a lace work scarf and she mentioned that she learned a lot by taking a class for it on Creative Bug from Debbie Stoller (she wrote the Stitch  n' Bitch knitting books of which I have the first one....in fact, it was the first knitting book I purchased as it was recommended to me when I started knitting).  They have a free trial membership at Creative Bug so I signed up for the class and I have already ordered my supplies.  When I listened to Debbie talk about what we would learn in the class I was 'in'.  Not only lacework stitches but problem solving your knitting mistakes and also how to use a lifeline....yes, I need this class!  I may be starting this ahead of schedule but only because of the free trial.  They have lowered their monthly subscription price.  When they first came out it was $15 a month I think and now it is $8 per month.  I still prefer Craftsy where you pay for  a class and it is there forever for you but I will check Creative Bug classes out.  I want to improve my knitting skills and some others too and I think this is a wonderful way to do it for a visual learner such as myself. 

5)  I got my sewing book in the mail and also my new printer which is such a treat to be able to print out patterns etc. and other crafty plans I have.  Here's the book....it was recommended by Simply Summer Street and I have already read the 58 pages of great information leading up to the 12 projects which are the 'lessons' that progressively teach you sewing skills that build on each other.  I've already learned some things I did not know and some useful tips.  I used to sew when my children were little but it has been so long except for quilting that I thought a  'refresher course' would get me off to a good start and build my confidence and this book is perfect!  I'll be working on the first project this week and maybe have an FO by next week!  Oh, that would be so nice!

6)  As an aside, I think I am going to frog my Christmas Eve cast on socks where I ran out of yarn and plan on doing some toe up socks for that yarn.  In the meantime though, I want to cast on some plain vanilla socks to get back in the sock knitting mode. I have been missing making socks and I only have the 2 circular needles for them.  I will be ordering more needles to cast on lots of socks as my grands are coming the end of this month and plain knitting is the only thing I will be able to manage while they are here! LOL!  I have to do handwork every day or life is just not worth living!

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks - I'll be dyeing my own for this!
 #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 YOP2018-19 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.  I'm thinking I can dye my own now!  How exciting!!!!
 #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:
*** Partly*** 1) pin I Spy quilt #2
2) cut binding for my sampler quilt
3) work on Spring cross stitch
4) Cut out tunic pieces
5) order bias tape and Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns
6) Sew tops on slippers and felt
***Done but really ongoing*** 7) order supplies:  yarn , needles etc
***Done*** 8) do block #4 of 5 on Frida basket
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 YOP Goals for this week:
1) finish sewing top for I Spy quilt #2
2) sew tops on my slippers and felt them after markers arrive
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
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   Podcasts:   I watched Stitching the High Notes Episode #22, 23, and 24.
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To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
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 Happy Trails!!!

Thursday - 05/03/2018

Treasures arrived!  My Amazon order arrived yesterday.  I was going to blog but Nitty and I  had both been ill during the night before....it wasn't something we ate because we don't eat the same things...lol!  But she got sick 3 times and it can be quite a mess to clean up when a Rottweiler gets sick!  It was pretty awful and I spent the day cleaning and scrubbing and deodorizing with baking soda and vinegar.  I then took a bath and washed my hair....I felt like I really needed to after all that.  We are both fine today and back to normal, thank goodness!  I'm beginning to feel like I am running an animal nursing facility.
So, I am now ready to share my treasures with you!
My new printer.........I have been without a printer for a l o n g time and I am so happy to have one again!  This is a printer that I researched for 'crafting' and it came highly recommended by The Graphics Fairy if any of you are familiar with her website.  I haven't unpacked or installed it yet but probably tomorrow.

 I also got a bag of lavender............I've been wanting to make sachets and stuff them with lavender so I'm on my way!

 This book was recommended by Simply Summer Street blogger and even though I know how to sew...pretty much self taught, I haven't sewn anything but quilts for years. I thought it would be great to take a 'refresher' course and I have not been disappointed so far.  I read all of the reading part (58 pages) and learned a lot I didn't know and some great tips plus it has a resource list in the back of the book for supplies and further study.    There are 12 projects that teach you and advance your knowledge as you do them.  I am ready to start on project #1!  I can't wait!  Friday is typically craft day and Saturday too in addition to regular chores.   I am hoping to gather the needed supplies and get sewing! 

 I ordered these neat kraft envelopes and look forward to utilizing them for small gifts and decorate the outside with my new stamps!  I love paper supplies and writing utensils and glitter gel pens and colored pens and pencils and stamps and stickers.....I could go on and on!  Some of you have 'enabled' me and you know who you are! LOL!

  That's all for today but just so you know....I have a Knit Picks order coming also!  Woo Hoo!
Happy Trails!!!

Tuesday - 05/01/2018

Happy month of May everyone!  I hope you enjoyed the first day of this delightful month.  I installed the screens I washed yesterday and had the windows open all day.  It was blue skies and a nice breeze and the birds were singing.  The cat girls spent much time at the open windows watching and listening to the birds.  

I finished baking off the cookies I started last night...........

.Pioneer Woman's recipe for Oatmeal Crispies that are Marlboro Man's favorite and one of mine too.
I washed a load of clothes worked on my cowl and took care of some financial matters in the morning and also canceled my Gastroenterologist appointment.  It took 3 months to get the appointment but I am fine now so no sense looking for trouble.   I do have to get the girls in for rabies shots and I have to see the eye doctor.
This afternoon while baking the cookies I did some sewing finally....it felt good and it is so much faster than handwork! LOL!
I love my new sewing machine.  I didn't want to sew because my old one would never work properly.  It's so wonderful to just turn the machine on and start sewing....no fuss, no muss!

Last night I watched the first half of a new podcast out by Yarn Hoarder.  I'll finish watching it tonight.  Enjoy the rest of your day!
Happy Trails!!!

Monday - 04/30/2018

I can't remember where I was with my book updates but I've finished a few.....namely these..........

They were all very good and I enjoyed them.  Little House on Rocky Ridge is the first in the series....

and Aunt Dimity Digs In is the 3rd in that series.......... 

I'm still reading these.........I love the Outlander series but after awhile it can be a bit sad and depressing and it is very violent.....not really my style but the story and writing are so good that I have to finish them but I take a rest every once in awhile and read something more upbeat........

 This is a slow boat to China for sure...it was touted as the best book on Irish History and easily readable............by whom?  It assumes a lot....like you are Irish and already know a lot of this.  It seems very disjointed and no rhyme or reason just a factual account and the terminology must be Irish as I have never heard of many of the terms.  So, we shall see....you know how I hate to give up on any book and I think I might be learning a little but I can't really tell.

I started reading this one and then it disappeared.....I had taken it with me to the doctor and it fell off the seat on the way home and I didn't see it until the other day.....I was just getting into it..........

This is a book from my personal library.  I am trying to read from there as much as possible as I have so many books!  This is a non-fiction..........love Alan Alda....I have a feeling I will be laughing  a lot reading this book!

On my Kindle I am reading these 2 books and they are getting most of my attention lately as they are both hard to put down!

This is the first book in this series and I am loving it!  Good story, funny and yet a very good plot too.

I am a closet history and political nerd.....I watch lots of different news programs to get at the meat of what is going on in our country and across the globe.   So,  I had to read this one for sure and next is the James Comey book.  

That's all for this week folks!  Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #44

I am slowing down with Spring in full bloom down here....double duty!  Also, my t.v. arrived this week and I installed it plus Friday was all day shopping and schlepping.  But I did make some inroads on projects.
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FO's - (Finished Objects) - none this week but getting close!
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 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1)  I finished knitting the slippers and wove in the ends.  Today I will sew the tops to the front and tomorrow go 'felting'.  I'll have to take them to the laundromat as  I have a front loader and with no 'agitation' felting does not do well.  I am anxious to see if they work out and fit me so I can decide whether or not to make them for gifts.  If all is good I want to order from Knit Picks because their wool is 40% off right now!  I don't know how long the sale lasts but I hope I have some time as I want to make at least 3 more pair if I like them.  Yarn Hoarder loved them so I imagine they will be great for gifts.  I think she made like 12 pair of them!  You go girl!

2) I wove in the ends last night but haven't started square number 4.....probably tonight.

4) The Land of Sweets cowl is going well and I enjoy it.  I think I am doing my first 'lace work' in knitting....there are holes, yo's and some kind of design taking shape.  I am counting my stitches every round because if it is a design then one stitch off can really mess it up. But then I can't tell by looking at it if I have made any mistakes so I'm not sure if anyone else could either! LOL! 

 5)  Spring Cross Stitch -  didn't even get this out of the project bag this week or last!

6)   I Spy quilts - 1 of 3 is done and I did drag out the squares and pins hoping I would get a chance to work on it but I have a supper and dessert to make if I want to eat today so we shall see but it's not looking promising.  I did however mend a fitted mattress pad and a pair of pajama bottoms....does that count?

7)  Sewing tunic - I pressed the fabric finally and cut off all the little threads but did not pin the pattern.  I also found a place online that has darling tunics with all kinds of styles and necklines etc. reasonably priced.  The site is Banggood 
I know nothing about them and have not ordered or know anyone that has but they had the most tunic styles that I liked and they carry larger sizes too.  They must be from China or somewhere foreign.  I use Paypal for everything to stay safe and if they don't take Paypal I don't buy.  Anyway...just an FYI.  Not sure if I'll order anything or not.  BTW, they carry all sorts of other things too.  Have any of you ordered from them or heard of them?  They were on Pinterest.

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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks - I'll be dyeing my own for this!
 #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
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What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -
#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.  I'm thinking I can dye my own now!  How exciting!!!!
 #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 pad.
*** #6 - Sewing book like Simply Summer Street has...I ordered this and it should be here this week!  So excited!!!
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YOP Goals from last week:  Really poor showing this week! 
*SOME* 1) pin I Spy quilt #2 - getting ready too!
2) cut binding for my sampler quilt
3) work on Spring cross stitch
*SOME* 4) iron fabric and cut out tunic pieces
5) order bias tape and Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns
*DONE* 6) finish 2nd slipper of my pair
*SOME*7) order supplies:  yarn , needles etc - I am waiting to see about slipper felting and fitting but I do have a shopping cart with some items in it already on Knit Picks
8) do block #4 of 5 on Frida basket
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 YOP Goals for this coming week:
1) pin I Spy quilt #2
2) cut binding for my sampler quilt
3) work on Spring cross stitch
4) Cut out tunic pieces
5) order bias tape and Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns
6) Sew tops on slippers and felt
7) order supplies:  yarn , needles etc
8) do block #4 of 5 on Frida basket
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  Podcasts:   I watched Stitching the High Notes Episode #21 so I'm slowly catching up.  Making up for lost time now that I have a t.v. again! LOL!  Also, did you know that Stitching the High Notes has a discount code thread in her Ravelry group that 'makers' add to.  Check it out!  I also watched the latest episode of Knitting Expat.
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To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
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 Happy Trails!!!

Saturday - 04/28/2018

You know the saying "go big or go home"?  Well, I did just that..........my t.v. arrived and it's HUGE!
I had no idea.  I guess, in hindsight, I should have gone to the store and looked at a 50" t.v. instead of listening to the internet calculations.  I don't even need my glasses to watch this screen! 

 There is no room for anything on the dresser except I was able to slip the DVD player behind it.  The VCR has no room.  Yes, I still have an old VCR and video tapes.  It goes so well with my antiques too, don't you think?  Not!  These things are ugly!  I think eventually I will have it hung on the wall in the family room.  These things have little plastic legs and it would take nothing to knock it over....a little earthquake, which we have occasionally, would probably do it!  When I opened the box it said it takes 2 people to lift it.....great!  They didn't tell me that when I bought it.  I managed though....I'm pretty strong from lifting all my life and I still load my own salt n my water softener so it wasn't bad.  I laid it on my bed to install the legs and they even included a screwdriver.  It took me all afternoon to install it and get things hooked up but it works great and has a great picture.  It is nice to not have to wear my glasses for distance as it is easier to do my needlework and not  have to look over my glasses at the screen.  I need glasses for distance but not close up.  I have no idea how you could ever make these televisions look good in my home.  Maybe that's why everyone is going modern again?  I'm actually eclectic in my decorating but this monstrosity is an eyesore.  Color would help a lot...but they're all black...what about yellow or red?  Or white?  Or decorative artwork you could have on the screen when you're not using it?  Come on people (the people that design these).....use your imagination and creativity.  I would definitely pay extra for a t.v. like that! 
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 I went to Wally World yesterday and was so exhausted I didn't even eat supper and went to sleep before it was dark out!  I spent a lot of time roaming the aisles looking for a few things that I knew they probably didn't have and I finally asked a clerk.  I was out of a lot of staples too which took more time and effort.  Now I know why all these people drive around in those carts....I thought they were disabled but I think they just don't want to end up like a dishrag when they get home! LOL!  I got it all unloaded and put away and then I crashed.
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I made a nice breakfast this morning though and part of the healthy breakfasts I researched this past week.  This one is Mediterranean Scramble and the recipe is here

I'll be making it again! 
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I'm off to do some ironing, update Ravelry, YOP, and try and finish some of my YOP goals for tomorrow!  Yikes!  Plus, I need to catch up with my blog friends and podcasts.  This week has been a douzy, but in a good way!  It's beautiful here and I need to get outside also!  Have a great day!
Happy Trails!!!

Monday - 04/23/2018

 Today I promised myself I would get the recipes I've been making onto this blog!  I have been negligent in staying on top of sharing the good ones with you!  But today's the day!  There won't be a lot of pictures but I have made everything I recommend or share a recipe of and it gets my seal of approval....for whatever that's worth! LOL!
First up is Lime-Spiked Black Bean Dip
This recipe came from The National Pancreas Foundation website when I was trying to eat for pancreatitus whether I had it or not!  LOL!  This dip is so good and healthy for you too!  Win -win!
There are other recipes on the site that I want to try but this is the only one I have made so far.

 The next recipe that I highly recommend and that I have made many times is Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
I love this soup and I serve it with sour cream, shredded cheddar and the broken bits left over from a bag of tortilla chips...........yum!  I kid you not, this soup is a winner and if you don't put too much sour cream and cheddar on it you can call it very healthy too!

 One of my all time favorite meals is Linguine with Roasted Broccoli, Pine Nuts and Goat Cheese
As the recipe states it is "quick and delicious"!  I'm not sure what Feta is but I use it in place of goat cheese and I have been known to double the amount!  Yum!

Marsha asked me the other day for the recipe of what I call "blender pie".  I have made this for years as an economical dessert when my kids were growing up and also for a quick dessert for company coming when you have a zillion other things to do!  I also remember Betty Crocker's famous "impossible pies" of which there are many...over 2000!   I haven't tried any lately but they look very appetizing
 The girls are getting restless for their supper now and I must admit I am getting hungry too talking about all this food!
I will ensure these recipes are on my side bar recipe section too within the week.  It's handy for me also to go there for them so I have an added incentive to get it done!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #43

 What a wonderful week this has been!  It's a cozy day here and I mean cozy.......it started raining last night and it's raining today...........but the main reason it's so cozy is I got a new porch roof this week and so far not a drop of rain has leaked through!  Hallelujah!

I spent the morning making tahini  (sesame seed paste) as I needed it to make hummus.  It's the first time I ever made either of them but they both turned out and I really like the hummus.  I've had store bought and was not impressed but this is tasty!  I'll be publishing recipes tomorrow.......this is the hummus............

and this is the tahini...............

 Yesterday I cooked orange chicken in the crock pot and had it with oven roasted Brussels sprouts and brown rice.....very good.   Although it was quick, I think there is probably a better recipe for orange chicken out there like P.F.Chang's but for now this will do.
There's not gobs of progress this week because there were the roofers, I did my taxes and I researched and ordered a new t.v. as I have been without one for a few weeks now, plus, I mowed.  The t.v. will be here Tuesday!  I got a  50 inch screen as I kept getting out of bed to see the menu's and/or words on my t.v. .  I also researched  the distance from the t.v. versus the screen size and no wonder!  I was supposed to have a 50 inch screen and mine was 29! LOL!  Hopefully, I won't have to get out of bed anymore to read things on the screen.
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FO's - (Finished Objects) - none this week

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 WIP's (Works in Progress) -
1)  I did work some on my 2nd felted slipper and the bottom of the foot is almost done.........it is so dark today because of the rain so I hope you can see things............

2) I finished the 3rd block of 5 for the Frida Kahlo basket.......just need to weave the ends in...........

4) The Land of Sweets cowl was coming along so nicely and then per usual I had to frog and start over so I  didn't make much progress............but I am liking it thus far.............and 2 of the yarns are ones I dyed!  Here are the mini-skeins I dyed in case you missed them............

 5)  Spring Cross Stitch -  didn't even get this out of the project bag this week
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What's in the Queue -
#1 - Some Valentine's Day socks - I'll be dyeing my own for this!
 #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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What I'm "wishing upon a star" for -
#1 - My Valentine and St. Patrick's Day yarns for socks or cowls and mini's for cowl and Granny Stripe Blanket.  I'm thinking I can dye my own now!  How exciting!!!!
 #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 pad.
#6 - Sewing book like Simply Summer Street has
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YOP Goals from last week:
***DONE*** 1) Finish dyeing and drying yarn and ball up or skein
***DONE*** 2) Finish Square #3 on Frida basket
***DONE*** 3) Finish first 8 rounds on Land of Sweets Cowl - color #1.  I also did 8 rounds of color #2 and I am on round 5 of 8 on color #3.
4) pin I Spy quilt #2
5) cut binding for my sampler quilt
6) work on Spring cross stitch
7) iron fabric and cut out tunic pieces
8) order bias tape and Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns
9) finish 2nd slipper of my pair
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 YOP Goals for this coming week:
1) pin I Spy quilt #2
2) cut binding for my sampler quilt
3) work on Spring cross stitch
4) iron fabric and cut out tunic pieces
5) order bias tape and Swedish Tracing Paper for patterns
6) finish 2nd slipper of my pair
7) order supplies:  yarn , needles etc
8) do block #4 of 5 on Frida basket
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  Podcasts: I need to work on catching up with Stitching The High Notes and other regulars....still.  I did watch Stitching the High Notes Episode #16 so I'm slowly catching up. Hopefully I will catch up a little faster when I have my new t.v.!
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To see other fabulous projects from YOP members click here
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 Happy Trails!!!

Thursday - 04/19/2018

First mowing of the year!  The mower started right up, no flat tires and I actually had gas in the tank.  The first mowing is usually pretty rough and doesn't look that nice but still it was a great day to be outside.  I was going to mow yesterday but the roofers were here and had some of there equipment laid out on the lawn so I decided to wait.  Plus it was 77 degrees F yesterday and after picking up the sticks in the yard it was pretty warm out!  You know I am a 60's gal.....my favorite temperature range for working outside.   Today was maybe 62 and right now it's 56.....a fleece jacket and I was set to mow!  It was gorgeous with a breeze and blue, blue skies.........perfect!

There's the lake across the street.............BTW that lot is for sale if anyone is interested..........

Everything has bloomed out and the dogwoods are just starting to bloom but the oaks are the last to get their leaves plus the sassafras trees................

These are the big oaks in my front yard but they aren't your typical oak with the recognizable leaves....I think these are burr oaks but don't quote me......they have a slight shade of green so they are getting ready................

Here's my new view from the back yard....I am so thrilled that the electric company cut those trees down for me...........what a view and I don't feel so "hemmed in".

There may be some raking in my future to get the big wood chunks left behind before I mow back there.............but for now I am just enjoying the view.........
here's a zoom.............

This is city property so there will be no building going on back there........
Years ago, a neighbor of my folks, who has since passed, told me there was an old stone wall back there from a farm long ago and because of the ticks, I never went back there but here it is.............can you see it?  One of these days when I mow and drench myself in Deep Woods Off (the only thing that will keep the ticks off).......I will venture back there and investigate.....I love history and it makes me feel more connected to the land when I see evidence of past  generations........

I paid the roofers today and tomorrow I'll be working on clearing out the porch and I'll be able to recover my bowls that were used to catch all the leaks!  Hurray!  As soon as I know it is leak-free after a few storms, I will schedule dry wallers to come and repair the ceiling and walls....this is the 2nd time I have gone through all this.....so much money down the drain.  I don't mind paying for things if they work but throwing it out the window is not fun!  But I think this time I and the roof are good to go...I pray!
I hope Spring is making an appearance in your neck of the woods!
Happy Trails!!!