Busy Month

Well, it was a busy month for me.  Finished my daughter's present in time to send it off for Christmas and her birthday package.  Turned out nice.

Didn't finish as much as I would have liked this year but not to bad I guess.  Dating has made my life busy, so don't get as much done.  Plus kind of lost my mojo this year for some reason.  Hoping for a better year in 2013.

So because my finishes for this month were fighting me, I started a few new projects.

Have so been enjoying doing some cross stitch.  The knitting has taken over for the most part and was missing it.  Though I did start two new knitting projects.

The first will be an Entrelac blanket and the other will be a giant Brrr Bear by Spud and Chloe designs.  These will be going to a special boy who will always hold a special place in my heart.  These have to be done quickly as he is due in February and my time to get them to him is limited. 

Hope everyone has a fatastic New Year's Eve.  I will be going to a special buffett with the man and then to a party his daughter invited us too.  Will be the first New Year's Eve in a long time that I have not seen it in while stitching.  Will be strange.  Well, I am off to get some things done before I have to leave.

Happy stitching and Happy New Year!

Busy Days!

Life has been very busy between Thanksgiving, dating, and doctors appointments.  Just gearing up for the season I am thinking. :)

Did manage some stitching time.  Dolphins are completely filled in now and just waiting for their last bit of back stitch than woohoo they are done.  Only like 9 years in the making but finally almost there.  Also put in a few stitches in my sampler.  I am loving working on this one.

Other than that have been knitting like a mad woman when time allows.  I have another present on it's way to being finished.  Worked a bit of crochet also but most of the work has been on the scarf for my daughter.  Made quite a bit of progress as you can see.

Started another ball on it this weekend.  That is about all for now.

Happy stitching!

Forward Movement

Progress has been made this week.  Took being sick and not going to regularly scheduled activities but at least it had an upside. : )

Finished a big knitting project!  Yep finally a finish!  Was a Christmas present on top of that so have my first Christmas present.  A win win situation.

The crocheted table cloth had another set back.  Ripped out the row again this morning but think I am once again back on track and plugging away.

Started a new knitting project yesterday before heading out to the Discovery Center where we say the Bodies exhibit.  The project is a scarf from Vogue Knitting Holiday 2008.  Made it before in a peach/tan color so thought I would do a new color of Universal long print.

This is the last one I did.

Monday night sat in the chair working on the dolphins.  They are so close!

Just a bit more fill in and then the outlining!  Very excited to see this one almost done.
Also worked a bit on this one.  Just had to add the red to get some pop in there.

 

 

Last weekend before getting sick, the man and I took a drive on what looked like the last fabulous day before winter.  We went up to Bogus Basin because I had never been up there.  The view was amazing!

Any hoo, not much else going on except had to order some yarn to finish one of my other projects.  Also did some cleaning in my craft room this morning.  Started to do some button holes to finish two blouses.  Would love to have them done but keep putting off the button holes for some reason.  Certainly wouldn't take long.  Just basic procrastination I am sure.

I am off to work on something else.  Happy Stitching!

Not much done!

Once again not much done.  First it was due to a headache and then a set back of ripping out 29 rows of stitching.  Two days worth of work.  I am now at two months without a finish and it is driving me nuts.  Tonight I am sitting in my chair and working on something.  Maybe finish the sewing on the project actually sitting in my chair.  Sounds like a plan to me.  Tired and in need of a rest I think.  Life has been a bit of a whirlwind but mostly of my own making.  Have had a restless spirit of late and feel the need for something to change.

Planted some little trees in my back yard today.  Hope they survive the winter. 

Heading to my chair.

Happy Stitching.

Lost in time

Feel like I have not updated in forever.  Time is just flying by at lightening speed and is gone before you blink. 

Last Saturday, went to the orchard for some apples.  Was busy but always so pleasant out there. 

 

 

 This is Williamson's Orchard.  Our favorite place to go.  They have such lovely produce.  It was such a beautiful fall day in Idaho that I had to snap this picture to send to the daughter.  Made her a bit jealous.

Here are a couple of updates on the dolphins.  Slowly getting there.  The first one is a before stitching on it Saturday and the second is after.  Amazing what one can get done if one stays home.

Then a new project landed in my craft room one day on my lunch.  Came home to a truck parked in front of my house and this landed.

My sister's chair.  Guess I will be busy. 

The knitting is coming along and will have a Christmas present done soom.  Went to work on my crocheted tablecloth for a change of pace and ended up ripping out all my progress because of a mistake.  Seem to do a lot of ripping on this one.  Picked up a sweater I started for myself last year.  Thought my sister would be home so brought it to mom's.  Made some progress between the constant vibration of my phone.  Mom laughed so hard I thought she was going to cry.  She said she didn't know how I had gotten anything done with as much as it was going off.  But I happily worked my cables.  Was nice to work something complicated again and enjoyed it.

Best get ready for work.  Friday!  What a lovely word.
Happy Stitching!

Out Playing

Yep not much crafting has been going on in my house.  Kind of got side tracked by a certain man.  Then he bought this and it has been a fun distraction.

No excuse I know. 

I have a bit of progress to share on the dolphins. 

There is other crafting going on just nothing I can share.  Lots of knitting for Christmas and such.  Did get a bit of stitching in on a Christmas ornament that is tucked in my purse for when I have to wait some where.  That was a nice change.  Used to get a lot done that way when the girl child was home as I was always waiting for her some where. 

Did go to my local quilt shop this week.  Was a nice change of pace.  Seems a lot of our local places are closing and it just isn't the same to shop on line. 

Well, this was just a fly by posting as I have some where I have to be tonight. 

Happy stitching to all!

Yarn

Been missing in action again.  It has been crazy busy in my little world.  Dating seems to take up a lot of craft time for sure.  Not complaining just stating a fact.  Have done very little stitching.  Most things done have been yarn related.  Probably due to the push to get Christmas presents done for everyone.
Here is the purse I am making for my neice.  She wanted blue and orange.  I think this is a direct reflection of school spirit even if BSU is not doing well in football this year from what I hear.

 

 

Not the greatest picture but it is crocheted and being blocked this morning.  Hopeing to get the finishing done this week.

Did a row on this this morning.  Must say it has been on my needles way to long.  It is labor intensive as each row takes about 1/2 hour to knit.  It will be finished one day.  I will not give up on it.  :)

Since the weather has turned chilly here in Idaho, I have been thinking warmth in my craft project selection.  Here is another oldie that is just begging to be finished.  It is a Maggie Walker design that was a block of the month.  This one has been languishing far to long and now needs to be finished.  Here are the finished blocks so far.

Made a deal to try and work on my two oldest projects a bit every week.  So far the only work done has been to move the pieces from one place to another.  Did I mention that dating takes up a lot of craft time???  lol  Since I also had Parent/Teacher conferences and a teenage boy kicking around the house more it isn't just the dating that is distracting me.  Oh look at the time!  I best get going or I will be late.  Got to run.

Happy stitching!

Happy Sunday!

Really should be doing more canning today.  Need to finish up the pears.  Did peaches earlier this week.  They were so pretty.

My pantry is looking quite full now.  Was in my sister's pantry today and I must say mine is packed in comparison.  Maybe I just have a food obsession. lol

Not much really going on.  Went to a gun show today.  In my stitching world, my Christmas presents are moving right along.  Nothing complete yet but maybe one this month.  Time is just going to fast for me this year.

My cross stitch is coming along too.

Also pulled this one out again.  Have been working on it since 2004 so really need it done this year as I am tired of looking at it.

As you might be able to tell there is the whole side to do on the ocean part.  Worked on it before this picture and was able to roll it.  Huge accomplishment!  Not much else in my little corner of the world this week other than a visit from my niece and her husband.  Only saw them for a little while.

Happy stitching!

Labor Day

This has been a very busy weekend for me.  I left work early on Friday and went to Costco and then Williamson's Orchard.  Mom and Dad came with me to the orchard and we had homemade ice cream after our purchases of fruits and vegetables had been made.  I also did some wine tasting while there as they have a tasting room now.  Came home with a bunch of stuff to can.  That night I felt like getting out and ended up going to Corino's and a movie with the dm (dear man).  He told me I don't have to go to movies alone any more which I thought was sweet.  Then he sat through "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" with me. : ) 

Saturday I did a bit of canning but was frustrated because I wasn't having a good go of it.  My neighbor came down for a visit, so canning was halted in it's tracks.  Then I took dinner to the dm's house.  Nothing fancy just tacos.  So easy when it is in the freezer and you just grab taco meat and fixings.  I am a firm believer in having meals prepped and in the freezer.

Sunday went to church early to help the dm because they would be short handed.  He bought me breakfast and then we went in.  He was glad I volunteered to help because there were a lot of people that didn't show up.  After church it was out to lunch and then looking at Corvettes.  Convertibles no less.  I got a bit of an education in the different body styles.  Always amazes me how me can memorize the different body changes but I guess that is no different then us recognizing the styles of our favorite cross stitch designers.  Also went to Barnes and Noble and picked up the lates "Just CrossStitch" magazine and the cookbook called "Don't Panic More Dinner's in the Freezer".  I have the first one which I recommend.  The boys were looking at it today and putting their orders in.  lol

Today has been a day of canning tomato sauce and just relaxing.  Did a bit on my tapestry cross stitch and will post a picture if I ever get the first page done.

So here is my progress on Virginie this week.  Not much done really since the Christmas presents are started and being worked on.

I also have made some progress on my crocheted table cloth.  It is slowly getting there. 

Not sure if I will be able to fit it all in the picture next time.  Would like to have it done by Christmas but will see.  Life has gotten busy for me which isn't a bad thing at all.  Enjoying it. : )

Might have some pictures to post next time of some of the Christmas gifts that I can share.  In the mean time....

Happy Stitching!

Back with two finishes!!

As you all might have noticed I was MIA last weekend.  On the spur of the moment, I decided to go with a group I am in to Sumpter, OR for the weekend.  Here is where we were staying.

I must say I throughly enjoyed the peace and quiet up there.  Even went on my first mountain bike ride and only came out with a small injury.  Avoided a rock and got grabbed by a tree.  One more thing off my bucket list (which I am actually making up as I go along because I don't have a real one). 

Went to the fair this week.  Saw some beautiful needlework.  So in spite of being so busy out running, I actually finished two things this week.  This one I finished Tuesday at stitch night.

I love the way it turned out and can't wait to find a frame for it.  This one I finished on Friday morning and had to get it blocked to give away today.

It is actually a baby blanket but that is hard to take a picture of.  The young lady it went to is having a boy and decorating in camo.  Figured this would go with the Army theme.

So after two finishes, I was totally at a loss of what to work on next.  Wasn't in the mood to start something and have a bunch I could work on but couldn't decide.  Picked up my stack of started cross stitch and this is what spoke to me. 

Started it a long time ago.  Will see how long I work on it before I get bored with it again.  Also working on my Christmas stuff again.  Of course can't post that because of the sisters. lol  Need to pick out yarn for my neice's present today and find some material to finish the geese.  Also mom gave me a bunch of jalapenos and so salsa is now on the list of things to do this weekend.  Most of my chores are done, so now I get to play the rest of the day. 

I wish you all happy stitching!

A finish

What a week!  Who remembers that dating is such an emotional thing?!  Doesn't help that I had a birthday this week.  My mom gave me a beautiful gift which she worked on in front of me for months!

Sneaky she was to be working on this the whole time in front of me. lol

So from the start on my bad day this week, I have made progress.  This one is called "Virginie Grimoux 1845" by GigiR.  It is being worked 35 st. cappuccino linen by Weeks Dye Works with Gentle Art threads.  I am excited by it and here is my progress so far.

I also had a finish this week.  Finished the geese I was working on for my dad's Christmas present.  I am going to make it into a wall hanging and am on the search for material for it now.

In cooking this week, I made my first potato pancakes.  Actually have a picture as I was trying to get a rise out of my daughter which she didn't even respond to.

She was more upset about her brother and I going out for hamburgers and milkshakes for my birthday.  Good thing I didn't tell her Bucky was going with us!

Not much else going on in my little world this weekend.  Will have more to share next weekend since I am going to Oregon.  : )

Happy stitching!

Bad day, New Start

Bad day all around, so I am going to play with something new to make life seem just a bit more pleasant right now.

Busy Week

It has been such a busy week.  Last Sunday, my son left for Michigan to see his grandpa, so my day started at 4 am.  Then I hung out with my sister till church.  After church did some errands and then hold on to your hats but I had a dinner date.  Yep first real date in years because some just are not worth counting as dates. lol  We had a nice dinner then I got a ride on his Harley. : )  That was a blast and something I have always secretly wanted to do.  I didn't get home till after 11. 

Monday I got a text from a friend who had received free tickets to the Yanni concert on Wednesday night and invited me to go.  We firmed up plans that night where I once again didn't get home till bed time.

Wednesday I had a drink with my date on Sunday who's name is Dave.  Then I went to the Yanni concert.  His team of musicians are so talented.  They amazed me.  So another late night for me. :0)  But worth it music wise I think.

Thursday night was Mom's night.  Got some work done on a Christmas present that I can't really talk about because the person it is for reads this.

Friday night, I cooked dinner for Dave and he fixed my sprinklers so I could sleep through the night.  Believe me he is my hero on that score.  Also a hero when he was impressed that I knit, crochet, stitch, and quilt.  His comment was "Wow!  That is a lost art." gave him big points.  Last night was my first full night of sleep since the things went in.  Didn't sleep through the night on Friday night because I woke up hurting from sitting on the floor watching a movie.  Just not as young as I used to be. lol

Also got a baby shower invitation this week, so yesterday cast on a baby blanket.  I have three weeks to crank it out and am half way through the first ball.  Probable would have got more done but I stopped to stitch on this.

Very close to being done after the work last night.

This will be the first Christmas present done this year for me.  It is for my dad.
Also had progress on my "Wild Garden" by BBD.  Worked on it while hanging with my sister last Sunday.

Got the material and threads for a new sampler this week.  Almost started it but had to stop myself as I have to much other stuff that has to be done right now.  I wouldn't have wanted to work on any thing else but it. 

Nothing much else going on in my little world.  My son comes home today but I won't see him.  He wanted to see his girlfriend more.  Sigh...my guy is growing up. 

Happy Stitching!

Frustrating Week

Well, no pictures this week.  It has been a not great week in all realms well except for the fact that I have a dinner date on Sunday.  Work has been just awful.  Lots of upset and fighting amongst employees.  On top of the heat, gophers and the daughter, I was ready to chuck it all in and move to the mountains with no outside contact except for internet so I could order stitching supplies.  : )

This morning when I got up my house was a mess.  The boy child is in the process of packing for a week in Michigan.  Flight leaves at 7 am so it will be a 4 am wake up tomorrow.  Good thing I have been working up to it all month. lol  Will be hanging out with my sister till church and then running errands. 

Canning is finished for now.  Lots of pretty little jars in my pantry.  Blackberries are coming on in the u-pick world so will probable swing into action on that soon.  Found a cool canning book at Costco and shared with mom.  She told me I could have just left it at her house.   She cracks me up.  She was at Costco the day before I went and couldn't imagine how she had missed the book. 

Slowly getting all the junk cleaned off the deck in the backyard.  Wasps are an issue and the boy was out spraying them last night.  Came running in the house and slamming the door.  Seems he was having a fight with one that was chasing him.  Some times I wish I had a video camera.  He was also gopher hunting, killing ants and catching spiders.  Such a boy thing to do. 

Well, that is all I have right now.  Wanted to start a new project last night out of the cross stitch magazine I picked up from being dragged into Hastings to buy new headphones but alas did not have the fabric for it.  Who knew I wouldn't have and 14 count white Aida in my stash.  Kind of shocked actually.  Ah well not like I don't have plenty to do already.

Here is to happy stitching and a better week next week!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

Well, it has been very busy around my house.  There is now grass starting to grow in the front yard!  I am excited about that.  Was not so excited about the gopher that got busy in my front flower bed.  It is as always a very "Caddy Shack" type fight to get rid of them.  I think I used a quarter of the bottle of poison I have and a whole bag of Molemax in my attempt to get rid of it.  I was getting pretty desperate to save my flowers, so when my sister told me the lady at the bank said chewing gum down the hole get's rid of them.  By golly, I was out there looking for a good hole with chewing gum in hand.  Sad to say I couldn't find one.  If that didn't work a whole bottle of minced garlic from Costco was going to go down it!  They don't like garlic for some reason.  I will be planting a perimeter of garlic around my yard come fall. : )

Last weekend, my sister, Patty, her friend, Melissa, mom, dad and I all went out to a u-pick farm and spent the day picking.  I came home with 2 1/2 lbs. of raspberries and blueberries, 5 lbs. of cherries, and 13 lbs. of plums.  So this week has been busy with the canning and preserving of them all.  I have a lot of pretty little jars full of goodies to try.  Also made several batches of Banana Blueberry bread and dehydrated about half the cherries.  Tina, my other sister, was over today and I let her try the cherries.  She thought they were great.  She was also here raiding my stash of yarn and almost 30 balls went home with her.  I am raiding her's tomorrow. : 0)

So here are the projects of late.  This first one I actually started on the 1st of this month.  Just never took a picture.  It is "Wild Garden" by Blackbird Designs.

Then I started a crochet project at mom's on the 12th because it was calling to me.  It is a tablecloth that was in an old "Anna" magazine from 2004.

Then last Sunday, the starting bug bit me again and I started "The Great American Aran Afghan".  I have had the yarn staring at me for awhile.  See it when I wake up and when I go to bed.  Yes, it was calling my name.  Finished the first block today.  Sorry the picture isn't the greatest on this one since I don't open the curtains in the afternoon because of heat.

It is actually redder in color than that.

Last but not least some progress has been made on Lola.  She is slowly getting some where and would be farther along if I hadn't gotten side tracked by starting new things.

In other news, the boy child is going to Michigan next week.  And the girl child is learning what heat with humidity is like.  :0)  Yes I smile over that as she is my drama queen and I got to hear this week about how the heat in Idaho doesn't compare.  She seems to forget I have lived all over and know about these things.  She of course told me this on a day when it was 108 degrees and I was sitting in a 91 degree house.  I just have to shake my head because some days she just cracks me up.

Well, I am off to join my next afghan square in the round.  This should be interesting! 

Happy Stitching!

Progress Report

So have been so busy with the yard and things around here that not much stitching has been done.  Lots of progress on the yard.  Sprinklers are finally in.  Was beginning to wonder if they would ever be done.  Now I am working on putting in grass and the retaining wall which the beginning of disappeared to put the sprinklers in and I have to start over.  Here is what we look like right now.

Started the retaining wall work today as I have been on vacation this week.  Hope to see grass coming up in the front soon.

In stitching I did finish a knitted top out of cotton. 

I know it looks so attractive laying on a table. lol  Some day I might have a mannequin. Also made some progress on Lola. 

Hoping to work more on her tonight.  I am loving the colors in her and put the geese away as they were so dull to me. 

I am finding these days that the more work I get done the more there seems to be that needs to be done.  Not sure what that is about but it is a vicious cycle if you ask me.  I would rather spend my vacation playing.  I did go thrift store shopping with my mom on Monday.  We had a blast and I found some great deals.  The best one was a backgammon board that had all it's pieces for $4.99.  My son and I played that night.  He is happy because now he thinks he can beat his dad at yet another game.  Well, I probable should go cut out the cuffs for my blouse so I can have another finish before I go back to work next week.  Also have another sweater to sew together and a few other things I could get done. : 0) 

Happy Stitching!