Sunday, March 19, 2006
Another Sunday Night
The Boyfiend took off a few hours ago to work, but I don't think he will get very far. He really needed to take a nap before he left, but it wasn't in the cards, so I think he will be taking one soon.
Tomorrow I have plans to finish up the doggie swap that I signed up for at Craftster. I have a few of the items done, but have to get the big project finished for the Friday sendout deadline.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Spa!
We had a little dinner at my house before we went over there to soak, just a something from Subway. I haven't eaten there in longer then I can remember. It was good, but the chili wasn't what I expected. I guess they changed the recipe or something.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Sore Neck
I am not one for taking any medications, but I may have to break down and take a tylenol or aspirin. I just don't like taking stuff like that, I know it's basically harmless, but it gives me the creeps. There are a lot of people I know that take a pill for every twinge that they feel. I don't think that's right. Pain is there for a reason, so we know we've hurt ourselves and so we know our limitations and don't do worse damage.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
No Spa!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Clean At Last
It was a great feeling to get so much accomplished in one day.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
White Elephant
Thursday, March 09, 2006
The TreatMan Departs
The gnomes weren't all that happy to see him go. Barney isn't crazy about him, as Barney thinks he is The Man, but The Boyfiend is the Bestower of Treats around here, so he serves a function in Barney's eyes. Blossom just knows that someone is missing and doesn't like the change and also think of him as a Cookie Dipensing Unit.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Almost a Pantry
I have been really pushing myself to write anything lately, but the truth is, I don't have anything interesting to say as all I have been doing is cleaning. So there it is.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Another Friday Night
Thursday, March 02, 2006
I Wish I May...
On another note, I am on a quest to find some crewel yarn in this town. I think I am going to fail. I have found some kits at St. Vinnies, I think that is going to be my main source of crewel yarn. The problem is, the kits are vinatge, and while some of them are kind of cool, the colors are a little too primary for me.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
A Big Fall
I was thinking that it seems like all we do is shop, shop, shop. We don't buy a lot at a time, it seems like maybe we better start making lists or something to get a little more organized and cut down on all the trips.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Blossom Finds a Sense of Humor
Monday, February 27, 2006
On an entirely different note, I traced the pinup girl with hairbrush onto the hankie this evening and I am going to start on that shortly. It's small enough that I think I can put it in a zip-loc and bring it to work, that way if I get a few minutes on break to do something other then get fresh coffee or go to a restroom, I got something to do. At least I would be getting something done that I had planned to do on my imaginary day off that I almost got to enjoy.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Ready, Set, Embroider!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Not Much Of A Day
Lately, I have been surfing Craftster for embroidered or crewel work. I don't know why this has me so intrigued right now, but it does. maybe because I am thinking about how to decorate my new space and the fact there is going to be a bedroom nook that it has me thinng of jazzing up some pillow cases and small table cloths. We shall see what comes of it all.
Friday, February 24, 2006
A Day Of Rest, Sorta
I ended upspending most of the the day working upstairs, trying to get that room cleaned up and finish painting. Well, I ain't gonna make it. I still got to do one little area, kind of an alcove for lack of a better description. Also, there is still plenty of junk in the room and I have just been working around it. I ended up taking a break from painting to rearrange some of the stuff so I can start moving the junk out of that room. I reorganized an area on the landing at the top of the stairs and started putting all the Christmas decoations in that spot. It isn't much, but it's a start. I am also slowing tunneling my way into the smaller room and will start working on that too. I managed to get most of the clothes bagged up and put in the closet, so at least all the clothes will be in one area. It's kind of depressing to me that it got that messy, but at least I am trying to take back control and that does make me feel a little better about the whole mess.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The Day Of..
Thye Bro came over for dinner this evening, so we had like a mini Thanksgiving. Roast chicken, stuffing, corn and gravy. It was a nice hearty meal. We ended up just sitting around and watching a movie. He left a little while ago. I was planning on going to the Spa with him, but we were both too tired to stay up for that. Otherwise, it was an uneventful evening with Barney resting comfortably. Blossom seemed to know something was up as she kept sniffing his head, but he didn't seem to mind at all and liked the attention.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Day Before
Tonight, The Gnomes had a special meal, all kind of goodies, including roasted chicken. I thought it would be best if barney had a big meal, since he can only have water after 9 pm. I know he won't feel like eating very much after tomorrow for a few days.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Work, Work and More Work
Monday, February 20, 2006
Mission Impossible
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Heavy Thoughts
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Just Plain Cold
The big outing of the day was a trip to JoAnn's for the Presidents Day Sale. I got a kit that had a small cutting mat and a rotary cutter, among a few other useless little things. I also got a small Omnigrid ruler that is see-thru.
The Boyfiend had to take off for work today. We managed to have a steak dinner before he left. That was a nice evening.
The Gnomes have not enjoyed the cold snap one bit. They look at me like I must be crazy expecting them to go outside. I think they're right.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Freezerburn
The Boyfiend made it into town around noon today, so he just beat the worst of it before it got super cold outside. He is not home for long, though, as he has to leave again tomorrow. Maybe next weekend we will have a Valentines Day dinner. It just wasn't in the stars to work out this weekend. I didn't get him the spatula yet, as I didn't want to go out in this weather to do any shopping. He got me a beautiful heart shaped pendant with mother of pearl, diamonds and rubies or garnets. It's quite lovely, I just need to get a thicker chain before I wear it out, the chain is a little to thin for my taste and I would be in fear of it breaking and losing the pendant. It was a really nice surprise and something I will always treasure.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Snow, Snow and More Snow
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Hawk -Eyed Maltie
Well, The Bro stopped by briefly. He was in town for about two hours, one of which was spent visiting with me. We ended up getting some KFC for supper, he checked his email and then took off, back to his motel about an hour away from here. He will probably be spending a few days here next week, so we will get to visit some more and go sit in the spa and relax. Tomorrow might be very interesting at work, as we are under a Winter Storm Watch, expecting 7 inches of snow and 25 mph winds. I really hope not, I hate the snow.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
No Snow is Good
I didn't get to do any knitting today, I really didn't get to sit around much. I wasn't hurried, but just steady.
After work is when I went shopping. There was a magazine at Shopko that looked kind of neat. It was about sewing stuff for your home. I am tempted to go back and get it, but I want to get the spatula first and that was at Walmart. There was some fabric that I liked on clearance at JoAnn's too, so I'll just have to see how the dollars pan out tomorrow. But for now, I am thinking about going to bed early tonight, as I have a very early day tomorrow and also Barney has to go in for his bloodwork.
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Ole Switcheroo
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Catch Up Time
lately, I have been trying to do Spring Cleaning, for lack of a better term. I really need to have my own craft room, it's just too much of a mess having this stuff in our living room. It's hard to find what I need, but mostly it's just a mess to have to hide all the time. So, that is taking most of my free time for now.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Showing Some Life
Friday, February 10, 2006
Once Again...
I started cleaning up my sewing machine, as I need it to make some Little Gnome outfits. It's almost Springtime, and my knitting and crocheting will be winding down a little for the Summer. I will still be making some stuff, I am seriously thinking of trying to sell some stuff at the local craft shows next Autumn. If I could make enough money to offset the Christmas costs, that would be great.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Slow Days are a Good Thing
While I was riding around with The Bro, I did get a few more rows done on a hat I am working on. It was posted on the Internet, with some sort of mistake, as far as I can tell. I got that hashed out and I started working on it a few days ago. I have been using it as a work project and not meshing with it at home, so it's been going pretty slow. I originally found the pattern on craftster, with a link to the blog it was posted at. But once I started working on it, I realized there was a problem and posted it again on craftster. The responses were that it indeed had an error and I wasn't losing my mind. So, I just used the pattern as a guideline and I am doing my own thing to some extend.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Chops for Supper
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Boonies and Back
The Boyfiend is at home for the day, but since I was at work for most of it and he has some other family plans involving the bowling alley for the evening, it's going to be a short visit. I can't bowl, as I have two bad shoulders, but besides that, they allow smoking and I just got over my coughing spell that lasted 2 months and don't want to tempt Fate.
The Gnomes seemed to have a good day when I was at work. They aren't cuddling up together all that often during the day, but they are definitely getting along. They will cuddle in the evening on the couch when I am home from work, as long as I lift Blossom up onto the couch as she can't make the jump like Barney can. I'm not sure if they see each other as anything but a heat source. Whatever the case, they trust each other enough to sleep so that's a good thing.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Cleaning Day
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Sunday Nappies and Not Much Else
The Gnomes and I ended up napping through the Superbowl, I really could of cared less about the two teams. I wanted to get more done around the house, but I have been really fatigued lately and a nap was right up my alley. I have tomorrow off from work, so I hope I have a burst of energy and get a bunch of stuff done around here.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Crafting Area Blues
The weather turned suddenly nasty today. It must be about 15 degrees out there with the windchill. It's around 24 otherwise. I had to go out and shovel the driveway, there was about 5 inches of snow with drifts of about a foot in some spots. It was good exercise, but there are other things I would of liked to do. I don't think the Gnomes have spent more then two minutes at a time outside, they were so not impressed with the wind. I doubt that they could see much of anything down at their level with the snow swirling around.
I have spent most of the day just trying to do a little straightening up around here, as I decided it's time that I get a craft room going so I can work on all these projects. I am tired of using the living room floor as a table. I end up not finishing anything because it's so frustrating not having a proper area to work in. So, hopefully within the next week, I can get my craft stuff in a new home instead of crammed under the coffee table.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Dry Clean Only
I had mentioned in an earlier post about Blossom's love of rawhide chewies. I think this picture shows that I wasn't kidding when I said there was about 15-20 different chewies to choose from. Keep in mind this is just the ones they hauled up onto the couch. There is a plethora of them laying around The Little Gnome couches on the floor. They were chewing on them for about a half hour after coming in from a potty break. A half hour seems to be the limit for being able to hold their eyelids open. Barney is crashed out a little bit out of camera shot on the armrest. Her tummy fur is growing in nicely, she was spayed on January 18th, about a week before I picked her up. Blossom really hates going outside in any sort of inclimate weather. It's been drizzling or snowing a good part of the day and she wanted nothing to do with going out in that. She has the idea though, that if she does what she needs to do, then we all go in immediately. So, we were out for about 1 minute all together. She still gave me the Evil Eye like it's my fault it's drizzling out. I will go to JoAnn Fabrics tomorrow and look for some waterproof fabric and make a little rain poncho for her. Something simple shouldn't take me too long to make. I suppose I could go really easy and make one like the fleece one I made last night out of any old thing and cover the outside with duct tape. That would give her that retro Judy Jetson look and probably look pretty cool too. I do plan on going to St. Vinnie's tomorrow before I go to JoAnn's. I was going to see if they had winter coats on sale yet to cut up into doggie duds. I will have to check for waterproof type clothing. Maybe I can find something suitable to make her some raingear. Barney only gets upset with the rain if it's a hard rain, otherwise, he seems to enjoy being out in the rain or snow. I think he would stand out there and sniff every snowflake that falls if I would let him. It's funny that he seems to be what you think of a little boy, wanting to walk through the puddles and mud. She is the little princess that wants to always being dry and clean.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Pattern Problems
The House Gnomes are doing fine this evening, they are resting comfortably. I'm not sure it's possible for them to do anything other then rest comfortably, but I suppose there is an outside chance. I cut out a simple blanket style coat for them out of some of the fleece I bought. It seemes to be a good design. Although I will have to sew on some velcro and finish the edges, I was able to put it on Barney. He seemed pleased with the style and fit. I will be changing it a bit, as I really don't like having to fasten the belly straps all the way under his belly. I would rather have one long strap that fastens on the side, then two straps that fasten underneath him. Other then that, it will be a good start.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Hat Trick
I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon riding around with The Bro. He was checking on a few clients out in The Boonies. It was fun to do a little more talking. He then dropped me off and went on his way out of town. He will be back a bit on Friday morning, then again for a few days next week.
I started a new hat while riding around, but I will have to frog it as I think there is a typo in the pattern. Suspecting this, I only did a few rows, just enough to see if I will like the looks of the yarns I am using. I will post more about this when I contact the pattern author and find out for sure if there is an error on her part or mine. It's probably something I don't understand, being a Novice Knitter
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Gnome Home
The Two House Gnomes were fine when I got back from work. When I pull in the driveway, I can usually see Barney in the window, watching for me. He has a pretty good grasp of when I should be coming home. My schedule is on the fridge. Sometimes I see little scuff marks on the floor where Barney has pushed a chair over to stand on so he can read my schedule. He is a little near-sighted. I also believe he has an alarm clock set somewhere to wake him up minutes before I arrive home so he looks loyal and attentive.
See in the picture the look of innocence Barney tries for, but doesn't quite achieve? When I pull in the driveway, he starts running around the house, screaming like a little girly-man. Even Blossom, who is deaf, is alerted to my arrival by The Screaming Gnome. Sounds like a great name for a Seattle grunge band. We spent some time together, then I went to visit The Bro, as it's his last night in town. The spa helped my sinuses a little, just enough that I think I will be able to sleep tonight. I already got The Gnomes settled into the bed, so I better hurry and finish typing before they sprawl out and I have to sleep in the crack between the mattress and the wall.
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Family Tree
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Fabric for Coats
I managed to get to JoAnn Fabrics today. They have a really good sale going on, as they are getting their Spring stock in soon and need the space. I got three pieces from the clearance area, all for under $2 per yard. I also got a remnant from the remnant bin. Then, I got a couple pieces from regular stuff that was on sale. All in all, I am pretty happy with what I bought. The Two of Them will be very well dressed in the not-too-distant future. I got some fabric, the black and pink tweed, that will turn into a great Jackie-O style of coat for Blossom. The other two fabrics are more casual, and will end up as Blossom's loungewear. The paisley as a kimono and the mystery blossom as maybe a sundress. I got this rather stately fabric to make a coat for Barney. He has a few sweaters, but no formal wear. It'll be a nice fashion statement when the two of them go out together in their nice coats. I may even try to make some sort of hats to complete the outfits.
I also got some barrettes and clips that I will be using to make hair clips for Blossom. She doesn't need them quite yet, but will within the next month. I have no intention of letting her grow out into a full Maltese coat, but I would like the top long enough to clip back out of her eyes. With her hearing impairment, it's very important that her vision is never obscured. I would rather have her hair be longer on her head and barretted back, then always be messing with it to keep it short. Also, it looks cute that way. The rest of her body I will keep in a "puppy cut".
Blossom and Barney are getting along well, Barney is hunting her down to cuddle up with her without being prompted by me to keep her company. It's funny, he sniffs her ears once in a while, like he knows something is wrong with her hearing. I smelled her ears and looked inside, so I know there is no infection brewing that he is sniffing.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Nappin' Time
I really wanted to go look at some fabric today, but I just couldn't get motivated enough to leave the house. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow and get out a bit.
Friday, January 27, 2006
They must be Gellin'
I will have to go back to JoAnn fabric's and try to find some girly girl fabric or fleece to make her a nice coat. Something in a pastel, preferably pink. She is a girly girl and I know she wants a pink leopard print coat with rhinestones on it, a Mommy can tell these things.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Dos Amigos
She is maybe a tiny bit smaller then Barney, but they seem like a good match. Barney was flabbergasted when I brought her in the house, he couldn't believe his eyes!
I think they will get along great and this will give Barney something to do other then stare out the window when I am gone.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Popcorn, Anyone?
I hope it doesn't come to that, but deep down, I believe it will. Pretty soon Trenchcoat Man will be the only place to go for the good stuff like Magic Shell topping for icecream, Cinnabon popcorn and real Orange Crush.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Splish Splash
I am working on getting a little friend for Barney. He really needs a buddy to keep him company. I don't expect them cuddle up right away, but just to have a warm body in the house with him will be comforting.
I still haven't started on the fleecy dog coats, but I hope to do so this weekend. I have found a few patterns that look like they are easy and also nice looking. I do have some ideas of my own and will be doing a little modifying. I still haven't come up with a cute name for my dog clothing yet, but something will pop soon. It's not like I would be marketing these things on a national scale, but I would like to have a catchy name. We all dream of being our own boss with something going on. Or at least it's something I have dreamed of, having some sort of small side business that makes a little Christmas money and is fun to do.
Monday, January 23, 2006
The Nailfiles?
On another note, my Mom and I went to JoAnn Fabrics and I did find some cute polar fleece after all. I also got a cute remnant piece of flannel with doggies on it. I think I will go back and get some blue fleece to go with the fabric. Still, the selection stinks, there really isn't much polar fleece with a nice small scale pattern. Chihuahua's aren't known for their broad backs. As big as some of those patterns were, I would be lucky to have one eyeball of a teddybear fit on his back, let alone be able to tell what the pattern is supposed to be. So, I hope that this weekend I can make a small coat for Barney. Maybe not for him, so much as be able to fit someone as small as him. I would like to come up with a simple, but nice coat pattern, easy to put together, that I can make and hopefully sell. Any ideas for a good name for my up and coming canine clothing line, please feel free to comment. I am at a loss, all the good names are already taken.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Visitors
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Polar Fleece Deficit
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Longest Day
I didn't get any crocheting done, but I did do a few other things. I went to the Goodwill store and also to St. Vinnies. I bought a really cute purse and a few scarves. I am not against buying handmade scarves, made by other people. At least I can appreciate the workmanship. One thing I found that I was really happy about was a xxsmall dog coat. The kind that is similar to a horse blanket. A strap across the chest and one under the belly. It is actually too small for Barney, who weighs in at 7.4 pounds. But, I can use it to make a pattern from, it wouldn't be a problem to make the pattern a few inches bigger all the way around. I already have found free patterns on the internet for the same thing, it was just nice to see one up close and personal. I think I am going to make a stab at selling clothing for small dogs. i have some great ideas in my head for little outfits. Or at least, I think they're great ideas. I think most of them would be sewn because, let's face it, people don't want to pay for a hand knit garment and i don't want to sell my work for nothing. it's not fair to me to work for peanuts on something as labor intensive as hand knitting a fitted sweater, even a tiny one.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Scarf Cheater
I have cheated a little on my "No UFO's" rule and started another scarf. This one is skinny though and should be done shortly. I'm using a double ended crochet hook to make it. It's going to be more like a boa, really. I was thinking on making a curly scarf, but wanted to give this double ended hook a try. It's pretty easy, but I wonder if it uses more yarn then other methods. I also have the itch to break out my hairpin frame, but I am trying to control the UFO's so that got nixed. I promise, promise, promise that I will get two old projects completed this weekend!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
It's All About Barney
I believe most small dogs are from another planet. They are here to dominate and enslave the human race. Especially Chihuahua's. They have that large Brain Dome and send out their brainwaves and impose their will on weak humans like myself. Notice in the picture the large size of The Dome. He probably sends back reports to his home planet while I am at work.
"I have the Large Ones completely under my control at this time. I now have four small couches for my personal use. In nice weather, they put me in a backpack designed especially for transporting me and carry me on scenic tours through the woods. The bigger of the Large Ones, brings me a glass of icewater every night while I am in bed and offers it to me for my drinking pleasure. I much prefer to drink from a tall glass then that silly ceramic water bowl painted with flying dogs they paid lots of money for. I really love the pained looks on their faces when I turn up my nose at the special meals they prepare for me because of my lack of teeth. They make sure to turn on an appropriate tv show when they have to leave me alone, little do they know I am surfing the internet using their credit cards to order more small dog stuff! Just wait, one day they will get a big box delivered from La Petite Maison." He throws back his head and gives a little evil doggie laugh.
Me and the other Large One have been thinking about getting a companion for Barney. The thing is, he is about 10 or so years old, he doesn't need a puppy to harass him. Right now his favorite toy is my oven mitt and all he does is "steal" it from me and bring it into one of his beds to nap with. Not exactly wild activity. We don't dare to wash Oven Mitt, for fear it will lose whatever essence that Barney finds so comforting. Matter of fact, Oven Mitt is now capitalized, as we talk about it like it's alive. "Have you seen Oven Mitt?" "Why no, did you check Barney's yellow bed, I saw it in there napping with him earlier..." We feel that when his best friend is Oven Mitt, it's time we intervene and look for a small, sleepy buddy for him to spend time with.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
New Project
Monday, January 16, 2006
Just a Couple Updates
I was able to finally give The Grace Hat to the recipient, a disabled person who rides my bus and didn't have a hat at all. She seemed very happy with it, Thank God!
The Hairpin Lace Scarf was shipped off the day after it was made to my Oldest Brother's Wife. She liked it a lot, it looks nice with her brown suede coat. I didn't want to say anything on the blog until I was sure she had received it, as she has been known to read this blog.
I haven't finished The Kitty Hat, I have to figure out where I put the gosh durn flippin bag with the hat and yarn!
I am still fighting this annoying cough, it just won't seem to let up.
I have been working on a felting project. I had a hard time trying to get the sweaters to felt properly. I don't have a washer or dryer so I was sloushing them around in the kitchen sink. I think they may be alright. Right now, they are in a dryer at the Laundromat, so I will know the results in about 20 minutes. If the sweaters felted down the way they are supposed to, I will be using one of them to make a dog sweater for a Doxie, owned by a librarian. I think it has been a fun project so far, but I don't think I would recommend doing this without a washer, my fingertips are just about raw from agitating the sweaters with my hands. Next time, I will either do this at the Laundromat, or wear some sort of gloves.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The Test is Done!
I did get a little bit done today on one of my UFO's. I was working on my Weirdo Bobble Scarf. I ended up using up all the yarn that I tied together to make the ball. So, until I got an hour or two to make another ball of yarn bits, it'll be a while before I work on it again. I really do like the looks of the scarf, but all that snipping and tying takes forever.
I will be working on the Kitty Hat tomorrow, hopefully I can finish it. I think I am doing the shuttlebus and sometimes I end up with 5 minutes at one end of the shuttle to work a little bit. I got the main body done and have to start on the forehead area and ears.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
A Little Bit Better Now..
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sicky Poo
The Boyfiend made it back home from a trip into Minnesota. He will be around for the better part of the weekend, then leave out sometime Sunday afternoon. It was funny, because I ended up following him into town and we were waving at one another at the traffic light. Kind of silly, I know, but I was very glad he made it home and was looking forward to seeing him again. He is shopping now, a quick trip to the grocery store. I am glad he likes to go, because I sure don't.
I did work on the UFO kitty hat today, I got a lot done and I am starting on the upper part where the ears will be. I imagine I will have that done this weekend. I won't be doing a lo of fiber stuff, as I have to turn in that test on Monday, before I work at 11 or so in the morning, but I will squeeze in a few rows.
I guess as for it being a Friday The 13th, other then being sicky poo, it wasn't a bad day, nothing freaky happened.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Test!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
another UFO?
I really have to buckle down and finish more projects. i got a bad habit of starting a project, then another, then another... I have to focus on finishing what I have BEFORE I start something else. It's boring, though, to only have one project going. Sometimes, you get tired of the yarn texture or the color you are working with, Your eyes wear out. so, I like to have a few going, but this is getting stupid. No more UFO's!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Attack of the Flu Bug
I am still trying to hand off the Grace hat. It's been done for a while, but I haven't run into that person lately. I really hope she likes it, as it was such a pain for me to make.
As I mentioned before, I don't want to have a bunch of UFO's floating around. I am going to pick up a project that I started and didn't finsh. i think before I start anything new at all, I am going to finish two projects that I have not completed. I have the kitty hat, the skull scully and the weirdo bobble scarf that I can think of. I hope that's it, but there might be one more around. I know I have a knitting project, but I don't count that one, it's just not the same as crocheting.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Wanna Panta?
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Another Project Done!
The Hairpin Lace Scarf is done! It turned out pretty nice, I think. I didn't find that it was too difficult to do, I believe that I will be doing more projects using the hairpin frame. It's something that could be done while watching a movie, as it's pretty repetitive.
I also started working on a panta this evening, after I was done with the scarf. It's a Finnish garment, kind of like a headband. But rather then wearing it around the top of your head, you wear it across your forehead and down under your hair at the nape of your neck, so your ears are covered. It is a very popular project at Craftster right now, in both the knit and crochet forum. There are one or two variations already. I will probably be able to complete it at work tomorrow during my break, as I am over half done already. It goes really fast and would make a nice, quick gift.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Grace Hat Done!
I finally have the Grace Hat done! It has been such a labor, I can't even describe it. It wasn't that hard to make, it's just not what I wanted to create, so it seemed to take forever and a day. Now, I can get back to things that I really want to work on. I have a bunch of half finished projects that I either have to finish, or frog. I don't want to have a mess of UFO's floating around to haunt me. I got enough of that kind of thing in my personal life.
I will be working on and hopefully finishing a hat and the Hairpin Scarf this weekend. that is my mission, other then the usual household stuff I have to do also.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Fifty Loops
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Spa+Yarn=Not Much Done
I went t o visit my brother at his hotel room this evening. They have a spa there, so we ended up making two visits to the spa before the night was over. I was hoping the hot water and steam would drive this cough out of me, but no dice. It was very relaxing anyway.
I brought the winning ball of orange yarn with me and my hairpin lace frame. There is a nice, comfy recliner in his room, so I put my feet up and worked on my hairpin lace while The Bro sat at a small table and did his paperwork. We got considerable amounts of yapping done also. The Bro's hobby is working on The Family genealogy, so he gave me the rundown on the newest information he had gathered about our Bloodline. He is going to start archiving the photographs and copies of photos and portraits in his collection. It's amazing how much information he has been able to gather in the last three years.
So anyhow, I was busy using my hairpin lace frame for my first project. I did practice with it once before, but didn't actually make anything other then a panel. It really is coming along nice and I think I will be doing this more often in the future. I feel like it's something that you can pick up and put down and not worry about loosing stitches. Right now there is 100 loops on each side of the frame. I think that is about the right length and I can start on another panel.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
And The Winner Is...Orange!
I have been working on the beachball floppy hat. I got four out of six panels done. I have two each of red and white. I have two blue panels to crank out, then whip stitching the whole mess together. I can't wait to get it done with, but I also don't enjoy working on it, so it's a catch-22. I really should force myself to finish it up so it's out of my hair. I guess that is today's resolution is to finish it by this weekend, or better yet, by Friday, so it's not hanging over my head.
On to bigger and better things, I decided to do the scarf for my Mom in hairpin lace. It's something that I know how to do, but have never made a project using the technique. I finally decided what yarn to use. Surprise! It's an orangey pink kind of yarn from JoAnn's Sensation line of yarn. It's pretty like a sunset and very soft.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Blue Tuesday
I got two white panels of the new and improved Grace hat. This hat is drudgery for me. I can't explain it, other then I would never do a hat in that color combination or that pattern. I intend to make six panels, two each of red, white and blue. Then seam them together. I also am still trying to nail down the pattern I want to use for my Mom's scarf. I have it down to two different ideas, so I am pretty close to making a choice.
I still have this stupid cough, but worse yet, my nose is sore from constantly wiping the drips. I keep telling myself that it will go away in the next 24 hours, but it just ain't so. So it's just a Blue Tuesday to me with my sore nose.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Tea and The Shire
I found this little deal the other day. It's really a coffee press, but I will be using it for the fine art of making tea. I have almost always used teabags, but I thought it would be fun for my palate to get some loose tea. I always thought it was more civilized to use loose tea. That's what elevates it to an art form, in my mind anyhow. Of course, now this means I have to find some loose tea for sale in this frostbitten little Shire.
Many times I refer to my small town in Upper Michigan as a Shire. That would be a direct link to TLOTR movies. Often, I feel that our neck of the woods is lacking in a lot of the refinements found in civilization. Like loose tea, for one, and people who use their turn signals on a consistent basis. But in exchange for the loss of some things that city dwellers take for granted, I get The Shire. Most people here live in a Microverse. I personally know two people who have never left the County I reside in. Green Bay Packer games are more important then any other televised event (win or lose, no matter). Most believe all things evil or bad are beset upon us by The Trolls. Trolls are people living "Downstate" in Lower Michigan. They live below "The Bridge" (being The Mackinac) and thus, are Trolls. They are jealous of the rest of us Yoopers, living up here in God's Country. Bad things The Trolls punish us with would be high fuel prices, poor snowmobiler etiquette, poachers, any and all economic decisions regarding the U.P., since they are made by Trolls with Evil Intentions and usually to the detriment of The Shire. Never mind if any of this is true, the Shirefolk believe it is so, therefore it must be. Everyone needs a whipping boy and Downstate is it for us.
Cheddars, people from Wisconsin, are usually viewed with mild affection, like second cousins with buck teeth. They view us as second cousins with buck teeth and freckles. They are much closer to Shirefolk in the genepool, as they are all farmers (aren't they?) and the homestate of our Beloved Packers. Also, one of the better FleetFarms resides just south of Greenbay. I wonder if they have loose tea there?
So, the People of The Shire live in a sort of self-imposed obliviousness, that sometimes, really is For The Best.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Invasion of the Snowman Snatchers
I don't think I have ever seen anything quite like this little snow man. It's really a lapel pin that I bought at our local Walgreen store. There is something about the eyes. They are definitely watchful and slightly threatening. I am glad that it is intended for me to wear, with the eyes pointed out toward the Unsuspecting Masses. It may be that they are an invading army, disguised as small innocent snowman. But, they didn't get it completely right. They couldn't get the eyes to shine with Humor and Holiday Cheer. Instead, they shine with a piercing intelligence that threatens all of Humanity. I think that in order to Save the World from this quiet threat, I must go back to Walgreens and buy the rest of them as soon as possible. Or, maybe I just need a nap.
Taco Kisses for the New Year
Later, we went for a ride and celebrated The New Year riding around in our car. Barney, as usual came along, sporting one of his new sweaters. We are home now, other then that, it was uneventful and relaxed.