Shespinswool

Mittens

2012-02-07T08:40:00.001-05:00

I am having trouble getting a photo to upload today. Guess I'm still trying to figure out this new way to do things on Blogger. I have been busy working on Prayer Shawls, mittens, etc. The mittens on the right are from aranknits.com (uh, the pattern is anyway), the ones on the left are called Irish Hiking Mittens and are from Ravelry.com. I hope you can still click on the photo to make bigger.

Burrr...cold

2012-01-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Slower than molasses in January kind of refers to me these days. I have startitis, and good intentions, but that's about it. One day is warmer here, then the next is in the deep freeze again. My chair is surrounded by stuff I've started, even a pair of what I call "pepto & purple" SOCKS! Lovely soft yarn, but not much energy to work on them. A kid quilt is started, and two blocks made of twelve. You guessed it...that is sitting and waiting, too. Also a Vintage Afghan...no where near done. (I'm starting a pattern here?) Okay, I should take a picture of something for the blog...maybe I'll do that later, too. I enjoy reading everyone else's blogs, so sorry I can't be more interesting on my own. See ya....later.

Looming

2012-01-05T09:49:00.003-05:00

With the Holidays over, I have decided to work on some hat and scarf sets with my looms. The photo seems to have come out quite dark, but maybe you can get the idea what they look like. Click on the photo again, and it will be larger! For the hat, I used a Knifty Knitter adult purple hat loom. For the scarf I am using the decoraccentsinc.com six inch scarf loom. The yarn is Lion Brand "tweed stripes", one strand for the scarf, and one strand of LB and one strand plain brown for the hat (two total). I have several balls of yarn that I want to make up like this...until the notion strikes me to work on something else. It has been terribly cold here this week, and I don't do well in the cold anymore. Sarah at myfavoritesheep.blogspot.com is hosting a mitten knitalong on Ravelry. I was very tempted to join in, but just knitted some Aran mittens recently (pattern is free from www.aranknits.com) and didn't feel like starting another pair right now. Until later... Happy New Year!!

All I Want For Christmas......Is Ewe

2011-12-25T19:20:00.004-05:00

When I saw a large number 20 Serta Sheep on the Crazy Sheep Lady blog (myfavoritesheep.blogspot.com) I knew I really wanted one. I told my daughter about it and somehow she found one! I opened the B.I.G package at her house, and Lucky Dog started growling at it!! Number 20 is about 30 inches from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. She is 50 inches around the middle!! She has been sleeping in a large laundry basket for lack of a better place to keep her. You're likely to see her quite a bit around here...

Christmas with Family

2011-12-24T09:09:00.003-05:00

My son and I went over to my daughter's house last night after a day of fun in Winston Salem. (No, shopping, just enjoying being out after a very hard semester). We ate supper at my daughter's home and enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations that have been in the family for years! (I don't decorate anymore, and my son doesn't either). We had a good time playing with the "granddog", Lucky. I don't know who is the luckiest, Lucky, or my daughter!! Lucky is a really fun dog, and enjoys for us to come to her house, and she enjoys coming to ours. More later on what my daughter gave me for Christmas... Happy Christmas to all, and God Bless!!

What the?.....

2011-12-12T09:53:00.003-05:00

This the season for surprises... Last Thursday there was an unexpected package squished in my mail box. I did not order any lighted knitting needles, hot pink, size 9, but there they were. It was too late in the day to contact the shipper, but did so first thing the next morning. To their credit, Fabric.com, was courteous and amused by the mixup. I had ordered a skein of hard-to-find red yarn two days prior, and somehow someone elses needles got sent to me. The nice lady said "keep em" and I said "uh, I don't want em". She said "I wouldn't have any use for em either, donate em to charity". Well, Earl Grey loves em. He loves flashlights, etc. Maybe I'll take to knitting in the dark, anything's possible. Thanks Fabric.com. My conversation with you made my day. Ho Ho Ho!!

Yarn Needed

2011-12-09T09:55:00.002-05:00

My daughter is working on a crocheted project and has run out of yarn. It is a discontinued yarn named Red Heart "Olive" and it is worsted weight, probably Super Saver. I have checked their website and they don't have it listed there. Check your stash for me please, and if you have any of this older yarn please let me know. It is always a good idea to make sure you have enough yarn to finish your project (uh, before you start)!! Thanks, and have a great weekend.

What I'm Reading

2011-12-02T09:03:00.002-05:00

After reading, or should I say putting aside a real "stink burger" of a book, I decided to read the first of the Holiday novels I have in the stack. I bought the above book at the Goodwill last summer! When you only pay $1.50 for a hardback book, you can afford to "re-donate" a few, eh? When I started reading it I have to admit that I didn't expect much, but I am pleasantly surprised!! It is actually a sort-of history lesson and I find I can't put it down!! I really recommend this book for Holiday light reading. I've been under-the-weather lately, and have only worked on a few UFO's, mostly knitting. Have a blessed weekend...

****Before we all get too caught up on this Holiday shopping & chaos...just remember whose Birthday we are celebrating. It's not about us, it's all about Jesus!!****

An Ebay Ripoff

2011-11-28T07:54:00.005-05:00

I have been really wanting a large Serta Sheep, ever since I saw one in a local furniture store in Elkin (which has since gone out of business..I did try to buy theirs). Then a blog person I follow got one... a number 20. I told my son about it and he saw one on Ebay. My daughter ordered this number 20 for me for my Christmas present. She paid over $20 for it, so we were sure it was a large one. When it came in to her house over the weekend...yep, you guessed it...it was a small one. Just like the ones I give 50cents for at the Goodwill (when I can find them). I am disappointed, that is true, but mostly I am extremely angry at the person that would mislead someone here at the Holidays. Buyer beware I guess, as for me, I plan to TOTALLY AVOID EBAY. Ho Ho Ho, or maybe Bah Humbug!!

***edited to say that I captured the above photo from the internet, but I do own a 7/10 Serta Sheep...got it two weeks ago at the Goodwill in Winston Salem. Paid 50cents for it. Humph!)

Socknitting

2011-11-17T09:00:00.003-05:00

Since 1998 I have knit a lot of socks! The past couple of years I kind of lost interest in socks. My family so much as told me "We are not centipedes, we don't need a hundred socks!!" So I went on to some other projects...mostly Prayer Shawls, sweaters and charity quilts for Project Linus. But, you see, I have a huge stash of sock yarn that I have been wanting to use up...get rid of...maybe it'll just disappear? So I decided to go back to knitting some socks. This pair was a UFO (unfinished object) from back last winter!! I completely finished one sock and am working on the second one's heel flap today. (sigh) Just can't seem to get my old sock "mojo" going.

Oh yes, I also plan to hem 6 small quilts for Project Linus today. Want to get them off to Virginia soon.

Finally Photos of Sheepies

2011-11-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

It's trash day! And the sheepies were out getting their breakfast, too. They were quite interested in us as well. Upon closer inspection, I don't think that their wool will be much good for spinning. Even the farmer didn't know what breed they are. There are several different kinds, I think. Well, I do have enough to spin with for quite some time. My son took the photos. He also took a good one of his cat, Earl, below.

Sheep...an update

2011-10-29T12:45:00.002-04:00

My son and I were taking the trash off to the recycling center and the truck in front of us turned off...into the farm with the sheep!!! I had to follow, but I wouldn't have if my son had not been with me. I finally met the farmer with the pretty horses, pigs and SHEEP. And me with no camera, and no cookies for the sheep. But I did get his permission to visit them in the future. They are fenced in with an "electric" fence (phoey). On the way back out of the farm, I stopped the car & looked at them in the pasture. Oh wow! They are so beautiful,and they were just as curious about us, too. Next time...I will bring camera and cookies. I will be prepared...can't wait until next Saturday.

Hug a Sheep Day

2011-10-28T08:41:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is National Hug a Sheep day! It is sponsored by Sara at Equinox Farm at Cynthiana, KY. She is also known as the "crazysheeplady" or Punkin's Patch. I enjoy her blog very much and visit quite often. I really wish I could visit her farm, but it is too far for me to go. Guess I won't have a sheep to hug again this year (sigh). I did spot a small flock of sheep on the road to the recycling center last weekend. Guess it would be rude to just show up and hug a strange (wet) sheep, eh? Oh well, maybe I'll just hug Floyd (my large stuffed sheep) again this year. I've been trying to find a LARGE Serta sheep, but no such luck. Anyone know of one that needs a good home?? I emailed Serta, but they told me go go buy a mattress. (Humph!)

It is cold and rainy here today. Funny how our weather mirrors Michigan weather these days. Only they are a few degrees colder (but not much). Our fall colors have been disappointing this year. Have a wonderful weekend. Go hug a sheep!!

A Tisket A Tasket

2011-10-14T08:36:00.002-04:00

I've bought another basket! Whether I go southwest, to Elkin, or north, to Mt.Airy, I ALWAYS stop at the Goodwill Stores. Guess I am adicted. (sigh) This week, while in Mt.Airy, I found this handmade "quilting" basket. I gave one dollar for it! It is about 13inches square, and a 12 & 1/2 inch block just fits in it. What a find!! The blocks in the basket are the Jacob's Ladder blocks I am working on. I had enough fabric for 16 blocks, but will add tan and brown borders to make it larger. I have yet to discover what the two dowel rods in the handle are for???

Earl Grey had a birthday very recently. He turned two years old. The terrible two's. He has always been active (make that destructive), and I was hoping he'd calm down with age, but not yet anyway. Guess that's what makes Earl Grey...Earl Grey!

Days and nights are cooler now, and I have not had to run the air conditioning all month. Have not turned on the heat yet either. Should save a little on the power bill, anyway. The leaves are just beginning to change colors. This time of year always makes me sad though, as it was 51 years ago in October that I left my beloved Michigan.

That awful black shetland!

2011-09-18T10:07:00.003-04:00

I hate the stuff, uh..the awful black shetland...but Earl loves it!! I took a photo of the wool on my son's drawing table and turned around on the computer to download the photo. My son said "look at Earl". There he was, wallering in the wool. Donald took the photo of Earl. I posted a photo a year ago of him in the green box with the carded fleece. Must be the smell. I ended up with 14 skeins. Have not weighed it yet but each skein is usually around 2 oz. I'll figure out what to do with it later (but I won't be giving it to Earl!). He had a lot more fun with the stuff than I did. Did I mention that the last 4 or 5 carded bats had rose bush thorns in it!!! That's a first for me. I've had to deal with sandspurs (I lived in South Florida for many years and am familiar with those!), but rose bush thorns (BIG ones) are a first for me!

This photo is better!

2011-09-17T18:17:00.001-04:00

My helpful son has enlarged the photo for me. I am very grateful that he will help me out when there is something I just don't understand about the computer. He said he used something called "paint"...it's Greek to me.

All dressed up

2011-09-17T15:15:00.003-04:00

My daughter has sent a photo of one of her students at the college. Her name is Victoria, and she is studying Japanese language on Fridays on her lunch-time. This week, my daughter brought along some clothing of her's from when she lived in Japan and dressed up her student, Victoria. I thought she looked cute, and asked my daughter to send me a copy of the photo she took. Sorry it so small, but I cannot figure out how to make it larger since I copied it from an email. Victoria gave her permission for me to post her picture.

I have never heard back from the Hatteras Cat people. Either they are shut down because of the Hurricane Irene, or they are no longer in business. I will remove the picture on the sidebar soon.

Today is World Wide Spinning in Public Day. Since we already went to Leslie's in Meadows of Dan last month...no spinning in public was planned today. However, I did FINISH spinning that awful black shetland wool last week. I will take a photo soon...hopefully! No decisions made on how to actually use the awful stuff. It was a whole fleece, so there is enough to maybe make a sweater?? Ugh!

MUCH cooler weather here. In the 50's yesterday and today. People were wearing coats at the grocery store this morning!! I love it! Enjoy your weekend...

Touching her toes

2011-09-09T07:43:00.002-04:00

This has been an "interesting" week. Previously it was an earthquake and a hurricane, this week it was another hurricane and tornadoes!! One hurricane went to the right of us, this last one went to the left of us. We spent Monday and Tuesday under tornado warnings...and there was damage in the area to prove it. The only damage to our property was to my nerves, thank God!! I've gotten next to nothing done and am glad it is Friday. The above photo is of the Chan. She wasn't worried...not at all (Earl was!).

An earthquake and a hurricane!

2011-08-28T10:52:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, last week we had an earthquake in eastern USA. Our nearest town is on a fault line. At 1:50pm it began shaking here. I was in my bathroom and the shower doors begin vibrating. We had a minor earthquake a few years ago, right after my daughter returned from Japan and she told me what that one was! We had no damage, although it was the talk of the campus for a day or so. Yesterday, Hurricane Irene came up the coast. We live in the northwest corner of NC, (it is considered mountains here!) so the hurricane really had little effect here. Not a drop of rain, but the sky was very cloudy and we had 30 mile an hour wind gusts. I liked the wind. It was a cooler day here. But...I got to thinking about the famous feral cats on Ocracoke Island and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It concerns me that these famous feral cats were in harms way. I have not yet heard how they fared, but I have added a button on the side-bar to direct you to their website if you can help. I'm thinking I might purchase some of their "homemade" cat-treats.

Hope you are safe where you live, and have a blessed Sunday.

Folk Festival in Virginia

2011-08-22T07:58:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, my daughter and I went to the Folk Festival/Peach Festival in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Kathleen worked on a tri-shawl and I am still spinning that awful black Shetland wool (but am determined to finish it!). My friend Leslie, who invited us to come and spin with her, was working with some off-white Suffolk-mix wool on her Great Wheel. I have never spun on a Great Wheel (requires too much standing!), so I spent a lot of time watching the process. The weather was lovely...the sun was shining and it was not too hot to be outside. My good friend from Mount Airy, who I haven't seen in awhile stopped by, and I am so glad to see her looking so well!! We don't realize how much we miss someone until we haven't seen them in awhile. Life is funny like that. The top photo is of my daughter, and the bottom photo is my dear friend Leslie. Some people take such great and lovely photos (I do not, so I'm not posting the photo of myself and Leslie, 'nuff said.) My thanks to Leslie, for hosting the event, and to my daughter, for driving us up the mountain!

I won something!

2011-07-30T10:50:00.005-04:00

I like to enter the give aways on the blogs I frequent. I have never won anything though...until now. I especially liked a charm package (5 inch squares) listed on the Kansas Troubles Quilters blog and left a comment. I was so surprised when her dear Grandaughter picked me! She said I must be a nice lady because I had Hello Kitty next to my name. I liked that. Well, at first I didn't know what to make from the 5 inch squares, (and she'd also sent some 2 1/2 inch squares, too)...then it came to me like "duh" just put them together as is. I love the Fall colors and am using a "tea-dyed" solid color muslin backing. It looks so "rustic". I love it already. Thanks again, Lynne! Click on the photo (twice) to make bigger to see the fabrics!!

I have been keeping busy this summer, but try to put off as much as I can until cooler weather. I have never seen such a stretch of 90+ degree weather before!! I'm a cooler weather person, and hate this hot-stuff. The health insurance company, in order to get us older folks active, is paying for our membership at ProHealth, and my daughter and I drive the 30 minutes once a week to "walk-in-the-water". I love it!! I can swim, and do quite a bit, but it is also enjoyable to just walk back & forth, too. (Just have to get out of the way before those "agressive" aerobic people come & take over!). Am still making crochet Prayer Shawls this summer. When most of the group takes off to enjoy their summer...I get going. My daughter has also made several, too.

That's about it...hoping it cools off soon, hope you are enjoying your summer, whereever you are. God Bless!

New Set of Books

2011-06-18T11:15:00.002-04:00

I love to hunt for books at the Goodwill Store. It seems most of my books come from there these days, as the local libraries do not stock the books I like or am interested in! When our local public library moved into the vacated funeral home (the very one my late husband's service was in) I feel really "creepy" about going in there...sad, too. Recently, I found a book from the Guideposts Church Choir Mysteries called "Puzzle in Patchwork" at the Elkin Goodwill. What a perfect book for me to start with in this series! I love it! As I finished that one, I decided to find more on Amazon.com (also where the above photo came from). Well, after about two months, I have managed to find all the books in this set. As I read through the set, I feel more at home with the cast of characters. It is almost like I know these people. Before finding the first one at Goodwill, I was unaware that this series of books existed. Yay for Goodwill...my favorite place to shop! PS, I am also looking for Agatha Christie books, especially the Jane Marple ones. I am constantly amazed at how different the books are from the made-for-PBS movies!

Catberry RFD

2011-06-05T10:17:00.004-04:00

Living 10 miles from the real Mayberrry RFD (Mount Airy, NC), birthplace of Andy Griffith, I immediately loved the Catberry RFD fabrics (oops, can't remember the Co's name that makes it). I didn't buy many of the different pieces in the collection, but had about 3 different ones. Then I saw a "Catberry RFD" pattern on the internet and had to make the quilt. I filled in with my own fabrics from my stash. I like the way it turned out and looks very much like the pattern. The quilt is about 45" by 60". Click on photo to make bigger if you wish.

My two (grown) children and I went to see "Kung Fu Panda 2" last Friday. I liked it very much and the movie had a good message for us adopted people. I plan to buy a copy when it comes out in DVD.

I enjoyed getting out early in the morning and quilting in my "studio" before this HEAT WAVE hit. It has been miserable here. High 90's. Once I saw 100 degrees on the drug store sign. Too hot and HUMID for me!!

Enjoy your Sunday! God Bless!!

Toothbrush Rug

2011-05-20T08:47:00.006-04:00

Since 2002, when I discovered "Aunt Philly's" website, I have tried my hand at making "toothbrush rugs". I was leading a quilting group of ladies at the church and one of the member's aunt made these rugs and was willing to come and demonstrate it for us. It is a little hard on the back and hands because of my arthritis, but I do enjoy it a lot and have made several. They wear well, and probably will last my lifetime!! Also, they are a great way to use up those cotton fabrics that you bought way back when and now say "Why did I buy THAT"! I love to work on these rugs, but often just need a "round tuit" to get started. I suggest, if you are interested, to look up the "Aunt Philly's" website to get started, too. I made my own tool from an old toothbrush, but she has some to buy reasonably. Unless you have an OLD toothbrush that has a hole in the handle, you will need to buy one. I carved mine myself, then sanded it down. Newer toothbrushes are curved handled and do not have a hole in the end. The strips of cotton fabric are torn at 2" wide by the length of fabric (not more than 2 yards, though). I am experimenting with using cotton clothesline for the "filler" instead of the same fabric as the working fabric. So far it is doing fine. It just makes a stiffer rug, that's all. It's fun, it's useful, check it out!! (click on photo to make bigger)

Needlepoint

2011-05-02T08:09:00.002-04:00

I have been trying to finish up some UFO's (unfinished objects). It seems like everywhere I look there are plenty of them! Quilted ones (embroidered blocks), crocheted ones (vintage afghan), knitted ones (socks, yuck!) and this needlepoint, among a lot of others. Yes, I can do needlepoint. I prefer the ones where someone else has done the center design, though. This piece was given to me by a dear friend in Michigan and I am determined to finish it. I will get the upholsterer to put it on a round footstool (vintage 60's) when I finish it. Thing is...my vision has changed since I began this piece. Just can't seem to find the right holes. Guess it's time for a needlework magnifier. Growing older ain't for wimps!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:11:00.002-04:00

He is risen, He is risen, indeed!

Forty Shades of Green Afghan

2011-04-07T07:48:00.004-04:00

Okay, here it is, the mile-a-minute afghan I call Forty Shades of Green. It is sitting on the back of a small couch at the Community College Library, in the study area outside of my son's office. (He took the photo for me, as I am a truly rotten picture-taker!!) Now I am concentrating on the green Breadfruit Hawaiian style quilt and the sleeves for the green Aran. Gee...how did everything end up GREEN right now? Maybe because it's Spring?

What I'm Working On

2011-04-04T07:50:00.004-04:00

The work in progress above is a green Aran pattern. The yarn is cheap acrylic called green fleck. For my own use, I use acrylic, not because I want to, but because I have a skin disorder & can't comfortably wear wool and alpaca is even worse. I have now finished the front and back & attached one shoulder by three-needle-bind-off. All that is left is neckline ribbing and the two sleeves!! The pattern is by Grandma on the Mountain (www.aranknits.com). I am also working on, not pictured yet, a Mile-a-Minute Afghan I call Forty Shades of Green using green varigated, mint, and dark greens. The quilt I am working on is also GREEN, but it is a dark green, Hawaiian style, about 50 inches square, in the Breadfruit design (a commercial pattern by Kathy Tsark). I try to keep busy.

(PS. It is supposed to be 82 degrees here today. Snow last Monday, 82 today....go figure!)

Birthday Snow

2011-03-28T10:44:00.002-04:00

It is my birthday today. Shizuku-chan and I celebrate our birthdays on the same day. My daughter says that Shizuku is a "spring kitten", so we celebrate together. She is 13 now, I am 62. This morning we woke up to SNOW. It is quite unusual for snow this late in March, but it was pretty to watch it come down. There was about an inch on my car when I went to take my son to work earlier. It is sticking on the grass and porch, but not on the road, thank goodness. It should all be gone by the time I have to go back to town to pick up my son after work. The above photo was taken from the back porch, looking at the pines to the North. Isn't it odd to see snow on the bright green grass?!! I'm thanking God for the unexpected "treat" of snow on my birthday!

Uh, I'm still here, I think...

2011-03-08T08:07:00.002-05:00

I have been missing in action. Actually, for the last 3 weeks I have been on the sick-list. First the dreaded stomach flu, then immediately followed by the head cold flu (yes, I did have a flu shot for all the good it did). As usual, the cold/flu went into bronchitis and I have been fighting it ever since. Pretty much end of story. I am taking one day at a time (on antibiotics again) and doing as little as I can. Every thing I do sends me into coughing fits. No sewing (allergic to cotton dust) but started an Aran sweater (photo later). Earl is great entertainment and Shizuku is my "nurse". My son has kept things going around here, bless him. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel (just hope it isn't the oncoming train!). Stay well, pray often.

A Pleasant Surprise

2011-02-21T19:24:00.003-05:00

I am a big fan of Tasha Tudor books, videos, anything! I have recently been collecting as many of her books as I can. I especially wanted to find a copy of Becky's Christmas, but alas, when I looked on Amazon.com, I realized that they were rare, and the ones listed I just couldn't afford. Today, my dear friend Barbara, at the College, gave me her copy. I am shocked...stunned even. She said she had bought it used from a school library a few years ago, and that she didn't want it anymore, and wanted me to have it. I am so thrilled. It was the last Tasha Tudor book that I was hoping to get ahold of. Although there are many more out there, I have found a copy of the ones I especially like. Thank you Barbara. Your kindness with always be remembered!!

Valentine's Little Quilt

2011-02-14T10:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! It is not a day I choose to celebrate, but thought I'd show a small "challenge" quilt I made from some FatQuarters I got at walmart. The Challenge is from SmallQuiltTalk, a Yahoo group and it measures 16 & 1/2 inches square. Click to make bigger, if you wish. The coffee cup came from a dear friend of mine a couple of years ago.

February Sock

2011-02-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

I have finished the "plain vanilla" socks for February Stash Sock group. I used Happy Feet yarn by Plymouth and size 3 needles. I have really been trying to get back into knitting socks because I have a large stash of sock yarn, but the truth is I HATE KNITTING SOCKS!!! I have to force myself to work on them. I'd rather be doing most anything rather than knitting socks, well, maybe not ironing. Guess I'm just burned out on socks, probably permanently. I have GOT to find another use for sock yarn, any suggestions (other than small shawls)?

I also knit socks

2011-01-26T08:25:00.004-05:00

Having a large stash of sock yarn, and having not knit socks in quite awhile, I decided to join the Year of Stash Socks 2011. The first sock is the above, called "St. Brigid's Carnamoyle". I love Aran cables and this one was fairly easy and was knit from worsted weight yarn and I think the name of it is "ella rae". Although they don't fit me (I have diabetic feet), I'm sure they will fit my daughter. Anyone interested in the Stash socks group can click on the box in the sidebar. There is also a group on Ravelry.com. Heavy rain this morning, and they are predicting it will change to snow by noon. Bah humbug!

It is quilted and Earl helped

2011-01-24T08:10:00.002-05:00

The first photo is of Earl Grey. It just appeared on the camera when I went to download the picture of the quilt to the computer. My son must have taken the photo, or maybe the house elf. Who knows. It is cute though. As far as the quilt goes, it is quilted, but not hemmed. I used the "swirl" pattern and orange/rust thread to match the backing and is about 60 X 72. Just a good cover-up size. I'm going to hang onto it awhile and just look at it. As much trouble as it was to find the last Fat Quarter, I hate to give it away right now. I hope to get the St. Jude quilts quilted soon, but as long as it is so cold in my office trailer it is difficult. The machine won't work until I get the room warmed up! No more robin-sightings, oh well...

Fat Quarter needed, an UPDATE

2011-01-20T09:33:00.003-05:00

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UPDATE: I found one! Just got back from the walmart (getting food items) and happened to go thru the "limited" crafts aisle. They must have gotten more of the FQ's in because there was about six or so on the shelf. So I got the ONE I needed. Praise God!!!

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I am still looking for one Fat Quarter of the lighter fabric in the photo (click to make bigger). I only need one more FQ to finish making twenty blocks (I have 18 now cut out and 16 sewn). The fabric in question came from the walmart in Elkin and it is a square Fat Quarter. The sticker says MD-G-PC514 Pink Assorted by Fabric Traditions LLC. It isn't really pink, but a flesh color. If anyone has one they don't want please let me know. I'd love to finish this quilt. By the way, the pattern is a "quickie" one I got off the internet. All the blocks are the same, and seem to "swirl" when put together. Just cut eight 3 & 1/2" strips, if using yardage, recut to 6 1/2" and sew together (12 blocks). This will be a charity quilt when (and IF) completed. Thanks!!

Robins, I saw robins!!

2011-01-15T12:01:00.005-05:00

The trip to the walmart in Mt.Airy yesterday went well. So well, that this morning, my son and I ate b'fast at Mickey D's, took the trash to the recycling center and went to the Goodwill and walmart in Elkin. (I'm still looking for a fat-quarter of fabric I need to finish my quilt). On the way back, we saw TWO small flocks of robins. I couldn't believe my eyes! This early! Seeing robins usually means that the winter is about over. We can only hope. Wow! I am encouraged and overjoyed. Now if I could just find that small piece of fabric I need to finish the quilt. (Above photo from internet.)

More Snow

2011-01-14T10:16:00.004-05:00

A small kid's quilt using 6 inch squares of old St. Jude fabrics from Hancock's Fabric Store.

Last year we had over ten snow storms. This year they PROMISED we would have a warmer winter with less snow. Yeah, right. Bah-humbug. So far we have had three snow storms, complete with driving wind and piled up snow. This is the Foothills of North Carolina, not Michigan!!! I haven't been out of the house, literally, since last Friday. Talk about cabin fever! Sheesh! You see, I don't walk too good and haven't for years. I am fortunate that my son lives here with me and takes care of things. But today I am going to get out. Me and the Nissan are going out inspite of the ice on the driveway. The kitties need tuna, and I am on a mission....get to walmart and buy tuna and catfood. I am lucky that my son rides to work with a good and kind friend, but I will pick him up today and to walmart we will go. I know that this isn't at all interesting a report, but since I've been cooped up for a week, working on kid's (charity) quilts, it's the best I can do. I'll let you know how it goes later.........

A recipe we like

2011-01-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

Traditional Scottish Recipes
- Oatmeal Cakes

Oatmeal was a staple of the Scottish diet and has been described as "the backbone of many a sturdy Scotsman." It was used in many ways - porridge, oatcakes, brose (oatmeal and peasemeal) and scones. Here is a recipe for a sweet oatcake which is more like a biscuit than a conventional oatcake.

Ingredients:
Teacup of medium oatmeal
Teacup of plain flour
Half teacup of milk
Tablespoon of soft brown sugar
3 oz butter or margarine
Level teaspoon salt
Level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

Method:
Sieve the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, add the oatmeal and mix. Cut the butter or margarine into small portions and rub into the mixture with your fingers. Add the sugar and mix well. Pour in the milk and mix until you have a stiff but workable dough.

Shake some flour on a worktop, turn the dough onto it and shake a little flour on the top. Roll out thinly (about half an inch thick) and prick over with a fork. Cut into rounds with a scone cutter and place on an oiled baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15/20 minutes at 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4. Use a palette knife to lift the biscuits onto a wire coming rack. Store in an airtight tin.
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I'm not a teriffic cook, not even close, but occasionally I find a recipe that we like and plan to use often. My daughter Googled "Scottish Oakcakes" and this is what came up. I made them like I do biscuits, with my floured hands. We ran out this morning, must make some more later on. Great for breakfast!!

Christmas Snow

2010-12-27T11:00:00.006-05:00

My daughter just sent me this photo of the Christmas Day snow at her house. I have not been out to take any pictures here as the wind is blowing fiercely! She lives on the side of a mountain, and you can barely see her house for the snow! This is the first time we have had a Christmas snow in our part of the country since 1981, the year we moved here!! Our family had our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve this year as snow was predicted for the next day, so on Christmas Day, I spent the day watching it snow! A quiet but pleasant day, but it gave me time to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas; that is, the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! This morning at 1:30am I awoke to the sound of a car stuck in the snow/ice just up the hill from my house. That was the first of many! In the 29 years we have lived here that has never happened before. The road was a sheet of ice with drifts of snow knee high. The snowplow came at 6:30 and worked on it for awhile. All is moving as usual again now and the sun is out!! Happy New Year.... it is predicted to be 60 degrees F. on Saturday and Sunday! Hooray!!

Snow Day

2010-12-16T08:27:00.002-05:00

This photo was borrowed from another blog, it isn't one of my cats, nor do we have that much snow here (yet), but schools are closed here today due to some snow and ice. Yuck! I can handle snow, but ice is a different story altogether. Well, it is almost Christmas...

But, but.....I was just helping!

2010-12-07T08:29:00.004-05:00

Icanhascheezburger.com has the cutest stuff. Sometimes, although not often, I just sit and look at all the photos and captions that people have come up with. So clever! Although I'm not making any sweaters as Christmas gifts this year, I sure have in the past!! Thought that someone might appreciate this one and get a chuckle out of it. Enjoy! By the way....my good intentions to get the small gingerbread quilt done have been put on hold. There are 3 inches of ice/snow on the back porch and I cannot get to my studio. When the weather gets cold and miserable like this, I tend to stiffen up like an old snake. Can't get out the back door, no hope of getting to the snow shovel. Sheesh! Guess I'll have to work on something else... as if I don't have enough to do already,eh?

Small Christmas Quilt

2010-11-29T09:48:00.002-05:00

I am all the time trying to come up with new ideas for small quilts for Project Linus. That is, small, easy to make, stashbuster type patterns. I found the idea for this one on the internet, as I have made several of the "Stashbuster" pattern, using 6 fabrics, and I wanted to try something different. This little quilt turned out around 42 inches square (the blocks are 9 1/2 inch squares) and I am pleased with it. Now to get it quilted before Christmas...but that's another story.

The finished afghan

2010-11-25T09:16:00.004-05:00

The Bernat Crochet Along afghan is finished. I have enjoyed working on this project, but I am glad to get to move onto other UFO's now (namely a Round Ripple 12-point star). My son was kind enough to hold it up for me. Now I'm going to give it a spritz with water & into the dryer just to fluff it up and even it out. I used stash yarn, mostly OLDER Red Heart yarn (hate the newer stuff, it reminds me of crocheting with ground up pop-bottles, yuck!!) Happy Thanksgiving to all. I'm cooking this year & got to get started! God's Blessings!

Edited to say...Now that it is finished & held up, I see a big mistake!! Oops, too late now...better finished than perfect, eh?

Poor Lucky Dog

2010-11-15T11:58:00.004-05:00

Lucky Dog had her "surgery" on Thursday and my daughter picked her up on Friday. The little rascal won't leave her stitches alone, and had to go back to the Vet today with an infection (has to wear the dreaded "Elizabethan collar"). My daughter has caught a bug herself and is under the weather too. When it rains, it pours, eh? For years I have been a confirmed dog-hater, but I have to admit that Lucky has won me over. She is not only a nice dog, she is a good guard dog as well, but she is friendly to my son and I. Really smart, eh? Admittedly, I still would rather not be around dogs that bark constantly and have no manners, but Lucky is a start in the right direction. Maybe someday I might consider one myself....will have to think on that for a (long) while. (Photo taken by my daughter and sent to me by email. They were hiking at Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC.)

Bernat Afghan Crochet along

2010-11-03T12:16:00.003-04:00

This is week #7 of the Bernat Afghan Crochet along. I have completed all but today's square. Whew! It has been a challenge, since the week before last called for 16 mitered squares! They are not all coming out the same perfect size and I don't know if this'll be a problem. The mitered ones are smaller than the rest. Seems like every week I say to myself "why am I doing this?", then I get back busy on them. This week's square is a great big, multicolored granny square. The CAL is just halfway done now. Too many projects, too little time (humph!).

Hug a sheep day!!

2010-10-30T11:52:00.004-04:00

I don't have any real sheep, so I had my son take a picture of me holding "Floyd", my big stuffed sheep that I found at a yard sale while traveling to Floyd, VA. He is my favorite sheep, although I have several plastic boxes full of stuffed sheep. Happy Hug A Sheep Day!

Granny Stripe Afghan

2010-10-20T08:30:00.003-04:00

At last!! After a few unsuccessful tries yesterday, the photo loaded immediately today! Go figure! This afghan is made of scraps and bits leftover from Prayer Shawls and other projects. It is shown folded in half on the chair. Actually, it doesn't take a whole lot of yarn to do a stripe. Each stripe is 2 rows. I am working on the Bernat Mystery Afghan as well. Oh my gosh! Today's pattern calls for making 16 squares! Yikes! I hate Granny Squares, but I do like working a Mystery (afghan or quilt) so........ This one'll take awhile. It's a rainey day today, so might as well get started.

October

2010-10-19T08:35:00.005-04:00

I really do love October. Not only are there some sad events (anniversary of my leaving MI, my late husband's birthday), there are plenty of happy ones, too. All kinds of festivals in our neck-of-the-woods, my daughter's birthday, etc, etc. Although sometimes I slide into depression this time of year, this year I am NOT! Since I've been taking vitamin D3, I don't seem to have that problem anymore (well, occasionally on a rainey day, but who doesn't?). I have finished several projects, too, and have been doing some charity (machine) quilting. I tried to add a photo this morning to this writing, but unfortunately, blogger would not comply. Maybe later. The photo was of the Granny Stripe afghan I finished, inspired by Attic 24 blog, and I used scrap yarn. I will try again later. One festival I would have liked to have gone to over this weekend is the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, NC (way up in the Blue Ridge Mtns.). I just love woolly worms, and try to avoid running over them in the car. It seems the ones on the right side of the road want to go to the left side and vice-versa. It's a wonder I haven't been stopped by the Police, for swerving so much!! I do hope that everyone is enjoying this cooler weather. Get outside, breathe the air! (unless you are allergic to falling leaves, or goldenrod!)

Fall Photo

2010-10-08T08:52:00.004-04:00

Fifty years ago this week, I left my beloved home in Michigan. I was eleven years old and had no say in the matter, but I remember well the golden maple leaves and cool temperatures as we loaded the old Dodge to carry us to South Florida. I have only been back to Port Huron twice since then. Once when my father died. Once when my mother died. But my heart is still there and always will be. (Photo borrowed from Weather Underground.)

Lucky Dog

2010-10-07T08:08:00.004-04:00

Remember the other day when I posted the poem (below) Little Black Dog? Well, it turned out to be somewhat prophetic. Last Friday, my daughter adopted a rescue dog and named her Lucky. She seems to be a black "lab", and the Vet says about 6 months old. Kathleen is having a grand time adjusting to this new dog, and has made many adjustments to her life. She has had two break-in's at her home, and we are hoping that the dog will make a difference. (Even though she has an alarm system, they seem to know when she is at work and come then.) We are hoping that this new addition to her household will be beneficial to both her, the situation, and Lucky. As for her two kitty friends, the jury is still out on that one. As of now, they are not too pleased, and are on "watch & wait". Time will tell, I guess. By the way, photos sent to me by Kathleen and won't "click to enlarge".

Prayers & Squares Meeting

2010-10-06T12:51:00.003-04:00

This morning I went to a Prayers & Squares meeting at the Richmond Hill Baptist Church outside of Boonville, NC. It's been about a year since I'd attended a meeting. Although I think of the group often, and say a prayer or two for their ministry, the road to the church scares me and I don't attend often. I happened to have some fabric to donate to them, so I made the effort to attend this morning. I asked if I could take some photos of their work and they agreed. The first photo is a quilt ready for hemming. The second photo is quilts ready for members to tie knots in and pray over. The third photo is just a side view of a quilt backing, ready to be layered for pinning together, and the last photo is a stack of quilts ready for the ties. I had a good time spending some time with these ladies again, and I hope to attend a meeting again before the weather gets bad. By the way, they send their love and prayers to the "sister group" of Prayers & Squares in Nikko, Japan, the leader being my friend, Tanya. The weather is clear and crisp now and the leaves are almost ready to change colors. What a glorious time of year to be alive!!

The Spinner's Cat

2010-09-26T08:33:00.003-04:00

Earl Grey has fallen in love with my wool. It is black Shetland that I bought from a lady in Pilot Mountain, NC, and he just can't wait for me to open the plastic box in the evenings and begin spinning!! He "slithers" into the box and rolls over and over, then he holds a bat up to his face to "sniff" the wool (sometimes he actually chews on it!). He does this every time I sit down to spin. He has not done this previously, so guess he just likes the smell or whatever of this wool. We usually have to go get the flashlight (another favorite game of his) to distract him to get him out of the box as he will bite and scratch to stay in it otherwise. Ah! A cooler and rainey day today. Perfect for working on projects...which is what I usually do anyway! Have a blessed Sunday.

A good poem

2010-09-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

THE LITTLE BLACK DOG
by Elizabeth Gardner Reynolds

I wonder if Christ had a little black dog,
All curly and wooly like mine:
With two long silky ears and a nose, round and wet,
And two eyes, brown and tender, that shine.
I am sure, if He had, that that little black dog
Knew, right from the first, He was God;
That he needed no proof that Christ was divine,
And just worshipped the ground where he trod.
I'm afraid that He hadn't, because I have read
How he prayed in the garden, alone;
For all of His friends and disciples had fled
Even Peter, the one called a stone.
And, oh, I am sure that the little black dog,
With a heart so tender and warm,
Would never have left him to suffer alone,
But, creeping right under his arm,
Would have licked the dear fingers, in agony clasped,
And, counting all favors but loss,
When they took him away, would have trotted behind
And Followed Him quite to the Cross.

Heerrre's Gracie

2010-09-19T10:16:00.004-04:00

I found Gracie Girl hiding amongst a couple of other photos of Ricky! She is such a beautiful cat, and loves to have her picture taken!

A Great Day to Spin in Public!

2010-09-19T09:54:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Worldwide Spinning in Public Day at Leslie Shelor's Greenberry House in Meadows of Dan, VA. My daughter Kathleen and I attended and had a great time. Several passerby's stopped and asked questions, and seemed more interested in Kathleen's Tri-loom than spinning! That's more than okay, the message is "do something creative!!". We stopped at a veggie stand/craft shop after leaving and enjoyed looking at the local crafts, too. Kathleen bought several unusual veggies to take home. All in all, I would say that we had a wonderful time, and want to say "Thanks Leslie". Hope to see you again soon!!

Photo #1 is of Kathleen working on her Tri-loom. She is making a shawl. Photo #2 is of Leslie and I spinning. Leslie is working on a beautifully dyed peach-colored wool roving and I am spinning black Shetland wool. Photo #3 is of Kathleen's cat Ricky. Ricky and Earl Grey and brothers, but are a year and half apart (same MomCat). Grace, her other kitty, seemed to be missing from the photos. Hmmmm. I'll have to double check the photos taken this weekend. Hope you are having a nice weekend...........

World Wide Spinning in Public Day

2010-09-07T08:17:00.003-04:00

We had such a good time last year at Leslie's Greenberry House in Meadows of Dan, VA, that I asked her if she was planning to have the event again this year. She agreed, and we are hoping that the weather will be great. My daughter, son, and myself were up on the mountain last Friday getting apples. (My daughter makes the absolute BEST applebutter!) The weather was quite warm yet, but it is always a treat to go to Fancy Gap, VA. I am looking forward to Saturday, September 18th!! Thanks, Leslie, hope to see you soon!

Hurricane "Earl"

2010-09-05T08:48:00.003-04:00

Hurricane Earl came and went in our neck of the woods without much notice. Living in northwest NC, all we got was a slight wind, not even a rain shower. Earl Grey, on the other hand, is a different story. He was born last September, date unknown, so this whole month is his birthday month!! He continues to be a "souped-up wildcat" and enjoys life to the fullest. He has always been a housecat ever since last November when we took him in, when he had an ear infection. He has been entertaining us ever since. He has never seen a stranger, unlike Shizuku, who runs when the doorbell rings! Our birthday wish for our Earl Grey is long life, good health, and much happiness.

Soot Sprite?

2010-08-27T07:49:00.006-04:00

Susuwatari is Japanese for Soot Sprite. Those are the little soot-ball-spirits in the film My Neighbor Totoro, by Hayao Miyazaki. I think this "kitteh" looks like my Boo Boo Kitty, who is entertaining the Lord now. She passed away three years ago tomorrow. Guess that means this is my 3 year blogaversary as well, as I had just begun this blog when we lost her so suddenly. Life goes on, eh?

On a happier note....I finished reading "State Fair" by Earlene Fowler in the wee hours of this morning. I love a good mystery, and this one is one of her best. I highly recommend it. I have all of this "quilt mystery" series in hardback books. I think I love my books every bit as much as I love fabric and yarn. This week I have found three drawers full of walmart quilt-of-the-month projects that I had bought the fabric for and put them away (and then forgot about). So far this week I have completed one top and have cut out a second. (And about a dozen left to go, ack!) Photos later. Have a blessed weekend!!

The Orange Crush Quilt

2010-08-13T12:26:00.003-04:00

Awhile back, and please don't ask me how long ago, I made this quilt top as a quilt-a-long with the Quiltville yahoo group. A new "clue" is given each week or so & everyone uses their own fabric. Well...this quilt fought me all the way. It just wouldn't cooperate at all!! So I finished it, and made an ugly backing (I called it "clown fabric") and set the whole mess at the bottom of the pile to be quilted (someday). Last month I machine quilted an internet friend's quilt for her while she was in the States visiting family. You can see the quilt at the Taniwa blog, if you are interested. Anyway, it reminded me of my, now forgotten, monster. I got it out yesterday and decided to (despite the heat here) get-er-done. It still didn't want to cooperate, and the last two borders kept "growing" and the thread kept breaking, but I don't think it turned out too badly. Might even let it stay on my bed for awhile, as it does fit ya' know.

A Surprise in the Mail!

2010-08-05T10:28:00.003-04:00

Today when I went to the Post Office, there was a "yellow card" in my PO box. That means there is an article to be picked up! You can't imagine my surprise when I opened the mailing bag and found these beautiful Japanese fabrics sent to me by my internet friend, Tanya. I did some machine quilting for her, and she was generous enough to send me some dried fishies and other foods for Shizuku-chan (previously) and also this fabric. I have collected Japanese fabric since my daughter lived in Kagoshima and I am absolutely thrilled to receive this!! Thanks Tanya!! I know that the photo doesn't do justice to the brilliant colors, and the fabric in the plastic wrapping is four inch, precut squares. Wow, they are so beautiful. I will spend the rest of the day with them on the table in front of my chair just looking at them!

Georgia Toffee Bars quilt

2010-08-01T16:49:00.002-04:00

I have finished the Georgia Toffee Bars quilt from the Mar/Apr. issue (#2) of Irish Quilting magazine. It didn't take long to make and I mostly used fabric that I had on hand. I had to purchase the lively outer border print (not something I would ordinarily use) and I found what I needed at walmart in the precut aisle. The quilt is about 72" by 80". It looks remarkably like the one in the magazine!! I am quite pleased with the way it has turned out, even though the lack of variety of colors (fatquarters) made the colors "bunch up" some. We have had some interesting weather this weekend. Both Sat. and Sun. have been extremely cloudy and rain all day Sat. The temp never got above 68 degrees F both days. I'm glad summer is almost over. The poor kids will have to go back to school soon, and the Comm.Coll Fall session starts even before that!

Japanese Knot Bag

2010-07-29T09:16:00.003-04:00

Success!!! My dear son has been trying to help me out here. He is home sick today (infected tooth). I still don't know how & why... but here are two photos of the Japanese Knot Bag. It is actually about nine inches across and the main bag part is seven inches long, excluding handles. The pattern came from the internet a few years ago. To knot the bag, you slip the large handle through the smaller handle. It is great for carrying small projects to work on.

Another photo of the Chan

2010-07-29T08:13:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I was trying to upload two new photos of the Japanese Knot Bag I made out of an old kimono sleeve I was sent by a friend. The photos are in my picture section, but I just can't get them to upload!! An experiment...try another photo. Okay, no one has seen this photo of Shizuku-chan. Bingo, it works. The photos of the Knot Bag do not. I don't get it!! I am liking this laptop, but there is some new things to learn. Bear with me, I'll get it eventually, (I hope).

Computer problems, an update

2010-07-26T10:10:00.003-04:00

I have posted a couple of times about the ongoing problems with the Vista computer and finally the inability to post pictures anymore. Over the weekend, the old Vista died. It got computer alzheimer's, and couldn't be convinced that it actually had a hard drive. I am still computer illiterate, but my son is computer savvy, and he did everything he could do to save it. I am now trying to learn to use his laptop computer. It is alot different from what I used before, but I might actually learn to like it! As a test here, I will attempt to post a picture of Sakurajima, an active volcano in southern Japan. My daughter lived about two miles from Sakurajima when she lived in Kagoshima, Japan. I think it is a beautiful sight. One of God's wonders of the world. Here goes.........

A Giveaway!

2010-07-18T10:06:00.001-04:00

There will be a giveaway at Thistle Cove Farm this week with some very nice items. If interested, hop on over to www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com and take a look.

Picture Problems

2010-07-14T08:05:00.002-04:00

I am sorry that I have not been updating my blog lately, but the truth is, I continue to have problems getting photos into this computer. My daughter, yesterday, worked on it for me, and it has helped a lot, but I still don't think that I can do the work myself. My old program used to be so easy, and I am very frustrated with this one. The above photo is of Shizuku-chan, and she is yawning. My daughter is very good at taking pictures. Earl Grey is getting to be quite troublesome. Although he is still a very sweet cat, he loves to "push the limits". Have a blessed day!

Hawaiian Style Quilting

2010-06-13T10:33:00.004-04:00

Can you guess the name of this pattern?

I call this pineapple and woodrose. Pattern from an old magazine

Ulu or Breadfruit pattern

In 1993 I became interested in Hawaiian Quilting while watching the series on PBS. My cousin had married a Hawaiian man and that also added to my curiosity. Recently, I was reminded of my books, and bought a couple more from Amazon.com. I also got a few patterns from www.poakalani.net. I am not talented enough to draw my own. My art work is of the kindergarten variety, really. Because I am not Hawaiian myself, I read that I should call my work "Hawaiian Style Quilting", so I am. Well, have you made any guesses as to what my first mini-quilt is? If you guessed "a famous Mouse", you would be correct!! I used a batik fabric that I received in a trade, and it is from Australia. It is said that if you make a breadfruit quilt first, that you will never want for anything. That sounds nice. The red quilt was a pattern I tore out of a magazine in 1987. No name given, but it looks like a pineapple and woodrose design to me. I am quilting on the mouse, and am enjoying it a lot. These three mini-quilts are from 22 inches to 30 inches square. As I have to stand up to machine quilt, and being that I haven't hand quilted for about 15+ years, these are a joy to work on. Google Hawaiian Quilting, if you are interested, but I prefer the Poakalani site. I sure wish I could go to Hawaii. If wishes were horses, we'd all take a ride, eh??

Remembering our Veterans

2010-05-31T08:23:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon quilting

2010-05-23T14:48:00.003-04:00

It has been my habit, when I feel like it, to make a small charity quilt on Sunday afternoon. The above is what I worked on today. I like yellow! It doesn't take me long to make one of these quilts. This one is approximately 45" by 60". When I have hemmed it, it will go to Project Linus in Carroll County, VA. By the way, the pattern is "Square in a Square". They are easy to make and I use a special ruler to make the blocks fast & easy!

The New Goodwill Store

2010-05-15T10:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, my daughter and I went to check out the new Goodwill Store in Elkin. I did not take a photo of it, as most towns have a Goodwill Store these days and everyone knows what they look like! It was day #2 of their Grand Opening. As usual, there were a lot of people there and they were buying the clothing. The other stuff wasn't moving so fast, as they had increased the prices outrageously! I bought a Sherpa bag (looks like a sheepskin) for $1., a plastic box, also a $1, a coffee mug for twenty-five cents and an old popcorn tin (this is a large one) with flags and Abraham Lincoln on it for a $1. My total was $4.32. This new Goodwill, while it has 3 times the floorspace, has lost it's "homey" feel and the clerks looked frazzled. My daughter and I couldn't leave fast enough. I imagine I will shop there on occasion, but things will no longer be on a first name basis. Too bad.

Iris at the College and a quilt

2010-05-06T07:59:00.003-04:00

The bottom two photos are of the iris bed at Surry Community College. The iris have been exceptionally beautiful this Spring. Maybe because we had such a hard winter? The top two photos are of my latest quilt finish. It is a twenty block "disappearing 9-patch" and it makes up so quickly. The fabric came from walmart before they got rid of their fabrics, from a $1. yd. table. I like the froggie print, and have cut out one in blue froggies, too. Shizuku kitty always goes over to check out the just-finished quilt top when I spread it out to check on it. She would get on the top, and my dear Boo would crawl underneath. The finished quilt will go to Project Linus in Carroll County, VA (Shizuku stays here!!).

Busy Weekend!!

2010-04-12T08:30:00.002-04:00

We had a very busy weekend!! On Friday, I traveled with my daughter to Charlotte, NC on business. It had been years since I'd been through Charlotte and it has grown so much! On the way back we stopped at a Bob Evans Restaurant to have some supper. The food was great. On a trip to Michigan, many years ago, my husband and I ate at a couple of these restaurants up North. I'm so glad that they have come further South now, but also wish there was one closer to us! My daughter bought me the sheepie above...an early Mother's Day present. On Saturday, my son and I went with her to Winston-Salem, and we stopped at several places, including the "major" Goodwill Store in this area. Wow! So much stuff! But I limited my purchase to two skeins of yarn. I don't get out much these days, so two days of travel and shopping really did me in (heehee). Sunday was relatively quiet. My son wanted to go to the video game store (he doesn't drive), so we went there then picked up some food items on the way home. Someone once said, "It's nice to go, but it's nicer to come home again". I agree. The other photo is of Earl Grey sitting with a stuffed cat. He loves to sleep with stuffed animals. Go figure! God Bless!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T09:46:00.002-04:00

I hope that everyone had a nice Easter last Sunday. Both my (adult) children were on Spring Break from their jobs at the community college last week, and it was a busy time for us. Just a few days before that I had a rather nasty case of food poisoning and then a birthday. I went to my daughter's home (on the side of a mountain) for Easter weekend and enjoyed sitting on her porch and resting. On the way to her house, a baby black bear crossed the road in front of her Jeep. No sign of the momma-bear, and I do hope he or she found mom, as he/she was kind of small! I have been working on some 6 inch quilt blocks from The Farmer's Wife book and finished another Mile-a-Minute afghan from some old yarn called "adobe" and I also used "brick" and "aran" with it. Take time to smell the flowers, but avoid the pollen. Have a blessed Spring!

Ordered new books!

2010-03-22T08:51:00.003-04:00

On Friday, I received 2 new books! When my husband was alive, we sort of bought our own birthday presents and then said "You gave me this for my birthday!!" It worked every time. Well, this year I ordered two books (even though he is in Heaven now). They are "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" by Jennifer Chiaverini and "The Farmer's Wife" (picture from Amazon.com) above. The blocks are great but the really bad thing is that you have to print out the patterns from a CD that is included and they print one-per-page. Major bummer, and a terrible waste of paper!! I have been working on the blocks from "The Civil War Diaries" and "Civil War Love Letters" books what seems like forever!! I'm using solid colors instead of prints. There used to be a group of us here on the internet that was working on them, but I think it has fallen by the wayside now. I, too, put them away over the winter, closed up my studio (too COLD to quilt in there) and worked on yarn projects over the winter (mostly something I could cover up with while working on it)! It rained like crazy all night, but the sun is out this morning. Rejoice and be glad!!

National Quilting Day!

2010-03-20T10:59:00.003-04:00

I read on another blog that this is National Quilting Day! I had been thinking about quilts all week (just a coincidence, I guess). I even went out to my "studio" yesterday and opened the windows and did some rearranging. Spring is here in NC and my daffodils are blooming and the sun is shining. Who could ask for anything more....well, maybe a local quilt shop would be nice. I sure hate to drive 50 miles to fabric shop. The local walmarts are selling less and less yarn these days, and the stupid pre-cut fabrics at the M.A. store are a joke. (Can you tell I HATE walmart?) I'm going to get busy and get out in the sun today (for tomorrow it is supposed to rain). By the way, I've still not learned to add photos (my son added the photo of Earl Grey in last post). I will learn. Soon. I promise. Enjoy your weekend.

Chan and Earl

2010-03-17T09:59:00.002-04:00

As promised, I am showing a recent photo of Earl, taken yesterday. He was trying to take a nap and I disturbed him! The other photo is of Shizuku-chan, taken awhile back. She is a birthday girl this month and turns 12. She is an odd kitty and loves to have her tummy rubbed. Earl has enough energy for at least two cats and drives poor Chan up the wall sometimes. I have considered bringing in another yard-cat for him to play with, but am a bit hesitant about it. Hope you have a very fun St. Patrick's Day. On this day we are all Irish, eh?

A cat is a cat, and that is that!

2010-03-11T08:22:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I went to town to pay some bills and when I got back I found that Earl Grey (now six months old) had torn the screen in the bathroom window and escaped!! I walked the property and called for the rest of the day. No Earl. When my son got home from work, we saw Earl's head peeking out from the crawl-space door. He was having fun and didn't want to come in. We tried, unsuccessfully, until dark to get him to come to us. He made a game out of it! Grrrr! We said, "OK, fine, stay outside". It has warmed up a lot this week, so I wasn't worried about him freezing. This morning, as I was feeding the yard cats, Earl comes trotting up the walk-way. He is still not ready to admit defeat, and the yard cats aren't about to share their kibbles. On the second attempt to get a mouthful, I grabbed him, scared the yard cats half to death, and got clawed. But I hung on and I got that little varmint in the house! He ate his breakfast (indoors) and collapsed for a nap in the middle of the living room rug! No new photos, sorry. Still having problems with the photo program. My son has worked on it, but being computer-illiterate, I haven't learned it yet. I will take photos of Earl soon, I promise. I think I'll need lots of coffee to get through this day. (Loud sigh!!)

New Miyazaki movie!!

2010-03-07T09:46:00.001-05:00

On Friday, I received my copy of the latest Hayao Miyazaki animated movie, Ponyo. It is adapted from "The Little Mermaid", but is very Japanese. It is truly wonderful!! I always hated the Disney "Mermaid" film, but this one is truly worth having. It is also brought to us by Disney, as they bought the rights to Miyazaki-san's work a few years ago, but what a difference!! I've heard that he is working on his version of "The Borrowers" next. I read that series when I was about 9 or 10. Can't wait for the next one. Enjoy your Sunday.

Book Signing

2010-02-25T09:16:00.003-05:00

I do apologize for the photos, which I took from amazon.com, but my camera wanted to be snarky this morning and not download a photo I took. Anyway, last week I went to a booksigning at the local Community College. Our local news-anchor on channel 12 in Winston-Salem has written another novel. I was surprised that a few of my friends also attended, none of us knew the others were attending! Mr. Kent gave a good talk on the basics of becoming a writer and was very interesting. I read his first book, "When the Ravens Die" several years ago, when it came out. Yesterday morning, about 4am, I finished reading his latest book "Road to Devotion". It is set in Civil War days, in our local area. I think he did a very good job, and I enjoyed his new book a lot. I have now started a book called "Death by Cashmere" by Sally Goldenbaum, of the Seaside Knitting Mysteries. It is too soon to tell if I'll like this one, but I am hoping! I have been a reader all of my life. I cannot imagine even a day without a book in my hand. I've never had the opportunity or finances to travel, so I buy books. My lovely books have taken me to all the places I can only dream about. I have learned new hobbies with my books, too. I thank God for my parents, who were readers, and that my children are both avid readers (and teachers!). I feel like I have passed something worthwhile down to them!

Yes, I do...

2010-02-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

The question is asked, if you are better off now than you were a year ago? I can answer, NO, I am not. Not many people I know can say yes to that, either. God Bless America again.

Snow Days, part three

2010-02-05T10:05:00.001-05:00

Somehow, when I wasn't looking, I think North Carolina has become Michigan. (Well, maybe not.) Humph!

Hayao Miyazaki

2010-02-01T11:33:00.002-05:00

I am a big fan of Mr. Miyazaki-san's work and also Studio Ghibli. Ever watch Totoro, or Spirited Away? All of Studio Ghibli's films were bought by Disney awhile back, with the promise that they would only add English, true to the Japanese words. I have them all...many of them in Japanese...thanks to my daughter, who lived in Japan for six years! There is a new film coming out next month and I am so excited!! I have just pre-ordered it and can't wait for it to arrive. By the way, the new header above is Totoro waiting for the bus to come. I "borrowed" the photo from a group on Ravelry.com. It's almost lunchtime...think I'll go fix some Ramen noodles.

Taco Seasoning

2010-01-22T10:33:00.002-05:00

I have been making my own Taco Seasoning for many years now. I first ran across a recipe in Veggie Life magazine many years ago, and adapted my own from it.

Taco Seasoning
In a clean, glass pint jar, place

6 T paprika
2 T (each) cumin, oregano, garlic powder and
onion powder
1 T cayenne red pepper (or chili powder)
1 tsp sea salt

Place lid on jar and shake well to blend. Shake again before
each use!
I usually use about 1 or 2 tsp for a pound of hamburger. You can
experiment on your own.

Enjoy!!

We the People by Ray Stevens

2010-01-16T20:04:00.003-05:00

Fingerless Gloves

2010-01-11T09:10:00.002-05:00

I have been working this weekend on a pair of fingerless gloves. The 2nd one is about half finished. This is the first pair I've made, and am not sure how I'll like them. The yarn is a wool (Garn) that I've had around here for ages, and the pattern is by Plymouth (actually I bought the pattern for the socks, also included). This cold weather has affected most of the USA, and I don't hear anyone saying anything good about it. Well, maybe the power companies, and the greedy petroleum people. Also, an anniversary....one year ago this month I stopped biting my fingernails. Being a life-long nail biter (nerves, I guess), one day I just decided not to, and haven't. I'm still amazed, and look at my hands and say "wow! fingernails". Not a big thing to most, but it is for me. Hoping and praying that this cold goes away soon. I'm tired of still seeing the snow piled up around here!!!

Vintage Afghan

2010-01-07T08:53:00.002-05:00

Vintage Afghan with Earl Grey's help

The past several days I have been working on an afghan pattern I found in a Ravelry group. The official name is Vintage Vertical Stripe Crocheted Blanket Pattern, and it can be found at http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2006/11/vintage_vertica.html
It is slow-going, and takes about a baseball sized scrap of yarn. I'm using the Clover Soft-touch size I hook, and am getting used to it now. Somehow, this afghan looks better in person than in the photo. I'll be glad when it gets a little bigger, so I can cover up with it while I work on it. It's been bitter cold here, and shows no sign of warming up. More snow predicted tonight. Ugh!! I'm enjoying this project.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T09:56:00.002-05:00

I am working on a little afghan for Earl Grey. I make one for all our kitties. This time I am using just scrap yarn, and changing colors as I run out. I'm using a new crochet hook. It is a Clover, size I. It is easy on the hands, but splits the yarn. Very disappointing. I prefer my Susan Bates hooks. Earl Grey continues to eat well and grow, and he has become a real "wild cat". This morning he got me up at 6AM, by running across me repeatedly like a race track!! He loves yarn, and likes to "help" while I knit or crochet! Sheesh! I do appreciate Shizuku more and more these days. She and I understand each other, as we are both getting old. There is still snow on the ground, it is bitter cold here, and the wind is about to blow us away. Like I said, "Happy New Year".

We got snow!!

2009-12-19T10:59:00.002-05:00

It is the first time in several years that we actually got measurable snow! The photos are of my front yard & cars. The TV said that Dobson got 9.5 inches and Mount Airy got 11 inches. It has been a few years since we've had this much, and these days we get excited about a "dusting". Everything shuts down in NC when it snows. I feel sorry for those people who need to finish their Christmas shopping this weekend. Although we all get excited about snow, I'm glad I don't have to get out in it!! Peace to all....

The Latest on Earl Grey

2009-12-16T08:41:00.003-05:00

As you can see, Earl has lost the "tilt" to his head that was caused by the ear infection! Praise God! He is doing well...very active and enjoying his toys, eating a lot, growing like a weed, and his hair is getting longer! He loves to snuggle up with his Auntie Shizuku when she is asleep and not paying any attention. She is very tolerant of him, although she does let him know who is the boss! I decided not to put up a real Christmas tree this year, but am using the large ceramic one again. Maybe next year he will be calm enough to not destroy the tree. I'm not a big one for decorating for Christmas anyway, so it's okay. Have not gotten much done on my projects lately, so nothing "crafty" to show. A good friend gave me two beautiful VHS tapes of Tasha Tudor, done awhile back. I have enjoyed them so much, and even joined a Ravelry group called "Take Joy". I ordered two books from amazon.com also; A Corgiville Christmas and another book about her life. I do wish life were simpler these days, but things continue to get worse. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Photos of Earl Grey

2009-12-10T15:16:00.005-05:00

Once he got used to the flash, I think he actually liked having his picture taken. I am still a bad photographer (and a bad housekeeper!) He started "playing" a little while ago. I am encouraged that he will feel better soon!

The New Kitty

2009-12-10T12:23:00.002-05:00

For a couple of months now, well ever since he first appeared with his Mom, we have been very partial to a certain grey and white kitten. We even named him Earl Grey, even though we really had no intention of bringing in a new kitty since we lost Dorrie last August. But I noticed yesterday that he was leaning to the left, and this morning he seemed worse. So I just had to gather him up and take him to the Vet. Yep, an ear infection, and a blood test for the dreaded leukemia (negative!), and treatment for various other pesky yard cat problems. I have never seen a yard cat become a snuggle-puss as fast as Earl. He was rubbing faces and purring his little heart out as soon as I first picked him up!! When we got back home, he did some exploring, ate a little tuna and disappeared for a nap. Poor baby is worn out from the excitement. I will take a photo when he reappears later. Well, actually, he looks like the stuffed kitty in my recent post with the scarves (also called Earl Grey). We are praying that he makes a speedy recovery, and that he wants to remain a house cat.

Doll, book and afghan

2009-11-30T07:44:00.002-05:00

What do a doll, a book and an afghan have in common? Nothing...except I chose to put them all in the same photo. I have not been sleeping well lately, so have had some extra reading time. I finished "The Memory Quilt" by TD Jakes on Sunday morning, early. I love this book and highly recommend it. A good Christmas lesson for us all. The doll is a Goodwill find. She cost $1.00, and was in with the stuffed animals for sale. I used to make a lot of Raggedy Ann & Andy's in the 1970, so decided that I'd bring this one home. Although not an Ann doll, she has personality, and you can tell by the workmanship that she was made by a person somewhat unfamiliar with a sewing machine, but wanted to put love and caring into this doll. The dress is made from 1980's quilting fabric! The rug yarn hair is sewn into the head instead of onto it!! She is not "signed". Very unusual embroidered eyes. The mile-a-minute afghan is one I finished yesterday. The center color is "woodsy" by Red Heart and the other two colors used are Red Heart Aran and some unknown dark brown from my stash. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. I did not cook here this year, but we were invited to my daughter's house, who lives on the side of a mountain, an hour away. It was a lovely day, and we had a pleasant time. I can't say that I didn't have to cook, as my daughter got busy with other things and I finished the meal for her. I am glad that things will be back to normal this week, even if only for a short while until Christmas break.

I'm not political.....really...

2009-11-23T11:01:00.002-05:00

www.ourworldasweseeit.blogspot.com says what a lot of us are really thinking. I think this cartoon is funny. I almost fell off the chair laughing.

Scarves for Christmas

2009-11-20T09:12:00.003-05:00

I have been working on some loomed scarves for Christmas gifts. There is always a need for a last minute gift, and making these scarves is a bit of a tradition with me. I use my DecorAccentsinc.com 6 inch scarf loom. I've had it for several years now & have made many scarves on it (both acrylic and hand spun!). I had to use my stuffed kitten "Earl Gray" in the photo, as Shizuku didn't want to be bothered to pose for the photo. She's still not feeling too well this morning. The small quilt in the background is a pepto-bismol pink log cabin star that I recently discovered in my closet. Soon as I finish a project these days, I promptly forget about it. I'm getting old and forgetful. By the way, the Fall Shawl on the Wall in the Hall is still there, unfinished. Good grief, if I don't hurry up & finish it...it won't be Fall anymore. Too many projects, too little time!

First Basket

2009-11-18T11:01:00.002-05:00

A friend has kindly reminded me that I have not updated my blog in a long time and wondered if I was okay. I am still coughing a lot and Shizuku is still "snarking", but my grown children seem to have recovered from the "bug" nicely. Thanks be to God. Last weekend, a friend of my daughters was kind enough to help me to make the above basket. It is from a kit by Commonwealth Mfg Co and I think is called "Gran's Cotton Basket". It isn't cotton though. It's reed. I had fun making this basket, my first attempt. My thanks to my daughter's friend for her help and advice! The basket is round, and is approx. 9 inches wide by 8 inches tall. I will keep yarn balls in it, or maybe a sock in progress. I have one more basket kit to make. It was a find at the Goodwill Store, and is by the same company and is called "Krista's Oval Basket". It is much more complicated. I also have finished a stripey pair of socks, in Fall colors, but gave them away before I took a photo. (oops) Have a blessed day!

An update/part two

2009-10-27T09:19:00.004-04:00

Guess I should say something, even though I don't feel much like it. Kathleen is going back to work today, Donald is doing OK and went back to work last Friday. I am "up and down". Still don't feel like doing much and coughing a lot, but I'm still here! Hanging in there....

*************

Thursday Morning.... The family cat, Shizuku, is sick. I think she has what we have had. She has watery eyes, nose and sneezing. I didn't think cats could catch what humans have, but it seems she has. Poor girl, she was so busy taking good care of me and now she is sick, too. I've got an appointment with the Vet for her at 10:15 (she isn't going to like that!) I haven't gone to the Dr. myself, but quickly made an appointment for the Chan. Mothers are like that...yeah, they are.

Flu, or not?

2009-10-21T11:23:00.005-04:00

Our whole family is sick!! Kathleen has pneumonia. I have bronchitis and Donald is coughing, sneezing, etc. This has been going on since last Friday. Last night, during the night, I had trouble breathing. Shizuku, the family cat, went to Donald's door and said "hello, hello" until he got up to check on me. By that time, I was back in bed & doing better. Dear, sweet cat! And thanks to Donald for listening! Please keep us in your prayers, especially Kathleen, as we spent last Sunday in the ER (all day) with her. I don't know what this is, but it is nasty. Thank goodness you can't catch it from looking at blogs. I am not on the computer much these days. Keep well!

New Header Photo

2009-10-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

I decided to add a photo to the header, above. I found this photo on the internet, I'm sorry I can't give credit to the photographer, but I can't remember where I got it. It is of Galway Bay in Ireland. My Dad used to sing the song "Galway Bay" when I was little. He was an Irish tenor and had a wonderful voice. It always made me want to see the place myself, but I never have. My daughter has, though. The song was also sung in a pub scene in the movie "The Quiet Man", staring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. What a great movie. I could picture myself living in Ireland, surrounded by sheep. Oh well.

Photos from the Festival

2009-10-05T08:26:00.003-04:00

Sheep on the farm

A lady spinning angora, right off the bunny!!

Blacksmith at work, making a spoon with a horsehead handle. He has quite an out-going personality

General view of the vendors.

The sun was shining, and it was in the mid-70's for the Fall Fest at Rising Meadow Farm. We ate lamb burgers for lunch with a Tunisian salad. I behaved myself and only bought two types of wool. The first is some black Navajo-Churro (about 4 oz.) and the other is Gulf Coast Native (about 17 oz.). I can't wait to get started on the black wool!! I have spun it before & enjoy working with it. My daughter drove us to the festival. It was a long drive, and we were both tired when we got back to her house. I got back home after dark, but made it OK, even driving alone. There were a lot more vendors there this time, as the last time we attended it was in 2004. I'm thankful that I saw the morning reporter on Channel 8, do an "ad" for the Festival. I have to say that it was a good day. The sun was out yesterday, and it is raining today. I'm so glad that we got to go and that we had a good time. I even got to see a few people that I know & haven't seen in a long time!