Keeping Busy

     It's so nice this time of year when we can putter inside and out as well.  Haven't had any heat on for about three weeks now, and it's far too early for air conditioning.  So we're enjoying the best of both worlds right now.

     We did go for a five day trip up to New England and saw some of our family.  Wasn't able to see all as I was sick the last two days there.  Next trip we'll see the ones we missed.  Especially my cousin Angie and her husband Roland.  We always go out for a dinner with them and we missed that this time.

     While in NH, we surprised my beautiful daughter-in-law Lisa.  She was in "The Miracle Worker" and we arranged through our son to surprise her.  We walked into a pub where she was waiting for a good friend to have lunch with.  She was surprised indeed and we both had a good cry as we wrapped our arms around each other.

     Lisa and I went on a hike the following day.

 We all, "Dave, Bill and I" had friend clams at least once a day, and at least some type of New England sea food every day as well  Yes, Dave, our good friend went on the trip with us.

Lobsters.  Fried clams.  Steamed clams.  Lobster rolls.  Haddock.  All the good stuff.

     Will save more pictures of our trip for next post, and want to show you the summer shawl that I'm working on.  I just love the yarn and the way the color changes so gradually.  The shawl itself is very light and airy and so easy to work up.

This is neat to work on when my mind is just too tired to count stitches. LOL
     Speaking of which,,,I am still enjoying the piece that I've been doing up for a  while now.  I didn't take it on vacation with me, as I wanted to spend time with our loved ones rather than stitch.  So far
.......

     I'll let ya'll rest for now.  Love to all my sweet friends and followers.  Until next time, stay safe and well and don't forget to "feel the colors".  Oh dear, it looks like Tiny Girl is about to get herself into some trouble!

Quick Gifts 4

     I've had a number of requests for the pattern of the shawl that I mentioned and pictured on my last post.  So, since I've started it, and have found how easy the pattern is, I've decided to post the pattern here.  It's a free pattern so no laws are being broken.
     Before I do post it, I want ya'll to know that I ordered the yarn from where the article mentioned and it's a perfect match to what the picture shows.

Stockinette Stitch Shawlette

12 April, 2015Patterns

Hello knitters!

It has been a while since I last posted a pattern here due to my mishap back in January. But I am happy to say that I am recovering nicely. Currently, I am no longer in a boot and started driving again this past week. I’ve been going to physical therapy for two weeks now and have about another month to go.

It’s been an interesting journey and I underestimated how difficult the recovery phase would be. With that said, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Being able to drive again is huge step forward even though the pain still persists. I imagine the ankle stiffness and pain will be with me for months to come but having my mobility back is pretty awesome.

About a month ago, I started on a shawlette using the Schachenmayr yarn I bought over a year ago. I finished the project last night and blocked it. Here is the finished project:

If you’ve never knitted a triangle shawl before, this will be the easiest one you’ll ever knit! Aside from the eyelets around the bottom edge, the rest of the shawl is knitted in stockinette. For extra flair, I added tassels to the ends. I’d like to point out that the edges do curl. This was done on purpose because I like the way it looks. If you don’t like the curl, I suggest you add a border around the edges. This pattern is worked from the bottom up.

The material is cotton and knitted with needles a few sizes larger than the recommended because this shawl is designed to be worn in warmer climates.

Measures approx. 63″ x 16″ (160cm x 41cm) after blocking.

Here is the pattern:

Materials

1 skein of Schachenmayr Tahiti yarn in Sunset

• 306 yds / 280 m per skein
• 1.75 oz/50 g per skein
• 99% Cotton/1% Polyester

US 7 (4.5mm) 24″ cable needles

Pattern

CO 5 sts.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (9 sts)
Row 2: purl.
Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, knit to the last 2 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1.
Row 4: purl.

Repeat Rows 3-4 until the desired length. For the example above, knit Rows 3-4 until you have 245 stitches. Bind off loosely and weave in loose ends. Blocking is highly recommended.

Tassels (Optional)

I found this website which shows how to make tassels. It has a step-by-step written tutorial as well as a picture tutorial.

Attach your two tassels to both ends of the shawl. There you have it – your very own Stockinette Stitch Shawlette!

Have fun with the pattern and all.  It's so easy and I can work on it when I'm too tired to count my cross stitched squares.  Light enough also to take with you.

Home Again

     Yes! We're home again after taking a week off and traveling to NH by train.  Loved the ride.  Loved the people we met and loved the trip.  First we surprised my daughter-in-law, Lisa.  She was in "The Miracle Worker" and had asked if we could make it up to see the show.  So between my son Allen and us, we did indeed surprise her by showing up at a lunch get together with a wonderful friend of hers. She cried as did I.

     We had a whole day before the play's opening night, so the following morning, Lisa and I went hiking for the morning, while the guys,  Bill and our best friend Dave, went to their old hometowns and saw some of the sights.  Bill also met up with his son Richard, and they had a great visit.

     A couple of pictures of the hiking day.  A perfect day for the hike.

     Got to Vermont to see Cindy and Amy.  Great gals, and it was a blessing to be in their home and to see them, their property and have dinner with them.  The whole trip was a blessing.

     I didn't bring my stitching while we were away.  I wanted to spend as much time as I could with all those we love.  I did bring a book and never opened it! We did eat fried clams every day, at least once.  Will show more pictures next post.
   
     This afternoon, after lunch is my afternoon completely and will be stitching until dinner! Loving my piece.

   
     I also sent away for just one skein of yarn to make this pretty shawl below.  If I'm too tired in the evenings to count, I can at least knit.  This will be a light weight summer shawl.  Love the yarn.

     I will let ya'll go now.  I love you my dear friends and followers.  Until next time, be well and safe and remember to, "feel the colors".

So Who Won the Spring Box......

     Natasha Betley did! Congratulations Natasha.  I hope you enjoy the box and all it holds.   This has been fun and I'll have another giveaway from time to time.  Aren't surprises fun! I sent you an email Natasha.  I need your address.

     Even though we get a cold a drizzly day here and there, we've really enjoyed the warmer weather here.  Our friend David picked us up a few days ago and had a great day planned.  Off we went to see the official DC Marine Corp band as well as the silent marching brigade and the official color guard that is in DC as well.

I got a great picture of the color guard also, but you wouldn't believe how blurry it is.  The day was fantastic for the ceremony and we enjoyed every minute of it.

     Then we were off to Topsail Beach where Dave treated us to lunch.  Sat outside right on the water.  Couldn't have been a better day.

Fish tacos for me! I love em'!

Bill and I and last but not least a picture of Dave and Bill.

     Stitchy Stuff! Still working on Kindred Spirit and loving it.  Try to work on it for at least an hour a day.  Up to 57 hours now and I'm approaching half way.  Love the deep rich colors I'm working with for sure.  I found the stack of the few Country Cross Stitch magazines I've saved and it will be fun looking through those.

     Will let ya'll go for now.  It looks like it's going to be another beautiful day here.  Sun is bright and I want to remember to put last years bits and pieces of floss out today for the birds.  Until next time, be safe and well and don't forget to "feel the colors".  Yummy!

     

Bright Colors Indeed

     I used to get the magazine "Cross Country Stitching" and did for about five years.  I would see so many charts that I wanted to stitch, but then I just lost my mojo and also decided that I would never live long enough to complete all of them.  I stopped getting the magazine and saved very few of them.  That was many years back, and now that I'm stitching a chart from one of the old magazines, it brings back so many memories of why I loved the charts.  Where I lived at the time and what was going on in my life.  My friends and trips we made.  What charts I did indeed complete and where they are now, "hanging in my home".  All of them have deep rich colors and I always enjoyed working them.  The one I'm doing now is no different.  Look at the beautiful colors.  I'm back stitching as I go along and I'm loving it.

     Keep in mind that I'm entering the names of all who qualify for my spring box giveaway, and that the 17th. of March is the cut off date.  Name will be drawn on the 20th. "my birthday" and also the first day of spring! Keep in mind that if you have a blog, you have to add a note on your blog about my giveaway here.  If I don't see one, I can't enter you.

     This little girl was just spayed and she has done so well.  Seems she isn't sore at all and she hasn't bothered the surgery area in any way.  She didn't eat or pee for a couple of days, but she's right back to her old self again.  We just love her, and why I waited so long after KittyCat went over the rainbow bridge before getting another is beyond me.  I can't imagine not having TinyGirl here now.

     We went over to Oriental on the ferry a few days ago.  Hadn't gone over in such a long time, and we had our best friend, Dave go with us.  We went out to lunch while we were there and we also stopped at the town's history building.  Though small it was very interesting and look at one of the items that was there! What amazed me is the very few compartments it had! I know years back there

were fewer colors and that they're always coming out with new.  We're so fortunate to have the ones we do now to pick from.

     I also have always loved old abandoned homes.  I love to picture them when there were families in them.  Lots of little ones running around and clothes lines in the back yards.  If walls could talk there would be so many stories to tell.  Here's a picture of an old house we saw on our way to Orienal the other day.  I couldn't resist and had had Bill stop.  The front door was gone so Dave and I went in and discovered old books and papers.  Pieces of old furniture that probably broke down and settled within the house as the house itself did.  No, we didn't disturb a thing.  Took nothing but a couple of pictures. This is actually the back of the house, and the small addition is the kitchen.  The kitchen was

very small indeed.  Why I didn't get a picture of the front of the house is beyond me, and will have to do so next time we're out that way.  The front had a huge porch that was all screened in at one point.  Many a glasses of sweet tea was served out on that porch I'm sure.

     I must let ya'll go, but first I want to welcome my new followers.  I hope you enjoy my blog.  It's something that I see as an extension of my love of stitching as well as my love for people.  Ya'll take care and be well, and until next time, don't forget to "feel the colors".

Spring is Approaching and My Giveaway

     Yes it is.  In this area we hear the peepers on milder nights.  The Forsythia is now in bloom as well as some of the Daffodils.  The Costmary, Tansy and Cilantro are up.  All other herbs this winter never died back much and I'm looking forward to making my flavored teas again soon.  I've been taking advantage of the nicer nights in the last couple of weeks by sleeping out on the porch again, and breathing in all that fresh air.

     Still working on Kindred Spirits and I'm loving working with the bright colors again.  Haven't done a chart from Cross Country Stitching in years so this is like a real treat.  I just love the back stitching.  I know many don't like it, but I do most of it as I go along, so once done, I don't have to spend hours more on the piece doing the back stitching.  Here's an example of the difference it makes.  I love it! First without the back stitching.......

Now with....

   
     
     Now speaking of this piece, reminds me of my Spring Box giveaway.  I've already started filling the box with some nice little things.  I love surprise things like this!!!, and can't wait to pick a winner.  All names will go in a container and I'll have my sister pick one.  Remember the rules now as stated below...
     1.  You have to be one of my followers.
     2.  You must mention on your own blogs that I'm having the contest. "Will be checking on this."
     3.  I need your name and your blog name.
     4.  Out of the USA will receive a gift certificate from 123 Stitch, and if the first name picked is      from outside the USA, a second name will be chosen for the Spring Box.  I'm just trying to be fair to all.
     New rule, is the cut off date for entering is March the 17th., and name will be drawn on the 20th.

     I realize that not all have blogs, and in the future I'll have another contest for people who don't.  In the meantime though, please let me know how I can get to know you, whether it be through Face book or another site.  Your email even.  I just love making friends and find that contests help me to meet lots of new people.

     The latest picture of my husband, Billy and me.  I can't believe he wore that plaid woolen shirt with a nice shirt and tie.  LOL.  God bless him.

    Latest of Tiny Girl who is getting big, but has a sweet personality and we love her so much.

Upside down on top of an antique hutch that I'm working on.

I broke down and ordered "Grow a Garden" by Mill Hill.  I didn't realize that it was done on paper, but it's 14 count., and I'll do it on 14 count Aida.  Look at those bright colors!

     Now I must let ya'll go.  I'm headed to my stitching chair and plan on at least an hour or so of working on "Kindred Spirits", and then headed to bed early this evening.  It was a busy day.

     So until next time, be well and safe.  I love ya'll, and remember to "Feel the colors."

Same Spring Box Giveaway, but Without Any Guessing!

     I have been thinking that having to name a piece of needlework as I stitch it, in order to win a gift box just wasn't fare.  Some may not be familiar with Cross Country Stitching or Jeremiah Junction charts at all.  So I've changed the rules.  No more guessing.  Below is a picture of what I'm stitching, and it's called Kindred Spirits.  I've always loved these charts.  Lots of bright colors and lots of

back stitching which I don't mind at all.  I usually back stitch as I go along so I'm not so excited and rushing to do it in the end.  So no guessing to win the Spring Box.

     What you have to do to enter the drawing, is enter your name and email address.  Then I would like your blog name as well.

     You must be a member or a follower of my blog here and post on your own blog about the giveaway.  I'll be checking to make sure all are following the rules.  The more the merrier.  I  find that this is such a great way to meed new stitchers and others that have some wonderful blogs that I don't know about.

     The box is a shoe box size and one that can be used for storage later.  There will be stitchy items in there I'm sure, but keep in mind that spring is right around the corner, so there will be springy items as well and a few fun things.  I'm excited about doing this, so let's go.  You can start with this post under the comments leaving your information.

     Until later in the week, be safe and well and keep in mind that I love each and every one of you.

Just a Peek and a Contest

     Yes.  Just a peek at what I'm stitching up at this time.  It's a gift for a friend and I don't want her to see a lot of it.  Another reason why I don't want to show anymore of it is because I thought it would be fun to see if anyone can guess what piece it is I'm stitching.  One hint is that it's a Jeremiah Junction chart.  Who ever guesses the correct piece first will receive a spring box from me.  Spring is on it's way and the box will be filled with springy things and stitchy things as well.  Fun things too maybe.
   
     Rules to Contest:
        You must be a follower of my blog.
        You must post this contest on your own blog for others to join in the fun.
        Please leave your email address and your blogsite address when you sign up to join in the fun.

The contest will last until someone wins, or I finish the piece, and in the meantime I'll be filling the Spring box.

     Now here's the only picture that you'll be seeing of the piece until either someone wins or I finish the piece itself.  I must say that as I used to enjoy Jeremiah Junction, I am also enjoying this one.

I really enjoy all the back stitching in them.  Just makes all the colors pop.

     This week has been cold and rainy some, but it's a beautiful day today with a wonderful blue clear sky.  The sun feels good as always this time of year.

     I may have mentioned that my sister, Georgia and I are planning an adventure, and we're preparing for it now.  We have joined Planet Fitness, and go three times a week.  We're looking for muscle growth above anything else as we're going to start some hiking in the future.  By the end of this year, I think we'll be ready to hike some trails in the mountains of NC.  She is now 67 and I'll be 70 in March, so we're no spring chickens as the old saying goes.  We're young at heart though and we would love to head for the Appalachian Trail in two to three years.  In the meantime, we'll just continue to prepare our bodies and minds for it and collecting things we'll need.  Here's a picture of us taken at the beach a couple of months back.  She has our dad's Italian complexion and beautiful

'

dark hair.  She always has a hat on and I usually always wear a scarf.  I need to get her another hat knitted also.
   
     Need to let ya'll go for this time around.  My stitching is calling my name as well as a good book.  Until next time, ya'll be well, be warm take care and don't forget to "Feel the colors". Love ya'll.

     Get busy on my contest now.  I'm going to have fun getting a winner's box together.


   

   

Explanation of My Time Keeping

    About four years ago, I decided to start keeping my time on my cross stitched pieces.  The reason was I felt that if I told someone it took me six months to do a piece, it really wasn't the real time.  It may have taken me six months but I may have only put in a total of 38 hours on the piece itself.  So I decided to do something about that and picked up a notebook just for that reason.  Here's a look at just one page.  This was my time kept for the "Live Simply" sampler I just did.  You can see that I

had actually had it in the stitching process for six months, but, it took me only 24 and a half hours.

     We missed the storm all together.  Oh, we got rain and cold, but no snow.  No sleet and it's supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow.  I love living here!  At that rate, I should be able to nap out on my porch in the afternoon!

     Right now, I'm doing a little stitching on a gift for a dear friend on mine.  An old Jeremiah Junction chart.  Always loved them and I knew that this one in particular I would one day work up.  I'll show you as I progress on it.

     Will let ya'll go for now.  I do hope that all my dear friends and followers are warm and safe by now.  Shoveled and plowed out with heat and hot water.  It was an awful storm in so many areas.

     Until next time, and don't forget to "feel the colors".

Quick Gift 3

     Back to some cross stitching for this one.  I just saw this last night and thought it was so quick and easy, and what a nice idea.  The first picture is of a "happy jar".  I think it will help people to concentrate, or watch for the good and happy things in life.  You do the piece and apply it to the jar.  The picture shows that it's tied with ribbon, but you can always glue it to a plain jar and then add the trim.  When giving it as a gift, put a couple of your own happy thoughts in it to get it started.  Second picture is of the piece done up in a frame.  I'd use 16 ct Aida, and you choose the colors.

Have fun.

Live Simply

     Is what this sampler is all about.  It was fun to work on, using just one color of over dyed thread, and it was completed in 24 hours.  So you know it was an easy stitch.  Some who aren't into cross stitching may wonder why the "W" is missing.  Here is an explanation that may help ya'll to understand the reason,

Most sampler patterns include alphabets. It is very rare to find a complete alphabet in antique samplers. While there might be some errors, inversions or omissions due to the youth of the stitcher, some missing letters are no accident. A certain number of letters were often merged such as "I" and "J" as well as "V" and "W" and other letters, often the less useful such as "X" or "Y" were simply dropped out.

     Anyway! I enjoyed the quick stitch but am ready to get back into my colors again.  Here are two pictures of the piece.  First one is completed without the antiquing sprayed on it.

This second picture is after I sprayed it, and I do like the way it came out.  I wanted it to look a little rustic.

The dark bottom is from a shadow.  Not the spray.

One more picture of just a small portion of it.  I am always so happy in my stitching area on a sunny day.  This picture shows you how bright it is without any light at all on.  

     We are staying in during this cold weather.  A nice fire going inside and I love soups and stews this time of year.  We're so fortunate not to have snow in this area, and since down here, I am a bit spoiled, as I miss the warmer weather we were having.  I have plenty to keep me busy inside though..

     Welcome to my newest follower, Margaret Lind.  A real sweet lady who cross stitches as well.
     
     It's so amazing how time seems to fly by.  Here is a picture of a sampler that I did back in 2007.  I remember working on it when we were visiting my son, Guy when he was stationed out in Yuma, AZ.  It's in our hallway and I walk by it a number of times a day.  Today though I realized that it was done nearly twelve years ago.  My grandson who is 18 was just five at the time.  We were living in Shapleigh, ME at the time and I remember sitting on our back deck stitching on it.  I still love the colors in it and it brings back so many good memories.  The chart came in a "Just Cross Stitch" magazine that I was getting at the time.

     I'll let ya'll go for this time around.  Know that I love ya'll and until next time, be well and safe and "Don''t forget to feel the colors".

Quick Gifts 2

This is for a quick and fun knitted dish cloth with a crocheted border which I love.  The border prevents the cloth from stretching when wet.  Enjoy it.

Knitting Needle Size: 6 or 4 mm

Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Materials List

I skein worsted weight medium , 100% cotton. 200 yards made 2 washcloths.

Size 6 knitting needles, or to fit your gaug

3.75 MM crochet hook

Instructions

Cast on 49 stitches Row 1: Knit all Row 2: Knit 1 *Purl the next 3 stitches together, but don’t drop them off of the needle. Bring your right hand needle from the back to the front, Yarn Over and purl the same 3 stitches together again and drop them from the left needle. Knit One.* See the video at the end of the directions for an illustration of this repeat. Row 3: Knit all Row 4: Knit 1, Purl 1, Knit 1 *Purl the next 3 stitches together, but don’t drop them off of the needle. Bring your right hand needle from the back to the front, Yarn Over and purl the same 3 stitches together again and drop them from the left needle. Knit One.* This row will end with a Purl 1, Knit 1. Row 5: Knit all Repeat rows 2-5 until you reach 9 inches. Bind off, but don’t cut yarn With your crochet hook, work approximately 25 (about half the number of stitches cast on and the rows worked) evenly spaced single crochet stitches into each side of the washcloth, working 2 single crochet stitches into each corner stitch. Single Crochet 2 more rows around the washcloth, working 2 more stitches at the corner of the next row and then 3 stitches in the corner of the last row. Bind off and weave in all your loose ends.

Quick Gifts 1

Knitted Coasters.

You can knit up at least four of these in an hour.  I've given many as a gift and people love them.  They're about four inches around using a size J crochet hook.

Any worsted weight yarn

J hook (5.5 mm)

Large Eye Needle

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first DC), 11 DC in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. (12 DC)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as first DC), DC in same stitch, 2 DC in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of Ch 2. (24 DC)

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts of first DC), DC in same stitch, DC in next stitch, *2 DC in next stitch, DC in next stitch* around. Join with sl st to top of Ch 2. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Easy Peasy! :) Experiment with different yarns! The possibilities are endless!

Here are the four that I just made.

UGH!

     Just a short post today.  I sat late yesterday afternoon and got 49 stitches done and had to put my piece away.  So last night, I got my work back out and ready to continue, when I realized that there was a mistake somewhere.....So, 49 stitches taken out! Don't you hate that!

     Love you all.  "Feel those colors".

Winter Is Here!

     We have really been blessed with unseasonably warm weather for weeks now, so I really can't complain.  When I woke up this morning though and saw that it was under 20 degrees, I was thankful that Bill had a great fire going in the wood stove.  We use the stove to help with the regular heating system and we love the warmth of it.  We've sat in the living room many hours together with the stove going and a good movie on.

     I've been wanting to show you this basket that I did up for my sister  They just bought a house within eight miles of us, after living in Georgia for many years.  So when I saw this chart, I thought it would make a perfect gift for her.  Once the sewing was done though, I couldn't decide what to do with it.  I could just frame it.  Make it into a pillow.  The designer has it pictured on a small basket, but I decided to get a much larger basket with a lid and I used it on that.  My sister was happy with it and has it displayed on her enclosed porch for right now.

     I am so disappointed with the orts I have to show for this whole entire year.  This jar is probably  eight inches tall, and look at the measly little clump of threads.  I will say that I had lost my mojo off and on throughout the year.  Don't know why and when I wasn't stitching I was wanting to.....I just didn't!  So this is it for the whole year.

This year just better be different.  I mean really different.  I have a new ort holder, and if I don't fill it right up, I'm afraid he'll gobble me up.  He's a foot high and I just love this critter for the purpose he'll be serving.  I need to come up with a good name for him/her though.  Any suggestions....  I certainly can't miss that mouth! LOL

     This is what I'm working on now.  Only a few hours into it and the stitch is easy and fun.  Going with swamp water for the color.  I've been doing at least an hour on it each day since Christmas.  I know that I showed you a picture of it before.  It's called "Live Simply" which is another thing I want to accomplish this year.

     I hope to make this the year of finishes.  I used to do only one piece at a time, and how or why I stopped doing that is beyond me, but I have.  I want to finish all pieces that I have started, and once I do that, I'll start on charts that I have.  I won't order any new charts this year! Did I say that! Slap me silly!
     I do want to let ya'll go this time around.  Last year I was totally blessed, and oh! I am now in remission from the ITP.  My platelets are where they should be for the first time in over a year and a half.  Thank you Father.  Thank you Dr. Cho for not giving up on me, and thank you all my friends and followers for your thoughts and prayers.
     So this year I pray that each one of you will experience many blessings as well.  A wonderful 2016 to all of you.  I love you my friends and followers.  Until next time, stay well and warm and "feel the colors".