The Maverick Crafter

Animule Love!

2012-02-12T07:29:00.000-05:00

Animule love is the post of the day today! Friday afternoon and evening we got about 4 inches of snow which the pups loved, especially Sadie, but with that came below zero temps as well,,,not so much love,,,so the babies are all snuggly.
First up, Medusa posing for us:

Then we've got Coconut with his fly-away look, dry static air doesn't work well for his do! LOL

Next up we have Ruby Tuesday after not seeing the Squishy girl for a few days, she misses her sooooooooooooo much!

And last but by far not the least is the Sadie Mae lovin' up Uncle.

Needles, Needles, Needles!

2012-02-11T04:00:00.001-05:00

I have kind of become a knitting needle fanatic since I started knitting 5 years ago. I first started out with straight needles to learn to knit, then got into double pointed needles for socks, and then found the love of my knitting life,,,,,circular needles. I seldom if ever use straight or DPNs for any knitting. Circs let me knit in the round as well as hold flat knitting wonderfully while working on it. I've used 3 types of circular needles now and like all three. If you're going to take up knitting, I highly recommend looking into the following 3 brands:
My all time favorites for their feel, flexibility, and slide are the Options Nickel circs from Knit Picks.

The next two I like because I don't have to wait to get them through the mail, readily available in LYS's, as well as their cables are sturdy and the slide of the needles are pretty good too.
Chiagoo circs

My least favorite are the Addi turbo circs but have a couple of sets that I use. They are noisy to me and the cable color blends too well with most yarns for me.

A new kind of "Granny Square"!

2012-02-10T04:00:00.001-05:00

and it isn't crocheted or made with yarn! How kewl is that! It's fabric, sewn, and quilted. I love this Granny Square tutorial from Blue Elephant Stitches. Thinking it is an amazing way to use up some fabric!

My kind of Card-igan!

2012-02-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

How much fun would this be to give with a gift card! Love it! Pattern at Simply Notable!

Baby Wonky Baby!

2012-02-08T04:00:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love this Wonky Baby quilt from Moda Bake Shop for a little one. I'm not real big on the traditional pink/blue/green/yellow and teddy bears for little ones. I like things that are colorful and/or durable for the babes. Every quilt I've ever made for a baby comes with a preface "this is for them to snuggle in as tiny ones, drag through the dirt once mobile, and to wrap in love when they need a hug!"

Lucky Charm Clue 4!

2012-02-07T04:00:00.004-05:00

The Knitters Brewing Company Lucky Charm KAL is moving right along. We're into Clue 4 now which is the heel and heel turn. I am totally loving how these socks are working up! Here is mine so far, I'm doing them in KBC IndiGoGo! The heels have 4 leaf clovers going up the back of them!
Top of right foot after turning the heel.

The heel flat and then on!

Crochet Love!

2012-02-06T03:24:00.000-05:00

I've collected a lot of knitted cowl patterns this season so far and now a beautiful crochet cowl to add to the mix! This tutorial from Purlbee, isn't it just scrumptious!

The Learning Center with Pat Sloan

2012-02-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Look what opened Thursday! Visit the Quilting Gallery to see what is up at the Learning Center, hosted by ~ drum roll, Pat Sloan! WOOT WOOT!

Change

2012-02-04T04:00:00.004-05:00

I guess I didn't really realize the impact of that word when I chose it until the first "change" for 2012 is upon me. I got a phone call last weekend from my little brother. He decided he is moving home from Mississippi and asked if he could stay with me until he got settled in Michigan!
I've just gotten to the point where I'm very comfortable with living alone to find myself having a roommate! mmmm, this could be quite interesting.
As I type this, he's about 2 hours away from his new beginning back where his original beginning began! Life is a bit fickle that way isn't it!

Quilted Washcloths!

2012-02-03T04:00:00.001-05:00

OK, so how awesome would a pile of these quilted washcloths be for a baby shower! Backed with minky or terry cloth, you could make a pile of them in no time and have one of the kewlest shower gifts ever! Check out the tutorial at Moda Bake Shop.

Swoon - another Cosy!

2012-02-02T04:00:00.005-05:00

Everyone knows how much I love COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE! One of the deciding factors behind taking my new job was the fact that there are two awesome coffee shops within walking distance! How awesome is that!
I absolutely love this Button Up Cup Cosy from Whipup! Isn't is just so easy and kewlio AND there's a tutorial so we can makes tons of our own cosies! WOOT WOOT!

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty!

2012-02-01T03:11:00.000-05:00

According to Freddie Fire I am 25% through reading this amazing story! I'm thinking it should read 5% as I so don't want the story to end.
It is a cleverly written, adventurous mystery that pulls you into the story line immediately. Every single layer of the story makes you want to know more, not only about the mystery but about the depth of each character as well!
A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson is definitely my pick of 2012.
If you have not read it yet, and I'm not even done with it, get out there and get your copy. YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Monthly Make 2012!

2012-01-31T04:02:00.002-05:00

The Felt Fairy is hosting this years rounds of A Make A Month! Hop on over to see what it is all about, see what everyone is doing for their monthly makes and sign up too!

Birchbark - I say GORGEOUS Slippers!

2012-01-30T04:00:00.001-05:00

I think these have to be the prettiest crochet slippers I have ever seen and the construction looks to be quite simple in nature. Birchbark Slippers pattern and tutorial from Mr. Micawbers Recipe for Happiness (how kewl is that blog name!)

It was a cold and windy....

2012-01-29T05:04:00.001-05:00

day! All day, sun up to sun down. Sooooo, I opted to spend my quiet Saturday knitting and oh did I ever! I got caught up on my traveling socks that came in and am quite happy with their progress.
This first one is Diana's traveler, the green band is my addition to the socks. I used the Teepees pattern and KBC Grasshopper.

The next one is Jenn's traveler. I added the pink/red/pink band. I used a basic basketweave pattern and KnitPicks Palette in Petal and KBC Sweet Ruby.

What will I do on this fabulous Sunday that is still cold and windy, well Fat Sunday of course and more knitting! Fat Sunday agenda is Roast Pork Tenderloins with Roasted Carrot, Parsnip, Potato and Warm Apple and Savoy Cabbage Slaw.

And going to try my hand at a loaf of beer bread, recipe courtesy of KBC Wendy, to go with it:

Easy Beer Bread
Combine:
3c sifted all purpose or bread flour
1T Baking Powder
4T Sugar
1 tsp salt
1 -12oz can or bottle of beer (room temperature)
Stir it all together and transfer to a greased loaf pan. Bake at 375 F for 45-ish minutes. That’s all there is to it!

Pinterest!

2012-01-28T04:00:00.002-05:00

Oh no, I found Pinterest,,,,,everyone told me to go sign up and join the fun,,,,,,,,held off as long as I could and then wham! I got it. First thing I find, this adorable raglan style Peggy Sue sweater! Oh I could be in so much trouble with Pinterest! LOL

Sockupied!

2012-01-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

I finally did it. Downloaded my first Sockupied e-mag and I LOVE IT! So can't wait to try out the sock patterns and very kewlio techniques in the mag.

"Change" - 2012 Word of the Year

2012-01-26T04:00:00.002-05:00

It has taken me almost a month now to decide what my word of 2012 will be and I finally decided on "Change!" and I absolutely love this image because it is pretty much what I tell myself on a daily basis.

Technically my life started changing, for the better, last July when I decided that in order to survive I had to leave the job I was doing and find something more meaningful to me. Well with that, all aspects of my life started changing.
I have opted to start smelling the flowers more, seeing everything and everyone for what they are, and enjoying all aspects of my life.
Right now, the biggest change (and most fun) is the learning curve I'm on going from working with IT systems in a manufacturing environment to those in a financial environment. I guess if I'm going to take a leap it might as well be a drastic one hey! LOL It also helps that I went from 70 hours a week and solely responsible to 40 hours a week working with a team. Makes the outlook on the work life a whole lot more fun.
The other two big changes so far is my daughter moving out on her own, which is good for both of us, and adopting a new 4 legged creature into the household. So far both are settling quite nicely.
I'm excited to see what changes the rest of 2012 bring for me! So now, I'm off to make yet more changes to this crazy but fun life of mine!

Yet more knitting going on!

2012-01-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

I finished clue 2 of the KBC Lucky Charms KAL on both socks and am so, so loving this pattern. Works up super fast!

I've turned into a "hand sock" a.k.a. fingerless mitt designing junkie. Here's another set I'm working on with a Wave Rib pattern on the back of the hand. Love these buggers!

Pixie, Pixie, Pixie,,,,,,,!

2012-01-24T04:29:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love everything Pixie, just makes me smile. I've got a few new baby's coming this year so I'm thinking they are going to have to have a couple of these hats! Isn't it just adorable! Stella Pixie Hat from Etsy blog.

Deep V-Neck Sweater!

2012-01-23T05:08:00.000-05:00

I am so in love with this sweater that I just may make it the first I try where I have to actually "construct" the sweater parts! From The Purl Bee, Deep V-Neck Sweater pattern.

Lucky Charm Clue 2!

2012-01-22T04:00:00.005-05:00

Got the right sock done for the Lucky Charms knit-a-long with Knitters Brewing Company! So love how this pattern is working up.
Some puppy love! Yup, Coco love,,,,how can I not love that face and those eyes when he looks up at me like that! LOL

mmmmmmmm, more leftover possibilities!

2012-01-21T04:00:00.001-05:00

I don't crochet a lot but there are some patterns that just jump out at me, especially when I'm on a mission to use up my left over sock yarn (and it still seems to be growing in astronomical proportions!) I really like the looks of these wrist warmers,,,,or maybe it's all the colors that are getting me. Either way, yup, they can use up some leftover stuff for sure! Pattern at PurlBee!

My Babies!

2012-01-21T03:06:00.000-05:00

WOW, did the bottom finally fall out of the temps and boy do the animals know it. As I type this the weather channel is reporting 8 degrees with it bottoming out at 3 degrees for the low!
Ruby is currently in her "smell the air at the door and turn and run" mode. She really, really dislikes the cold. See her here trying to blend into the blankie so I won't make her go outside! LOL

Then it really dawns on you how cold it is when Medusa allows Sadie to snuggle on the chair with her!

Coco on the other hand, he's just happy that he has puppy beds all over the house (not including every piece of furniture) that he can snuggle up in no matter which room I'm in!

And I just couldn't resist snapping this one of Dusie doing her Garfield impersonation to get Krissy to pet her and/or pick her up and snuggle her! She's such a ham bone!

MUST makes!

2012-01-20T04:00:00.014-05:00

Found two patterns that I have to make AND they go together! Fell in love with both of them. Might even have to splurge and get some cashmere yarn to do them in! YUMMY! Art Deco Scarf and Caps from The Tucker site!

A step beyond fabric covered....

2012-01-18T04:51:00.000-05:00

Is this not the kewlest "book bag" you've ever seen! I so have to make one, check out the tutorial at Mollie Makes!

Let the "Lucky Charm" Begin!

2012-01-17T04:00:00.003-05:00

Friday the 13th the first KBC KAL of 2012 began! Lucky Charms is the sock name and so far it's looking pretty darned good! Clue one is complete, the toe of the right sock! WOOT WOOT! I'm using KBC IndiGoGo sock yarn! Love it!

Both toes done! WOOT WOOT!

Stick to your bones....Fat Sunday!

2012-01-16T04:00:00.001-05:00

Until this past Friday, we have had a relatively mild winter. Some people like it, some people (like me) don't. The up and down of temperatures and humidity levels absolutely drive my sinuses and joints bonkers. I want it cold all the time or warm all the time, no bouncy bouncy! Example, last Wednesday I could walk around with just a sweater on in the high 50s, by Friday it was blizzard conditions! Doh! I got my wish and I hope it sticks, I have snow on the ground and the temps are below freezing. Sadie is loving it too, doesn't she just look so blissful here all ready to make snow angels!

Another reason I like winter,,,,,,,stick to your bones food can go in the oven and fill up our tummies!
Fat Sunday started off with a hot out of the oven loaf of Banana, Craisin, Walnut bread! YUMMO! Use your favorite banana nut bread recipe and throw in craisins to add a little zing!

Tried out Rachael Ray's Autumn Beef Stew with Apple, Onion, and Roasted Garlic yesterday! Big, big hit! Will definitely keep this one in the recipe book!

More knitting!

2012-01-15T05:56:00.000-05:00

Of course! I found a few "new to me" techniques that I will be adding to my vast repertoire of knitting techniques. I just like how clean they make the stitches.
For some reason I've been doing a lot of socks with a W&T (wrap and turn) heel turn. Has never been one of my favorite techniques as it never seemed to provide and nice flat and clean seam. I tried out Cat Bordhi's concealing W&T and really like it a lot! Here are a couple of videos for it.

Same with binding off, I like a stretchy bind off, especially for cuffs of socks and mittens but most use a lot of yarn to get the stretch, end up bulky, and look as if I crocheted the bind off. Not this one from Stephen West.

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty!

2012-01-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

So can't wait for Joshilyn's latest book, A Grown Up Kind of Pretty, to hit my Freddie Fire, January 25th is what Amazon tells me! Yeah me! If you haven't read any of Joshilyn's books I say "huh, you've been missing out!"

Fabric Bracelets!

2012-01-13T06:13:00.000-05:00

I am thinking that 2012 is going to be finding ways to use up all the "leftovers" I have accumulated over the years,,,yarn, fabric, paper, etc. Check out this loverly pattern from Pat Sloan on fabric bracelets! I can see a lot of these in my future for sure!

Traveling Socks Update!

2012-01-12T04:30:00.000-05:00

I got my first set of toes in the mail on Tuesday and got so excited to get them going that of course, I did! I used the Catnip pattern in a modified form and a single rib to finish off my section! Super happy with it.

Share your Heart!

2012-01-11T04:00:00.001-05:00

Lookie what started yesterday!!!!! So excited to participate in this online class with Pat Sloan! It's going to be a bunch of fun for sure! You still have time to join in the fun, hop on over to the Patchwork Posse and join in!

Relearning a craft!

2012-01-10T04:00:00.001-05:00

I am relearning an old craft, yup cross stitch! I have a certain enabler friend that I just can't help but follow, she signed on so I said,,,,mmmm, think I'll sign on too! So I did! LOL Doing the 2012 Dessert of the Month club at The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery! First up, The Champagne Truffle! Now to go and find the cross stitch supplies since mine went away many years ago!

Catching Up!

2012-01-09T04:27:00.001-05:00

Oh what a way to start out the year, SUPER busy at work and no time to myself so this weekend I took it! It was my first weekend of solitude in almost a month and I cherished it. Knitted, napped, read, watched movies and series (the entire season of Dexter!). Enjoyed my animules and actually got to spend one on one time with my daughter, that I haven't done since Thanksgiving! YIKES!
I test knitted a new pattern for a friend of mine, love it!

Got a pair of leftover sock yarn mitts done, I used the leg pattern from the test knit socks for the top of the mitts and I love it there too!

And of course had to feed the kiddo on Sunday so I made one of her favorites, Hobo Pockets with chicken, rice, artichoke heart, asparagus, and tomatoes. Love the versatility and ease of this recipe!

To Be Read in 2012!

2012-01-03T04:00:00.006-05:00

The Lace Reader Brunonia Barry

Neil White mysteries

Unleashed (Wolf Spring Chronicles) Debbie Viquie
Love in a Nutshell Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly

The Drake Chronicles Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Red Road Moira Young

The Left Hand of Darkness Ursula K Le Guin

The Most Dangerous Thing Laura Lippman

The Bowers Files Steven James
The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, The Queen

Skin Trade Laurell K Hamilton (Reading Now)
Shine Shine Shine Lydia Netzer (Summer Choice Read)

After Obsession Carrie Jones

Cold Kiss Amy Garvey

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer Michelle Hodkin

Summer Rental Mary Kay Andrews

11/22/63 - Stephen King

Hit List Laurell K Hamilton

Racing in the Rain Garth Stein

The Devil All the Time Donald Ray Pollock

Seaside Knitters Mysterie Series by Sally Goldenbaum
A Holiday Yarn (Book 4)
The Wedding Shawl (Book 5)

Living with the Dead series Jesse Petersen

Witches Anonymous Misty Evans

The Life You've Imagined Kristina Riggle

Things We Didn't Say Kristina Riggle

Split Second Catherine Coulter

2030 Albert Brooks

Spider Web Earlene Fowler

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters Ben H Winters

Skin Trade Laurell K Hamilton

Dark Ones Series Katie MacAlister

Midnight Breed Series Lara Adrian
Kiss of Crimson

Crunch Time Diane Mott Davidson

Flavia De Luce series Alan Bradley
(The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie)

The Tale of Halcyon Crane Wendy Webb

Wicked Lovely Series Melissa Marr

The Things that Keep Us Here Carla Buckley

Viking Series II (Time Traveler series) - Sandra Hill

Sergeant Kella and Sister Conchita series Graeme Kent
Devil-Devil

Pictures of You Caroline Leavitt

13 to Life Shannon Delany

Jane Yellowrock Series by Faith Hunter

Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger

American Rose Karen Abbott

Here, Home, Hope Kaira Rouda

Room Emma Donoghue

Jen Lancaster - light reads

Sh*t My Dad Says Justin Halpern

Absolute Power David Baldacci

Shades of Milk and Honey Mary Robinette Kowal

The Hunger Games Series Suzanne Collins

Full Dark, No Stars Stephen King

Fresh-Baked Mystery series Livia Washburn

The Lost Symbol Dan Brown

In the Woods, The Likeness, Faithful Place Tana French

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio Serena B Williams

An Object of Beauty Steve Martin

Shia Waynest vampire series Jess Haines

The Distant Hour Kate Morton

The Boyfriend of the Month Club Maria Geraci

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries Laura Childs

The Orchard Series Sheila Connolly

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings Helene Booudreau

I'd Know You Anywhere Laura Lippman

Our Tragic Universe Scarlett Thomas

Still Missing Chevy Stevens

The Sweet By and By Todd Johnson

Shifter series Rachel Vincent

Mistwood Leah Cypess
Whisper Phoebe Kitanidis
Jeri Smith Ready
Shade
Shift
The One I Want Allison Winn Scotch
Blockade Billy Stephen King
Frankenstein series Dean Koontz

Isles and Rizzoli series Tess Gerritsen
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls
City of Heavenly Fire

Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
The Fiery Cross - Diana Gabaldon - Book 5
A Breath of Snow and Ashes - Diana Gabaldon - Book 6
An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon - Book 7

Diane Chamberlain
The Lies We Told
Summers Child
Breaking the Silence

Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries by Anne Canadeo
While My Pretty One Knits
Knit, Purl, Die
A Stitch Before Dying

Aurora Teagarden Series by Charlaine Harris
A Bone to Pick - Book 2
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse - Book 3
The Julius House - Book 4
Dead Over Heels - Book 5
A Fool and His Honey - Book 6
Last Scene Alive - Book 7
Poppy Done to Death - Book 8

Read in 2011!

2012-01-02T04:00:00.003-05:00

I know I read a lot but I didn't realize that I had read as much as I did in 2011! I've also got my To Be Read list ready as well for 2012. So here is what I read and enjoyed all of 2011!

Legwork (Casey Jones Mysteries) Katy Munger (READ 09/2011)

In the Woods Tana French (10/2011)

Torment Lauren Kate (READ 09/2011)

Dark Bites Parts 1 and 3 Robert Ropars (READ 09/2011)

The Keeper prequel to Forbidden Books of Mortals series Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (READ 09/2011)

The Abandoned (prequel to The Graveyard Queen series) Amanda Stevens (Read 09/2011)

It Looked Different on the Model Laurie Notaro (READ 09/2011)

Bitten Merrill Gemus (READ 09/2011)

Itsy Bitsy - John Ajvide Lindquist (READ 09/2011)

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles) - Kady Cross (READ 09/2011)

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Book 1 Steampunk Chronicles) - Kady Cross (READ 10/2011)

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown (READ 09/2011)

The Help Kathryn Stockett (READ 08/2011)

Dead and Gone - Sookie book 9 Charlaine Harris (READ 08/2011)

Buttoned Holed (Casey Daniels/Kylie Logan) (READ 10/2011)

Who Stole Me pre-release Jon Bloch (Read 8/2011)

Seaside Knitters Mysterie Series by Sally Goldenbaum
Moon Spinners (Book 3) (READ 8/2011)

WVMP Radio Series by Jeri Smith Ready
Let It Bleed - (READING NOW ON LINE AS NOVELLA)

Living with the Dead series Jesse Petersen

Fallen Lauren Kate (READ 8/2011)

See Jane Run Joy Fielding (Read 7/2011)

Charley's Web Joy Fielding (Read 7/2011)

Sunset Bridge Emilie Richards (Read 6/2011)

Serial Blake Crouch (Read 6/2011)

Full Dark, No Stars Stephen King (Read 5/2011)

Backseat Saints Joshilyn Jackson (READ 05/2011)

The Price of Candy (Sandy Reid mysteries book II) Rod Hoisington (read 05/2011)

One Deadly Sister (Sandy Reid mysteries book I) Rod Hoisington (read 5/2011)

Smokin' Seventeen Janet Evanovich (READ 06/2011)

The Peach Keeper Sarah Addison Allen (READ 6/2011)

Patricia Amble Mysteries - Nicole Young
Love Me If You Must (read 4/2011)

A Truth for A Truth Emilie Richards (read 4/2011)

Midnight Breed Series Lara Adrian
Kiss of Midnight (Read 6/2011)
Kiss of Crimson

White Hot Sandra Brown (read 4/2011)

A Darker Dream Amanda Ashley (read 4/2011)

Bite Me Parker Blue (Read 3/2011)

Grave Illusions Lina Gardiner (Read 3/2011)

The Accidental Exorcist Joshua Graham (Read 3/2011)

The Bite of Silence Mary Hughes (Read 2/2011)

Once Bitten Clare Willis (Read 01/2011)

Silent Screams by C.E. Lawrence (Read 01/2011)

How to Knit a Wild Bikini (Read 2/2011)
Unravel Me (Read 2/2011)
Dirty, Sexy Knitting Christie Ridgway (Read 3/2011)

Needles and Pearls (Jo McKenzie book 2) Gil McNeil (READ 3/2011)

Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter Seth Grahame-Smith (READ 5/2011)
Explosive Eighteen Janet Evanovich (READ 12/2011)

The Basement Stephen Leather (12/2011)

American Vampire Jennifer Armintrout (Read 12/2011)

In the Woods Tana French (11/2011)

Mile 81 - Stephen King (READ 12/2011)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:30:00.002-05:00

I wish each and everyone of you the happiest of happiest New Year 2012!

Pasta Wasted!

2011-12-30T04:18:00.002-05:00

I'll tell you, I'm going to be one sad puppy when my family all goes back to their "normal" lives in Hawaii and other areas of Mid-MI! I have been getting totally spoiled. Last night, after all day of snow, on the way home from work I was thinking ,,,,, mmmm, got to clean sidewalks then maybe relax a little with the pups but instead I get a text that says "Angel and Krissy are here for the night, Jon is in the kitchen working magic, sidewalks are all clear of snow, and the beer is cold!" Yup, I've got a keeper family for sure!
Here is Jon and his stuffed shell creation:

The feasting:

Kris and I and me and my bestie Bryan.

And I just couldn't resist showing a morning ritual. Coco HAS to snuggle in the morning, it's like he is getting his full days worth of snuggles for while I'm away at work! How can you not love that face!

Some of my favorites!

2011-12-29T05:13:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite pics Krissy got while in Hawaii earlier this month. It rained a bit on their way out to Pearl Harbor and this is what was waiting for them upon their arrival! How awesome is that rainbow!

And since she's been off school Krissy has been playing with her digital backgrounds, here are some of my favs for sure!

These Socks Were Made For Traveling!

2011-12-28T05:12:00.001-05:00

Bet you're thinking,,,what in the world is that woman doing posting pics of the toes of socks! Well, maybe I have gone off the deep end! Nah, not really. These are the toes of a pair of "traveling socks" that are ready to take flight out of Mid-Michigan for a knit-a-long, traveling style. Two groups of us at the KBC (Knitters Brewing Company) Ravelry group are doing a "round robin" where each member knits on a pair of socks for each other. It's going to be outstanding and tons of fun to see what unique socks we all end up with. I am doing the "in" thing according to 25 year olds. I will have two different socks to wear as a pair! mmmm, guess I'll be with it hey! LOL

Surprise for me!

2011-12-26T05:46:00.000-05:00

I was soooo happy and soooo surprised when I opened this beauty. AND totally impressed that Bryan and Kristen remembered how much I love black pearls and the plumeria flower! Krissy went "fishing" for pearls. She told Bryan she was going for the ugliest oyster to get the prettiest pearl, well I'll be darned she was right. You can't really see the color that well but it is more blue/green than black and just absolutely exquisite. Bryan had it mounted on a plumeria blossom for me! Love it!

The reasons I love both:

The Hawaiian meaning: plumeria represents perfection and the bond between everything good. In addition, plumeria is the symbol of new life, springtime and re-creation of the nature.
According to Hawaiian tradition, the black pearl communicates the value of love and a symbol of innocence lost with the gain of life knowledge, wisdom.

Not just a baby quilt!

2011-12-26T04:00:00.004-05:00

I am not a big fan of baby quilts that look "babyish" so this tutorial seriously caught my eye! I love the "coin" style of quilt, it lets the fabric do the work for you. I can see this done without the applique for a little guy or change the applique up with baseballs, basketballs, etc. or a kutie animal! I just love it. Tutorial for the Jumbo Coins Baby Quilt at Moda Bake Shop.

Merry Christmas to all!

2011-12-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

My favorite video from the girls time in Hawaii!

My Heart will be home tomorrow!

2011-12-22T06:32:00.000-05:00

Krissy and my adopted daughter Kayleen headed out to Hawaii to hang with my bestfriend Bryan last Thursday. They come home tomorrow and I CAN'T WAIT! I have missed them so much! Thankfully my bestie has kept me in pics on their adventures so the lonliness hasn't been as bad as it could have been! I so can't wait to put a huggy hold on all 3 of them! Here are some pics from their adventures.

More Coffee Love!

2011-12-21T04:00:00.005-05:00

Yup, Moda Bake Shop goodness again with this Cup of Cheer Cozy!
I thought it was quite klever to use a Starbucks wrap as a base pattern! I just might have to make a pile of these up for sure!

Hand sock and transformations!

2011-12-20T04:00:00.012-05:00

I figured out how I wanted to do my fingerless gloves which I am officially referring to as Mish-Mash Hand Socks because I used a combination of patterns and sock yarn to make them. Super happy with the turn out and fit for sure.

The base pattern I got from Life in Cleveland, for the top of hand ribbing I used a modified version of the cuff of the Totem socks by Kerstin, and the cuff ribbing I did two sections of fisherman rib from the Nifty Cowl at Yarny Goodness along with two rounds of K1P1 ribbing!
Most of Saturday evening and Sunday morning I transformed Krissy's bedroom to a guest room. I should have taken before pics but she'd have killed me I think. Just imagine a young adult with everything packed in one room and what it looks like when they take the majority out leaving the "unnecessary behind". It wasn't pretty. But here it was it looks like now. I decided both big walls will be a gallery of her photography so I started that process as well.

Another amazing Christmas card!

2011-12-19T04:00:00.002-05:00

My friend Rinda made my Saturday of hard labor, transforming Krissy's bedroom to a guest room, all worth while. Isn't this handmade card just beautiful. I so love it Rinda, thank you so much!

My Favorite Online Tutorials of the week!

2011-12-18T04:28:00.000-05:00

iPad Cover from One Shabby Chick

Snowflake Charm from Love Affair with my Brother

Winter Warmers from A Spoonful of Sugar

Scrappy Love!

2011-12-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

I'm a scrap-a-holic, I admit it, I embrace, I deal with this wonderful obsession daily! Check out this awesomeness of scrappy! No matchy matchy for me,,,stick it on, sew it down, call it good,,,,yippers! This Scrap-Happy Needlebook from the Craftzine site by Jessica Wilson is perfect for me!

Happy New Year to me!

2011-12-16T05:34:00.000-05:00

Check it out! Pat Sloan is doing an online workshop and I signed up immediately! So can't wait. Hop over to Patchwork Posse and check it out as well as all the other fun stuff the "posse" has available!

Caramel Popcorn

2011-12-15T04:40:00.000-05:00

Popcorn alone has been a downfall for me,,,,if I want a snack I always go for the popcorn so when I ran across this super easy recipe on The Mother Huddle blog I so knew I had to make it! How easy and yummy and just down right fun to make! Don't her popcorn balls looking yummy amazing!

A beautiful greeting!

2011-12-13T03:59:00.000-05:00

Look at the amazing Christmas card I received yesterday from my friend Jacky in England. Isn't it just beautiful! Thank you Jacky, I absolutely love it! You can see more of her awesome art at her blog, scrappyjacky!

Knitting, Knitting, Knitting!

2011-12-12T03:51:00.000-05:00

Had to work a Sunday for the first time in 6 months. It was a totally odd feeling to actually have to work something other than a Monday - Friday and more than 40 hours in a week. Bonus, software upgrades = lots of time to knit while I wait and wait and wait for the upgrades to finish.
I'm working on a pair of straight up socks in Summer color of DBNY sock yarn. Love this yarn, works up on the softest stripes.

I am still on a mission to use up all the leftover sock yarn that I have. Now I'm working on what I will refer to as "hand socks". Fingerless gloves/mitts that will fit the palm and hand snuggly without strangling the fingers and wrist. We'll see how it goes!

Cloche Hat!

2011-12-10T04:00:00.009-05:00

I am so thinking that a ton of these will be worked up before the holidays! I have a gynormous bag of worsted weight yarn that could easily be worked up into these kutie cloche hats from whip up.

So making this!

2011-12-09T04:00:00.005-05:00

I've been racking my pee brain for something awesome to make for our work "pot luck" that will last throughout the day and will be different as well as palette clearing for all the different foods that we'll have to taste. I think I've got it,,,,,Peppermint Bark! I don't think it can get any easier than this recipe from Skip to My Lou! Doesn't it just look so amazingly yummo!

Knitted Advent Calendar!

2011-12-08T04:00:00.004-05:00

OK now this is my kind of Advent Calendar, how kewl. Check it out at The Making Spot!

Still in love with Freddie!

2011-12-07T04:00:00.011-05:00

Freddie Fire, i.e. my Kindle Fire, will be the love of my life for quite some time!

Last week I tried library rental for the first time, so very very smooth of a process. I clicked check out and the next thing I know Freddie is telling me it is in my library,,,,hello! how awesome is that! My library has a 14 day checkout for ebooks. Guess who sends out a notice that your library book is due in 3 days,,,yup Amazon. Love, swoon, Love!

The true test for me and my complete and total adoration going to Freddie, video trial! I have been just waiting for The Help to be released to video. Well the notification from Amazon came in this morning that is was ready for Freddie. I have rented and downloaded within a matter of minutes! I am amazed at the quality of the video and sound! So very happy with downloaded movies! Sooooooooooo sweet! Yup, I'm in love for real! Love, swoon, Love!
If you need a gift for someone who has everything,,,,I highly recommend the Kindle Fire,,,,it's better than diamonds!

Mario!

2011-12-06T03:47:00.000-05:00

My daughter has been infatuated with Mario since she was a child. That infatuation has not changed with age, even her boyfriend thinks Mario rocks! So when I saw this I had to giggle. Wonder what they would do if there was a Mario quilt under the tree this Christmas! Isn't this quilt from The Cutting Table blog just kewlio!

Christmas Decorating 2011

2011-12-05T04:00:00.001-05:00

Downsizing! YUP, 5 years ago I went from a full size tree to a 4 foot tree and this year I'm down to a mini, 2 foot tree. Totally makes sense for me since I have no little ones and the one I do have will be in Hawaii the majority of December. I've also decided that if I have a mini I can change the theme each year as the mini decorations are less expensive and I can get new every year! Maybe I'll start doing themes and each year fill a window with last years tree! I may end up with a house full of trees in 10 years! LOL So here is this years tree, I call it my girlie tree!

Unlit with my shiny and ruffly tree skirt.

Diva ornie.

Dress and sock ornie.

Butterfly, purse, and cupcake ornies.

Mini lit up!

Fat Sunday!

2011-12-04T03:22:00.000-05:00

I did all the cooking for today yesterday as it was rainy, cold, and damp here so having the oven on took the chill off a bit!
First up is Steak Fajita Chili with Jalapeno Corn Bread and it is awesomely yummo!

And I had some milk that was coming up on expiration so figured what better way to use it up than to make Hershey Cocoa Chocolate Pudding! Love that stuff, so rich and creamy! YUMMY for sure!

The first KAL of 2012!

2011-12-03T04:47:00.001-05:00

Wendy at Knitters Brewing Company announced the first KBC KAL (knit-a-long) for 2012, beginning on January 13! It's called Lucky Charms socks and it's a mystery KAL, the pic above is the stitch marker that comes with the kit! I have decided to do my KAL in Mint Julep! YUMMO!

Wonder if I should....

2011-12-02T04:16:00.000-05:00

take a challenge! My friend Pat sent me a link to this amazing poncho and challenged me to "whip one up". YIKES, I've never done miters and I've never done seams with knitting. mmmmmm, am I up for a new to me techniques challenge and gain an awesome poncho out of the deal! I must think on this. Check it out at Fibermania, Miteriffic Poncho!

Isn't it just amazingly scrumptious! Anyone want to take the challenge with me!

With the first snowfall!

2011-12-01T04:00:00.009-05:00

Comes the need and the love for winter wear, knit scarves! Check out this Checkerboard Lace Scarf from the purl bee! Tuesday night we had our first significant snowfall,,,,yup, finally,,,,this area got anywhere between 4 and 9 inches of snow! Yeah us! WOOT WOOT!

Scrappy Steps Afghan

2011-11-30T04:00:00.007-05:00

I am totally in love with this afghan and its construction! Check out Crochet a Trunk Full o Fun site(and how awesome is that for a site name!) for the tutorial, there are also videos for the Scrappy Steps Afghan tutorial!

Here is the first step on the videos:

Just in time for the holiday party season!

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

Ruby's Party Bag from the Moda Bake Shop! Can you not see this little bag done up in all the awesome holiday fabrics out there as well as those for every day use. I'm thinking this would make an awesome candy gatherer at Halloween for a little (and some of us not so little) ones!

Santa Please!

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

I'm making my Santa list based on "As Seen On TV"! LOL Yes I am. There are a couple of things I'm sure I HAVE to have!
Eggies! I need Eggies! If they work as designed and advertised my days of laboring over deviled and stuffed eggs are over!

Hot Booties! I can so feel these relaxing my feet every evening after work AND warming them up! Yup, this Momma needs Santa to bring her Hot Booties!

If you ever got a look at my spice/baking cupboard you'd know I need one if not two of these Swivel Stores! Yup, I do!

TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2012

2011-11-27T02:07:00.001-05:00

I've decided for 2012 I'm going to do something different with my reading list for the year. I'm going to take this challenge, compile a list of books that I haven't read yet, and read them! I am so easily distracted by new releases that I miss out on some of the lovely stories I already have or forgot I had! LOL Anyone up for a reading challenge?!?!?! Hop on over to the Bookish blog and sign up!
My TBR List so far, since there are more than 40 books listed I'm aiming for the "Love at First Sight" award:

The Lace Reader Brunonia Barry

Neil White mysteries

Unleashed (Wolf Spring Chronicles) Debbie Viquie

The Drake Chronicles Alyxandra Harvey

Explosive Eighteen Janet Evanovich

Blood Red Road Moira Young

The Left Hand of Darkness Ursula K Le Guin

The Most Dangerous Thing Laura Lippman

The Bowers Files Steven James
The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, The Queen

After Obsession Carrie Jones

Cold Kiss Amy Garvey

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer Michelle Hodkin

Summer Rental Mary Kay Andrews

11/22/63 - Stephen King

Hit List Laurell K Hamilton

Racing in the Rain Garth Stein

The Devil All the Time Donald Ray Pollock

Seaside Knitters Mysterie Series by Sally Goldenbaum
A Holiday Yarn (Book 4)
The Wedding Shawl (Book 5)

Living with the Dead series Jesse Petersen

Witches Anonymous Misty Evans

The Life You've Imagined Kristina Riggle

Things We Didn't Say Kristina Riggle

Split Second Catherine Coulter

2030 Albert Brooks

Spider Web Earlene Fowler

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters Ben H Winters

Explosive Eighteen Janet Evanovich

Dark Ones Series Katie MacAlister

Midnight Breed Series Lara Adrian
Kiss of Crimson

Crunch Time Diane Mott Davidson

Flavia De Luce series Alan Bradley
(The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie)

The Tale of Halcyon Crane Wendy Webb

Wicked Lovely Series Melissa Marr

The Things that Keep Us Here Carla Buckley

Viking Series II (Time Traveler series) - Sandra Hill

Sergeant Kella and Sister Conchita series Graeme Kent
Devil-Devil

Pictures of You Caroline Leavitt

13 to Life Shannon Delany

Jane Yellowrock Series by Faith Hunter

Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger

American Rose Karen Abbott

Here, Home, Hope Kaira Rouda

Room Emma Donoghue

Jen Lancaster - light reads

Sh*t My Dad Says Justin Halpern

Absolute Power David Baldacci

Shades of Milk and Honey Mary Robinette Kowal

The Hunger Games Series Suzanne Collins

Full Dark, No Stars Stephen King

Fresh-Baked Mystery series Livia Washburn

The Lost Symbol Dan Brown

In the Woods, The Likeness, Faithful Place Tana French

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio Serena B Williams

An Object of Beauty Steve Martin

Shia Waynest vampire series Jess Haines

The Distant Hour Kate Morton

The Boyfriend of the Month Club Maria Geraci

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries Laura Childs

The Orchard Series Sheila Connolly

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings Helene Booudreau

I'd Know You Anywhere Laura Lippman

Our Tragic Universe Scarlett Thomas

Still Missing Chevy Stevens

The Sweet By and By Todd Johnson

Shifter series Rachel Vincent

Mistwood Leah Cypess
Whisper Phoebe Kitanidis
Jeri Smith Ready
Shade
Shift
The One I Want Allison Winn Scotch
Blockade Billy Stephen King
Frankenstein series Dean Koontz

Isles and Rizzoli series Tess Gerritsen
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls
City of Heavenly Fire

Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
The Fiery Cross - Diana Gabaldon - Book 5
A Breath of Snow and Ashes - Diana Gabaldon - Book 6
An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon - Book 7

Diane Chamberlain
The Lies We Told
Summers Child
Breaking the Silence

Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries by Anne Canadeo
While My Pretty One Knits
Knit, Purl, Die
A Stitch Before Dying

Joy! Joy! Joy!

2011-11-26T04:00:00.001-05:00

What a way to kick off the holiday decorating season! Pat Sloan has a tutorial for this quick, easy, and BEAUTIFUL Joy table runner! Check it out on her blog!

The Food of the Day!

2011-11-25T04:22:00.000-05:00

Although I didn't put on a typical Thanksgiving meal as Krissy and Jon went to his family gathering, I did put together a little something something for when they got here for movie time! I liked having the day to myself as well as the "nontraditional" holiday cooking time. Of course, Krissy HAD to have a couple of the staples like the ham rollups, mac n cheese, and deviled eggs. But I got to put a twist on one of them, rather than deviled eggs I did stuffed eggs and they were quite the hit.

I made steak kabobs rather than turkey and they turned out sooooo sooo yummy!

A comedian friend of mine put out a challenge, he has a skit on the "criss cross applesauce" for elementary schools not able to use "indian style" sitting any longer, ya know the political correct thing. So us "bakers" took the challenge to make a dish, mine I call criss cross applesauce crowns. Basically, they are stuffed croissant muffins! YUMMO!

And of course, what's a turkey day without an animule pic! LOL Coco decided he likes to read on Freddie Fire (my Kindle Fire's name) too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:23:00.002-05:00

I give thanks to those I call my daughters, to those I call my sons, to those I call my friends, and to those I love every single day the Good Lord above allows me to wake up breathing. So I need to give thanks once again to the Man I no longer can physically say thank you to, that would be my Dad. He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. For that simple fact of life I will always be thankful and grateful to my wonderful and loving Big D. I miss you every single day of my life.

My nontraditional menu for Thanksgiving: steak kabobs, baked mac n cheese, ham roll ups, stuffed eggs, and a special challenge dessert that I will forever call "Rob Little's Criss Cross Applesauce"!

Nosin' around the web!

2011-11-23T04:41:00.000-05:00

I spent some time this morning just cruisin' the web which I don't get to do as much now that I'm working again. :( I got use to blog hopping for a couple hours every morning and LOVED it! LOL
I am happy to say I'm finding more and more unisex knit and crochet patterns. I love this one for wrist warmers, really the yarn color and type determine whether a man or woman would wear them. From Vickie Howell for Caron. Love them.

Found this very kewl pattern for a crocheted Arcade Blanket. LOVE it.

It uses a Larksfoot stitch to get the patterning between colors, isn't it kewlio. Full directions at Meet Me At Mikes blog! Close up below!

Real Sock Crocheted!

2011-11-22T03:46:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed crocheting my test sock so much that I decided to give another pair a go. This is the Lace Sock from "I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting Socks". I am so pleased with how far designers have come with the construction of crochet socks over the last 5 or so years. They are just as much fun as knitted socks in my book!

And I just had to share Coconuts bad hair day, even pups need product for static control sometimes! LOL

Love me some Hexagons!

2011-11-21T04:00:00.001-05:00

So how kewl is this bag, uses my favorite shape of all time for sewing, HEXAGONS! Love, Swoon, Love!
Moda Bake Shop has the tutorial for this lovely Hexagon Flower Bag!

Freddie Fire, I'm on Fire!

2011-11-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

Please let me introduce you to the new love of my life, named "Freddie, the Kindle Fire"! LOL I name all my gadgets!

After having an iPad and a Xoom, both of which I primarily used the Kindle app on, I knew exactly what I wanted in my next reader. I wanted the primary purpose to be a Kindle for reading and the connection to Amazon with the added bonus of a web interface and connection for browsing. I also waited for the Fire as I wanted the lending from local libraries feature, via OverDrive, available as well as the borrow from other Kindle owners. I am extremely impressed with the Kindle Fire.

So here is my first impressions of the Kindle Fire. It has a good weight to it with a rubbery black backing for nonslip. The size and shape are perfect for my hands.

I have heard of a lot of Fire owners having issues with their Amazon archived books not being available immediately. If you go through the process as described in the directions there is no issue that I can find. I charged it up, oh yes I did, let it run through its updates (again oh yes I did - me, gadget girl! yup). I connected it to my home WiFi and began to play. Now, please keep in mind if your home network is secured (LIKE IT SHOULD BE) you will need your encryption key. Freddie found my home wireless network and connected with no issue at all. My Kindle archive was available, cloud based, immediately!

It has a start up tutorial which I highly recommend if this is your first reader or tablet usage. Freddie is totally user friendly but a little help the first go doesn't hurt anyone!

My favorite part already, the color and the backlighting! LOVE, SWOON, LOVE. So much easier on my old tired eyes!

I love the "carousels". The top carousel holds basically all your apps and books that you can scroll through. The bottom carousel holds your "favorites", things you use all the time and pin to the favorites carousel.

I think the hardest thing for most to get use to will be the "cloud" based computing/storage. I personally love it, it's like carrying a thumb drive of files/books/videos/music etc. around with you without having a physical device to plug in. Wherever you are your "part of the cloud" is there with you, just connect to it. One other thing, if you're going to read offline you have to remember to download your book(s)/magazines/etc. to the device itself. For me, this will be an easy task as I'm use to going untethered.

Yup, Freddie is my new best friend and I love him to pieces!

I love Rick Rack,,,,,,and a scarf!

2011-11-19T04:00:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite of favorite sewing notions is Rick Rack! Love skinny, junky, sparkly, all colors of Rick Rack! So when I saw this Rick Rack knitted scarf I of course SWOONED,,,way over SWOONED, love it! I am definitely making this one. Check it out at The Purl Bee!

Breaking Dawn Part I!

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

Our tickets are purchased and we're ready for tonight's movie mania!. Can't wait to see the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn Pt 1,,,,,it's going to be interesting to see how they put so much action into one (well 2 actually) movie!

Coffee Cozies!

2011-11-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

I love the number of coffee cozy tutorials coming. This pattern would be a great and quick work up for a knitting or sewing group get together, even baby/bridal shower! Check out the tutorial at Mollie Makes!

New to me Crochet stitches!

2011-11-16T05:04:00.003-05:00

Now that I've tried my hand at crocheted socks, I am going to try a fancier pair to send off to my friend! I haven't decided the pattern yet but thought I'd share the crochet stitches that make the socks happen. Common to most crocheters is the single crochet but then there is the extended single crochet in sc of row below which helps to reinforce the heel of the sock.

Extended Single Crochet

Front Post Double Crochet

Soooooooooo Happy!

2011-11-15T04:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Snoopy Dancin! Got notification that the Kindle Fires are shipping early, yesterday they started! I can't wait to get mine!

Took a break from knitting!

2011-11-14T04:00:00.012-05:00

First, you have to see the snugglers, Ruby is so happy to have a snuggle buddy in Cocoa! LOL

To try out crocheting socks! Yup, honest! I have found that crocheting socks isn't so difficult. You can crochet in the round, in a tubular fashion the same as knitting in the round,,,,well, kinda, the concepts are basically the same.
What I did determine: sizing is very very different between crochet and knit. I opted for the medium size for crochet as that is the primary size I use for knitting and in crochet, it's large probably an 8 to 10 shoe size fit, as you can see from the "on" photo. I wear a 7 to 7.5 wide shoe size. I'll make the small crochet size from now on.

I used the "I can't believe I'm crocheting socks" book from Leisure Arts that a friend sent to me for making her a pair of knitted socks. Thanks again Pat, it's an awesome book for sure! And here is the crocheted sock!

Rob Little!

2011-11-13T04:20:00.002-05:00

A local boy, Rob Little, who has made it on the national comedy circuit is home for the holidays doing shows and we're going to see him tonight! Rob is soooooooooooooo funny, can't wait to laugh my butt off! Here's a you tube clip of one of my favorite Rob Little skits for your enjoyment! WARNING: there is strong language and profanity ~ end of my disclaimer!

Swoon! Fabric Covered Button Bracelet!

2011-11-12T04:00:00.003-05:00

The Mother Huddle comes up with some of the kewlest tutorials ever, check out this fabric covered button bracelet tutorial! I can see every bracelet so unique! LOVE, SWOON, LOVE!

Missoni Knockoff!

2011-11-11T04:00:00.001-05:00

I'm sure the majority have seen or heard about the Fall line of clothing and accessories that designer Missoni has come out with for Target stores. I absolutely love the zig-zags and patterning and have been waiting, somewhat patiently, for knit designers to come out with knockoffs! Well here's a pair of mittens from Just Crazy Enough, Those Zig-Zag Mittens, aren't they just scrumptious! Love them!

Cincinnati Chili!

2011-11-10T05:21:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm thinking about warm, stick to your bones food these days as they are saying we are to have snow today! Love this recipe found on the Skip to My Lou blog, Cincinnati Chili and it has CHOCOLATE in it! YUMMO! Check it out at the Skip to My Lou blog.

Repurpose a sweater!

2011-11-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

How kewlio are these sweater leg warmers from the Brassy Apple!

I'm thinking Krissy and I are going to make a run to Goodwill and see what kind of heavy sweaters we can dig up and repurpose!

A little bit of knitting going on!

2011-11-08T04:06:00.000-05:00

Haven't been too crafty lately but have been able to get some knitting in. I've been working on a pair of Spring Forward socks for a friend of mine and the yarn she sent is a dream to work with as well as the colors working up beautifully.
Spring Forward Top:

Spring Forward from the side:

And then, I was contacted by a friend/designer, Kerstin Bettig, on Ravelry to test knit a pair of socks for her. The pattern is called Totem and will be released this week sometime. I love this pattern A LOT. I love the way she put basic, simple stitches together to make an intricate design. So pretty.

I got back into my Droid now that I'm back to work, love the Droid 3. My friend Pat sent this cell phone case along with the yarn for the Spring Forward socks. It fits my Droid perfectly don't you think! Love it Pat, thank you!

Winner!

2011-11-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

While I was off work for 3 months I spent a lot of time entering blog and Facebook drawings, give aways, contests and was quite shocked when I won a lot of them. The latest to come in is "Eternal, More Love Stories with Bite" which one of my favorite authors has a story in, Jerri Smith-Ready. Can't wait to read it.

And these awesome ladybug buttons from buttonmad! They are sooooo sooooooo beautiful and very well made. I can't wait to find the perfect project to put them on!

EST to DST and on and on and on!

2011-11-06T06:07:00.000-05:00

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." ~ Harvey MacKay

The only thing I dislike about fall is the time change here in the U.S. But hey, gotta do what we gotta do! Hope everyone remembered to Fall Back!

The World has lost an Icon!

2011-11-05T07:36:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite quotes:

Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done. ~ Andy Rooney

For years I've tuned into 60 Minutes every Sunday and it was primarily for the last few minutes of the show when Andy Rooney would impart his whit and wisdom to wrap things up. I was so sad when he announced he wouldn't be back to 60 Minutes and even sadder to realize in the back of my mind that he wouldn't be long for the world. That news hit today, RIP Andy Rooney, I've spent many an awesome Sunday with you finalizing my weekend!

My Favorite Shows!

2011-11-04T04:00:00.001-04:00

I am having a heck of a time getting back into a work routine, I really miss being able to stay up and watch the old and new shows on TV that I love. Thank goodness for OnDemand with Charter cable! WOOT WOOT! and of course internet TV. So here are my favorite shows this year:
Grimm on NBC

The Walking Dead on AMC

Person of Interest on CBS

Revenge on ABC

American Horror Story on FX

Needless to say, my Saturday mornings are packed full of catching up! LOL

Re-Make!

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

I am so into repurposing these days! I don't think there are many items that can't be converted to something else. My bedside nightstand is an old dorm size refrigerator with a fabric topper, it was the perfect height for my bed! I love this tutorial from Easily Dunn on converted an old shirt to a cardigan! Too awesome!

It's Afghan Time!

2011-11-02T04:00:00.001-04:00

Love this ripple afghan pattern from Attic24! And if you don't want to do a full afghan, how about a scarf using the pattern! That's what
Bethany at Sweet Bee Buzzings did!

Drawstring Bag!

2011-11-01T04:00:00.001-04:00

Draw String Bag pattern from Moda Bake Shop! I can see these as sock knitting project bags, lunch bags, sports bags, shoe bags,,,,,,man the ideas are endless for their use AND super cute and easy to make!

Crochet Socks!?!?!

2011-10-31T04:00:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine sent me the "I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting Socks" book from Leisure Arts and guess what, I'm going to give a pair a whirl for sure! I've investigated crochet versions before but just couldn't figure the construction, well this book takes all the guess work out! Can't wait to try it! Thanks Pat for the book and your knitted socks are looking pretty good!

Halloween Fun!

2011-10-30T07:17:00.000-04:00

Had our Halloween bash last with the PNO (Pinny Night Out) gang and it was a BLAST! The regular crowd plus a bunch of newbies showed. So love catching up with people I grew up with!

Started out with Linwood Hotel pizza! Best pizza in the entire world!

I was a baby! And my buddy was my pet sock monkey!

My friend and her pet kitty (hubby)!

The start of the fun PNO group!

Can't have a Halloween party without the Reno 911 cop and the kitty getting her tail on!

And here is the core group of PNO'ers!

My Favorite Things!

2011-10-29T08:05:00.002-04:00

Had to post these,,,,,the pups and the girl are just so funny to watch!

Favorite Quilt Block!

2011-10-26T18:18:00.000-04:00

I love all the blocks in the Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along but I have to say this Jingle Bell Flower from Pigtales and Quilts has got to be my all time favorite!
Check out all the blocks at the Quilt Gallery page!

Quilty Video Tutorials!

2011-10-25T05:20:00.002-04:00

Love Love Love this channel on youtube.com, Missouri Star Quilt Co.'s Quilting Tutorials site! Check out this kewlio video from them and BONUS they are all freebies!

Visit their youtube page for more video tutorials! And their blog here!

Calling all Quilters!

2011-10-24T06:20:00.000-04:00

Stop the presses, hold the phones,,,,if you haven't tried Sullivans Cutting Edge Rulers yet,,,,get your bottom out to the store and snag one. Guaranteed you'll be back to get your favorite sizes for sure!
I won a ruler in a blog hop that Pat Sloan sponsored and got to try it out this weekend, I just wanted to keep cutting and cutting and cutting my gorgeous fabrics! I don't think there is anything I don't like about the rulers. Even the noise of the sharpening of the blade didn't bother me after a few cuts, I knew I had it lined up right each time I heard it! WOOT WOOT!
They have a sharpening edge on one side, so as you cut, you also sharpen your blade on your rotary cutter! I LOVE THAT, especially with the cost of those blades! My favorite of all favorite part, the lack of slipping! The ruler stayed where I needed it, with just one hand and no holding on for dear life like it was going to blow away at any second.
Hop on over to Pat's site and snag yourself one (or two or three), you'll love it for sure!