To top that off, our transmission in our van went. This has left us without a vehicle.. save the motorcycle. And with me being sick I haven’t gotten out to finish some necessary shopping!
I was mulling this all over, and decided to make a favorite dinner. As I got things out I realized I couldn’t find any butter. I searched the refrigerator.. nope.. the freezer.. nope .. the downstairs freezer.. there was margarine.. not really what I needed but it would have to do. Then I needed an onion.. looked in all the normal spots.. nope no onion. So I got the folding step stool out (yep I am short.. ) and got dried diced onions out of the cupboard. They would have to do.
But I found that God just didn’t want me to ‘make do’ this first night of Hanukah. So He went all Jehovah Jireh *on me! After I washed the skillet and had put a little margarine in it I happened to look up (remember I am short) and there.. up on top of the refrigerator was the EXACT amount of butter I needed. I hadn’t seen it there before… weird..
Then I stepped over to the pantry closet to get something and POP.. out falls an onion.. the EXACT size onion I needed. Well.. ok then!
On a day I am struggling to figure out how I am going to get everything done, pay for this car repair and if I am ever going to just get better and feel 100% God is showing me in his own little way that indeed he will provide what I need.
Thanks.. I needed that.
*The Lord will provide.
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landed on my doorstep.
WHAT TIMING!
I love it there are 21 projects to knit down this stash have built up and I think I have enough odds and ends to make each project at least once if not more!
There are also handy guides to help you combine colors and to use multiple strands of thinner yarns together to make up larger gauges thereby using up that stash yarn even faster!
So many of them just scream out KNIT ME!!! My favorite is the Puzzle Play blanket! A super colorful blanket made of puzzle pieces! It’s so colorful and fun.
The book is divided up into three sections by general weight of yarn, thin, medium and bulky so you can just go to your stash, pick out the appropriate weight yarn and go!
I can see some stash busting in my future and a cleaner leaner yarn closet as a result! Thank you Melissa Leapman for writing this book just for me so I can get cleaned up!!
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]]>Here is the article: Click here
]]>Here is the article: Click here
]]>Everywhere I look BIG yarns are big this year! Which is a boon for us loom knitters as many of our looms handle super bulky yarns very well!
There are many new big bulky yarns out this season to full fill your need to go with this . . . → Read More: Big is the New Black]]>
Everywhere I look BIG yarns are big this year! Which is a boon for us loom knitters as many of our looms handle super bulky yarns very well!
There are many new big bulky yarns out this season to full fill your need to go with this trend and they are quite nice! I have had the opportunity to handle a few of them.
One isin the new Martha Stewart line:
Lofty Wool Blend this one is a nice bulky yarn which is soft.. but not too soft. It would be great for hats and other accessories. It measures out at 26 yards a ball so count on buying at least two or more to make any projects. It’s quite nice and I have a couple balls of it that I am going to knit up in the next week. So look for those items soon!
Another of the big yarns out this season is Link by Berocco . This yarn is BIG! It’s a chainette yarn so it’s like knitting with big I –cord! There are some nice patterns with it and measuring in at 32 yards you get a teensy bit more than Lofty Wool. There is a nice pattern for a short scarf that only takes up one ball, and I am sure you could use it for either yarn!
Being a big Malabrigo fan (even before I found out my brother was going to Uruguay to do mission work) I am also excited to learn that they have a super bulky offering in Rasta! Loove their yarns they are super soft and beautiful!
Isn’t it pretty?!!
Of course recently when walking through Joann’s I have seen some SUPER bulky fleecy type yarns among others. I was in a bit of a rush so I couldn’t investigate but hey that just gives you an excuse to go to the yarn store!
So embrace the bulky nature of our knitting looms this season and go for it! Cant wait to see what you make!
]]>Broken up into sections this book covers the various aspects and reasoning behind . . . → Read More: Bookish Thursday]]>
for review. I LOVE IT! This book rocks. The stories are engaging and interesting, and I learned some things about people I have come to know that I didn’t know!!
Broken up into sections this book covers the various aspects and reasoning behind craft activism and the people who practice it.
First up crafting a statement! From yarn bombing to quilting and knitting for a cause or to promote a message there are so many ways crafters can make a statement!
Then on to re-crafting the past. Crafters are keeping old ways alive, see how in this section!
This section features one of my favourite craft bloggers: Ellen Bloom
Next, there is crafting for a cause. Crafters are some of the most generous people I know! Supporting many different causes all around the world! See how some crafters are stepping up and helping others. Again another one of my favourite bloggers is featured in this section the venerable Norma!
The fourth section covers crafting to reduce, reuse, and recycle!! See the creative ways that crafters are using things that would be simply thrown out! There are some great new ideas in here that I want to try! I need to get to the hardware store!!
The last section covers community. I have to say nothing brings people of different nationalities, religions ideologies like craft. In my secret plan to make our own country better I dream of teaching everyone in congress to knit.. Then they might just get something productive done.. eh?
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]]>Well actually this one will be 2 of 9. I am planning out a little introductory project for newbie loom Knitters. Designed to get me to stop needle knitting for a bit to continue to rest my left thumb. So far, it’s almost working So this will be one square for a blanket. . . . → Read More: 1 of 9]]>
Well actually this one will be 2 of 9. I am planning out a little introductory project for newbie loom Knitters. Designed to get me to stop needle knitting for a bit to continue to rest my left thumb.
So far, it’s almost working
So this will be one square for a blanket. Having been inspired by the "Hexapuff" craze on Ravelry, I thought I would work on a bit of a loom knit version.
The yarn I used for this square is the new Martha Stewart Crafts yarn Alpaca Blend.
I was sent a few samples as well as a Martha Stewart Knitting and Weaving Loom set.
The yarn is delightful! I will definitely be getting more!
The loom set is wonderful! It is so versatile and easy to use! I can easily see this being my new go to loom!
I am planning a little video review, along with a fun little free pattern some time in the next few days.
So keep an eye out for that and more squares as well!
Resistance is FUTILE! You will be i-loom-inated!!
]]>Enter the book Wendy Knits Lace :
You . . . → Read More: Bookish Thursday: Wendy Knits Lace]]>
Enter the book Wendy Knits Lace
You have seen that I have knit a couple of her Elizabeth’s cowls! They are wonderful!!! Easy, and the lace pattern is easily memorized. SO.. I have stuck my toes into the depths of lace in this book!
There are 20 lovely patterns in this book. From cowls to scarves and shawls, socks and some super cozy afghans and sweaters this book has it all and I feel confident that I could make any of them! That is a big deal for me!
For my loom knitters.. this book is worth a look, I can see that a few of the patterns could be done on the loom. First off Elizabeth’s Cowl could be done on the loom, the Lace Stripe Scarf and Cranbourne Scarf could also be done on the loom.
There are a couple sock patterns that lend themselves pretty easily to the sock loom, and if you have an adjustable sock loom the Vintage Knee socks are doable as well.
So if you are a loom knitter who is looking for a bit more to make I do recommend you take a peek and see if anything interests you in here!
]]>I really didn’t do TOO Much knitting. I have to say.. It’s just so . . . → Read More: Moaning on Monday..]]>
I really didn’t do TOO Much knitting. I have to say.. It’s just so hard not to!!
Maybe I should pick up a thumb brace support thingy at the drug store and that will annoy me into not knitting. We’ll see..
For now I am writing a couple book reviews that are long overdue and seeing if I can figure out the new blog theme I want to use!
That might keep me out of the yarn, even though I have piled up some project ideas.. and am still obsessing over making that darn Rhinebeck sweater! I don’t know why this year that need just has grabbed hold of me!
]]>I have been having some pain in my thumb so this week I have ‘sort of’ take a break.
It’s hard, not knitting.
The cable guy was . . . → Read More: Smalls and a little rest.]]>
I have been having some pain in my thumb so this week I have ‘sort of’ take a break.
It’s hard, not knitting.
The cable guy was here yesterday and I had nothing to do while I waited on him to install the new services.. It was hard.. I was impatient, I was bored, I was a bit grumpy.
People are constantly looking at me knit, and saying they wouldn’t have the patience to knit.. I always reply: “knitting is my patience” and it’s SOOO very true!
There is nothing like taking a few days off to show me just how true that is!
Anyway. I don’t want to irritate my thumb more, but I really want to make a Rhinebeck sweater this year! So I am doing an easy knit and I think I will try making some of it on the loom I just got to help lessen the strain on my thumb.
I was sent a Martha Stewart Weave and Knit Loom set! It’s genius. I will do a full report on it later. I also received some of the new Martha Stewart yarns! They are looking pretty good! So once I have the chance to play with them I will also give you the skinny on them too!
For now I think a couple more days of rest will help this old thumb out.
]]>First up, my Rustic Autumn Shawl:
Well.. mine is not so autumn-y it is more summery with the rainbow yarn!
The details: This is a needle knit, the pattern can be . . . → Read More: Two on Twos-day!]]>
First up, my Rustic Autumn Shawl:
Well.. mine is not so autumn-y it is more summery with the rainbow yarn!
The details: This is a needle knit, the pattern can be found here: Click here
Yarn: Kauni Strikkfasthed 8/2
Colorway EQ
Bought at The Clay Purl in Nashville IN
Knit up on my Addi Turbos!!
I used exactly one ball of yarn, and had about 24” left over!! YES!! NO LEFTOVERS!
This was an easy knit, anyone who is a beginner with shawls should try this one out!
Love the pattern!! It was a fun knit!
Next up: Elisabeth’s Cowl from Wendy Knits Lace
This is one of the introductory patterns in Wendy’s new book. An easy lace knit, even I didn’t make any mistakes on it!! Which is impressive!!
I have it pinned up on a piece of cardboard to block right now, I need to get some ‘action’ shots of these!
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease. (not sure of the color it is variegated browns very pretty)
The pattern can be found in the book Wendy Knits Lace
This is also a needle knit, I am happy to say that this lace pattern is an easy one to do on a knitting loom! No translation needed other than for a K2Tog, move your stitch to the right and for a SSK, move your stitch to the left!
And of course you want to keep your stitches LOOSE when working lace on a loom!
I have leftovers. Grr. It tool less yarn than the pattern called for.
I would definitely knit this one again it’s a nice easy fast knit. I made it in two evenings!
I will give it a try sometime soon on the loom!
I am playing with some small projects on a new loom, I will give you all some more information when I get a thumbs up from the loom maker!! So look for that soon!
]]>Well the cast went up on Monday I just got the chance to listen to it today! There are a lot of great tips on relieving stress . . . → Read More: Yarncraft Interview up!!]]>
Well the cast went up on Monday I just got the chance to listen to it today! There are a lot of great tips on relieving stress on your body and arms while you knit or crochet!
Also of course the interview with yours truly.
You can listen to it here: Yarncraft Episode 98
Ok … it’s still hard to listen to myself on recordings even though I had to do it weekly at my last job!! It was sure fun to do the interview!
In any case if you haven’t listened to it yet enjoy! Let me know what you think!
]]>HOME at last!!
I am not finished with the knitting project I took along. Since Brian . . . → Read More: Finished Friday]]>
HOME at last!!
I am not finished with the knitting project I took along. Since Brian severely sprained his ankle right before we left and I had to do the bulk of the driving..
More on the trip later.. and on the knitting for that matter!
]]>Hey! It fits! YEAH!
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Hey! It fits! YEAH!
]]>Sometimes you just have to laugh!
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Sometimes you just have to laugh!
]]>While getting ready to head out to our church’s district conference, I have been cleaning. (I hate to come home to a messy house, don’t you?)
In the midst of cleaning I . . . → Read More: A recap of yesterday… er.. the week..]]>
While getting ready to head out to our church’s district conference, I have been cleaning. (I hate to come home to a messy house, don’t you?)
In the midst of cleaning I kneeled on the broken axel of a matchbox car. Of course it was rusty too what broken matchbox car axel isn’t rusty? It went in the whole way.. about a half an inch (sorry to gross you out)
My last tetanus shot? 13 years ago!
Off to the doctor! Two Band-Aid’s and one shot later It was all good. Sorry no picture of the offending object. The nurse practitioner tossed it in the sharps box!
Well with the boys at camp for 3 days the house stayed clean for more than 24 hours. So that was good because my knee hurt!!
Fast forward to yesterday. Off we went to pick up the boys at camp, where Brian proceeded to step in the hole dubbed the ‘ankle breaker’ Well you saw the pictures on my wordless Wednesday post.. off to the urgent care and x-rays and new crutches. He is feeling better but this leaves the driving chores to me!
Meanwhile.. back at home… Azia was being AWESOME and staring the boy’s camp laundry. Unfortunately something went wrong and when the washer went to drain it went ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Apparently it was a flood of massive proportions. She and Jaxom took quick action and got the washer stopped, and sopped up the mess. They did great!!
So, I am off to get him to write out some lists of what we need to pack, so I don’t forget anything!
I have a Finished Friday of a little craftiness to show off tomorrow! So look for that!
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Sigh….
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Sigh….
]]>I have been knitting, and sewing . . . → Read More: Back at it!]]>
I have been knitting, and sewing a bit. I have a few things to show off once I sort out access to my pictures on our new hard drive.
It is so hard to get much done when it’s so hot you don’t feel like even moving an inch! The midwest heat wave is hitting HARD today!!
Time to get off the computer and sip something cool in front of the fan!!
]]>I love this cute little dress!! I danced around the room with it for like half an hour last night!! LOVE IT!!
Then the next day we got a call!! . . . → Read More: Finished Friday: A Dress.. and a surprise!]]>
I love this cute little dress!! I danced around the room with it for like half an hour last night!! LOVE IT!!
Then the next day we got a call!! WOOT My sister in law who had no indication of going into labor any time soon (and wasn’t happy about it) was at the hospital!!
The magic trick of finishing the baby knitting worked!!
Get ready for a pretty dress you pretty little girl!! Now I have to finish a little sewing project for her and another one for my other little niece!!
Desperate times call for desperate knitters. So I dug into the contents of the van and came out with…
A straw, and a spool of thread! Genius!!
I won in the knitting dept. but . . . → Read More: WWKIP Day]]>
Desperate times call for desperate knitters. So I dug into the contents of the van and came out with…
A straw, and a spool of thread! Genius!!
I won in the knitting dept. but the team lost the game. Oh well!
]]>So sorry kids! It’ll have to wait! ]]>
It’s a big one! I think this book covers just about everything a person could want to know about stitching fancy like!
Well least ways, I like it!
. . . → Read More: Bookish Thursday: A BIG Embroidery Book!]]>
It’s a big one! I think this book covers just about everything a person could want to know about stitching fancy like!
Well least ways, I like it!
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I am right with you!
With 4 kids two cats and a largish dog, I struggle just to walk through a room let alone carve out a space for . . . → Read More: How To’s Day: Creating a space to create!]]>
I am right with you!
With 4 kids two cats and a largish dog, I struggle just to walk through a room let alone carve out a space for myself to ‘create’.
The hubs has his own office space, and we shared it for a while; that was until my oldest moved his desk in there so he could do his high school work. Now it is a bit of a ‘man cave’ and there is no space for me to spread out and work.
We have a 3 season room and I have generally had that space a bit.. it is mainly used as a play room for the little guys. And we also have this unique space it’s a long storage room about 10(ish) feet wide by 5 feet high by bazillion feet long. (the full length of the house) the one furnace is in there and it’s not a bad space, but you can imagine it is quite like a REAL cave! Our thought was to turn that space into a play area for the boys and that would leave the porch room for me right?
So here’s my question. I wonder how do I claim that space for myself? Setting rules.. etc. and How do I do it without feeling guilty or even selfish! (Us moms are good at that eh?)
How do you do it?
]]>Relaxing.
Soothing.
Tranquil.
Then why am I booked solid with stuff till Friday?
Oops, scratch that! Friday is gone now too!
]]>Relaxing.
Soothing.
Tranquil.
Then why am I booked solid with stuff till Friday?
Oops, scratch that! Friday is gone now too!
]]>We have started quite the tradition of watching Doctor WHO with the whole family and somehow we have to have Chinese food from our favourite local restaurant to do it!
Now unfortunately the last episode we watched tonight is the last one of this . . . → Read More: Little Things]]>
We have started quite the tradition of watching Doctor WHO with the whole family and somehow we have to have Chinese food from our favourite local restaurant to do it!
Now unfortunately the last episode we watched tonight is the last one of this round till autumn so we will have to fill the void with as many of the OLD episodes we can find! That will be fun because many of them I have not seen. In fact, pretty much 99% of them.
But it sure is something we all enjoy, and enjoy doing together! You can’t beat that!
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