Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Block 8

I finished Block 8 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  The fisherman's rib was easy enough once you knew how to work the stitch.  But don't make a mistake!  Three inches into the block I noticed a mistake five stitches ago. Evidently, the fisherman’s rib does not lend itself to tinking back. I became so frustrated I frogged the whole thing and restarted. I tried to use a life line, but that seemed to distort the stitches. Hopefully it will wash and block nicely. 

Block 9

Block 9 and more cables, but this time they seemed much easier.  Perhaps because there was not as many as in Block 5, or because I felt more comfortable.  Whatever the case, I think it turned out lovely. 

Have you tried Periscope or Meerkat yet?  So much fun!  But beware, it can be addicting.  For those who don't know, both Periscope and Meerkat are apps for your phone or tablet.  They are related to Twitter and part of a social media trend of today. Periscope is the new kid and has grown by leaps and bounds.  Because of the unexpected growth, Periscope is having a bit of trouble handling the popularity. Lost connections are common place and frustrating.  But these are overlooked often times because you're having fun.  Both platforms offer a way to communicate with your viewers in real time.  The viewer types in comments, the broadcaster responds.  Meerkat broadcasts can not be replayed without a third party app.  Periscopes are available for replay only for 24 hours. Check them out and test how strong you are not to drop what you're doing when that notification sound whistles at you.  😉

Wheat Scarf

Aside from the Brownie Knits blanket along blocks, I don't have any finished knitted items this month. I do have a scarf that I'm working on called Wheat by TinCanKnits.  It is a simple "learn to knit" project that I use as my car knitting WIP.  The pattern is easy to memorize and easy to knit. 

We continue to explore Tennessee.  Husband's job took him to Signal Mountain.  He took me up there the following weekend to explore. Some very nice homes and very nice views!  We also found the Spaceship House". It looks like a flying saucer, complete with retractable stairs. Sort of reminds me of the Jupiter 2 from Lost in Space. 😱

I have been keeping busy with sewing a couple more project bags, more seat belt pockets, and dpn holders.  I fell in love with some lady bug fabric.  Can you tell?  Everything listed in my Etsy shop is available for immediate shipment, of course, but they are also examples.  Feel free to contact me to customize an item especially for you.  This form may make it easier for you to convey to me what you're looking for in material, prints, size and accessories.  

  

Cables and Hats and Bears! Oh my!!

Cables and Hats and Bears! Oh my!!

I did it!! I made my very first hand knitted hat!! The first time I used double pointed needles also.  Wow, did I feel clumsy.  I'm so excited.  Such a feeling of accomplishment!  Silly? Not for this old goat!  :)

The pattern was Barley by TinCanKnits.  It is part of a learn to knit series by The Simple Collection.  I used Vanna's Choice colorway beige.  I enjoyed the pattern, it is a simple knit.





Finished Block 5. Cables!  I understood the concept from crochet and loom knitting, but the needles made it challenging. I zigged when I should have zagged at one point. When I noticed it several rows later, I was afraid to frog, not knowing where in the pattern I would end up. Then closer to the end I doubled a couple of rows. I couldn't leave it, so I frogged. It was hard to find my place, but I think it turned out ok for a learner project. 




Recently, I had the great privilege to make a travel project bag and notions pouch for Codi Knits.  He was very enthusiastic about the new design for the notions pouch that I spoke of in my last podcast and blog post.   What a joy it was to make something for someone who would really appreciate it!  I made it right away and mailed it out.  He let me know he got it and was very pleased with it.


To my surprise, a few days later came a wonderful package in the mail. To say thank you, Mr. Codi sent a thoughtful thank you gift of fabrics and teas and notions and chocolates!  Wow! He sure knows how to spoil a girl! Isn't that bear fabric just adorable?

As I was digging around in my stash of fabric, I came across two panels of cat fabric.  I have no idea how long I have had those panels. Since I was in need of new project bags anyway, I thought they would do nicely.  I lined it in gray cotton fabric,  added a couple of handles, included an inside zippered pocket, and voila, a good size project bag I can toss in my phone and ID and I am off.




We continue to explore Tennessee.  Recently we took a day trip to Sevierville to visit the flea market and ended up at the Tennessee Air Museum afterwards.  Husband found it very interesting.  They had a huge area where they stored all sorts of planes.  I understand they take a few of them to air shows as well.

On our way to the museum, we saw that the traffic was backed up for miles in the opposite direction, to get back on the interstate.  The only thing we could figure would cause that on a Sunday, was a traffic accident or the construction that was blocking some lanes.  Not wanting to get involved in that mess, we decided to take the back roads out of town.  Wouldn't you know it, just as we were waiting for the light to turn, an ambulance went around us and turned down our route.  A mile or so down the road we were at a dead stop, for 45 minutes.  I'm so glad I had a knitting project with me! My only fear at that point was that I may run out of yarn before we got home.  :)  But I didn't, so I still have my sanity, so to speak.

 Thank you to all who watch, like, comment and/or subscribe.  Feel free to comment and make suggestions.  I appreciate the feedback.

Chit Chat

Chit Chat - Vintage glassware and Watts Bar Dam

While I was in Ohio Christmas week,  Mom and I went to Gallipolis to visit family.  We went to the nursing home to see her sister, my aunt, Elsie.  I hadn't seen her in many years.  She looked really good to me and we had a very nice visit.  While I was there she gave me a set of two vintage glass peacocks.  These peacocks sat on each end of the piano at her house the whole time I was growing up.  I have always admired them, even as a kid.  I am so grateful!

She told me the story behind them.  The first year she and Morris were married, she bought them for her mother, my grandmother, as a Christmas gift in 1948.  They're a lot older than I thought.  Even older than me! :)  I couldn't be more pleased to have them in my house now.  I am so nostalgic at times.  I love having things from my childhood around me.

While watching a YouTube video blogger, Pam Chatfield, the other day, I caught an episode of her teaching someone how to use Instagram.  I had heard of it a lot lately, but thought "Do I really need to be on another social network?"  I caved.  Now I'm addicted.  But it is so much fun to see the snapshots of what's happening throughout the day.  To see what friends are knitting, crocheting, cooking, sewing, whatever.  My profile is jcs.sewingroom.  Let's share.

I'm still working on the Super Secret Project.  I take it with me everywhere I go.  The deadline is getting closer, and I want it DONE!  I would like to do other projects, but I feel I need to devote my time to this one to get it done in time.  I would like to have it done by the end of the month.  I don't think that is going to happen.

Sister and I have started planning a party for Mom's birthday.  I'm going to make the decorations, she's in charge of food!  It's a fun project.  Starting this early should give us plenty of time.

We went to Watts Bar Dam the other day.  Yes, it was cold!  It's the middle of Janauary!  But we were bored and needed to get out of the house and explore.  We saw the signs on the interstate and just followed them.  Turns out it's a lot closer to the house and came home faster than we went.  :)

We had the whole place to ourselves mostly.  It was very cloudy and a bit windy.  We'll enjoy it better in the spring.