Yes, Officer, I am wearing my seatbelt

Block 11

Block 12

Yes, Officer, I am wearing my seatbelt

So 2015 has come and gone, and I have finished every block of the BrownieKnits blanket along.  What a fun way to learn how to knit. Block 11 was a bit of lace work.  I had the most trouble with this one.  I believe it was the yarn overs that gave me trouble. Only practice will help that issue.

Block 12 was more cables combined with the seed stitch.  This was the
prettiest of all twelve to me.


Now it's time to wash, block, and sew together.  The pattern calls for it to be seamed with a simple mattress stitch.  The garter stitch edges serve as sashing, but I think I'm going to add more on my own.  Since my squares are all the same color, I thought a contrasting color made by crochet would be nice.  Maybe a darker blue, or white. Perhaps a half double crochet around each a block, crochet join, then a crochet border around the entire blanket. What do you think?  Maybe I need to stretch my knit skills to borders, but I'm not ready yet, and I just want it to be done!!

Wheat Scarf

My car project for the last couple of months has been the Wheat Scarf by Tin Can Knits. A fun and simple pattern, but with all scarves, can be a bit boring after you're halfway, doing the same repeat for miles😉. I have nearly a whole skein of the same color left over, so I was thinking maybe a hat or fingerless gloves would make a nice set.

Hubby asked for a knit hat in black.  He picked out the Antler hat by Tin Can Knits. More cables, but I'm a lot more comfortable with them now.  The black yarn is causing a bit of an issue.  My eyes are not what they used to be, so very bright light seems to be in order.  Still, it's a fun knit.

Seat Belt Pockets

Hubby also made a special request for a seat belt pocket pouch for the work truck.  He is a commercial truck driver who wears black t-shirts nearly everyday.  If an officer or D.O.T. Inspector suspects you are not wearing the seatbelt, they will pull you over in a heartbeat.  Just the other day he passed an officer going in the opposite direction.  It was obvious he was checking out the seatbelt.  The neon colors stick out like a sore thumb.

Beware: it's not just the truck drivers they are watching!





The other sewing projects I've been working on have been walker/wheelchair pocket pouches. These are great for hands free operation of your mobility device. This group will most likely end up in my local assisted living facility. They are available for special order in a color and/or print of your choosing.  Just give me buzz here or on Etsy.

 

The Legend of the Candy Cane

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.

First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a "J" for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker:

Jesus is the Christ! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I finished Block 10 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  A basic knit and purl pattern that was easy and fun. I'm about halfway through with block 11. I'll show you when it is complete. This year has gone by so fast. I can't believe block 12 and the final construction is only a couple of weeks away!


I was so kindly gifted the Chuncky Ribbed Scoodie by Zoe Deterding. Thank you Amy Gibson for your generous gift. This was an awesome pattern and easily crocheted. I added the simple contrasting edge in white. 

The Simple Scoodie also by Zoe. Less complicated than the basketweave design, it still is a beautiful pattern. I added the shell edging in a buff color.
While I was in the Scoodie mood, I completed

It has been a month of crochet. Maybe that's why the November knit block isn't finished yet. 😉 The next project was the Lace Stripe Ear Warmer.  A quick project that keeps my ears warm. This cute crochet project incorporates the V stitch. The pattern called for a button and button hole. I chose to just join the ends as a regular headband. Not the neatest job I've ever done, but it works!

The latest sewing project is the Bag Minders. Walker and wheelchair safety is extremely important.

 Using both hands is essential.  Trying to hold onto your purse or shopping bag at the same time can be a tricky operation.  The bag minder will secure your bag for a helping hand.  See the demonstration video. 

Bag minders are not just for the walkers or wheelchairs.  Use it as a handle for carrying several bags at once.  Strap a bag to your cart or bicycle handles. You could even use it a plant hanger over tree branches or deck railings.  The set makes a great gift too!

Wishing each and everyone of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and joyous holidays.  In a world full of terror and evil men meaning to do harm, be thankful for all you have.  Hug a love one today and get past the family drama that so easily occurs and threatens to destroy relationships and joy.