Wool & Flax

New Year's Resolutions....crochet style

2005-12-31T11:01:00.000-06:00

Some self-made rules for 2006

1)for every new project started, I must finish a WIP.
2)i will crochet or knit 25 things for charity this year.
3)i will use up my stash of RH by giving some to Shauna and by making stashbuster projects.
4)i will practice my spinning for 15 minutes a day as long as i have fiber to spin.
5)i will start documenting my projects and writing down my designs.
6)i will make a minimum of 1 afghan for my home.
7)i will start holiday gifts in August.
8)i will make a minimum of 12 snowflakes this year.
9)i will learn to knit socks for my hubby.
10)i will make things for my own kitchen!

These rules by no means hold me to certain projects or patterns, they are merely meant as guidelines for my "to make" lists.

After I finish tweaking my "to make in 2006" list, I'll post that too.

Pictures coming this next week of all the holiday projects and the Christmas haul.

Happy New Year to all!!

We have a new family member!!!

2005-12-17T17:53:00.000-06:00

Meet her here!

She's beautiful!!

Last post before Christmas!

2005-12-15T10:58:00.000-06:00

just cause i'm working like crazy to finish gifts and don't have time to breathe or eat or bathe(just kidding?) much less blog.

guess what? hubby now says the spinning wheel will be "our wheel" not "my wheel". LOL, I've turned my hubby into a spinner!!!! LOL Recently while I've been working on gifts, he's been spinning cotton balls and then plying them! I'm like, "now how many yards can you spin for me?!?!" lol.

The big update on WIP's is here.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Fiber Fill?

2005-12-06T22:47:00.000-06:00

A lady on one of my spinning groups told me to practice with Fiber Fill, I was like oh my gosh! Why didn't I think of that? I wouldn't hate myself for wasting that for practice yarn. Hubby's new wood lathe arrived yesteday!! He and a friend will be building a workbench to use it on this coming weekend. Soon he will be ordering lots of gorgeous wood for crochet hooks and knitting needles!! We are also looking at designing our own handcrafted spinning wheels in the same exotic woods, perhaps with some decorative woodburning and various finishes. But that's probably a year or so away from being available. Hopefully the hooks and needles will be available for purchase this spring.

Well, I better get off here to finish my laundry and work on more Christmas projects. See ya!

Thanks for all the input!!

2005-11-29T22:14:00.000-06:00

Fiber friends are great! To Kimberly, Jess, and Rebecca: Thanks! After doing alot of research online I'm really leaning toward the Ashford Traveller. If I get the double drive which I most likely will, then I will have a pretty good range as far as ratios go. And there is both a jumbo flyer and a high speed lace flyer available to make it even more versitle. I need a compact wheel and want a pretty one too so this fits the bill nicely. I'm still trying to get ahold of my local guild to see if anyone has one I could try out. Hubby is so adorable. He's so excited about getting it for me for Christmas. I turned around and bought his big gift today off ebay, got him a heavy-duty wood lathe and jigsaw. He wants to start making knitting needles and eventually spinning wheels and such. He is a machinist by trade so it should be just a little bit different but still very familiar to him. I'm really excited about that too! I've started a biweekly knitting/crochet group/Bible study called HeartKnits in my home and can't wait to see it grow to being every week! My hands were getting tired of garter stitch today so I took a break from Tabi's scarf to make Teddy a Christmasy conehat. He says it looks like an elf hat. Pictures tomorrow probably. I soooooo need to update this blog it is driving me crazy. But I just don't have the uninterupted child-free time it requires right now! I think I'm ready for a whole new look. Maybe burgundy and brown? Thinking chocolate covered cherries here! LOL I promise this weekend I will get pictures taken and posted of all my current projects, my kiddos and my beautiful Christmas tree. Till then, may all your dreams be filled with yummy yarns!!

from famine to feast, crochet wise

2005-11-27T08:24:00.000-06:00

Hello blogland! I'm here to report she lives!! I detect a faint heartbeat, it's growing stronger by the day and there will soon be pictures to prove it!!

In amongst my many knitting projects, I'm again picking up my crochet. On my hooks currently:

~ Granny Square Tote from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson,
~ Holiday Glitz Cape from my own creative brain,
~ Holiday Glitz Muff from my own creative brain,
~ also a design I'm trying to submit for publication...something very um..sexy!!

I'm also planning on getting into spinning this coming year. Will most likely buy my wheel with income tax return money. Right now I'm researching brands and models online. If you have your own wheel, leave me a comment! I'm interested in what kind you have, do you like it, is it good for a beginner, and what weights of yarn are you able to spin on it?

Remember to check out my knitting blog too! Knit into Him

Okay here's the link

2005-11-05T10:52:00.000-06:00

the link to my knitting blog is to the left under my wool and flax button. I'm having some problems with blogger so if you don't see much on my knitting blog it's because it's taking awhile for new posts to show up.

Oh and thanks for the comments!! It's always nice to know you've been missed!

I'm still here...

2005-10-30T00:34:00.000-05:00

Just not crocheting. Giving that a break for awhile. I am however knitting. I will link to my knitting blog soon. Need to update this site too. Oh well, soon.

Okay my creative juices are flowin!!

2005-04-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

I've had sooooo many new designs floating about in my head lately it's been hard at times to tell which is which! LOL
I had promised to make a poncho for one of my 6yr old's friends and I finally got around to whipping something up. Out of my head....again....sigh.
For her, the brighter, zanier, funkier the better so I hope this is crazy and bright enough!!

I'm working on two other sizes of this design right now. When I'm thru I will have it available for sizes XS-2X.

Okay here are some RAOK packages I want to say thank you for!

I received these beads from a special lady and turned them into stitch markers for myself! Aren't they pretty? Thank you so much, you know who you are!!

this adorable little card and even cuter teddy bear and blankie came from a sweet friend of mine. She also sent a little heart shaped silver button that has made it's home in my bead box for the time being. Thank you for thinking of me!!!

Another dear lady sent me these! My first clover soft touch hook and 2 beaded book thongs, the other is in my Bible. I love them soooo much and just absolutely love using my new hook! Thank you very very much!!!

I was shocked to receive this hook in the mail just one day after posting that I really wanted one of those!! Somebody was thinking ahead and that thoughtfullness just thrilled me!! It came with a little beaded charm dangle on the end but it fell off and I'm waiting to buy more superglue so I can reattach it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! I LOVE IT!!!

Ok for what I'm working on, my spring poncho, trin's spring poncho, flower swap goodies, thread bracelet and choker sets, and my new poncho design. Ciao!!

Mail Day!! Oh dear darling mail day!!!

2005-04-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh, it never rains but it pours!!! I was expecting several packages within this week or next but had no idea when they would arrive. Well all but one came yesterday! I opened the door to the mailcarrier's overloaded arms and relieved her at once!! LOL

At first I thought the big box was my secret pal reveal package but it wasn't!! It was all the flower goodies Tween could fit in the box!! I've now received both of my flower swap packages.

my girls ran off with the pillow and the scrunchies/holder but I am enjoying using my pretty dishrags and love my crystal candleholders!!! Thanks Tween!

My flower swap goodies came from Jackie last week. Here they are. I adore just everything!!!!

I loved the blue beaded rose so much i took it off the purse carefully and attatched a pin to the back. That way I can use it on the purse or on a hat or on whatever I please!! Ahhhh...... Thank you Jackie!!!

Next I opened my secret pal reveal package. It was a good thing I was already sitting down cause otherwise I might have dropped it all in shock!! My darling, darling pal NATALIE sent me my long-sought-after Berroco pattern book,(the one with the hairpin lace shawl patterns!!), 2 gorgeous hanks of Berroco Cotton Twist in the prettiest pink/orange sherbet colorway, a purple retractable tape measure, the cutest little purple folding scissors, a pair of metal yarn needles for chunky and bulky yarns,and then the Grand Finale!
Drumroll please!...............My very first TOTC hook!!! It is my favorite size
"J" and is in the beautiful cocobolo wood I've drooled over!!

and here's a pic of the hook alone in better light,

dangit! that's not that much better! Oh well.
here is the link to the TOTC site where she was purchased.
isn't she beautimus?!?! I'm trying to think of what I want to name this pretty lady so if you have any suggestions please speak up!!

Well that's NOT ALL folks!!

I also received the newest issue of Crochet! from Goldie!! Thanks Goldie!!
(your stitch markers will be sent off today hopefully)

there are just sooooo many wonderful patterns in here but my favorite has to be the pineapple duster out of lustersheen.

I've got to make that!!!! And that gorgeous doily, that just might be my first big one!!!

Whew!!! That was a great day!!
Now I'm off to post my latest projects and received raoks!

just a quick post for a dear friend!

2005-03-31T11:21:00.000-06:00

um...i'm guilty shauna. I've been shopping just a little bitty bit.

You like?

I'm not sending it to you yet though, I want to make something to go with it!!
So you'll have to be patient sister dear!! I love you!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Works In Progress Wednesday

2005-03-30T21:25:00.000-06:00

okay here's the updated list
somethings I've put on the back burner for now, the current projects are in bold with those not started yet in italics.

Sebastian's baby blanket...star ripple in 100% cotton

Teddy's necktie...in knitpicks sockyarn

Teapot cozy pattern...my teapot broke so I have to wait till I can afford another!!

Thread bracelet & choker set...for flower swap & pattern for my site.

Pink denim vintage handbag...in dark pink %100 cotton, need lining fabric

Boxstitch baby blanket...in lavender bernat denimstyle, need more yarn!

Mile-a-minute dishcloth...red & white varigated cotton

Dreaming doily...waiting for DeniseCrochets to be online again.

Elegant Mama Shawl...a design i'm working on

Felted Upcountry Bag...just need a lining

The other rippled mitten...ugh, it's too hot to wear these now!!

Landscapes knitted bag...i think this just needs to be seamed and lined.

Bamboo knitted scarf...this is slow-going but will be beautiful.

Raspberry Mocha bag...almost done then needs to be lined and a zipper put in.

Teal Woolease Poncho...half-done

Knitted Basketweave poncho...rh blueberry pie, half-done

Flowers for Swap...about half-done

Secret Pal Project...shhhh....

Scarf Swap...one is done!

Felted Project bag...marlo's rectangular bag pattern in blues and teals

Spring Poncho for me...have the yarn, haven't decided on the pattern

Baby Blanket...for my MOPS coordinator

Baby Swirlie...hat for my nephew Sebastian...need his head measurement sis!!

Knitted Shawl for my mom...already have scrumptious yarns, just trying to design the right pattern.

Kool-aid Squares Felted Bag...new design in the works!! lovin this one!!
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and I think that's all, and yes i realize i didn't number them this time, I don't want to know how many I have!!!!! I might faint right away!!

3RD INSTALLMENT OF OVERDUE UPDATE COMING TOMORROW!....LOTS OF PICTURES!!

Back from the dead!!

2005-03-30T13:03:00.000-06:00

I promise I'm here, you're not hallucinating!! LOL Since I have so much to catch up on I'm gonna do it in spurts today being the first. Sooo without further ado....

Welcome to the land of Kool-aid!!

here is the wool that's drowning to be dyed!

here is the kool-aid being mixed with vinegar and water

the stage is set and we're ready to start!

first we'll start with blue, my favorite!
I'm using a medicine syringe for this.

here we are halfway around with one color repeat done

all dyed and ready to be nuked in the microwave.

getting washed and rinsed after cooking

all hung up to dry!

other color combos hung up to dry

Okay now that is a tale of kool-aid dyeing, felted kool-aid bags coming soon!!

NEXT INSTALLMENT OF LONG OVERDUE UPDATE COMING DURING NAPTIME!!! LOL

I'm still alive

2005-03-26T00:26:00.000-06:00

just trying to keep my head above the water here. i'm crocheting my rear off trying to finish easter outfits in the 30 hours I have left. Will post a big update after Easter. Have a wonderful Easter holiday and may you remember the true meaning of this special day. God Bless!

okay, time to update! WIP's

2005-03-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

I'm so sorry guys that i haven't answered some interview questions yet and have neglected to post anything! I've been both working on another website called woolandflaxdesigns.com and fighting spring allergies. I've just been exhausted come evening time when I'm normally online and posting. I promise though I WILL get to those questions and will have pictures and progress to report very soon. I've also noticed that several of the buttons I had been making are not being used or commented on and I'm thinking it's because you can't rightclick on them to copy and paste. I'm not sure why but I'm trying to figure it out and it will be fixed soon.

I know it's a little bit early but the one thing I am gonna post now is an updated WIP list because I need to see it with my own eyes to keep myself under control!! LOL

So here goes!

1) swap poncho

2) sebastian's baby blanket

3) trinity's easter sweater jacket

4) teddy's easter necktie

5) teapot cozy pattern

6) thread bracelet & choker set

7) pink denim vintage handbag

8) denimstyle baby blanket

9) red/white cotton dishcloth

10) Dreaming doily

11) Elegant Mama Shawl

12) felted Upcountry bag

13) the other rippled mitten

14) landscapes knitted bag

15) Bamboo knitted scarf

16) Raspberry Mocha bag

17) teal wool-ease poncho

18) blueberry pie knitted poncho

19) teardrop capelet pattern

NOW for projects in line to be started: (these may mess with the order in the list above!)

1) flowers for swap partners
2) secret pal suprise
3) secret sister suprise
4) felted/knitted sophie bag(s)
5) felted/crocheted project bag
6) baby hat
7) baby blanket for my MOPS coordinator
8) spring poncho for me
9) knitted lace shawl for my mom(already have yarn!...YUMMY!)
10) pillowghan project

And on top of ALL this, I'm trying to make some stock items for my website.

I will try to fix the problems, catch you up on projects, and answer questions before or on friday.

If you're still reading this, I LOVE YOU!!! Thanks for reading my blog.

Yawwwwwwwwwwwn.........

2005-03-10T00:50:00.000-06:00

Golly, I'm tired!! I'm posting this and going to bed! (insert another yawn).....

Questions from Ro:

1) If you had to choose, would you rather have dinner with Robin Williams, Steve Martin or Jon Stewart and why?

Robin Williams for sure! I totally love his sense of humor and how personable he is.

2) Peppermint, spearamint or wintergreen?

ONLY peppermint!!

3) What is the biggest fear you've ever overcome and how did you do it?

oh wow, this is hard. I'm not really afraid of very many things. THe only thing I'm really afraid of is big snakes? I'm sorry, probably not the kind of answer you were thinking of.

4) Which do you hate more; going to the dentist or to the gynecologist?

the dentist, my mouth really really hurts when I have to hold it open like that for long periods of time and my jaw will ache for days afterward. After having 3 kids going to the gyno isn't that big a deal anymore.

5) Do you collect anything, if so what and why?

YES!! I collect Betty Boop stuff, retro Coca-Cola stuff, thimbles, lighthouses, rhinstone costume jewelry (particularly vintage brooches and pendants),and any fashion items from the 1930's-1940's. Why? Mostly because I love the sense of style and poise that was popular in that time period, I'm a romantic!! Thimbles because my grandfather made me a gorgeous inlaid wood & glass display case for them and I want to fill it up! Lighthouses because they just make me happy. Betty Boop i guess embodies the part of my personality I tend to keep hidden from public view.

Good questions!!

I'm sorry tiff, i'll try to answer your's in the morning and write some for you mitzi. I have stuff that came in the mail today i will post in the morning too! Goldie and Shauna I haven't forgotten your buttons, it's just that my body is running on very little sleep and is about to shut down completely on me. g'nite.

too busy this morning!!

2005-03-09T10:40:00.000-06:00

Ro, i'm sorry i haven't answered your questions yet, i will today!
Mitzi, I will have questions for you sometime today.
Beth, your first question has been changed.
Goldie, I'll do your button tonite.

And here is one i did last nite and forgot to post!
For my friend Coralie, I really hope you like this.

That's all for now, need to fix lunch and start homeschool. I won't be back on till late this afternoon.

Okay these are the last ones before I hit the sack!

2005-03-09T00:29:00.000-06:00

By request from Joann, I hope you like this one!

and for my friend Natalie, lol, you SHOULD like this!!

alrighty then I'm going to bed. tomorrow hubby wants one and my little sis Shauna needs a giraffe!!

night all!!

Even MORE BUTTONS!!

2005-03-08T18:42:00.000-06:00

By Request! Hope you all like these.

A purple one for Kari,

One for Ro,

and 2 for you Chie,

one for Heather,

and one of my own!

and one for my friend Chelle!

I have a few more I'm working on now but I'll probably post them in the morning.
If anyone has problems copying and pasting these to your photo host, let me know and I'll send it to you as an email attatchment.

More Buttons!!

2005-03-08T09:19:00.000-06:00

I love making these!!

Seriously if anyone wants me to make them a button i will, so speak up!!

Something for Julie

2005-03-08T00:42:00.000-06:00

I've made my first button for someone else!! I found a graphics program I can download free for 30 days but then I lose it if I can't pay for it so I'm gonna make as many buttons as I can in the 26 days I have left!!! Anybody want one?

Hope you like this Julie!!

Here's one I made for myself.

You might want to resize it a bit, I didn't know how many pixels were in a button!!! LOL

Questions, Questions, Questions!!!

2005-03-07T17:38:00.000-06:00

okay girl's here are your questions!!

Natalie
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1) What do you think your life will be like 5 yrs from now?

2) Is there one thing your parents did with you that you hated and will never do with your own children?

3) What's your favorite ice cream flavor and brand?

4) If you could only choose one for the rest of your life, would it be office supplies or yarn?

5) What is the most WIP's you've had going at one time?

Ro
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1) If you could only listen to one cd for a year, which one would you pick?

2) Do you think your daughter will be bettered(is that even a word?), not affected, or harmed by you having MS?

3) Why did you choose to homeschool? (i also homeschool.)

4) what is your drink of choice?

5) what size hook can you not live without?

Beth
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1) what is the best memory you have of your mom?

2) what was your first date like?

3) what is your favorite dessert? (LOL, that does NOT have olives in it!!)

4) what is the one material object you would go back for if your house was on fire?

5) do you own an umbrella and what color is it?

Tiffany
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1) With which of your girls' did you have the hardest labor and what made it so?

2) How did Andy propose to you and where?

3) If you could only have one color of yarn for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4) What is the one thing you've always dreamed about doing someday but haven't told anyone for fear of embarrassment?

5) What are you going to do with your degree after you graduate and move to Austin?

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Alrighty then!! Anyone else want to be interviewed? Read the previous post for the details. Can't wait to read all the answers!

Interviews!!

2005-03-06T15:37:00.000-06:00

Here are the rules for this Blog-a-thon. I'll offer to interview whoever responds to this post and will follow these rules:

1) Leave me a comment saying "interview me".

2) I will respond by asking you 5 questions here on my blog. They will be different from the ones below.

3) You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.

4) You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.

5) When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them 5 questions.

Please try to ask questions that are original and not copied from others' blogs, it makes it more fun that way!! Enjoy!!

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Here were Beth's questions for me:

1) I've seen pictures of you and your husband, how in the hell did you end up with red headed kids? (I do think they're cute by the way...you know how I feel about red heads.)

You have no idea how much I detest that question!!!! People are always asking me that, total strangers out in public!! The nerve!! ;) Anyway, hubby has aunts and uncles on his dad's side that are bright redheads as well as a greatgrandmother. I have greatgrandparents and aunts & uncles on my mom's side that were red headed too. So the combined genes were dominant enough to give two brunette parents 2 red headed kids. (I usually give people a dirty look for asking this and tell them my mailman is a redhead!!!)

2) If you had to choose ONE yarn to use the rest of your life, which would it be?

MAN!! You like to ask hard ones. Gotta think for a couple of minutes, shoot, maybe a couple of days!! okay, it would have to be a classic merino wool yarn. Soft enough to wear next to your skin, versatile to design with, feltable, toasty warm, and never goes out of style.

3)Where did you get your love of pink? (seems to be some sort of disease going around LOL)

Finally, an easy one!! I had my colors done by a color analyst and discovered I am a "Summer". The shades of pink I like best are part of the "summer" color palette. I never realized how good it looks on me since I had always leaned towards wearing my favorite colors which are partly "Winter" colors: cobalt, emerald, ruby, black. I didn't pay enough attention to the mirror to notice that those colors made me look like I belonged in a hospital bed!!

4)What do you hope your kids will be when they grow up?

Hmm....well as a good mom, i guess i should say whatever makes them happy. But I'll go a little further and say: I pray that they discover what God has created them to do with their lives at an early age and not be distracted by how much money they're making or not making. If they do that, I know they will live happy, productive lives that will be a witness to others. Now with that said, I just want them to explore the talents they have, tabi is extremely smart and very, very artistic. She's also wanted to play the fiddle since she was 2 yrs old and has never wavered from that desire. Teddy is a very generous child and is very good at communicating verbally, his diction and vocabulary are like that of a 7 or 8 yr old and he's only 3. Trinity is our little comedian and is double jointed like her daddy so maybe gymnastics is in her future?.

5) If you could have any kind of animal what would it be?

Hmm...in general i'm not a animal lover. I don't hate them but I'm not keen on the idea of letting them lick me or how they smell or taking care of their business. But.....I do adore kitties and would love to have a long-haired one someday. We'd also love to have some sheep, alpacas, goats, and angora rabbits for the fibers to spin our own yarns. I say we cause hubby is really into this idea and might end up being the spinner while I do all the handpainting and dyeing of the yarns.

Hope you learned stuff about me you didn't know!!

Here comes Peter Cottontail hoppin up the bunny trail....

2005-03-05T17:16:00.000-06:00

You know the ToysR'us commercial with all the bunnies singing? My husband will stop whatever he is doing to sit enraptured with those singing bits of fluff!! It just blows my mind that a grown man is smitten with hundreds of singing bunnies...it's so um...fluffy? Anyway, I love Easter time dearly and don't get to decorate nearly as much as I'd like but here's my tribute to the Big Bunny!!

and the top of the microwave:

and one of my favorite pieces of art, not only does it have bunnies, it's pink and has my hubby's favorite scripture on it.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father." James 1:17

Hubby brought a movie home last night and I watched it with him while making a scarf for my sister-in-law's birthday. The movie was Code46 and here is the scarf, a new pattern named for the birthday girl, "Juliet"

a close-up of the wonderful textures....

and here are the yarns I combined to create it, Bamboo/Joann's Sensations, Tiki/RedHeart, and Cotton Flamme'/Crystal Palace. I wish it had turned out a little longer but I think she's gonna love it anyway.

That's all for now folks!!

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

2005-03-04T08:55:00.000-06:00

Oooh, I'm so behind!! Sorry about that!

Okay first to do my belated WIP Wednesday post.

1) swap poncho(1)

2) sebastian's baby blanket(1)

3) felted Upcountry bag(2)

4) teapot cozy pattern(2)

5) mohair evening shawl(1)

6) teardrop capelet pattern(1)

7) the other rippled mitten(3)

8) pink denim vintage handbag(3)

9) red/white cotton dishcloth(3)

10) design for trinity(2)

11) tabi's sweater jacket(1)

12) shell stitch hat(3)

13) Dreaming doily(2)

14) Teddy's sweater(5).....he's almost outgrown this, need to think!

15) landscapes knitted bag(4)

16) Bamboo knitted scarf(2)

17) Raspberry Mocha bag(4)

18) teal wool-ease poncho(4)

19) blueberry pie knitted poncho(4)

20) Elegant Mama Shawl(3)

WOW!!! That's all the WIP's I have, i think?
I think i'm gonna start assigning WIP's a priority number of 1 thru 5, once a project gets a 5, I have to either frog it or move it back to a 1. We'll see how this works for awhile.

I'm getting ready to start on:

Trinity's sweater jacket......need more yarn!!
Teddy's easter tie......need to figure correct length
cotton swirlie hat for sebastian......waiting on measurement, need more cotton yarn.
felted rectangular bag....waiting on pattern and more yarn that's on it's way.
felted mitered square bag....will write up Kim's notes & dye my yarn this weekend.
flowers for flower swap.....need colored thread.
secret pal surprise!
secret sister surprises!

Now for recent pictures!!

my wonderful secret pal struck again!! This package had a spa/pampering theme going and I absolutely loved everything she sent!! Thanks again Secret Pal!!

These are stitch markers I made last night for my friend Coralie. I made them in exchange for some artist print rh ss I couldn't find locally. Hubby likes them sooooo much, he wants me to try and sell some on ebay!! I can't wait to go bead shopping now!!

This is some laceweight wool I got from handpaintedyarn.com. I plan on using it for scarves/shawls/ponchos to sell either at craft fairs or on ebay.

this is the wool of the andes from KnitPicks that I ordered. I'm waiting on a second order so I'll have enough for Marlo's felted rectangular bag. It's gonna be my official crochet/knitting bag.

this is my scarf i'm knitting from the bamboo my sp sent me. this yarn is heavenly!! it's so cool and soft to the touch. I'd love a little poncho from it but I have no idea how much that would take or how much this yarn cost!

this is tabi's sweater jacket that is almost complete. Only one more sleeve, one rose, and alot of ends to weave in and it will be done. She wasn't too keen on the idea of taking her picture right then!!

Now for some finished projects:

here are my wool wristwarmers. this was my first order from handpaintedyarn.com and was a present from hubby. their wool is amazing and soooooooooooooo soft!!

this is my swirlie beanie I'm designing. the pattern will be available soon.

here is the tapestry style hat I created for teddy. it's his indoors hat when the house is chilly and he adores it so much he sometimes sleeps in it!! How's that for a compliment!!

Whew!! I'll try not to wait so long between posts when there's so much going on again. Anyways, have a greaaaaaaaaaaaat day and a beautiful weekend!! Ciao!!

Works in Progress Wednesday...um friday?

2005-02-23T23:09:00.000-06:00

Okay here is my progress on my works in progress, lol.

1) poncho for shawl/poncho swap.......this yarn is a pain in the rear!!!
*
2) secret project.......done!
*
3) star ripple baby blanket for Sebastian.........45% done
*
4) felted bag-my pattern.........just need to line it and shave it! lol
*
5) teapot cozy-my pattern......ugh! I started a 2nd one to write the pattern down and my kids came in when I got up and cut my yarn!!!!
*
6) mohair evening shawl......just need to fringe it!
*
7) teardrop capelet-my pattern........just need to fringe it!
*
8) wool wristwarmers for me.........DONE!
*
9) the other rippled mitten......it's been started.
*
10) pink denim vintage handbag.......it's half-done
*
11) teddy's star ripple ghan..(xmas 05')
*
12) tilt-a-whirl pillowghan.......for hubby xmas '05, not started yet.

I just bought yarns & patterns to make these:

Marlo's striped felted bag
Chelle's Circle jackets for my girls...gonna be a hot item (need them for easter!)

And i need to come up with a vest for Teddy's Easter outfit. I'm thinking beige cotton, sugar & cream? He loves vests, loves getting all duded up for church. I got him and daddy both french blue dress shirts and khaki slacks. So I'm thinking teddy needs a vest and a tie. He wants a yellow tie....maybe blue and yellow if i can find a short clip-on for him. The girls have matching dresses on layaway. They are mostly white with tiny pink flowers and green vines on them, jewel necklines, sleeveless, ballerina length with a sash tied in the back. I'm making them Chelle's circle coats in bernat coordinates baby yarn (cherry) and trimming them in bernat eyelash in white. For the closure I'm gonna make a white rose and sew a snap on the back and on the jacket. Then ooohhh I'm so excited about this, I ordered a set of matching bracelets and chokers from Chelle for each of them!! Now if I can just find their shoes!!! And who does this leave???? ME!! I don't know what I'm wearing yet, I'm just so excited about dressing the rest of my family, I'm not worried about my own yet, maybe in a few weeks.

I know not everyone who celebrates Easter as a Christian holiday dresses up like this but Easter and Christmas are the two times we have family pictures done, so that's why I go into such detail planning for our clothes.

Oh and I picked up a pattern booklet I've been wanting for a long time, Flower Power by Lily. I'm drooling over the beach bag on the front cover. I think though I want to change up the colors a bit. Make the main color black, and then use the hot pink, hot purple, hot blue and......what do you think I should use for the last color? orange, green or white???

And of course I've got to make the flip-flops to go with!!! It would be a crime not to!!

OOPS!! Didn't realize i deleted wednesday's post, oh well.

I've been stitchin up a storm lately!!`

2005-02-22T13:42:00.000-06:00

and by the look of my house you can tell. UGH!! housework must be done!!

tons of pictures!!

okay now I got a ball winder for part of my valentine's gift from hubby and he's been winding all my stash up for me so i can get it all organized a little bit better.

this is about 1/3 to half of what I have.

I can't wait to see if my other yarn I ordered comes today!! I'll post again later if it does.

Been sick but still crocheting!!!

2005-02-19T10:36:00.000-06:00

okay, hubby, my 2 yr old and I have been sick with influenza for the last week but are on the mend now although hubby can't return to work till monday. I had lots of packages come though and I managed to get a few things done and a few things started.

I mailed packages for my SP, and some RAOK's. I received a couple of RAOK packages myself!!

Here is the adorable betty boop totebag I got from Stamptildawn.

And here is the beautiful, coveted butterfly bookmark and valentine card I received from Coralie!!

(note to coralie: I finally got the stuff I needed for your stitch markers, will be making them this week!!)

I got some gorgeous seeded mohair off ebay, a ball winder, a ton of tea for hubby, and I have some more laceweight wool coming still.

I'm almost done with my first fulled/felted bag. Just have to line it and find the perfect button for the center of my flower.

I started a gorgeous lace shawl from the mohair.

And I started a light cotton poncho for my 2 yr old in her favorite purple and white.

So I have managed to stay busy while hubby managed to wind half of my stash into neat stackable cakes(balls) of yarn. :)

OH, I almost forgot, I also got a pretty card from my SP!!!!

She's finished......almost!

2005-02-12T04:06:00.000-06:00

But I can show you a picture now!! This is a design I've been working on, the rough draft version. I call her "The Indian Princess Ponchette". The beaded brooch is detachable. I used rayon chennile from Fiber Options and Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Infusion Mohair. Oh and Caron Simply Soft for the leaves. The colors are much richer in person but I was taking the picture at night so I'll try again outside with natural light to see if it's any better.

and a closeup of the brooch,

Like I said this is just a rough draft on the ponchette, although the brooch is a finished design. Other's to come soon!

Fairy Godmother Goodness!!

2005-02-11T17:26:00.000-06:00

Well I opened the mailbox today to find these sweet surprises!!! Aren't the socks adorable!!!! I love the baby blanket pattern and I have alot of fun fur I could use. I have been wanting to make one of those boa scarfs for myself, now I have the pattern!!

These lovely gifts were from Colleen!! Thank you so much for thinking of me!! You are a real sweetheart!!

Other news........................................................................

We are waiting on the computer, will probably get it before summer. I really wanted to pay off our credit cards as much as possible while we had the money to do so.
But.....I did order me a yarn winder!!!!!!! And bid on some yarn, and ordered some tea, and I will be doing some yarn and RAOK shopping tomorrow!! Yeah!!! So it was a great day, i love the feeling of knowing your bills are all paid. Feels WONDERFUL!!!

I've been TAGGED!!

2005-02-10T09:42:00.000-06:00

LOL, just as I was posting that I wouldn't mind being tagged, I already had been, twice!! lol, okay here goes:

Music Meme.......I was tagged by Lynlee and by Natalie

Total number of music files on your computer.........none that i know of, this computer is ancient and we try not to stress it into quitting on us.

The last cd you bought..........Third Day Offerings II

The last song you listened to before reading this message.........lol, "can you tell me how to get to sesame street?" (seriously!!! I have 3 little kids!)

Name 5 songs you listen to often or that mean something to you.

1)Grace like Rain by Todd Agnew
2)Color of Love by Cassandra Reed
3)Here I am to Worship by Phillips, Craig & Dean
4)Peel Me a Grape by Diana Krall
5)Don't know why by Norah Jones

3 people i'm gonna pass this to and why.

Danielle
the resident knothead
because I read their blogs and haven't seen them tagged yet, and
Chelle at Luv2Crochet
because she's such a gem of a friend!

We're gettting a NEW COMPUTER!!!!

2005-02-10T09:21:00.000-06:00

I worked all day yesterday on some designs for the next Interweave Crochet and CrochetMe issues. After talking to hubby last night we have decided to buy a new computer with our tax return money among other things. I have been so frustrated by my unability to get my design business off the ground and the main thing holding me back was not having a digital camera, this computer and my lack of the needed software. But not anymore, I have the camera now and I need to start computer shopping today since our return should be direct deposited by monday. It's gonna be sooooo nice having a decent computer, this one was purchased right after we got married, and it's a little bit ancient now!! LOL Thankfully we are only buying the actual computer, we have a great printer, monitor and keyboard, etc.

I was able to make myself something yesterday even with all the design work going on, and I'll show you later today, have to add one last finishing touch before I take the picture!! But I'll tease you a bit, it's chennile and mohair and i'm gonna wear it for my valentine's date with hubby!! LOL

Okay a note to those passing around the lastest meme, I wouldn't hate ya if you tagged me!! :)

More to come later(pics!)..............

Works In Progress Wednesday

2005-02-09T08:55:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have my list ready!!

1)secret pal secrets!(lots of these!)

2)ripple mitten

3)poncho for shawl/poncho swap partner Fiona

4)vintage pink denim purse

5)design to submit to CrochetMe

I realy want to get this stuff done so I can start on Dot's newest hat!! It's the cowboy hat I was asking her about earlier!! I'd LOVE to make it in Berroco Suede but we'll have to wait and see, that would add up to about $40....of course I could justify it because I don't have a hat to wear out dancing......and tax return is coming!!!

This last week I finished most of my secret pal's first gift, will be mailing today or tomorrow, I finished the amore' shawl!!!! and I got some more design ideas that need to be worked out pretty quickly for submission.

Works in Progress Wednesday

2005-02-02T13:33:00.000-06:00

Okay this may be cheating but I'm only listing those I've worked on in the last 2 weeks, anything older than that is in queue!

1) Chelle's lightweight jewel shawl pattern done in amore'......35% done
2) Rippled Mittens....more than 50% done
3) Celebrity Shawl in sport weight chennile...may frog
4) Trin's sweater jacket....design work
5) Beaded Amulet Bag....(ugh, this is hard!!)
6) Lacey Pearl Shawl.....design work
7) Vintage Bag in denim thread.....40% done

For this weekend we are going on a marriage retreat and I'm wanting to take the amore' shawl, the mittens, and the lacey pearl shawl. So if I don't post much between now and monday, that's why. I gotta get crackin!!

ssshhhhhh.....can ya hear me now?

2005-01-30T14:34:00.000-06:00

I lost my voice, almost completely. Hubby has been sick and I was fine till this morning when I woke up to find myself speechless. lol, and found that auntie flo had come for a visit as well. :( Soooooo to say the least, I'm not feeling up to par today. My lack of energy prompted me to finish the book I was reading, Trojan Odyssey by Clive Cussler. I adore his books and this one came with ALOT of twists and turns and totally changed the picture for future books in a good way I think.
If you like fast action & real characters, I would suggest reading any of the Dirk Pitt novels by Cussler. Once you read one, you will be hooked!!!

Okay I have more pics to share with ya, I told you that yesterday, remember? Well I weren't joshin ya.

first these are pics of the newest lys in my area. It's called String! and this is where my Crochet Meet-up's will be held.

Next are some stitch markers I've made, some were gifts, and 4 I kept for myself. I will probably work on some more for gifts today.

Next are some pics of something I use several times a day and just love to pieces. My winter SP had made me one but somehow it got lost before I had a chance to put all my hooks in it. I was upset but decided to make myself one and if the other one ever showed up, I'd have an extra to fill and keep in the car as a backup. I added some details on this that were not on the pattern, like the handle I needed and the butterfly trim on the front. I really love this case and plan on making several more to RAOK with!!

And I'll end with a pic of the scissor case I made for my other scissors. Works like a charm.

Anyway, if you pray, please pray for me that my throat will heal up and return my voice to me without my having to go get antibiotics!!

Have a great and blessed Sunday ya'll.

Looooonnnnnngggg Day on the River

2005-01-29T22:25:00.000-06:00

Hiyall

hmm..what to say??? Hubby was sick so I didn't make it to the crochet meet-up tonite.
I'm behind on my projects I'm wanting to use next weekend but ya know what? I dont' care. When I start putting so much pressure on myself to get stuff done by a deadline I stop enjoying what I'm making and don't want to work on it at all. So if i get it done, GREAT! If not, then so what??

See my pretty button!!!! Mitzi made it for me!! Snag it if ya want to.

I ordered some yarn last night after chatting with the person I get to make a poncho for in the poncho/shawl swap. It's gonna be so much fun to make this for her. I'll show you the yarn but I'm keeping mum on the design cause I want it to be a surprise!! The yarn is called Glitter and the color is called Sprite. I can't wait to get it and see how it works up!

lol, the person I was hoping would get my name DID!!! And she was hoping to get my name!! lol. Beth of Three Olives And Some Yarn is gonna make me a gorgeous pink mohair shawl!! I can't wait to see it, she said the yarn reminds her of cotton candy, YUM!!

I'll leave you tonite with some pics I just got back from the photolab. Some are recent projects, some are just now getting photographed. Enjoy!!

more to come soon!

Goodnite all my beautiful peeps!! Loveya.

Works In Progress Wednesday

2005-01-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

Well I better get started.

1) my vintage bag in pink denim thread
2) rippled mittens
3) jessica simpson shawl...will start this weekend.
4) cushioned case for my magnifier/light
5) tabi's rippled coat
6) landscapes bag
7) raspberry mocha bag
8) cell phone cozy
9) my allure mobius

ok, now to snag more buttons!! I've gone plumb crazy about buttons!!

The new and improved Wool & Flax!!

2005-01-26T18:24:00.000-06:00

WOW!!! isn't it beautiful!! Mitzi(wickedstitch) did an awesome job not only helping me with my blog but teaching me how to do alot with it myself along the way.
I'm not done adding stuff, still have a ton of buttons to add. So if your's isn't on there yet and it should be, don't get miffed!! I'm just getting to it!!

Well i've been on here for a couple of hours and now I have mac'n cheese to cook!!

Byeya!!

Nice day for a swim?!?!?

2005-01-25T23:25:00.000-06:00

It was a balmy 74 degrees today in January??? What the heck is goin on with the weather lately??? Oh well, the kids got to play outside at the MOPS playdate and had a blast so all's well i guess.

I started teaching my friend and MOPS coordinator how to crochet today. She's preg. with #3 and thinks the baby is a girl, so she's seeing alot of pink yarn in her future!!

I joined a brand-new crochet & knitting online community today called TightKnitFriends, check it out and tell Leah Rebecca sent ya!!

As far as projects go, I finished one of my Ripple Mittens last night, turned out absolutely gorgeous!! Warm and thick and furry and oh soooo PINK!!! Will start it's mate tomorrow. Gotta do it before the weather goes back to normal since I have no other gloves or mitts!!

I'm almost finished with the front of my 1945 vintage handbag. I'm making it from Aunt Lydia's denim thread(ww) in a beautiful rose pink(what else?!) and using the bamboo "D" handles I was RAOKed with. I'm thinking of adding a beaded button and chainstitch loop for the closure and then a magnet closure for just in case.
Then I have to start on the shawl I'm gonna want to wear for the marriage retreat weekend we're going on Feb.4-6th. I know!! I'm cutting this close but I had to finish projects that had deadlines first before I could work on my own.

I have GOT to have some of this yarn!!!
Would that not make the most drapey, sexy poncho you've ever seen?!?!
Hopefully my Secret Pal reads this and takes it as a hint since I have no idea if my lys will stock it since they don't like my precious Berroco!! I'd like to know why on earth not!! It is perfectly heavenly yarn!!! I love the Alexandrite color!!!

I got my new secret pal today!!!!!! OMG!!! Just the person I was hoping for and was sure I probably wouldn't get. This is gonna be a blast spoiling her rotten!!!
My winter sp emailed me today to tell my my reveal package from her was mailed today. I'm gonna be stalking my mail carrier now!! LOL Can't wait. I love suprizes when I know they are coming and I can anticipate them like crazy!!!

Well, I guess I better turn in for the night, have to get up on the treadmill in the morning and that's gonna come too soon.

Just one last hello to my dear friend Mitzi, love ya girlie!! Hope you are having an awesome week!

I'm FREE!!!!!!

2005-01-23T21:35:00.000-06:00

I finally finished my "Inspired lace scarf"!!!!! Wowzers!!! I created a beautiful pattern but it sure was tedious to finish. Didn't think I'd get that done in time for submission. I'm gonna wash & block it tonite, take a pic in the morning and drop off the film. It should be back on wednesday the 26th giving me enough time to beat the deadline of the 31st of the month. I also finished Chelle's Lacey Shell Poncho for tabi today. Turned out soooooo cute!!! Did it in pistachio green cotton-ease with a red cotton thread carried along. Instead of a plain drawstring, I made her some cherries!! It's totally retro lookin and fits her to a T. NOW, I can work on things for me that I want to work on, mainly my pink denim bag and my jessica simpson shawl. I need both for the marriage retreat weekend we have coming up on the 4th-6th of Feb.

On the subject of the blog, I think I've decided which new blogskin to go with finally!!! It's gonna be soooooo cool thanks to my awesome pal, Mitzi!! Thank you sooooooooo much!!!!
and I have more pics to post, will try to get that done tomorrow.
So goodnight you beautiful peeps, and keep hookin'!!

Hey look at me!!! I'm doing buttons on my own!!!

2005-01-21T23:32:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it?? After I don't know how many months, I am learning how to put linkable buttons on my blog. This is so major for me!! Now if I can just find a blogskin I like, Mitzi has offered to help me renovate Wool & Flax. I'm looking for something pink maybe and definately with butterflies........

Whoopee for me!!!!!!!!

~Rebecca

Pictures as promised!!!

2005-01-17T16:10:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the gifts I made for Christmas!!

These are of the Jetstream Tote I made for my mother-in-law. I used Caron Rainbow Dreams yarn in the color Jetstream and trimmed it in FunFur in Sapphire and Peacock carried together as one. Then I lined it. It also has a plastic canvas frame between the bag and lining. Hubby helped me design the beaded closure.

Here is the hat I designed for my almost-brother-in-law. He loves anything Superman. I made him the hat and included a superman belt buckle and the Evanessence cd he wanted. I used woolease yarn in red sprinkle and colonial blue, the patch I bought off ebay and sewed on the front of the folded up brim.

And here is my hubby modeling it.

When I get more film developed, I'll post a picture of the recipient Garret wearing it.

Here are the diagonal boxstitch scarves I made for my brother-in-law and my father-in-law. They are done in woolease yarn in bluemist and pine print double-stranded.

Here is the Mesh Skully I made to put in my sister's stocking. I used a big ball of yarn and some knitting needles to model it for me.....I think I'll call him Stickly!

and here is the same pattern with some changes modeled by me. Sorry about the bad picture!!

Oops!! Sorry guys & gals

2005-01-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

I totally forgot about bloggin thru the holiday season. I'll try to catch you up but it may take a few posts. Right this minute I'm finishing a project for myself. Then I'm gonna make my secret pal a gorgeous hookcase!! I have as many projects lined up right now as I did for Christmas!! But I like to be busy, just have to remember to stop and do something for myself every once in awhile too. Today I'm going with Janine to check out a new lys called STRING! It's a yarn shop/coffee shop in the artsy district downtown. Can't wait!! I'm also going to Hobby Lobby for my Secret Pal's hookcase. I got to give out one of my business cards yesterday in Walmart. I was standing in the yarn aisle (honestly, where else would I be??) and this 20something girl was trying to pick out yarn either with her daughters or I think it must have been younger sisters. She seemed to not know what to do so I asked her if she was knitting or crocheting, she said I'm just a beginning knitter and don't know what yarn would be the easiest to start with. So I gave her my card and gave her some tips. I even promoted Michael's and Hobby Lobby to her while standing in Walmart!! Hehehe, walmart sucks. Anyway, she was excited to meet someone who knew more than she did when she needed help.
Okay ya'll hubby and I have noticed that I have a real knack for predicting trends. And I've been having hunches lately that the next big thing after the trend of putting the crocheted flowers on everything is..........butterflies. So I started making some last night, gonna put one on my 2 newest hats i think and just see what happens.
I've put on my crochetville wishlist the desire to have someone help me with this blog stuff, ya know like buttons? So hopefully this will look better soon.
I've got tons of pics waiting to be developed and I've got some that are, so I'll post some soon I promise.

VIOLET

You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and belive strongly in your personal morals.

Find out your color at Quiz Me!

Wow, where was I?

2004-11-24T23:02:00.000-06:00

I knew it had been awhile but not this long!! Sorry about that. That is if anyone really reads my blog, not sure on that one. Well I have been really busy. I wrote another pattern that is actually being submitted for publication soon!!! I finished knitting Tabitha's poncho and made her one of Chelle's granny skull caps to match. Now she wants a purse and legwarmers but I told her not till after Christmas. Right now, I'm about done knitting Billy's hat, half done with Tab's polarspun scarf, 1/4 of the way done with my Crochetville Holiday Gift Exchange gift, but have I been working on that stuff lately? NOOOOOOOO....I got inspired by some pretty crocheted hats on ebay and have been making hats when I have TONS of gifts yet to make. In the last 2 days I've made 3 hats and started 2 more that I frogged. And then what do I do? I went and said I would make hats for all the little cousins under 16 on my mom's side for the Christmas exchange party. That's about 16 more hats!!!!!!!! Am I running a fever here??? I went to another Crochet/Knitting Meet-up group, was awesome!! About 6-7 people this time and they loved my work. Oh and I finally got my first package for my pal shipped and she got it, absolutely loved it!! That makes me feel so good. I put alot of myself into that box. :)

Bought yarn today!!!! Michael's 4 day sale had wool-ease for $1.77 so I picked up 11 balls towards my 63 square afghan, 3 for xmas hats, 3 for stash enhancement, and 3 balls of the Thick & Quick for a hat/scarf set Billy wants for a friend at work who's always cold even in the summer. Sigh....(another project before xmas.) Oh and that's not counting the trims I picked up at Wally-world for a purse and the 3 skeins of Simply Soft and the 4 skeins of Caron's Seasons holiday yarn. Whoopee!!!!
I'm also starting to shop around for the Crochetville Colors of Love Yarn Swap. I found something I like but i'll have to wait and see, it may be way over budget.
Also decided that my car coat will be in the purple LB Colorwaves, not the blues.

Joined a freeform crochet yahoo group, and started lookin around on blogs for examples of freeform so I know if I'm doing it the right way; what i've learned is that there is no right way, just MY WAY!!! I love it!! :)

Well, I need to go make some cookies for the little ones tomorrow so I'll leave ya with this:

You Are the Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together.
People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Happy Birthday to Trinity!!

2004-11-07T01:07:00.000-06:00

Drumroll please..................................................

Here is the birthday girl in her completed poncho & hat!! As you can tell, she is just about estatic with her new duds. For a 2 yr old, she sure loves clothes!!

Here is a picture of the hat and purse I made to go with the poncho.

Ahhhhh....now I can relax.......why am I kidding myself, Christmas is next month!!!!
I can relax December 26th with all my new yarn Santa's gonna bring me!!

I posted my first pattern!!

2004-11-01T16:55:00.000-06:00

I've been designing for a long time but never wrote any of them down, driving my hubby nuts in the process!! So finally I took the time to write a pattern as I created something. It's posted at Crochetville under original patterns and also at my website. I mailed out the checkmate ribbon yarn today to Kelly. I'm so glad someone thinks they can find a use for that stuff!! It's beautiful but it was driving me crazy. She's sending me 2 balls of fun fur and 2 balls of woolease chunky in exchange. Since I want to use up all my red heart so I can replace it with woolease and real 100% wool, I was happy with the trade!! And I can always use the fun fur in my little girls' poncho designs. I might save it though cause it's one of the colors I need for the afghan i want to make for teddy's birthday next june. I'm gonna make the star blanket but with woolease chunky and fun fur in bright blues, red, lime, yellow, & white. I also decided today that after Christmas I'm gonna make the 63 square afghan for our bed and some shams to go with it. It is a HUGE project and it may take me a whole year to finish it amongst my other projects. I need to decide on which pattern to use for Mother & Daddy's pillowghan for their bed next Christmas. Man!! Do you think I'm planning too far in advance? I know, but if I don't plan afghans ahead, THEY DON'T GET DONE!!!!!
And I am determined to actually finish an afghan. I love using them but don't have any cause I always told myself I couldn't do it. NO MORE!! I can do all things thru Christ which strengthens me!!!

Just browsing the net...

2004-10-31T17:21:00.000-06:00

you are blueviolet
#8A2BE2

Your dominant hues are blue and magenta. You're the one who goes to all the parties but doesn't quite fit in at every one... you know what you want, but are afraid of what the world might think of it. You're a little different and that's okay with them, and if you're smart it's okay with you too.

Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

I'm still working on tabi's poncho, did almost 8 inches yesterday and my hands were tired but I think I'll work on it some more tonite cause I want to finish it by tomorrow nite. Then I have my secret pal project to work on and the little things I'm making for the Winter Swap at Crochetville. That should keep me busy this week.
Ugh!! I like being able to make gifts for the holidays but I'll be glad when i'm done so I can make something for myself for once.

Who am I?

2004-10-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

I am a hybrid of:
Uptown Girl
Girl Next Door
Click on the pictures below to read more:
Take the 'What Kind of Girl Are You?' quiz at CookingToHookup.com

I thought this was pretty cool and it managed to describe me pretty accurately!!

On the crochet/knitting front, I'm doing pretty good lately. Finished trin's poncho, hat & purse in time for her birthday party last weekend and she also wore it for hallelujah nite at church wednesday. Now I just need time to write the pattern and make one in a sizes 3\4, 5\6, 7/8 & 10/12. Trin's is a 2. I also designed a hat for teddy, he was dressing up as a hunter. The top part looks like a camo skullcap with a reverse sc edge, but it's connected to a custom ski mask that looks like it's actually sculpted to fit his face. Then I added a flared part at the bottom that will tuck into his sweatshirt or coat to keep him extra warm. Still need to write the pattern for that one, i think.....may just make it as a custom order since it needs to be fitted to each person individually though. Now, I'm working on tabita's poncho. I have started this thing about 4 times and none of the patterns I was trying to use looked right with the yarn she chose. So now I'm knitting it in the round from the bottom up with 2 stripes near the hem. It has a ribbed mock turtleneck neckline at the top and fringe on the bottom. Found the pattern in a mag from the 70's my mil had given me. This is the biggest knitting project I've attempted yet but other than the joinings around the stripes, I'm really happy with how it's coming along. I'm trying to finish it by next weekend. I'm also giving myself breaks by working on a project for my Crochetville Secret Pal!!
I may not get too much done today though cause I promised tabi that we'd bake some bread and some cookies. Can't wait!!

Dangit!! My hand won't work!

2004-10-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

Well today I got tired of waiting for hubby to actually mow and clean up the front yard which was lookin really shaggy and unkept so I decided to just shut-up and do it myself. Only problem, the only mower we have that is operational at the moment is the old-fashioned rotary style push mower. Using that and a small electric trimmer, it took alot of elbow grease and about 4.5 hours to do the yard & all the clean-up. Now my wrists and arms are aching and I can't crochet!!! :( :(
Oh well tomorrow I just have to clean off the porch and patio so that won't take quite so much effort on my part. I want to get trin's poncho & hat finished before bed tomorrow nite. Friday is bill paying, shopping, dishes & laundry day so that I can be ready for some heavy-duty kitchen cleaning on saturday and church that nite. But oh no, i also have to have anna's scarf done by sunday!!!!! When am I gonna get all this done???????

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice.
You've got the basics down pat and you might just
be falling in love with this hobby. Big
needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the
name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't
experiment a bit, here and there. As an
apprentice, you probably fall back on other
people to get you through those rough spots,
and if you don't know anyone who knits, you
probably have a few books or online sources to
tap.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
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Crochet/Knitting Meet-up's tonite!!

2004-10-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

I went for the first time and even though it was just the shopowner, myself, my friend Miranda and two other people, it was a blast!! I have dreamed of being able to go in a yarn shop and sit and knit or crochet without being rushed out. Janine and I hit it off really fast and are excited to get together with our kids and do a yarn swap, maybe a dying party as well! Whoopeeee!!!!! :) Janine and the guy(sorry I can't remember your name!!) were working on mitered squares when I got there, that is something that I have been wanting to try for awhile now, got a little more inspiration tonite though, think I want to make the rug from interweave knits. Oh well, hubby wants the computer back so he can play inspector parker. MEN!!!

Rain equals more crocheting!!!!

2004-10-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

It's been rainy here lately and I've been inspired to stay up all night and into the wee morning hours creating and inventing ponchos, hats & purses!! I've done 1 capelet, one toddler poncho, one hat, one purse, and one mitten!! LOL, the other will get done hopefully by sunday night. The chilly weather is sooooo wonderful! La la la la, it puts me in a happy, silly mood and makes me extremely productive. Can't complain too much about that!
Found this little quiz off another crochet blog and just had to share my result. Thought it surely couldn't be that accurate but it pegged me right off the hook!! LOL Blue is my favorite color :)

What Color is Your Brain?
brought to you by Quizilla

Designing for hubby!

2004-09-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Wow! My hubby actually asked me to design a crocheted quiver for his bow. Soooo I got to drive all the way to the city yesterday (30 min. away) just to buy yarn. :) Of course there was some gorgeous yarn on sale as well as the camouflage yarn I needed. I ended up with 2 skeins of Bernat Camouflage: one in outback and one in mash, 2 balls of LionBrand Landscapes in country sunset that I've been drooling over for weeks now, one skein of another pretty yarn I'm saving for my secret pal, and a skein of LionBrand Wool-Ease sportweight in the sparkly white to make myself a pretty scarf. lol, I already knitted up one ball of the landscapes last night. I'm designing my own purse with it. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I'm planning on lining it with turquoise satin when I'm thru knitting it. I just can't figure out whether to put the stockinette or the reverse stockinette as the right side! Both are equally pretty in this yarn. Did I mention I LOVE this yarn? It is sooooo soft and thick and knits up sooooo fast on size 13 needles(which are my fav. size anyway!).
Oh I had to frog my mil's crocheted bedjacket last nite. I borrowed one of her shirts to measure against since she is a bigger lady and was a full 5 inches short in width across the back. Oh well, i'm just glad I hadn't gotten further along before I stopped and checked.
I also got started on the baby blanket I'm making for Shawna's baby the other night but I'm not sure about the pattern. I had originally planned on knitting it but started a crochet pattern with it and I'm just not happy with how it's coming out. It will probably get frogged. She's not due until Dec.23rd so I still have a little time to decide. Actually she's coming to see me this weekend!!! All the way from the Texas Mexican border!! I'm sooooo excited. The only hitch is her hubby that's coming also is being a real stinkerbutt and not letting us make any firm plans. We'll see what happens, I may have to sneak her out of her hotel! LOL

I have to.........shhh.......dirty word...........clean!!

2004-09-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Man this morning stinks!! I stayed up way too late last nite and now I have to get up and .....shhhh...dirty word here.....clean my house. Oh no!! I really dislike cleaning. Personally I think it's a waste of good crocheting or knitting time. Oh well, I really don't have a choice right now, the house looks like Ivan came thru it and I have company coming tomorrow after church. I'm not gonna get on here,(meaning internet) during my breaks cause I actually want to make some progress on mother's bedjacket if I get to work on anything. Ggrrrrr....Billy is driving me crazy!! He tells me he needs to be up and at work between 9 and 9:30 but he won't wake up!! He better not blame me if he gets in trouble for not being there. I found a cool site last nite that will help in getting my blog to look the way I want it to. It might take me a week or two but at least I can do it by myself!! Hurray!!
"Lord, please help me remember to speak softly and not to bruise my childrens' spirits by yelling and being harsh with them. Let me always treat them as You would." Amen.

I'm going to try....

2004-09-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

to figure out how to add the html code for buttons and the percentage bars this weekend. So please bear with me if I don't blog much in the next couple of days. Hopefully I will have some new bells and whistles by this time next week.

Oh I almost forgot!!

2004-09-24T16:28:00.000-05:00

I went shopping with my mom last weekend, and found some vintage metal knitting needles, 2 different sizes of circulars for only 3 bucks!!!!! I was so excited. :) On the other hand, I passed on a beautiful soft white sweater made from the most heavenly angora/silk/wool blend yarn that I should have paid the $12 for just to unravel and dye!! Man, i think I will regret that for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time to come. I do not even want to think about how much that yarn would have cost me to buy retail.:(

Sorry it's been awhile...

2004-09-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

since i've blogged anything. I've gotten alot done though. My mom's knitted quest scarf is finally done. I knitted it in garter stitch and wanted to add a beaded fringe. I bought the fringe and got it attached but didn't like how it eliminated all the stretch along the outer edge of the scarf so I took it off again. I ended up crocheting a pretty eyelet and picot border which turned out gorgeous!! That means one Christmas gift done, a bazillion more to go.

Steph called me and her other daughter Brilee wants a ponytail hat too. I saw some pretty bright & lofty by Red Heart in a hot pink/orange rainbow print at wal-mart and grabbed it because they don't normally carry it. I even found a ball of LB fun fur in mango that matches it perfectly!! Talk about luck!

Oh and I also tried my hand at knitting socks, 2 rounds into the toe, I said forget about it!! That may have to wait a few more years till I have enough patience, Lord willing. LOL

Since I haven't been able to figure out html code for the WIP percentage bars, I will give you a list.
These are all things that need to be done by Christmas for one reason or another!

Billy's crocheted quiver..............done!!
My landscapes knitted purse..............80% (gonna frog & try different pattern!)
Billy's sweater.......need yarn & time! (didn't get done, maybe xmas '05?)
Tabitha's poncho & hat & purse.........0% (done except for the purse)
Anna's Boa scarf.................30%(finished and wrapped 10 minutes before party)
Mother's bedjacket........0%, had to frog and resize. (did Jetstream tote instead)
Teddy's winter hat......................0% (done)
Sebastian's baby blanket................0% (changed mind on this)
Brilee's ponytail hat...................done!!
Steph's nubby cloche..................done!!
Teddy's sweater......................80% done
My basketweave poncho................40% done
Tabitha's newsboy cap.................90% done
Tabitha's polarspun scarf.......5% done, may get frogged! (done)
Miranda's flower stitch scarf....still practicing stitch patt. (just gave her the yarn and pattern as gift)
Bethany's knit lace beanie..............0% (done)
Trin's hooded scarf & mitts....just need time and yarn!! (ran out of money.)
Tabi's winter hat & mittens..............need time and yarn!! (done)
Garret's scarf and beanie........need time, yarn and needles!! (done)
My other wool fliptop mitten.............0%
My Jessica Simpson Shawl..........just need some time!!
My asymetrical flower stitch poncho............2% (still thinking on this one)
My Divine scarf........................20% (done)
Legwarmers for both girls..........need yarn (might wait till next fall)

(edited list on 1/17/05)

Projects for my Crochetville Secret Pal, Holiday Gift Exchange, and Winter Swap!

Well, I think that's about all, (that I can remember!!) Now NOBODY better ask for anything else before Christmas or I might strangle them!!

Man these last couple of days....

2004-09-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

have been loooonnnnnngggg ones!! I finally got the rest of my yarn from ebay in the mail today. I got some gorgeous aqua yarn that is a rayon/linen/cottonn blend and then some lime green and some flag blue new zealand wool. I'm really excited about that aqua yarn, I want to make my knitting/crochet buddy Miranda the celebrity poncho and then use the rest of it to make me a knitted tank or maybe the celebrity shawl? My son, Teddy was so upset today when I realized that the lime and blue wool was way too scratchy to make his sweater like we had planned. He wants the accordion at knitty. So I promised him i would find some other yarn quickly that would be soft, washable and sturdy, after all he's a 3 year old!! Even though i don't like using the red heart acrylic yarns for clothing, i think for this, it will be inexpensive and adequate. And if after I start, it looks like crap, i'll just frog it and start over with something else.
Oh i got to go see Miranda today and shared some of my stash with her. Poor girl, she only had about 8 balls of yarn in her's and that just won't do!! We decided to start a knitting night with her mom and sister and the two of us to knit, crochet, spin and dye. I can hardly wait till the first one!! I went and sat with her during her class at the university also, and managed to finish knitting the shifter knob cover I was making out of fun fur for my sister's birthday next month. Miranda couldn't believe I could see the stitches in that yarn but it was really fun to work with and a whole lot easier than I thought it would be.
You'll never believe what happened to me today! My cousin and her husband gave us a car. We have been a one car family for about 5 years now so this is a HUGE deal for us!! I went to hubby's work and told him and thought he was gonna go thru the roof he was so excited. It's not new or anything and the air doesn't work but it runs good and is free so thank you Lord for blessing us. Please bless Steph and Jason for giving us the car!! We were at their daughter's birthday party tonite where I gave her the ponytail hat I crocheted for her. I felt kinda uncomfortable cause Hayley didn't want to try it on and said she didn't like it. I know she's only 6 years old, but it still bothered me a little. Her mom talked to her before I left and then she apologized for being rude and thanked me for the pretty hat. I hope I get to see her wear it this fall/winter so I will know she really does like it. I was really proud of how pretty and warm it turned out.
Well, i guess i've spilled my beans for the day, I want to go get started on that celebrity poncho!!

I forgot....

2004-09-13T18:11:00.000-05:00

My first hand spindle and some gorgeous teal blue roving came in the mail today. I'm going to wait till the kids are in bed, dishes are done, house is all sparkly before I let myself touch it! I can't wait to make something with yarn i've spun all by myself!! ~~Reminder to self~~ get sizes 10.5 and 13 circs. on thursday at Hobby Lobby, BUT ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOOO MORE YARN!!!!!!!

Man this feels great!!

2004-09-13T18:04:00.000-05:00

I fixed the neckline border on my poncho and weaved in a couple of yarn ends that had escaped me at 3am. Then I designed and finished a long strappy headband, the kind you tie under your hair, to match my poncho. The whole thing looks awesome!! I wouldn't be suprised if I have people wanting me to make this set for them without any advertising on my part. Well, i've managed to do absolutely nooooooooooo housework for the last 48 hours while on this poncho mission but now it's time to play catch up with the house. If it takes me a day or two to post, that's why. I can't wait to show this to Miranda on thursday!! I just know she's going to ask to borrow the pattern. I better just take it with me.

here is the poncho and my friend Shauna from Texas.

Oh my gosh, I'm tired.

2004-09-13T03:12:00.000-05:00

But my crocheted split sleeve butterfly poncho is finished. I love it except for the edging around the neck. Think I may go back tomorrow, no wait....I mean tonite, and redo that differently. I don't want it standing up like a ruffle. That part looks a little dumb. My arms are tired and this body needs some beauty sleep so it will have to wait a few hours. Next to get done is my daughter's scarf and hat and vest. They are about 60-65% done now. Hopefully have them done by the end of the week and my son's sweater too!

YEAH!! I finished something.

2004-09-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

The ponytail hat crocheted for my cousin's little girl's birthday party next thursday is now finished, the ends are all weaved in and invisible. This was the first time I have used boucle yarn and it was kinda difficult but now that it's done, I love it! It is so warm and thick and forgiving. It looks so cute!! I think i want one for myself in this TLC Amore' i've had lying around here. Oh no, another project..................

Doesn't she look adorable in it? I actually had to beg to take a picture cause she's sooooo shy.

My first ebay yarn got here today!!

2004-09-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

It is sooooo beautiful!! It is a cone of 5400 yds. laceweight loopy rayon yarn in a fruity summery colorway. I want to make a shawl from it for a dear friend for her birthday next July. I have a feeling that I better get started on it right after the Christmas stuff is done, or I might not finish it in time. I've never done lace so this will be an adventure!!

Hmm...after playing with it, I think it will be done in the Jessica Simpson shawl pattern but it needs another yarn carried along with it and I'm not sure what kind yet. But here's the pic.

Works in progress...

2004-09-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

Right now I've got a ton of projects i'm trying my best to keep up with.. I've got to finish the scarf i'm knitting for my mom for christmas and I'm hoping to have it done tonite except for the fringe which I want to bead (haven't bought them yet). Then I've started a scarf for my oldest daughter, two ponchos for myself: one crocheted and one knitted, then there's a granny square newsboy cap and vest for the same little girl, a crocheted sweater for my son and a crocheted ponytail hat for a birthday party next week. That's just the stuff I have started, that doesn't count all the projects i have lined up or have purchased yarn for. But........right now i need to go write my grocery list and do my shopping so I have food to fuel this "Lean, Mean, Yarn Machine".

Yarn Shopping this week!!!

2004-09-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

I hit paydirt this week shopping for yarn. First, on ebay i bought a big cone of a pretty blue wool and 3 partial cones of bright lime green wool, some gorgeous turquoise rayon yarn, some varigated yarn i fell in love with and I don't even know what the fiber content is!!! LOL Also a hand spindle and some beautiful green roving. THEN, onto Hobby Lobby where I bought a skein of LionBrand polar fleece, size 10 circs, a skein of camo sock yarn, and a new knitting bag. THEN, to my lys where I found the Debbie Bliss on sale 50% OFF!!!! Jumping up and down here!! I bought 3 balls of the merino chunky in a pretty teal shade, 3 balls of the merino dk in a dusty plum, and 4 balls of the merino dk in a soft navy. I'm determined to make me a booga bag from this wool. I have enough to make one for myself and for my mil for christmas. Then today i was at another Hobby Lobby just killing time while waiting on hubby, and saw the sidewalk sale. I am a sucker for sidewalk sales. I got 10 skeins of LionBrand Cotton Ease in a soft pistachio for a baby blanket. It might be a while till I can get a pic up but i will try this weekend. Hubby says i can't buy any more yarn till I spend the same amount of $$ on hunting stuff for him. I said, "That's a deal!" He could have asked for much more, i figured.

Switching Blog Hosts

2004-09-10T16:16:00.000-05:00

I'm switching from typepad to blogspot, we'll see if I can handle it better here. I really want this to be awesome!!! more coming later tonite!!