Tuesday Knitting Report

Since I finished Ernie's socks last week (which by the way he loves and has worn several times even though they are huge, they keep his feet warm), I have gotten out the sweater that I started last year. I decided to take it off the needles and start over. Well, you know there had to be a problem~why must there always be a problem???~the pattern is no where to be found. I have no clue what happened to it.

I looked and looked online and at the library but did not find the book the pattern came from (mostly because I can't remember which book it came from). After looking online for a similar pattern and starting over, I quit that one too. Yesterday we went to town and I did a quick stop at JoAnn's thinking they might have the darn book I have been obsessing about but no they didn't. They did have the one in the photo. Paton's Next Step Three, Create Your Own Cardigan. After another customer raved about this book and having a coupon, I bought it.

Last night I sat down and started reading and then I started on my sweater~the one shown on the cover (I think I will call it Third Time's A Charm). I made some serious (for me) progress and can't wait to work on it again tonight. I am so slow at the purl stitch though but maybe by the time this is finished, I'll be a speedy purler. Or maybe not.

Design Wall Monday

I've spent my few minutes here and there working on my G0! Scrappy 1 that I showed here. It really is amazing how much you can get done in just a few minutes. I have the last 10 blocks ready to sew together. It was fun getting the units ready. I needed 80 A units and 80 B units. After they were together, I just started randomly laying the units down and creating blocks. This is a fun, scrappy, use up the pieces quilt. It will get lots of love and use somewhere.

To see other fabulous design walls, check out Judy L's Design Wall Monday post.

Stash Report 11.28.10

The title of today's post should read It's All Her Fault . I didn't buy any fabric. In fact I was using some, not much but some and then I got the phone call. "I'm reorganizing my fabric and I have a bunch that I'm getting rid of. Do you want to go through it first?" Well DUH! Of course I do!

Thanksgiving Day seemed to be the perfect day for Crystal to give her mom fabric. I came home with 25 yards of it!

So here are my numbers for the week:

Used this Week 4.5 yards
Used Year to Date: 239 yards
Added this Week: 25 yards
Added Year to Date: 175.25 yards
Net Used for 2010: 63.75

If I'm going to reach my 100 yards net, I am going to have to buckle down and make some backs and get to quilting. Goals for December have been intensified.

To see how others are doing with their stash, visit Judy L, see her numbers and then start clicking links.

Mystery Part 2

I love a good stash busting mystery quilt! That is exactly what the newest Quiltville Mystery is. I dug through all my fabric to come up with enough browns to make 30 sets of half square triangles and hopefully have enough left for any other steps that might need brown. As much as I tried to get each set different I have 2 sets that are the same but that's the way it worked out. I'm not making any more. Step 2 is complete.

I still might have to buy a couple pieces where she uses yardage but I can live with that.

Earlier today we went to the library~~Ernie was out of books and I needed new audio books. I still am kicking myself for not trying these sooner. I brought home 4 new ones and I hope that will last me for a couple weeks. Did you know there are books on mp3 players? All you have to do is use your own headphones or hook them up to your speakers. Or am I really lame and these have been around forever???

I'm hoping to get a quilt loaded on the frame tonight or in the morning. I have so many that need quilted plus I need to get my stash numbers booming. After bringing home fabric from Crystal's, I have lots to make up for.....I need to figure that out before Sunday's stash report. Oiye!

Blocks 3 & 4 of 100

Week 2 blocks of Tea's Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Sew Along.

I have a bunch of fabrics left from making this quilt and I have lots of fat quarters that I have put in a bin to use up in my 100 blocks. I'm wondering if I can make all the blocks without buying a single piece of fabric. Of course I can! It will be easy.....she says now.

So far, with my 4 completed blocks, I have ideas for 3 quilts. Maybe I should write myself a note and put it in the bin, just in case....

Thanksgiving Day Fun

Today we spent the day at Crystal and Mike's Little House on the Prairie. They cooked. I love it when other people cook dinner. I made pie and a pumpkin roll for desert.

Aunt DeeDee kept Leland entertained. He didn't get to go outside and play.

These kiddos did. TayTay kept Maemae and Elliot playing outside for quite a while. Crystal and Mike have a fabulous view from their home.

Before dinner, Uncle Doug and Aunt Lacey spent some floor time with Leland and Elliot. After dinner, we were all too stuffed to get down on the floor.

Thanks family for a fabulous day. Now I am going to go put on my pjs and see if I can make it to the recliner.

Tuesday Sock Report

Here they are, Ernie's socks are finished. I finished them Sunday night and now I need to figure out how to make them fit. These things are huge!

Oh boy did I learn a few things on this pair! 60 stitches on size 5 needles with this wool yarn are too many stitches. I should have made a sample swatch, but I didn't. If I did, maybe I could have finished this pair over a week ago. I should have stopped when I realized they were huge and started over, but I didn't.

See the blue pin marker on the toe? I missed a stitch when I was closing the toe. I'm glad I saw that when he tried them on.

So do you think if I wash them gently in warm water and lay them to dry the wool will shrink enough to make the socks fit? Or am I going to shrink them enough for a 4 year old to wear? This is my first experience with socks that are too big. My other experience with (accidentally) shrinking wool turned out not so good.

Now that the socks are done, I'm going to work on my sweater that I started last winter. I think I quit because I made too many mistakes. I'm going to evaluate it this morning and maybe take it off the needles and start over. This will become my new Tuesday Knitting Report.

Happy Monday

The view from my front door.....Happy Monday.
Goodbye fall, I'm going to miss you.

Design Wall Monday

These blocks were made Saturday during my 5 fabulous hour sewing stint. These are blocks 1 and 2 for Tea's Quiltmaker 100 Block sew along. If you don't read Tea's blog, you are missing out on one of the most fabulous quilters in Blogland. The other day I was ready to pack up and move just to join her scrap club. Then I remembered how much stuff I have......

We have a cold snowy week ahead of us so I am planning to stay in as much as I can and keep my sewing machine warm.

Grab something to drink and a snack and visit Judy L and others to see lots of fabulous design walls throughout Blogland.

Stash Report 11.21.10

Despite all of my time in my sewing room this week and all the fabulous progress I made, little counts toward my stash report. I did use 2 fat quarters to back my candle mats and made another mug rug and turned 2 orphan blocks into potholders and that uses little stash. Each yard puts me closer to my goal though, so I'm counting it.

Used this Week 1 yards
Used Year to Date: 234.5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 150.25 yards
Net Used for 2010: 84.25

If I'm going to get to goal of 100 yards net for the year, I might want to get busy. Oh dear, I just counted, there are only 5 stash reports left for the year. I think I can, I think I can.

Go to Judy L's and see her amazing numbers and then see how others are doing with their stash.

Photo is of Tony on dad duty.

Saturday Happenings

We didn't start Saturday off very good around here. Both of us woke up with the nasty flu. Poor Ernie has it really bad, I just feel like I've been run over by a truck. He crashed on the couch with his quilts, dogs and remotes, I hid in my sewing room. He napped and watched tv, I sewed and sewed and sewed. (He says knee replacement is easier than this darn flu!)

Last night I started Quiltville's newest mystery-Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll. I finished step 1 this morning. I needed to make 172 units, I made 188, just in case. Either I need to make a trip to the quilt store for more fabric for the remaining steps or I need to rethink my color choices. There is a downside to using up your stash, I think that's a downside. I have a few days to figure it out but will probably work with what I have.

Then I started my blocks for Tea's 100 block sew along making the blocks from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine. I love the flower block but I'm not too sure about the other one. I think it needs more contrast in the center strip and will probably remake that tonight. Or maybe I will take out the center strip and trim it down and add a sashing strip. I'll have to play with it and see.

Edit Sunday morning:
I added the white sashing and I like the block alot better now.


I know I sewed for over a total of 5 hours today because that is how long this audio book is. I had finished making my second block and was almost to the end of this book so I grabbed my little bag of bonus half square triangle/pinwheel blocks and put together this mug rug. The book wasn't quite finished so I found some scraps for a backing and piece of batting and quilted it. I finished the binding just after the book ended. Pretty good timing.

Now I think I'll curl up in my recliner with my quilt and my knitting.

Block 2

Moose on the Porch has posted block 2 for the Layer Cake Quilt Along. I am determined to use up my small stash of batiks so my quilt is going to be very scrappy. Since I'm not using a layer cake, I am changing up the cutting instructions and using my EZ Angle and EZ Companion rulers.

I have been thinking about what to use for sashing on this project and I think I will have to audition some solids but for now, I'm just making the blocks.

Tuesday Sock Progress Report

Here they are, Ernie's wool socks. I just did the last row of the gusset and now I'm going to fly through the foot. I think maybe they might be too big around but it's hard to tell. He is taking some blood thinner medication and has been wearing the sexy compression stockings so his legs are skinny.

I tried one of the socks on him the other day and he thinks they are going to be fabulous and wants me to hurry. He has been paying attention to how much time goes into knitting a pair of socks and is quite impressed that I am still making them. I'm not a speedy knitter. Have you seen the video of the speed knitter? That's not me!

Go to Judy L's page to read about the knit along and in the search box, put in knit along to see all of her posts. I love seeing the progress of other sock knitters like Kathy or Mary or Jill or Denise. I can't wait to see more from everyone.

Design Wall Monday

Design Wall Monday on Sunday Evening......because we get to go to Physical Therapy again Monday morning. That means no time for my Monday morning Blogland tour (insert super sad face here) but I never miss DWM entirely so I'll be here later in the day.

What do you get when you have a healing husband with a good book, a rainy weekend and me that really, really wants to sew? You get things on her design wall. Saturday sewing was in spurts, Sunday sewing started in spurts but after all the company was gone, I got to sit down and sew for a couple of uninterrupted hours. And it was bliss.

So on my wall is my finished Christmas wall hanging because I like looking at it. Below that is my version of Moose on the Porch Layer Cake Quilt Along block 1. I decided to use my batik scraps instead of buying a Layer Cake of fabric, so of course my quilt will be very scrappy.

While following my Google followers, I discovered Erika at Quilts 'n Stuff where she is showing a couple really cool looking candle mats. Following her link to the Candle Mat Swap, I found instructions for the candle mat on the bottom. I used one of my packs from Mr. B's Preview Pack Club at Benartex, Inc. called Ariannna. Then I decided to make another candle mat with the remaining charms and leftover pieces like Erika did. Then there were a few more leftover pieces of fabric so I made mug rugs which seem to be all the rage now and so very cute! I picked out a couple fat quarters from the stash and will use them to the backs of the candle mats. That's the plan for this week......wish me luck.

Grab yourself a snack and something to drink--like a nice tall glass of ice water--and go to Judy L's to check out a bunch of fabulous design walls.

Stash Report 11.14.10

What's a post without a picture? Since I've got nothing quilt related to show, I thought I'd show you a naughty little dog. Louie, Louie, Louie...there is no standing on the table!

I've been able to spend quite a bit of time in my sewing room Friday and Saturday. Sew for a bit, come out, do stuff, help Ernie with whatever and go back in.

I never thought using 2.5 yards of fabric in 2 weeks would be so exciting but for me, right now, it is. I'm working on a couple Christmas things so no pictures yet.

Used this Week 2.5 yards
Used Year to Date: 233.5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 150.25 yards
Net Used for 2010: 83.25

Head over to Judy L's for a list of other stash reporters.

I Remembered How

I was starting to think I may have forgotten how to sew. I haven't spent much time with my beloved sewing machine in the last 2 weeks. But last night, I told Ernie, if you need me, I'll be in my sewing room, you'll have to holler at me. My book on tape will be on and the machine will be working. Amazing how he didn't need me for a very long time.

I got my wall hanging put together and quilted. I need to stitch on the hanging sleeve but that is a tv time progect. This is the first time I've used prairie points. There are a couple of wonky ones but it the grand scheme of things, is it going to matter??? I didn't think so.

Today's big project is laundry and bedding...ugh, my 2 least favorites but at least I can sew during the process. I have a couple of projects I want to get to and I have quilts that are begging me to get quilted. Send me good vibes for a smooth day..........

Ernie update: Yesterday was 2 weeks with his new knee. Tuesday was the surgeon post op appointment and he was very pleased. The staples were removed and he will see him again in 6 weeks. Yeah! Friday was physical therapy and I needed to stop at the grocery store to pick up some things. He decided to go in with me.......Winco is ginormous! So we did the short, quick version of grocery shopping, he stood at the end of the isle with the cart and I did the go grab what I need thing. LOL Saved lots of money that way and I got some needed exercise! We came home, he sat on the couch with ice on his knee and I did my normal thing. Life is good!

Looking Back

While reading Judy L's post this morning, I started wondering exactly when I started knitting so I went way back in my blog and found my first knitting post. I can remember how excited I was to actually knit something.

And now looking at my chunky legs in my first socks makes me feel like I have accomplished something pretty great. I can actually knit and I can actually follow a pattern.

Here is my first sock post. It really is too bad that the links to Socks 101 are no longer valid. She had some great posts. I am going to have to dig for my papers and see if I can find her on the net. Here is my post on my completed socks. Almost 4 years ago!

These are wool socks and I accidentally put them in the washer and dryer. I cried for a very long time! Then I gave them to my granddaughter. We were talking about these the other day. They no longer fit her. I should get them back so I can keep them. Just because.

I don't know how many pairs of socks I've made, I could keep looking back and count them but I'm not going to today. I think I'd like to sit and knit but I'm not going to do that either. Not yet anyhow.

Sock Progress

I spent quite a bit of time knitting on my socks yesterday. I got in 2 good 1 hour sessions. Ernie had physical therapy and when we got home, he needed a nap and I needed to de-stress.

See the blue marker? That was my starting point on session 2. I get to knit more today while he is seeing the doctor and getting his staples removed. I love seeing the daily progress, even if it is just a few rounds. He thinks I am going to sit down one day this week and finish them up. I think he is excited about getting his own fancy socks.

I hope Judy L posts a linky so we can check on other knitters. Judy L, can you do that in your spare time??? If you want to find out about the sock knit along, go to her website and use her search box at the bottom of the page. Thanks Judy.

Design Wall Monday

I was very happy Sunday when I was able to sit down at my machine and work on this little wall hanging. I am now ready to sew my rows together. This finishes to about 21" x 21".

While shopping with friends last year, Sharlene and I spotted this as we were leaving a quilt shop and had to have it. We wanted to work on ours together but things always seemed to interfere. We decided if they were to be done to use this Christmas, we needed to each do our own when we could. If I work just a couple minutes here and there, I should have it finished before the end of the week. I think Sharlene's is already done. It sure felt great to be in my room and play with fabric, even if it was just a short amount of time.

Head over to Judy L's and see what others have on their design walls this week.

Stash Report 11.7.10

I'm thrilled to tell you that I spent some time in my sewing room Saturday and I sewed!

I sewed for about 3 minutes. I mended my laundry bag! I know, very exciting! So I just copied and pasted my stash report this week from last weeks post!

This week's (and last week's) report:
Used this Week: 0 yards
Used Year to Date: 231 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 150.25 yards
Net Used for 2010: 80.75

Hope we can make some changes next week. In the meantime, head over to Judy L's and see her numbers and numbers from other stash reporters.

A Love Note From Taylor

And she is so right!

Love you girlfriend!

Time Flies

Look at this little stinker! Last Friday, Leland turned 1. I wasn't ready for that but what I really wasn't ready for was this! He took a big box, pushed it to the couch and almost got all the way onto the couch! Today he will probably climb up there without the aid of the box. When did that happen???

Today marks Ernie's first week with the new knee. I tell you what, this has been quite a week for both of us. He has never experienced anything like this. Always healthy with the exception of an occasional cold or flu and you know how men are when they don't feel good...... He is trying really hard not to be too demanding or whiney, but sometimes... Compared to this, his shoulder injury and other things were just bumps and bruises. Each day he gets better and in a few weeks, hopefully he will forget the pain and suffering and look forward to having the other knee fixed.

I am learning alot about myself. I don't feel like I am a good caregiver. I'm very tired and sometimes I am kind of short and snarky. I know I need to take care of myself too but that isn't always easy. After I do a couple more little household chores, he is going to nap and I am going to go in and sew. That will make me feel better. Even if it's just for a few minutes! Then I might take a nap.

555 And A Pair Of Socks

555! This is post number 555! Never in a kabillion years did I think I had so much to say but evidently I do......not that it matters much to too many people but it's my diary so I say it.

I finished my blue socks tonight and they look funny in this picture. I haven't even tried them on yet, that's how tired I am. I have cast on the yarn for Ernie's very first pair of hand knit socks and tomorrow I will cast the yarn on again. I didn't do a very good job because~~~yes, I am tired. At least I knew when to stop knitting.....

I am patiently watching the clock right now so I can give him his pain pill. Today was a trip to town to see the Physical Therapist. Town trips are very tiring when you have a new knee. We stopped at the farm store for dog and chicken food, then came home and rested for a while, had a light dinner, listened to the tv while he read and I knitted.

Tomorrow I need to do some stuff......you know, house stuff. I want to cook a real meal, bake some bread and maybe some chocolate chip cookies......of course I could change my mind when it gets light outside again and just sit in my chair and knit. But first, I want to sleep.........

More Changes

Would ya look at me! I guess playing on the computer instead of folding laundry is paying off. I can add a picture! Now I need to learn how to make the picture the way I want it and to change the title font and color....... And I added a visitor counter. I'm not sure if I want to know how many people visit me or not but it's interesting for right now.

My dad is here visiting with Ernie so I better take the time to do a few things that I need to do without being interrupted.

Changes & Thanks

Thank you all for the nice comments and caring emails you have sent regarding Ernie and his new knee. He is doing very well~not quite up to dancing in the streets yet though. For an outdoorsie guy, staying cooped up in the house is pretty hard. Staying cooped up and not able to do much is really, really hard! But being the sweet, caring, loving, never loose the composure person that I am (excuse me while I stop choking on those words!), we are doing great! Each day will be better and better. And sleep is a good thing.......it's very comforting listening to his sleep noises.

I'm feeling pretty fancy right about now. I've wanted to make changes to my blog for quite a while and this morning I took a ginormous step and did it. What do you think???

Next big thing for me is to figure out how to add a header photo. I'm pretty slow about changing things around. I like constant. I don't move my furniture around much anymore. Please never rearrange the layout of my favorite store--that messes with my get in, get my stuff and get out!!!

Today I will finish my blue socks so I can join the knit along......the plan for yesterday but you all know how plans workout sometimes.

Design Wall Monday

This week my design wall is empty~~except for a massive amount of threads that are stuck everywhere. I'm hoping I can sneak in a minute or 5 once in a while just to put some thread on fabric. Things will settle down around here in a day or 5.

I'm going back to bed now......caregivers, my hat is off to all of you. This is a very hard job.

You won't see anything on Judy L's wall this week either so I don't feel too bad but I bet there are other walls in Blogland that have some fabulous stuff on them so check them out on her link list.