Yarning along, with a throw back in time...

Hi everyone.  It is that time again - we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet !

As you can see from the picture, my scarf is growing.  It is being done in a spider web lace pattern, and the fiber is a Lions Brand wool. 

The new addition to the line up is a gift for a little one.  The fiber, Paton's Silk Bamboo blend is delightful - so incredibly soft.  The pattern is a bit of a granny stitch, reminiscent of by son's blanket, and is growing fast.

For reading, I have been going back to some old favorites.  The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.  Love, love, love it!

Did I say love?

Favorite scene?  In Voyager, when Claire travels back in time to Jamie, entering his printshop, only to have him faint in shock from the sight of her.

Ah, love...

Jamie and Claire can make anything better.

Have you read this series?  What is your favorite scene?

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun. 

Onward to a new project!

Hi everyone.  It is that time again - we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet !

I am happy to report that I finished my daughter's sweater over the weekend - Hurrah!!  Such a relief.  I am really happy with how it turned out, and am thinking that another (maybe in a bigger size....) may be in my future.  

AND....drum roll please....she EVEN wore it!  Well, for about 5 minutes, but in my book, that totally counts!

Next up is a scarf for myself - selfish, I know ;)  *giggles*. 

I am using the spider web lace pattern that I used for a holiday gift back in December.  Something nice and easy.  And a tad bit relaxing :)

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun.



Coming along...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

Just a super quick update.  As you can see above, I am working hard to finish my daughter's sweater, which will be a larger version of the sweaters we made for the ladies last week ( picture at left). 

I am not following at pattern, which means that I constantly making my daughter try on the sweater over and over again....but we are getting there!

I am just shocked that she is actually planning to wear the sweater....this, from the girl that I have to BEG to wear a coat during the winter... but that is another story ;)
Cross your fingers for the grand finale this weekend!!

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun.

A sweater? Naturally....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

So, after last week's fun of making dresses for the 'ladies', we had to move up in the wardrobe.  Seeing that the ladies arms were bare, and well, it IS winter, it was natural for my daughter to ask for some sweaters to keep them warm this winter.

And then, of course, it makes total sense that up next was a request for sweater for herself.  Naturally!

I asked my son if he would also like me to make him a sweater....

'No", he said, "I want a movie".

Naturally :)

As you can see from the top picture, I am using Fisherman's Wool for the fiber, and it has been delicious.  So good to work with.  The stitches are limited to a V-stitch and a half double stick, so nothing complicated, but quite soothing to work on.

And, on that note, I must bid 'ado'.  The shower is calling me - it is time to begin the morning!

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun.

Three little dresses

 

 

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

This past week, my daughter had that nasty stomach bug that has been going around.  So, to make her feel better - or at least put a smile on her- we whipped up a few gifts for 'the ladies' ('cause goodness forbid that we call them dolls....).  It was nice to work on something smaller that I could actually start and finish in a few
hours.

That is all on this end :)  With the ramping up of tax season, any literary fun is limited to IRS publications and tax literature...and I just have a feeling you would rather I didn't share all of that fun ;).  So, three little dresses it is...

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun.

Fiber updates...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

As you can see from the pic, I am still working on the same sweater, which is looking oddly like a tube skirt that this point....but I have gone through my bag 'o projects and found a nearly forgotten one WIP.  The colorful friend above is the start of a shawl done up in a woolen Paton's fiber.

And since I can think of several shirts to match, I hope to finish that one soon! 

Is it normal to feel like I am 'cheating' on my sweater-in-process?  *giggles*

Any who - that's all on this end.  My cats are sending me dagger eyes, waiting to be fed, so I must get moving!

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures of fiber fun.

No real changes...a fiber and literary non-update....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

And I feel a bit silly joining in.  See, I am working on the same sweater, and reading the same book.  Nothing new here....

Except for a really bad photo....sorry about that!
But both are going well, and the book especially is eye opening.  This is one that I would love to see introduced to some high school reading lists....Even if you don't agree with Joel Salatin, his style is bluntly honest and refreshing.

Very, very thought provoking.

Well, that is all that I have for now.  The morning hours are coming upon me, and I have some lunches to pack...and kids to drag out of their beds to get ready for a day at school

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into literary and fiber fun.

On the fiber, and literary, front...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

Once I finished my son's blanket last week, I was a bit at odds.  But, that didn't last long.  I am now working on a sweater - for myself!  I am using Lion Brand Yarn Fisherman's Wool which has been lovely to work with.

Now, this is my first time working on a sweater, and I am taking a bottoms up approach, so we will have to see how it goes.  But, I am hoping to finish it before the end of winter.

Wearing wool in summer isn't so much fun.

On the literary side, I have a few books going.  I read and finished Barnheart by Jenna Woginrich (check out her blog Cold Antler Farm - love it) and it inspired me to move on to Joel Salatin's Folks, This Ain't Normal.  It is wonderfully thought provoking, making me reconsider quite a few things in my day to day practices.  I appreciate his absolute blunt honesty about how he sees the world. 

I would easily put both of these books up with Barbara Kingssolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle, a book that I found to be completely life changing.

Well, that is all that I have for now.  The morning hours are coming upon me, and I have chickens to let out of their coop :)

  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into literary and fiber fun.

Orange blanket is done!

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

And I finished my son's blanket!!

As you can see, as per his choosing, it was made from a Red Heart fiber called "Pumpkin".  Frankly, to me, it looks at whole lot closer to "Vermont Deer Season Hunter Orange".

My son loves it ;)

I wish I had more "irons in the fire", but with the ending of the holiday season and that start of tax season, I just don't have it in me right now.  So....I am off to do some blog hopping for some inspiration!

Want to join me?  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber fun.

Crafting days...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

So, the holidays are over...and I am exhausted!  I hear what you might be saying...'What about New Years?  That's a holiday!'....well, we aren't much for celebrating that one, short of trying to watch MTV's New Years count down and lamenting over how old we have gotten...frankly, we don't recognize any of the music video hosts...what happened to Carsen Daly??

So, to get back to my point, the holidays are over for us, and we are left with some days at home with the kids on the school break...and a good sort of time on my hands for some crafting....and I have been doing just that.

Last week, my goal was to finish up my son's blanket this week, and as you see above, I just might succeed.  I have been fiercely refusing to let myself start anything new until that blanket is done.  Motivation?  I think so....I am craving to start a new shawl with the beautiful wool fiber that I have been stockpiling....but, soon enough.

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

A fiber and literary update....quick!

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

And this is going to be a quick one - as I have gingerbread cookies in the oven (needing to be sent to school with my daughter this morning) and chickens that are waiting impatiently to be let out of the coop....and kids that will be running down the stairs any moment, searching for breakfast....

I finished the final holiday gift this past weekend - hurray!  I would do a show and tell, but I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises...And I have be working on my son's orange blanket this week, and hope to get it finished during the holiday break. 

On a fun note, I have been stock piling coupons for 50% off one item at the local craft store, and have been purchasing and savings bundles of wool yarn for later projects....

Reading-wise, I finished Friday Night Knitting Club last night...and frankly, was shocked by the ending.  I won't give away any secrets...but, wow.  Just wow.

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

And if you are celebrating, I wish you all a joyeous holiday season....

One done and many begun...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

I have a couple irons in the fire, as they say.  Luckily, only one is to be gifted...so we just aren't going to talk about that one today ;)

So, let's start with blankets....I finally finished my daughter's blanket.  Hurray!!  I was going to get a picture to show everyone today...but she has already gone to bed with the blanket tucked in tight with her.

But, hey!  It is DONE!!!

So, now my son would like a blanket...so...I took him to the local craft store, and said, go ahead - you pick it!  Whatever you like!

And...this is what he chose.



Seriously.

Tis a bright ole hunter orange.  In acrylic. Yep.  That's what he wants....

Sooo.....moving on...

In other crafting....I was another a tax conference on Tuesday.  Yes, I know, I can hear you....another.  But, that's OK!  It is like super duper multitasking - learning tax law while crafting.  Perfect!

And this one is a bit of a recycled project.  It is a Paton's pure wool fiber, and I love the color, but it was previously a shawl that I crafted, but never wanted to wear.

So, I yanked it, scrapped it, and am revamping it.



Using, yet again the fishnet stitch - seriously love that stitch.


The picture quality is far from great....but I am liking it lots ;)

Moving to literary ventures...well...not much change.

 I am still loving the Friday Night Knitting Club...and am still reading it.  Slow, I know.  But, we are getting there.  And it is still really good!!

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

Shawls, shawls, everywhere!

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

It has been a productive couple of days.



On Friday, I was at a tax conference...which was quite a fun time...and as a result, I finished the teal shawl, and added some length to the emerald green shawl (which I had previously thought to be done....but obviously changed my mind...;)  ).

And then, I was at another tax conference on Tuesday.  Not quite as much fun as Friday (honestly, Friday's presenter was so good, I think most others will pale in comparision for quite some time....), but just as productive, craft-wise.  'Cause, lo and behold!, I was able to make another teal shawl!  Using the fishnet stitch was great - it really helped it all come together speedy quick!



After the conference, I indulged and finally stopped by the local library....I have quite the stash to hold me for a few weeks. In particular I am loving the Friday Night Knitting Club. 6 pages in and I was sold. Hook, line, and sinker. I mean, has everyone already read this? Am I late to the party? It is fantastic!!!



And, as an added bonus, I have been able to sink a bit more into the book I am reading via BookSneeze.  It is getting quite good, now that I am getting the hang of the story line :)

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

Yarn along....and getting a move on....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

Well, the morning is starting a bit better than last Wednesday....although it is Vermont, there is no snow on the ground, and therefore, no shoveling to be done....

But I admit, it seems strange....temps in the 40's and 50's at this time of year is completely odd....and it makes it a bit difficult to get ready for the holidays.

I do need to get in gear and get moving!  I have crafts to finish!!

Now that the emerald shawl is complete, and the felted slippers are packed away, the only project currently on my list for the holidays is this teal shawl.  I am hoping at it will continue to come together well - and with a fish net stitch (my new favorite, I think), it has been speeding along....about 1/4 the way through at this point. 

The reading list is moving along as well.  Thanks to BookSneeze, I am reading my way through Softly & Tenderly by Sara Evans. 
\

I admit, it was the pretty cover that attracted me ;)  But, unfortunately, I think there was a predecessor to this one...'cause I am a bit lost in the first few chapters.  Once I battle on, through, I am sure I will figure it all out :)

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

Snow and Fiber...and some shoveling....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

And I am totally late!!

As you can see, we had the first snow fall of the year....much of the morning was spent shoveling....only wish I had a pic of the chickens...those ladies were none too pleased by the cold wet stuff this morning....

But, I have had some time for handcrafting - I have finally gotten into the felted slipper project - I am nearly ready for the felting stage!!  Just want to build up the slipper sides and add some more bulk to the sole...and we will be on our way!

And....I am running towards a four day weekend!!!!  Can't wait to see what I can accomplish with all that time!  Unless, of course, if gets filled with more shoveling and housework...hmmm...will have to work on that...

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

The emerald shawl....mission completion!

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Amis' Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

It was a busy weekend, with the husband away at "deer" camp, but I found plenty of time to work on my handicrafts.  And I am sooo excited to announce that the emerald green shawl is DONE!!!

Before: 

After:

I haven't started up another project yet, nor have I mustered the drive to take the ever-so-slightly disassembled hat from last weeks post...but it is a comfortable kind of stand-still.  And, I do need to finish up my daughter's blanket...but, hey!  We will get there!

On this exciting Wednesday, I did, however, want to introduce Justsama Creations, a new Etsy handicrafter that I connected with over the weekend.  



Justsama Creations!

The artist is Samantha and she works alongside her husband Justin to create joyful and whimsical handicrafts.  I find it impossible not to feel a delightful lifting of the heart at just viewing her creations!  She lives ocean side, and therefore brings plenty of the spirit of the sea to her Art. 

And currently, she is donating a percentage of her profits to benefit their local school's art department, which underwent a severe budget cut this school year.  Please visit and enjoy :)



Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

A step forward, followed by a step back....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

This past weekend, I had a goal of housework and handicrafting.  I wanted to end Sunday with a clean house and some finished projects.

However, as is often the case, as soon as I focus on such a goal, little road blocks start to appear...

Much of the house was cleaned, but the handicrafting was a one step forward, two steps back sort of affair.

I added some rows to my daughter's blanket, but it is still far from finished.  I did add quite a few rows to the shawl I am crafting as a gift for the holiday season, and can now say that it is approximstely one third of the way done.

But the hat that was nearly finished last week?  Well, that is another story.

The dear hat was nearly finished, just another half hour to put in for a few more rows, and it would be complete.  But I put it off...and put it off some more...  And when my kids decided that they wanted to make a "trap" in the living room for "alligators", and wanted to use some yarn that they had found to do so, I said no problem.  I was cleaning afterall, and happy for the peace such playtime provided.

That is, until I saw the yarn they were using....they didn't realize it at the time, but the bundle of gray yarn that was being pullled and tangled around the room was connected it to the nearly-done hat....which is no longer so nearly-done....

But, the kids did have fun...and that's the important part, right?  Right???

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other interesting ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

Taking stock....of my fiber world

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

Now that the immediate tax filing deadline of October 31st has been met and gone by, the focus on the home has returned.  In taking stock of the large canvas bag that holds all of my works in progress, I see that I have several in the mix. 

The gray hat is nearly complete, needing just a few more rounds before it gets to a wearable stage.  The green shawl, on the other hand, needs a great deal more attention if it is going to be complete before the holidays.  And, the little Virginia Rose is going to need about 11 more companions before a small table centerpiece can be formed.

I think I have some good fiber work in my future.

On the reading front....well, not much is happening....I am nearly done with the audio book I was listening to, and am excited to return it and pick up another when I am at the library next.  I downloaded some reading on to my phone, for some literary fun on the go, but quickly realized that these downloads were of very short stories.  Being a lover of lengthy reading or triologies, I am left wanting for something a bit more. 

Any suggestions?  Would love some ideas for something in the fiction-fiber-homesteading-supernatural-etc... venue!!

Well, that is all on this end :)  Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other happy ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

My happy escape...

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

I am a bit embarrassed to say that I have spent very little time with my handy-work this week.  We are tackling deadlines in the tax prep world and I am have not been home very much.  The daddy has taken the homemaking role for house and children this week, and has been fabulous as I have been off at work.

But, I have been able to afford small happy escapes.  I finished my little felted bag over the weekend, and began my adventure into crocheted lace.  Pictured above is the beginning of a rose motif.  And with long periods of time spent by myself, traveling to and from the office, I have been continuing to listen to "A Discovery of Witches" on audio.

Head on over to Ginny's, Tami's, and Ambassador's Crochet other happy ventures into fiber and literary fun.

I will see you there!

A little yarn with a lot of reading mixed in....

Good morning everyone!  It is Wednesday, and we are Yarning Along with Ginny and joining in with Tami's Work in Progress  and Ambassador Crochet today!

On the fiber side, I have been work on the woolen shawl that I will giving as a holiday gift this season.  It has been going along well, but I am needing to constantly read the pattern to insure that I am making the right stitches...and I am not used to reading patterns. 

But, on the plus side, I am really enjoying the process, and am looking foward to seeing how it turns out. 

My daughter's blanket is also growing a bit each day....




I am also making plans for other fiber projects to take on.  I wish to work more on felting, but am running into a quandary in finding woolen yarn that I can purchase that is within my price range....and it is a meager price range at the moment....  But, for now, I will just continue with the sizable yarn supply that I have tucked away :)

I have been doing more reading this week, which is thoroughly enjoyable.  My house is littered with various books, such as Barbara Kingsolver's 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle', which I tap into whenever I need a bit of inspiration.  I also finished reading the Blosson Street series by Debbie Macomber. 

But, my favorite of all is the audio book that I am sinking into each time I am in the van (which is alot).  I am listening to a "Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness and am enthralled.  I have heard variously reviews of the books from friends, the negative critiquing the science aspect of the novel....but in knowing near to nothing science related (am much more of a math girl ;)  ) I am able to suspend any disbelief and just enjoy.

So, that is all that is going on in our little corner of the world.  Check out other Yarning Along at Ginny's, and some fun Work in Progress over at Tami's and at Ambassador Crochet.

See you there!