A crafty indulgence....

OK – so while my technical issues have taken a brief break, and it appears that I can actually "blog", I thought that I would continue with an update.

So, as you know, tax season is over, and, well, I thought gardening season was here.  I mean…the tomatoes are ready!

 

 

We had many days in the garden, tilling up the dirt and readying the beds.  I am just itching with the need to plant my seedlings and get some potatoes in the ground.  I mean, we had temps in the 80’s in March.

It is time, isn’t it?

But this weekend, we had a surprise.

Snow!

Yes, snow.  Horrid, isn't it?  I do not love.  The green grass is now crunching underfoot with a fresh coating of frost, and the feathered ladies are staging a sit-in within the coop.

So, I have plenty of time to spend indoors.  Time for cleaning, organizing, ironging…..oh how the list goes on and on…

But, all is not lost, as I have also been a very spoiled girl. 

Why, you ask?  Well, the craft is back!  (And yes, I realize that I rhymed that, and therefore sound a bit like a tool…so goes…)

I have a friend, Katie, who runs West Bay Farm in Maine with her husband and their children.  Katie is a friend from back in the old college days when we were both accounting students learning about deferred tax assets, and business consolidation journal entries….you get the picture.

It very long time ago.

(I would insert a picture to demonstrate just how long ago it was…but honestly, who needs that? ;)  )

But, anyways, on the farm, they have lots of different livestock, but sheep are the highlight of this story.  Cause, as you know, sheep are a fiber animal, and fiber is wool, and wool is yarn... and well, that is one of my most favorite items in the whole wide world.

'Cause yarn means crochet, which means that Lee Ann is very, very happy :).

Katie hand dyes the wool herself, and she even takes custom orders for weight and color….  So, I have indulged.  And I am spoiled.

I am in heaven.

Truely, truely in heaven.

You should check it out - seriously.  It is very, very awesome.  And for wool, it is incredibly soft.  So soft that my daughter already claimed the pink purse I made from their two-ply wool yarn for her very own…to be home to some Littlest Pet Shop friends…

I am thinking about stealing it back, but that would be very un-mommy-like, and we can’t have that…

Their website for yarn sales isn't up and running quite yet, but you can visit their West Bay Farm Face Book page, and send her a message for details….

And don’t forget to tell her I said “Hey” ;)  And that I had this thought…for some yarn…well, you get the idea ;)

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.



Fiber, seeds, and trees...

It was a good day. 

I finished my daughter's sweater, which was a huge relief.  She has been asking for it daily since I began work on it 3 weeks ago.  Foolishly, I did not use a pattern, so the process entailed many, many bouts of trying on the interim project.  Next time, though, I will have more of a clue and will know where to start.

Now, I wonder what to do next....socks, anyone?

Our first order to seeds arrived today.  March is typically my seed starting month, so soon I will be spouting greens and turning my dining room into a Chia pet... I ordered 100 Jiffy pellets for seedlings, but I am now realizing that my starting order should have been closer to 200... I will use 100 on onion sets alone.  Oh well.

The logging has begun on our property across town.  Since the land is part of the Vermont Land Use program, there are certain things that need to be done to increase the health of the land and habitat for natural residents.  This year, that is includes a large amount of logging.

We drove by the property today and saw the progress.  The stacks of cut wood was shocking.  I wish I had my wits about me enough to have taken a picture.  Huge trees that used to tower above us...

After seeing the sight, my six year old son immediately cast in to a lecture about how awful we were for having cut down those trees.  It hard to understand how such an act can be good for the land.  But, we know that it is...and dream of a green and lush wildlife preserve of sorts that may occur once the sun is allowed to shine down on more of the ground cover.

It will be a beautiful sight. 

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....

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!

A really good day...

Such a great day. 

Like, a really great day.

I was at a conference...on taxes...advance techniques...you get the picture.

But the presenter - holy &*%$!  So flipp'in funny!

And THAT is definitely not the norm!

And, to add to the fun, I happen to be one of those who fidget unbearable when sitting in one place for too long.  So, I craft...and craft...and then craft some more.

'Cause, crochet is quite socially acceptable at these events...or at least I have convinced myself that this is the case ('course, everyone could have been sizing me up out of the corners of the eyes, asking themselves what the crazy yarn lady was doing this time....but I prefer my original thoughts to the contrary ;)  )

So, it was a fantastically entertaining day - humorous tax stories, important learning, great company, warm handmade shawls, and some surprisingly good cookies (like, seriously, how do they had jam inside of the cookies?  I mean, like, really?)

It was a really good day.

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!

Finished!!!

I am soooo excited!!  I can finally join in with Tami's Amis for the FO Friday!

'Cause...I have finished the felted slippers!!

Before:

After: 

The pattern was easy and a bit 'by the cuff.  I used a double half crochet stitch on the round for the toe, and then changed to simple rows for the rest of the sole.  I did a mirror of the sole to stitch to the bottom to work as reinforcement.  I used Patons Classic Wool Roving for the fiber - which was a dream to work with.  I HIGHLY recommend!

What is next, you ask?

Just check this out!!

 

"Perfect holiday gift for the chicken who has everything!"

By: Knit and Crochet Now!

 

I have gotta give this a try!!  Huge thanks to my FB friends for passing this along!!

For other FO Friday fun, check in with Tami at Tami's Amis - 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!

Handmade holiday...just a bit early....

OK....I am a bit early, but....it is the week of Thanksgiving....and the holidays are nearly on the doorstep....and I just couldn't wait anymore.

So, here I am - early...and joining in with Tonya over at Plain and Joyful Living, for the Handmade Holiday!!

I actually have some projects to share!  Now that the emerald shawl is complete, I am moving towards two other projects - a second shawl, to gift to another close family member, and the felted slippers I have been planning for over a month.

The projects are moving along faster, with the shawl in a fishnet stitch, and the slippers crafting up in a bulky yarn.  My only issue is that I ran out of yarn for the slippers before I was finished!  Back to the yarn store we must go!

For more fun in the Handmade Holiday venue, head on over the Tonya's site, Plain and Joyful Living.  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!