Celtic Heart Knitting and Quilting

Getting My Ho Ho on!!!

2012-01-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Got a bit of stitching done during the Playoff Games yesterday. GO GIANTS!!!

4th panel to the Fisherman Afghan Started

2012-01-21T12:35:00.032-05:00

The horseshoe cable strip for the Easy Fisherman Knit Afghan is finished. Now I'm on strip #4. The seed stitch strip is boring me to death so it may or may not be making an appearance in the afghan. Last night I decided to try my hand at the honeycomb pattern. In an Aran sweater this pattern symbolizes hard work. I can see why. All the cable fronts and cable backs are a lot of work and very time consuming but I think the end result is worth the added effort.

So at this point, my afghan probably will not resemble the original "Super Easy Fisherman" afghan pattern at all. I'm starting to think the other patterns in the book like the "Fisherman's Rapture" and "Aran Isles" may not have been out of my league after all. Sigh! Even their names just sound better. I will keep plugging along with this one. I have over 216 inches of strips done not including the six inches of seed stitch snooze. :) Then the big debate.....to add the fringe or not.

Found this picture on Pinterest. For those of us who can't make a real Aran sweater :)

Another Jewelry Box

2012-01-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

Pattern by Shepherd's Bush
Came as a kit so I'm not sure what the thread count is on the pink fabric.
One night quickie project

Blackbird Designs Hannah Lovina Joslin Sampler

2012-01-17T21:51:00.002-05:00

From the Honeysuckle Manor Samplers and Projects in Vintage Style book (2010)
Stitched on straw linen

I changed the bird in the lower left corner. The original pattern had the bird's head butted up against that lower left flower. I shifted the bird's neck only (not the body) 4 threads to the right to separate it from the flower. Once the main vein that goes around the left, top and right sides of the stitchery were done, the placement of the rest set up pretty quickly. Goes to the frame shop this week :)

Knitting Pure and Simple Neckdown Pulover for Women #9724

2012-01-16T14:58:00.002-05:00

I should have this sweater done in a week or so. Using the Queensland Collection Rustic Tweed (worsted weight). Bought a whole bag of this yarn at the Sew Expo Show in Chantilly. My friend Miriam and I were so thrilled to find a knitting store vender who had this huge vat of bagged yarns at a SEWING expo :) I think one or both of us may have fallen in ...but what a way to go :) It's a blend of wool, alpaca and Donegal. 278 yards per skein. I'm on the 3rd skein finishing up the bottom and will probably need 2 more to finish up the sleeves. Easy pattern...brainless. Sure hope it fits me. I've been wanting to make a nice fall sweater and this color will be fun to wear when there is a nip in the air, the leaves are turning colors and my hair is in a red mood :)

What the sweater looks like on the pattern

More yo yos....

2012-01-15T18:42:00.000-05:00

Another road trip Saturday.....but I spent too much time texting and only got 14 done....grand total so far 299 :)

Yo Yo Quilt continued.....

2012-01-13T19:46:00.000-05:00

Road trip :) 36 more made Current Total: 285

WW Spaghetti Bolognese

2012-01-13T19:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/01/08/weight-watchers-spaghetti-bolognese/

Hootin Annies Vivianne

2012-01-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

Cover of Pattern

I was going to make this for a friend for Valentine's Day but I had a little mishap. I used hand dyed floss to embroider Vivianne's face. Then when I sprayed the body with coffee to antique it, the threads bled. Vivianne ended up looking like Tammy Faye Baker after a crying jag. So I'll try again using DMC floss.

Quilt for a friend.......

2012-01-07T19:51:00.000-05:00

I hate to reward bad behavior but the only way I can stop hearing "where's my quilt?" is if I make her a quilt :) Soon J.R. you pain in my rump :)
<------------ this will be your quilt and you will love it :)

Don't Waste Time :) Progress on the Fisherman Knit Afghan

2012-01-06T15:39:00.017-05:00

I'm still making progress on the Fisherman Knit Afghan. Making some changes to the original pattern. I'm making it 72 inches long instead of 60 inches. Due to the added length, I'm going to make it wider too so it stays proportionate looking. The faux cable panels are working up quick. There are only four rows to memorize. Brainless. I have two of them done so far. The seed stitch panels will be a total snore to do......ugh...boring!! Thankfully, there are only two strips of seed stitch. I'm adding a horseshoe cable strip done over forty stitches and not ruling out adding some other more interesting/non-seed stitch panels.

Close up of Faux Cable

Beginning of Horseshoe cable strip

I just hate wasting time :) Two of the nurses asked for scarves :) I hope I didn't promise them any when I was a little loopy :) Just in case you wondered....IVs do not slow down the knitting process :)

Such a boring stitch pattern!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Only 363 Days Till Christmas !!!

2011-12-27T19:07:00.001-05:00

Never too soon to be thinking about next year. I'm warning all of you. Because of the upcoming move, I did not decorate this year. It nearly killed me!!! I thought I'd have to check myself into Betty Ford for Christmas-aholics. My room will be the one with the wreath on the door :) I felt like a football player who made it to the Super Bowl only to get stuck warming the bench!!! Christmas is the Super Bowl of all holidays and I wanted to play coach!!! We'd be driving around town running our errands and when I'd see a really nicely decorated house or a Christmas tree in the front window, I'd let out a pathetic little sigh. My husband would laugh and say "next year sweetie, next year." Don't "sweetie" me...Get me a tree :) We went to the local nursery where they had these awesome Christmas displays set up by themes...I wanted to bring a sleeping bag and stay there until New Year's Day.

So next year we will be in a different house who knows exactly where. Being a military wife, even a newly retired military wife, is like being part gypsy. I'll be making another house feel like home but I look forward to the new decorating possibilities. I plan on starting the Christmas Bowl 2012 on Halloween. I'll be the lady wearing a Mrs. Santa costume handing out candy canes :) Sure let the future new neighbors think a lunatic moved into the neighborhood. They are bound to learn soon enough :) I ordered two sets of the Hoffman metallic fat quarters from Keepsake Quilting. Could not decide between the gold pack or the colorful pack so I got both :) I didn't order them early enough so it was my own fault I couldn't put them into this year's quilts. They were sold out and back ordered. Other Christmas-aholics got them :) But I have them now and visions of Christmas quilts and stockings are dancing in my head.

Next on my list of things to do: Petition XM radio for a year long Christmas Station :)

Buggy Barn Crazy Quilt done in metallic Christmas prints

2011-12-26T19:53:00.001-05:00

It's the same as the Halloween Crazy Quilt but it's longer and slightly wider. Yep longer...that means the bottom of the quilt is currently catching dust bunnies under the bed :) Been saving up those pretty Christmas metallic fabrics for a couple of years now. This project used almost all of them up. What didn't get used in this quilt went into the other Christmas quilt I posted a couple of days ago.

Another insane long term project started!!

2011-12-26T19:19:00.000-05:00

Using up leftover sock yarn for this one. It's called the Beekeeper's Quilt and it's basically hexagon two sided pockets you stuff with a poly-fil and turn into a blanket.
Here is the picture on the cover of the pattern. Way cool. Saw it and thought I had to make one of these.

And this is what I've done so far. The first hexagon. If I get bored with doing these or I don't think I'll live long enough to make it bed size, I'll make it for the cat or dog :) I'm not really planning on buying yarn specifically for this project. Just want to use up left over yarn from socks I make....yeah this could take a while.

Shannon's Socks

2011-12-24T12:58:00.004-05:00

Blocked and steamed last night and was just waiting for them to dry today so I could wrap them up.
Yarn: Red Heart Heart and Sole
Color: Ivory

On the 25 days of December I made these for thee (In my head I'm singing the 12 Days of Christmas....but I'm a fiber artist not a poet so bear with me :))

5 counted cross stitch jewelry boxes
4 wine bottle butlers
2 pair of socks
2 quilts
2 cornhole bags
1 Christmas stocking
1 doll dress
1 quilted box
1 birthday shawl
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And did you notice I called myself a fiber artist? I prefer that to "crafty". To me crafty is Popsicle sticks and a glue gun.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

Finished Panel #1 of the Fisherman Knit Afghan

2011-12-23T22:09:00.000-05:00

Changed the length from 60" to 72" and I will probably add another panel to make it wider as well as longer. This is a faux cable stitch. No cable needles needed so it goes very quickly. The alternating seed stitch panels will probably be a real snore to make....zzzzz.

The Wine Butler

2011-12-22T21:58:00.002-05:00

Hostess gifts are done. :) Pattern The Wine Butler by The Quilt Company http://www.thequiltcompany.com/

Pork Chili

2011-12-21T19:17:00.000-05:00

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chili-with-ground-pork/detail.aspx

Will be too busy making Christmas cookies and baking for the next couple of days......this is your dinner until Saturday :)

Christmas Poem

2011-12-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Christmas Magic

Are we too grownup to feel a thrill
As we light the Christmas tree?
Are we immune to cookies,
Christmas cards and Christmas glee?

Are we too adult to "Ooh" and "Aah"
At the Christmas candle's glow?
Are we blasé about our gifts;
Do we shun the mistletoe?

Are we too mature for carols,
For merry or for jolly?
Do the decorations leave us cold,
The ornaments and holly?

Fat chance! We'll never grow too old
To love the Christmas magic.
A year without a Christmas
Would be boring, even tragic.

So bring it on! The candy canes,
The feasting and good cheer;
O Christmas, lovely Christmas,
You're the highlight of the year!

By Joanna Fuchs

The last....or I hope the last...Christmas Present Finished

2011-12-17T21:20:00.001-05:00

I made a friend's husband cornhole bags for his birthday in Marine Corps colors a couple of months ago. He won't use them....says they are too nice so he has them displayed next to his other Marine Corps paraphernalia. What the hell? Use them. So aggravating....it's like when I make someone a quilt and they won't use it. I can always make you another one, use it, wear it out :) So I made him another set for Christmas in Christmas colors and maybe now he'll use these or the Marine Corps colored ones. In case you ever have the need to make these things, here is a link on how to make "regulation" cornhole bags...you know in case there is a cornhole emergency :) http://www.cornholehowto.com/sew-up-some-bags/how-to-sew/

Shannon's Christmas Quilt Whirly Gig Kit Quilt

2011-12-16T12:29:00.001-05:00

Damn I'm spitting out Christmas presents like they were coming out of a Pez dispenser :) Finished another one :) No J.R. it's not for you :) Sorry....but I think 2012 will be your year. :)

Happy Birthday Jane :)

2011-12-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

Another Tanta Shawl.....I really need to move on to another pattern....but I've got two more in the works. This one is with Grassy Wool Yarn by Scarlet Fleece Hand painted Fiber and Luxury Yarn. The color is pink chocolate. It's bamboo yarn and superwash merino.

#5

2011-12-15T00:44:00.000-05:00

Another box done, one more to go.
Then I need to finish a pair of socks and a shawl.......yeah probably not going to happen before Christmas. Really wish I had a plan B right now.

18" doll clothes from Santa to our favorite cutie

2011-12-11T19:50:00.001-05:00

#4 Done

2011-12-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Okay I'm getting a little bored with this pattern now....might have to do something else with #5 and #6.

Stephen and Martine's Quilt

2011-12-09T22:07:00.001-05:00

In the mail tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finished two more :)

2011-12-09T16:12:00.002-05:00

Another giftie done :)

2011-12-05T21:58:00.002-05:00

I have a dear friend who is always asking me when she is going to get a quilt from me :)  I will no doubt get to her but until I do, this oak jewelry box with the "quilt" insert will have to do as a Christmas present.

I try to get to the friends who "need" a quilt as opposed to those that just "want" a quilt. Need comes first. There is a hierarchy to my quilt giving.  Friends whose children are Wounded Warriors go to the head of the line. Seriously sick friends come next.  Then occasionally I can crank one out for a hurricane (Irene), tornado (Missouri), tsunami victim (Japan) or church fund raiser.  Then there are the friends who are going through a tough time for one reason or another. They need an unexpected package to show up at their door step to cheer them up.

Next comes birthday quilts and wedding quilts for family as they pop up. My policy on wedding quilts....you only get one. You do not get a second or third if the marriages don't work out so on your way out the door GRAB THE QUILT!!!!      :)

The crew at my local post office know I'm usually mailing something quilty :) The mail lady prefers I seal up the box after she sees the quilt. Mailman Don knows he doesn't have to ask me if the contents are perishable, liquid, explosive or perishable. He just asks if it's a quilt.

Christmas Crunch Time

2011-12-03T00:43:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Live Life by Shepherd's Bush Printworks by Tina Richards Herman 2011

The jewelry box is by Cottage Garden
Color Distressed Cream

When I bought the first jewelry box at the Counted Cross Stitch Shop, it cost $20.00 (not including the pattern) but the exact same jewelry box cost $10.00 at the Hallmark store. I've got four more to make in about two weeks so I can get them out in the mail.

Shannon's Stocking

2011-12-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

Fisherman Knit Aran Afghan In Progress

2011-12-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Melinda's Birthday Socks

2011-11-30T13:23:00.002-05:00

Stocking Pillow

2011-11-29T21:01:00.001-05:00

I love going to the Pottery Barn. I get great ideas and skip out of the store thinking I could make the same thing for much much less.  $49.00 for this Christmas stocking pillow cover and it doesn't even include the pillow...that's just for the pillow cover. $49.00 for just the "pure" linen, 6 buttons and 3 mini stockings and some twine. Don't think so. So I took a few pictures and added it to my to do list.  I think one of the employees is on to me though.....I should probably at least attempt to hide my hot pink cell phone as I'm strolling around zapping pictures.  But that's okay...he didn't look that tough and if push came to shove, I could take an interior designer.  :)

Then I moved on and found this.  $49.00 for the smaller size $59.00 for the larger size....for the pillow cover alone...no pillow..that's extra.  The yarn is a cotton acryllic blend.......translation
"the cheap stuff" and it is imported...translation
"made in China."

Who would pay that much for this?  Let's go to Nordstroms and find out :) We can start at the cosmetic department :)

Ten Minute Table Runner

2011-11-28T23:05:00.000-05:00

I can't find the pattern that I used but it is very similar to the one found on this blog.
http://notalwayswiththread.blogspot.com/2011/03/ten-minute-table-runnermy-way.html

The next time I make it I would put batting in it to give it a little more body.

Cranberry Walnut Bread

2011-11-28T22:58:00.000-05:00

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cranberry-nut-bread-ii/detail.aspx
Using up the left over cranberries from Thanksgiving. Forgot to buy orange juice so we could nto make the Cranberry Whiskey Slushies....oh well there is always Christmas :)

Italian All natural Ground Sausage Stuffing

2011-11-28T10:47:00.002-05:00

http://www.johnsonville.com/recipes/gl/italian-all-natural-ground-sausage-stuffing.html
Really really good. I've been told this is the only type of stuffing I should make from now on :)
I put things in this stuffing that I have never in my life put in stuffing. Sun dried oil packed chopped tomatoes?? Parmesan cheese? Five local grocery stores did not have Focaccia bread so I ended up going to a wine store/sandwich shop where they were willing to sell me something they don't normally sell :) Thank you Blue Wind Gourmet :)

http://bluewindgourmet.com/Info/blue_wind_gourmet_home_page.htm

Stuffed the bird and made a side casserole too.

Joanie's birthday apron :)

2011-11-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

My crazy friend Joanie modeling the apron I made her :) Batter up!!

Another Tanta Shawl

2011-11-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Mochi Plus yarn
6 skeins
Color: Autumn Rainbow
Pattern: Tanta Shawl by knitpicks.com

Finished another one just in time for a birthday :)

2011-11-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Craft Show Finds :)

2011-11-20T20:59:00.000-05:00

Vintage table cloths turned into aprons :)

Belated Birthday Quilt and Pillow Case

2011-11-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

Belated Birthday Present for a cute little 5 year old :) Fabric is Sweet Shoppe by Benertex

Sweet Potato Spoon Bread

2011-11-19T17:38:00.001-05:00

http://www.fostersmarket.com/recipe/sweet-potato-spoon-bread/

Okay I finally found the recipe on line :)

The Ball is over!!

2011-11-14T13:41:00.001-05:00

The Commadant's Marine Corps Ball is over!! The Retirement Ceremony and Party are over!! I can stop knitting shawls I did not wear for a little while. I'm in the mood for some sock knitting now :)

Did someone say free yarn?? :)

2011-11-10T20:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.allfreeknitting.com/sweeps/2-skien-blue-face-worsted-yarn-in-pumpkin-king#

Hey check out this link for a chance to win some beautiful pumpkin colored fall yarn. How could you not be in the mood at this time of year to knit with this NOW :)

Happy Birthday Marines!!

2011-11-10T09:40:00.002-05:00

Sweet Potato Spoon Bread

2011-11-08T16:27:00.004-05:00

Taking a Thanksgiving recipe out for a test drive tonight.

Drats! The link to the recipe requires that you register with Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I won't make you do that. I'll type up the recipe soon.

I'm in Marine Corps Ball Hell!!!

2011-11-08T12:50:00.002-05:00

I've been feverishly knitting for more than a month and dieting for over two months. I'm almost done with the "sultry vixen" shawl (Lana Grossa pattern with mohair). What every made me think a shawl made out of goat would be elegant? I know I won't be wearing it to the Ball. It will be reserved for special occasions like watching TV in the den or for letting the dog in and out to do her business...preferably in the dark. :) I lost 20 lbs. and even crammed into a pair of Spanx, I am no where near "sultry vixen" status. Thank God this is the last Marine Corps Ball and he's retiring because this morning I woke up and my upper right lip was twitching. Coincidence?

The Commadant's Marine Corps Ball is just 4 days away!! Yesterday I came to the realization that the $25.00 dress looks like crap on me and that the tailor had no clue where my breasts were really located. She apparently thought mine would be best situated somewhere between the top of my shoulder and my collar bone. I re-tried on all my old gowns. If only the ball were another 4 weeks or ten pounds away, I could wear something I already have. The black evening gown I have with the tags still on it still makes me look like Elvira Mistress of the Dark. The gold one can be zipped up now but without tensile strength testing the fabric it would be too risky to wear in public. You could launch an F-18 off an aircraft carrier if that fabric ripped. The blue one looks like something Crystal Carrington wore in "Dynasty".

The first ball gown I ever wore (a size 8 black satin-y strapless Jessica McClintock) has been cut up and turned into an American Girl Doll dress. She looks smoking hot in it. What fabric is left over is going into a crazy quilt. Since it is unlikely the Commadant will push his Ball back to December, I dragged my sorry rump to David's Bridal (one final act of desperation before hiring an escort to go to the Ball with my husband.)

At first I tried to find a strapless bra to help align the "girls" with the darts and seams on the dress. The clerk brought out two $80.00 contraptions I didn't have the strength to get into. At this point, I'm thinking why, why, why do I put myself through this when I heard the young woman in the next fitting room talking to a friend on her cell phone. When she said "if I don't eat for 3 days, it will fit," my first thought was she's going to the Ball too!! My second thought was "what a lucky b%#*&@ she only has to diet for 3 days."

So then I started looking at what was on the racks at David's Bridal. If you rule out anything that requires a strapless bra, you are pretty much only left with the Bea Arthur heavily beaded mother or grandmother of the bride look.

Came across a black a-line skirt...SOLD! Had no idea what I'd wear with it but what is the Marine Corps expression? Adapt, overcome, improvise!!! Or the Marine Wife slogan "Semper Gumby!!!"

I get the skirt home and discover the zipper is coming apart from the skirt. Of course it is. God is testing me. I fixed it. Did you think I was going to take it to the same tailor? :)

Last night a retired Marine wife friend of mine invited me to shop in her closet of retired Marine Corps Ball paraphernalia. She called it her "Closet Boutique". I tried on half a dozen gowns and evening separates. She has a black top that looks like it was meant to go with the black skirt. Normally I can't wear just black. I need some color. Black makes me look like a old time European widow doing her year of mourning.

Maybe I'll get my hair cut shorter before the Ball because doing something drastic before a big event is always a wise decision :) Okay that's all I have to say today. Now I have to go on Webmd.com to research nervous twitches. I've got this Elvis lip curly sneer going on right now. Thank you, thank you very much :)

Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Breast

2011-11-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-cranberry-turkey-breast/detail.aspx

Trying this tonight. Too much to do to spend a lot of time preparing dinner.

Cheesy Potato Bake with Eggs

2011-11-05T19:29:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to find the recipe on line so I don't have to type it all up. It turned out really good and I pretty much used every gadget in the kitchen to make it as fast and easy as possible.
I used the Williams and Sonoma chopper to chop the onions and slice the potatoes. I used the electric mixer to beat the eggs. The Black and Decker small Cuisinart to turn the strips of bacon into bacon bits. I used the kitchen scale to weigh out 3 lbs. of potatoes. The top egg layer is good if you are doing low carbs...just stay away from the lower layer of potatoes :)

Recipe by Susie Pruitt in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine November 2011 issue

Bloody eye ball cookies for the party tonight

2011-10-31T21:55:00.001-04:00

Really quick and really easy!

Peanut Butter Cookies
Red icing
Chocolate covered raisins

2011-10-29T11:52:00.002-04:00

Enough said :)

2011-10-24T11:26:00.000-04:00

Just a fall fun one :)

2011-10-20T19:57:00.001-04:00

Found this nubby orange and green novely yarn in a clearance pile at Joann's Fabrics. It's called "Sprinkles" and it may be discontinued. I added it to a tangerine blend and came up with this one. Forget where I found the shawl pin. Gift for a friend to celebrate fall :)

Ball Shawl Progress

2011-10-20T10:07:00.004-04:00

Snag Close up

Mall Display

2011-10-18T23:38:00.001-04:00

If I bought that gigantic ball of yarn.....my guage would probably still be wrong and I'd have to go out and buy another one :)

Knitting Humor :)

2011-10-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

Bought this card yesterday at the "Yarn Garden" in Annapolis. I laugh because in my case, it's sooooo true :)
Here is the artist's link: http://www.pataubegraystudios.com/Home_Page.html

Mini Country Pot Pies

2011-10-18T10:08:00.000-04:00

Found this recipe in a "First" women's magazine but it can also be found at this link. http://shrinkingtheplanet.com/weighless/?p=4325

When I made mine, I substituted chicken for turkey and chicken gravy for the turkey gravy. As usual I substitute dry spices for fresh. It turned out really good. I had a couple of tablespoons. I'm still in training for the Marine Ball :) Excellent comfort food for a cool fall day :)

Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (whole wheat if possible)
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
1 tbs. olive oil
2 cups diced cooked turkey
1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend thawed
1/2 cup canned white beans
1 tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. poultry seasonings
3 tbs. flour
1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
1/2 jar (12 oz) turkey gravy
1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400. Grease 4 ramekins. Unfold puff pastry; cut 4 rounds big enough to cover ramekin tops. Cut decorative shapes from scraps. chill dough until needed.
2. In skillet over high heat, cook mushrooms and onions in olive oil 2 min., or until onions are tender. Stir in next 5 ingredients. Cook 2 minutes stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle flour over mixture. Add wine; cook 1 minute. Stir in gravy. Divide mixture evenly among ramekins. Brush ramekin rims with egg; top each with dough round, pressing to secure. Coat dough with egg and top with dough cutouts. Bake 15 minutes or until golden.
Serves 4

I need to get better with the pastry part of this recipe :)

Marine Corps Ball Shawl Update

2011-10-17T22:57:00.000-04:00

Update: It's not good. The mohair one is looking very Little House on the Prairie. The "Fruit Loop" shawl is very fruit loop. It does not scream Marine Corps Ball. It screams "Take me to Hawaii or the Bahamas!" The Vanna shawl was starting to look better to me. I was almost done making it when the dog decided to walk across my lap. Her nail got stuck in the yarn, pulled it and now there is a big gap in the shawl. Maybe it will block out? Maybe everyone around me will drink so much that nobody will notice. Maybe the ballroom will be dimly lit? So I started another one in pinks and a little bit of taupe...not fuzzy. And as a back up plan, I bought an off white silky shawl at Macy's today....just to take the pressure off....oh the shame store bought....ewww. :)

Thanks Pottery Barn....for the ideas :)

2011-10-13T00:07:00.002-04:00

Pottery Barn is calling this a knit euro-sham ($49.00) to be put over the euro-pillow ($24.00). I call it a potential weekend project for less. For $73.00 you'd think they would have used 100% cotton yarn. They added acryllic....ewww.

Pumpkin-ricotta stuffed shells

2011-10-12T23:48:00.003-04:00

http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/pumpkin-ricotta-stuffed-shells-recipe-clv1011

Made this tonight. It was easy and really good. The hardest part was finding canned pumpkin puree in the grocery store. Apparently the flooding and rain in the midwest this summer has affected the pumpkin crop. At least that's what the cashier told me. Who knew? As usual, I substitute dried herbs for fresh. I don't need anything else going bad in my fridge before we get to it.

Different Yarn(s)

2011-10-06T18:46:00.001-04:00

Seriously by the time the Marine Ball arrives, I will need anti-anxiety medications. Police work was less stressful. Back then all I had to worry about was someone bleeding on me. The good ole days. I went to my favorite yarn shop to see if I could find something, ANYTHING, to make a shawl for the ball. I was wandering around holding my Mootsie Tootsie when a very nice lady asked me if I needed help. Gee ya think :)

I bought two yarns because I couldn't make up my mind (and yes I had to tell her all about my $25.00 dress. I'm thinking of taking out a front page ad in a newspaper.  :) )

I have spent nine times more on the yarn for ANY shawl to match the $25.00 dress than I have on the $25.00 dress.  But I've already decided the unused portion of Vanna is being returned.

The yarn on the right is a mohair, silk and wool blend.  Translation: I'm going to be shedding all over the Marine. I'll just make a purse big enough to hold a lint brush.  Customers gave me their unsolicited opinions...and I was happy to hear them.  One said the mohair yarn is great if I want to look like a wall flower. I can do wall flower.

I have the pattern to the shawl below (which was made out of Lana Grossa Baby Kid). I made this same shawl before out of the Lana Grossa so I know it's do-able for me.  Hopefully the yarn I bought today is magic yarn so I will end up looking like this sultry vixen.

Lana Grossa Baby Kid Mohair Shawl

Everything on the label is written in Norwegian...so it could be magic yarn for all I know. :)

The yarn on the left is La Boheme made by "Fiesta".  Oh my gawd even the name makes it sound like it is probably a mistake.  FIESTA!!!!! The color is "Misty Morning" and if you look really hard there is a touch of the mocha/taupe color of the dress in it.  It reminds me of "Fruit Loops." I can do "Fruit Loop" or wall flower.  I'm a Gemini :)  But what if this is the year where ever woman at the ball is wearing black....except me.  My head hurts.

I bought the Fiesta Famous Shawl pattern at the shop. (Pictured below the sultry vixen.) I have my doubts about the fringe. I'm not a fringe-y kind of gal...but without the fringe, it's probably a little bit too much "Little House on the Prairie."

This past weekend I helped a friend work her booth at a Sewing and Quilting Expo.  I got to do a lot of people watching and saw so many creative women wearing their creations. Most of them had hair with attitude too and looked so sophisticated and put together.  So maybe I'll try being one of those women (for a change). Maybe I'll have Barbara Jean (my beautician) dye my hair "reddish" again.

So in approximately one month, I'm going to try and make two shawls!!! I can do this.  I have to....My dress has no sleeves and my arms are not my best feature :) I just won't have time for superfluous things like grocery shopping, cooking meals, cleaning house, koochie koo-ing the dog or for that matter the Marine. :)

Marine Corps Ball Update

2011-10-06T10:36:00.000-04:00

Okay the shawl is not turning out good. I've tried three different patterns and still....not good. Correction...it's looking like crap.  I'm calling Vanna now!

The $25.00 dress will cost $40.00 to alter. Massive amounts of fabric need to be removed from the chest area. :) The shoulders need to be taken up and excessive amounts of fabric under the armpits removed. A team of professionals are working on it as we speak....:)  Challenger got off the ground with less help :)

I found shoes that match the dress perfectly.  We recently had a DSW store built 40 minutes away from us. OMG I hate shopping for shoes but I could learn to like it at that store :)  They had a pair of Mootsie's Tootsies that matched perfectly. They had a lot of hooker shoes too......yeah I tried them on :) The sales lady also showed me things I can stick on to the shoes so I don't bust my rump.

Off to the good yarn shop to see if I can find something else to work with...the clocks ticking. If I'm not binding off the stitches as we are giving the car to the valet parker, I'll be happy.

Cute Advertisement

2011-10-05T21:55:00.001-04:00

I got this advertisement in the mail the other day. At first I thought it was advertising a sale at a yarn shop......then I looked at it closer. It's an advertisement for a heating system :) "When you've taken up knitting for your dog's sake, it's time." Very cute and check out the face on that dog. He is not happy......and that is not an attractive doggy sweater :)

Marine Corps Ball ...the last one :)

2011-09-28T23:03:00.000-04:00

The Marine Corps Ball is coming up. It is my annual nightmare. I haven't gone for the past couple of years but I promised my husband I would go this year because it is is LAST ONE while on active duty.  So the hellish hunt for a dress began this week. I haven't consumed a carb in weeks. I'm 12 lbs. lighter and you would think that would help...but it doesn't. Monday I drove an hour to the mall.

I hit three major department stores and a couple of smaller shops. The dresses were all horrors. I'm tall and long waisted.  I'm not sure who designers design for but my waist does not start two inches below my breasts. One dress I couldn't figure out how to get back on the hanger. At one point, I was stuck in a dress and afraid I might dislocate my shoulders attempting to escape from it.  I realized I hit rock bottom when I was trying on the lime green dress and trying to convince myself that it wasn't that bad.

I headed to the food court and drowned my sorrows in a Sbarro's salad no dressing or croutons. Do I know how to party or what? I came home with a picnic basket from the Pottery Barn and a chili mix from Williams and Sonoma. This could explain a lot right?

Tuesday I went to a local bridal shop...more horrors. As I was leaving, I walked by a clearance rack OUTSIDE the store. This is the stuff they are so happy to get rid of they don't care if someone steals it. I thought what the heck, I'm here I'll flip through the rack. I found a dress in my size that was not a horror. It is too bland to be a horror. It was originally $165.00 but was marked down to $25.00. I tried it on.  With a little bit of alteration, it will work and if it doesn't, I don't care because it was only $25.00.  The bad news is...it's polyester so I can't cut it up in the future and put it in a quilt. :( .
Here it is:

Grandma of the bride must have changed her mind and decided to get another dress.

Then I went to Michael's craft store to see if they had any yarn to make a shawl. They had a yarn that was the perfect match for the dress with a little sparkle of silver on it. Yes that is Vanna White on the label. After an exhausting week at work turning letters, Vanna knits.

So coming soon.... a matching evening bag and shawl. Pattern by Lion Brand yarn for the evening bag.

Look at the look on her face. She's mad dogging him. He promised her she'd never have to go to another one of these after he retired. If she stabbed him with a butter knife after this picture was taken who could blame her :)

Halloween Crazy Quilt

2011-09-25T20:29:00.002-04:00

Variation of the Buggy Barn Crazy Pattern

Used up a TON of my Halloween fat quarters. I'll be teaching a class for this quilt in October.

I wasn't crazy enough to buy a matching orange bed spread just for the month of October. I am crazy enough to dye an old chenille bedspread with a box of tangerine and brown RIT dye. It may need another dye-ing with more brown. It's still a bit too tangerine for me. Maybe I'll decorate with some fake spider webs....oops nevermind there might be some real ones around :)

Fall Socks

2011-09-25T20:18:00.001-04:00

Knitting Pure and Simple Lightweight Sock Pattern #216 (my favorite) :)
Yarn: Mountain Colors hand painted Crazy Foot Sock Yarn
Color: Sierra
90% Superwash Merino Wool with 10% nylon
Needles: Size 1

St. Mary's County Fair 2011

2011-09-23T00:18:00.001-04:00

Whoo hoo :) The county fair opened today. I won 3 blue ribbons and 5 second place ribbons at the county fair. Knitting, quilting, counted cross stitch and baking. The yarn bowl my friend Maria made me (pottery) took second place!!   She's stoked :) She never entered a contest...and admits technically she still hasn't because I entered her :)

The O Holy Night counted cross stitch took first. The judge liked it so much she wants the pattern information. She also said it was seriously considered for Grand Champion.  Wow :)
My rust colored lace tam took first in knitted hats.
The counted cross stitch sheep and quilted star afghan took first too. That project was almost vintage by the time I finished it :)
The Halloween quilt took second. I can't wait to get it back and hang it up for Halloween (photo to follow soon).
The knitted socks took second. I finished blocking them Wednesday morning and had to drop them off at the fair Wednesday afternoon. :)  Yep was waiting for them to dry/block before I could leave the house :)
The Tanta Shawl took second. The winning shawl was white, lacey and beaded......well that's one way to go but if you had to hide in the woods, which one would you want to wear? White lace or camouflage? I think I make my point :)
The witch wine bottle cozy/hostess gift took second in holiday knitting :) Who says knitting has to be serious :)
And finally Grandma's Irish Soda Bread took second place. :)

O Holy Night framed and done !!!

2011-09-19T16:00:00.004-04:00

I picked it up today from the Frame A Lot :) The framer did such a great job. The mat (if you can't tell) is a mottled crushed velour-ish velvet. I thought the shades in the mat mimicked the shades in the hand dyed cranberry thread. Added a filet to the inner border for a little extra punch. The Frame has a smidge of red in it too. Got it back just in time for the County Fair :)

When all else fails, call in the professionals....

2011-09-16T14:57:00.001-04:00

I was going for an English garden wild flower look.....but after everything bloomed it just looked like weeds so the hubster took a weed whacker to it :)

Before...clearly we don't know what we are doing :)

After

Okay now all I have to do is not back over this when I'm doing one of those 30 point turns to get around the cars in the driveway. Hope those spider plants are sturdy.

One hosta plant...let's see how long it lasts. He put it near the front porch so only the bravest of deer can eat it.

Witch Wine Cozy

2011-09-14T22:17:00.001-04:00

Pattern by Hilary Carr
Purchased via Ravelry

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wicked-witch-bottle-cozy

Okay so I've got the hostess gifts ready for the Halloween party, I probably should start thinking of a costume.

September 11th Memorial Cross Stitch

2011-09-12T20:19:00.001-04:00

http://www.cherishedstchs.com/newproc01.html <------------- link for the designers web site

I found this pattern today at my favorite counted cross stitch shop (The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland). Wish I had it yesterday. I could have been working on it while watching the September 11 Memorial Services and thinking about the lives lost on that terrible day. Thanks Louise for creating something so pretty to commemorate this day.

Candy Corn Wine Bottle Gift Bag

2011-09-11T21:20:00.000-04:00

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/candy-corn-wine-gift-bag

Pattern by Hilary Carr

Today while I was watching some of the
September 11 Memorial Services on TV, I started and finished making this to bring to a Halloween party.

Birthday Gift for Sonny

2011-09-09T15:27:00.000-04:00

A retired Marine friend of ours is turning 50 on Saturday. He loves to play this game "cornhole" so I made him a set of "cornhole" tossing bags in Marine Corps colors (of course). The game is also known as "hillbillie horse shoes." As a joke I got him a Redneck Wine Glass" to go with his bottle of Jarhead Red wine :) Happy 50th Sonny!!! Hope you have 50 more :)

Police Dispatchers in England Knitting for Troops

2011-09-09T09:48:00.000-04:00

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/9240395.Staff_answer_the_call_to_help_our_troops_stay_warm/

Way to go girls :)

Probably going to be a Christmas present for someone.....

2011-09-04T18:12:00.000-04:00

Okay we're still cleaning up from Hurricane Irene....40 plus industrial plastic bags of debris taken to the county landfill over the past week. Yesterday we cut apart three of the fallen trees. By we I mean my husband operated the chain saw and I dragged the schtuff out and piled it up. I've already learned how to run the leaf blower and a generator because of Hurricane Irene so I've met my quota of power tool usage. On the 17th we can rent a chipper and get rid of that massive pile of schtuff. Still have three trees leaning toward the house so I'll just sleep with one eye open for a while until we can find someone to take them down. Did a couple of more hours of work on the mess today and made two trips to the landfill. A smart wife would have just gotten up early, skipped off to the mall and hoped the cleanup was magically finished when she got home. I'm not that smart. I wasn't the only woman at the landfill hauling debris out of the back of the pickup.....There were other women there...we should have all carpooled to the Mall. Anyway after I called it quits, I finished up a quilt top that only needed to have the borders put on it. Thimbleberrie Safe Haven fabrics by RJR from a long long time ago were used for the border. The biggest challenge was getting the stripe in the center of the outer border to match at the miter. Took a little bit of fussing but it turned out nice.

The fussy part

More damage by Irene

2011-09-01T12:04:00.000-04:00

My friend Norm's house. Norm is a professor at the local community college and rescues Golden Retrievers. They need a crane to get a huge tree of their house. And to think some idiots believe the media over hyped Hurricane Irene!!! They should drive around our town for a little while.

Recycled Jumper

2011-08-30T23:16:00.000-04:00

Still cleaning up after Hurricane Irene. While I was in the "man cave" today looking for the commercial size Hefty bags to stuff with ....our yard, I saw one of my old jumpers on the yard sale pile. I must have been in a "Little House on the Prairie" mood when I bought this horror. Thankfully I threw it on the yard sale pile before Stacy and Clinton discovered it in my closet :) I decided to turn it into an apron. I'm not really into recycling. We're not forced to do it where we live and I figure if I was meant to sift through my garbage, I would have been born a raccoon. Anyway during my fleeting earth friendly green moment, I turned the jumper into an apron. I may be able to get a second one out of it. Somebody notify the EPA or Green Peace :)

Ugly Little House on the
Prairie Jumper

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T16:44:00.004-04:00

Trees got their house and their RV

The wreath stayed on the house

There is a house under this mess.

After 10 hours of cleanup :)

Before the hurricane

After the hurricane

View from the second floor

Senior Citizen neighbor's house

Our neighbor's house and truck

Cleaned up the bulk of the yard in 10 hours :)

Neighbor's yard

Hurricane Preparedness ...my way.

2011-08-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

Zuchinni Bread.....bring it on Hurricane Irene. We're ready :) http://baking.food.com/recipe/zucchini-bread-betty-crocker-1996-380589

Tanta Shawl DONE!!

2011-08-24T15:29:00.004-04:00

Worn like a shrug

From Behind

Quilted Lattice Ascot

2011-08-21T23:46:00.001-04:00

Now that the Tanta Shawl is finished, I started this. I will post a picture of the finished Tanta Shawl as soon as I get my little $22.00 half mannequin from Amazon. I know you'll all miss my stuff laying on the dining room table :)

Picture from the Pattern by Pam Powers Knits Co.

Halloween Crazy Quilt Almost Done

2011-08-21T23:29:00.001-04:00

I should be done with this quilt in a week or so. I plan on hanging it behind the bed in the master bedroom around Halloween. My bedspread is green and wouldn't look good near this soooooooooooo today I dug out an old chenille off white and dyed it. Could not find a rust color or a country orange. The closest I could find was "tangerine" RIT dye. The color did not work so then I dyed it again and tossed in two boxes of tan RIT dye. That toned it down a bit.

Old off white bedspread

Tangerine Dye

Not Quite Right

2 Boxes of Tan to tone it down

The bedspread is in the dryer now. Will post picture later.

Dove Chocolate Commercial

2011-08-21T10:35:00.009-04:00

I love this commerecial. Thin, beautiful sex kittens with not a hair out of place are rolling around on satin sheets or eating chocolate. The narrative is "I confess. I'm not perfect. I can't sew, knit or crochet." Losers :) Come on!!! One out of three!! Pick one!! Get out of bed and do something with your spare time!!! Seriously skip the gym once in a while :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUBchloHPmM&feature=email

Tanta Shawl Being Blocked

2011-08-19T21:22:00.002-04:00

Lorna's Hand Dyed Yarn Color 708 Camouflage 70% baby alpaca
and 30% silk

Tanta Shawl unblocked

Sour Cream Pound Cake

2011-08-19T11:48:00.000-04:00

http://heartburn.about.com/od/desserts/r/scpoundcake.htm
It's probably not a 10 either :)

Chicken With Peach and Wine Sauce

2011-08-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

Wife: How do you like the new chicken recipe?
Husband: It's great!
Wife: On the scale of 1 to 10?
Husband: It's a 9...I can't quite place it.
Wife: What do you mean?
Husband: I can't figure out what's in it.
Wife: So you take points off because you don't know what's in it?
Husband: Yes
Wife: That doesn't seem fair.
Husband: I'm standing firm, it's a 9.
Wife: You're doing the dishes.
Husband: It's still a 9.

The Star Garden

2011-08-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

Half way through the last of this trilogy. I have two on the Kindle but I like the first paper back book so much, I'm not tossing it on the yard sale pile when we move :) (And to you know who....yes I do sleep :))

Okay finished it....good book...hope she does a 4th :)

Sarah's Quilt

2011-08-12T00:52:00.000-04:00

Finished this book the other night and now I'm on to book three of the trilogy (Star Garden). I'm really going to hate to see this series end. :( If I were Sarah, I would have shot him....just saying :)

Spinach Souffle Recipe

2011-08-11T19:39:00.000-04:00

Yeah it came out of the souffle pan in one piece :) That's a first :)

http://books.google.com/books?id=JTAaVgZHxwkC&pg=PA248&lpg=PA248&dq=spinach+souffle+recipe+for+acid+reflux&source=bl&ots=jFFcg_foCK&sig=y6BKPIZxSKvIFjAc7dKpsiZ3lyM&hl=en&ei=LmdETtj4NOf10gGT1JW1CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

Fan Quilt

2011-08-10T18:26:00.002-04:00

Fan Quilt Using Quiltsmart Grandmother's Fan Pattern
This one goes to my sister for her Victorian style guest room.

Halloween Quilt

2011-08-10T09:26:00.005-04:00

In the works...

Last year I saw this log cabin Halloween quilt on the Rhinestone Amadillo website. I love the colors in the quilt. Well it inspired me to whip out my Halloween fabrics and crank out a quilt hopefully before Halloween.

http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/10/oooohcheck-out-this-log-cabin-halloween-quilt-from-kris-at-a-nostalgic-halloween-sometimes-quilts-are-too-fussy-and.html

If I find the time, I'd like to make a witch doll to sit on top of it. Just add 24 more hours to my day :) I'm doing a Buggy Barn Crazy Quilt pattern (pictured below).

Red, white and blue Helix Scarf

2011-08-05T18:51:00.001-04:00

Yoyo Count: 314

Green Beans with Pecans and Warm Honeyed Apple Dressing

2011-08-05T18:03:00.000-04:00

I cut the recipe by half. Here's the original recipe:

2 lbs. of fresh green beans

2 cups of chopped Granny Smith apples

1/4 cup of olive oil

1 t. fresh minced garlic (I used from a jar.)

3 T. honey

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup of apple cider (I couldn't find any in August at our grocery store so I used apple juice.)

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese

1/4 cup of pecans lightly toasted (I used straight out of the bag...no toasting).

Trim the stem ends from the green beans and leave the points.

Bring pot of water to a boil and drop in the beans. Blanche the beans until they are light green (about one minute...mine took a bit longer.) After they are blanched, drain and rinse under cold water.

Meanwhile combine apples, oil, garlic, honey, vinegar, cider and mustard in a small sauce pan and over medium high heat bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool until warm.

I took the picture before I added the pecans. Imagine Pecans :)

Arrange the beans on a platter. Sprinkle with the Feta cheese and pecans. Stir the warm dressing well and spoon it over the beans. Really good !!! From the cookbook: Eating for Acid Reflux. The dressing is what really makes this recipe good. I would consider using it over other vegetables too.

Yoyo Count 250

2011-08-03T22:02:00.000-04:00

Back from a long road trip, yo-yo'd my way up the East Coast.

Halloween Scarecrow

2011-07-31T20:49:00.001-04:00

Also made for my sister. Will provide the pattern name later.

Yoyo count: 200

Butterlfy Quilt

2011-07-31T20:32:00.000-04:00

I was visiting my sister and she asked me if I remembered making this quilt for her. I didn't :) According to the label, I made it in 2000. I snapped a few pictures :)

Hoopla Sunflower Quilt

2011-07-29T10:03:00.002-04:00

"Keep your face to the sunshine

and you cannot see the shadow.

It's what sunflowers do."

by Helen Keller

One lonely sunflower growing in the sun
Wants to play and have some fun
Then whoosh went the wind
And scattered all the seeds
And now there's lots of sunflowers
Playing in the breeze.

Anonymous

http://hooplapatterns.com/

Hoopla Reproduction Pattern
Reproduction Pattern from the Shelburne Museum, VT

Saw this quilt at a quilt show a couple of years ago. The sample hanging in the booth was BEAUTIFUL! Hand quilted and hand appliqued. This picture from the website absolutely does not do it justice. I made a few changes. I had a hard time doing the points of the sunflower by hand and since there were so many points and so many sunflowers, I opted to machine applique the sunflowers instead but the rest is hand appliqued. Machine quilted. I changed the stems a little bit too and didn't make the poster bed version.

Yoyo count: 114

Vintage Memories Quilt

2011-07-26T22:32:00.002-04:00

From Mimi Deitrich's book "Bed and Breakfast Quilts"

I didn't add the inner border or the applique.

Thimbleberrie Scraps

Another one bites the dust!

Tonight I finish the binding on another quilt. Warning: The next one is ugly so brace yourself :)

Yoyo count: 57