GBP2011 More yarn and some knitting journals

Got more yarn in, I think this will be enough to keep me occupied for a little while, the sad thing is, this will only get me a little less than half way there. But it's going to be AWESOME when it's finished!

Picked up some more journals too, on Ebay. I love the Moleskine journals, picked up a few for me and the 'new' knitter, my BFF.
If you would like some of your own, the website is Moleskine once you get one and use it, you GET it!

The small blanket is finished!!

It didn't take near as long to finish this as I thought it would, I think it came out really cute.
160 sts on size 7 needles with KnitPicks Swish, WW yarn. I really like how it turned out. I was going to crochet a border around it, but then decided I like how it looks without it. I wove in the ends two nights ago, but haven't cut them off yet, it still needs to be washed. But otherwise, she is done!!

Knitting.... a Partiotic Duty!

Had to share this with you....
98 year old woman knits for the troops
Knitting, a Patriotic Duty

The Great Blanket Project of 2011: Yarn has finally arrived!

A couple of weeks ago I had written that the yarn I ordered came in and I was starting a blanket. That was this. I got the idea from this pattern: Easy Baby Blanket

It is an awesome easy pattern that makes a great blanket. I love garter stitch, on top of being the easiest thing in the world to knit while watching t.v., the color changes are smooth and neat, and easy peasy to do!

From all of this was born the idea for The Great Blanket Project of 2011.
I want a nice warm, comfy, nice looking, easy, wool blanket for my bed. This pattern fits the bill perfectly.
Then an idea gave way to a project, that blossomed into an order at KnitPicks and my BFF beating me to the cast on!
We are chatting away about it on facebook at: Knittinfun. Come check it out, let me know if you would like to join the Knittinfun group on facebook, since that is where all the chatting is going on and I will add you.
I think it's going to be loads of fun, especially since this is the Bff's first big project. We already have plans to get together for "knit" days.
I am hopefully going to get my 300 stitches cast on this evening or tomorrow after work.
We are not going to try and finish this project as soon as possible, therefore, the name, I am just hoping to have mine done before the last day of this year and I will be happy.
I am not going to lie and say this will be my only project until it is finished, OMG, that would drive me insane and I would throw it in a corner and never finish it. There will be many projects in and amongst this one.

The yarn is ordered.....The Great Blanket Project of 2011

I have decided that is high time I knit something for me, soft, squishy, warm and cuddley.
Since I am getting rid of the queen sized bed and going up to a king, this is going to be one BIG project.
I ordered my yarn from KnitPicks Swish WW
When the yarn arrives, I will let you all in on the plan. It's going to be awesome!!

This weeks patterns

Not much knitting time left! I have five more hats to make, and in very bad knitty form, I ordered the wool yarn I wanted to make myself a garter stitch blanket, and, unfortunately, it came in the mail yesterday. Soooo, as my mind kept telling me "YOU HAVE FIVE MORE HATS TO MAKE!!!" my hands were happily knitting away on my new blanket, while I watched the Wizard of Oz. I think a garter stitch blanket is more "Oz" knitting than a stinking ole hat anyway ;0)
Back to the patterns for this week.
Knitting: Legwarmers
Crochet: Lanyard
Socks: Fancy
Have a great weekend everyone! And stay warm!
God Bless

This weeks patterns

The Holidays are coming.... the holidays are coming. Bring out your craftiness!!! the holidays are coming.
Great gifts and cute decorations are in store....
Knitting: Scrooge/Kratchit Nightcap
Crochet: Christmas Tree Skirt
Socks: Cable and Seed Socks
Have a great week everyone!! I have to get all those hats done!!
God Bless

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This weeks patterns

I have finally finished the scarf, and, no camera! DD had to take my camera yesterday when Isaac went to the 100th anniversary celebration of the Boy Scouts. When I get the thing back from her, I will take pictures and post the pattern. In a way it worked out well this way, I have now turned it into two different patterns for you to make. I hope to have it posted by week's end.
On to the patterns for this week:
Knit: Ash
Crochet: Easy Peasy Circle Shrug
Socks: Bamboo Waves Socks
Have a great week everyone!

Another Knitter at Mobile Renaissance Fair

Last weeknd was the Renaissance Fair in Mobile. The grandbrats love to go and see all the knights and ladies, but OMG the belly dancers! As soon as we get there, and right before we leave, gotta go see the belly dancers.
We had a great time walking around and dreaming of all the stuff I would love to buy, Hand made jewelry, hand crafted swords, I was literally in crafty heaven. Then I met a lady who had scarves and shawls hanging all around her tent.
Well, you know you have to stop and touch and feel, and examine patterns. She had long skinny fuzzy scarves, beautiful warm fluffy scarves, shawls made with bulky, soft yarn, and some made with fur yarn that was almost too soft for me to touch. She was an interesting lady to talk to and I am really glad I got to meet her.
Of course dragging the rest of the family behind me, we really didn't have time to chat, for some reason they don't see it the same way. They were ready to move on. Though they do benifit well from my own craftiness!

How to wear a scarf

I am no good at wearing a scarf, I wrap it around my neck till I feel like I am suffocating or, I let it just hang there. This sight Crochet Me shows a few good ways to wrap yourself looking good and showing off. I, for one needed this.

New scarf pattern...soon

I know, me, the hater of the scarf knitting, have come up with a cute, basic, simple, no cable needle, cabled scarf. The test knit is almost finished. Then I will get the pics and post the pattern.
Now don't go getting too excited, it's very basic, nothing all twisty,curvey, gorgeous, just an easy cable pattern that anyone can do.
Will be posting soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

This weeks patterns

This has been a long and harried week and I am sooo glad it is almost over.
The boy totaled his truck and Thank God! walked away, him and the other guy. When I saw the truck, I cried, I don't know how in the world neither one of them got hurt. From there it has just been one thing after another going wrong. I won't bore you with the details, your head might pop off like mine was ready to yesterday!
Needless to say, I am glad the weekend is finally here, and the patterns.
Knitting: Lexi
Crochet: Plarn Soap Dish
Sockpatterns: Family of Slippers

This weeks patterns

It is getting to be that time of year again, cooking, baking, visiting friends, bringing food and gifts. I am glad we finally have some cooler weather, tho in about a month I will be ready for summer again.
This has gotten me in the mood for some gift knitting though. This weeks patterns are all gifting.
Knitting: Apron
Crochet: Loaf Pan Tote
Socks: Knee High Socks
So we can bake, carry our goodies to friends and family, and keep our toes and legs warm doing it. Yep, it's time for the Holiday Season!

How wicked COOL is this

I saw this posted on one of the lists I am on, this is AWESOME! A knitted skeleton! Wicked cool, you gotta go check it out! The detail in this is great. I imagine it took a while to complete it. When you get time, you gotta go see all the pics!
Knitted Skeleton

This weeks patterns

This week is all about warm, warm hands, warm feet and beating that nasty old draft that always seems to find the back of your neck.
Knitting Pattern: Wintergreen Gloves
Crochet Pattern: Ribbed Neck/Face Warmer
Socks: Glass Slipper Socks

I am almost finished with PB's hunting socks. I can't believe how long it has taken me to get one lousy pair of socks done. I guess throwing an extra sock at the end of a skein didn't help me get done any faster. But, alas I am almost to the toe decreases on the second sock.
I will post pictures of the 4 socks I have when I am done!

The Long Awaited Scarf Pattern

I know I promised like a month ago, but, dang if it doesn't get harder everyday to get those kids over here.
The oldest finally came and modeled for me. I finished writing it up and WALA! here you have it.
Side To Side Self Fringing Scarf
I thought it needed a nice long name since it took me so long to get it to you.
I hope you enjoy it. I would love to see pics if anyone knits it up!
God Bless

 

download now

This weeks patterns

I have been knitting away, finally the dry spell is over. I knit 'the scarf' which, when I get one of those tall daughters of mine over here to  model it for me, I will get some pics and post the pattern here. And then started on some more of the No Show socks, winter is coming, and I need lots and lots of wool socks.
In between all of that, I have posted this weeks patterns:

Knitting: Angel Wine Bottle Cover
Crochet: Felted Door Knob Organizer
Socks: Diamond Lace Socks
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. It is beautiful here on the Gulf Coast. And it's BAYFEST in Mobile! We went last night and will be headed back again today, but don't you worry, we will be back home and in front of the t.v. in plenty of time to watch the Alabama/Florida game. Been waiting all week for this one!
God Bless everyone.

No Show Sock Pattern

 

This is more of a set of instructions than a full out pattern.
I really am starting to like the no show socks the kids are wearing today, but I have got to have my wool socks in the winter time, so WALA! I made one, out of my favorite sock yarn Regia Clown.
The instructions are very simple
Size 3 needles
Leftover sock yarn. I can get a regular sock out of one ball of yarn, and two of these out of the leftovers.
CO: 56 sts (or however many you normally CO for you size. A note, because the cuff is no very big, I would go down a st or two to make it a bit tighter around the ankle.
Join to knit in the round
K1,P1 for 4 rounds
Begin heel on 28 sts and your favorite heel pattern.
I used the slip one knit one for 21/4", on my heel, but I am thinking of trying a different kind of heel for the next pair.
When heel is turned and finished, pick up 14 sts each side for gusset.
Dec one row, Knit one row until 28 sts remain on the needles for the bottom of the foot.
Knit around until within one inch of desired length for foot.
I always do my toe decreases one inch from end and decrease every row, instead of the usual dec one row, knit one row. I think it makes a rounder toe.
Kitchner last 8 sts
Weave in ends
And there you have it. A great little sock!
I am going to try and do some for the younger Grandbrats, I guess I will have to tweek the pattern a bit.
I will get back to you on that.

This weeks patterns

I know everyone thought I dropped off the face of the earth, but SURPRISE! Here I am again. I had a great summer vacation from.... well everything crafty, the blog, my lists, knitting, crochet, everything! Me and PB spent a month, off and on, in Panama City. I have got an awesome t-shirt collection going on. The Friday before the 4th of July, we decided to make an eastbound trip, we made it to Pensacola by way of Gulf Shores, and decided to spend the night there, got up the next morning and drove the scenic route on over to Panama City. Every where we stopped I bought a t-shirt. We stopped at every beach along the way. Pensacola, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, then on to P.C. It was great fun and I took a whole lot of pictures, I will post some soon.
We lucked out and got a condo right beside Pineapple Willy's and spent two days and nights having a blast. We rented scooters and went to St. Andrews and met Andy the squirrel and got some more awesome pictures of the beach.
All in all it was a great time, because we got to go back the next week for PB's job, so another weekend in P.C.
It was a great summer, but I am getting itchy for some real knitting.
I have three patterns I am going to post here over the next week.
Some hot pads, which are great stash busters. And a cloth, which has been the only knitting I have done to date.
I will be posting all of those soon. So keep an eye out.

Ok, summer vacation is over from the internet

Ok, I have been playing around on the internet, but no crafting, at all, until a week ago. I was sitting out on the back deck and decided to pick up the needles and the next thing I knew, I looked down and I had whipped out a new cloth pattern. I am still in kid, family, house, garden, soccer, cheerleader, mode, but I will get a picture and post it ASAP! I promise! The lists will be kicking back into gear this weekend also, so keep an eye out for that.
Sorry I was gone so long, BUT, I'M BACK!

This weeks patterns

The new pattern is almost ready for posting, until then, let me give you some ideas to work with.
Knitting: Flapper Girls Twist Hat
Crochet: Armchair Pocket
Socks: Artichoke Socks

Our New Addition to the family, and New Pattern coming

First let's start with the new pattern, I have been whipping out these place mats for about a month now. I decided to go looking around the net and realized, there are not nearly enough patterns for place mats out there. Knit with 100% cotton, these things are great! I will be posting the pattern soon. So keep a look out!

Now let me introduce you to Pearl Girl! My best friend gave her to me last week. She is the sweetest dog and she knows how to play Shilo to get what she wants from him. He was not too sure about her when she first came here, but she is such a sweetie, even grumpy old Shilo had to like her.
She is a 15 month old German Shepherd, my new baby.

Now Shilo will be four years old on March 27th and she is only 15 months, I think she is going to end up being bigger than he is, and he is a good sized dog.
These are my babies, he's such a handsome dog, and she is just as pretty.

This weeks patterns

Christmas is over, hopefully you are settling down for some non stressed crafting.
This weeks patterns are easy, fun, and would make great gifts for those babies that will be coming soon.
Knitting: Come Sail Away Blanket
Socks: Quickie Sneakers
Crochet: Hi-Five Towel
I hope everyone is having a great week
God Bless

This weeks patterns

This week I fished out some great patterns for being stuck inside, OMG, all the knitting time, what is a woman to do?!
Knitting: The Q Scarf (the post just below)
Crochet: April Scarf
Socks: Pebble Stitch Fixation Socks
Have a great week everyone!

New Pattern: Q

This is a great pattern for showing off your team spirit! Knit with your favorite colors and in three different sizes, this promises to be a hit with everyone.
download now
A friend of mine at work asked me to knit him a hat and scarf. As you know, I hate to knit scarves! But for him, I broke down and came up with a pattern in the colors he wanted, and it came out so well I thought I would share it with you.
I hope you like it.

This weeks patterns

The patterns for this week lean, very hard, toward 'warmth'. Hats and Socks to help chase that cold wind away from the skin.
Knitting: Spiral Kiddie Cap
Socks: Gumball Footies
Crochet: 3-Way Cap

Have a great week everyone!
God Bless

More Pics from the Great Outdoors

For my BFF because everytime I see the moon I think of her.
Yeah, you know who you are.





The Hibiscus is blooming it's a** off for some unknown reason. It doesn't bloom this good in the dead of summer.

Out My Back door

We had an emergency trip to Callahan Fl this weekend. During the trip I took some awesome pictures, I thought I would share with you.
Yes I get very bored when riding for 7 hours.
These are all from the car on the ride back home after the funeral.
I think they came out great. What do you think?

Awards from the fair

When I went to the fair on Friday, Bella Boop's dress had won a blue ribbon! Then when I went to pick up my items today, there was another ribbon. Special Award!



My hand towel won 3rd. It was the only knitted item in the category.

And Bella Boop's shrug won 3rd also.


It was a great fair this year.

This weeks patterns

It has been fair week here on the Gulf Coast and there are fairs going on all around us. We have been three times and had a blast every time. I did enter some hand knit items in the fair. I won first place for Bella's Dress and third for her shrug.
I also entered a hand towel which won third, so I am happy.
Well down to business:
Knitting: Amelia's Options Baby Hat
Crochet: Autumn Leaves Mittens
Sockpattern: Meandering Circular Ziggies
Have a great weekend!

This weeks patterns

My mind is moving closer and closer to cold weather knitting as the weather seems to want to get straight to winter this year and skip fall all together.
This week's patterns are geared more toward the chilling of the air.
Knitting: Torbay
Crochet: Autumn Spice
Socks: Alaria Socks
Have a great weekend everyone, and by all means...stay warm!

f. pea: free pattern friday::bumpy jacket & hat

You have probably already seen this cute little sweater and hat. To me it is new, and OMG it is adorable! I am going to make this for Trin for Christmas. Not to sure about the hat, Trin has allot of hair, I don't think her and hats are going to get along. But the sweater is a definite!

f. pea: free pattern friday::bumpy jacket & hat

This weeks patterns

Yes it's time for the gift giving, crafter craze to begin.
In the interest of helping out, the patterns this week are great for gift giving.

Golden Compass Hat

Flower Tote

Socks, Circa 2008

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.
God Bless

Fingerless Gloves @ stephsdesigns

Ok, I have finally found it! The gift I will be making for my co-workers this year, girls and guys, this is perfect, everyone needs a pair. And who doesn't have all those single skeins of sock yarn laying around?
Fingerless Gloves

Pictures of FO

We didn't get all fancied up, it's too close to nap time to make her do too much. But here is Bella modeling her new dress and shrug. She likes the dress, but she has never, and will never like jackets or sweaters, so it was all I had to get her to get a good picture wearing the shrug.


These two patterns were both very easy to follow and execute, if you need a quick gift for a special girl, you should try these.

Violet Dress Finished!

I don't have a picture of her wearing yet, I have to convince her to put it on sometime this weekend.
This was the easiest knit, if you need to make something for a special little girl, you can complete this one in just two or three days, and how cute!
Once again the pattern can be found here:
Violet Dress

Pics of Bella's Violet Dress and other knitting

First off, believe it or not, I am STILL on a cotton thing. I HAD to knit something with cotton. So here it is, the Mock Woven Tea Cloth in Knit Picks CotLin on size 5 needles. Whew........ I feel better now and can go on to finishing Bella's dress.


This is the WIP. It is almost finished, and had I not been sooo into Dexter last night, it would be blocking today. It is a very easy knit, but I have waited so long for the new season, I didn't knit through it, I didn't want to miss a thing.
Yeah, it was worth it.
4 more inches to go and I can start the shrug.

My first new project in a while

I finally have gotten in the mood to knit again. Go figure, I had all the time in the world for the last three and a half weeks and didn't knit a thing. I would get up at 5:30 be to work by 8, leave work at 12, get Chas and I something to eat for lunch and be to the hospital by 1. I would try and be there to let Chas have a break. That long at the hospital can wear you down quick.
I would be at the hospital most nights until well after 8. See what I mean, loads of knitting time, but did I knit, NO, not one little stick or string did I bring with me. I just couldn't get in the mood, I think too much when I knit, the stress with the thinking, I do believe, would have fried my brain, and poor Trae didn't need his MiMi in the hospital with him.
But I have finally gotten in the mood again, and just in time for Christmas gift knitting time.
I chose to start with the bigger projects first.
Bella Boop is getting the Violet Dress from Shelby Knits.
This is the cutest dress, and I love the ease of the pattern. I am knitting it in Bernat Satin in a pale green colorway and so far it looks great.
I think it will go great with a little white top, This Shrug, a pair of white tights and black shoes.
It will be too cute on her.
The dress is about 75% finished. The shrug will have to wait until I can find some more of the same yarn. I guess I will just have to check out the Bernat website and see if I can get it there. That is the only bad thing about buying bargain yarn on Ebay, you either have to make projects with just the yarn you have, or hunt down the yarn if you need more.
But that's ok. It is coming out wicked cute and I can't wait to show you all the pictures!

Traedon is finally home again!

It was the roughest four weeks of my life, when we found out Trae had a brain tumor.
To date that is the worst news I have ever received in my life, but we had great doctors and he was at one of the best children's hospital in the country and today he is home again.
His little head is shaved in some spots, and the skull has not grown back yet, but he is smiling all of the time, he laughs at everything and is starting to pick some of his milestones back up. The long term looks really good for him.
And look how fat he has gotten! All the steroids after the surgery, and laying in the bed for three weeks sure did plump him up!
Now he is home with his Mom and brother and sister and he is doing really really well.
Thank you everyone for the prayers for Trae and our family, the were a comfort to all of us, and look... it worked!

Cool kids� capris - free knitting pattern - Pickles

Cool kids� capris - free knitting pattern - Pickles
These are wicked cute! I was surfing around the web, and getting ready for work..... yes Virginia, I can multitask.
I am thinking that the Grandbrats need these when they get out of the pool. They are always shivering. These are next on the list for them!

Finally.... A new camera

We finally got a new camera the other day. I am still not sure what happened with the Kodak, other than the fact it was a Kodak, I will never have another thing "Kodak" in this house, I have lost a thousand pics and now 400 dollars on Kodak! I think I have learned my lesson now.
Anyway, I digress, the new camera takes great pics.
Plus... the bestest part... it's takes awesome underwater pictures!

Issac, PawPaw and Bella Boop, under water~


Bella is just starting to put her head underwater without being thrown in.

Isaac would live underwater if he could.

Remember when I told you about the ghost in the house?
Well, here she(?) is laying in the pool.
I don't know if you can see her, but when we first got the camera, Kendall was playing with it and went underwater to get a shot of me outside the pool. Can you see her under me? Laying on her side? Wicked cool huh?!

The camera and the salt water make Kendall's eyes look awesome underwater.


Here I am watching Kendall play with the new camera.

Me and Kendall or as I like to say, "Me and Leah"

PB

Just messing around with the new camera! It does take good pics, I haven't played with all the settings yet, but I am getting there.


Shiloh


We have loads of fun with the camera since it is shock proof, water proof and freeze proof, I can take it places I used to be too scared to take my other camera! This is gonna be fun!

Congressman Gene Taylor came to the station....

We were very excited at the station yesterday, Gene Taylor came in to do our show "Spotlight On Jackson County".
I have always liked Gene Taylor, he is a down to earth, for the people, kinda guy.
Politics and I don't get along, I think there is a rift in this country between the people and our government, one that I don't think can be fixed, until you meet someone like Gene Taylor, he makes me believe that our government might still be savable.
Plus! He has got to be the most handsome man in Washington!

Yeah, you know I got a pic!


I think I invaded some personal space to get this pic.


Josh setting up the camera


Doug Mansfield, the host of Spotlight On Jackson County

This weeks patterns

The patterns sent to the list this week are some really cuties
There is the:
New Cloth Pattern: I have never seen this design before, I hope you like it as much as I do.

Tic Tac Toes : The coolest pair of ankle socks

Cotton Bib : Now that "wedding" season is over, it's time to get ready for all those babies that are sure to follow.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.

This weeks patterns

The patterns sent to my lists this week are really cute, when you get time, check them out.
It's all about the heat baby!
The perfect summer knitting project: Maidenhair Socks
The perfect summer evening sweater: Ellie
Adorable swim suit: Ripple 2 piece swimsuit

I hope you enjoy! And stay cool~

TREASURES ONCE LOST - The Mississippi Squirrel Revival.flv

Home Sweet Home
TREASURES ONCE LOST - The Mississippi Squirrel Revival.flv