Slow Progress 4/52

I would like to say that I made pretty good progress on projects this week especially since I had a large amount of down time on Tuesday. But it didn't work out that way. I have manages a couple of hats for charity, an almost finished Etsy order and a couple of rows on one sleeve of my cardigan. 

On Tuesday we had an appointment with a specialist and we did get some news that day that they didn't see an signs of cancer on Abbigail's liver as my vet was sure they would see, or any where else that they could tell. We did another blood test and they think she has IBD, irritable bowel  disease. This Would fit all of her symptoms, old and new.I'm looking forward to helping her feel better with a new diet and medication. I appreciate everyone's well wishes and I know they were heard.

So on to the non-progress of the week..

Here's the three hat added to the charity list. I dug out a couple of skeins of yarn that I had laying around, I Should be able to get a few more out of this skein and another that I had in this weight that I can only seem to find one of so it's a good project for them. I'm loving how the stripes are working out, so this was a great pattern for that yarn.

After much internal debate I think I'd decided on a shorter sleeve for my cardigan. That's not me trying to finish it up it's actually that I'm not a fan of long sleeves. So at the least I would have made them 3/4 length but for more use I'm going with a shortish sleeve. I've measure it out as 11 inches and once I get the first one done I'll see how that works. I think I should go ahead and seam it up so that I can also check the fit. So with each row being about 1/2 and inch I think I'm about 11 rows until this sleeve is ready for testing. This still isn't the right color by the way, which is really interesting that it looks so different in different lighting.

I swear it's really a nice heather blue..lol

I've got a veggie set to finish up, work in ends and add a few leaves and this one will be shipping out on Monday! 

I'm hoping to have a bit more progress to show and talk about next week, Thanks again for all of your kind words and thoughts, they mean so much to us.

If you are enjoying these updates be sure to stop by Ravelry, and check out the Year of Projects forums for more talented yarn artists! If you are having issues with the new format please be sure to switch to classic to keep the original community while they work out the bugs.

Have a Crafty Week!

Cold Sheet Progress 4/52 

Prior Weeks Balance 3269 yards out

This weeks yarn used 408 yards

This weeks yarn In 0

Updated Total Used 3677

 

Cardigan and Charity Progress YOP 3/52

After last week's post I kept my promise to myself and I went back into the cave of doom Craft Room and dug out my Silver Bells Cardigan, the pattern was in the 2014 version of the Holiday Crochet magazine. I have been working on it off and on since 2016 and it's my goal to actually get to wear it this fall. It has a longer bell type sleeve but I'm going to modify it to at least a 3/4 sleeve. Somehow I've managed to keep the pattern, yarn and hook together with the pieces, which is a good thing because I'm pretty sure I'd never find the yarn again. I had the back and one side finished back in 2017, then it was put away or forgotten for other projects, but I've been working on it this week and its going so easily I don't know why I put it down. It's just shells so it's a good project for while watching tv. I finished up the second panel for the front and have just moved on to the sleeves. not too bad I guess.

The colors are way off, it's actually a blue, but I kinda wish it was this color..lol

I had a goal to do 30 projects for a Charity that gave items to babies in the NICU to celebrate my premie's 30th birthday. Their big request right now is for hats of all sizes, I have a skein of some really soft mint colored yarn and I whipped up 7 small hats and I managed another pink hat in a larger size that I will add to the pile. This was off of a small ball I had on hand, i think I can get one more out of it too. I thought I would complete my personal challenge before sending, if I can go ahead and get the rest done I'll try that but if it starts to drag I think I'll send these on so they have them. And just keep an box for the remainders as they come along. 

I have a hard appointment this coming week for Abbigail, my lab mix and best friend. She's had all kinds of health problems over the years and she's no spring chicken but I'm still holding out hope.  We're going to a specialist to have an ultrasound and other some tests run. She's not doing well and it's even worse that with everything going on I have to leave her at the vet and wait outside. It could be an hour or hours, depending on what they think is best. It's going to be rough on both of us and I need to bring a project that's portable and also interesting so I can fill the time and not worry myself sick too. Maybe it will be a great time for Charity projects, simple and quick. We can use any kind thoughts you can send our way. 

Princess Abbigail aka Abbey dooby doo

 I'm hoping to be back next week with a big finish and hopefully some small ones, and more progress to show on old projects.

Be sure to check out the Year of Projects groups on Ravelry for inspiration and it's never to late to join.

Have a very creative week!

Cold Sheep Tally 2020-21

Prior weeks total out 2550 yards

Week 3 out 719 (hats, veggie set, sweater work)    

Week 3 in 0

Total Change 3269. yards.

One Pillow, Two Pillow and a set of Booties. Year of Projects Week 2

So as soon  I decide to buckle down on my list I find myself suddenly diverting  onto other things. I've been trying to organize my craft room, putting yarn up and putting yarn together with patterns for a while. And as I move one more box and I then realize I've got a nice selection of pillow forms just hanging around. SO instead of working on a project that needed to be completed I started another. In my defense it was quick and I've added a spot of color to my living room/office space and utilized a pillow form. And did I mention that I used two skeins of yarn that I had in hand? Win/Win/Win in my book!

Its a pattern from the crochet crowd, Crochet Textured Flower Pillow, Here's the pattern I didn't have a bulky yarn I liked so I went with two strands of Red Heart that I had on hand. And I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'll be making another one in a different color soon, well as soon as I find two skeins of a color I think will work in that area. The stash hunt is officially on !

Then as luck would have it I got a message from a person who follows my daughters Instagram and she asked about a pillow I had done for My daughter a year or so ago. We struck up a conversation and soon she was placing an order for an Acorn Pillow, yes you read that right, Acorn. So that was pillow two of the week and I can't say how much fun those large stuffies are. In case you wondered the one for my daughter was a beet! My daughter is vegan and she loved the small version so well I thought a big one would be fun and a conversation piece too. I actually ended up making a few beet pillows and a couple of other veggie pillows last year for a friend of hers that had a vegan store on the coast. You just never know where the world of yarn will take you!

Then it was on to a special order of Booties. Dad is a baseball fan and with a new baby on the way and hope for the season opener, Mom ordered these Chicago Cubs inspired booties, These are fun and easy, toe of my favorite things, and I get it add a check mark to the finish column even if it's not on the list!

I'm hoping to dive into my project bags this week and drag out my long suffering cardigan, I might have it finished by the time it gets cold. I'm really glad I bought so much yarn for it since i"m pretty sure they don't make it any more.

So having said that It's time to track my Cold Sheep/ Clean out the Disaster  Craft Room

Yarn

OUT 2550 yards (rounded) 

IN 0

Other Craft Supplies

1 Pillow Form

So that wraps up another week of Projects for me, Please be sure to check out all of the other blogs in the group and  remember it's always a good time to join. Check it out here.

Have a Wonderful Crafty Week!

Reevaluating My Mess, I mean List ..YOP Week # 1 Year 10!

Well It's been a while and I completely admit that I had/have lost my Crojo.. (crocheting Mojo for those non crafters out there) over the last two years. In my defense I had some crazy life changes two moves, one of which was coming back to a old residence in a different situation. But with all of that I think I am finally wanting to get back into creating and sharing those creations with the world, yeah I know delusions of grandeur..lol

While its Year 10 for the “Year of Projects”, I can say that I’ve been off and on since year 5.. and some years I’ve done better than others. This year I want to really spend some time with my list and see what still speaks to me and what doesn't fit now. I still have a craft room full of yarn, fabric and other items that were for projects that at some point had to be added to the never ending list that I carried around in my head and on my Pintrest boards. I fully expect to get a message every time I open my Pintrest saying something along the lines of “Certainly you’ve pinned enough on all of these boards not to need a NEW idea by now”. Thankfully they encourage over indulgence..

I haven't been completely without out a hook. I did manage to make some items for the holidays for family and friends, and fill some orders for my Etsy shop. Who knew that Farmer's market veggies would be such a hit? Enough so that I’m working on adding a new “set” of veggies in the next couple of weeks.

Having said that I've also been on the cold sheep bandwagon, and doing better than expected. Not saying that my craft room couldn’t be mistaken for a small craft warehouse, I do need to clear out yarn, fabric as well as other kinds of projects, I'm looking at you basket making supplies. Anyone looking for a good amount of vintage Italian Cotton tape yarn? I mean really where in the world did I come up with these random things..lol



But one thing that I have added to my list, *Sigh* is crocheting 30 items, blankets, loveys and hats for a charity, Charis' Love. This is a kind of a birthday present for my daughter who will be 30 this year. She was born 8 weeks early and spent a month in the NICU. I was really lucky, I had lots of crafty support by way of blankets that aunts and my grandmother had created in anticipation of her arrival, even if it just happened to be a bit early. That “organized to get things done early gene” totally skipped me. But with the event sped up they kicked it in gear and knocked out small version of booties and hats to go along with the gifts of blankets already created. It was so appreciated in that crazy time. And we continued to craft as we waited for her to come home making more items to donate for other parents and infants in the NICU. I know there are plenty of other parents without that special support that I had and I hope these items will bring a bit of happiness to them. I have a few hats completed, a blanket started, and ideas for things they often request, we'll see if I end up with just a couple of patterns or thirty different ones. I'd love to have these knocked out quickly but I know my track record and I'm not making any promises..

 

And since I’m dreaming big this year, I’ll say I’d love to get my stash loaded onto Ravelry. While I’m destashing, Moving yarn to new loving homes I hope to organize a bit a bit too. I’m adding all of this to my wish list..

I've updated my list a bit and I'll insert a few relevant pieces here, but the whole thing can be found on another page, for those who want to see the whole ugly mess..lol. I think I'll be revisiting patterns and a few more will be falling off and I'm sure that a few more might even be added..

Current WIP- Crochet
Falling Leaves Blanket (Baby) Spring 2019
Moss Stitch (premie size for charity)
Catherine's  Wheel Blanket Winter 2018
Honeycomb Blanket Fall 2018
Stitch Story CAL  (I actually started two in two different colors!) July 18 2019
Peach Blossom Blanket from spring 2018 _ Almost done, just ends to weave in!
Bee Hive Blanket- Spring 2018
Unicorn Ripple- May 2018- frogged
Pom Pom Rug- April 2018
Whale Shark- Gift for E- from two years ago
Carrot Snuggle sack- 75% done- Spring 2017
Deftly Delft Mystery CAL 2016
Flower Garden Blanket- Started 2016
Cardigan for Me -Started 2016
Sidewalk Blanket- started 2015
Twilight Ribbon  Blanket before 2015- Almost done (ends maybe) DONE!!

Crochet Projects I want to start

New Additions that I have patterns for

De Dannan wrap Tunisian Crochet 

Sheep Blanket from owlbhooked

Bee Blanket from owlbhooked

Bee blanket (I have the yarn and the pattern in a box haven't even opened it yet)

Old listings that are still hanging on 

Blankets

Mystical Lanterns - I have the pattern and started one but decided to change my colors

Monarch blanket By Hailey Bailey- I bought the pattern and it will be a gift

Patterned C2C

Wendy Blanket

4 Seasons CAL from Deramores

10 Fleece "blankets' awaiting edging

Mini Spirals of Change

Star Blanket

Angelica Afghan

Blue Mandala Throw

So here I am again with a long list of ideas and it's week one of the Year of Projects group on Ravelry. If you's like to join in or just check out some great blogs, see lots of wonderful projects or just follow a group of talented and friendly people hop right on over and check it out!

Year of Projects Week 8

It's been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks. I was out of town last weekend and part of the week. I visited one yarn store and managed to come out with only a new set of Straight needles..lol. But they were so pretty I couldn't help myself. I want to get back into knitting and I thought these might just encourage me a bit.

I knew I wouldn't have much time for projects but I picked a simple one as the next in line to finish. It's a simple pattern and one color so easy packing.

Not a huge amount of progress but I did manage a complete motive and I dug around and found another skein of the same yarn so the stash will be moving in the correct direction! I did a variation of a pattern I found on the blog Martin Up North, He was basing his scarf on a section of the Hotel of Bees Shawl, which is also on my wish list. I've been a bee keeper, I don't have any now, but I have spent many a lovely afternoon watching industrious bees coming home loaded down with pollen, doing the "direction dance" as we called and it then zooming off again. I seem to be having a thing with hexi's lately too..

I've started the next pillow also, same fabric but triangles this time. And I've got a couple of  square pillow forms so another item out of the craft room.

These mini rulers are great for jelly rolls, I bought a few from the Sewing Show last year and I'm finally putting them to use. They were less than 2.00 each and I'll  say it was a great deal.

I've gotten the center sewn together and I'm lining up the other pieces, The top couple be finished by this weekend, fingers crossed. 

I need to get on the ball if I plan on making a bit more room so I can bring home a few things from the Southern Eastern Animal Fiber Fair this October.

So my Year 9 progress hasn't changed much, I'll weigh my skein this week for blanket progress

So here's where it stand as of now:

615 yards Yarn in and 957 yards out.

I jelly roll in process in and 2 .25 yard Panels and 1 yard of fabric in.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all of the other great projects in the Year of Projects  Blog along.

Year of Projects Update Week 6

It's been a busy week and I had every intention

to post , because I didn't want to miss a week but it just didn't get done.I did attend a Sewing Expo and didn't come home with tons of new projects so that's a positive at least,

Most of my craft time for the week was taken up trying to decide on just the right border for the peach blossom. I tried at least 6 different borders before I just decided to go simple and do a scalloped edge with a picot. One thing I have decided is that if I do the Celtic lace join again, I won't do the chain five on the outside edge of the square. This is the "joining" round and for me It just left a space that was difficult to find the Just right border for. But having said that I'm happy with this one and as busy as this blanket is, it didn't need a lot more border..

I used the chain space and did four double crochet, chain three and then four more doubles with a slip stitch in the connecting chain from the prior round. It works out good and after all of the other options I think it is the best fit. Still a few ends to work in but over all I'm calling it a finish!




I managed to finish my pillow too! So now it's on to the next one, I hope to do at least two more and a cushion for my rocking chair out of this fabric or at least coordinating colors. The next two will be square since I have a couple of those forms already hanging around in the craft room, I've even started cutting out the triangles for the next pillow. Same fabric, different shapes, just to keep it interesting


I'm going through bags looking for a good travel project, since i will be out of town next weekend and I am not going to have a lot of down time but I need to keep the projects moving,

I feel pretty good about the amount of  fabric that I actually brought home when you see what I was faced with and this is only have of the expo! Lots of Beautiful Quilts, tons of fabric and accessories and machines. I enjoy attending and I was good this year. I bought two panels with a project in mind already for both and backing for one. Not too bad.

So my Year 9 progress is: 

615 yards Yarn in and 957 yards out.

I jelly roll in process in and 2 .25 yard Panels and 1 yard of fabric in.

Still basically on the positive side..as long as I finish up the fabric panels by the end of the year. since both are destined to be Christmas presents.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all of the other great projects in the Year of Projects Blog along.

Year of Projects Week 4

It's Sunday again, I was off a couple of days and they went way too fast!

I have a couple of almost finishes and I even visited a Yarn Store and managed to stick to my Cold Sheep.

E and I traveled to Nags Head which is part of the North Carolina Outer Banks, only a couple of hours north from us, to pick up a couple of mugs from a potter she follows on Instagram. Her online sales generally sell out so we went straight to the source. Being crafters with small businesses of our own we try very hard to support others. Her business is Swell Ceramics and this is her instagram, if you are interested in some very beachy type mugs and cups.

While we were there we ran over to South Beach take out, which has a truly awesome menu of vegan, and other options, it can be hard to find really good food for different dietary options, but they really do a great job. If you are out that way check them out.

The best part of that is in the same shopping center is a yarn store, Yarn and More. I know who expects to find yarn at the beach, I was very thrilled! I love an Local Independent yarn store, especially one with such a great selection. They had some very beautiful yarns, all the supplies you need, in case you happen to have left your favorite hook at home or need a new project, and even cross stitch supplies. I'm hoping to get back up there soon, maybe in the fall after the tourist season is over. While I oohed and awwd over lots of beautiful yarn I left empty handed with the promise to come back once I've moved a few more projects out. It wasn't easy but I'm determined.

So that brings me to the Peach Blossom Blanket. The squares are all joined and now it's time for the boarder and about a thousand ends to be sown in .I'm pretty sure that I'll be doing some kind of fan stitch for the boarder, just the gray, since I have this huge skein to use up..lol




I've made great headway on the pillow too. Hexi's join easily, I think my biggest concern was color placement. I should have that finish this week and another one started by next weekend. I need a cushion for the rocking chair too, so I'm thinking same color palette. I have ideas for a couple of other pillows and I have the fabric and the pillow forms so there's a couple of more items heading out of the craft room too. I'm hoping to have a bit more working space come winter, which is when I have more time for crafting.

 
We've had a nice end to the week weatherwise and so I've been spending more time than normal in the yard, trying to get this  hot mess under control..lol. But I'm thrilled to be making the head way I have, but there is still lots to finish and so many things I'd love to start.

So my Year 9 progress is: 

615 yards Yarn in and 782 yards out.

I jelly roll in process in and none in.

I'm still on the positive side and I can add a pillow form too!

I hope everyone has great week and If you'd like to join us or just love a to see some seriously talents crafters at work, check out all of the blogs who are participating in a Year of Projects!

Week 3 Update Year of Projects

I played a bit of yarn chicken and lost bigger than I expected to this week..lol

I am making great progress on the peach blossom blanket but that Celtic Lace Join really eats yarn. Which normally wouldn't be a bad thing since I am trying to move some major yarn out of the craft room and into projects but the yarn I am using comes in a large skein and I thought that just maybe I could get all of the joins done with that skein but nope, I'm going to be 5 squares short. So it's a trip to Joann's for me this week. I must be strong and only pick up that one skein. However since I', having to do this is does help make the decision on what color the boarder should be a bit easier. I was trying to decide if I should try to introduce a bit of the flower colors into the boarder instead of the grey, now I know I'll be using a bit of the grey at least.

Here's the progress and the placement and you can see the remainder of the skein off to the side,,

I also see some serious blocking in my future too..But I'm glad to see the progress and soon it will be on the Finish list!

Since I finished my Moose Cross Stitch project I felt like I could add another project to the list. I blame it on all of the changes I've made in the house over the last few months, I've been wanting a couple of throw pillows for my bedroom. I was lucky enough to get my grandparents bed and I have redone my bedroom around it. My grandmother was an avid and talented quilter so expect a few pieced and quilted projects to show up here over the next few months and I tweak the decor.

I picked up a Jelly Roll a while back and I went a head and cut out a few hexagons, now I just had to decide on the layouts..and backing too. 

Blue, white, grey and a pop of yellow are my colors and think these work pretty good. I have a couple of round pillow forms already so I think that's the shape I'm shooting for but it could change.

So for this week that gives me 

0 Yarn in ( for right now anyway) and 615 yards out.

I jelly roll in process in and none in.

Not too bad of a start to the year.

Be sure to check out all of the other very productive and talented YOPers this week too!

Later this week I'll be heading to the Coast to check out a very talented Potter, I'm hoping to get my pottery mojo back too. I'm hoping to be inspired by new places and being around other talented people, just like the others in the Year of Projects community.

Have a great week!

Year of Projects Year 9 Week 2

Yay Progress!

Okay, so It's only week 2 but there is progress, I've got a finish and an update. The finish isn't yarn related but it a project that's been hanging around for a while, almost done. My Moose Welcome Cross Stitch is complete, well craft wise, it still needs to be framed but that should be heading over to do that in the next week or two.

It's just been washed so it needs to be stretched back out but Yay it's a finish!

Then I have my yarn related update, I've managed some work on the Peach Blossom Blanket. All of the squares are done, actually they have been done for a while. I decided on doing a Celtic Lace Join  by Cypress Textiles and it takes another 3 rounds on each square then a joining round, so it's not a real fast project but I'm loving the way it looks. Last fall I had decided on a layout and joined a couple of squares.

This what I started with 

Squared them off

This is with the join rounds, quite a difference in size..

And the lay out

And today's updated progress. I should have another two joined today, and if I'm really diligent I might get it finished this week! It's going to take a bit of blocking once it's ready but I think it's going to look great. 

Which would be great considering a might have bought a Jelly roll to make a pillow for my bedroom.

And I promised myself no new starts until I have a finish or two..

I stayed on my Cold Sheep ( not counting fabric) but didn't weight the skein before I started, I'll wait till next week and have an accurate number.

So I'll start year 9 with:

O yarn in - ? yarn out

1 Jelly Roll of  Fabric in- 0 Fabric out

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out all of the other awesome updates in this weeks Year of Projects!

Week 1 Year of Projects -Year 9 Starting List

Last year I really thought that it would the catch up year for projects, it really didn't work out that way, best laid plans and all. I had a few set backs and unfortunately a few more starts..lol But this time Year of Projects start is falling on a bit better situation for me. I did however continue my cold sheep and I plan on keeping with that this year. My craft room is a bit out of control and has expanded to to other rooms. Hopefully being dedicated and making myself responsible to this awesome group I'll make some great head way in the 9th year of YOP. I have actually started for the last four years, but as great as I start I seem to lose steam and fall behind, which is  also why I have so many WIPs. 


Year of Projects Year 9 July 2019-2020

This is the year of finally finishing projects...and I'm still working the cold sheep plan.

Current WIP- Crochet
Falling Leaves Blanket (Baby) Spring 2019
Moss Stitch (premie size for charity)
Catherine's  Wheel Blanket Winter 2018
Honeycomb Blanket Fall 2018
Stitch Story CAL  (I actually started two in two different colors!) July 18
Peach Blossom Blanket from spring 2018
Bee Hive Blanket- Spring 2018
Unicorn Ripple- May 2018
Pom Pom Rug- April 2018
Whale Shark- Gift for E- from two years ago
Carrot Snuggle sack- 75% done- Spring 2017
Deftly Delft Mystery CAL 2016
Flower Garden Blanket- Started 2016
Cardigan for Me -Started 2016
Sidewalk Blanket- started 2015
Twilight Ribbon  Blanket before 2015- Almost done (ends maybe)


Current WIP in Cross Stitch
Moose Welcome Cross Stitch
Lizzy Kate- Be who you are
Log cabin Quilts
Lizzy Kate- Dog Lessons
Lizzy Kate- Cat Lessons

Quilt Projects WIP
Jar Quilt for E-2005
Wolf Panel- quilt 2008
Log cabin panel- quilt 2006

Old Outstanding Projects
Wool Projects -
Bags of Fleece- Wash/Process/Dye 2014
Spin roving bought from Heelside Farms 2016
Get the wheel out and do some spinning

New Projects if I can get some of the OLD done

Crochet Projects
Blankets
Patterned C2C
Wendy Blanket
4 Seasons CAL from Deramores
10 Fleece "blankets' awaiting edging
Mini Spirals of Change
Star Blanket
Angelica Afghan
Blue Mandala Throw

Shawls
Maple Leaf
Oswin
Yes Yes Shawl
Festival Shawl
Hitchin a Ride
Charleston Wrap

Amigurumi
I just bought Unicorns, Dragons and More Fantasy Amigurmi 

Other items of Interest
Nature's Best Hat
Rolling in the Deep Cowl
Cat beds for a local rescue
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Beanie
Lake Town Socks

This is a fairly good representation of what needs to be worked on and what I'd like to work on next. I have made a deal with myself that I can't start another project until at least two are finished. I'm heading to the Southeast Animal Fiber Fair in October, so I'm really hoping to have a few finished before I head out so I can bring a few more projects home!

I'm looking forward to meeting some Ravelry people while out at SAFF in Asheville this October, so if you are out that way lets get together for some yarn fun!

If you are like me and need some encouragement to help you get you UFOs turned into FO then check out the Ravelry group Year of Projects. It's a great group of  talented crafty friends who post each Sunday to talk about their progress, show off some beautiful work and encourage each other. You will have to be a member of Ravelry but if you are into fibre crafts it's the place to be.

Year of Projects- Year End Wrap up

It won't come as much as a surprise to most that have been around the clock with me this last year and a half that I got to week 8 of A year of projects and I kinda fell off the face of blogging for a bit.

I was crafting a bit, lots (I mean lots) of starts but not really any finished pieces, kinda like my blogging. I had the drive but just not the follow through.

I am going to go out on a limb here and give a sneak peak so you can see what a lot of WIP look like.

Yep there's a project in each one of those bags..

Some aren't even in bags..

Some aren't even crochet..lol (still yarn related)

So I'm wrapping up my year by saying that, nope there's nothing to see here..lol 

 However I'm going to revamp my list of projects, dig into those bags see what really needs to be salvaged and what needs to be frogged, what can be turned into something that can be finished and then that dreaded what was I thinking pile!

The upside to this disaster is that I managed to stay firmly on the cold sheep wagon. While nothing really went out,  nothing came in either. But I will be starting my count over this year and I hope to be able to report a very big dent in the stash by June of 2020.

While I've totally lost my crojo, I have enjoyed the work of others, if at least a respectable distance.

If you'd like to join a group of really talented crafters who also blog, head over to Ravelry and get ready for a Year Of Projects which will be starting it's 9th year the first Sunday of July!

Creating Sanctuary by Jessica Bloom

Available November 27th

Amazon  B&N   BAM  Kobo

Creating Sanctuary is a first a truly beautiful book but is it also a wonderful reference for many levels of gardeners
 If you are interested in learning about creating a sacred space or even just a tranquil space in your backyard, this book has wonderful ideas for that. If your interests lie in creating a kitchen garden or an apothecary garden this book is for you. The way it is laid out and the writing encourages you to take what information you need to create your own place in your own time, and allows you to have a space that works for you. It's not a cut and dry blueprint, everyone has their own needs and this speaks to that part of a person that needs healing.
Bloom encourages the reader to use all of their senses, not just sight or smell but also touch and hearing and to use those senses to bring times to your garden that a uplifting and comforting to all five senses. She points out that we should be aware of how colors or scents affect us, is it a positive thought, do certain plants evoke memories?  I know I will always associate some plants with my grandmother and I find that I add those to my garden every year, just to feel close to her.
Other parts of the book discuss what kind of garden you are trying to create, all garden can be beautiful but why not create an area with a deeper meaning., Such gardens could be for memorials, spaces for healing, energizing you mind or just relaxation, a space to escape from the stress of the everyday world.
If you decide to delve into the world of plants for apothecary purposes or even kitchen purposes, the author shows how to harvest, preserve and collect seeds for the next growing season. Then there are recipes for teas, tinctures, essentials oils and lotions.
Over all a garden means so many different things to different people, and this book is a wonderful resource for creating your own Sanctuary. Becoming more attuned to the natural elements around us will help us to leave the stresses of daily life behind and enjoy our time just a bit more.  It is not just for the advanced gardener since it has information how to have an intentional design in mind, what to plant and where to harvesting your seeds. Creating Sanctuary is a great resource that I plan on adding to my library.

Thanks to Timber Press and Net Galley for an Electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Urban Arboreal - A Modern Glossary of City Trees

Release Date September 6th 

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Trees are one of those things that are so present in our lives but we blindly pass them everyday with no thought to their origin or age, we might notice simple things such as the change in leaf color, blooms or the absence of leaves. What if we slowed down and spent a bit more time taking in our surroundings, to be more present in our lives be more involved in our environment, what a difference it could make. This beautiful book will encourage you to become a Arboreal Tourist, to have a chance to touch history and be a part of something larger than yourself..

Urban Arboreal harkens back to victorian times with their engraved Botanical illustrations. Each of the 70 trees included in this coffee table size  is given with its location, common name and latin name. A bit of history is also included, some from when they were planted, the myths associated with them and how to find their locations. It helps the reader to gain a better understanding of the importance of the trees in our communities, and how they have touch so many lives before our own. They are so so endangered by urban sprawl, we must learn to recognize their importance as well as their grace to ensure that they are not taken from us forever, this book is a large positive step in that direction.

From New Zealand's Christmas tree, the crimson flowered Pohutukawa to the ancient Cotton Tree in Freetown, I was enchanted by all of the variations of trees living in urban areas. The drawings are exceptional and the stories are very diverse. This would be a wonderful gift for anyone interested in botany or travel, it covers both categories effortlessly.

Thanks to the Quarto Group and Net Galley for bringing this book to my attention and a free copy in exchange for an honest review

The Other Woman- By Sandie Jones

Release date August 21st

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5 Stars- Loved it!

WOW, If you haven't heard about "The Other Woman" make a note now and  make sure that it's at the top of your to read list. This is Sandie Jones Debut novel and it's not to be missed. Beprepared to stay up late to finish this book, it pulls you in and refuses to let go until the bitter end, and what an ending it is.

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it, and Oh Boy has Emily found the man of her dreams; Adam. While she wasn't looking for a relationship, everything is moving along  so wonderfully,  then it's time to meet the family, Pammie, Adam's mother, It starts off well but too soon it is evident that Pammie will do whatever it takes to destroy their relationship. It's a love triangle like no other and the only real question is; who will be left standing at the end. Sometimes things are just not what you think even if it's standing right in front of you.

I was hooked from the beginning, wondering what truly horrible thing Pammie would dream up to cause a strain between Emily and Adam. The characters are well written, the story line pulls you in. I loved to hate Pammie,  and was always surprised  how each situation escalated and then couldn't wrap my brain around why he was so blind to his mother's antics. Thankfully Emily has a great support system in family and friends,and while they are only side characters they helped to bring the storyline to life. After all who hasn't run into someone that just seemed to not to like you at first blush.

The Other Woman is full of psychological suspense, twists and turns and a real shocker at the end. You'll have problems putting this one down until the very satisfyingly but shocking ending. I'm hoping that Sandie Jones has more stories to tell, while this one will be hard to beat! This seriously could be the next summer block buster!

Thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and thoughtful review.

Women's Fiction

Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Just released August 14th 

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Wild Hunger is a spin off or second generation of the "Chicagoland Vampires" Series.

Elisa Sullivan has escaped Chicago to Study in Paris, partly for an education and partly to slip away from the notoriety for being the first child ever born to vampires. Her Parents, Merit and Ethan Sullivan are the focus of the original series and Wild Hunger is the first book in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, which introduces us to Elisa, as well as  Lulu the daughter of a very powerful witch, and Connor the son of the Apex to the Shifters.

The storyline starts with a literal bang and a then a jump, when Elisa is forced into the conflict between house and countries, on the eve of a trip home to attend a peace conference, hosted by her parents. Once she arrives home she is faced with one challenge after another, some personal and some public. Elisa is her own character, she does have a great blend of her parents characteristics; bold and fearless but she also views herself as something "other" or a monster, which can also be a throwback to how Merit viewed herself in the beginning of the original series. You are gifted with a small amount of back story between Connor and Elisa, which helps shape your understanding of their relationship. Connor is ever the tormentor but also a protector, and since they haven't seen each other in the last four years they have both matured and grown as people, which sets us the romance portion of the storyline.

A friend, Riley Sixkiller, who is also the former love interest of Lulu, is accused of murder, peace talks are side tracked and there are some not so friendly fae on the loose. Elisa and Conner must make choices between loyalty and friendship to save Chicago and themselves.

If you were a fan of the original series, you'll feel right at home, even though twenty plus years have passed since the ending of the original series, somethings have changed but the characters are the same. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the original series you can still start here. There are lots of references to prior battles and characters but there are also enough details given that you won't be lost. But I do suggest to pick them up as soon as you can so you can truly enjoy this book. Chloe Neill knows how to write action but the romance, friendship and loyalty still shine through. Strong and smart female leads with some violence but an interesting read for most any age.

I personally can't wait for the next installment comes out, there is a pesky premonition to contend with afterall...

Much Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Year of Projects Week 8

Just a short post today, I have a finish, some progress and a pattern that I just couldn't resist (that I hope to get to in the next couple of years..).

First up is my finish unfortunately he's not on my list for the year but I'll take yarn moving out of the house any day. I had a preview last week and I finally found some eyes so I was able to finish him off and get him stuffed and ready to go. He should be landing in his new home next weekend!

He's such a happy guy!

On to the pattern that I just couldn't say no to. The Luna Blanket by Hailey Bailey.

If you're interested here's a link on Ravelry for it

I originally saw it on instagram and knew it had to be knitting, but nope it's crochet and my daughter loves luna moths, so I'm adding it to the ever growing pile of items I really want to work on. Hailey has some really cute items in her Etsy shop, bees, feathers and birds too. Now to find the right Luna color...

Did you know that last Wednesday the 15th was Granny Square day on instagram? I worked up a couple of squares but decided on this one..

All of the samples went into a bag for future blanket ideas!

 It so much fun to see the virtual blankets that people put together, and to think that so many squares traveled all over the world virtually on one day is a tribute to crafters and crochet.

I have made some progress on the CAL, square 2 is finished, it's a moss stitch so not much to see, but I'll be starting square 3 this week and I could be caught up by the time the next one is released.

My crafting time this week might be taken up with pumpkins, Canning ring and fabric, and maybe a crochet one or two, since fall is right around the corner and the orders are coming in. 

So I'll give a bit of a small update on the Cold sheep while I'm here!

Prior Count 1450 (out)

Intake 109 yards (boo but it was for the bee)

Bee  -545 yards

Granny Squares 10yds (guesstimate)

CAL Squares (2 sets of 2 squares)- 700 total (guesstimate)

=2596 yards out for week 8

Not too shabby, but I'm not counting the joining on the Peach Blossom yet so it should be going up 

Wishing you a very Crafty and Productive week!

Year of Projects Week 7

I've been a bit absent, not much crafting going on and then computer issues.
I managed to get the thing working earlier in the week and then when I was ready to post it wouldn't even turn on. I think it is a conspiracy between the yarn and the laptop. Not much headway with either one!

SO I'm a bit late but here is a bit of an update.

I did manage to add a few squares to the Peach Blossom Blanket, it seriously shouldn't take this long to get it together.

I was making sure of the layout again before I joined any more, this isn't a great shot but it was the one I'm using to keep me on track. I have completed a couple more of these.

May be one reason I'm not getting more done is that I have a bit too much help

Also added some more pompoms to my rug, again with the help..

I've gotten side tracked with a couple of orders, While it looks like a goldfish, or maybe I'm just craving cheese crackers, this guy will be a bee pillow. I'm hoping to have him delivered by next weekend. Just trying to find a little bigger eye then I can finish up the stinger end and attach the wings.

This guy is another order and will eventually be a butterfly, once the bees is done. I bought the book Beetles Bugs and Butterflies by Lalylala and I've been wanting to make a few but just haven't had much crafting time lately.

And since I haven't had much time to work on the projects on my list I had to start something new..Well it had been on my radar, but I wasn't going to start it until later in the year. This is block one of Stitch Story CAL by Heather who blogs at Keep Calm and Crochet on UK. I'm a bit behind and to make it worse (better) I decided to do two blankets, both for Christmas Presents. She is only on Block 3 and if you are interested it wouldn't be hard to catch up on or save for later.

I've decided it's time to move a few things along, weight included, so I'm spending at least an hour at the gym each night, add canning season and work, the crafting is falling a bit behind. Which doesn't stop the requests from coming in. I'll be working on pumpkin items soon and I hope to get back to some of my list before too long.  The cold Sheep is still on track and I'll post numbers next week. 

And did I mention that this Wednesday  August 14th is Granny Square Day? Surgal27 on instagram curated the idea on instagram a few years ago but this year it is being passed on to Simplycrochetmag. If your on instagram and are interested in playing along, just crochet a granny square, take a full frame picture and post with the #grannysquare2018. I'm working on a couple of different colors and designs, I'll be sure to post them all on my blog but only my favorite will make it to the farm2ewe instagram account. In years past squares were combined to make a virtual blanket, it's so much fun to be part of something that is enjoyed all over the world.

Thanks for sticking with me and if you're looking to join the Year of Projects there is no time like the present!

Have a wonderfully crafty week!