In here you'll find Crochet, Knitting, Pottery, Crafts, Book Reviews, Recipes, Animals and Gardening, Everything but a Moose!
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Slow Progress 4/52
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Cardigan and Charity Progress YOP 3/52
Saturday, July 11, 2020
One Pillow, Two Pillow and a set of Booties. Year of Projects Week 2
Sunday, July 5, 2020
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..
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
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!!
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Year of Projects Week 8
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.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Year of Projects Update Week 6
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 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,
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Year of Projects Week 4
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.
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!
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Week 3 Update Year of Projects
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.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Year of Projects Year 9 Week 2
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Week 1 Year of Projects -Year 9 Starting List
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.
Monday, July 1, 2019
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.
Monday, August 20, 2018
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!

Monday, August 13, 2018
Year of Projects Week 7
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.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Week 2 Year 8
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Week 1 Year 8 of a Year of Projects
So it looks like a new laptop will be in my future, it's conked out on my again this weekend. No warning, just poof, it turns off. I bought a battery the last time and it seemed to be fixed but no luck. So I'm a bit late again this week but I had to get the list up for year 8 week 1 of the Year of Projects.
I've had some finishes but I've had a lot of startitis too. So I've decided the best way to clear some of those bags that are hanging on my craft room door and to bust some of the stash too, I'm going to concentrate on working on some of the old outstanding projects I have literally hanging around.
I think this is a fairly good representation of the items. I did manage to finish up two last year and I'm hoping to see all of these this year. If I run across some others I'll add them to the list.
While I need to see the end of these, I know I have a hard time NOT starting something else. So I'm going to limit the new starts to one at a time and only if a project gets marked off of the list first. Hopefully I'll have some special orders or requests too.
Also I know me and I'll never be able to work on one project until it's done so I'll try to do a bit on each each week, or at least a few.. Thankfully it will help the cold sheep process too, since I have a majority of the yarn bought already for these projects!
Ya'll have to keep me on track, I am already thinking about what the new projects should be!
Sigh that quilt down there, yes the "jar quilt" the top is done and it was supposed to be a going to college gift, well she graduated in 2008.. The top is almost complete, she even brings it up every now and then, her birthday has passed for the year but maybe I should shoot for 2020, she'll be 30..lol
Year of Projects Year 8 July 2018-2019
This is the year of finally finishing projects...and I'm still working the cold sheep plan.
Current WIP- Crochet
Peach Blossom Blanket from this spring 2018
Bee Hive Blanket- Spring 2018
Unicorn Ripple- May 2018
Pom Pom Rug- April 2018
Wood Land Animal hats- November 2017
Whale Shark- Gift for E- from only a year ago
Carrot Snuggle sack- 75% done- Spring 2017
Flower Garden Blanket- Started 2016
Cardigan for Me -Started 2016
Sidewalk Blanket- started 2015
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
Sewing Projects WIP
Soot Pillows for E
Project bags
Animal applique pillows
Quilt Projects WIP
Jar Quilt for E-2005
Wolf Panel- quilt 2008
Log cabin panel- quilt 2006
Old Wool Projects -
Bags of Fleece- Wash/Process/Dye
Spin roving bought from Heelside Farms
Get the wheel out and do some spinning
Thanks for stopping by! We're just starting a new year so it's a great time to join the Year of Projects! You can find us here on Ravelry!
































