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!

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!

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.

Improper Cross Stitch by Holly Pierson Cox

Amazon                 B&N                  BAM




Like many crafts, Cross Stitch is finding it's way with a new generation and Improper Cross Stitch is exactly what many people have been looking for. I've been doing crafts since I was allowed to (not) run with scissors and I would have loved this quirky book back then as much as I do now.

It begins with a great introduction to Cross Stitch, the standard how-to for stitches and what the count on fabric means, along with how to read charts. So this book works for the very basic beginner to a crafter that has been stitching for a while. There are full color photos alongside the charts, which helps a beginner to see what a finished project should look like. There are 35 + projects so there has to be something for everyone.

I received an ARC of the book and it contained just a couple of charts, "Grammer Police" is my favorite, I'd definitely do that one for my mom and daughter, and there may be some included that aren't for all audiences but nothing that I saw would preclude me from buying it for any ages that were interested. Most projects seemed like ones that could be completed in a short amount of time, which is all most of us have for crafting lately. After all it can be fun to be a bit improper!

I'll be on the look out for this book during the holiday season. I think it would make a great stocking stuffer or quick gift for anyone looking to get into Cross Stitch or a quick craft with a bit of attitude!

Thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC of the book, it has just come out on August 7th so make sure to check it out on Amazon and in your local book store, If nothing else you'll get a great laugh and just maybe you'll end up with a few presents of your own. As a personal aside, this is available on Kindle, which is the version I had and I would spend a bit more and get the hardback. I have other craft books on the kindle and it can be difficult flipping back and forth to find the right pages to refer to when working a project. 

Week 44 Year of Projects

The weather has been so nice this week, that I've been working outside until late after work so that doesn't leave much time for crochet. But I do have a finish on a special request.

A while back I had finally finished up a set of play vegetables. One of them was a beet.

My daughter and her best friend who are vegan immediately requested a beet pillow! I've got a couple of other items on the hooks but then I heard that Jessie is opening a vegan store! I was inspired to go ahead and start those pillows! It took me a bit to get the right shape. I was trying to start at the bottom  like I had done with the turnip and beet above but I just couldn't get a shape I was happy with. So I switched to the top and it finally came together! Now I just have to duplicate it again. I think I'll write it down this time so I can make more in the future for the shop, along with some other vegetables. 

The really fun, cosmic alignment part is that while I was working on these secretly of course, They were supposed to be a surprise for them. Jessie sent me a message and said she had finally come up with a name for the store... Up_Beet Market! So now I really have to get this out to her before the store opens! 

It's raining and the lighting is horrible but I just had to share these..lol

I think they'll love it, now I just have to dive back in and get the second one completed. Working with the bulky yarn is a work out, at least I'm getting some exercise today!

I've got a couple more layers on my rainbow ripple and a couple of squares joined on the peach blossom blanket. no pictures but hopefully a finish or almost finish for next week.

Be sure to check out the other Yoppers on Ravelry or join us each Sunday for updates.

Zipping it up with Z

It's Monday again, the last day of April and this is my last installment of the A to Z Challenge for 2018! I'm so excited that I made it and that you have followed along! Today we're talking DIY Zipper Crafts to close out the month.

That's right zippers aren't just for jeans anymore. They make seriously cute jewelry! Broaches and Bracelets and pendants too! Check out these ideas and see what else you can think of to reuse those connectors for!

Let's start with something for the guys, or girls ties aren't just a man's domain anymore, thanks to the 80's I wore my fair share. This zipper Bow Tie tutorial breaks it all down step by step so you can create one of your own in just a zip!

Via Artz Creations-  Super simple- Super Cute and they come in a wide range of colors

Here's another Bow .. for your hair this time. 

Simona Tela added a few beads and created a work of art

These bracelets are totally wearable Art and can include all parts of  jeans and tees.

Downloadable Tutorial at Cloth Paper Scissors

How about a these flowers done by Pretty Little Somethings that could be added to a pin, hair piece or any other type of craft as an embelishment

Maya Road created these trees as well as a wreath more info is available on her blog

And since it is spring let's zip up the A to Z Challenge with this dragonfly tutorial that would be great to do as a craft with little ones

via Help me Rhonda

Well it's surely been fun on my side! I hope that everyone reading picked up at least one new idea about upcycling and that it keeps a couple of items from clogging up the dump! I've visited blogs and ready stories, learned about new places and ideas and generally had a great time! Be sure to check out the master list and the daily letter lists to find something new to you. You might just find your new favorite blogs, hopefully one of those could be mine. 

If you are new to my blog I normally talk about Crafting, Upcycling, Farm life and Books, you are more than welcome to stop by anytime. Thanks for visiting with me this month and have a Crafty Year!

Crafting with old quilts

My grandmother and I'd say all of the women in the family before her were avid quilters. Yes quilting is fun but they did it out of necessity. There wasn't a Target on every corner, but even if there had been my grandmother still wouldn't have gone.

People still quilt, quilts are still passed down but maybe they don't have the same meaning sewn into them as they once did. Like everything else a well loved quilt will get worn in spots or or worse become soiled and unable to be safely cleaned. That doesn't mean they still don't have a lot of use left in them. I personally have a chest of quilts made by my great grandmother and maybe even from before, that never see the light of day. My Grandmother, Elizabeth would be horrified, quilts are made to be used, they were after all mostly made from scraps from other sewing endeavors. So to honor those quilts beyond repair, personal or ones picked up at sales let's imagine ways to give them new lives.

We'll start with family quilts, the ones who have seen a bit too much of rough housing or who belonged to Children and were used a tug toys, camp forts or for naps in the grass. They are a part of their childhood and are often passed from kid to kid. Now they aren't in fit for the next generation, but not quite ready for the trash heap. How about making ornaments for each kid that loved that blanket? Something to talk about with the next generation and so the quilt doesn't really go away it gains a new following.

Jan  from JanMade used an old quilt to make Angels for her tree

How pretty is this and what a story it could tell. you could do other shapes as well, stars, barns, trees, hearts or any shape that fits your style. They make wonderful gifts for Christmas or any special occasion and everyone gets to take a tangible reminder of their special quilt.

If you have a larger quilt or one that you don't mind cutting into, stuffed animals are another option for gifting a quilt to numerous people. Bears, rabbits and even dolls can be made from old quilts.

via Stitch This

My personal favorite idea is one we saw while shopping in the North Carolina Mountains.

Aren't these the cutest sheep? I would think you could cut the shape out of wood and then wrap the quilt pieces and extra battling around it. The would make great decorations or even a foot stool. This idea has been hanging around for a while. I think it's time to get busy making some!

Thanks for visiting with me and my quilt ideas as I blog my way through the Alphabet with Blogging from A to Z. There are still  10 days left to go and I'm hoping you'll enjoy them as much as I am creating them. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see  you tomorrow with my R for Rags post.

Grab your Picture Frames

Picture frames of all sorts are a staple for yard sales and thrift stores. You see them in all shapes, sizes and materials but the questions is what could you do with them other than just reuse them as they are.
How about upcycling them into all kinds of different purposes, that have nothing to do with just framing your pictures.

You are used to seeing them on your wall but how about your door? Who said a wreath has to be round? Check out these ideas from simple and Classic to Big and Bold!

Under A Texas Sky has a great tutorial  for this Classic 

Or you can go all out like Celebrate and Decorate

I don't normally go for flash but this is really an awesome statement piece! 

I might have found a great idea for Mother's Day! 

Now to find a frame...

Don't need anything to add to your door? How about your patio or porch? Grab a handful of frames from the Dollar Store and get ready to create something original for just a couple of dollars.

Terrariums can get expensive quickly especially for the larger sizes. Country Living Gives you a easy and inexpensive alternative step by step to make this victorian style indoor greenhouse.

So instead of plants you need lighting? How about simple lanterns made from frames. I know I see these every time I go to Pier One, but who can afford those prices?!

Joan posted this tutorial at My repurposed life  and she shows how easy it is to change your decor with the seasons. Shiny Red Balls or how about a Christmas Scene. This would work inside or out. You could even leave the top open for real candles.

How about adding some interest to your ceiling for way less than a regular medallion.  

The Decorating Chica Used this old frame to liven up her Chandelier, and it's even better because it came from a family members home! 

Just see what Bonnie from Romance under the stars created with a frame and some molding. WOW!

So now from over the table to on the table, how about Trays from Frames?

A Lapin Life created this with a bit of paint and a transfer.. You could use a coordinated fabric to create a stunning addition to your table setting or Tea Time. 

These tiered trays are on my want to do list

via What Treasures Await

So are ya'll ready to take those pictures off of the wall and put them on the door, the ceiling and on the table, yet? Go you have another great idea for Picture Frames? Share with us so we can get on board too!

Thanks for following along with the A to Z Challenge this April and be sure to check back each day in April except for Sundays for a new letter as we blog the alphabet. I'll have more upcycled tips for  you tomorrow that go with Q!

Wishing you a very Creative Day!

Neck Tie Crafts -A to Z Challenge

My dad rarely wore ties, but that's not to say that he didn't have quite a selection of them, his collection ranged through a lot of fashion periods, some good some not so much. My father in law loved loud ties and statement shirts, I think that could be traced back to his time in the military when he couldn't express himself, so once he retired, he let it all hang out..so to say.

When I started researching for this post I saw so many really different ideas for ties that I was blown away.  I've helped others make shirts from a family member who has passed into pillows, but what personality ties have. I think those could be an interesting pillow or other type of display if they were made with ties too. I think I'll dig out some from both of them and see if I can put something together for my daughter since they have both passed.

 I think these type projects would work well for memorials:

Very Detailed Tutorial Via Malfringo

If you are more experienced or a quilter 

Via Q-Bits

If you want to go all out and do a quilt,

My father in law's ties had quite the personality, I think his would benefit from this style of quilt

Via The Quilting Company

Or if yours are bit more traditional this might be an idea to use

Another great tutorial from Yes I quilt

Ties are fun and they don't have to be used just as a memorial you could pick up some you love at yard sales or goodwill. Want to try your hand a a fun craft check out these ideas.

Turn them into a wreath

from Craftaholicsanonymous

Turn them into a Artsy Necklace for you

Tutorial by ArtStar by Aletha

Joallie Petit Says the really ugly ones work best for these Flowers

Check out her Tutorial, These ties are often found in the very back of the closet..lol

For the person who has everything how about a Neck Tie Pouch from the Polkadot Chair 

I think this would be a great Retirement gift, they might not have to wear them anymore but they could still have one handy!

Not matter the design or reason behind it, ties are a great item to upcycle. The ideas are limited only by your imagination, as are some of the designs on ties I've seen. 

Tomorrow we'll switch to another holiday with "O" as I blog from A to Z, I hope you'll be back.

Reusing "K"itchen Cabinets in the A to Z Challenge

Are you planning a Kitchen remodel anytime soon? I know your're tired of those cabinets and they don't have to stay in the kitchen or even in one piece but don't throw them away! Remodeling not in your future or budget, never fear your local Habitat Restore often has cabinets and cabinet pieces you can pick up for a great price.

So you've remodeled and you decide an island would be a great idea but it's outside of your budget?
Just reuse some of the cabinets you are replacing!

At Charlotte's House took a used Cabinet and created this awesome Island. 

Don't need an island? How about some seating? Seating is always a need somewhere.

My Repurposed Life Recycled this Cabinet and with a couple of other recycled items she made a bench with storage. Storage another thing I'm always needing.  And it's not all just for small cabinets either, this larger upper cabinet makes a nice storage cabinet for a craft or kids room, or how about a  media center. The ideas are endless and cheap.

Sandpaperandglue.com

It's not all about the cabinets themselves, if you are just doing a quick update by replacing the doors, don't throw away the old ones, They can be reused by themselves. Our local Habitat sells doors for $3.00 to 5.00 each, if you aren't updating now. Use them to make a tray for breakfast in bed, shelving or a chalkboard to help organize all of those ideas you've seen during the A to Z Challenge! Both ideas don't take much money or much time and would be fun for a kids weekend project. Check these two ideas out and try them at your house this weekend!

                                                                  myrepurposedlife                                                             

 styleshabby.com  

And last but not least how about those drawers? Can't leave them out. Add some wheels an you have great underbed storage, ( I did mention I always need storage, right) or turn them into a cabinet like My Love to Create  for your special items. How cute is this?

    

So now we've found a use for lots of kitchen ideas or ideas for your kitchen,which ever way you want to look at it, but for tomorrow I'll be bringing an outside item in. Check back on Friday to see what it will be.

Thanks for following along with Blogging from A to Z this April, where were are using the alphabet in a whole new way! See you tomorrow!

H like hula hoops

It's Monday again and were starting back with the A to Z Challenge with H, I know there could be lots of items, including hutches  and hinges that could fit this upcycle category but I'm choosing something near and dear to my childhood heart; Hula Hoops.  They were a staple in my childhood, I have many great memories of jumping them, twirling them around and playing crazy games of monster ring toss. But now that I'd matured a bit I can see how they could still be upgraded into some pretty cool items. I scoured Pintrest and now that I have all of these ideas, I'll be running by the dollar store for a couple for me so I'll have them on hand for all of these cute ideas!

I know some of you think that Hula Hoops went out in the 70's and you could be right, but they are making a come back along with something else that went out back then too; Macrame! Don't you remember those owl, towel hangers and of course plant hangers? Well both of these things have had an update and people are using them to create something pretty awesome. Once you see it I think you'll want one too!

Swings! Check out the options and instructions below!

Classy Clutter has worked all of the bugs out for us and gives this great tutorial on what and what not to do when creating your own swing with hoops.

And swings just aren't for us big kids either..

Check out this pattern at Relexlil.com (Hungarian site) I found lots of pictures of this type of item on Etsy but none were still available. 

If you have little ones at home how about a play space or a bed canopy?

This is a great updated tutorial from 2 little hooligans. All you need is some sheets and a bit of time

Check out Apples for Olives take on this easy to make Canopy for your Princess or even for you.

How many times have you heard "Take it outside"? We can do just that here are a couple of ideas for using Hula Hoops in your garden or for your new flock.

Did someone go to tractor supply or your local feed store for bird seed and come back with birds? Need a quick chicken tractor? Check out this ideas from Chicken Coop Tips

This would have been a great idea for us but we ended up using our old trampoline, this takes up way less space and is much more mobile!

Have a vegetable or other plant that vines and needs support, You could use some supports and two hoops like Beth Ramos posted about in her trip to a local community garden. I think this one is using bike tires but you could do this with a hula hoop too. I think it would make the harvesting much easier and take up less room than traditional horizontal trellis ideas.

And the ideas go on and on for hula hoop upcycling, they would be a great solution for your cold crop  covers, add some lighting to your patio or create a mandala for your wall. If you get the hankering for something old to be new again, run out, pick up a couple and let me know what creation you come up with. 

That's it for Monday but it's just the start of week 2, stop by tomorrow to see what we can do with the Letter I!