Rain and Knitting Wash Cloths

We have had so many days of rain due to storm sandy, I can't remember the last time I saw the sunshine. And to think a second post, gee someone please stop the rain I need to get outside.
 I haven't been out in quite awhile as sandy passes through, so I did a bit of simple knitting, just to keep me occupied. I've been knitting wash cloths something simple to relax.
This one I found while browsing the Internet its from Homespun Living

 

 

I spent the day trying many different stitches with a lot of ripping out and beginning again.

I just couldn't find a stitch I really liked with a knit border.

The only one I did that passed somewhat was a stitch called Basket Checks. I plan on trying more pattern combinations in the next few days.

 

 

It was really difficult to get good photographs due to the rain, did the best I could despite.

At one point today I found myself in one of those moods where you want to do something yet can't figure out exactly what. I am sure you know what I'm talking about.

So in the latter afternoon hours I found myself just digging through every cupboard and closet looking for something different, after all, all day yesterday and today of wash cloths, one needs a break.

 

I did end up finding this which I wasn't nearly in the mood for anything so time consuming.

I made one of these in a christening gown using a pineapple design as a gift. Needless to say not a lot of people appreciate handmade items. Although the recipient was somewhat excited, they quickly made it clear it was not there thing, but did appreciate me doing so.

Gosh, doesn't that just make you feel good when someone appreciates something so much, not!

 

 

I found some yarn in the basement where I moved in 7 years ago, it was left behind and packaged nicely. This is a German wool sock yarn, just delicate enough for this project.

You know that promise I made myself that I would finish all my projects before starting another?

Well, I think I will reward myself with a break on this one, after all, I started it two years ago. Isn't it so common to start one project then find another you just can't wait to start.

Do yo do the same thing?

 

Before you go don't forget to enter my giveaway for an Alice in Wonderland canvas bag. It's store bought and really nice.

 

<3 Pamela

 

 

Alice in Wonderland Giveaway

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN

EVERYONE!

 

In honor of Halloween I am giving away a

Alice in Wonderland reverse side The Mad Hatter

heavy duty canvas bag. Measures 16" by 16"

 

 

It was a buy one get one free deal, one is for me, (yeah) and the other to

GIVE AWAY!

 I grabbed them up as they were just about sold out. Bought at the Mall on one of my daily walks last week.

It has one large pocket on the inside. A lovely solid color on each side.

A wonderful bag for any Alice in Wonderland lover! Ooh, would make great Holiday Gift!

 

 

All you have to do is leave a message and on Monday Nov. 5th I will draw a name and post it Monday evening 6 pm. EST time.

 

 

I am happy to ship anywhere, if you leave an anonymous message,

 please leave your email so I can contact you and get your mailing information.

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL HALLOWEEN!

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

<3 Pamela

A Bit of Cable Knitting

    As promised in my last post here is my completed 3 Cable 18" Ivory Pillow.

I have really grown to love the cable pillows. The white one behind is also an 20" pillow, was done with Caron Yarn, 9 Cables 4 stitches in between. I made the white one in June recovered an old pillow, it took a bit more concentration and focus than the 3 Cable Ivory pillow, but I still like the way it looks.
 

 

I really am pleased with the ivory pillow it's a bit thicker, using a roving yarn by Bernat. It seems to be one of the best quality yarns available readily on the the market. I don't use expensive yarns often as I feel you don't always have to spend a lot of money to get a quality pillow.

  If I plan to make a item using a more pricey yarn ( which isn't often) waiting for it to go on sale suits me before purchasing. Being handmade for me is learning new stitches along with the personal accomplishment, plus it is cost efficient.

 

 

In yesterdays post there was a mentioning of a bit of a twist to this pillow. I am not fond of fabric backed pillows and enjoy the full look of a hand knitted pillow. It does take a bit more time, but I find it relaxing. I ended my pillow with a different stitch for button hole features and with this one I used a garter stitch. Only after I finished the required length, and the button holes, stitched the pillow wrong sides together, I noticed something not right. What should have been the garter stitch on the outside up over the cable stitch didn't work out that way.

So I decided to take the cable end the actually cast on beginning of the pillow and add a bit of crocheting to make the closing come down over the garter stitching.

   Making button holes by chaining 4 then moving on to the next sc then added the buttons.
 

The more I look at the this side of the pillow the more it grows on me with it's unusual appearance. It actually adds a bit of a change if I want to reverse and use this side. If this should happen again I think I might be adding more crochet rows to bring the overlap down just a bit more. What do you think like it or not?

 

Should you be interested in the pattern, I keep records while knitted and will be adding it to my pattern area.

As I sit here typing I can hear storm sandy is beginning to come our way. The winds have picked up as is the rain, I can actually feel my home moving now. Shaking a bit here and there with a few old windows rattling. For us it's just the beginning as the night settles.

Blessing and prayers that everyone remains safe as she passes through.

 

<3 Pamela

Things To Do on a Cold Wet Day

 Well here on the Northwest side of Ohio we are bracing for a bit of the storm Sandy to make her way to shore. Although we wont be getting near the full impact of her wrath, it's bringing cold air and very wet weather, along with high winds.

On this side of the house are my white concord grapes, they offered a lot this year compared to last year. As your can see the leaves are turning, since it's fall, and today through the window I photographed the beginning effects of the storm, windy, rainy, and very cold.

 

 

 On a cold, wet day, the fireplace is warming the house, lending it's cozy feel. I am finishing undone task, such as gathering seeds from my favorite flowers. Zinnia's on the right and Yellow Daisies on the left.

 

 

And this year I added Lavender to the mix. My first batch is drying out on an old pine shaker grandfather clock I designed and had handmade in 1982. I started out with 8 different varieties of lavender which did very well, so next spring I am making half the field all Lavender.

 Of course, I have to make sure which variety survives the Northern winter in an open field. I have an acre and grow organic veggie every year, but plan on expanding more of the farm to suit the lavender.

 

 

Most of what I grow in the veggie garden is a variety of tomatoes. Next year I am making raised beds throughout the garden. However, today I am packaging the remaining seedlings I saved from this year crop. I do this every season and the reward is much better than buying new tomato plants. I start the seedling inside in February under florescent lights in a spare room.

On the heirloom seedling I always mix a bit of bleach in water and let the seedlings sit in the mixture a few seconds. This way I don't risk cross contamination.

 

 

There is only one problem this year, while the seedling were drying I got busy with another issue and thought I could mentally remember what is in each jar. So far, I can't remember not to worry as they grow, the leaves will tell me what the type of tomato it will produce. I did get a little more focused on the last batch and labeled the plate. The varieties I grow...

Romaine, Roma, Early Girls, Watermelon Bee, Black Krim, Cherry, Better Boys and Yellow Tomatoes. The Romaine and Roma did exceptional well this season and were my main plants. Roma's make exceptional sauce and tomato paste.

 

 

In the latter part of what was left of the daylight. I decided to hang a wooden sign on the wall. It has been sitting on the back of my couch long enough.

My love of words and especially being surrounded by those that are positive, can actually make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself. It keeps me thinking very positive all the time and I love it.

 

 

Here is the a bigger photograph of the corner where the sign and scones holding the candles are located. It's my favorite corner in the living room.

 

 

The table in the corner was another design of mine which was completed with the clock in 1982. Most of what you see I have had for many years. I believe in cherishing what one has, to many times we just dispose of things and replace them with new. I have had all my furniture since 1982 with some new added in 1994, since then, I have added the wording and the Willow Tree collectibles with a few handmade blankets and pillows.

 

I am finishing a cable pillow I knitted by adding the buttons tonight. I made a promise to myself, that I would finish what I started, before going on to another project. So far, so good, since June I have keep that promise and completed every project.

Tomorrow I will show you the pillow it has a unique story and twist to it's finishing.

Have a wonderful evening.

 

<3 Pamela

 

 

 

 

 

Shabby Chic Bedroom

 

 

I recently found this photograph in a magazine called Decorating Shortcuts October 2012 issue #71 they have a facebook account that will tell you where to find it. I just love all the tips and, of course, shortcut DIY's.

 

And, if someone ask me what kind of bedroom I would like, your looking at it!! The headboard is an old fireplace they found, how clever, and the bedding is simply gorgeous! I love the white pillow with the monogramed initials. The room has a Shabby Chic, kinda, Tuscan inspired look. It just says, elegantly simple to me. What does it say to you?

 

 

Although I do sew I'm going to check around and see if I can find someone or some shop to duplicate the bedding cover for me.

Please feel free to leave a comment it's alway nice meeting new people.

 

<3 Pamela

Furgal Healthy Goats Milk Soap

Here at Rustic Farm Living everything I do is done with natural products, it's the reason behind the title Rustic. I am not big on pesticides, or any other chemicals used in commercial products. Did you know Goats Milk has many great properties you may not know. I've been making and using it for years!

 

The problem with commercial products they have ingredients with names you can't even pronounce, much less know what they are. So why would anyone put them on there skin.

Goat milk soap goes as far back as ancient Egypt where Cleopatra bathed in goats milk. It does not contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, petroleum, and preservatives. It's also effective in treating psoriasis, eczema, acne, as well as other skin problems and irritations.

 

 

                         Benefits of Goat Milk Soap

Goat milk contains healthy vitamins and nutrients that are very nourishing for your skin. These include vitamins A, C, E, and some B vitamins. It contains amino acids, citric acid, enzymes, unsaturated fatty acids and zinc. In addition, goat milk soap contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid often found in skin rejuvenation products. Alpha hydroxy acid helps get rid of dead skin cells and leaves healthy new cells at the surface. Goats milk also has a low pH — very similar to the pH of your skin. This promotes moisturizing and helps prevent dryness and skin irritations.

 

Another question commonly asked is whether it is safe for children. A plain goat milk soap is safe for children, although no ingredients are added to prevent stinging if it gets in their eyes. If your child tolerates this well, you can go on to try a soap with natural ingredients, such as oatmeal or honey, but with no essential oils. Chamomile and calendula are oils that are especially gentle and soothing to young or sensitive skin. It is wise to use one kind of soap for a period of time before moving on to another to be sure there is no sensitivity to the skin.

 

Although I use to make my own goat's milk soap, I did not use crisco shortening, a bit too greasy for my taste. I now purchase it from Ellacoldi and love it . It is a bit pricey but I find it's worth every penny. 

I stopped making soap as I am so busy gardening more, not only outside, but inside my home as well. Yes, growing my own lettuce in the house year round. I'll get into that on another post.

<3 Pamela

Amazing Clouds and Recipes

      Yesterday was beautiful, very sunny day, about 62 degrees.

Just the perfect day, the sky was so blue with a few wispy clouds.

 

      Since it's close to winter now, I wanted to enjoy more of these days before they disappear.

When my children were little, we use to look at the clouds, and take turns saying what we saw in the images...In this one I see birds with wings floating through the sky, especially the one on the lower right side.

What do you see?

Before you go be sure to check out myFrugal Living page, it's filled with lots of homemade natural recipes. New ones will be added all the time.

<3 Pamela

A Sunny Flower Welcome

       Hey ya'll... Today, I begin my journey on blogging about the things I create and plant in life, like sunflowers in the garden.

 

I found two little ones left still pretty much in tack, as fall makes her way upon us....aren't they just the cutiest? I hope you will follow along as things begin to be created over the winter months.

 

It's kinda of nice to have the break from all the gardening. Looking forward to making new friends here in blogland.

Happy Fall!

<3 Pamela