Crocheted Grannie Square Keeps Growing...

 

Today seemed like spring has finally arrived. Sunny, warm, and the birds every where, people out and about car windows down, tee shirts, even shorts.

The grass is greener, the trees are showing signs of small green leaves. The Forest behind my apartment is rapidly filling in with greenery every where. It's the sounds that capture my attention, the sounds of life every where compared to the silent cool nights.

I though am still crocheting taking time to relax as my life is still in the lion of the storm.

 

 I've started sewing the squares together an eagerness to see what's to come as the blanket grows.

My left hand does a bit better with just assembling the blanket square to square.

And I try to keep crocheting more despite my left hand, but, it doesn't last as long as I'd like to enjoy.

Especially when ones life is roaring, crocheting calms the roar.

 

 

But for now I will just be content with what I can do.

 

 

Find calmness in the bits I get to make and watch some DVDs of my favorite comedies

to keep the lion at bay. And I will be proud of my very first Grannie Squares.

 

Grannie Square Blanket Growing

 I have been spending a lot of quiet time adding squares to my first Grannie Square blanket, patiently waiting for spring to actually arrive.

I've also been nursing my tomato plants which are eagerly getting ready to be planted. In the mean time I will start my varieties of lettuce in the garden including arugula, which I love!

 

 

But despite the weather, crocheting my squares keeps me relaxed as the month of April for my personal life, has come in like a lion. I feel somewhat of a bizarre connection to the weather with the ups and downs.

 

 

The blanket is growing slowly despite the fact I have a issue with my left thumb. It's amazing how much you realize just what function your thumb has to your entire hand. I have been learning to use it a bit of a different way. At some point I will have surgery to remove a medium cyst just below the V between your index finger and thumb, but it goes much further down toward the base of the thumb bone. I am going to postpone the surgery even  though the pain at times is awful. In order to do anything I have to wear a black brace which covers my thumb for support of my left hand. Lifting things with my left hand is practically non existing.

 

 

At best I can do maybe two squares a week with the pain. However if you notice, there is a color I had expressed in this post, that is not one of my favorite. When I look up on a sunny day it's a gorgeous blue. Yes, I have added blue...I found two tones that are just perfect in the Cascade 220 Heathers. In fact if you go here the yarn shop is having a HUGE sale on many yarns including Cascade 220 Heather. A great time to purchase the yarn to start your own blanket. By the way aren't these two colors of blue just stunning!

 

 

Working with this yarn has been wonderful. I am not a huge fan of wool, well at least the wool I have had access to locally, a bit on the rough side. But this wool is so incredibly soft and easy to work with I am hooked, literally, hooked with a size F to make the squares.

 

 

In the mean time I will wait for May to arrive when spring actually arrives at least I am hoping, it has been known to be a bit cooler than normal in May in past years. Let's just say, I am happy to see the sun and green grass when I look out my living room window.

 

To all who are viewing it really makes my day to see people are at best visiting my blog, if only to take a peek. Thank you!

 

 UPDATE - be sure to check out my tomato section and lavender to see how they are progressing.

Nobody's Friend - Major Pet Peeve

 

I came across this poem in the paper so many years ago I can not tell you how long I have held on to it, except to say...the age of the paper probably tells somewhat.

 

I have to say this is one of my biggest pet peeves of all time. I strongly believe gossip and judgment exist in the same realm. There is no room for either without destroying a life. My practice in this the fall of my life is to hold tight to the reins of both and keep them under control. Who am I to do either as I am not a perfect person, and have yet to find one. Perfection only exist in a single person's mind.

 

My goal as I am in the fall of this life and as I will move into the winter is to finish my life without either judgement nor gossip. Simply just to except and love that we are all unique whether good or bad. We all have a mixture of both.

 

 

 

All I know for sure in this life is that when I am alone, I only know me, and those who have lived with me. I do not know not one single person outside those who have not lived in my presence exactly who they are...therefore I have no room to speculate.

 

When it comes to those like Jeffery Dommer, Teddy Bundy, and now the Boston incident, all are spoke of by people who knew them as being the nicest people they knew. That alone is proof enough for me to know I do not really know anyone unless they have lived within my life.  For me to speculate is simply another form of ignorance. For me to gossip or judge is yet another form of ignorance.

 

I think of the 19 year old of the Boston bombings and I am truly unsettled. I did not know these men nor did I know what life they endured. I only know what they choose to do and that is was wrong.

As a human just like you reading, I can not wrap my mind around saving this 19 year old life to execute him in the end. Especially at the expense of the tax payers. I understand they are searching for answers, are there more of them, why did this happen. To me it's like everything else there truly are no whys there is simply humans with dark motives. Are there more of them sure they are all around us. A violent act of any kind is terrorism even in your own town it does exist.

 

For me there is nothing that is going to stop terrorism. It has been going on for decades. Even since 911 they have not stopped the biggest incidents even in Boston were security was tight. Yes, they may have a better control but it will always be there, it's a part of this life. There is good, there is evil.

It's a fact of life. So much of what was reported during the whole event as I watched it all, turned out to be gossip, stories told, and even judgement.

 

My reason for posting this article is just what it is...something I would like to change if even in this small arena of blogging. I can make a difference I hope you will too!

 

Thank you for stopping by and reading.

Progress on Grannie Square Blanket

I've been working on my very first grannie square blanket as I look outside and the sun is finally shinning. It's warmer today 70 degrees yet it seems to still be going up and down from warm to cold. Because of being Post Menopausal I had to put the air conditioner in for the warmer days. Anything above 70 degrees had me wanting to climb in the freezer until I made the decision with the air conditioner. Whee! it's been wonderful. Although yesterday I had to turn on the electric fireplace which I forgot to turn off when I went to bed. Let me tell you in the wee morning hours I felt like I was in an oven. Thank goodness again for the air conditioner!

 

Now for the post, here is  a peek at where I am right now on my grannie square blanket.

 

 

I love the light gray border it just makes the colors pop!

 

 

 

I am trying to do a couple a day and today I made two with the rest of the time weaving in all the ends.

 

 

Being my very first grannie square blanket I am not sure how I'm doing on the color combinations. Actually from what I have researched it seems to be anything goes.

 

 

 

So here is a few of the square so far...the ones with the ends weaved.

The color combination I am beginning to really like so far.

 

 

 

Here are the rest actually all of them after finishing up weaving in the ends. I have ten so far and a long way to go. Like I said, I am going to work on this blanket the rest of this year, doing a few squares here and there...until well who knows how big it will actually turn out.

I have to say, I am proud of what I have accomplished so far!

 

 

 I hope everyone is trying there best to enjoy the spring days we get....so for now it looks like it's  about to rain. So I am off to catch the water for my tomato plants.

Beekeepers Knitted Quilt

In my spare time I do a lot of blog trolling...yes, I love any site that has DIY projects, home improvement and of course knitting and crocheting. My love of learning as I get older just keeps growing and growing. Since the kids have flown away, I find more time for me to explore things I like and my focus is so much more better than when the kids were growing. I am in love with this new journey in my life. I would not want to go back to any age but what I am and understand why elders enjoy life so much more.....the aches and pains are not worth my worry life is what it is as you age. I have no time to waste in complaining.

I do however have time to talk about great finds and this one if you haven't seen it is another I must try...oh does it ever stop!

 

I am a lover of quilts, my ex mother in law, who has passed was one of the most creative, inspiring people  I ever meant. She taught me to can veggies, pressure cooking and water bath. It was amazing how in her growing years they didn't worry about food contaminates the way we do today. Anyway she made beautiful handmade quilts always of fabric. If I only had one today! If I had only know in my younger years how much she could have taught me if I had not been so involved in living. Taken time to notice her talents. Unfortunately when were young we dont' seem to notice much that goes on in the moments.

 

So to speak I stumbled across this beekeepers quilt on a blog which lead me to ravelry. Unfortunately I don't remember which blog.

 

 

All I know it's a great way to use up scraps and make a soft bee hive type quilt which I am sure is oh so soft. You could take this project with you anywhere you go and knit up this cute little octagons that look like a beehive comb when assembled. So if you don't have anything left to do with all those small scraps here's your answer. A beekeepers quilt!

 

Use up those scraps gals...and have a Great Day!

Yummy Vintage Crochet Pattern Finds

 

Lately I've been watching the dvd Mary Tyler Moore show. It's so incredibly nice to take a trip back in time when the world made sense, before technology took over. I remember when the phone was just a phone, no caller id, nothing other than not picking it up meant you had no idea who was on the other end. And, my mother yelling "someone answer the phone" and no one wanting to move.

 

In watching this sitcom I noticed something very interesting. Rhoda, Mary's best friend standing in the back on the right was always wearing crocheted fashions. Poncho's, hats, ponytail covers, and more....this got me to thinking...about all those things crocheted back then that had me going I don't think so...more made the upside down crocheted dolls, dollies and potholder which seemed to be every where. I was not a huge fan back in the day of crocheted fashions.

 

 

Then as I continued to watch this dvd set and realized something I didn't then....how fashionable it can really be when worn with matching pants, shirts, etc. Lets just say Rhoda make it really appealing. What an amazing woman and actress who is currently dying of a brain tumor and dying with such a positive attitude. God Bless her in every way possible.

 I highly recommend purchasing the dvd sets, it well worth the laugh, the trip back in time and the crocheted fashion. Which leads me to this....

 

 

Today I purchased this crocheted grannie square bordered coat pattern. I am not blue fan as a decor element but I do wear the color and this coat just said, "hey you must make this" not that I don't have many unfinished items that need tending too. I just get so excited to create new things...isn't it just too addicting?

So I kept browsing and just had to pick up this pattern.

 

 

It comes in four bust sizes and just looks so cozy not to mention the purse that comes with the pattern. I can just see it done in a really soft lightweight yarn. The patterns are really a good price. So I kept browsing and came across a pattern I feel in love with immediately.

 

 

Isn't this grannie square vest just dreamy? They say it's one just like Paul McCartney's in the 60's. So far this gloomy, rainy day has turned out to be pretty darn good. Now I just have to figure out what project that currently needs finished I should pick first to complete.

I have been working my grannie square blanket and must say the only annoying thing, with all the color changes there sure are a lot of loose ends to weave in and I'm not finding it fun at all. I am going to make the blanket 2 or 3 grannie square a day until fall.

And on that note I have to ask...has anyone found spring yet?

Cute Little Sign

 

   Where has this Butterpillar been?? Of course trying to turn into a Caterfly. Yes, my love of words has me creating these quirky quotes. Along with being so incredibly tired, what did I say, tired, yes, tired, or derit, I also have a habit of reading and spelling backwards. Oh, the days of being tired and having enough, enough of what you may wonder. Menopause, Post Menopause, Peri - Menopause. The fatigue, the bloatness, the hot flashes, the crabby, cranky days, where you just want to go outside naked, cool off, and scream! WHERE THE HECK IS SPRING!

  In the meantime, I have been catering to 82 tomato plants, 4 squash, 4 cucumber, and only 2 little lavender plants, the only two to survive. It's amazing how much attention all this requires, but the end result is worth it all. I've also been crocheting my grannie squares and enjoying watching the blanket grow. Yes, my very first grannie square blanket. You go girl! And eating dark chocolate york peppermint patties. So there you have it....this Butterpillar who's getting older is still trying desperately to turn into a Caterfly, why....so the darn Meno-P whatever STOPS! If you want to copy the sign simply click on it to enlarge, then right click and save to your computer.

                                                Until we meet again! I am off... literally!

Free Pattern Friday.... Jester Knitted Baby Hat

 

 

I am starting a new thing for Friday's, it's called Free Pattern Friday's. Where I will share a new free pattern I have created or another blogger has created.

 

 I begin with a new pattern Jester Baby Hat Pattern I created for my preemies. It's really simple and is so cute when finished. I hope you enjoy!

 

JESTER BABY "Preemie" HAT PATTERN

Materials

1 ball of Sidar Snuggly DK 55 acrylic 45 nylon - 75 yards

1 set of double pointed needles US size 3- 3.25mm

1 set of double pointed needles US size 5- 3.75mm

Pompom Maker

Tapestry Needle

 

GUAGE - 24sts and 30 rnds -= 4" (10cm)

in stockinette stitch with larger needles

 

**If you want to make the hat larger simply go up in needle size**

 

BRIM

Using larger needles cast on 60 sts. distribute them evenly on 3 needles.

Join for working in the round be careful not to twist.

Change to smaller needles. Begin k1,p1 rib, work 20 rounds even.

 

HAT

Change ot larger needles and stockinette stitch (knit every row) working 20 rounds even.

Redistribute stitches on two needles, placeing 30 stitches on each. Alternatively you may bind off all stitiches. Cut yarn, leaving an 18" tail.

 

FINISHING

Graft the hat opening shut using Kitchener Stitch. If you want to bind off the hat opening use the Mattress stitch.

 

Make 2 pompoms and sew them securely to the points of the hat. Weave in all ends.

 

 

Have a great weekend and enjoy your pattern!

Something So Very Beautiful

You walk in the beauty of life everyday and must always remember you make a difference..you are one of a kind, you must not forget that... if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be a part of this earth, you would not be here in the first place.

No matter how you enter this life.

 

Blessings to all my readers! You make my day just to know you stopped by, I am truly grateful.

Thank You <3

 

Be sure to click on the link below.... it's a good read.

http://rusticfarmliving.blogspot.com/2013/04/huge-pet-peeve.html

Huge Pet Peeve...with a Secret

       I have a very huge pet peeve in this life! It's actually the only pet peeve I really care about. And it pisses me off to no degree. How people view themselves, the gotta have trends, am I too fat, am I too thin, am I ugly, why can't I attract a date, what's wrong with me, who am I really, am I like able, am I not worthy of friends, attention, love and soooo much more!! Everyday this  man above puts his life on the line for other humans I'd say that's more than enough.

 

THIS LITERALLY PISSES ME OFF!   YES, I SAID PISSES!

The fact that we judge ourselves based on what we see, what were told, wrinkles are bad, aging is bad, look at how she's dressed, eat this, dont' eat that, look at how fat they are...well let me tell you the readers. I have seen more heavy people with personalities that will blow the roof of people like Pamela Anderson, Angelina Jolie, and many more I could list. Looks do not compare to that man in the photograph. Looks does nothing as we age when we need to rely on our talents and personality.

 

Let's look at all the celebrities that are so afraid to age they look like wax people who belong in a museum. Finding this a goal in life is not only disturbing it ridiculous to even compare or attempt to be one of these people. Aging is a part of living. I am hugely proud of my mid-section, hugely proud of my wrinkles and even more proud to go out in public just as I am. I am alive, I live, I breathe to which so many children in St. Judes' can't do and would trade any life no matter what age for one more day. Everyone is beautiful in there own way we must remember this always.

 

How can I speak as I do....I will tell you a secret, but, I will not show you any photographs ever. It's my private world, it's there private world, it belongs to us. And only us! I learned this at work one day when they were born. Many females laughed and made fun of it...that pretty me finally had something ugly. Yes, that's what they said. So I put up photo's of the birth certificate, the documents of there diagnoses and photo's of us. Then one day the boss pulled me aside and said, "what are you doing, you have nothing to prove to anyone in life, at the end of the day when they go home, they don't care about you" and that's when I took it down and said no more....no more...never again.

 

On March 8, 1997 I gave birth to 29 week old down syndrome/autistic twins. Each was just a tad over 2 lbs. I was shattered, my world collapsed, and during there stay at the NICU there was not one moment I didn't want to run to them and say I'm so sorry. There was not one visit I did not tell them I was so sorry.

And there was not one moment from the day they came home, I didn't find myself loving them more everyday. They taught me more in one life time than anyone can image. They taught me more about myself than life itself. They taught me to see the world through there eyes without blinders...to notice the smallest things, and that the tinest accomplishment was the largest in life. Whether rolling a ball every time like they never did it before. And seeing me every morning was like seeing me for the first time, always came with a smile and tons of excitement. They opened my heart to the world.
I had skipped the amino and placed my faith with God and he delivered more than I could ever have imaged.
 They are also my hurdle, they are the reason I eat chocolate they are my biggest most challenging loss in this life...Happy 16th Birthday little ones where ever your are....

 

Maybe the problem in this world is there are not enough people facing a personal struggle that is larger then themselves.

 

The man who took the photo above takes them of everyday life, yes people, everyday life...the way it actual exist. Please copy and paste link...you will love his photographs.

.http://www.thephotoargus.com/inspiration/32-beautiful-photos-of-everyday-life/