WHERE HAVE I BEEN...

It's been awhile I know...since Jim passed I've had to find a new normal. It's been challenging to say the least. It's one thing about life I don't like, someone always gets left behind and for the one who does it's a constant heartbreak of finding that normal. It's going on 2 years May 1st and it's still a lot to handle.

I've moved into an apartment complex living with my cat, Bella, and rabbit, Molly. They are now my life as is still my camera. This is a photograph of a dog wandering on the beach this month on a day that was not so chilly. He belonged to a person living near the beach I must add he was an awesome subject.

There was still snow out on the water, none really on the beach...tons of seagulls birds I will never understand or care too...they are one messy bird. I find I enjoy taking photographs on windy days when the water is really packing waves. Love the movement of water in photographs. I miss the woods where I use to live..I was there 12 years the landlord passed the daughters took over and sold everything. So, I had to move...it's difficult leaving a place one has lived at for so long it becomes home and that is one thing that's difficult to keep changing. There I was surrounded by wildlife, woods, green fields...here not so much. I miss it and I miss my Jim more....it gets easier yet ya  never forget.

I am still creating working yarn making blankets, hats, scarves and more...if you're interested in purchasing I have a shop Little Duckling Designs on Etsy. They are all listed in the shop.

If there is anything to learn in life nothing is constant change happens all around us everyday. It's finding out why that's the important part..why we end up where we do no matter how long it lasts or who we are with...there is alway a reason...you're either teaching someone or learning.

If you would like to follow me I am also posting on a new blog *Alpaca Hook n Crochet* be nice to see you their...in the meantime make it a great weekend.

It's in the House

I start today by saying, "it's really, really, cold here! And photographing this guy was tough although I don't think this little guy felt it. I am a certainly not one who likes doing this type of crocheting, moreso, due to all the pieces and parts which have to be created, then stuffed, then attached. With that said, I saw it at amalou on instagram and bought the pattern on Etsy. I have to add it took me awhile to finish this little mouse and it was worth it in the end. So adorable. So yes, there is a mouse in my house.

Never Know

One never knows when I will pop in and post, being an empty nester, and highly creative of different mediums, time has no relevance on my space.  I go with the wind which ever way it blows and sleep when I want, create, do everything when a want. A privilege that comes with aging.

I have raised the children, divorced, had an other half pass this year, a place I thought I'd be for awhile then life comes along and does what she's suppose to life and death go hand in hand, never easy, and can not be stopped. 

The other day I went outside to gather the girl's back to the coop. Everyone came, but, Bessie and Ruby. Walking around checking pine tree after pine tree, looking under this and that, calling as I made my way. In my search I stumbled across a flock of loose feather. Knowing in my heart it had to be one of my girl's. I resigned myself to this thing called life and death went back to the coop. Still looking and counting the girls, where are the two. I continued yelling, counting, hoping somehow they just didn't hear me. And there she was, Bessie, my golden girl, eating the oatmeal with raisins I had made for cold days.

Still searching for Ruby not to be found, again I was resigned the hawk had gotten one now. Walking around the back of the pen looking at the girl's and counting, I noticed Bessie, bent over eating from the bowl, neck covered in blood. Running quickly to scoop her up, took her inside saying out loud, oh my God, Bessie. Pouring peroxide on the gaping wound, trying to figure out to mend it, put it back together. This live chicken, wounded, yet not making a sound, I cleaned and covered in neosporin took to the medical pen outside.

 Laying her in upon the straw she settled, I walking out as quiet and dark is good for a wounded animal. Opening the door hoping she would survive there stool Ruby, in my delight and sadness, I knew somehow Bessie protected Ruby, she is after all the leader. All were home and one wounded badly. 

Bessie nearly five days later is resting with the girls in the coop again. She seems more content, she had lost weight in the drama of it all and I felt she needed to get back to herself, after all, she was doing well despite the fact the wound is healing, yet remains large. My girls free range, however, since Bessie's incident I have kept them closed in the pen, I suppose as a mother would her own children protecting each one. 

Yesterday was the first snow experience for them all. Not quite sure what they think, but, nothing seems to faze them. They stand in the rain, soaked, like nothing is happening. Try it sometime, set yourself free and give it a whirl. I've done it many times in the summer, it settles the soul offers inner peace. I even made my first snow angel of the year. How is it we ever get to old to do anything, there is that inner child, she is there, let her play. I do, it just takes a bit of adjusting the aging body, yet it works, and she smiles or laughs. As I did, when I bought a new crocheting book which has a delightful little story and wonderful knowledge.

Thanking all of you for visiting my blog, I am so blessed and grateful. 

Crocheting Going On....

Hello my friends, it has been warm here a bit sunny with exception of today. Clouds have rolled in and rain is on the way with a big change in weather. It seems as the years go by our winter is running shorter which means on the Holidays we now have warmer weather...just doesn't seem like the Holidays. 

Been crocheting a lot lately working hat after hat and have no idea what I am going to do with them all. Selling online, hmm, way too many people doing that anymore. Give to family, yes, give some away, yes, and maybe open a storefront, hmm will see.

There is really no pattern for the hat just sorta played around noticing rainbow colors are really popping up on the internet. I like it, need to work more color anyway. Also working on something so tiny and cute. Once I get it done will share all the information.

Thank you for popping in warm wishes for a beautiful week!

Season of Hats

                                                     

Being this time of year it's not often we have 60 degree weather for a few days. This lead me to a walk in the wood, which I haven't done in over a year. It was tough being a nature gal at heart and loving this planet with all of the different birds, tree, leaves, bushes are extraordinary. I am so very grateful to be a part of it all. I sat in the wood, cried a while, the beauty and the sounds I am connect too. It's simply breathtaking, it sparks my spirit, soothes my soul and refreshes me to the fullest. 

I always carry my camera, of course, watch the birds flock to the trees of berries. Every once in awhile one will land in just the right place which means the camera must perform. It's one of my favorite things, my camera, and the planet combined. 

Also, I am on a hat crocheting phase and finding most of the hats use aran weight yarns, which I am not fond of...I don't like working the bulky or aran weight yarns. I am a fine, dk, worsted weight yarn gal. Oh, and don't get me started on the roving yarn as a hat..ever washed roving it's' often not pretty when it comes out. I just don't like the way roving works up or for that the thick and quicks. I guess I am picky when it comes to yarn, and rightly so. I did this minnie mouse hat while my other was battling cancer. I would sit and crochet while he sat in his recliner. It was difficult to watch his spirit fade already on it's destination home. Occasionally, it would find it's way back briefly and their he would be my man full of life for a few minutes. It's odd to watch a spirit come and go, not literally, but you know it's leaving they are just not themselves anymore. I would hang on so tightly to those moments it was fully their with him. So, I sat and crocheted hat after hat nothing that took a lot of concentration as I didn't know when he would need my help, in the spur of the moment. I am happy to say it's getting a bit easier as the months pass, 6 months now, although he is always with me in heart. As they say, I carry his heart, I carry it in mine.

Needless to say I am now adding detail to all the hats I crocheted while he was still with me and Minnie Mouse is one of them. I find though I am not much on adding detail anymore. Ears, bow, etc, just has become something I don't enjoy. Kind of a bummer as I really use to love it, now, I just want to make things like sweater, blankets and hats that don't require a lot of adding this and that when finished. This hat is a size 6 to 12 months in worsted weight yarn by Vanna White. I am learning to put lining in them it offers more of a winter warm hat.

Thanks for stopping by, warm wishes and we continue into the Holiday Season.

Crochet, Snap, Knit

Crochet it, Snap it, and Knit it...that's been my life this fall going from one to another, not in any particular order, simply whatever feels right in the moment. Today is simply beautiful fall weather, a bit windy, yet warm. Things are still a bit green which I love. A walk in the woods for the first time in over a year, surrounded by nature is where I truly feel at home. I have learned that home is not a place it's a feeling in the heart, and I like feelings of the heart.

I've finished my toddler sweater, a hello kitty hat and with that said, who hasn't worked yarn into something Hello Kitty. I mean really it seems this kitty is everywhere. I am working a couple hats right now as I found out my grandchildren love Minions and any hat that has the long earflaps and braids.  

With that said, wishing everyone a very blessed and safe Thanksgiving.

Inserting a Fleece Lining into a Crocheted Hat

Hello all, popping in to share this post on youtube for those who want a warm hat.

 I know when crocheting a hat with a half double, double, or treble it's what I

 personally don't care for, the holes in the finished product. This personally works well for me and I love it!

Hope you find this helpful, enjoy your day!

Oh So Cute

Hello all, well Halloween came, went, and left a lot of candy on the shelves. This is not good for me in particular, actually, it's easier to trick or treat for adults after the Holiday is over...70% off the bags. Too bad they don't last until next year, or, maybe they do. Not here at my house... I am a chocolate lover at heart.

So much so... these are Chocolate Chinchilla Rabbits, mom, dad, and one baby out of six. They are doing so well and that makes me happy. But, boy can they eat!

I finally, yes finally, finished the mitts to this set. Oh my goodness did it take some calculating at least for me. By the way the yarn used is Vanna Whites. I will post the pattern to the mitts below. I really liked they way this set turned out. So cozy warm for the cold days ahead.

Just had to show you more babies. There one is a ,white magpie as they are called and she is staying with me. She is so adorable and friendly. These guys are now close to 4 weeks old and the mom is due for another litter...I am bad didn't separate them in time. They can see each other now yet can interact. I can tell you if there is one thing rabbits like its making babies. Out in the wild they have up to six or more, however, not all survive due to the elements they have to endure, especially in the winter months. The animal lovers community is so friendly and helpful it really warms one's heart.

Okay, so here goes with the pattern. I am not the best at writing them, so, let me know if you have any problems.

Newborn to 3 months

Mittens

U. S. 3 double pointed knitting needles (4)

1 marker

5 stitches e quals 1 inch

M1L - pick up bottom thread between two stitches in the front of thread as if to push left, knit in back of stitch. One stitch was created.

Cast on 28 sts using long co method

k1, p1 for 12 rows

Round 13- k1, M1L, knit to 1 stitch, M1L, knit 1  (30 sts)

Round 14 - knit

Round 15 - k1, M1L, knit to 1 stitch M1L, knit 1 (32 sts)

Round 16- knit

Round 17 - k1, M1L, knit to 1 stitch, M1L, knit 1 (34 sts)

Round 18 - knit

Round 19 - k1, M1L, knit to 1 stitch, k1 (36 sts)

Round 20 - knit

Rounds 21 to 26 knit

Decrease Rounds

Round 27- k1, (k2 together, k3) to end (29 sts)

Round 28 - knit

Round 29 - k1, (k2 together, k2) to end (22 sts)

Round 30 - knit

Round 31- k1, (k2 together, k1) to end (15 sts)

Round 32 - knit

Round 33 - (k2 together) 7 times, k1 (8 sts)

Cut yarn using yarn needle put pick up remaining 8 stitches pull closed making sure thread is now on the inside. I knot the yarn using the yarn needle then weave in ends.

Hope you enjoy!

Something Special for You

It was a beautiful week for the most part this past week with the exception of rain that cooled it way down...I found myself asking, "who turned on the outdoor air conditioner." I'd really rather have it cooler, than so hot, it's hard to cool off, and quite frankly I am ready for this winter. Ready to kick back and just be for awhile, without, tending to the garden and cutting the grass tidying up the outside. Seems kinda redundant doesn't it that we decorate the outside. I truly believe the Amish have it right for living simple and enjoying the earth, using it for what it's intended. I try my best to do the same, as I am not one for decorating the front of the house or on my deck. I am about the beauty of nature as it remains. I have no tolerance for pesticides, weed killers, or those of any kind dumped on the earth. I am a simple nature gal at heart.

With that said, I finished the Moss Stitch Bonnet and if you'd like to make one just look below. I am adding a pattern for matching mitts, hopefully, before the weekend is gone. This little bonnet is easy and makes up quickly.

MOSS BONNET

Size/ Newborn

4 st equal 1 inch/ Needle size 8 U.S.

Worsted weight yarn/1 skein

Cast On 45 sts

Rows 1 thru 6 (k1,p1)

Next/ Work Stockinette Stitch until hat measures 4 inches ending on knitting row.

START WORKING IN THE ROUND

Decreases

1. ( k 2 tog, k 3) repeat (36 sts)

2. Knit around

3. ( k 2 tog, k2) repeat (27 sts)

4. ( k 2 tog, k 1) repeat  (18 sts)

5. (k 2 tog) repeat around (9 sts)

DO NOT BIND OFF...cut yarn pull rather tightly through remaining stitches knot and weave in ends.

TIES...cut 6 strands of yarn 30 inches long. Divide into 2 sets of 3 fold in half pull loop through corner then your strands. Once done, braid strands loop and tie ends.

Hope you give it a go...I will be posted the matching mitts soon. Enjoy!

Knitting and it's Warm

In my last post I mentioned I lost Lucy, one of my bantam chicken's. It was a week ago yesterday. I spent that day and Friday pretty sad, until I went to feed my rabbits. Male and Female Chocolate Chinchilla's. This is what I found, 8 adorable new babies, somehow the Universe knew I needed something to make me smile. Times have been tough and we all know during tough times, things like this create a heartfelt moment. I've been in a happy mood since, I feel like a new mom, too.

And this is Sophie, the new mom, and her first litter. Bless her heart I could not love an animal more than I do both her and Sammy. Gentle, calm, and such good animals all the way around. Sophie even lets me watch when she feeds her litter and that is rare. I make sure I always pet her and talk to her before I approach the nest. I am pretty sure she trusts me and that's an awesome feeling. She is a very good and attentive mom. Thank you, Sophie, for being a part of my life. Pets really do bring joy into your life.

As does knitting, oh my goodness, I just love it! Right now it's a bit warm here in Ohio. Just an all around beautiful day, in fact, the whole week has been pretty darn good. No pattern for the sweater just winging it as I go and writing down how I am putting it together. I am really liking how it's turning out and plan on making another only a bit different. My goal has always been to learn to make more of my own patterns and that's what I intend to do. I want to know how it's all done even making patterns in crocheting. This one is done with Debbie Norville's

soft worsted weight yarn. I really like the way it knits and it's super soft. 18 sts. and 24 rows = 4 inches on U.S. 8 needles. Once I get the pattern together so it's readable and easy to follow,

 I will post it.

In the meantime, the weather is very nice, we are blessed to have such a wonderful October. I think the bugs would agree, as a week ago, they were all trying to get inside. We had a couple cool, windy days. So far it's suppose to stay this way for awhile. It seems are cold weather arrives later every year. That's okay with me as it doesn't last long. Have a great weekend where ever you may be and smile it's good for soul.

Thank you my dear friends for popping in and reading my posts. I hope they too bring you some kind of joy and inspiration.

Creating Going On...

Creating what can I say as I sit here and type, it goes on in every way. From yarn and needles to every medium one can imagine. Even those among nature whether plants, grass, trees, including animal's and insects we are on Earth always creating. This post is dedicated to Lucy, one of my girl's in the top photograph, who passed Thursday Morning. 

To those who understand an animal is a huge part of family. It's an extended family that goes beyond a closed house door. To loose one hits the heart just like family because truly that's what they are...as my heart felt the loss of Lucy Thursday morning, I sat outside much of the day and watched all my girl's, sad to see there was no Lucy. Sadness engulfed me in ways I never thought possible, after all, I raised her from a 2 day old baby. I felt the loss and so tired of it all around me.

This year has not been a good one. I do my best everyday to put the days that go by behind me. It's not as easy as most think, especially after loosing my other, Jim, on May 17, 2017. Then it was 6 baby chick's after, one everyday for six days, frantically trying to figure out what was going wrong. Then, Lucy...I have had enough of death this year...from my neighbor loosing her brother, to loosing a neighbor and other's I knew. I want to yell loudly, enough!

Then on Friday the 13th a day that everyone, everywhere, is trying to avoid superstitious Friday, I had a little miracle. I had not idea and had even examined the doe and found nothing a few weeks ago. It was and still is amazingly heartfelt how things can turn around when we least expect it. I know, I know, everyone reading is thinking, yes, that's how it works. And it's true...if one waits and just takes it day to day without expectations or answers, things do happen. And yes, on there own time. Sophie and Sammy are my two chocolate chinchilla rabbits who became parents to 8 little babies Friday afternoon. My outlook changed immediately upon finding them...everything seemed lighter and I was finding a happy heart within me. It has been quite awhile since I have felt this way it nearly seemed impossible. My Sophie, I love her just like a child...and I feel much like her...a proud mama.

To Lucy, thank you so very much, for being a part of my family outside the closed door of my house. I love you, miss you, and will keep you in heart and mind, always.

Tah Dah...say what!

It has been a weird year as far as weather is concerned, my garden didn't produce a whole lot, and, the rain has been scarce which has been a huge problem It was very welcoming to have rain this past week things have gone from dry to a beautiful green, somewhat anyway. I did manage to see a butterfly, in fact, there were many. It's almost hard to tell what time of year it truly is...most of the trees have dried yellow leaves, nothing, like what I remember last year. I suppose Mother Nature has had enough of what we as human's have done. 

With all that said, I did manage to finally finish the Fairy Dust sweater. I made it using Bernat Softee Baby yarn, actually, it was a test run before the good yarn. I can't say it wasn't a challenge for me as it was following the pattern around the collar. I am dyslexic when it comes to numbers, which when a pattern contains a design that requires concentration, it gets difficult for me. That's okay though, as every design I conquer is one more I can say, hey, I did it! And that's enough for me. I have yet to find the buttons that say...these are for this sweater. So I will go in search. Sweater is done in a size 6.

If I sound a bit down right now, as months go by, I am reminded of Jim and what we did at this time a year ago. Coming to the Holiday Season certainly isn't helping, as was Lucy's passing among my girl's. She's the one in the last photograph. I've had her since she was 2 days old. I can not express how so very tired I am of death around me. From Jim, to neighbor's, friend's, and my girl's creating is what I do to ease my mind. I found Lucy early in the morning inside the coop lying on the floor, my heart sunk. I am getting to the point where opening a coop door is a bit frightening these days, as I lost 6 babies during the summer months. I can only hope and look forward to better days ahead.

Tah-Dah Sweater

Well, the weather certainly has been strange here in Ohio. Warm then Cool back and forth, from sweaters to tee shirts and shorts. Who knows anymore. I've had two other projects going as I finished this one and the others near complete. Whee, it's bee knitting then crocheting. I am teaching myself to continental knit so it goes quicker, and that's a task in itself. Although I've always wanted to learn, it is difficult when following a design within a design. That's when I say, heck with it, I just toss if over and continue on...

I posted this sweater as I was making it and can say it was a joy. All the information one needs to knit this beauty is on this post. Nothing complicated at all. Other then my parakeets in the background talking away. Two girl's together, my oh my, then chat more than most girl's I know. I really never thought they would chat that much...it goes on and on just like a normal conversation with the exception I can't understand a cackle. If only....it would be nice to know what they talk about. Probably what is that lady doing with those needles and yarn? 

Give this pattern a go, there are many sizes available. I used Cascade 220 Superwash yarn in 1910. I really hope my grand daughter enjoys this one!

Hot Creative Days

These days it seems I am just on a working yarn roll. Normally, I don't in the summer, usually waiting for fall and winter. Honestly I believe it's the grieving process, from loosing my other. We all seem to do this in different ways, even stress is handled in different ways, for me, it's working yarn. Odd things, I am really enjoying the process and hope it grabs hold and continues throughout next summer. Oh boy, not the grieving, just the creating. Grieving is tough, it has it's days, pops in and out without warning. Yesterday was one of those days, from the moment I woke, it hit me hard all day. I sent my son a text, who's wife lost her father the year before (my son was very close to her dad) and said when does it stop. He always replies with something helpful...most of the time it's find your happiness, mom. This kid is an old sole, so far ahead of his age in life...the wisdom he has is amazing. 

Today is also my daughter's birthday, she's 31, sadly our relationship is a difficult one. We are totally opposite in every way possible. She is very conservative, organized, stubborn to a fault, where I am a free spirit, spontaneous, go with the flow mom. Not that they didn't have structure and rules growing up, they sure did, whee, it was tough but I had to get that free spirit a bit under control for them. Tough you bet, yet, worth it all. As they say, we live for our children until they leave the nest. It was tough to watch the last one go, in all, look what I am able to do. Create whenever I desire for as long as I choose.

The days in Ohio have been horrible hot, we literally have had recorded breaking temperature's due to all the hurricanes in the South. Yesterday registered near 100 degrees way too hot for this gal. I like warm, but yet, that is just crazy warm especially when it comes with the muggy humidity. The bright side it allows me to sit and create, in fact, the sweater in progress is half way done. A lightweight sweater, I used dk yarn, Bernat softee baby in soft red, appears to be pink to me, well hey, I didn't name the color but I like it just the same. The pattern is Fairy Dust, by Dani Sunshine on Ravelry. I am so enjoying this pattern, easy to follow, so well written. In fact, I plan on make more in different colors. I would recommend this pattern for anyone who knits or wants a really nice Holiday gift or  for any special occasion for the little ones. Available to make in sizes 3 months to 6 years. Follow the link and give it a go.