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.

Apple Cozy Design

Cool, damp rainy days are the best for relaxing with a warm cup of tea, yarn and just creating away. It took some time to get it right, a few start over's, ripped out stitches, it was worth it all. I am not a pro at patterns, heck, I'm not even a pattern designing person. I mostly just sit back and work patterns I find or ones I purchase. However, I would like to work a bit harder at designing. This was a little fun project I jotted down notes and have plans on writing it out properly. I think anyone who has knowledge of designing can figure this one out. I will though get it done, not sure how fast though, things since Jim passed have slowed down or taken a back seat. Days where missing him consumes my thoughts and nothing gets done or falls into place. I know we all have those days and it's okay they pass just like any other day, tomorrow is a new day. 

As soon as I get the pattern down properly it will be posted. I will tell you what yarn I used in case there are those who can just look at the photo, and figure it out. Lily, Sugar n Cream cotton.

Thank you for stopping by...have a wonderful weekend. 

What's Hooking

Minion's oh my gosh...I am crocheting again...what has happened. I do believe it's my grand children, actually my grand daughter had one and everyone was looking for them. So I stepped up and decided to make them...my cell phone is just not producing good photographs....arg! Don't know what is going on, but, it's needs tweaking. Technology, oh yes, I do admit it has it's perks, however, it also has it's fault and let's not go into those...this hat is so easy and crochets up quickly. Once I get the darn thing finished I will post the pattern. I know there are a lot of them on the internet still I will post it.

I am also working on a few other crochet  projects at the same time, arg did I just print that....yup... am sure you will love. They work up quickly, so hoping to post them within the next couple weeks.

On the farm front...the girl's are growing quickly...soon to out grow there current home. I am working on a new coup hopefully it will be done soon. These are Oplington Chicken's which lay large brown eggs..six of these girl's are currently in the house in the tub...that's right the tub. No problem though, that is until the wings develop more which means I better hurry on the coup. Gosh, I am working the garden, crocheting, building a coup and more...and loving it all.. In the meantime have a beautiful day and keep creating any way you can...

A Day of Knitting and Crochet Patterns

Good Morning dear knitters, crocheters, and all the lovely people who stop by...

I've still been searching the web for interesting and unique patterns, something a bit different. There seems to be endless gloves and shawls to make....help...someone come up with something else! Well, I did find this pillow to knit, I love accessories like these, they make great gifts, not to mention they can be put anywhere.

Of course I can't forget those who love to crochet...I stumbled across this hat thought it was unique and different, not to mention way too cute. It was created by The Piper Girls they have a great blog, they even Quilt.

Then there was this pattern also on The Piper Girls blog only this one is sold on Etsy

you get both the hat and this cute little fox scarf to knit. I think it's adorable. So there you have it, more of my finds. Stay tuned as I check out more of the web for great ideas and patterns. 

Winter and Knitted Glove Patterns

Good Morning dear readers....

I've been doing a lot of surfing the Web this morning, looking for inspiring knits and such...it's a very cold day, a bit of snow, but it's the cold that chills the bones and makes one want to knit, while the fireplace burns as one lays snuggled under a warm blanket...it's what I like best about winter. 

Through my web searching thus far in this early morning chill, I have stumbled across a few glove patterns. The one above is about the upcoming Holiday...Valentine's Day. I love the pattern of the heart and the delicate texture of the cuffs. Should you like to knit these they are a free pattern and can be found here.

I also stumbled across this blog The Rainey Sisters  a wonderful blog for knitters, they really create some unique patterns like this pair of gloves, that are fun and versatile..the index finger opens to use on your cell phone etc....simply click on the link it will take you right to the pattern page. If you love knitting you will surely love their blog.

Gorgeous Crochet Finds

Okay so with the chill factor having our weather around 11 degrees I am up for just trolling the internet...how about you?

I stumbled across this blog that has just about everything and thank goodness it can be translated into English. Isn't this rug just the sweetest? I love the detail.

Now as I've mentioned, I am not one who is big on grannie squares, too many holes in the work for me. I remember my mother crocheted a lot of grannie square blankets and yes they were beautiful, yet every time I'd cover myself up, my toes went right through the  wholes. Needless to say that did if for me, I prefer a blanket that actually does the job of keeping me warm. I do however like this skirt, the color combinations and squares layout, and the hem, is just perfect.

I also found this skirt, whee, now don't me going about crocheting with cotton thread, I love it. Items turn out so delicate especially ones like this skirt.  I must make this one if not for me, only because I have no idea how long it will take, but, maybe for my daughter.

This was just gorgeous when I saw it...the flow of the dress is just breath taking isn't it? A beautiful keepsake for any bride, how could it not be...so if you're wondering by now how to find all these patterns...well look no further than here.

                                                                       

Free Crochet Patterns

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, dear readers. My pick is Seattle Seahawks!

With that said, my nose is finally healing a bit and glasses can be worn! Yay! I've been trolling the net and stumbled across some really cool crochet pattern. Now this one looks knitted but indeed is crocheted, I love her technique on this free pattern. The tutorial is really nice.

Then I found this pillow, I just love it especially the colors and the way it closes. I found the information on the pattern here. Maybe you can figure it out.

This one is really different, I like the way this free pattern adds stripes in such a easy way.

The other night I was looking at my cat thinking " I wonder if anyone crochets for a cat" then I laughed after I found this...I had to take a close look to make sure it was what I thought it was, and it is a real kitten in a crocheted mushroom outfit. I guess people do crochet for cats, I just wonder how they got it in the darn thing. Just too cute!

I will be making pillow cases this week to add to Ewenique Farm Goods that you will be able to purchase. When they are ready I will create a post to let you know.

Have a great evening, thanks for stopping by my blog!

Crochet, Knitting Patterns and Other Goodies

Hello dear readers, it nice of you to stop by...

I've been sewing pillow cases here and there, making different lengths of ruffled edges, this is the latest which is 14" long. All done with french seams, I am a bit excited as I thought of something really cool and redesigned the pillow case. I haven't had the chance to work on it yet, due to a bit of an accident I had earlier this week where my nose nearly broke, my eyes are black and blue, nose is swollen, and let's just say this girl is in a bit of pain. 

I've also been experimenting with the camera taking photographs on different settings, etc.

Let's just say with a painful face, neck and head, the photographing isn't going that well either.  I seem to be enjoying the low light and lying on the couch.

Looking at my latest addition to the family, 4 Betta fish, 3 males and a female. I love the ambiance of these tanks I found on Ebay all battery operated. The fourth Betta is without a light in the middle, see the glass vase? He's waiting for his new tank. With the snow consuming the winter along with the cold air I felt I needed a vacation by the ocean. Okay well sorta...

The tank also has a setting for moon light which I love I can sit at night with the lights out and enjoy the blue moon light in the back ground which is soothing. I've also been trolling the net, finding odd things...

Like, what this girl did with an over sized tee shirt is amazing. One tee shirt equals a cute little dress!

Who would have thought...

Then I stumbled on to these gloves on Ravelry. Aren't they the cutest? Flip your hands up you can tell your sweetie "I Love You" I have to make a pair of these!

Although I am not a fan of crocheted bags, this one just caught my attention over at Sarah London's website. There is a pattern for this cute bag if you pop over.

Then this was my all time favorite especially for Valentine's Day. A DIY project so simple anyone can do this...go ahead and give it a whirl made out of a candy heart box...it looks so beautiful doesn't it? 

There you have it what this gal's been up to...mostly resting until the nose heals. I thought about crocheting or knitting but there is so much I need to finish, so much I want to start, and when that happens, what's a gal to do, nothing.

Delicious Cozy Patterns...

Burrr! it's been cold here today, which means it's time for some cozy knitting

and or crocheting.

I just bought this pattern, as this gal needs a new pair of slippers. The last ones crocheted I worn until they fell apart. 

This one reminds me of Sweden....the Alps...anywhere there are mountains.

So adorable, isn't it?

I liked this one for the yummy colors. Which reminds me since the grand baby was born my own log cabin shawl is still on the needles!

These were just so unique I had to post it...aren't they?

And then this dreamy blanket...again I love the color combination. Just makes one want to crawl underneath for a bit of warmth.

This one just said Color right! Just stunning!

This one yelled, hey...you need to make this one, it's definitely you! So I purchased. Yikes, another project that's all I need!

And then there is this one..Yup! I have had this book and wanted to make this pattern since 2003 and now it will probably be next. It's actually crocheted with the afghan stitch. This one will be made for next winter as the new grand baby will be one.

And finally...I am so excited...so thrilled...my Cannon ESO arrived. I am studying away for nice new pics to post. What else could a girl need! Some hot chocolate, right, okay off I go!

Oh but wait...all the patterns above are Vogue Patterns and they are all on sale for 2.99 every  pattern online. Happy Shopping!

Magazines and Sewing Book Giveaway!

          

Do you collect Magazines?

I have this collection of magazines around my living room. There are currently 3 rather large stacks around a little over knee high that I just can't part with, for many reasons. Images, knitting, or crochet patterns, and Holiday Magazines. And what I love about them is no matter how long they have been in those piles, every time I revisit I find something new.

I collect a lot for patterns I see and think one day I will make this or that, especially this one, I just love oversizes cozy outer wear. Doesn't that just warm? It's what I love about living in the East the ability to experience the change of seasons, not only for the comfy clothing, but, to watch nature continue to surprise us over and over, day after day, year after year, is a gift to us. Maybe we don't like some of the days she brings, yet, one has to admit she gives us something to look forward too. 

                                                                    

 

Like trying something different a pattern that really doesn't say me, but still, I would like to learn and try wearing something different. I am not a trend follower, I am one of the innovators, I like to live outside the box, experience new things, express exactly who I am, and trying different things lets me do just that. I live in the moment I want to express myself in this life, not what some designer, or marketing add says I should be or wear. How can we know who we really are if following trends it what we do? In fact, one of my goals with my blog is to let everyone know that no matter how you look, or what you choose to wear, it's a real expression of you. To be extremely proud of whoever you are in this world no matter what you choose. And I say let them stare when they see the unusual because the unusual changes things, the world and more....

                                                         

 

At the end of the day, when that door closes, you live with yourself not society. Not to say you can't pick clothing you see in adds that suit you, but that you don't have to totally amerce yourself in trends. Find you, and that's where happiness lives. Like for me this pattern, this kind of item, is not me, but again I would like to try it, maybe change it up a bit. Trying things leads to finding out more about yourself and I love that...growing through trying and learning is something I adore!

                                                                          

It means at any age even when the kids are grown and gone I still have desires and goals. Okay, shut up....LOL...I just said that out loud, after all doesn't the title say magazines. Okay, Okay, I'm back on the train...One of my favorite magazines is Period Living, God Bless, Europe, for giving the world an in site into how others live. I am always curious about other cultures are you? I find it intriguing, fascinating, how we all are talented in so many different ways. The awesome ideas, the coziness of there living, and there cultural celebrations. I just want too dive into the entire world. I want to know how you live whether it's rich, middle class, poor and in deep poverty, I want to experience it all no matter where you live in this world. Without it, how do we know anyone? There is one question I would really like someone out there to answer, a question, truly from there creative soul.
 In Europe they tend to live with bright colors, crocheted homemade things in pastels like Little Woollies, Attic 24, Cherry Heart. How and were did this beautiful colorful designs begin, what's it's origin that brought them to live so passionately, often simple, brightly alive, creative, especially in crocheting? I ask, as much of what I have seen, on shows like Dowton Abby and other films like Bridget Jones Diary, Jane Ere, Little Women, where none of that seem to exist.
 I want to learn....and with all that said...whee that was a lot! On to the end of the post title...

                                                                 

 

The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Young's, (published in 2009) it's been with me awhile, and is in excellent condition, never used. I bought it thinking okay I'll make purses, woman like them, right. Well, that's not me, I am not a female who collects purses and since I don't I am not being truly honest within myself. I can't create something that is not a passion, and that's what I mean about living your true life, your way.

I will leave this post up until Monday November, 4th unless there are no comments or interest in this book. It contains beautiful purses, and other carrier patterns to sew. It truly is a beautiful book. I will close the giveaway on Monday at Midnight EST. Then I will use a number generator to pick the winner. It will ship once I contact the winner to get your mailing information. So please leave a link so I can contact you.

 

Thank you all again for stopping by, I am truly appreciative that you are interested in my world.

Keep those hands moving, and no matter how your handmade creative item turns out, keep in mind it came from you, and that's all that matters.

Brain derailed again.....LOL..I forgot to let you know about this link, if you haven't seen it, do so,    it's a beautifully wedding ad. Really!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/india-second-marriage-ad_n_4181192.html?1383239302&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D399561

 

 

Relax Knit and Crochet this...

Okay so I'm late again posting what can I say, I am an artist which means I am spontaneous and loving it! Because it's Me! Now before I get to the knitting part I have to ask....

Am I really seeing this below...An Olsen Twin wearing a Granny Square Scarf?

Please tell me yes!

Then I found this dress on Pintrest, and I though wait is this see through...it can't be, well of course it couldn't be not with the holes it appears to be lined with a nude color. I really like the dress but when I was young you couldn't get anyone to wear this....I don't remember seeing anyone going to school in anything made of yarn. Kinda sad isn't it...I just remember my mother and grandmother making a lot of those dolls that turn upside down.

 

 

But this blanket off Pinterest just captured my attention. I love the color combination, simply gorgeous, it's by Coco Rose Diaries I am in love the border it's awesome and came from here.

I must try this one, oh one more project with a million already started...well not quite a million but it sure seems like it.

So here I am..the hooded cape I was working on went out the door. Yup, I didn't like how big it was towards the end and because it was wool there were so many pieces parts stuck within threads, I just put it away with all the other to do projects. I am going to make one only not with the Thick and Quick Yarn. I only used it because I couldn't find another use for it. Warm blooded gal here!

 

 

So now the question remains...I started this right when I did the hooded cape and swore I would finish the cape. Oh, I really tried right down to just the hood when I put it on looked in the mirror I was like I just knitted a tent. Why I didn't try it on as I crocheted who knows I only know it's too late now. And that leaves me with this knitting project of a log cabin very soft thin yarn blanket. I love the weight and all yet I am not sure whether to continue. It's my first log cabin and it seems lately I just want to knit mind numbing things. Simple things, that don't require much thought. It's hot here the garden is barely producing this season so I'm in the house a lot especially when it's 105 degree's, and the humidity is awful!

Although I love the garter stitch the flexibility, the color, and another secret... I have to tell you of a problem I have had from day one...after learning to knit anything. I have never knitted anything with out a mistake or two, I kid you not it's there, not that the person who doesn't knit would notice, yet it bugs the crap out of me that I know it's there...so I ask myself should I rip it all out, forget the log cabin for now, and just garter stitch a nice light weight blanket of different colors, summer colors added to the brown? Or continue on with the log cabin anyway...I am not sure...please tell me, I need help, what do you think?