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.

Today's Creating

There are so many things I enjoy doing both inside and outside, from knitting, crocheting, to photography and of course my girl's. This week was a tad difficult I have days where I wake in the middle of the night, sobbing, missing my other who passed in May 2017. The days are getting better in that area, yet, missing him seems to hit more at night, rightly so. I find comfort in my girl's, how I love them, a simple chicken brings me so much joy. Animals seem to do that, ya know, offer so much so easily even eggs...which is so exciting everyday, it never gets dull. I am so grateful for the girl's I added more to my flock. In the photograph from left to right, we have Ruby, Greta, Bessie, and Nosy Rosy she follows me everywhere and gets into everything. How she makes me smile.

I usually deal with the farm during the day and at night I knit or crochet. I've been knitting this sweater pattern that is truly easy should you know a bit about knitting, it is however, my first time adding the collar at the end. Okay, well yes, I did run out of yarn as I added length to the sweater, so I did have to order one more skein of Cascade 220 Superwash Sport. I did it in the color 1910 which the link will take you too. I just love Cascade Yarns and this one was so soft. Making it for my granddaughter who is 3 and being that age means, it better get done fast. I've also been out and about taking walks to relax, nature seems to have that affect on me, so soothing and inspirational. Which is why I carry my camera. Plus, I love taking photographs of the girl's. Should you be new to raising chicken's I'm your gal for questions. Learned a lot of what I know the hard way, hands on and of course the Internet, gee, what would we do without it? Give both chicken's and the sweater a go, you will enjoy them both!

Happy Crochet

Happy Easter to all, it's warm here today, a bit breezy, a beautiful day for Easter. Talking today with a friend of mine, we spoke of our childhood, and the things we had to do on Holidays. Looking nice was one of them, getting poked, hugged, and kissed by elders. All while thinking leave me alone, yet, never dare say it. Makes one wonder what has happened. 

Finally got the girl's in the coop, yet, so much more to do and thinking go girl go! Then thinking hire someone, yeah right, at these prices today me thinks me do it myself. I don't mind anyway so use to doing things, and that's okay, it keeps me young. Doing and moving is what I love, sitting still, is what I don't...oh,  not that I can't, just don't care for it. Which makes winter tough, yet, if they keep being as mild as they have been, it's all okay.

With that said, the starlings are really bombarding the feeders. There is a Blue Jay who lets me know he or she is there and yelling it seems...where is the food. Loving every minute it's squawks as if it knows me and rightly so it does from a distance. Feeding wild birds, domestic birds, chickens, and of course, my, Bella, who looks at me like what is going on...more chicks in the bath tub...the little Bantam's.

I've been crocheting a cute little sweater I've made before has been a bit difficult lately. Having so much going on and using worsted weight yarn, which I forgot, had me ripping it out a few times. Finally got it right last night...whee...note to self...pay attention to the yarn. Loving the colors though, Ocean, Pumpkin, and Robin's Egg all from Caron Simply Soft. My go to yarn on of what's available locally, it's workable, splits a bit, yet workable. On that note, just realized I haven't photographed the first one I made from the pattern. I will make sure I do that today.

Happy Easter to all.

It's Finished

Popping in on a gorgeous Saturday for a Tah Dah moment then I am off for a walk as its another awesome warm sunny day.

I have finished the entire pattern loved the way it crocheted up...was really pretty darn easy. I plan on putting together a pattern took notes as I went a long. As soon as I get them together hopefully over the weekend. I will post them for you to make one yourself. It's easy so if you're a more experienced crocheter you can play around with the pattern. This is a 12 months version.

Have a wonderfully day my friends <3

Crocheted What Update...

Popping back in to show you how the sweater I posted earlier turned out...so far...I am pleased and in honor of Valentine's Day to come...I added a vintage heart button which will also be on the hat to coordinate. I am also going to add mittens to this set.

So there we are two posts in one day...I am happy hope you are today too! 

Once completed pattern will be added for you to enjoy.

It's Been Awhile...

Good Day all....I have no project photo's to post and there is a reason for this....Earlier this month my computer hard drive passed away. Yup, it just totally stopped. Being so I lost a lot of data due to not backing it up as I kept telling myself I should...that good old instinct is really something to listen too. Normally I do, but, lately I have been very busy. Personal things, life things, gardening and more....and boy is it hot and humid during all. My computer is back with a brand spanking new hard drive and Windows 10, yippy, I say...the only thing I noticed...I am one of many who has to have her computer. Even though I had a cell phone capable of doing the same...there is nothing like a computer, especially one with a large screen. I am happy though...what would have cost me nearly a ton of money on a new computer...this one was fixed cheaply. So with all that said...I can get back to doing what I do...create and photograph. So what have I been doing....

Holding my breathe as we wait for my grandson, Henry, who just turned one...to have his kidney surgery...as we pray. Trying to find a new place to live...want more room and gardening which has been a task since we have had very little rain all summer. Visiting my children and grandchildren and realizing with age also comes death...many around me have passed away...those who are now in there 70's and 80's are now gone. It's the sad part of aging and I understand it all now...something I didn't understand as I was growing up..."WE ALL WISH WE WERE OLDER IN YOUTH AND YOUNGER IN OLD AGE...ironic isn't it.

So the sweater above is one I want to try it's free and looks like it will be awesome to knit. Enjoy this pattern and your day and especially your life...it goes by so quickly. God Bless all.

Harvest Sweater on The Needles

 Whee! today it's very cool and damp....making for the sinuses to ask what is going on right? One day warm next day, well I think everyone understands. I am enjoying it despite the lows and highs, much like life...I've been knitting away and just as happy as can be hearing the bamboo needles click as I get a steady groove. I so love circular needles!

This is a seamless top down sweater from Tin Can Knits (Harvest Cardigan, it's free) and I love the fact it's available to knit in any size, really, any size. This is a 4T it knits right up to I believe a 4XL, oh well, take a peek I know it's amazing, so easy to knit. I am one for seamless patterns especially when it comes to knitting. Bring it on I say....

The pattern calls for a worsted/aran weight yarn, I used some old stash I had which was Lion Brand Wool Ease in Rose Heather. Wool Ease yarn is 80% acrylic 20% wool it's not too bad, however, I prefer Paton's unless I am working something for the grand children, then wool ease is fine. This is for Emma, my grand daughter who is 2, and for next fall. I didn't add any button holes, the pattern doesn't call for any, yet it tells one can add a button hole in the center. Tonight I will finish it then block...always do it really makes a difference in the stitching and sizing. I use to think blocking do I really have to it seems like so much to do after knitting...but...I've come to enjoy it especially after the end results. The actual color of the sweater is the first photograph.

And yes, Cascade yarns what can I say but, dreamy, I love it! This is Cascade 220 superwash which is wonderful for children...it's washable not to mention I love the stitch definition and the way it feels. This is to be another coat for Emma next fall...I think I should start knitting for Cami who is another of my grand daughters who is also 2.  I will be a busy grandma knitting away. 

Crocheted Bolero

I am posting a bit late tonight I've been pretty busy lately trying to get Emma's blanket done which I fear may not make it in time. I have really been enjoying my knitting adventure, find myself straying away from crocheting. I've been cleaning for spring taking things out and packing them away, things that needed put in there place awhile ago. Time seems to fly by and one finds things still waiting to be addressed. I made this oh gosh maybe three, four years ago and finally stumbled across the book where I got the pattern. I can not tell you how many patterns I have waiting to be started it's like collecting coins, or a special set of trinkets. They just keep piling up. This little sweater wasn't really made for anyone in particular, but, with grand daughters now it just might find a home. I found the pattern in a Bernat booklet softee baby 530186. It's really easy and the colors I just love, although I haven't crocheted the flowers yet. It ranges from 6 months to 24 months this one I did in 24 months. I will set up a PDF of this later tonight hopefully have it up tomorrow if you want to give it a go.

Knitted Baby/Toddler Free Sweater Pattern

Popping in on a Sunday night to give you a Baby/Toddler FREE Sweater pattern I found years ago and in fact is my next project, after I finish my blanket. Hop on over to f.pea where you will find the directions and size changes for this adorable sweater. I love the way a new color is added to give the sweater a bit of a rustic feel. So adorable...Enjoy!

Colorful Crochet...

Hello All! 

Below is.......

A colorful crocheted sweater and bright buttons too....

A lovely fold down collar...

a baby hanger too small for a this toddler sweater....

So lay it on the sheepskin rug...oh how I love that rug! Oh and I must add the sweater!

A project finished a couple years ago, I found hanging in my closet as the cleaning goes...

A tired kitty.....who's found her favorite new chair, on top another sheepskin rug she's taken good care... She sleeps next to my legs at night when the lights go out!

On these gloomy days that turns whites to gray...and Christmas is all but one week away.

The sweater was crocheted using Caron Simply Soft yarns is a size two, a pattern from, I do believe, a Brenat Booklet. It's not the best yarn for stability in keeping a garment in shape, but at the time it's all I had in my stash. A majority of my yarn is purchased online these days at Webs. Our yarn shops do not have much available outside of Red Heart, Vanna White's, Bernat, Patons, which is the best of all the yarns. I have grown particular about my yarn choices this year since I've been knitting and learning about better quality yarns.

And with all that said.....blessings to all my readers....keep the needles warm and the crochet hook moving!

Knitting and Everything Else!!

Today was a bit nice, not terribly sunny, but in all we were in the 40ties, a very nice day for a walk to the store. I take advantage of days like these because we all know the snow is coming.

Target is close and that's were I usually travel for just a few grocery things. Although Target is a nice store, it's a bit pricey, for the things they offer, yet it does get me out of the apartment, walking is important as is socializing. Talking to a cat all day is truly a one sided conversation.

After arriving home, I decided to do something I wanted to do months ago. Let's just say it was bought months ago...now everyone thinks you have to buy the same color of paint in a high gloss, to get a tone on tone texture. Not true...here is a a soft white wall with a flat finish done in a simple stencil. For a mere 1.89 the price of a Pearl gloss small bottle of acrylic paint from the craft store. You can achieve the same look, so much cheaper. I've also done this with a bottle of clear gloss. There...one more thing I wanted to do is out of the way...

And so is this little sweater... patterned after the owl sweater, only this time done in Dk weight yarn instead of worsted. I really meant to do the owl sweater in Dk but I was so excited to get started, I just picked up the yarn and knitted away. 

I haven't added the button yet, out of all the buttons this girl has there was not one set of navy blue or white. Currently I'm knitting the hat and will add mitts...with a little bit of either navy blue or white intertwined. I am leaning toward navy blue.

I didn't add the owl's this time I wanted it to be a more traditional button down sweater, especially in colors that are hard to find for a new baby. 

I'm really pleased with this sweater compared to the original again done in worsted weight yarn and the Bernat Softee was so much better to knit. I just ordered Bernat Comfort Dk in two colors for the new baby due in April. The plan for the new yarn a sweater with a bit of design at the bottom and maybe around the bottom of the sleeves, with a matching hat and newborn blankie. A bit more girly, after all the baby is a girl. 

So in the end I'm still deciding on whether to leave blogger and move to Typepad after all it's not free. I've done a lot of research this weekend and learned that Typepad does drive more traffic to a blog, then all the others. To pay for a blog one must have very good content from what they say...I guess it's all in what one is looking to do, right.

Thanks for visiting...have a wonderful rest of this Sunday. Blessings to all!

A Bit of What's Up....

A bit of what's up in my week so far.....

Hello all...how's your day? It's nearly Thanksgiving and I know a lot of you are running around not only shopping for Thanksgiving, but Christmas too. I have mixed feelings this time of year, although I delight in the Season, love the decor, I can't help but think of all those in need. So today I called the Fire Department to see what I could do, anything is better than nothing. I ended up speaking to an employee who's wife had left him this time last year. Within minutes we were talking about how bad this year has been for him. It's amazing how just picking up the phone to help and you meet someone who needs help themselves. I look at people that I pass this time of year and can't help but wonder if they are really okay. This is the time of year to help and offer hope to those who have lost it. Hope is the key, without it nothing matters, we all have to have hope to survive. Without hope, there are no dreams for tomorrow, and faith that things will change is gone. Hope is the thing that gives you wings to believe you can do anything, it tells a person that there is a tomorrow, it puts a light on dreams that have been put out. I know from my own experience of being homeless myself. You may look at these people and say, "oh come on, why aren't they helping themselves. A four little word HOPE when gone keeps a person frozen in time. When frozen by the a devastating situation, we tend to do nothing, we don't know where to go, or for that what to do, that is when hope is gone. There has to be a reason for life, there has to be dreams, people need to know they matter, and that's so important especially this time of year. It's partly why I blog...it's nice to know people visit, read, and by them helping me just by visiting, I hope in return I am helping someone myself.

For me it use to be tough during the Holidays, as I have mentioned I am a germaphobic and now an empty nester, it's not always roses living alone. It takes work to motivate and thank goodness being creative does that for me. Being a germaphobic the less people I can be around in the winter months with all the germs the better I am. My children understand this they call me on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and they chuckle now as they have grown, because they know I am okay. They know they can visit as long as everyone is healthy, they understand that's me. I am grateful that they do. We do get together, they come to my home, if they are ill they call and say they can't make it, but they call, and that's important to me.Just speaking to them means a lot to me. So on my Thanksgiving I will open a box of Stove Top Stuffing, cook a small chicken breast, cranberries, and enjoy my day. I do see the grand babies, of course if they are healthy, and I am grateful as they too understand grandma. We all have problems, no one is without there own issues in this life and that's okay. It's okay to have them, it's okay to talk about them, it's okay even if it makes you different. It's what we do with it... when we know of someones troubles.

There was a day when my son and I (last year) were leaving Walmart, a man was standing holding a sign, please help, my family needs to eat. My son immediately knew what I was going to do, so he stopped. There was a time when he questioned me, he said mom, "how do you know they are really in need?" I replied, " I don't, but this is a test of my humility, my faith, if I pass them by, it says, I don't care. If I stop and give what I can it says I believe, even thought it's a chance I am taking as it could be a scammer. It says, I believe in people and that's all that matters to me. I hope I am a part of the Hope that gives people less fortunate the wings to begin to fly, its part of who I have become through my own life lessons, and I am so very grateful and blessed by those trials in my life. The best feeling in the world is helping others and I wouldn't change that feeling for anything.

So I am currently blocking the blanket to the owl sweater, and have started another sweater working it my own way as I go. This time I am using sport weight yarn by Bernat, it's baby softee. Not a bad yarn and much better than Caron Simply Soft. My cat, Bella, entertains me on top of the chair I bought from Goodwill in the summer, by chasing her tail. If you remember I striped the chair down a bit, said I would leave it sit until it hits me as to how I wanted to finish it. I have ordered what I need and will transform it soon. I have so many blasted ideas rolling around in this gal's head for knitting, recycling and so much more it's hard to keep up. And I am thankful I do. I am going to try this winter to get more of them completed and post them. I am soon to be adding to my shop page, linen pillow covers with quotes, phrases. I will post when they are available. In the meantime....

Have a wonderful week, be safe as you make your way shopping. Blessings to all. Again thank you for visiting, it means a lot.

Knitted Sweater with A Bizarre Story

Well it seems as though winter is arriving and coming in harder than last year. Despite the fact that I think we are all in for a bizarre winter, knitting is on my agenda.

Which calls for sweaters, right! My baby owl sweater is still on the block, although I am pleased that it's finished, and indeed was fun and easy to knit, there are a few things I would change. First of all if the pattern calls for sport weight don't use worsted. I knew the darn thing call for sport weight yet my brain kept saying worsted. Needless to say, its more of a 3 to 6 month sweater instead of a newborn. I'm not thrilled with the neckline, but, the rest is fine. As with most things the first one is the one were I learn everything and make many mistakes. Happily in this one there is only one very small mistake. I used Carson Simply Soft and love the way it makes blankets, but, am not pleased with the way this yarn is with this particular pattern. I have used quality yarns and it truly does make a difference especially in stitch quality. Oh, and I love The Crochet Dude blocks...they are like puzzles can be made large or small depending on your blocking project. I purchased mine on EBay. They are so easy to store especially when you live in a small space.

I tried to zoom in a bit closer, actually this girl needs to treat herself to a really nice camera. Currently I've been working with a Kodak Easy Share Z712 1S it's done the job since purchased 5 years ago, but, I think it's time to treat myself after all I do love photography. Although one would never know by looking at my photographs..it's really not me it's the camera..yeah right, okay, who you  kidding. Indeed a quality camera does help. Oh and back to the zoom in part...I wanted to show you the little owl's on each side of the sweater. Again the quality of the yarn makes a huge difference. I'm going to make another which will go much quicker, of course, in a Sport Weight. Now for the story....

Bizarre and Very True

 I think my mind is still a bit off track, especially after this bizarre thing that happened to me which had me stunned and laughing at the same time.

Okay so in spring girl walks to food store, while crossing street after girl looks both ways, car quite a distance away decides to speed up nearly hitting girl. So girl knows the driver long story, involves care of handicap children, so girl decides to follow her for the last time and finally confront her. Let's just say don't try running this girl off road. So girl goes into Menard's to find dreaded woman to which girl does, needless to say words were minced, and 5'7" girl looking down at 5'3" her, finally settled the whole thing. Now girl is really running on adrenalin, so she decides to calm down by browsing around. In her purse was a bag with a diet Pepsi that spilled over and through a hole in bag all inside purse. So she ask cashier for a Menard's bag and was told, you can only have one, if you purchasing something. Okay brain derailed and girl said, you've got to be kidding. So girl decides to go to garden center just to browse around nature, is very calming. What to her wondering eyes should appear, a checkout counter and many Menard's bags appear. So she looks up at the camera in her adrenalin rush, a bird flies up, and she says, I"m taking a Menard's bag.

Well weeks later police show up at girl's door. Believe it or not with a warrant for theft of a Menard's bag. The officer finding it so funny, let's girl just sign warrant, and leaves. Sorry I am still LOL! Needless to say very true story...girl ends up in court. Now girl is well educated in law and knows plea bargaining is what the court counts on, it's how they make there money. Girl leaves the store, 3 employees corner her and ask, where did you get the Menard's Bag. Well of course the answer was inside in the garden department. They ask to view inside bag, girl opens bag, inside is another bag with the spilled pop to which she opens, along with wet wipes girl carries every where.  Finally, today was the pretrial before court trial with jury, and girl telling attorney listen no deals, no plea bargaining, it was a Menard's bag to which they clearly viewed inside. So girl request video footage of employees looking through bag in parking lot.
So video was viewed, showed employees with girl letting them search bag and purse, and  showing girl placing other bag with pop leaking, dripping and placing it inside the Menard's bag. That was my day, 4 hours of waiting in court today, talking to tons of people, more waiting, and hearing many stories. In the 4 hours girl was there, she was the last to be addressed, with the Judge apologizing for girls long wait saying you've been here quite awhile. Girl responds, yes, I should have packed lunch. Okay, right, whatever! Needless to say the obvious happened....girl gets told charges are dropped, go ahead, you can go, run home....enjoy your holiday. Girl walks out totally stunned by it all and laughing all the way home. And that's what our tax dollars pay for, a 2 cent Menard's bag taken from a store. Oh help please... as girl is still LOL! What has this world come too!

Knitting and a Found Fox...

 Hey all, hope you're having a good weekend!

 

 

The last couple days I've been knitting away. I started a little sweater for the new grand baby the one with the little owls from here. It's rather easy and I really enjoy working with the small needles. I prefer 2 to 5 in knitting needles, they seem to be the best fit for me. I find larger ones to be a bit annoying, even though the project goes quicker, they just seem to me, like walking in extra large shoes on my feet. Kinda clumsy!

 

 

The weather is really warm today more so than it should be, in fact, you can see in the upper right corner of the photograph the sun is shining. And although it's warm, I have no desire to be outside. It just feels like autumn with winter around the corner..not to mention the wind is wiping away nearly 50 miles an hour. The windows are rattling which is rather soothing...especially at night... I have to say I love it! The little receiving blanket from here is finished waiting to be blocked. I used some yarn I had in my stash Caron Simply Soft in cream, although it looks more like a very light pale yellow. I really like the softness of the yarn, but not the way it knits. Yarn that splits a lot doesn't appeal to me and says it's really not the best quality, it's the softness that makes baby projects nice. And no matter what yarn I work with there is one problem I just can't seem to quit...nearly every project I knit contains a little mistake somewhere. As hard as I try it just happens...are you the same way? I mean, it's okay for me. Those who don't knit really wouldn't notice, besides if I had to rip it apart it would be so sad, as I put so much time into the darn thing. Kinda like the guy below...

 

 

If he spent his entire time trying to get into a chicken coup only to find the chickens gone. Believe me it would be nice that it's empty, because I love all animals, and hate to see them hurt. I found this little guy at Target in the Christmas section. He was the last one although plastic he looks like a rock and appears as though someone took a black sharpie and drew away. Isn't he just toooo cute! I have this thing with anything fox lately. I don't know why, nor can I explain it. Oh here we go again, the TV is on and this darn commercial makes me shake my head in aw....it's a neutrogena commerical, the girl says, are you growing old waiting for your wrinkle cream to work. LOL! I always respond heck no I'm just growing old...it's just sounds so redundit. I can't stop LMAO! help. I don't use the stuff wouldn't anyway I've earned all my wrinkles.

 

Okay, since I'm already laughing I end with this...

A very rich man decided to throw a party, inviting everyone in town. The morning before the party the man filled his pool with sharks and alligators. When the quest arrived he told them if anyone could swim across the pool and come out alive, he would grant them anything they wanted, anything...out of no where they all heard a splash... swimming across the pool a young man is dodging sharks, darts quickly under the alligators weaving and swimming as fast as he could to get to the end...he climbs out of the pool bends to take a deep breathe. The millionaire walks over says, "wow dude that was awesome, I didn't think anyone would actually try, now what would you like...anything is yours." The young man stands up looks at the millionaire and says, "all I want... is for you to find out who pushed me into the pool."

 

Thanks again for stopping by... it truly means a lot that you take to out of your day to visit.