WEEK 13

 

Hello again!  Glad to have you stopping by for a little visit.  This past week was so good.  So much is going on but, I have managed to find time to read, knit and interact with family and friends.

First up are projects I am currently working on.

I started another Fall Breeze Shawl.  This one is being made much narrower than the first one I did.  It is such a lovely knit.  However, I have learned I need to really keep track of what row I am on in while doing the design.  Seems I tinked back at least once per 12 row of the pattern stitch.  At the moment, I am working on the stockinette section which is so relaxing and perfect for TV watching or talking with family and friends. It is also small enough to take out and about with me.

Last night, I was feeling frustrated so started this.............

Another pair of RCR socks.  The dark colorway is called Vengence and is a 80% SW BFL/20% Nylon.  I received this skein in 2023 from Leading Men Fiber in a mystery sale.  The other skein is called Pink Lemonade and is 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon.  Not sure when I got that one but it has been sitting for well over a year or 2 also.  I am ready to do the heel and should have that completed yet today.

I know y'all are wondering why I am frustrated so I will tell you.  There is a pattern I found and fell in love with.  I normally do not make clothing for myself as the finished product seldom meets my expectations.  (My last 2 sweaters are smoldering on a shelf somewhere) But, this pattern I found has all the elements I love in clothing.  I purchased the recommended yarn for the project and started knitting.  After making a huge error in the number of cast on stitches, I started again, after knitting for about 3 inches.  Then, I noticed I was not counting correctly and my stitch count was way off after knitting it again for another 3 inches.  Third time is the charm, right?  After knitting for a while I went to measure it and see how it was going I found my gauge was WAY off!  I frogged it the third time and went up 2 needle sizes and started again.  Nope, I did not like the looks of the fabric.  Way too loose and sloppy.  Frogged it again and decided maybe doing a swatch would be a good idea.( I really dislike swatching)  I went back and swatched with the suggested needle size..............too small, went up one needle size and started another swatch but have not completed that yet.  I was so frustrated, I put it out of sight and started the RCR socks.  I have emailed the designer and am waiting for a reply.  Here is a photo of the yarn purchased to make TWO of these sweaters.

It is a DK weight 60% Bamboo/ 40% Cotton blend and so soft and light.  It will be perfect for our spring/fall/winters here.  If any of you have any suggestions on what to do, let me know in the comments PLEASE!!!!!!!!  I have considered making a larger size to accommodate for the gauge difference.  That thought is still on the table once I finish the swatch with the size 7 needles. 

Other things I did this past week was start a book only to dump it after the first 3 chapters did not capture me.  So I started another one and loved it and finished it in 2 days!  (Indigo Isle was awesome).  I currently have another one on my Kindle and have just gotten to chapter 4.  It is kind of holding my attention but I am trying to figure out what the purpose of the book is.  So, may not continue with it much longer.

All the prayer shawls I had completed in the past few months were finally given to the Ministry at Church this weekend.  I had to sew on labels and medals before I could donate them.  Sewing labels on knitted/crocheted items is not an easy task!  There were a total of 5 shawls/lap throws donated.

My DIL, Stacie, is in the final stretch of getting her home cleaned out so she can go on her journey.  I spent some time over there getting things out of her house and into mine that are keepsakes for Josie.  (Josie and Josh live in a tiny apartment and have no storage!)  I will go back over once more to collect the last few items before she leaves on Tuesday.  

There was another party this week!  This time it was a going away party for Stacie.  There were about 40 of us gathered to wish her well on her new adventures.  I am officially retiring as party planner for a while.  Being chair and co-chair of party planning for the past few months has been exhausting!  Now, just being a retired old lady sounds quite appealing.

Our weather has become quite bearable!  Mornings are in the 70's and the days are in the  high 90's with a 100 slipping in now and then.  But it is so much better than the 115F we had this year.  My flowered plants in my front yard all have blooms on them since the weather has cooled down.  We did need to have 3 of them replaced this past week.  Not sure why 3 died and the other 3 have thrived.  Our Red Push Pistachio trees are starting to show signs of fall too.  The leaves are starting to turn to red.  Hopefully we will have a cold enough winter so the leaves can fall off the trees.  Last year they never shed.  

I do have a funny for you today too...................

I sent this to my son, Jay, and he said "I have because it goes in a bloody mary".  Smart boy, that one is.

Until Next Time.............................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEK 12

 

This was another short update.  The only item I worked on was the Fall Breeze Shawl.  Happily, I finished it.

It was an easy knit.  So glad I had the white yarn to help make it a longer shawl.  Otherwise, it would have been really short.  Plus, the white helped to break up the busyness of the other yarn.

Because it was so easy to do..........................

I started another one.  This one is 18 stitches narrower.  I like the depth of this better.  It is being made out of Caron Simply Soft in Charcoal and red.  

That, my friends is all I did this week in crafting.  In other news...................

I got to spend some time with this boy again.  Thor is doing so well.  He has gained weight and has really settled into his new enviornment.

Most of the week was spent spending time out of the house.  We did have Josh's gathering on Monday evening.  It turned out so well and everyone was glad we did it.  Tuesday, we had lunch with good friends and were regaled with tales of the man's trip to Sturgis for motorcycle week.  Wednesday our landscapers came and tidied up our yard.  Since the we are out of then110F, the plants are really growing and blooming.  We did loose 3 plants this year and will be replacing them next week.  Thursday was Marsha day.  I got my nails done and haircut.  The haircut is a bit shorter than I like but it will grow.  Friday was grocery, bank, and water day.  Saturday was Thor sitting and Mass.  Today was Thor sitting and then making dinner for our son and his wife.  

A busy week.  Thankfully, we are done with our extreme heat.  In fact, the mornings are now in the high 70's and the hottest part of the day only 101F!.  Trust me, this is a blessing.

Next week is going to be a little sad.  Stacie (Josie's mom) has sold her house and is getting ready to take off and travel for the next year.  We are having a going away party for her on Friday and so far we have 40 people coming. I am going to miss her.  She was my bingo buddy and always up to going out and about.

Here is your chuckle for the week.

Until Next Time....................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEK 11

 

Hi there!  Is it just me, or did the past week whizzzzzzzz by?

I am still working on the Fall Breeze Shawl.

There was quite a bit of progress made on it.  Hopefully it will get completed this coming week.

It is getting quit long.  If I decided to make another one, I am going to make it a bit narrower. This means I will need to do some math!  YIKES!

And that, my friends, is all I did for crafting.  I have done quite a bit of reading and you can find my reading list on my YOP 2026 - 2027  at the top of the page.  On Moonberry Lake was my favorite this past week.  

Tomorrow marks the last 'first' since our son Josh passed away.  It is the anniversary of his passing.  We are having a small gathering of family and friends to tell stories and share memories of his life.

And, to end on a happier note...........here is your chuckle for this week.

Until Next Time...................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEK 10

 

Actually, there was nothing 'done' this week.  There was progress on a new project that I am excited about.

FALL BREEZE SHAWL

I was going to make another To The Point shawl with this yarn but decided I did not like the way the colors were hiding the pattern.  I found this pattern and fell in love with it.  I am almost halfway through it.  The yarn is a discontinued yarn from Hobby Lobby.  It was part of the yarn hall my DIL's mom gave to me.  I did need to pick up some white ILTY to work the middle part of the shawl though.  It is such an easy knit and I can watch TV while working on it.  It is the only thing I worked on this week.

While at HL picking up white yarn I just happened to spy this.................

Seems I am really into bright and cheery colors right now.  These will become another prayer shawl.  Not sure what pattern yet.  I have time to think about it though. 

But wait, there's more

Aren't these just the cutest?  They are needle point protectors.  Well, the mushrooms are.  The hole in the gnomes is really big.  I would need to use a US size 15 to fit the gnomes.  Although, my US size I and J crochet hook fits into them quite nicely. Another HL find.  I need to be so careful in that store.

This past week was so pleasant. It left me quite a bit of knitting time each evening.  I spent one day with Josie taking her to run errands. (Her car battery died....It's since been fixed)  We had a lovely luncheon date with our youngest son and his wife on Wednesday.  Hubby and I took Friday and did all our errands and grocery shopping. 

Josie and I did go to her mom's house to pick up a few things.  Stacie has sold the house and needs to have it 100% cleaned out by the end of this month.  She had quite a few things from my mom and I now have them.  One of the things she had was my mom's Longaberger baskets.  Josie loved it and took it home not knowing what she was going to do with it.

 Seems Meatloaf has found a use for it.  Silly Cat!

Today is laundry day and working in the kitchen.  I am going to make more Bourbon Vanilla.  After making vodka, rum and bourbon vanilla the first of the year, we have decided the bourbon vanilla gives the best flavor to things.  I also need to pull out my sourdough and give it a couple of feeds so I can make scones again.  There might be a cake mix asking to be made into cupcakes too.  I can tell I am begging for fall.  Baking all the things is calling to me.

Here is your chuckle for the week.........................

Until Next Time......................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!

9TH WEEK OF FINISHES

 

What a wonderful week it was!  Things actually got done. Let's start by looking at what happened in the crafting world.

TA-DA!

I finished the second 'replacement' sock.  I was happy to see I was able to get the stripes matching up.  Hubby so loves his socks.  He wears socks everyday.  Even in the summer time.

NEW TA-DA

Hubby and I went to a Sip n Paint night.  Neither of us are talented in drawing or painting.  So, if you can tell this is a painting of 5 chili peppers, than the instructor did a good job of showing us how to paint.  No, this is not going to be a new craft I am going to take up.  But it was a fun date night for this old married couple.

BEST TA-DA

The lap throw is completed!  This had been on my needles since November of 2025!  Pardon the photo but it was 5:30 AM when I took it so not much light.  I will never make another one of this pattern.  It was not quick and I lost count so many time.  It is going to the prayer shawl ministry at my parish this coming week.

ACQUISITIONS    

My DIL's mom brought in a bag of yarn she did not like.  She does not like working with worsted weight yarn.  I am not so fussy and will work with just about any weight yarn.

I have been so good at not buying yarn for almost a year and was excited that some of my stash was starting to dwindle.  Well, guess I need to add all this to my stash and figure out what I am going to do with it.

NEW ITEM

Actually, I have decided what to do with 4 of the skeins from the above photo.

These are destined to become a To The Point Shawl.  The color reminds me of rainbow sherbet.  The shawl is being started today after I finish blogging.

ANOTHER FINISH

Today was the last day for kitty sitting for Josie and Josh.  They return from their honeymoon this evening.  I am sure their fur babies will be happy to have them home again.  I went over everyday and spent at least an hour with the babies and gave them love and treats!  Yes, I am the good cat sitter.  I did enjoy this assignment.  I kind of miss having an pet around to love on.  The cat in the bottom photo is super friendly and very loving.  He never left my side the whole time I was there.  The other cat is very aloof and could care less if there is a human around.

READING TA-DA

I finished two books this week.  They are listed on my YOP list.  The last one made me cry and that is not easy to do.  Now, I am on the hunt to find another book for my kindle.  

Amazing what gets done when a person does not have a week filled with commitments.  Next week is just about as empty so I hope to get more things accomplished.

ANOTHER PHOTO

I found another photo of the newlyweds.  It is a much better one than the ones I put up last week.

I am sure I will be posting more as we get more from other people and the photographer.

HUBBY TA-DAs

Hubby always asks me what I need him to do for me each day.  We had a good chuckle today as I told him today was brought to him by the letter "S".

1. Saplings cut off tree

2. Salt added to softener

3. Spray weeds

4. South security camera batteries changed

5. South Point Casino for March bingo tourney

And with that, I will leave you with this little goodie.

Until Next Time.................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEK 8

 

Posting today almost did not happen.  More on that later.

Here is what I did this week on the crafting front.

I finished the 'replacement' sock Tuesday (18th).  

Started the second 'replacement' sock on the Wednesday and that was the last day I touched any of my projects.  This means, I have not picked up any of my WIP's in 4 days!  Unheard of, right?

Well, Monday, I had to go and get my nails all prettied up.  Tuesday, I went and had my hair trimmed up.  Good thing I went too.  Found out my hair dresser is moving locations in a week!  Luckily, it is still in the area so I will be able to still go to her.

Wednesday we went to pick up hubby's suit for the wedding.  The suit coat and shirt did not fit!  They ordered another size and told us to come back the next day.  After we left there we went to lunch with Josie and her other grandparents.  We enjoyed having a little private time with the bride to be.

Went back Thursday to get the suit coat and it was still not a great fit.  They wanted to order another one and have us come back on Friday but I kind of threw a little hissy fit and informed them our Friday was totally booked and they just needed to figure it out.  BAM!  They found another coat that fit much better and were able to hem the sleeves while we waited!  Amazing!  We went to lunch with our friends from Las Vegas and spent the day with them ending it with a lovely dinner at our mom and pop Italian restaurant.

Friday was rehearsal day and open house for out of towners.  That lasted all morning into late afternoon.  Then our niece and her family (from Las Vegas) came over to our house for dinner.  My niece helped me get the wedding dress back into the dress bag.  She also helped me get things together that we needed to take to the wedding venue.

Saturday I ended up at Total Wine getting NA Guinness for a couple of the gentlemen that were attending the wedding.  We got to the venue at 4:30 and spent the next 2 hours helping everyone get dressed.  We had an issue getting Josie's dress fastened!  It was so hot in the room they were getting dressed in.  It was like her body swelled up in the dress.  After several tries, we were finally able to get it all snapped, zipped and tied up.  We were at the venue until around 10:30.  By the time we got home and got everything put away is was midnight.

Today, we got up around 7 and went to 9am Mass followed by going out to breakfast with other wedding party goers.  The rest of the day is being spent doing absolutely nothing!  I start taking care of Josie's cats tomorrow until they come home next Sunday.

I do have a couple of photos from the Grand Event!

The grand entrance after being officially married.

Their first dance as husband and wife.

That's my and my hubby of almost 51 years.  Tired but very happy.  We really like the young man she married and they are just so darn cute together.  He is happy to have new grandparents close to home too.

That covers my week.  I hope yours was productive.

Until Next Time............Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!

Week 7

 

Hello friends!  I am so happy to have y'all stopping by.  I have a finish for the week!

The replacement brown striped sock is completed and has already been worn!  Hubby is truly knit worthy.

I then picked up the lap throw and worked on it for several evenings.

*sigh* will this ever be completed?  I keep checking on the yarn cake and it never seems to get any smaller.  The person who gave me this pattern is coming to town this week.  I may just hand it to her and tell her to have at it and let her work on it for a bit.  She told me this was a quick and easy pattern to do.  IN WHOSE BOOK?  Not mine.

To break up the monotony of brown, I picked up hobby's replacement blue RCR.

Only 75 more rows before the toe LOL.  I really should not call this a replacement sock since I will need to make another one as soon as this one comes off my needles.  The mate to this replacement is darn near worn through on the heel so I am going to get ahead of the game and make a second one ASAP.

And that, my friends, is the sum total of my crafting this week.

We are now down to less than a week before the wedding day!  This coming Saturday (22nd) is the big day.  Josie had her bachelorette party last night so she is now in bride to be mode.  I do believe everything is ready to go.  Now we wait for out of town guests to arrive.  

Hubby was so sweet to me this past week.  Everything has been a bit hectic and I have been a bit of a nervous nelly.  He took me to our local casino for an afternoon of bingo and a little down time.  It was needed and much appreciated.  I felt renewed once we left and....... I had an excellent nights sleep.

Just so I have a list to refer to...........here is next weeks schedule.

Today - laundry

Monday - Nails

Tuesday - Hubby Dr Appt

                 Haircut

Wednesday - Pick up hubby's suit

Thursday - Dinner with extended family

Friday - Rehearsal and open house for out of towners

Saturday - WEDDING    

Sunday - Mass and rest 

Not sure where knitting comes in but I will find a bit of time somewhere.  I helps to keep me sane.

I do have a chuckle for you today....................

Until Next Time.........................Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!