Ironic Doggie Project

Ok..... so first off, I haven't died or run away. I've just been around, but not blogging. I have been doing lots of crafty stuff though. I don't have lots of pics but more to come tomorrow. Anyways, you're probably wondering what the Ironic Doggie Project is all about right??? Well, just this afternoon we (DB and I) were laughing at our dog Macallan, about how cute and funny he is - not to mention spoiled. Anyways, when he is lounging, which is most of the time, he lies on the couch with his head right on the cushion - just like a person. I said we should get him his own pillow. He already has a big, huge doggie pillow bed, but as he thinks he's human too, he gets the couch for his lounging time. We actually have to either sit somewhere else, or kick him off. It's really quite funny. So, later today on my travels through Wal-Mart I found the cutest doggie print fabric, and what made it better it was dirt cheap. Light bulb went off in my brain - this would make the best couch sized pillow, what was great was I didn't even have to buy a pillow. I just covered an ugly one I was hiding (you know..... the ones that go with the hand-me-down couch that your Grandmother gave you and you slip covered immediately and bought new cushions and hid the others for a day just like today!!!) . So I came home a whipped up a little doggie pillow.HE LOVES IT. Check it out!!!!


In other news. I have been working on lots of different projects this week. You know when you just can't stick with one thing. It's kinda like ADD but the crafty variety. So I've been tinkering at the Bells and Whistles socks (now officially labeled my back burner knit), I started my Handmaiden Jane sweater. I am really loving the yarn, its soft and silky and colorway is great. I love the little brown flecks that just happen really randomly. BUT, the knitting is B-O-R-I-N-G. It's all stockinette and I guess after Ariann it's like a let down. I just loved knitting Ariann so much, actually so much that I have already ordered the yarn for Ariann #2, a 3/4 length sleeve cotton in a cream color. Yay. So I will trudge though Jane.... I love the sweater so I just have to keep looking at the pattern picture and crave wearing it. So, Jane has been labeled my I'm not in the mood to concentrate on anything, but need to have hands moving knit. Calender quilt is still going, but soooooo almost done. It's been quilted, and today I made and sewed the binding on, so now I'm just doing the hand stitching on the back (a good tv watching activity, when I get sick of Jane!). My goal is to have this one done and put away before the end of the weekend. It will be gifted, to who I have no idea, but it will come in handy some day. I like it, but it doesn't really go with my modern decor. If I ever change my style to country I'll be in luck!!! As if I didn't have enough things going on I finally cast on the socks for DB. These socks have been promised for months now, so in an effort not to be a selfish knitter I decided it was time. They are going along very well, I'm almost done sock 1. The pattern is an old school Patons booklet, and I'm using dark grey Patons Kroy sock yarn. I am really liking the way they look. They have ribs and cables.... I think they'll be nice. I told V he would have to show them off, so he'd have to wear them with shorts and sandals!!!!! NOT. These socks I'm also hoping to wrap up this weekend. And last, just when you were thinking could this girl have anything else in progress. I did start my Paisley Quilt, the one I blogged about last week, when I bought the fabric. I cut it all out on Sunday afternoon, and had most of it assembled by Sunday night. It was kind of addictive. I really am into the paisley applique pieces. But, this is when I got a little carried away, or maybe some would classify it as just plain nuts. Instead of machine stitching around all the paisley pieces and dots with mono filament thread, I had the brilliant idea of using gold. But not just gold machine sewing. I decided to hand sew with a herringbone stitch. Yes! I am NUTS. It probably will take forever, I have maybe 25 or 30% of the hand sewing done, so in time it will be done. It's not a rush. There is no real purpose for this project, just that I liked the pattern and found some inspiring fabrics. So, we'll see what happens.

Whew, I tired just blogging about all of that, besides doing it all. Ha Ha.... I guess you all know what I'm doing this weekend. So off I go, to ice my cupcakes and knit something and watch a chick flick! Happy Friday all.

So Much to do and so Little Time

Well, I've been busy. My Mom was visiting so we were running around doing stuff. We went to visit a friend of hers who is an amazing quilter. She showed us lots of her work.... amazing, and very inspiring. In the evening we went to my usual Thursday night scrappin' group. My agenda was Easter cards, of which I made four of the design that you see here. I was pleased with them. I do need to make some more, in a different design. My mom, who I would classify as a card virgin, made two cards. Yea Mom! A beautiful birthday card for my little sis, and also an Easter card. I think she's discovered what all the hype is about, or at least she got a peak at what I do, and why I love it so much. Maybe she'll take it up as a new hobby! or as I like to call it an addiction (or in my case just another crafty addiction!)..... could be worse! I have included the pics of Mom's cards, as I'm so proud of her!

Just when all or most of my projects are winding down or totally completed (can you believe I only have one project on the needles!!!!), I'm in the process of getting my next round of projects lined up. I'm still in the planning stages for the Amy Butler squares. I bought fabric today for another quilt. I saw this one in a mag and just couldn't resist. This one will give me a chance to practice some new techniques, such as machine applique and free motion quilting. I'm excited about the colors, especially the teal pattern. I bought lots of that one, just in case I come up with other projects or uses for that one, and it was super on sale! I love sales!!!!!

Last but not least, my Jane sweater kit and Fleece Artist yarn arrived today. Yay!!!! I can't wait to get started on that. I have most of the yarn for the sweater wound, and have the right needles, so that might get cast on very soon.... like tonight. I know I should finish the socks I have on the needles first, and knit the promised socks to DB, but I really don't know if I can resist the silky, rosy mound of yarn that will soon be such a cool sweater. Perfect for spring. So with all that being said I guess I better get going and get some of these projects going. Happy Friday!

Lots Of Finished Projects!

Ok, so it's almost been a week, but boy have I been busy. Friday I left and went home to visit my parents. My mom and I did so much shopping. We did a whole redecorating overhaul of her family room, and of course I did get some crafty shopping in too!!!! I am happy to report that no new yarn was purchased!!!! I bought some scrapbooking stuff, like new acrylic stamps, and some other goodies too. I bought 2 new presser feet for my sewing machine so that I could finally quilt, for real. So as a result the Tiddly Winks quilt is done. I am so pleased with it, especially since it's my first quilt. I know that my sister is going to love it. I just can't wait to hear what she has to say!!!! Next up, I bought a new duvet cover, on sale!!!! The old white one just wasn't cutting it, black doggie who is shedding his winter coat like crazy and whit duvet cover - do not equal anything good. Trust me. So I bought a green one, King size, just one thing, I don't actually have a king size bed, but it was such a good price and I'm crafty so I figured I'll just modify it and then I'll have some extra fabric to use, and now I have a really good excuse to buy king size pillows!!! He he he! So, I must say, it all worked out very well. I am pleased at the result, and can't wait to try out the new king size pillows.

Next up, very exciting news!!!! Ariann is done. I finished her on the drive back home (don't worry, I wasn't actually driving!). I gave her a bath on Monday night and set her up for blocking. It took until this morning for her to dry, and then I finished her up, by sewing on the buttons , and of course trying it on and modeling. Please excuse the fact that none of the pictures have my head in them, but at this point in the day I had showered, but not dried my hair. I am so very pleased with the result. I had to frog twice, but it was worth it. All in all, after the second time I frogged it only took about a week to knit, but that was crazy knitting. Thanks so much to Cara at January One . I don't think I could have done it without her. Those raglan decreases can really get you if you don't take into account the lace pattern as well. I am already thinking about what yarn to buy to do another one in a light color and cotton, for summer wear.

So, of course with most of my current projects wrapped up, I need some new ones right???? Of course! so now I am planning the next quilt! I am going to use the Amy Butler Jolly Pack that I purchased from The Fat Quarter Shop, and the rest of the fabric from the duvet cover. The greens and picked up in almost all the fabrics, so I think it will be really nice. Here's a picture of the blocks in the planning process.

Whew! See I told you I was busy! I also have my calendar quilt done, and ready to quilt, but at this moment not pictures.




My mom came to visit today, and this is what she brought me. Some beautiful wooden Easter Eggs. I love them, they really put me in the spring mood, except that it snowed today and is currently -12 celcuis! Oh well, hopefully spring is one the way!


Well, after all that.... I'm tired and must go, Wednesday is my usual knitting night, so I'm going to work on my Bells and Whistles socks, and wait for the mailman to bring my Handmaiden Jane Sweater Kit. Bye for now!

Crafty Card Night

So as promised here is the result of my scrappin' group night. I actually made two of the same, seeing the recipients so not even know each other. I am pleased with the result. At first I wasn't sure about the colors, but in the end it really came together. All the scrappin' girls liked it and hopefully the recipients will as well. That's it for now, Grey's is on and I've got a bananna bread in the oven that needs to come out. Bye for now!

All Things Green

It's almost St. Patricks Day.... and I'm celebrating early. Well, sort of. These are some green shortbreads, with green icing and green sprinkles that I made this afternoon for my Sparks St. Patricks Day party. They will love them, what 5 year old would love a green, sugary cookie?

Next up, remember Ariann? Well, she did get frogged completely last week this time, and I did say there would be no progress pics for fear of being hexed, but how could I not include it in my All things Green post. It just seemed too fitting. I also wanted you to know that yes, I still do knit.
People are probably starting to think that this was a quilting blog. A more appropriate title would have been something like Crazy Crafy Lady!!! Oh well. I am very pleased with the way Ariann is coming along. First of all, much faster. I guess when you know the pattern, and you are actually doing the raglan decreases so that the sweater is actually decreasing, it all helps. Plus I have been knitting a lot. I really want it done. It won't be long now! My calendar quilt top is done, but every time I try to upload the picture it is sideways, and I just can't figure it out. Now I just have to sandwich it, and quilt it. I am picking up a walking foot this weekend on my big excursion to the city, so the quilting part should happen early next week. Also have to quilt my Tidly Winks quilt. I backed it with some bright and swirly patterned flannel, and it's already been sandwiched and also tied with some pretty pink embroidery floss. But it to will get some quilting, and that too awaits the new walking foot. Look out next week, there will be lots of walking happening!!!!

Well I must sign off for now, more crafty goodness to come (maybe even tonight!). I have Sparks and then I'm going to my weekly Scrapping group. Birthday cards are on my list for tonight, so we'll see if there's any finished products when I get home. AND the best part of today being Thursday....... it's GREY'S ANATOMY DAY, and I've also confirmed with my tv guide menu that it is NOT a rerun!!!!!! I really should get out more! Bye for now!

Rainy Day Monday

Two things to cheer me up on a rainy Monday. First, my Star of Bethlehem plant bloomed, just one bloom so far, but it is so pretty. It almost looks unreal. To me it looks like those sugar decorations that might be on a wedding cake. Second, my Tidly Winks Quilt top is completed. I am pleased with the result. Now I just have to find a nice flannel to back it, and then do the whole quilting thing. Ariann is moving along nicely, however I can't do too much at once, as she gives me a bad pain in my neck. Tonight my mission is to complete the November and December of my calendar quilt and sew the rest together. That too needs some backing, so a trip to the store is in my future. It seems that I am really getting into the whole quilting thing. I am finding myself planning my next 2 or 3 projects. This could become another crafting addiction, along with my knitting, card making and scrapbooking..... not to mention costly. I guess I could be spending money on worse things! And besides, now all of my family and friends (and me too!) will have great knits, comfy quilts, and beautiful handcrafted cards for all special occasions. All I need is more time and of course more money (I guess we all do!).

Tidly Winks Quilt

Here's a progress pic of my Tidly Winks Quilt. It is going to be a small lap quilt for my youngest sister Jane. Her birthday is March 29, so is should be no problem to get it all done. I am finished sewing all the blocks together. It is made from a charm pack, and the fabric line was called tidly winks, very cute and colorful. I used 36 5" squares and cut them on the diagonal and made this pattern, pretty random, as I only had one of each block, but I am pleased with it so far. My plan for tomorrow is to put on a border of the turquoise blue, and then a brown border. I think I am going to back it with a bright pink flannel. Should be warm and cuddly for studying. This is really the only crafting that took place this weekend. I have been working on Ariann, but no progress pics. Hopefully I will finish it this week (but I've said that before. I'm also feeling the need to knit socks too, so I'll have to fit in some time to knit some more of my Bells and Whistles socks. That's all for now, I'm going to have my tea and get some more of Ariann done.

Oh Mr. Postman......

Oh I was so glad to see the mail man today.... Finally my charm packs have arrived from The Fat Quarter Shop. Yay!!!!! The charm packs are so pretty, and I am especially excited about the Amy Butler fabric. Oh what to make? I'm sure some will be gifted projects, but the Amy Butler squares will definitely be making some thing for me.

As for my Ariann progress...... well, you see there's been negative progress. Yes that means Ariann went into frogging and did not recover well at all. After our frogging session, and the tears were all mopped up, all that was left of her were two sleeves (which may or may not be frogged as well) and a mountain of olive colored Andean Silk. So I wasted no time and cast her on again..... I am thinking that this is my opportunity to make her even better. Actually that's me just trying to make myself feel better about the whole incident. I am not taking any progress pics as it might be bad luck. I will say that I did get some great advice on the raglan shaping from Cara at January One. She was most helpful, and said that she struggled with the same thing. So I didn't feel quite so bad, as I do consider Cara to be an expert knitter, unlike myself.

In other knitterly news, I was very excited to finally find somewhere that actually has the HandMaiden Jane Pullover Kit in stock, and in a color I like. So I ordered it, and a skein of Fleece Artist sock yarn as well. I figured if I was ordering, I should really make it worth my while.... plus it made me feel better after the whole Ariann incident. But now I really need to get it done so I will be able to devote all of my love and attention to Jane, when she arrives.



In other crafty news, my calendar quilt is coming along well, just 2 more applique blocks left to do and then I can add the last row what I have sewn together already. Then I just have to get the two borders done and put it all together. I won't be putting it together until at least Tuesday when I go to my quilting group, so that my friend Lori will be able to help me. This is really my first time, so I want to get it right. Sorry that this pic is sideways, I can't get it to work, so just tip your head when viewing!!!!! Don't stay in that position too long or else you'll end up like me!!!

Busy Crafty Weekend

Well, I was a busy girl on the weekend. Lots of time for crafting as the weather was snowy. First off I made this card for my Grandmother, who is turning 80 on Friday. She is an awesome, super young, active, knitty nanny. I'm sure she'll love the card, and will appreciate the craftiness of it. I was pleased with the outcome as well.

I also worked on my Ariann.... much to my dismay, it may require some frogging, but I'm not sure, and I'm not sure how much frogging would be required. My problem is with the raglan sleeve shaping. I've never done it before like this and I just feel like I'm so far along, but have way too many stitches on my needles. I need to find someone to chat with that has already knit it, and is more experienced than me. I'm actually thinking about e-mailing Cara of January One, as I really love her blog, and she was actually the one who inspired me to knit Ariann, as she claimed it was the knit that saved her life! Hopefully she won't think I'm a crazy stalker or anything, I'm just another (newbie) knit blogger in need of help and or advice.

Finally I made a pin up board to hang above my work area in my craft room. I made it with some Styrofoam and backed it with strong cardboard. I covered it with a thin layer of quilting batting and then topped it off with a pretty pink patterned flannel. It's great to hang up patterns, fabric samples and stuff. It really adds to my work space. Well, that's all for today folks, I'm off to get some more stuff done. More progress pics as they come!

My Pooch and I

This is a pic of my dog Macallan and I ( I am not usually sporting the tiara, but on my Birthday I do!) What a little (60lb) cutie!!!!

Work in Progess Picture

Here's a sample of my Calander Quilt in progress. Lots more work to be done on this, but I think I'll do some more work on Ariann now, and get that finished.

OK Krista I'm Blogging.... happy?

So here I am, finally giving in and becoming one of all you other nutty knit bloggers. I was going to start, and then I wasn't. I though too much of a chore, but I decided to give it a go. What a great way to communicate with other knit bloggers and also to showcase your own work. I am actually hoping that by blogging, I will actually take more pics and keep them more organized of all of my projects, WIP's and all of my future projects (that list is really long, so I won't include it here, at least yet!). So Krista (my cousin) and I were chatting the other night, and discussing our current projects, and she let the cat out of the bag, that she's started a blog, well, I could not be shown up by the person who laughed at me when I started knitting. She teased me, and called me granny, but I just smiled and said, as I do to many non-knitters. "Knitting is the new Yoga". She laughed, and about 48 hours later we were picking out a book and yarn for her first scarf!!!! HA! I won! I, myself have not been knitting that long, and certainly do not consider myself an expert by any means. I dibbled and dabbled, but now I think I am becoming a serious knit junkie.... you know what I mean..... I have an actual stash, a knitting/ craft room, I am addicted to ready numerous knit blogs, and find myself pretty much obsessed. Which bring s me to my next topic of conversation. Yes, I do have somewhat of an obsessive personality, or so I've been told (no, I'm not a stalker!), but I just get addicted to everything, I mean I start knitting, and I love it, I start sewing, I love it, I start Quilting, I love it, so basically I need not go on...... I just love stuff, and when I get into it, I just really get into it! Enough of that stuff. Right now I don't have any pics to post, but I'll get to that soon. Current projects that I am working on are Ariann, she's almost done, and I can't wait to wear her. Also working on the second sock of the Bells and Whistle socks from the Holiday 2006 Interweave Knits. Current sewing project is a Calendar Quilt. Pics to come soon.