Breakfast with Santa

Do you think anyone had fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

batteries

Tah Dah ............... I have camera batteries. Not only do I have 8 batteries they are all rechargeable. So here are some photos of my latest FOs'



This is my Vaguely Vegas bag, from the Yahoo bag group


These are the very, very boring socks for a friend who does not like colour.



Yet another Multidirectional scarf.

heat or the lack of.........

Well it is Monday and the weekend was interesting ................ sort of. Friday night Bill says" Is the furnace on? It's cold in here." So I go look------- NO FIRE ( there is supposed to be fire - its a gas furnace) .... Now I am very nervous about lighting pilot lights but DH can't get down on the floor as readily as I can. Mind you getting down isn't the problem .................... it's getting back up that is difficult. Anyway I am off topic. I get my flashlight and check out the instructions about lighting the pilot light (this requires getting down on the floor as I can't read the label otherwise ....... Turn everything off ....... Okay the gas is off ........... moan ... get UUUUUUUPPPPPPP .............. turn off the thermostat ..... wait 5 minutes. Back down on the floor ......... try to light the pilot light ..... ooohoh ... wrong spot ................ ohoh forgot to hold the button down. You know it is not an easy thing to hold the button down and light the match at the same time. AAAAAAHHAA ...... the pilot lights, I hold the button down for the required 30 seconds. DH turns up the thermostat. The furnace lights....... groan ........... get UUUUUUPPPPP, All is well or so we think . Half an hour goes by ..................... the furnace is OUT. Here we go again .... turn everything off, wait 5 minutes, light the pilot.............. GET UP off the floor....... Groan...... turn up the thermostat. We have heat - YEAH RIght for 1/2 hour or so and it is out again. Back down on the floor to go through every thing ONE MORE time with the same results NO HEAT.

It is now 10:30 p.m., we phone dear Daughter Jill......... get her to go to her friends and pick up our heater. She gets the neighbour to stay with Shelby. I find the ancient heater from the farm, Jill brings us the big heater and TA DA we have 2 heaters and heat. I dig out the down comforter and we go to bed.

Saturday I am feeling shitty still and we finely get the landlord who will try to get some one over. But of course it is the weekend and it is SNOWING. Everything stops here when it snows, not enough snow plows or sand trucks because it rarely snows here . When it does snow it is like we are hosting an "Idiots Convention" especially for certain 4X4 owners who seem to think that 4 wheel drive means they can go the normal speed and still stop at the icy , snowy, intersection. (* see foot note).
Saturday night we go to bed and Bill brings the small heater in the bedroom. I get up about 3:30 to answer the call of nature................... on my way back to bed there is a flash by the heater................. darn, darn, darn it has burned out. The fortunate part is no fire. I mean this is an electric heater there is not supposed to be fire.

Sunday we were supposed to go to a " Lunchy Brunchy" thing. Bill phones to say we won't be coming because I am sick, but we am not missing anything because it is cancelled due to snow. (I meant it when I said everything grinds to a halt here when it snows. The people that do know how to drive in the snow don't go out unless they have to because of the "Idiot's Convention") Any way we are now down to 1 heater ................. but are we ???????? We look at each other and both say
"WHERE is the fireplace?????????????????"
. Behind the rocking chair the printer sits on............... are you ready for this?????????? AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE After some furniture moving we have lots of heat and are toasty warm.

Last night it started to rain and this morning instead of 6 inches of snow we have 3 inches of slush. Roads are closed because of flooding and tonight we are supposed to get wind and rain storms. On a more positive note I am feeling better and madly knitting for Christmas. Wednesday is Sock knitting and Thursday is quilting. Today my Birthday present to myself arrived - 2 new books 1) Victorian Lace by Jane Sowerby - what a yummy book.
2) At Risk by Patricia Cornwell.
Well that was the weekend oh yes the foot note: My sister Janice said the only thing she missed when they cancelled the cable was the news broadcasts showing the Vancouver drivers in the snow . They added music to the video footage so that the cars slide into the ditch, into each other , into the intersections, etc to Strauss Waltzes. It is very , very funny.

darn, darn, darn............

and I don't mean mending. I think my sinuses are congested again and it has triggered my asthma. I am waking up coughing in the night two or three times.My throat and back are so sore...................... but what really T's me off is I missed Wednesday night Sock knitting and quilting today at a 'Great Notion'. This is interfering with my social life but I am knitting socks. I still do not have any batteries for my camera so no pictures.

update

Well there is a contest at this site so go have a look.
http://janevdoviak.blogspot.com

Well what have I been doing. Last week I went knitting Wednesday and Thursday ........... my DD Jill says all her friends think I am crazy because I belong to a sock knitting group....... Now if that makes me crazy there is a whole lot of you out there who are crazy as well.........LOL.
KNITTING
I have finished a bookmark, the boring socks (thank goodness), a scarf, and an afghan square. Yesterday I found another UFO ; a green and white tank top. I have to finish DD , Cory's Christmas purse, Shelby's sweater for Christmas, socks for Bill, and a few more wash cloths.

QUILTING
I need to finish quilting three quilts and bind a table runner. I started a new project last Tuesday ..........I know, I know , I am supposed to be working on UFOs but this was a two day course to make a 'Twisted Bear Paw". I cut and pieced most of it on the Tuesday and then discovered that what I thought was 1/4 foot wasn't ......*(&(&$%^$?*# ............ so NOTHING and I mean NOTHING fit together. Last night I spent the evening reverse sewing and today I sewed about half of it back together again. Tomorrow morning I will do some more sewing before Molly and I go for lunch and shopping.
Oh yes last Friday I went quilting with the gals for the day ...........DH didn't even phone to say I need you to come home early like he has the last two times.

TO COME
Tomorrow night is the 'Weavers and Spinners Guild meeting, Wednesday is 'Sock Knitting, 'Thursday I could go to Knitopia but don't think I will as I am supposed to quilt Friday with the gals, Saturday and Sunday a group of us have been invited to Jocelyn's to quilt for the weekend. I may just get all those quilts done after all.

P.S. There are no photos because I need new batteries for my camera. Bill says he is going to get me a charger but I think I may go get it myself as I need it now.

Bear paw wash cloth

This is a wash cloth pattern I designed for the Yahoo Monthly Dish cloth KAL.



Materials: one ball of Bernat Cottontots -100% cotton

Needles: 4.5mm = 7 US

Pattern is a multiple of 23 + selv.

Note: on the first row place a marker after the first repeat as this marks the beginning of the next repeat. Slip the marker on each row. I originally did this with a seed stitch border but changed it to a garter stitch border. There is no border at the beginning as the pattern makes a wavy edge .

Cast on 54 stitches

ROW 1: k4, *k2, (p4, k1) 3 times, p4, k2* twice, k4
ROW 2: k4, *p2, (k4, p1) 3 times, k4, p2* twice, k4
ROW 3: k4, *k1, yo, k1, p2, p2tog, (k1, p4) twice, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, yo, k1, * twice, k4
ROW 4: k4, p3, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p6, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p3, k4
ROW 5: k4, *k2, yo, k1, p3, k1, p2, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, p3, k1, yo, k2,* twice, k4
ROW 6: k4, p4, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p8, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p4, k4
ROW 7: k4, *k3, yo, k1, p1, p2tog, (k1, p3) twice, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, yo, k3,* twice, k4
ROW 8: k4, *p5, k2, (p1, k3) twice, p1, k2, p5, * twice, k4
ROW 9: k4,* k4, yo, k1, p2, k1, p1, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p2, k1, yo, k4* twice, k4
ROW 10: k4, *p6, (k2, p1) 3 times, k2, p6,* twice, k4
ROW 11: k4, *k5, yo, k1, p2tog, (k1, p2) twice, k1, p2tog, k1, yo, k5, * twice, k4
ROW 12: k4, *p7, k1, (p1, k2) twice, p1, k1, ,p7* twice, k4
ROW 13: k4,* k6, yo, k1, p1, (k1, p2tog) twice, k1, p1, k1, yo, k6* twice, k4
ROW 14: k4,*p8, (k1, p1) four times, p7,* twice, k4
ROW 15: k4, *k2, (p4, k1) 3 times, p4, k2* twice, k4
ROW 16: k4, *p2, (k4, p1) 3 times, k4, p2* twice, k4
ROW 17: k4, *k1, yo, k1, p2, p2tog, (k1, p4) twice, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, yo, k1, * twice, k4
ROW 18: k4, p3, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p6, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p3, k4
ROW 19: k4, *k2, yo, k1, p3, k1, p2, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, p3, k1, yo, k2,* twice, k4
ROW 20: k4, p4, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p8, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p4, k4
ROW 21: k4, *k3, yo, k1, p1, p2tog, (k1, p3 ) twice, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, yo, k3,* twice, k4
ROW 22: k4, *p5, k2, (p1, k3) twice, p1, k2, p5, * twice, k4
ROW 23: k4,* k4, yo, k1, p2, k1, p1, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p2, k1, yo, k4* twice, k4
ROW 24: k4, *p6, (k2, p1) 3 times, k2, p6,* twice, k4
ROW 25: k4, *k5, yo, k1, p2tog, (k1, p2) twice, k1, p2tog, k1, yo, k5, * twice, k4
ROW 26: k4, *p7, k1, (p1, k2) twice, p1, k1, ,p7* twice, k4
ROW 27: k4,* k6, yo, k1, p1, (k1, p2tog) twice, k1, p1, k1, yo, k6* twice, k4
ROW 28: k4,*p8, (k1, p1) four times, p7,* twice, k4
ROW 29: k4, *k2, (p4, k1) 3 times, p4, k2* twice, k4
ROW 30: k4, *p2, (k4, p1) 3 times, k4, p2* twice, k4
ROW 31: k4, *k1, yo, k1, p2, p2tog, (k1, p4) twice, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, yo, k1, * twice,k4
ROW 32: k4, p3, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p6, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p3, k4
ROW 33: k4, *k2, yo, k1, p3, k1, p2, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, p3, k1, yo, k2,* twice, k4
ROW 34: k4, p4, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p8, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p4, k4
ROW 35: k4, *k3, yo, k1, p1, p2tog, (k1, p3 ) twice, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, yo, k3,* twice, k4
ROW 36: k4, *p5, k2, (p1, k3) twice, p1, k2, p5, * twice, k4
ROW 37: k4,* k4, yo, k1, p2, k1, p1, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p2, k1, yo, k4* twice, k4
ROW 38: k4, *p6, (k2, p1) 3 times, k2, p6,* twice, k4
ROW 39: k4, *k5, yo, k1, p2tog, (k1, p2) twice, k1, p2tog, k1, yo, k5, * twice, k4
ROW 40: k4, *p7, k1, (p1, k2) twice, p1, k1, ,p7* twice, k4
ROW 41: k4,* k6, yo, k1, p1, (k1, p2tog) twice, k1, p1, k1, yo, k6* twice, k4
ROW 42: k4,*p8, (k1, p1) four times, p7,* twice, k4
ROW 43: k1, p1, k1, p1, *k2, (p4, k1) 3 times, p4, k2* twice, k4
ROW 44: k4, *p2, (k4, p1) 3 times, k4, p2* twice, k4
ROW 45: k4, *k1, yo, k1, p2, p2tog, (k1, p4) twice, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, yo, k1, * twice, k4
ROW 46: k4, p3, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p6, k3, (p1, k4) twice, p1, k3, p3, k4
ROW 47: k4, *k2, yo, k1, p3, k1, p2, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p2, k1, p3, k1, yo, k2,* twice, k4
ROW 48: k4, p4, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p8, (k3, p1) 3 times, k3, p4, k4
ROW 49: k4, *k3, yo, k1, p1, p2tog, (k1, p3 ) twice, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, yo, k3,* twice, k4
ROW 50: k4, *p5, k2, (p1, k3) twice, p1, k2, p5, * twice, k4
ROW 51: k4,* k4, yo, k1, p2, k1, p1, p2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, k1, p2, k1, yo, k4* twice, k4
ROW 52: k4, *p6, (k2, p1) 3 times, k2, p6,* twice, k4
ROW 53: k4, *k5, yo, k1, p2tog, (k1, p2) twice, k1, p2tog, k1, yo, k5, * twice, k4
ROW 54: k4, *p7, k1, (p1, k2) twice, p1, k1, ,p7* twice, k4
ROW 55: k4,* k6, yo, k1, p1, (k1, p2tog) twice, k1, p1, k1, yo, k6* twice, k4
ROW 56: k4,*p8, (k1, p1) four times, p7,* twice, k4.
ROW 57:k4 (k1, p1)3X, k2tog, (p1, k1)10X, p1, k2tog, (p1, k1)3X, p1, k2tog, (p1, k1)3X ,k4 (51 sts)
ROW 58:Knit
ROW 59: knit
ROW 60: knit
Bind off

Copywrite Karen Bonter
Pattern from "1500 patterns Mon Tricot"

Knitting bags etc......

Here are some of my knitting bags that usually hold socks or other small knitting projects.

Well the last two weeks have been very busy. Nov.1st I made two ........ yes.... 2 trips to Langley. I went over in the morning to pick up Bill's cheque and drop off his invoices................. but He forgot to give me the invoices. Apparently the invoices had to be there that day so I agreed to take them before I went knitting at the LYS. I told him he was on his own for dinner as I was going over early to miss the rush hour traffic. Had a lovely afternoon shopping........ after I dropped the invoices off ................. found some older Handwoven Magazines in the Value Village. Went out to dinner with myself.......... enjoyed the company. Then it was knitting night at Knitopia so I meet Gail and Sharon there. Worked on the boring socks and my bright socks. I bought some wild yarn for socks for me ............ it was just calling and calling my name all evening ............I held out as long as I could ....... I really did .......... but finally had to give in and buy it.
Thursday Bill picked up his new truck....2006 red dodge pick up, crew cab, short box, 4X4, 6 cylinder gas engine........ don't remember the rest of the information.
Friday .... quilting with the Jackie, Ellen and Helen at a 'Great Notion' in Abbotsford.
Saturday , I don't recall what I did....... nothing terrible exciting.
Sunday I started to go to the Guild sale to Demo spinning but my car started heating up. I just reached the outskirts of Maple Ridge and had to let it cool off before I could turn around and go home. The fan motor had quit.............. darn darn darn no guild sale , no spinning.............. well that is not entirely true . I did some spinning at home ............ bright pink merino.
Monday and Tuesday were not terrible exciting. Wednesday night was sock knitting at the Cafe/pool hall with Sharon , Gail, Laura and Kathy.
Thursday I went on a trip with Bill. He had an ' Over-length Load' to escort to the BC / Alta border. Packed clothes, pills, books, sandwiches and knitting to take. Forgot to take our pillows. The ones in the motel were very soft, very small and very, very flat. We meet the truck at the US border and followed him to Merritt. Went to bed at 11:00 when we got in and got up at 6:00 . The load was so heavy he was only able to do 20 km going up some of the hills.
On the road at 7:00 and drove to Blue River........... gassed up the truck, had a pee break, back in the trucks and off again ........... 1:59 p.m. we arrived at the border ......... Trucker signed the invoice ....... Bill puts the sign on the truck down ..... we turn around and head for home. One thing about the trip home is we could stop for a pee break any time we wanted.
It is unbelievable what some drivers will do. This one car thought the trucker should give way to him when he wanted on the highway. Now this truck we travelled with was somewhere between 96 and 115 feet long. The load was a transformer but I don't know how much it weighted other than an awful lot. One fool pasted us on a double solid line on a curve.............. brainless. Enough of this. We arrived home at 1:00a.m. and I went to bed. DH said he had to unwind a bit so he watched TV for a while.
Today I paid for my quilting course and went to the wool shop to drool. Had a visit with Ann and bought a ball of "Opal" yarn that was on sale................. yes I know I didn't really need it but I really wwwwwwwaaaaaannnnted it............... So much yarn so little money. LOL ................ like I don't have a trunk full of hand-spun and 4 or 5 good size boxes of commercial yarn. I need to photograph all of it for Ravelry.
.
My bright socks are now finished and the boring ones are close to finished.

Molly and I

Today I went to lunch and spent the afternoon with my friend Molly. She bought lunch as she said I bought last time. I don't remember that but have marked it in the calendar that next time I get to buy lunch. After lunch we went to the Dollar Giant and I bought stuff to make stitch markers, hair elastics and glue sticks .................. exciting ................ then we went to the Value village. Molly was looking for pants and I was just looking. I found 1 bag for sock knitting (.99) and 22 balls of bright pink wool crepe yarn ($14.00). Will post photos tomorrow. By the way there are rules for buying sock knitting bags: they must be see through and cost under $1.00. I have several and will try to post photos tomorrow. I just don't feel like doing it tonight. Molly bought two vests and one pair of pants so we had a successful day. Went back to my house for tea and then Molly went home about 6:30.
All in all it was a lovely day.

wednesday night knitters

"She who will not be noticed" (aka Spinquilt) at Wednesday night spinning group. There were 5 of us knitting at the pool hall. Good coffee, good lighting and good company. I worked on my socks as I just couldn't do the boring socks tonight. I think I am going to turn the heels on the boring socks with bright yellow................ just to put a little interest in the socks ................. it won't show when he has his shoes on. I have to do something ..........I mean look at these socks..............there is my lovely socks on the left and on the right we have.......................................BORING

Trying to quilt

Well we had a nice weekend on the Island visiting Bill's Mum and her boyfriend. We arrived Friday night and left Sunday after lunch. It RAINED the entire weekend and I didn't even get to go to the Loom, which is one of my favorite fibre shops. We did have a very nice visit though and really that is what is important.
Sharon phoned to tell me that Knitopia has sock yarn on sale..............WWWHHAHAA............... I have no money until the end of the month.
Today I was going quilting at "A Great Notion "with Jackie and Ellen. They drop me off and go for their pedacure appointments at 11:00. I have my lunch, figure Jackie and Ellen have gone for lunch as it is almost 1:00 and they are till not back. I am happily sewing when Bill phones to say he needs to pick me up to sign some papers. Jackie and Ellen arrive back at 12:55. The ladies in the shop tell them I have left, my DH came and picked me up. ( Hadn't really happened yet but they figured to give Jackie a bad time) Jackie says "She must have been really p'd at us." Then they come in the class room and there I am. I did tell them that I was leaving. DH didn't arrive until after 2:00....................I should have known................He can't go from A to B without a stop somewhere.
Anyway that was the end of my sewing day. Now I am home, time to make supper, do some spinning and a little knitting. Don't know whether I will work on my very colourful socks for me or the very large, very , very, very boring socks for my friend. He only wears neutral colours and I like 'in your face colours'. Maybe I will do a cable or something in the leg part of the sock as I am knitting them from the toe up.................... anything to make them less BORING.
I have 8 envelops containing siggy blocks to mail out so here is hoping they don't adhere to the inside of my purse and disappear for months.
Well I guess I should make some dinner ................. what to make!! what to make????? ............... this is always the difficult part of making meals.

retreats

Well I haven't reported about the fun at the quilting retreat or the lack of fun with a sinus infection or the fun at the spinning retreat so here goes.




Thursday, Sept.11th, Jocelyn, Jill and I loaded my little Honda wagon with 2 sewing machines, two irons, one ironing board , two office chairs, two suitcases, cutting mats and rulers, table extension, 2 bottles of wine ,1 bottle of Carolines, 1 bottle of Fireball , makings for tea and coffee, table raisers, 2 quilting tool boxes, 1 box of donuts, 1 box of home made muffins, 2 project bags plus 3 people with large purses. Headed out to Rosemary Heights, stopped for lunch at a Mexican Restaurant, then drove to the retreat and unloaded all the above mentioned items. My daughter , Jill, who was taking my car for the weekend was heard to say "Dad can pick them up. I am not loading all the stuff again." Guess who got to pick us up and help load stuff??? Mind you she didn't have to load the alcohol or the food but we did have Shelby this time so there were 4 of us in the car.
I can't believe it..... no photos of the quilting retreat. Hopefully Lisa and Tracey will share theirs with me. I have been falling down in the photo department lately .................. badly......... I need to get battery charger and batteries.
I made a table runner that now needs quilting, did some siggy blocks, put borders on my sons quilt, sandwiched my daughters' quilts, started a pumpkin quilt .................. Yes I know I said I wasn't going to start any new projects but I DON'T have an Oct. wall hanging,....... I DIDN'T have a pattern for it,......... had to RELY ON MY MEMORY of a quilt I saw in a shop ........ ALL THE FABRICS CAME OUT OF MY STASH...... Who would think I would have 9 different orange fabrics and it is not even close to my favorite colour.......................... Is that enough justification for starting a new project?????????????.......... if not how about I made the rule about no new projects so I changed the rule to read 'no new projects except the Oct. wall hanging'. You always need to ask "Who made that rule?"
We all had a great time and got many things done. Lisa double booked herself again so only stayed Thursday night and morning. Margaret had things happening in her life so was only able to come for Saturday. Those two need to get things better organized as I really miss not seeing them. All told we had 11 people and a great time. Lots of food, quilting, show and tell, and laughter. I had 2 finished UFOs to show.
You really need to try what Inge calls "Fruit" ......................... we all got our share of 'Fruit" on this retreat . Fruit= home made blackberry liqueur. WOW is that yummy............... we told her just to bring fruit next retreat........never mind the snacks.
Home on the Sunday and boy was I tired.

Monday morning woke with a head ache........... after 3 days of this headache I went to the Doc as I was beginning to think I had a sinus infection. I was RIGHT ............ antibiotics and nasal spray..... for 2 weeks. Told him I had to be better for the spinning retreat.
Monday, October 8th, Thanksgiving dinner was at my daughters as she likes to cook and I am getting tired of doing all the big family gatherings. We had a great time and wonderful food.................... Turkey, stuffing , gravy, mashed potatoes, yams, broccoli, carrots, corn , brussel sprouts, ambrosia salad, cabbage salad, home made cranberry sauce, buns, cornbread , apple and pumpkin pies...................... great meal.

Tuesday, Oct 9th.......... Guild spin-in at Knitopia's new shop in Langley ................ lots of lovely yarn but Lynn wouldn't let us buy anything as the store was closed. We were only there for spinning. We have several vendors in our guild so she was not going to take advantage of a captive audience by selling anything. Now I have a good reason to go back .......... LOL ........ do I really need a reason to go to a wool or fabric shop .............................. Not.
Again I didn't take any photos.

Spinning retreat, Oct. 12th .......... Friday morning Gail and Sharon stop by to pick me up. We load my spinning chair and wheel, bag containing fibre, kniddy-knoddy, and ball winder, suitcase and large purse with books, sock knitting, and scarf yarn. Spinning retreats don't require as much baggage as quilting retreats ......................Thank goodness. Part way to Cache Creek we open the lunch that Gail made (we originally were supposed to each bring our own lunch)........................ egg sandwiches, brownies, apples and bottles water. It is so nice to be spoilt. We arrive at the retreat and unload our things.... get settled in our rooms and go to the spinning room. Lots of hugs from people I haven't seen in ages. So nice to see every one.
I am spinning some multicoloured turquoisey fibre bought at last years retreat and some silk I had dyed green two years ago.
Every once in a while I get up and walk around to chat and see what every one else is doing. I need to move every so often and I am nosey. Show and tell Friday night ............. WOW .............. what a talented group of people. I hope Gail or Lynne got photos of all the show and tell. What an inspiration all those projects were. Speaking of inspiration how about this for socks??




All socks were hand knit and most of them were hand-spun. That is me in the very bright skirt. Sheila has nick-named me "SHE WHO WILL NOT BE NOTICED". Everyone was given a free book donated by the family of a former spinner, plus there were magazines for the taking. Saturday we did the gift exchange. I received some bright pink wool and a drop spindle. I am going to make the wool into a cushion for my spinning chair.
We had 4 vendors.............................. with a lot of yummy fibery things. I was very tempted by a lot of things but only purchased a small amount of dyed mohair locks and some fuschia pink mohair to go with the turquoise I was spinning to brighten it up.
I need to take some photos of my spinning to post here.*

Sunday after lunch we have to pack up and go home. I could have used one more day but ................. now I will look forward to the next retreat.
The food was delicious. What a weekend full of eating , spinning , talking and Laughing.

The Enabler

The Enabler has been at it again. Sunday he and Shelby went Garage Saling and this is what I got.

There is 6 balls of the brown wool, 11 of the red wool and 15 of the blue wool/acrylic. I thought I would make felted clogs out of the red but then realized that if you can machine wash it................. you CAN"T felt it.............DUH. The blue will make lovely socks but .................................. who wants to knit EIGHT pairs of plain blue socks ...................... NOT ME ...................I am bored just thinking about it.





This is what both my hands look like after wiping up the blue printer ink I spilt on the sink, dishes, counter, cupboard and floor............. boy!!! does it ever cover a lot of territory when you try to clean it up. I mean it just spreads out and out and out.................., thinner coat but covering more area. I kept wiping and rinsing and wiping and rinsing. I even thought to myself ' Self you don;'t like this floor anyway . It might look better blue'.
I don't remember being this clumsy ..................do you think it is just a phase?? I sure hope so because I am getting awfully tired of cleaning up weird things on the kitchen floor.


Boy was I at the top of Shelby's "S" list on Friday. I told her that her Mum was late because she was picking up Skyla who babysits Shelby at times. Well Shelby is all excited and says"Skyla is the BESTEST babysitter maybe she is going to babysitter me tomorrow."
"Better than Auntie Cory or I?"
Shelby "Yes Skyla is the bestest babysitter in the whole world"
"I am going to tell Auntie Cory" said I picking up the phone.
Shelby "NO" and stomped out the door but only closed the screen door so she could eavesdrop. Well Cory and I both laughed about the bestest babysitter. After I hung up Shelby stomped in, got her jacket, said "You are the WORSTEST GRANDMA IN THE WORLD", stomped back out and proceeded to bark and howl like a dog on the front steps. The plan being that this would irritate me...................... this was not the most amusing part of the day . That happened when Jill arrived and I told her the story. My daughter looked at me and said in a rather disgusted tone of voice said " And you let her bark and howl on the porch"? That is one of the best "OH MUM's " I have got in a long while. I just love it when I annoy my children...........LOL..........payback is a bitch!!!!!!!!!

I have since been forgiven and have been reinstated to the position of BEST Grandma.

Well I have been trying to organize myself for the Quilting retreat this weekend. It starts about noon on Thursday and finishes Sunday about 3:00. So far I have 8 projects put out to take ........................ all are in various stages of completion. Maybe I am not planning to sleep. One thing for sure is I won't lack for things to keep me busy, not that that has ever been a problem in my life. Darn I have to drive this time ................ no knitting on the trip there and back.......... shoot. Oh well should be able to live through it as I will get my knitting fix Wednesday night with the sock knitters. Mean while I have finished three wash cloths. The photos are on my 'flickr' site , link is on the left of the blog.

finished my shawl

Well I have finally finished my Faroese shawl. It isn't a difficult pattern but rather boring as it was all garter stitch. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a photo of yourself wearing a shawl................... well after two attempts I put the shawl on the couch and photographed it.

UFOs

Well I figured I had better write something here before Sharon gets a chance to nag at me. I have been busy finishing UFOs and doing ............ Better sit down for this .................. HOUSE WORK. The kitchen is clean and tidy, the bedroom is clean and tidy and the sewing room is clean and tidy. I have finished three quilting projects and one pair of socks. The photos are in the "Flickr" photos. Here are pictures of two blocks Joyce made for me (DJ block swap). She said she had trouble doing "Bright" fabrics as they are out of her comfort range. I know how this is as I once had to pick out neutral fabrics for a baby quilt................ talk about being out of your comfort range.......... aarruuuuuggghhhh. I think she did a great job and the blocks are lovely.

What am I doing now................ NOT HOUSEWORK although I do need to wash clothes so I don't go naked to the Guild meeting tonight. So here is my list which I am sure is incomplete.
1. working on my oldest quilting UFO
2. Dishcloth KAL
3. working on two of three pairs of socks
4. the mystery shawl
5. but I really need something for show-an- tell at the spinning retreat next month so I really, really need to finish my Faroese shawl. I think I am stalled on this as it is rather boring, just garter stitch and no pattern.
6. writing a bookmark pattern.
7. Another thing that should be done soon is DJ and siggy swap blocks. ........................... these being 6 in number.
Do I take on too much???????? Do I know how to say NO??????? Answer: of course not.
This Friday is DH's birthday, the family are coming on Sunday to celebrate. I may cancel if he doesn't stop calling me . He has been gone 1 hour and 45 minutes and has only phoned me FOUR times for info about things because he forgot to take his memo book with him. It's the Y.

I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do on the Quilting retreat in two weeks. I have three large quilts to sandwich and quilt but I always take more projects than I can possibly do as I don't want to get bored. This could be why I have so many UFO' .... you think.
It is now time to have a shower, get dressed and get to work on some of these things.

Cyber retreat

This weekend is a cyber retreat with the Dear Jane Quilting Yahoo group so of course I told DH that I was retreating all weekend. He doesn't mind. So far I have made three (almost 4) diamonds and 1 Dear Jane block. Hopefully I will finish the diamond today and do at least one more DJ block. I am hand piecing these blocks so it is a little slower than machine piecing but more relaxing.
Have to make a plan for this week. It is our turn to host the ABBA group dinner on the 8th so I need to clean the house ............. arrugh ...... you know how much I love house work. Lisa is one of the guests so I need to have the bedroom and craft room clean as she put up shelves for me and helped organize stuff. The kitchen has to be clean as we eat in there. I will make sure to wash the floor Saturday morning in the hopes that it will still look clean by dinner time. I have made a list of when I am doing what so I can still have time to quilt, knit and spin. Oh yes the Living room? Vacuum and clean the corner by my chair. Some one seems to make an awful mess in my corner ............... must be the "Messy Fairies". I think Shelby brings them with her because I do know they live in her room.

We still have DJ dog as Cory now seems to have pneumonia. That girl needs to look after herself and say NO to people who ask her to do things. She worries me.

Dear Shelby was here yesterday and was very good. She phoned to ask if she could come over to play with the neighbour child. When I said I thought she wanted to come to play with Grandma she went into gales of laughter and said I was funny.
One thing she has learned lately is that nagging may work with Mum but it only makes Grandma cross
I finally got new batteries for my camera so will post photos of my quilting in webshots later.

Quilting???

Well yesterday Jackie phoned to see if I wanted to come over and quilt. Yes!! Of course my answer was yes. By the time I had breakfast, packed up some projects, dropped Jill and Shelby off it was 11:00 when I got to Jackie's.
She and Ellen were working away. Ellen was checking to be sure she had cut all the blocks for a 'Turning Twenty ' quilt and Jackie was putting borders on her quilt. I just got started marking a quilt for quilting when Jackie said "I guess we missed those chairs at IKEA". I said maybe not as the catalogue had different dates than the flyer. Jackie phoned IKEA ....................... the sale was over but the sale price was still in the computer. Let's go before they change the price.... Off we go to IKEA (40 minute drive) to get three chairs. Now the sale is over so we decide Jackie will go first incase they aren't going to give us the sale price ............. she is all primed and ready for battle. Sale price comes up, no problems, quickly we pay for our chairs, load them in the van and leave. Time for Lunch at the Cactus club. (They have the fanciest bathrooms.) Did you know ...Yam fries are really good.
Then ............. because it is on the way home (sort of) we stop at Trend-Tex. Rows and rows and rows and rows of shelving filled with bolts and blots and more bolts of fabric in a humungeous wearhouse. Jackie and Ellen get the things they came for and off we go again. 3:00 we arrive back at Jackies, we have to put our chairs together otherwise Ellen will not unpack hers for months. She is rather like a cat playing with a mouse. Due to Ellen having bad arthritis and not being that strong. I put her chair and mine together. She thinks hers is crooked, Jackie and I both sit in it. It isn't the chair that is crooked.....VBG. Now Ellen has to go home and smuggle her quilting purchase into the house. She told her DH he had to quit spending so can't let him see her purchases. I stay a while longer and finish the marking I wanted to do and started on this block I am testing for Sandy. Six o'clock time to go home, phone DH , tell him I am on the way.
Home .. make dinner ... wrist is sore.......Ice on my right wrist........DARN, DARN, DARN, It hurts to knit , it hurts to sew..............AAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK
what have I done to myself ???......stupid chairs ....stupid me. When will I remember that although I am still very strong my joints aren't happy with a lot of strain.....
You know if your wrist hurts you could take and anti-inflammatory , pain killing pills.

Tuesday wrist still as sore OUCH!!!!! Phone Jill to borrow her wrist splint.
This wrist is a #$^*%#%#$ nusiance, oh yah anti-inflammatory pain killer PILLS only work if you remember to TAKE THEM
I did accomplish one thing, I MAILED MY LETTERS. Does anyone else have this problem with mailing things. I put the letters in my purse and carry them around for 1-4 weeks. What happens here? Do they hid in the lining? Do I not want to part with them? Do they beconme invisible for an undetermined amount of time? I don't know why they live in my purse for so long before they end up in the mail box. WHo knows??

Well DH has gone to work and I am enjoying the quiet. Just me and DJ (DD dog).
It is starting to cool down so I may go out and sit on the step or take DJ for a walk.

Shifting Sand washcloth






Materials- 1 ball double knitting (or sport weight)
cotton yarn
Cable Needle
Pattern is 1 12 stitch repeat.
Needles - 4mm (US 6)

Cast on 44 stitches.

ROW 1:- knit.
ROW 2:- knit
ROW 3:- knit
ROW 4:- knit
ROW 5:- knit
ROW 6:- knit
ROW 7:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 8:- k5, [p6, k1]5X , k4.
ROW 9:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 10:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 11:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 12:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 13:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 14:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 15:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 16:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 17:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 18:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 19:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 20:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 21:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 22:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 23:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 24:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 25:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 26:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 27:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 28:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 29:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 30:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 31:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 32:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 33:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 34:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 35:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 36:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 37:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 38:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 39:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 40:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 41:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 42:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 43:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 44:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 45:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 46:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 47:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 48:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 49:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle,
hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to
cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 50:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 51:- k4, [p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 52:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 53:- k4, *p1, k6, p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3, k3 from cable needle* two times, p1, k6, p1, k4.
ROW 54:- k5, [p6,k1]5X, k4.
ROW 55:- k4,[p1, k6]5X, p1, k4.
ROW 56:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 57:- k4, *p1, slip next 3 sts on to cable needle, hold in front of work, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k6* two times, p1,slip 3 sts on to cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p1, k4.
ROW 58:- k5, [p6, k1]5X, k4.
ROW 59:- k4, [p1, k6,]5X, p1, k4.

ROW 60:- knit
ROW 61:- knit
ROW 62:- knit
ROW 63:- knit
ROW 64:- knit
ROW 65:- knit

Bind off and block well.

This Stitch Pattern is adapted from a pattern in
Mon Tricot, 1500 Patterns-OJ84, Issue 0247-2708

Copyrighted 2007 by Karen Bonter. All Rights Reserved.

I have an answer

The frame in the photos is for needlework/ cross stitch, but as I no longer do any of this I need to find some one who does. That means one less thing in the house.
DH and I did some more cleaning on the Trailer today. Almost done thank goodness. At the moment DGD and friend are playing in the trailer and from the noise level they are having a good time.

WHAT is this???

The Enabler has been at it again. This ITEM is from a garage sale. I don't know if the people selling it knew what it is but neither the Enabler nor I know. If anyone out there knows what this is please let me know.












I think my Housecleaning Virus is wearing off. I have only sorted some buttons and put things in one box in my craft room. I haven't washed the &@#$X@#!~ kitchen floor TODAY but I should. This evening when it is cooler I am going to wash out the fridge and the oven in the trailer as DH says he has some one who is interested in buying it.
As far as projects I still have 2 pairs of socks to finish. I need to make 2 DJ blocks for Joyce and 3 for Susan (the instigator).
I am putting the last touches on a block I am testing for Sandy and am knitting my M3 stole. Later today I am going to try to start the Bookmark KAL that is in progress. I suppose I aught to do the dishes and a load of laundry, RATS.

something terrible is happening

Something terrible is happening to me.I don't know what it is but I am doing HOUSEWORK. I moved two big bookcases and had to DUST. I VACUUMED THREE TIMES last week. Do you believe it THREE times, I hate to vacuum. Then I was moving Bill's "Stuff shelf" and this plastic bottle fell off and the lid broke. AAARRRRUUUUUUGGGGHHHHH ............... shiny oily looking liquid spreading all over the floor. Go get a bucket and clothe to wipe this mess up ............................. wait .......... it is soapy..... look at the bottle -"Seat-belt Shampoo". Oh my gosh look at the floor!!!!! It is CLEANING all the little dimpled sections in the horrible white linoleum. Save this stuff.... it is wonderful. Oh oh , I wonder what he paid for it? Now this wonderful stuff is in a spray bottle slightly diluted and my kitchen floor is clean. The mop lives in the kitchen because this floor could be washed twice a day but I am only doing it once a day. The kitchen has a new flat spot on the top of the dish washer and Bill sorted all his "stuff" and the table is a clean flat spot. Oh my goodness does anyone have a cure for this housecleaning bug I have caught????? I am looking at the pantry area in the kitchen thinking "I SHOULD CLEAN THAT"!!

IS THERE ANY HELP FOR ME??? HOW LONG DOES THIS CONDITION LAST????

My craft room is just about sorted. I had to go get clear plastic boxes for the quilting fabric because I couldn't stand not being able to see it in the cardboard ones. Now I have to figure out what to do with the 10 cardboard ,99 cent Ikea boxes
that the fabric was in.

What have I been doing besides cleaning ....... well there is the DGD Shelby who has been here a lot.










Then I have been working on the the 'Mystery Stole 3' which I think is a gorgeous pattern. Yesterday we got the last chart J. I am only starting E ........ I wouldn't be so far behind if I could get rid of the 'CLEANING BUG'.












I have been making Dear jane blocks to swap with other DJ quilters. I don't have photos of the ones I made but here are the ones I received. I am going to sash them with black. Shelby knows which envelops have quilt blocks and she likes to open them. When she opened the red and gold one she said "It looks like Heaven". I was puzzled so asked why, at which time she turned the block on point so the X looked like a cross and said " See ... Looks like heaven"












These are two beaded lariats I have made
from a pattern by Lisa Flyman www.beadedinspirations.com










Wednesday night I went to the join the Wednesday night sock knitters. Sharon is still knitting tiny socks for Afghanistan and Gail is knitting socks for herself as none of her men want the socks with the little strip of peach in them..... Silly men! Laura is knitting afghan blocks but had some lovely alpaca and she is going to make an afghan from it..... what a waste. We said she should make a sweater or a shawl. It is her yarn though so she should probably make what she wants.
I am trying to finish the one's I am making for ............ oops ........ better not say incase she reads this. Today I am going to finish the outfit I am making for Shelby. I also have to do boring stuff like laundry and dishes.......... some how it is very difficult to move the dishwasher to the sink and plug it in. It is kind of like letters. I write them put them in an addressed, stamped envelop and then into my purse. Getting them out of my purse into the mailbox is very, very difficult. Do they adhere to the purse lining, blend into the stuff in my purse, become so heavy you can't lift them. Let me know if you have the answer because they can live in my purse for weeks before they finally get mailed. Enough for todaymust have MORE coffee and do some HOUSEWORK.

Garage sale

Well I survived the garage sale and am a 'little wealthier" then before. Shelby will be pleased as I made $8.50 for her. I sorted what didn't sell and have asked my DD to come and tell me if she thinks some of it will sell in the auction. She may bring her friend the auctioneer as well.
One thing I accomplished during the sale was some spinning. I finished spinning the merino/tencel I had bought at Desert Mesa. I had been stalling as I don't really like it and is not my best spinning. It is done so now I need to plan what I will do with it. Counting the yardage might help this process as it is very difficult to make something without knowing how much you have.



Here is a photo of DH wearing the socks I knit for him. I made them quite a bit shorter than usual so next time I will make the top a little longer.

stuff

Well we are in more chaos than usual. Not only have I been cleaning and sorting my craft room and our bedroom but I am making Bill sort his tools and STUFF. After all they were all over everywhere after cleaning up after the flood.
We were going to have a garage sale last Sunday so of course that is the only day it rains in two weeks. We are going to try again this weekend. At the moment there is STUFF in boxes every where. Why do we collect stuff? I mean how much STUFF do we really need. We were even saving things incase someone else needed them. I mean really they (whoever they are) can save their own STUFF.
I have more patterns, fabric, and wool than I can use in this life time. At least that is what DH and the Kids claim, Me, I am not sure about that. I may live to be 150 right.............
DH has all kinds of power tools and other tools. He can't do much of that anymore but he still has to have tools just in case. My Father, who never built or fixed anything, never had just one of any tool but usually three. AHA that is the explanation ...... the collecting STUFF gene is hereditary ........... All of this is my DDs fault.

Water, water everywhere

As if it isn't hot and humid enough around here yesterday the hot water tank started to leak from the drain spout. I phone the landlord and tell him about the leak. I try duct tape around the leaking plastic cap but even duct tape wouldn't stop the leak............ okay if I turn off the breaker I can turn off the water right...........wrong.......I can't find the breaker. I am sure water tanks need 220 wiring ................. brain dead ............ this is a gas heater ....duh. Okay get the neighbour but he doesn't know how to shut the gas off either but he turns the heat off and we turn the water off. I take all the tape off and let it leak into a bucket which needs to be emptied every 15 minutes. I need a bowl of chocolate ice cream. The landlord phones - the plumber /gas fitter can't come until tomorrow .......... more chocolate ice cream.
Okay settle down you have lived without hot water before you can manage one day , dishes are done and we have enough clothes. Mind you the washing machine is full to the brim with wet towels, blankets and anything else I could find to soak up the water. Have another dish of chocolate ice cream.
The neighbor comes back with a piece of rubber which he says he can use to stop the leak. That way I can have hot water.
He is insistent that he put this thing on ........................ okay I let him. I check it in 30 minutes .......... WATER all over the laundry room .................... imagine loud screaming noises here #X%&*. I put down an old wool blanket as the water is running down the edge of the tank so the bucket won't work .................. go eat more chocolate ice cream.
DH finally comes home at 9:00 and I fill him in on the day which started at 4:30 with a very sore neck and arm pain but after drugs is now down to a dull headache. He turns the heat off on the tank, turns the tap off and turns the bathtub on to drain the tank. I say put the plug in the tub and save the water. I don't know why we were saving the water in the bath tub. Then Bill says have you eaten today ...... my reply toast and peanut butter, a banana, and ice cream. 10:00 we have some dinner and he wants dessert ............ ice cream and fruit he says. I just look at him " There isn't any ice cream. I ATE IT ALL".
So we go to bed everything looks fine ..... WRONG. This morning I get up 6:30. THERE IS WATER ALL OVER THE LAUNDRY ROOM AND HALF THE KITCHEN #%$%^&&^%##%^&*(*(*(&*$#@$^%............ find more towels and laundry to mop up the water. Make some coffee , take some deep breaths the plumber comes today.
The plumber arrives and checks things out .....DH leaves ....... the plumber leaves to get some things. I start moving things so the plumber can take the old tank out and bring in the new one. Anyone who has been here knows this is easier said than done. The plumber is back. DJ (DD Cory's dog) goes crazy runs out from under my chair, gets tangled up in the cords to the lap top ....... laptop goes flying, dog heads out the door wrapped in the mouse cord....... mouse comes apart, laptop is on the floor. Dog is going out the back door. Plumber is coming in the front door. I am yelling at the dog.
okay check everything out ... the laptop is okay, put the mouse back together and plug it in ...... doesn't work ....... try a different port it works. The plumber is now working on putting in a new tank and things are not going well. The dog is shut in the bedroom and I am venting. Darn all the ice cream is gone. on the positive side I did finish a pair of socks yesterday.

too hot

Yesterday it was 104 degrees. I did nothing.....................
Today I renewed my car insurance and now I think I will do nothing ................... again, there is a breeze but still very hot and humid.

Monday -I think

Well Sharon is NAGGING me again because I haven't written anything lately. You would think I was retired........Sharon- Even retired people are busy you know. I have to have the odd nap.....do some TV watching..... drink coffee with DH....... I have started a new knitting project ................I know, I know, I said I was doing UFOs this year but that was quilting. I don't have nearly as many knitting UFOs. Anyway this is a lace shawl from an internet group and I need to find the name but later.
I am testing quilt blocks for Sandy at Sundrop Designs. I have done four blocks and there should be more coming soon.
I still have 2 pairs of socks almost finished ......... will finish them this week.
THE ROOM is still being worked on. I seem to be down to small things that got put in baskets because I didn't know where else to put them Maybe I don't really need them. Lisa says I should have a garage sale and anything that doesn't sell I can then give to Canadian Diabetes next time they are picking up in our area. Maybe I will you never know.
Shelby had a sleep over on Saturday so her Mum could go out. We had a good time as usual. I returned the dog to Cory last week as he needed a flea bath...... Grandmothers don't do flea baths.
This past weekend I mowed the lawn, actually did some house work, had friends over for dinner and Mah Jong. Well it is now 12:48 am and I am going to bed. Photos tomorrow maybe.
spinquilt: Monday -I think

Here we are all ready to Shop Hop. I am the one in the hat. It was a gift from the girls. Lisa and Jocelyn did our shirts. Margaret is on the left, then me, Tracey , Jocelyn and Lisa.

Shop hopping

Well I survived four days of shop hopping and had a great time. Lisa and Tracey picked Jocelyn and I up in Port Coquitlam and we went to Lynden. Margaret met us and 2 of us went to her house while Lisa and Tracey shopped for clothes.
We did three shops in Bellingham and two in Lynden that day. Friday we left about 8:00 to go to the fabric depot in Portland. WOW imagine a very large warehouse full of fabric and sewing supplies (plus Knitting supplies). Friday night we stayed in Olympia and Saturday in Bothell. We only did 18 shops this year as we wanted to relax a bit more than other years.
Lisa , Margaret , Tracey and I have a quilting challenge to be done with the 'Fat Quarter' fabric we found. Jocelyn refused to have another challenge to work on. Do you suppose this is because we haven't done all the ones from previous years, especially the "manly man" fabric one.
I wasn't going to buy any more fabric but had to have some of the Betty Boop fabric and then there was the kimono pattern I bought that needed fabric. I bought three quilting stencils and three fat quarters. Two of them were orphaned and only cost a $1.00 each. I couldn't leave these orphans on their own. I also found a fat quarter that looked like birch trees, so it was necessary to buy that in case I ever make another landscape scene. (I should finish the first one ... right)
Well I will probably add photos tomorrow of us in our matching blue shirts and me in my red hat. The girls gave me the hat as they thought I needed one being the eldest and age 60.

Okay so I haven't posted for two weeks. I am busy doing Day care for Shelby who thinks people shouldn't be allowed to sit for too long. I have sent out 30 some siggy blocks and am moving from knitting all the time to quilting and knitting with a little spinning. I really need to figure out how to do it all. I was much more organized when I worked.
Yesterday I walked about a mile to Shelby's school to pick her up and then we walked home. This is a really good distance for me but boy was I tired (also had a blister on my foot ).
Bill just phoned and he is going to pick me up so we can go get my car. He had the body work done and the car painted. Will post a photo when I get it home.

new addition

Yesterday I went to Fibrefest at the Tradex in Abbotsford. I had a great time. Bought a new top whorl spindle that is gorgeous, a shawl pattern that is gorgeous and some fibre which is ...............you guessed it .. Gorgeous. Met lots of friends and did some spinning but them I phoned DH (in future referred to as the Enabler) about this Louet S 45 spinning wheel.
I had been looking for FOLDING WHEEL that didn't take too much room and was easy to transport but ...................................... I really loved this wheel and the Enabler said "Get it". Hannelore made me a Deal I couldn't refuse, Bless her. So here are photos of my new LITTLE wheel that is not very heavy, very portable and will sit on the shelf when not in use.

Please note the yellow guard lizard (plastic) on my new wheel is called "Anuil Likit" It is a Mother's day present from DGD Shelby.
I told my family the only thing I wanted for Mother's Day was the stuffed green Dragon from Ikea. Shelby said" NO you are getting a yellow lizard with black spots" As she ran out the door giggling she shouted " AND YOU WILL LIKE IT " Thus the name for the lizard is' Anuil Likit'.

p.s. I also bought 1 ball of sock yarn. LIFE IS GOOD

Well can you believe it. Two posts in one day. I just had to tell someone about my purchase today.
I was in the second hand store and found 28 yards of 36" wide silk for $25.00. Then DH went back and got the 28 yards of red and black for $30.00. Now I need to figure out what to make out of this lovely fabric.

update

Well it has been almost a month since I wrote anything here, but Life has been busy. Cory wanted help with pillow cases and cushions for her bedroom. Jill moved and needed help cleaning and unpacking. I went quilting one Saturday and spinnning last Saturday. DH STILL has my car as the truck still isn't fixed................... not that I want to go anywhere most days. It is just nice to know I can go if I want..................quirky right. Oh yes my friend Molly and I went to Ikea one day and then to the pub with my DD and her friends. I spent the night at Cory's but Molly went home. We are both invited to go again with them.
Time will tell although she is talking about having a girls night at her house..................
So after a lot of static from several friends I have added new photos. Shelby even modeled the pink scarf with a smile on her face. (Please take note Sharon and Gail) I finished 2 bookmarks and a shawl. The shawl was designed by Jeannie Townsend .

I still have about 10 knitting projects to finish and numerous quilting projects.....................we won't talk about the mess my craft room is in. I will have to break down and do the laundry. DH likes to have clothes to wear when he goes out.

Fibrefest at Abbotsford this Friday and Saturday................going both days if all goes well. Lots of fibre to feed my addictions.....yummy

Yesterday I finished the orange socks for Shelby (age 6). I had originally started to put some fun fibre on the cuff, but when I showed it to her she said "Well I could wear them at home". After that tactful remark I removed the fun fibre and just did plain ribbing. She tried the socks on yesterday and promptly took them off saying they were itchy. Now I have to find a child who likes ORANGE wool socks. Don't know what to make this child's socks out of as she liked the last wool pair. I think the overdying made the socks feel coarse. The wool was patterned left overs from other socks that I overdyed with orange kool-aid.

back to "normal"!

Well no Granddaughter to babysit after school this week. She spent the weekend with us and went home Sunday. I still have seamonkeys in the kitchen and pet snails in a jar in the living room. There is a small loom, a chair and table in the living room and odd things in odd spots I am sure.
I have 3 washcloths, 5 socks, 2 shawls, 1 bookmark and a purse handle on the needles. My sock and cotton yarn are in a rolling drawer unit in the kitchen and my craft room is still a mess. I told DH I was going to work on it today and he said "so you can find the floor other than by gravity". To think we have stayed married for over 37 years..........LOL. Have to go and take DD to an appointment.

Quilting Retreat

Well I had another fabulous weekend. This time with my quilting friends. There were 14 of us, some for the whole weekend, some for two nights and some for the day. There was lots of laughter, sewing and sharing. Some of us even did some knitting.
DH was home babysitting Shelby and DJ so he had a good weekend as well (so did Shelby as "Papa' lets her get away with just about anything).
I made 25 siggy blocks as I am way behind and need to get about 12 sent out. I also did most of the quiling on a small Dear Jane quilt and my Sweet Things quilt. This year I am trying to finish off as many UFO's as possible. There are a lot of them. I need to clean my sewing room and will probably find a few I had forgotten about.
Lisa and her DH Rene are going to do the 2 day walk for breast cancer as Lisa is a breast cancer survivor. They need to raise $2,000 a piece to be in the walk so the quilting group (The Naughty Knotty Threads) volunteered to each do a baby quilt for her to sell. I also donated my blue Modular scarf. If you want to help let me know.....

MD scarf

Last night I finished my first Multidirectional knitting project. What a fun scarf to knit and easy to do. I have a rather reluctant model who would have prefered to be watching cartoons.

I am posting a photo of why this has been a busy week. We have been child and dog sitting. I am not used to getting ready for school , making lunches, walking the dog etc but it has been fun.