Cold & Snowy Start to the Week

This has to be winter's last hooray....at least that's what my husband is saying! The snow and cold has returned to cheer in the start of a new week. Sigh. I stayed in yesterday and it looks like I'll be inside today. It is supposed to 'warm' up by the weekend. By warm up I mean about 4c rather than -13c lol. Anything has to be better than this cold.

Anyway...enough moaning about the weather. I did get quite productive yesterday. I sorted through some things and made some big decisions regarding books. I am taking a deep breath and letting some of them go. Sounds silly, but it's quite difficult. I have too many though. I have decided that if I haven't read them and they've been in the house a while, or I won't reread in a reasonable amount of time I will be getting rid of them. I'm sure it will be quite a slow process, but I have decided that I want some of the space back. Besides, I am coming to the conclusion that, even if I did nothing but read for the next few months, I wouldn't get through the ones I have and there are new ones coming out all the time!

I read quite a lot, especially when it's this time of year. I pulled out a few books I want to read this month. There will be more, but these are on my must-leave-the-house lot.

When I took this photo I'd already started one and have since finished it lol. I do have to report that 11 books have been sent to paperbackswap.com members and another 16 have been put in the bag to donate to the library! I have also sold a few rubber stamp sets on a swap site and a few items on Ebay. I am quite pleased with what I have let go of during the last few days. I think that being inside the house makes me rethink what is important and what I would like to see around me.

I also started a new cowl project yesterday. I pulled out some yarn I had and got stuck in. The yarn is quite squishy and soft, but a pain to work with as it is loosely woven and splits easily. Still, it is some I had on hand and will now be put to use!

Happy Pancake Day! I remember when we were children I always loved this day. Mum made us pancakes with lemon and sugar. I always went light on the lemon and heavy on the sugar lol.

Thanks for all the good thoughts for Mum. I've been in regular contact with Sister who says it seems maybe she is on the mend. She was trying to eat yesterday. Sister will be seeing her today and updating me later. It's a worry when I'm so far away. There is no popping in with some goodies or a chat when she's feeling poorly.

I hope everyone has a good Tuesday! What are you up to today?

Knit Slipper Pattern

Thanks for all the comments on the lovely slippers MIL made me. I asked her if she was willing to share her pattern. She said she got it off the Internet as a free pattern and shared the site with me.

Knit Slippers

She says it calls for wool but she uses Lion Brand Wool Ease as it is a little cheaper than wool. I might actually be brave enough to try the pattern one day!

It was really cold again today so I didn't go for a walk. We did go out yesterday and that was quite enough for me!

I had some puff pastry I needed to use so I with some of it I made sausage rolls

I also had some leftover mashed potatoes so I added some cheese and onion to it and used up the rest of the pastry to make some Cheese & Onion bakes. They turned out really tasty.

I will definitely be making those again!

It's supposed to warm up a little tomorrow so hopefully I'll get out for a walk!

Heading into the Weekend

We're under a Winter Weather Advisory with some snow forecast and really cold temperatures. Our low on Sunday night is supposed to be down to -22C (-7f) with highs only -9C (16F). If it's that cold out I'm not sure we'll go far although there might actually be some nice ice to be seen! It depends more on the roads I think. I will be breaking out my hand and toe warmers if we should venture out.

On the home front I'm still trying to search out new recipes. I picked up one of The Pioneer Woman's cookbooks just before Christmas when they were only $10. I really like her books and the recipes. They are quite down-to-earth. The books are fabulous, very colourful and detailed.

In this kind of weather you need something nice and warm and hearty - especially if son is working outside. He usually comes right home and has a bath - just to warm up I think! He's more of a shower guy but in the winter a bath can warm your insides right up too. I imagine some days he has to be cold to the bone.

Husband went over to MIL's yesterday to visit and came back with my lovely slippers that she'd made me. She made us all a pair last year for Christmas and I loved them! They are nice and warm and they stay on your feet! I've almost worn the old ones out so I asked if she could make me another pair.

I've been battling a headache all day. It sounds strange but I think it might be the weather front coming through. I haven't been able to shake it. It's one of those that make me sick to my stomach and probably won't go away until I sleep. Sigh.

I think the birds know something about the weather. They have been eating like crazy today! I've had to go out and put food on the table four or five times. Usually I only do it once in the daytime (hubby puts some out first thing).

I hope everyone had a good week and will have an enjoyable weekend.

Thanks to the people following me! I do appreciate you reading my ramblings.

Vlogmas

I am addicted to watching Vlogmas videos on YouTube. I didn't know it was a 'thing' until some of the craft people I usually watch starting doing this. It's quite interesting. I am still trying to get in the holiday mood so thought perhaps watching some Vlogmas might help get me there. I'm not sure whether it's getting me in the mood for the holidays or making me more depressed! I can't imagine doing a video everyday. My life is just not that exciting and I don't have the energy to do things just to fill the vlog.

Anybody else watching Vlogmas videos? If so, what's your favourite to watch?

My Mum's album is coming along quite nicely. I will be finished by Monday at least. I'll be satisfied with that. The beginning of the album is a little shaky and I have to go back and do one page, but once I got into the swing of it things are coming along quite nicely. I will have her things boxed up and out by Tuesday or Wednesday. When I go to the post office to post hers I will pick up the large priority boxes for daughter's things. I want to get them off by next weekend. Once I am finished with Mum's things I shall feel a lot better. The box to send is quite expensive. I got prices the last time I was at the post office and it is better to use a flat-rate box so I shall fill it up completely. I am putting my sisters' cards and calendars in the box too and will have Mum pass them on.

This weekend is supposed to be cold but there is supposed to be sunshine! I hope so. I always feel a little brighter when there is sunshine!

Oh I finally finished the knitting project that has been on my needles forever! It wasn't difficult, but I had to concentrate on the pattern. Any distraction and I'd mess up. The good news is that, despite getting myself in a muddle, I managed to work through it. I'm not that pleased with the colour. It was supposed to be different shades of grey but didn't work out that way!

The photo isn't the greatest. I took it with my phone while sitting here in my chair. I might make another one. It will keep my neck nice and warm during the winter months!

Friday - few knitting finishes

I finally got around to photographing some of the small knitting projects I've been doing. I have put aside knitting for now to concentrate on some cross stitch. I want to make a small design for my sister. She loves gardening so it will be a garden design. I think she'll appreciate it. She's always so sweet to me when I go home. She knows I collect hedgehog things so she looks out for them and gives them to me when I visit. I want to bring her something in return.

Anyway here are the knits. Really simple dish cloths - I had bought some cotton to take with me to daughter's so I could do these in the evenings. We all know how that turned out. Anyway I didn't want to put the cotton away so I knitted them up.

And a patterned scarf. I liked this pattern. It certainly took me quite a while but I don't knit all the time. 

It was a free pattern SCARF.

We're hoping to go walking this weekend but the weather tomorrow doesn't look too good - storms and rain rolling through. Sunday looks a little more promising. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Sigh.

My Mum's last test results didn't come back so good. She went for a bone scan but apparently although they could tell there was something the cancer doctor is no closer to telling her whether the cancer is back or not. She has to go for another test at a different hospital in nearby county. She was hoping for news one way or another at her appointment today. I think it is the waiting that is the worst. I hate being so far away. I will be there soon as I fly over on the 28th for 6 weeks. She has decided that whatever the results she wants to go on the holiday we've booked. She doesn't want to be sick while I'm visiting. I told her I come to see her, but I will support whatever she decides. She's going to be 81 in September so I'm pretty sure she knows her own mind!

So more waiting. 

I spent most of the morning before talking to her walking, trying to keep busy and trying to ignore the lead lump in my stomach. It helped to sit by the lake and just watch and listen to the wonderful sounds of nature.

The heron was back at its perch. I thought I caught a glimpse of a muskrat but they are a little shy so no photo.

Lots of dragonflies around and too many of the pesky flies that bite me and make me swell up.

I haven't been too crafty lately. I'm packing up some of my craft room so daughter has a place to sleep next week when she visits. I have been knitting when the weather is cooler but I'm frustrated how my lacey patterns seem so loose. I knit tightly but when I do a lacey pattern it just looks too loose or maybe it's just me. Sigh.

Lazy Saturday

It's going to be a hot one today - looks like it's going to be a hot week in general. Temperatures are supposed to be above 30C most of the week and even the lows are going to around 20C. It sounds really good but can be stifling after a few days. It means early morning housework and walks before gets too hot. I'll have to work out cooler meals - lots of salads, veggies and maybe a slow cooker recipe or two. Hubby grills food but I'm not that good at it.

Even though it's getting hot I'm still doing some knitting. Sounds weird, right? I haven't been learning too long and I'm afraid I'll forget it all so I'm keeping my hand in, so to speak. I've just finished this scarf. It has a pattern which includes yarn overs and knitting together. I'm finally getting the hang of following a pattern ha ha.

There are more scarves in my future. Not sure what I'm going to do with them all but they seem a good way to work on patterns. This one is nice and thick. I'm sure it will work good in the winter.

Flowers from my walk this morning. I've been trying to improve my flower photography. I have trouble making the colours pop, but this worked out okay. Daughter says I should start marking my photography somehow (now that I'm improving lol) but haven't figured out how to do it. Sigh.

I'm off to Skype my Mum. Hope everyone has a lovely Saturday.

Couple Craft finishes

Another new week starts. Got to take care of a few things before we leave on Saturday. There is just something about getting the house all tidied before a trip away.

I have a couple of craft finishes. One was seen on my desk last Wednesday, but this photo is a close up.

Not the best lit photograph. It's started to rain again so no sunshine. I had fun making the background for this one. I've been on a little bit of a background making frenzy lately.

This is a little cross stitch. It's one of those 'free' kits that come with the magazines. It's been in my stash a little while and I'm determined to get a few of these done this year.  I think I'm sending this one to my Mum.

Lastly is an almost finished piece. I've got to bind off and then sew it together.

It's going to be a cowl. I really like this yarn. It was really cheap but surprisingly soft. I bought another few balls to make something else. The colour is just gorgeous. It's by Deborah Norville and is a chunky yarn.

Hope everyone is having a good start to the week!

Dreary Saturday

It was a really beautiful day yesterday, too good to last. I did make the most of it and went for a little walk.

Today was just the opposite - rainy and dreary. Certainly not a day to get out and about. I stayed inside, did a little crafting and Skyped Mum. It's Mother's Day tomorrow and always miss her more on such days. She received my card and bookmark. I've arranged for some flowers to be sent to my sister's house tomorrow where Mum will be spending the day. Hope she likes them!

I did get some things done on my to-do-this-year list. I framed a couple of cross stitch items and I framed a print I ordered from a photo I took a few weeks ago.

Two pieces framed - dozens to go lol.

I've also been busy knitting. I did another cable and am working on a hat. It will be my first hat. I picked really cheap yarn this first time in case I mess it up too much. It is actually black though it looks dark blue. I took the photos with my phone so not the greatest!

They forecast rain for tomorrow so maybe no walk this week. Sniff. Sniff. Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all those who celebrate tomorrow.

Another Adventure in Knitting

It's been a while since I've done a knitting post. I am still plugging along. I've (finally) mastered the slip knot and casting on, knitting and purling is pretty simple, so I thought it was about time I gave something more a go. Knitting abbreviations seem like a foreign language still and every new stitch has me looking for a Youtube video to go along with it.

I've been knitting squares from this book

I really like it. I'm more of a hands-on learner and seem to do better watching someone do the stitches - which is where Youtube comes in. I've learned slip stitches, yarn overs, decreasing and increasing stitches and even done a cable stitch!

I like how they've turned out! I'm feeling a little more confident to try something else. I still have to give changing colours a go - looks a little difficult to work out just how to make sure the stitch is the colour you want.

I'm still determined to get those hedgehog mittens done by next winter!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Wednesday rolling around again. Joining up with Julia and the group at Stamping Ground for another trip around the world sneaking a look at the desks of other crafty people. I am back in Michigan again after a lovely two weeks visiting my daughter in Minnesota.

My desk isn't that creative, just a few things waiting to be put away and some leftover chocolates I couldn't help dipping in to. I am still settling in and sorting out. I did finish my scarf in Minnesota but had to leave it as no room in my bags - really, I had to push down to get one closed!

I have been knitting on this one since I've been back. I really like these. They are so warm!

I also finished another cross stitch while I was in Minnesota. This one is a Lizzie Kate design. I am so glad I am finally getting some of these done! Now I have to work on getting them framed and displayed. I read quite a bit while I was away but that was on my Kindle. The goal is to read some of the books on my many bookcases....if only there were a few more hours in the day!

More Adventures in Knitting

Well, since the last knitting updated I have finished my first scarf! I took care of the ends and added a fringe. I am quite pleased with the finished project. Certainly need it with the cold weather coming!

I thought after that I would practise following a pattern doing different stitches.

This one was supposed to be basketweave. The pattern turned out really nicely but it was really loose! I worked out why - I used the wrong size needles! I was looking at mm size and not the number size. Yikes. Guess that's a lesson learned. It was a dishcloth pattern and will be used as such. I have learned my lesson and will look more carefully as needle size.

Hard to see but this is a stockinette stitch with garter edge. Another attempt to follow pattern. I should have added more rows than it said as not square, more of a rectangle. Another lesson learned.

I am doing another scarf. This one in a basketweave pattern knitted with correct needle size! I will get the hang of this. After this scarf I am going to practise some increasing/decreasing stitches.

Adventures in Knitting -- part three

I am still plodding along on my scarf. I will have it finished in time to wear it. It is quite long but I like a nice long scarf so I'm going to continue for a while and then - gasp! horror! - I'm going to learn how to cast off. Youtube here I come.

I love the colours of this!

Now that I'm coming to the end of this I'm trying to decide what to do next. I found this terrific book at the library.

I'm thinking of asking for it for Christmas. I am going to try some of the squares to get an idea of different stitches used before tackling patterns.

I've been watching some knitting/crafting podcasts. There are so many great ones with lovely things they have made. I know it will be a long time before I can tackle something even close to what they make, but it is interesting to see what can be knitted.

I enjoyed watching Toad Hollow. These ladies are sisters and I found their podcast quirky and fun.

Crafternoon Treats is another one I've enjoyed. There is so much talent out there! I was looking for general craft podcasts but I couldn't seem to find any. Can anyone recommend something they enjoy? Just for fun. Nothing too serious. I needed a break from listening to the radio with all the news on.

Adventures in Knitting Pt. 2

I'm still happily knitting along. Well, sort of. I decided to tackle making a scarf using all knit stitches. Fairly simple, right? It should be.

I started off with a ball of Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn. This is supposed to knit a whole scarf in one ball. Perfect for me, I thought. I don't know how to add more yarn so it would be great.

It isn't too costly. I paid about $8 a ball. No problem. I started knitting. I didn't realise that the ball of yarn was loosely wound together...until it was too late and the whole thing was knotted. No hope of getting it untangled. I cut it, sorted it out and sought out Youtube for a video to tell me how to add more yarn.

Who knew there were so many different 'perfect' methods? I tried one, then another, stitched along a couple of inches (that took a while - remember I'm a beginner!), hated how it looked and undid it beyond where I put it together. I undid it past that too. Then I put all the stitches on the needle the wrong way. Arrgggg!!!!

I ended up using this method to put the two ends together Joining Yarn . It's great! The video is really easy to follow and the resulting join looks great. 

  
The colour of the yarn I chose is a purpley-grey color. I really like it. Barring any more complications maybe I'll be done by Christmas!

Adventures in Knitting

I've talked about it for a while - learning how to knit - but I thought I would put it on my list of things to learn in the new year. The other day I got the sudden urge to try. Some of it was internet browsing/shopping - usually a bad thing as I end up spending money. I had a learn-to-knit book/kit thing in my shopping cart when I remembered that I had everything needed except some wool to practise with. Next time we were out doing the weekly shop I picked up a ball for .79 cents. Can't go wrong when it's that cheap!

I've done some knitting and purling. Got that part worked out! Next step I thought I'd take a look at some free beginner patterns. Ack! They look like they are written in a foreign language. There are yarn overs, decreases, Garter Stitches, Stockinette Stitch, Right sides, Wrong sides, Gauge - it's never ending. I ended up ordering a book. Hopefully it will help!