progress happening slowly but surely

Last time I checked in here we had started the back yard project. Well, life has sort of  gotten in the way a bit and it's on hold for now. I've been in an admitted funk about it because I let myself get super excited and then it kind of stalled out. But! It's still going to eventually happen and I'm feeling better about it. I thought I'd share the stuff that is making progress (mostly for my mom to see) 😀

I've been trying to keep track of what plants I put in so that down the line I'll know if I need to for some reason.  In the back yard I put in two bushes that I bought as bare root plants, lilac and forsythia. They are tiny now but in a few years will hopefully fill in the corner of the back yard I put them in!


This is one of the mauve-ish irises that I planted  last year. I think these were given to me by my realtor? She gave me some irises and peonies that she has thinned out from her yard. I just love the tigery pattern at the inside of the petals!

Yesterday (Saturday) I decided to clean up the front flower bed rose bushes. These were bushes that were here when I bought my house. I have trimmed them back several times which I think has just made them even more unruly! One of the bushes was right close to the front door and more than a few times I've come out the door and almost walked right into a branch! So I had been considering removing it. Which is exactly what happened yesterday!  Below is a pic of the branches one part of the bush I removed.  

And below is what it looked like right after I pulled the rose bush out. I planted all the daffodil and tulip bulbs I had left from last year, and more iris tubers. I put irises all along the back edge and the daffodils in the front. I added the salvia next to the rhubarb, then the next plant is veronica which I had planted last year. At the end is a spirea bush that I put in last year I think. I did buy more plants last night and put them in: lavender, columbine, pink veronica and something that looks like a daisy but I don't remember the name right now.  The porch looks so much more open!  In the future I'd like to put a railing along the back of the bed with a little gate. There are a couple houses in my subdivision that have done that and it's super cute!

Okay, in sewing news - I made a dress that I love and it is super comfy!  My Mom had given me this peach cotton that has little ducks on it.  I knew I'd want some kind of garment out of it.  I made this McCall's pattern M7115 and I made view D.  It was a super easy pattern.  I made it even easier by not putting in button holes. When I was trying it on before doing buttons it went over my head easily so I just sewed the buttons through the two layers of the bodice so it's fixed closed.  I used abalone pearl buttons.

And here's the finished product, with George of course!  She is such a photo ham!  She was in another room at then other end of the house and came running to get in the picture.  

So here in the US  it's a long weekend for Memorial day.  I made myself a list of things I want to get done and so far I'm doing good. This morning (Sunday) I went for a 2 mile hike with a friend. There's a little parking area off the side of the highway after the lake that has some nice trails. We got a bit off the trail at the beginning and did some "off roading" but it was still really pretty! I've got an okay sense of direction so we got back to the main trail eventually and it was smooth sailing after that.

We've had a good amount of rain in the last couple weeks so everything is really green and pretty. Morning are still brisk but it gets close to 70's in the afternoon which is nice! I love this time of year.

Today I am going to cut out another dress from the same pattern as above, except I'm going to modify the front bodice to not have the two pieces. I'm just going to cut it out on the fold. I'm thinking I might like to put in some pockets as well?  

I am almost done with the socks I've been knitting, I only have 14 rows of ribbing then bind off! So I'd like to finish that this weekend too. I also pulled out my cross stitch pattern that I had started forever ago!  Oh! and I am going to start reading a book. After my husband died I lost all concentration reading. But, I feel like I'd like to give it another go. So we'll see if I can stick with it!

I hope you're having a great weekend, whatever you're doing!

My Georgie girl

This little turkey cat just has to be in the middle of everything!  So this my sweet kitty girl George.  Last weekend I had cut out 6 project bags and was sewing them production line style and she was putting a kink in the works at every turn!  Here you can see her laying right on top of my fabric.

As if that were not intrusive enough, as I was sewing she would put her little face through my sewing machine!  Inspector George!  I would gently push her back which I assume she interpreted as affection because then she really came through the machine seeking attention :) Silly girl

So today is much of the same except today she keeps getting into my chair when I get up to iron something!  Gotta love her 💗💗

sewing update

Okay, fair warning: there are lots of photos in this post! Sorry about it.  I've taken too long of a break and now need a bit of a catch up.  

First, a word about the break. I discovered that my blog was being spammed, which did no harm really.  But it did discourage me.  I thought real people were reading my blog but it was just computer spam and grody porn links.  I guess seeing the number of "readers" go up made me feel like I was connecting with other crafty people. When I found out that wasn't the case it made me feel sour to blogging.

But! I'm not going to let it keep me down.  I know my Mom sometimes reads and maybe a handful of real people....so I'm going to get back to it.

So even though I haven't been blogging I have been very busy crafting!  Yes, yes.  I am not going to share every little thing but here are some favorites.  I have a knitty friend in my bible study who I noticed did not have a proper project bag.  I sewed one up, realized it was too small, and made another bigger. I kept the smaller one as it is perfect for socks!  

Mom: if you can tell in this picture below - the bottom bit of this bag is the fabric I was telling you about.  You can click directly on the picture to make it bigger. It's like a thicker cotton and natural.  I really love the contrast.

I have a window box above my sink in the kitchen that George likes to jump up into.  I made a little kitty mat for her to make it a bit more cozy.  I used some of my very favorite hoarded fabrics. Grin 😊There's little piggies and all fun whimsy.

And there she is in the window box, Miss George herself.

This is my latest zipper pouch make.  The natural/off white is cotton duck so it's really sturdy and nice. Then I just did a strip of a favorite print and crochet cotton trim.  This has gone into my storage box to sell at a later date.

This next project was one of those ones you don't really see coming. But it had to be made!  After I took down all the Christmas decorations the house was a bit bare (not really). Right now is like limbo time for holiday decorating.  There is still snow on the ground so Spring doesn't feel right yet but I'm over Winter..... So!  I'm just putting up colorful stuff that makes me happy.  

Last year I made a similar pattern for a pillow and really love it.  I figured out some larger measurements and voila!

Here it is up on the mantel.  Sorry the lighting is pretty much crap as the sun has gone down.  I know it's hard to see but the main fabric is the most delicate pink and I bound the quilt with black and white stripes. Oh yeah, you can see the pillow on the chair on the right that inspired this quilt.  I have to say it's super easy but the effect is striking (to me).

Welp, I think that's pretty much it for now. Next time I think I'll share more knitted items because I have been up to that as well.  Have a great week!

{this moment}

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo* - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

I changed a row of my Modern Maples quilt, the farthest row on the left in the picture below.  Previously it had just been the orange leaf at the top and then alternated beige and cream squares.  I realized that it was bothering me.  So, I seam ripped it apart and add the fuchsia and yellow.  You can't tell in the picture below but the yellow has little sheepies on it!  Bah!  love it.

Here's a close up of the fuchsia addition.  I really just love both of these fabrics so had to add it in somehow.

I just had to add this picture of my turkey cat George.  I know it's a bit blurry - eh.  While I was doing my nails last weekend she was investigating the tote I keep my nail supplies in!  Silly girl.

Another blurry picture.  Every day I come home for lunch, and have to wake Joey up from his snooze to give him lunch.  This picture was Thursday or Friday?  Not sure but he is laying across my pillows!  He work up right when I snapped the pic, but he had been so fast asleep!!  My dogs have it pretty good - pillows to sleep on and much love.

Here's what I made this morning.  I suddenly decided I need a double pointed needle holder for my sock project.  Basically it's just a rectangle of fabric, lined, folded over and snaps attached to hold the needles in there.  Not that I've had a needle mishap, but still.  I didn't really mean to match the yarn, just picked up two squares laying on my sewing table.  I love that I've gotten to use those vintage snaps that I've had for, like, ever! 

I'm kind of thinking I might like to make a roll up needles case next?  Not sure really, but thinking it would be nice to have the needles I use most often in one spot.  Easily accessible spot, that is.

 I'll leave you with this picture of my wildcat.  I just went to shut the back door and spotted her in the tree.  I love how her blue eyes stand out.  What are you up to today?   

week-end musings

In case you're wondering, I made it through Christmas.  The Christmas eve service at church was really nice, the music being the highlight for me.  Christmas day got to talk to my Mom which was a nice gift.  Spent most the day in my PJs.  Went to see the Hobbit at the movie theater.  Had a couple meltdowns.  It was very quiet and I did miss having family around.  But, I survived.  

I worked half days Friday and Saturday so the boys, George and I just chilled out in the afternoons.  I knit and listened to podcasts or books on CD.  Rocky got a new toy for Christmas and it's his new favorite.  He has been attacking it, carrying it everywhere, and then snuggling it on the couch.  

 Joey can be found napping anywhere, anytime.

 And then there's George.  She is sort of pesky this feline of mine.  She has to be right in the middle of whatever I'm doing.  She will even lay on top of my hand on the mouse!  I guess that means she loves me :)

 So, remember the giraffe pattern I told you about?  Here's what I've got so far:

It's pretty cute even without a nose or mouth yet.  I gave him blue eyes.  I have one leg finished as far as appendages go.

As I'm sure everyone is this time of year, I've been mulling about resolutions.  Not sure if I'm going to make any true resolutions since I don't really keep them anyway!  I definitely want to knit more socks.  And try to make a sweater.  I have a couple quilt tops that I need to finish and then quilt.  Yes, and lose weight.  Uggg fat is my nemesis.

So, I just edited this post to add some fabric pics!  Because the other thing going on around here is laundry.  I just took this load out of the dryer, isn't it lovely?  I am definitely a pre-washer for fabric.   

Anyhow, as I was folding this bunch of lovely, I was thinking about my resolutions that I wrote about above.  And the quilt tops I need to finish up.  and bam! just like that as I was folding this yellow bee fabric it hit me that this would be perfect in my rainy day quilt!  And the gray little piggy fat quarter might too.  I love when that happens.  Just going about normal life stuff and ideas happen :)  Next weekend, it might be all about sewing and quilting!

pom love

So yesterday I bought this pom pom maker and I'm ridiculously glad I did.  I've always made them using a piece of cardboard and wrap the yarn around, then shimmy if off and tie yarn to hold it all together.  Or wrapped yarn around my fingers for the same effect.  So, really, I didn't neeeeed a pom pom maker.  This is nice because there are sizes to choose from.  There was also a set of smaller poms which I think I'll go back and get.  The smaller ones will be perfect for knitted bunny tails :)

Here is my first pom.  Getting just this one picture this morning was kind of a task because George feels like she has to be in the middle of everything!  This is a thin yarn, I just grabbed what was close to try it out.  I can imagine how poufy the poms will be with thicker yarn!  Love.

Mr. Fox and quilt top

I've got lots of pictures to share!  Yesterday I knitted and visited with a couple friends.  It was nice while I was still feeling under the weather to just take it easy.  I got a lot done on Mr. Fox.  This morning I was determined to finish him up.  George was determined to be right in the way!

 I had just finished sewing the tail on and about to start the face and she was right up in the middle of everything, as usual!

And there she goes, sticking her curious face into my notions bag!

 And so I finally got this guy finished.  I don't really think he looks like a fox, do you?  Not sure what he looks like really but very cute.  I am planning to make him a little sweater and possibly trousers.

Tail view: 

I tried to get him to stand on his own, so here he is in some "wildlife" by the plant.

To finish the face on Mr Fox I had to go out the craft house and root around for some black yarn.  Doing so I got distracted by my modern maples quilt top that I had about 1/2 sewn together!  So, I pressed play on the book on cd I'm currently listening to and pulled up my chair to the sewing machine.  I'm listening to Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, it's the 4th book of that series.   The top is now sewn together and measures about 72 x 72.  I'm considering adding a bit of a border but not sure.

So, this is my attempt at an artsy quilt photo!  LOL  I look at other blogs and they take their finished quilt tops to fun locations or pretty places and get pictures in interesting ways.  And so I was like, hmmmmm I'm still in pjs so not going anywhere anyone can see me - what can I do with what I have?  I also have not raked my fallen leaves, quilt is maple leaves, ding dong!  I'll take a picture of my leaf quilt amongst fall leaves!  bahahahhaahhahahaaaaa haha hah ha.  So, I'm not a fancy photographer!  And I'm just fine with that.

Here's an artsy fartsy fall leaf picture for you.  I think my grass thinks it's spring because it has started growing like crazy and super green.

Anyway.  I've mentioned that I've been watching knitting podcasts.  This weekend I have been enjoying newest episodes (releases?) from my favorites.  The Dancing Geek (James) who is just lovely.  The Bakery Bears which are Dan and Kay Jones, and they had some really great news to share! Dan has gotten the all clear from an illness.  Today I got caught up on the Brant and Sherry podcast which is on itunes.  I was about to move onto something else but noticed that my google alert bell was on and the newest Come Knit With Us was released!  So I'm listening/watching that as I type.  Those girls are a hoot!  So silly.  Love them all.  I thought since I've mentioned that I started watching I'd share links so you can join too if you'd like.  I looked a bit today to see if I could find any quilting podcasts but only found audio podcasts, not video.  And they didn't seem quite as silly as these so I didn't keep listening - but if you know of any I'd love to check them out!

stitchy

I started a new project - cuz I really needed one, right?  I couldn't resist it though.  I've been going on about it being Fall and everything that feels fallish to me seems like I should be making it.  One of the blogs I read is one of the two ladies of The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.  Last week the first picture of her blog post was this adorable turkey pattern!  And it looked small and manageable to try.  I've been admiring their patterns for a long time but I'm not much of a cross stitcher so have not wanted to take on one of the bigger items.  But they're SO CUTE!  

Anyhow, I saw the picture and was like eeeeeee!  And bought the pattern.  I have tons of embroidery thread that I've acquired and also aida cloth.  So, I went through my stash and picked out colors that are *close* to the pattern.  So even though I did spend money on the pattern I'm still staying in my parameters I set for myself of not buying fabric/craft items until I've checked my stash first.  It's a win.

I started it last night and this is how much I've gotten of the turkey body.  I put on a knitting podcast and stitched.

 So this morning while I was trying to get the above picture, George kept getting in the middle of everything = big surprise, right?  baha!  Silly kitty.  So, I got the picture and then she jumped back up on the table and laid down right on top of the whole lot.

Yesterday I did not leave the house at all.  Well, I did go from the house to the craft house. But I don't really count that.  haha.  I'm so, so, so close to finishing all the squares on my modern maples quilt.  I have 3 squares left to finish and I'm mulling over what colors I want those leaves to be.  I'll add pictures later once they are finished.

longest sock in the world.

Let's talk about socks.  Last year I decided I was just going to learn how to knit socks.  I knit my first pair and was so excited, bought a bunch of sock yarn and started right in on another pair!  Somewhere along the way hit a little wall.  Ummm, I started this sock in October (!) and finished it Thursday night.  In my defense, there were some holidays in there.....ugggggg, it's useless - I got distracted!   That's why I'm calling these the longest socks in the world because it's taking me for-ever!

Isn't it pretty, though?  It's a bit bigger than my foot as it is a gift.  I may have to re-do the bind off because it is verrrrry hard to get around the heel.  I did an extra stretchy bind off but I tend to tug my yarn after a stitch to tighten it which is from making bunnies and softies.  You don't want the stuffing to show through. 

Well, I was encouraged that I finished one sock and dove right into the second one.  This is what I have so far.  It's weird, I did the same toe up cast on and same amount of stitches on the toe but this one has a different shape?  IDK but I'm just going with it :)  I did also add 2 stitches hoping that because I think I must've done that on the first one to get the pattern right around the ankle/leg part once the pattern goes all the way around.  On the foot part I only do the pattern stitch on one side.

 I caught Joey snoozing so deeply yesterday.  He snores so it's extra cute.

 Okay, so today I made an apron out of a t-shirt.  My friend Brooke asked me to make it for her out of one of her Mom's t-shirt.  Her Mom, Kathy, passed away a few years ago so I was SUPER nervous to cut into the shirt!!!!  Oh man.  My initial thought was to do a rounded apron with the polka dot fabric in a ruffle around it.  But, I have a thing with exposed seam so I nixed that.  I mean, I did line the back so the knit fabric wouldn't roll in on itself so I could have done the ruffle around in there but then I thought it might get too heavy because it's actually really thick knit fabric.  Anyhow!  I did a quick google search to see what other peeps have done and this one seemed easy and accommodating to what I wanted.

 So this is what I came up with.  I folded up the bottom of the shirt and to cover the seam on the other side I sewed on a thin grosgrain ribbon over top.  Then, just did a simple lining of the red polka dot, turned it inside out.  The seam at the top is where I left the opening to turn it, which I covered up with the tie!  Easy peasy.

It was a gorgeous day today, and even though I was inside sewing I had the windows and door open and listened to Hunger Games on CD.  V.nice.

I had to share this picture of George, she has half her rump on the computer and I love how her belly fur is all tufted out!  She's such a turkey!

striped bunny finish! finally

And here we are at Sunday....lazy Sunday :)

This would be George lounging on the chair arm with her arm hanging like a jungle cat in a tree.  Love her!  She's got such an attitude!  Pardon George. 

Today I finally, finally finished the striped bunny that I've been working on for ages!  Good lord this took forever!  Not because it was hard to knit or even very big, but mostly total lack of motivation!  But!  It is done.  I had written down my notes from the ballerina bunny that I improvised the body on and then took it one step further and made the head in the round also.  I'm pretty happy with the way this little guy turned out.  I had been shooting for gender neutral but now that it's done I feel it's distinctly male - yes?  eh.

The only gripe I have with the finished product is the color changes on the right arm.  In the photo above it would be the left side of the photo.  I don't think it's super, super obvious but I see it.  Also, a small thing is that the rotation of the body is just off a bit.  Without seeing it in person it's hard to tell what I mean.  Um, it's like the body wants to rotate a bit, like turn.  I think that must have been from the placement of my needles and the way the decreases went along the top/neckline?  idk.  It's minor.  I'm really glad I tried out the head on double points.   love the look of no seams.

Okay, so I know I said I was going to cut back on looking at things/watching things.  BUT!  I came across a new to me video podcast that I lurve!  It's called Bakery Bears.  Seriously. Love.  It's a husband and wife who both knit and they are British - say no more, right?  I mean, you all know about my serious crush on the UK.  Everything just seems cooler over there and it's not just the accent.  I mean that helps, obviously but really, they're just witty and funny and they knit so it's awesome.  Check it.

I may or may not do some sewing today.  I have over-extended myself a bit and so therefore don't want to do anything!  Uggg.  I may force myself to work on one thing.....plus bonus incentive is that I got Hunger Games on CD and it's out in the craft house!