I Will Always Love You, MOM!

Sewing My Week-end Away!

2010-02-05T18:52:00.003-06:00

The bigger the bag, the more "stuff" you can put in it. Well, sometimes, that's not really what I want or need. I wanted a small tote that I could take to knitting class. Something that would hold my wallet, knitting supplies, a book or two and my cell phone. So, I came up with this little beauty. It is fully lined, and is interfaced with fleece so it holds it's shape well. I doubled over the fabric pocket, so that it would be extra sturdy. It holds my cell phone, small tablet and a pen comfortably. It's 6-1/2" tall, 6 inches wide and is 5" deep. I just love it! The fabric is an adorable coffee print. And if you know me, sewing and coffee go hand in hand! :-)

Sewing!

2010-01-31T21:51:00.005-06:00

I've been busy sewing and just having fun with swaps. I am in a sewing group through yahoo and it is so much fun. Everyone is so excited to help and answer any questions along my sewing journey. I just finished 6 Dresden Plate quilt blocks. I used all of my MOM's fabric to make them. They are 16" from tip to tip. I haven't put a center in them yet, I am waiting to see what kind of background I am going to sew them to. I think the fabrics all blend beautifully! I plan on making a table runner with them. I have a beautiful table that would just look gorgeous showcasing them. My plan is to frame one , too! ...gotta run, more sewing to do! ♥♥♥

It's been a long time!

2010-01-31T21:50:00.002-06:00

I really haven't posted in a while. I am still struggling with the passing of my MOM. My day's are looking up and for that, I am grateful!

My New Sewing Machine!

2009-08-23T08:11:00.003-05:00

My husband just bought my a new beautiful sewing machine. I am at awe everytime I sew something. My, have they changed over the years! I decided I needed to organize my sewing room, so I made a mat for my machine to sit on. Can't have it sliding around on me while I am creating a masterpiece. I added vinyl pockets so that I would have things up close when needed. I also added a little pocket on top of the mat to store my scizzors in. Seems I can never find them when I need them. The pocket opening faces me for easy grabbing in a pinch. I also added a chair caddy to make my chair even more comfy while sewing. I added pockets in the front so that I could easy find notions as I was ironing and etc. Oh my, I still have plans of making a caddy for my ironing board to hold press cloths, wooden iron, small ruler and etc. I am organizing so well, I think I need more notions! ;o)

My First Purse!

2009-08-12T07:38:00.002-05:00

Well, after two days of sewing, I finally finished my first purse. I handquilted the fabric myself. I am not an experienced sewer and I did learn a lot from doing this project. I used fusable polyester fleece and fused it onto the fabric. I'm glad I did. This purse is empty and it is standing up and shaped nicely. I added a pocket onto the front and inside I added a tab so that I could easily clip my keys on. I didn't want to have to fumble and dig for my keys when I needed them. I plan to use my new purse today! I'm happy!

Quilted cell phone holder!

2009-07-12T19:17:00.004-05:00

I decided I needed a cell-phone holder. I went to Mom's stash of fabric and found a cute tan with brown flowers print. I gathered up a piece of batting and my supplies and this is what I came up with. I like the little clip that easily attaches to my purse. It will be nice to hang in my car or on my tote. Now I have a purse and a holder that will remind me of "MOM" everyday. Memories never take the place of "things" but it is nice to have "things" that do remind me of "my mommy"!

I miss you, Mommy!

2009-07-12T09:43:00.002-05:00

venetian lace

2009-07-08T10:37:00.003-05:00

I finally finished the doll I made. I used my MOM's fabric. I crocheted the venetian lace edging to sew onto her skirt. It was hard to do. I must have "frogged" fifty times before I was able to do it. I love it and I think it looks lovely on her dress. What do you think?

Santa Ornament!

2009-07-03T18:21:00.004-05:00

I decided that I wanted to make some projects using some of my MOM's fabric and some of mine. The green and red prints are my MOM's and the other fabric is mine. Now, I have a cute little santa ornament that's a little bit of MOM and a little bit of me. I know she is looking down on me and smiling. I think it turned out very cute. I am loving it! I know she is, too!

Baked potato bag!

2009-07-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

Well, well. I finally finished my baked potato bag. Wow, it makes the most wonderfully fluffy baked potatoes in the microwave. Simply wash and scrub potatoes, no need to pierce them, wrap in paper towel and place in bag. Close bag and microwave for 3-4 minutes. The potatoes are tender, fluffy and not all wilted and shriveled up or hard. It also works just as amazing for corn on the cob.

Yumm! Gotta run, need to scrub up some 'taters!

Cake?!! I want that!

2009-06-24T15:26:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness! Have you ever seen anything like that? If you want to make this cake, you can too! I don't know if I could have the heart to eat it or not. How about you?

Pillow Cover!

2009-06-23T20:56:00.004-05:00

I decided that I needed a comfy pillow that I could use outside. This is my first pattern! I am excited that it came out as nice as it did. This cover can be easily removed and washed , when needed. I just love the little sunflower buttons! My cover is snug and fits a 12 x 12 pillow form. It has nice sharp corners. I like that in a cover!

His 'n Hers!

2009-06-12T15:09:00.004-05:00

I hate a sweaty bottle. The hotter it gets outside, the more the bottles sweat. Can't have that! I decided we each needed a cozy to keep our bottles cool and sweat-free! Gotta love pure cotton for that. Anyway, I am a little worried here. School has only been out for 3 days and I am knitting and crocheting like mad. Oh, and only to think there are 90 more days until school starts. Lucky me!

Oatmeal!

2009-06-12T15:01:00.003-05:00

I guess it is a sign that I am getting old! I love oatmeal and it seems like the perfect food to eat before I go to bed. I hate shuffling the bowl between hands because it is too hot. I decided that I needed a potholder for my cereal bowl. Perfect fit and just love the little bow. Now, no more hot bowls for me! Jealous???

Schools Out for Summer!

2009-06-09T20:09:00.002-05:00

Yeah, schools out for summer! Oh, this is one of the happiest days of the year! To celebrate, I knitted a cute little cloth and put my own little stripes in it. Cute, easy and functional!

USMC Cloth

2009-06-09T20:01:00.002-05:00

My Marine loves it! For those that don't know, the eagle, globe and anchor is the US Marine Corps emblem. I scaled down a dishcloth pattern and made an oversized coaster cloth for my MAN. I was hoping to find cotton yarn in olive drab, but no luck! The color I used was called Jute and it is very nice as well. It was a quick and easy knit. Ahh, now to relax a bit.

1958 Carriage Crib Cover

2009-05-26T19:17:00.003-05:00

While fantasizing over an old knitting magazine, I found a lovely carriage crib cover. Since it was written the same year as my birth, I decided to try the pattern out. I don't have any sweet little babies to knit it for, so I decided to make it into a dishcloth. What a cute pattern! I think I will tuck this pattern away safely so that when the occasion arises, I will be ready!

Heart Coaster!

2009-05-15T06:22:00.002-05:00

Last night I really needed to keep my hands busy, so I knitted this adorable heart coaster. I had a few scraps of pink cotton leftover from another project, so it was a perfect match. I like it! Humm, coffee or tea? It's almost the week-end, so maybe, I'll have both!

Tulip Bud!

2009-05-13T06:15:00.005-05:00

I am very pleased with the tulip bud cloth I just finished knitting. I used size 5 needles and the details came out very nicely. I will be giving it to a girlfriend, Beth, this morning. I hope she likes it!

About two weeks before my mom passed, Beth told me her own story about being a cancer survivor and it truly touched me. She was preparing me for what was to come with my MOM. I knew she was "teaching" me something but it just didn't connect until now. Now, it has meaning and I am so grateful to her. She is amazing!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T06:34:00.007-05:00

Today is a very hard day for me. My wonderful husband reminds me that it is my day, too! I knitted this cloth for my Mother-In-Law for Mother's Day! My husband and I handcrafted a set of #7 needles. We used a maple stain and also a nice semi-glossy sealer. Oh, the yarn just slides across them like silk! I also made charm stitch markers that spelled out M-O-M in Sterling Silver. Of course, the picture does not do them justice. They are lovely!

The background is a doily that my Mother-In_Law crocheted for me for Christmas! Isn't it gorgeous!

MOM and Me Stitch Markers!

2009-05-04T14:23:00.006-05:00

I decided to make stitch markers for my MOM and Me Shawl. I wanted to find charms that had meaning to both of us. I tried and tried to get a nice clear picture of the markers but couldn't. Hopefully, you will be able to make them out anyway.

The sewing machine charm represents the love my MOM had for sewing. She loved making quilts. She hand sewed all of them, including the actual quilting!

The ball of yarn and two knitting needles represents the pair of booties she made me when I was an infant. Mom never really cared for the craft so that was the end of her projects. She knew how much I loved knitting and was thrilled to see each knitting project that I created. The chocolate fudge cupcake was given to her for her birthday while she was in the hospital. She smiled and chuckled!

The birdhouse charm with a bird dangling represents our love for birds. She had lots of beautiful birds in her yard often.

The heart with the words MOM in the center represents everything! Enough said! (smile)

"Mom and Me" Shawl

2009-05-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

A couple of days ago, I decided that I needed a prayer shawl to help me heal. I decided on this feather and fan pattern. I found some beautiful soft cotton that would be perfect. I began praying with my stitches and started knitting. I am only a few inches into the pattern, but already I can feel my heart beginning to heal. My shawl, my "Mom and Me" shawl, is helping me find calm.

My heart is broken!

2009-04-25T22:27:00.003-05:00

My mom lost her fight with cancer on Friday, April 24th. I need to heal and find my way during the next little bit. For now, I must pause!

All Done!

2009-04-12T15:08:00.002-05:00

Wow, that was a fast knit! I like it! The main question is, does he???

Double Delight!

2009-04-12T11:53:00.004-05:00

I'm knitting my newest cloth named "Double Delight". I like the fact that it is knitting a lighter weight cloth. I (I, mean my husband) really likes using a thinner cloth for dishes. They seem to dry faster and that is a plus in my kitchen. Of course, I am always concerned and consider what type cloth my husband needs to clean those dirty little dishes! (smile)

Chocolate Fudge Cupcake!

2009-04-10T20:41:00.002-05:00

I can't stop making these. Each one gets a bit cuter than the next. I am going to make oreos, choc chippers and sugar cookies next. I have a beautiful antique scalloped plate dish that would look terrific with all these irresistable yarn goodies arranged on it. One thing for sure, they have a lot less calories than their yummy counterpart!

Poof! It's Gone!

2009-04-09T11:31:00.002-05:00

Being the perfectionalist that I am, the oopsie started to bug me and so...poof, it's gone!

So far, so good!

2009-04-09T11:02:00.004-05:00

As you already know, I am dying to learn how to knit socks. I decided I needed some practise using dpns first, so, I am knitting a pair of mitts with a thumb gusset. I am just about 1/3 through the ribbing. So far, so good! Oh, I did make one small oopsie but, hey nobody's perfect and it's not too noticable.

I'm A Lucky Girl!

2009-04-08T11:08:00.005-05:00

Thank you, Karen for being my coffee swap partner. The cover photo is all the nice goodies Karen sent me. Her cloth is gorgeous. Definately a keeper for sure. I am thrilled with the cotton cascade yarn she sent. I've never used it but have heard that it is wonderful to work with. And, pink, my favorite color, how did you know?! I'm waiting now for the coffee to brew so I can have a cup and enjoy my thoughts of my wonderful swap partner. Thanks again, Karen. You are the best!

IPod Touch Sleeve

2009-04-07T11:11:00.003-05:00

Wow, I just love the colors of my new IPod Touch Sleeve. The colors are bright and cheery. The pattern was easy. I did my own thing. I knitted it with my own handcrafted double-pointed needles! I'm happy and my IPod is, too!

Coffee Hugger!

2009-03-30T19:52:00.001-05:00

This is my first cabled project. I wanted something small and easy and this pattern was perfect. Since there was only one row of cabling, the pattern was very easy, I was able to complete it in a couple of hours. I will definately make more of these. Maybe next time, I will try it in a solid color so that the cables will be in all their glory!

Yippee! The Knitting Circle!

2009-03-30T14:40:00.007-05:00

Ok, it's in the works. I am organizing a knitting circle! I am so excited. I have the meeting place set up, our local library will host this event for me. They will have a sign-up sheet set up and will post it in our local newspaper. Now, I need to think about a time and day for the knitting circle to meet. Any ideas that you can share would be so appreciated! Yippee!

If you don't have a local knitting group either, I encourage you to start one up, too! I know there are plenty of people who would enjoy knitting together and making new friendships! I love knitting!

Whirlygig!

2009-03-29T09:46:00.003-05:00

My new cloth reminds of a whirlygig! I can just see it in pretty spring colors. I used my handcrafted size 5 needles, to make this beauty. It measures 8 x 8-1/2. Since I used smaller needles and being the tight knitter that I am, it makes a very dense cloth. The pattern was so easy that I was able to complete it in a couple of evenings while watching t.v. Now that, is my kinda knitting! Gotta run, more knitting to do. The big question, what's next???

Watch out here I come!

2009-03-25T06:27:00.003-05:00

Ok! I've finished handcrafting my new #3 double pointed needles. I've given them a try and the yarn glides effortlessly on my beautiful new needles. Socks, socks, socks, watch out, here I come!

He Likes It!

2009-03-21T18:51:00.005-05:00

My Joe likes it! The black felt really helps block the light. I must say, nice knitting, girl! I'm proud that this turned out so well. I'm double proud of "my" Marine! Gotta run, more knitting to do!

Naps Rule!

2009-03-19T16:41:00.005-05:00

I read somewhere that for heart health, a daily nap can be the answer. So, being the loving wife that I am, I asked my hubby to start taking a daily nap. He drives a school bus, so it fits perfectly into his day. The only problem is that our house is so bright and full of big beautiful windows. It makes for a wonderful cheery house but not too good when it comes to that beloved daily nap. So...I decided to make him sleep shades. Being a United States Marine, I decided that my leftover cami yarn would fit the bill. I decided to line the mask with black felt to give it that extra darkening effect. As soon as I finish, I'll post a completed photo. Humm....I can see a cute little pink number in my future!

Afghan Cloth

2009-03-17T20:34:00.004-05:00

While browsing through an old knitting book, circa 1930, I found this stitch pattern. I liked the look of the stitches, so I decided to make it into a cloth. It feels thick and cushy. I am thinking of combining a series of stitches to make an afghan. There are five different pattern stitches, so I think I will make each into a cloth first.

Pots o' gold!

2009-03-17T17:21:00.002-05:00

Cute little pots o' gold I crocheted for my two guys. They loved them. Of course, who wouldn't love chocolate coins. Hope they bring lots of luck.

Irish Lace Cloth

2009-03-14T20:01:00.005-05:00

I've never been able to complete any lace project. I've looked at lace patterns that are gorgeous and way too intricate for this "little girl". Irish Lace is definately the most elegant of all laces, in my humble opinion. I decided to give this cloth a try. It was so easy to do, I actually copied the instructions on an index card and knitted away. I didn't find any row confusing or hard to understand. Definately a plus in my knitting repertoire! I can imagine a beautiful scarf made from this pattern. Humm! Gotta run, I need to find other lace patterns that I can create a Pièce de résistance for my happy little home!

Fantazia Cloth

2009-03-12T19:23:00.006-05:00

Oh, my! What a beautiful cloth. I knitted this cloth in about three hours with size 7 needles. I cast-on 39 stitches. The print is called "Painted Desert". This cloth is about 7-1/2 x 7-1/2. Perfect size for washing dishes. Not! I've already told my two boys, I had better not see a lick of grease on this cloth, anywhere! It was a totally fun and satifying knit.

Happy Hour Cloth

2009-03-09T07:01:00.002-05:00

Wow, there is an optical illusion going on here. This pattern was quick and easy. I actually completed the entire cloth while watching "Desperate Housewives". Boy, those girls sure are naughty! This is one show that makes "hubby" happy, happy, happy!

I cast-on 41 stitches for this cloth and found that it was a little too big for my needles. I decided to rip them out and cast-on 25. I used my size 7 hand-crafted wooden needles. It's too small for washing dishes, but would make a cute "mug rug" or a square doily. Oooh, maybe I will do one in needleloft yarn and use it as a scrubber! Gotta run, the yarn is calling me again!

Butterfly Cloth

2009-03-07T21:10:00.005-06:00

I've been wanting to try the butterfly cloth for a while now. I finally did and was blown away at how lovely it is. When I first looked at the pattern instructions, I thought it might be hard, purling 6 stitches together. But, it was easy! I made a tribble as a match set. This will go to my dishcloth exchange partner. I hope she likes it. Humm...Gotta run, more knitting to do!

Tribble Fever!

2009-03-05T20:26:00.003-06:00

Finally, I finished my first tribble. I created a cute little flower shape in the top. I found that it you manipulate the tribble with your fingers, it will flatten and smooth out. I can't wait to try it out. I will be making a cloth for an exchange this month and I just might include a tribble with it. A little extra is always a bonus, right? Now, I fear I have tribble fever. That might not be such a bad thing!

Dishcloth Dress!

2009-03-01T19:26:00.004-06:00

I just love this pattern. It is so cute. This is one of those scrap projects you can make with 1/2 an ounce of cotton yarn. The pattern is very easy to follow and only takes a couple of hours of knitting. It's a great project to work on while watching t.v. Why not make one for a friend or better yet, yourself! You can find the pattern here.

Who can resist a chocolate cupcake?

2009-03-01T19:15:00.004-06:00

Not me. I knitted this yummy cupcake in about 2 hours. I just love the fleece yarn that I chose for the icing. Nice and fluffy, like a cupcake should be. There is an incredible amount of joy that knitting food gives you. As you can see, my handcrafted double-pointed needles are in their glory! Maybe I will knit a vanilla cupcake next with a birthday candle on it.

She's Finished!

2009-02-22T21:11:00.005-06:00

Well, I must say she is a beauty! I was surprised to see that it only weighed 1 and 5/8 oz. of cotton yarn. One ball would make one cloth with a decent amount of scraps leftover. You could make a tribble in the varigate to match. It is so soft and cushy, it would make a nice bathroom rug! Thirsty indeed!

My poor little cold cell phone...

2009-02-22T18:34:00.006-06:00

While taking a break from my thirsty cloth, I decided to make a cell phone case. My poor little phone was getting cold with this 5 degree Michigan weather. It took all but two hours and very little concentration. I like knittings pattern that makes me happy when I watch t.v. or listen to books on tape. If you would like to try make one, you can find the pattern here.

Right now, I am listening to "The Knitting Circle" by Anne Budd. I enjoy listening to it while driving to and from work.

"Thirsty Cloth"

2009-02-21T14:18:00.006-06:00

I just finished day four of the Monthly KAL. I am very pleased with my cloth. With all those slip stitches it is making a very "thirsty" cloth. Hint: If you click on the picture, it will give you a close-up look of the stitches. You can find the pattern here.

When I am finished with it, I think I will make a fitted cloth for my swiffer using this pattern. I have one completed using the brick pattern and it is very thick and thirsty and really does a great job on my floors. If you have the Mason Dixon book called "Knitting Outside the Lines", there is a very nice pattern in there for a swiffer cloth. It fits the swiffer mop and has 2 buttons for an even neater appearance. I can see where it would be easier to put on/take off the mop, too.

Gotta run, more knitting to do...

My Next Project

2009-02-19T15:23:00.003-06:00

I will be working on the "Big Dotty Cushion" from the Mason Dixon Knitting Book. I want to make this cushion for my piano bench. I haven't quite decided on colors yet, but maybe something in rust or earthy tones. Something to think about.

So Far, so good!

2009-02-18T15:38:00.006-06:00

I've just finished day two of the Mid Month KAL. I decided to use 4 different colors of yarn. I am using a varigated called lemonade with 3 contrasting colors, yellow, lime and pink. I think it is turning out quite cute. It reminds me of Spring. I love jelly beans and this fits the look exactly. Gotta run, more knitting to do and I think I will munch on some yummy jelly beans, too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T11:46:00.002-06:00

Some yummy sweet treats for the boys! Very sweet indeed! Who can possibly resist chocolate dipped strawberries? Not my family!

Pink Dishcloth

2009-02-09T20:25:00.003-06:00

I am very pleased with my new dishcloth. I tried this pattern several times over the past year, but it just wasn't working out. I guess it was just the fact that I was new at knitting and really wasn't sure how to knit it. But now, I love it! I'm glad I tried it again!

Coming Up Daisies Cloth

2009-02-03T19:39:00.003-06:00

I am in the process of knitting a new cloth called "Coming Up Daisies". It uses a stitch called "star". Basically it's purling three stitches together, leaving stitches on needle and purling the same stitches together again, then slip off needle. The next row follows with a knit stitch, so it fans the star out. I just love it!

Valentine Bracelets

2009-01-31T20:35:00.005-06:00

Today I had fun making two Valentine bracelets. I used red and hot pink using peaches and cream yarn.

The bracelet on the left is made using a brick pattern and is seamed up the back when completed.

The bracelet on the right is knitting using four #6 double-pointed needles. Very easy and cute to make!

Handcrafted Knitting Needles

2009-01-31T12:58:00.006-06:00

I just love my handcrafted knitting needles. The pair of double pointed size 8 needles are very handy to have. My needles range from size 2 through 13. My husband and I both handcrafted these wonderful needles. They are warm and comfortable on my hands and they knit up so beautifully. Believe me, they are much more superior than metal or plastic needles. Just my humble opinion.

It's Friday Night....

2009-01-30T20:40:00.008-06:00

Oh boy, it's Friday Night. I am working on a hot pink dishcloth right now. The pattern is called Diagonal Ripple and it can be found here. It's really quite easy so far and I am amazed how nice it looks. The M1, k1 makes a nice border for the pattern. I am using a size #5 needle. I really like the look of the stitches using this needle size. When my cloth is done, I will post a picture.

Gotta run, I want to get just one more row...

Penny

2009-01-28T18:01:00.005-06:00

This is the first entry in my new blog. I am very excited about it and hope it doesn't take up too much of my "knitting time". My mother-in-law asked why am I knitting now? 'It's something you save to do in your old age!" I want to really get good at it now so that when I am old, I won't have to learn the basics, I'll already know!

Knitting, knitting, knitting! I just can't seem to get it out of my mind. Seems like these days, that's pretty much all I want to do. I am so lucky that I have a husband that doesn't mind. He never complains. I think knitting is a therapy of sorts. There are times I come home from work extremely stressed and knitting seems to help me relax. Knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one. Oh, how I love the sound of that!

Right now, I am knitting a simple little cloth from the stitch pattern called "little checkers". I am doing it in Peaches and Cream yarn called potpouri. It is about a third of the way done and it is turning out quite nicely. The little checkers seems to form a cute little "purled" heart. I bet it would like great in pink or red for a Valentine's Day cloth.

Well more later, I want to get back to knitting.

Penny