A thank you and a FO

I want to first show you my new teapot cosy. I joined the teapot cosy at Crochetville and this is my package. I just love it.


Here is a round ripple that I finished a couple of weeks ago. I really like the way the colors fall in this one.

I have finished up all swaps but one. I still have the purple square swap going but I should be able to finish that one up within the month. I have 32 made and need 32 more so that will be my portable project for the near future.

I will post more in a bit about how my son broke his arm. Fun. Fun.

Update

My poor, neglected blog. I haven't been crocheting much lately, and what I have been has been test projects that I can't show you. Hopefully soon though, I will have new pics.

I start my new job this coming Tuesday. I am hopeful that this will be a wonderful move for me. I am going back to working 40 hours a week, but the hours are much better and the money is a whole lot better. I feel like now is the time to make this move and it all happened within a week. From the time I set up the interview to the time of the job offer and acceptance. Since both of my children are in school now, it's time to start stepping it up.

SWAP UPDATE~~
1. C'ville Secret Pal~~reveal package ready to mail on Wednesday.
2. HSKS 3 ~~I am making the sock bag tomorrow and will mail this on Saturday.
3. C'ville teapot cosy ~~ Mailing deadline of November 5th.
4. Swap #90 ~~ 40 of 64 made. Mailing deadline December 31st.

That's it for the swaps. Taking a break from these as the square swaps are time consuming and I really want to crochet for me for a bit.

Everything else seems to be status quo around here. Once I settle into my new job I should be back to crocheting more.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!

C'ville secret pal revealed!!

My partner was kidget29 aka Kathy. She sent me an awesome reveal package. She sent me my very own Blue Ribbon afghan made in earthtone colors. This matches my living room to the letter. I love having an afghan that I didn't make. It makes it all the more special to me. She also sent me Mr Scarecrow. Since I don't have much in the way of autumn decorations he is sitting in the middle of my kitchen table as the centerpiece. He definately looks better than a candle. LOL. Kathy also sent me some wonderful smelling body butter, some very pretty glycerin soap, some tea, a baggie of assorted candies (I have already had to fight the kids off), 4 new notepads, and some palm tree ribbon. Also, she sent me 2 skeins of Homespun in Harvest and Sugar and Cream in country twist.

Kathy~~I can't thank you enough. I love everything!!

Long week....

Well it's been awhile since I have posted. I interviewed for another job last week and was offered the job. I think it's the right move for myself and my family to move onto this new opportunity.

I have been crocheting, although not nearly as much. I think (fine, I know) that my hand is not healing as fast as it should because I never really stopped crocheting. I am working on a couple of swaps and a couple of test items. I have really backed down on my participation as I am trying to crochet no more than an hour per night. We will see if this helps all the scar tissue settle down.

Here is a completed bag that I finished over the weekend. I was wandering through Wal-Mart one night and found a pattern book on sale for 0.75 and had to buy it. The book had a pattern for a tote. I love making purses and totes. But then again, you all knew that already. LOL. This tote took 3 skeins of RH stripes and was very easy to follow.



Current Swaps~~
1. Autumn Secret Pal - to be mailed by Oct 17th
2. HSKS 3--Sock Kit Swap - to be mailed by Oct 31st
3. Purple square swap (28 squares done) - to be mailed by Dec 31st

There will be more pics to come soon.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Thank you!!

To Secrete Paal. I loved my package and want to say thank you. Here is a pic of my package. I have already picked out a couple of patterns to try.

I also took a pic of my progress of my Navajo blanket.

Have to get going on cleaning so that we can start to tear out carpet tomorrow.

Have a safe and great holiday weekend!!

WIP Wednesday

I don't have any pictures to share just now but thought I would post an update anyway. My son's Navajo afghan has gotten a few more rows put on it over the last week. I have my 8 pocket tote almost done. I just have to sew on that last pesky strap and weave in the ends. I really must make a point to finish that up tonight.

I started another couple of projects that have to remain a secret until the end of the Autumn secret pals round. That should be around the end of September or beginning of October. I have a few things in mind for my pal and wouldn't want to spoil her surprise.

Speaking of swaps--I've done it again and have a few going right now. None of them are overwhelming especially with the way the deadlines are spaced. Three of them are from Swap bot and they all need to be mailed next week. Not a problem. I have 2 partners for the Coffee and a surprise swap, and 1 partner for a magic yarn ball swap.

I also joined the HSKS3 swap. This one will be fun (especially now that I have at least seen all 5 movies...LOL). I am in the Gryffindor house again. Can't wait to see what house my partner is in so I can start shopping!!

Partners for the 'Ville's Autumn purse swap should also be out this weekend. I have the pattern picked out and waiting for my partner's color preferences.

The last swap will be a bit more labor intensive. I joined a purple square swap. Good news is that the mailing date is after Christmas, bad news is that I could end up making 80 8" squares. That's ok with me because that means I will receive 80 8" squares and will be able to make a good sized afghan for myself.

I think that is all that I have to update for this week.

Take care and have a blessed day!!

WIP Wednesday and update

I am crocheting some now. They took my stitches out last week. That helped a bunch.

These first pics are of the items that I won from the Crochetville auction. This first one is the afghan that some of the villagers made and donated.

This next pic is of my tote. I love this tote. TampaDoll did a great job on it.

This next tote was made by KnicKnack. I love the material she used to line it.


Up next is a pic of my 8 pocket tote. I joined the CAL at the 'Ville. All I have left to do on this one is the joining and sewing the handles on.


This next project is a Navajo afghan. Another CAL at the 'Ville that I joined. This will be for Thing 1.


And the final pic is of a couple of face cloths and soap holders that I made for my partners in a Swap Bot swap.


In other news, the kids started school on Monday. Thing 1 is in 5th grade this year and loving it. Thing 2 started kindergarten and so far so good. Hubby and I took them to school Monday morning and then got the dismissal kiss from Thing 2. She was ready for us to leave and to get to learning and playing. It's a new feeling to be home alone during the days I have off.

Enough rambling and I will try to post a bit more often.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Secret Pal Reveal Package

Here is my Summer Secret Pal Reveal package. My partner was Deborah (Wildthing1058). She sure knows how to spoil her partner. I love everthing that I received. The top pic is my reveal package and the bottom pic is the package that she sent me about half way through the swap.



Deborah,
Thank you again for my packages. I love all the knitting supplies you included. Since I am such a newbie at knitting, I will have fun using my new notions.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Update

I know. I'm a bad blogger but with all the swaps ending at the same time I have been keeping a couple of things under wraps. Well, all the packages have been received and I can now show pictures.

This is my finished Candy lace shawl (pattern available at Anna's). I love the color. I can definately see myself making another one of these. Very easy pattern and quick too.


This next shawl is a seraphina made with Joann's Boucle Sensation. Another quick and easy pattern.



I only have one more swap to finish--another shawl. LOL. I am hoping to get this one done before I have surgery on August 3rd. I am having carpal tunnel and deQuervains release. I so need this surgery. I am hoping that after the surgery I will be able to crochet again without pain.

I am taking a break from the swaps for awhile also. I am planning on participating in the Autumn Secret Pal swap at the 'Ville but that should just about be it for the year. I am wanting to crochet a few things for myself.

I will try to post my WIP's next week.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Finally----pictures

So blogger has not been coorperating lately. I have tried to post pics over the last few days and for some reason they won't post. Hopefully, this time it will work.

This first pic is of my SP10 package. My pal is wonderful and sent me 8 skeins of Knit-picks shine sport in turquoise. She also sent me some knitting needles, notepads, and candy. This is the shawl that I made with the yarn. It was perfect. Thanks a million. The pattern is from www.lullabiesandlace.com. It's Anna's Candy Lace Shawl. Wonderful pattern. Go check out her site.


This next pic is from my Secret Pal at the 'Ville. She is awesome!! I just love everything she sent. The only thing missing is the candy that she sent. That had to be put up right away to keep the kids and dogs out of it. The tote is perfect for my afghan WIPs.


This last pic is from my Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap pal. Becky is the best. I love the color combination she picked. Absolutely fabulous yarn and my favorite. Lorna Laces!! I just love this yarn.


I have more pics to come later this week.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

WIP's update

I know it's been awhile since I have posted an update on my WIP's. I joined a CAL at the 'Ville that is a UFO (unfinished object) CAL. The object is to finish up all those projects that are just laying around and you can't find to work on them. Julie even made a theme for each day. Here are the themes and the WIP's that correspond with them.

Monet Monday ~~ (Anything that has a varigated yarn in it)
Lace and Bobble afghan
Cheeky squares afghan
Camo Afghan
Round ripple

TV Tuesday
Peaceful Interval afghan
Splendor Afghan
Slouchy purse
Edging for hubs afghan

WIP Wednesday (I renamed this Swaps/testing Wednesday)
Summer Secret pal swap
SP10 swap
Fridgies swap
Square in six swap
Summer shawl swap
Test items

Thankful Thursday (Crocheting and knitting for charity or people in need)
Prayer shawls x3
2 baby afghans

Photo Friday
Pics of progress we have made each week. I will post the pics here as well.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be the projects that have a deadline or need to be mailed out the following week. If I don't have any of those then these days will be used for whatever I want to work on.

I started to have a panic attack when making up this list because there is quite a bit on this list. Once I really sat down and looked at the projects, most are over halfway done and some (like hubs afghan) just need the edgings done. I am hopeful that I will be able to finish at least one or two a week so that I will get my WIP baskets (yes, more than 1) cleared out. My reward will be to 1. buy more yarn and 2. look for new patterns.

That's it for today!!

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Swap update for this week

Current swaps~~
1. SP10~~This one just started and will run through June. I have some ideas for my partner.
Update~~Swapping.

2. Spring purse swap at Crochetville. I have the pattern picked, just need to get the yarn.
Update~~Mailing out today.

3. Summer Shawl Swap at Texas Two-Stitch.
Update~~Picked yarn and pattern

4. Square a month at Texas Two-Stitch. We are cruising right through this one. This one is set to end in June, I think.
Update~~Working on April squares.

5. I just signed up for the Magic Yarn Ball Swap at Lullabies and Lace.
Update~~Mailed and Anna had received.

6. I signed up for the fridgie swap at the 'Ville. This one should be fun.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Pics

So I've been a slacker lately. I've not felt too hot and been too lazy to grab the camera and give proper thank to my swap pal.

These are from the Swap Ranch dish cloth swap. My partner, Misty, rocks. She sent me the cutest little tea/coffee cup coaster with my dishcloths. She also made me a plastic bag holder which will replace the tacky one that I bought for my first apartment eons ago. And the big surprise was----a book from my Amazon.com wishlist. Again~~THANK YOU MISTY!!


In some testing news--
I just finished a retest for Lisa over at Crochet Garden and they are of course for Thing 2. These were fun to make and made up very quickly too. Adds a dainty touch, don't you think?


This next pic is a doily that I tested for Kathy at
Simply Crochet. And let me just say this. She is an amazing thread designer. I have overcome my fear of thread and am actually enjoying working with the finer thread.


There are a couple more things that I tested that have now been released at Lullabies and Lace. Anna is another talented designer that I have the priviledge of testing for.
Here is her Simple teapot cozy

And her Cradle Purse, which is one of Thing 2's favorites and must haves to take along with us.



So I think that should be it for now. For the looks of my WIP pile last night there should be some more pics soon.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Swap update

Current swaps~~
1. SP10~~This one just started and will run through June. I have some ideas for my partner.
Update~~Mailed first package.

2. Spring purse swap at Crochetville. I have the pattern picked, just need to get the yarn.
Update~~I have the purse made and just need to attach handles and mail out.

3. Summer Shawl Swap at Texas Two-Stitch. This one is still open for sign ups.

4. Square a month at Texas Two-Stitch. We are cruising right through this one. This one is set to end in June, I think.
Update~~Working on April squares.

5. I just signed up for the Magic Yarn Ball Swap at Lullabies and Lace. I am planning on getting this one mailed out next week.

Ok~~now this looks a bit cleaner. I am planning on scaling back on my swaps as summer is coming and that means camping!! There are a couple coming up that I am going to do for sure. Other than that~~just join the ones that I can't resist.
Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Swaps

Well--I am thinking that I may be caught up with these swaps. I have to go and get my first gift for my SP10 pal tomorrow and then to the post office. Here's an update of my status for the other swaps.

Current swaps~~
1. Spring round of Secret Pal at Crochetville. We have a couple more weeks of this one.
Update~~Mailed out reveal package.

2. Dishcloth swap at Texas Two-Stitch Ranch forum. I have 3 out of 5 done for Miss Sonia. Still have to pick up her goodies.
Update~~Mailed

3. SP10~~This one just started and will run through June. I have some ideas for my partner.
Update~~Mailed first package.

4. Spring purse swap at Crochetville. I have the pattern picked, just need to get the yarn.
Update~~Have this one started and hoping to have shipped next week.

5. Summer Shawl Swap at Texas Two-Stitch. This one is still open for sign ups.

6. Square a month at Texas Two-Stitch. We are cruising right through this one. This one is set to end in June, I think.
Update~~Mailed March squares.

7. I just signed up for the Magic Yarn Ball Swap at Lullabies and Lace.

I think those are all the swaps that I have right now. I'm sure there are more to come. I just can't say no.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

Swap update

I love swaps. I just can't say no. I have decided that I will keep my swaps updated here instead of my steno pad that Thing 2 keeps taking off with.

Current swaps~~
1. Spring round of Secret Pal at Crochetville. We have a couple more weeks of this one.

2. Dishcloth swap at Simply Crochet forum. I am mailing this out this week.
Update~~Done.

3. Dishcloth swap at Texas Two-Stitch Ranch forum. I have 3 out of 5 done for Miss Sonia. Still have to pick up her goodies.

4. SP10~~This one just started and will run through June. I have some ideas for my partner.

5. Spring purse swap at Crochetville. I have the pattern picked, just need to get the yarn.

6. Summer Shawl Swap at Texas Two-Stitch. This one is still open for sign ups.

7. Square a month at Texas Two-Stitch. We are cruising right through this one. This one is set to end in June, I think.

8. I just signed up for the Magic Yarn Ball Swap at Lullabies and Lace.

I think those are all the swaps that I have right now. I'm sure there are more to come. I just can't say no.

Enjoy and have a blessed day!!

SP10 Questionnaire

Whoo Hoo!! I joined both Secret Pal 10 and the Spring round of secret pals at Crochetville!!!! As you can tell---I love secret pals. It's just so much fun being mysterious..Tehe..

Here is my SP10 Questionnaire
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like most yarns but my favorite is TLC Essentials. About the only yarn that I don't like is fun fur. I am jsut learning to knit and haven't tried any of the yummy yarns yet.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a sewing organizer that sits on my end table and it holds my hooks, scissors, pendant cutters, tape measure, and everything that I need.

3. How long have you been crocheting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been crocheting for 26 years now. My grandmother taught me at a family Christmas get together. I would consider myself to be advanced.

I just took my first learn to knit class. I can knit and purl but that's it so far. So I am definately a beginner in knitting.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No.

5. What's your favorite scent? Vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Anything chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? The only craft I do is crochet and knitting. No I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I really like anything from the 70s, 80, 90s and now. My computer will play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite colors are earthy colors. I also love deep purples and deep blues. Can't think of any colors that I don't like.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married and have a 9y/o son and a 4 y/o daughter. We have 3 doggies and 1 fish.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Sometimes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to crochet? I like to make afghans.

13. What are you crocheting right now? Since it's winter I am making my afhgans.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer wooden hooks. Since I am just learning to knit I could use any size needles. I only have a set of sice 8 needles and size 10 needles and they are both bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I do own a yarn winder.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 11 years old. I started this while pregnant with my DS and they discontinued the yarn. I did find the pattern recently and think I can finish it with plain white.

18. What is your favorite holiday? All of them.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Teapots and tea cups with saucers.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What crocheting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I would love any begginers patterns for knitting. I love surprises.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Can't think of any

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I haven't knitted any socks yet. This was my goal and why I am learning to knit. I have no idea what or how to measure my foot.

23. When is your birthday? June 22

Swap updates

This will become a weekly post to help me keep track of my swaps.

Here is my list of my current swaps....
1. Seasons Afghan swap - mailed all and received all. Just need to join my ghan!!
2. Get to know you swap at Texas Two Stitch Swap Ranch
3. Squares in six ~~ 12" squares in six months from Texas Two Stitch Swap Ranch
4. Still waiting on confirmation from SP10

Where does the time go?? It seems that this year has flown right by. I am flying through my WIP's almost as quick. I actually started a couple of new ones this week also.My first completed WIP was a table runner that I was testing for Katchkan over at Simply Crochet. I love her patterns because (a) they are very well written and (b) they are simple for those of us whom are thread challenged. I made this particular one for my end table. It's going to look great there (after the holidays and all the Christmas stuff is put up for another year).I have also made a couple of doilies. I have tried 2 Patricia Kristoffersen mini doilies. I stuck with using size 3 thread with these. I haven't gotten brave enough to try using size 10 thread yet. Although I did buy some size 10 thread to make a larger one of her doilies. That one might have to wait until after the first of the year.I received my Holiday gift swap box from my partner over at the 'Ville. My partner for this swap was Nikki (sfgwife). She is amazing and I can't believe her generosity. She made me a pair of socks, slippers, hat and mittens. How cool is that. The amazing this is that I had already made myself a scarf with the exact same yarn. So now I have a matching set.She also sent me some Santa ornaments. I absolutely adore anything Santa. There are now 4 of them (which are Santa thimbles) which will sit on my shelf all year long.She also sent me some Chocolate and Coffee. My two favorite things. Those alone will help me through the freezing temperatures we are having right now.Well~~I really must run. I am still sorting Christmas presents to make sure that no one gets missed. Maybe I will try to wrap them in the near future. LOLEnjoy and have a blessed day!!