The Treasures Of My Heart

Second TGV High Speed Knitting

2013-06-18T13:52:00.000-05:00

Just got back from a L-O-N-G bus ride with Nick (in the car or bus from 5 am to 10:30 pm) and I took my second TGV shawl to work on during the trip. I found that unlike my previous bus trips that I have gone on, that I did not enjoy knitting as much. As usual I packed way too much but I'm glad I did, because the projects that I thought I was going to get completed did not interest me at all.

I brought my cascade fixation yarn to crochet a headband with but did not touch. I also brought several mini sock yarn skeins to make Christmas sock ornaments with but only made one. I was hoping to get motivated to make a dozen. LOL!

I brought along my embroidered birds to work on thinking if nothing else I could have the whole set of twelve done. Ha! ha! I only did the words, "Carolina" from "Carolina Wren" and that was all for me. The ride was so bumpy that I was having trouble getting the needle to go where I wanted it to. I was going to attach a photo of what I've got done so far, but now I can't find the camera without shaking the whole camper and waking Nick up. He needs his rest.

I started my second TGV shawl on Friday and kind of felt a bit bummed about that because I had intended to do the "fun" part on the trip. I wasn't sure what to think of the pattern at first, but it is becoming one of my favorites. It's still not a shawl I would wear personally but I love the pattern and the finished look!

After Nick dropped off the kids at camp, I found myself enjoying knitting it more. I think I didn't do much before because I was cramped sitting next to the cooler. My back does not like the bus seats. I lounged in various seats on the way home.

I had the three most important things with me on the trip. My beloved, my knitting and K-Love. I sang to my favorite songs all the ride home. It was a good trip.

Will update this post with pictures later this week. Check back!

Getting stuff done

2013-05-23T16:29:00.002-05:00

This week I have been working on getting projects off my knitting needles as well as continuing my embroidery project.

I finished my TGV shawl with the realization that I only had three more rows left to do.Sadly, I started it on March 2012. I don't know why I was stalling to get it done but glad it's finished.

another angle with the points lined up better.

I'll have hubby take a picture of me wearing it sometime.

Then, I finished my First Timer's shawl.

I need to get some blocking supplies so I can properly block it.

I had bought this yarn originally to learn TAAT socks for Nick, but then ended up just making him a pair of socks with my dpn's and had this skein leftover. It's 100% wool and fingering weight bought from the local yarn shop.

I also finished a helmet liner today but do not have pictures to share yet. Though it looks identical to the other ones I've shared.

I also got another bird square done. Blue Jay, pictures coming soon!

It feels good to get these projects done and to start new ones with the hope that I won't take as long to finish them.

I've already got another TGV started with some more yarn that my friend "P" shared with me. It's the green one (intention yarn) I know it's going to be just as lovely when finished.

Well, until next time!

Jack Dempsey Needle Art Embroidered birds

2013-05-16T13:50:00.004-05:00

I've been taking a short break on knitting and crocheting and working on this:

It's part of a 12 square piece embroidery kit that I bought from Nine Patch quilt shop in Nevada, Missouri. She sells a wide range of other patterns too.

Each square is 9 inches and there are twelve different birds to embroider. I like this kit because it comes with a list of what colors you need. Perfect for me! I haven't decided yet what size quilt I will make with it when I get all the squares done. I wanted to use DMC thread, so I got some from her, some at our local Walmart and the rest from Country Cupboard in Fort Scott, KS. (One of my other favorite stores to visit!) They sell some of my favorite candy by the pound.

I started this on Monday and now working on the Blue Jay one. I find this work to be enjoyable and relaxing. No having to keep track of rows or worry about stitches falling off my needle. It's the perfect thing to pick up after a long day's work.

Until next time!

The journey

2013-05-12T05:41:00.000-05:00

The journey from infertility to family,
someone once said,
is like taking a train ride;
Never knowing whether
you'll reach your desired destination.

There are plenty of stops along the ride.
And each of the passengers
makes it's own decision
when its time to get off.

Some never need to take the train.
Others ride it for a lifetime.
But whether you reach your destination or not,
pay attention to the journey.
If you will,
as painful as it is,
it may reward you in unexpected ways.

New York, December 2000

(c) 2000 Ronen Divon, All Rights Reserved.

For sale- Knitting Needles and more!

2013-05-09T09:36:00.002-05:00

I have a couple of items that I am looking at selling. I haven't done much knitting lately to want to keep these around.

(Prices does not include shipping. Shipping is based on how many you buy whether one or multiple sets. If you let me know which ones you are wanting, I can weigh them up at the post office. I would also add a $1 fee and add a tracking number to it.

Here is what I have for sale: The needles are in used condition and come in their original packaging. The cable needles are new, unopened.

Qty- 2
Size 6 Clover circular needle 16 inch length for hats, sleeves, collars, and baby items) $6 ea

Size 7 Hiya Hiya circular needle 16 inch length (for hats, sleeves, collars and baby items) $5

picture to come...

Size 1 Hiya Hiya circular needle 9 inch length (socks, collars, doll and baby items) $6 These are tiny! :-0

Size 1 Addi Turbo circular needle 47 inch length (I bought this to attempt making TAAT socks with) $9 I'll just stick with my dpn's for socks. lol!

I loaned these to a friend and she said they measured between a 1 and a 1.5 needle, but the packaging says size 1.

I also have a cable needle set by Boye. You get three cable needles in the bag, which is unopened. $5

Leave a comment if you are interested in purchasing any of these. Or you can find my email under the "View my complete profile" link under my picture.

Thanks!

More crayon rolls

2013-05-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

I sewed these last weekend to take to the quilt shop. They have a craft room in the back to buy and sell handmade things. Check it out if you are in Nevada, Missouri.

Embroidered felted pouches

2013-05-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

This past week I have taken a break on knitting and crocheting and working on hand embroidering some felted pouches that I made awhile back. Here is one that I've been working on. I just did it free style so the petals aren't all the same size. At first it bothered me but looking to nature for an example, I see that flower petals aren't all perfect looking either. Perhaps a bug came along and had a snack. :-)

The crochet hook and thread is just to show some size comparison. I used embroidery floss. I recommend DMC floss. I tried some generic floss and it just made a mess of things.

I haven't done hand embroidery for years and was sort of happy with the way it turned out. I have this book and have been learning lots! I picked it up at the thrift store for only 10 cents! What a deal!!

I have two other felted pouches that I'm working on and will post up pictures when I get them done. Not sure what I will do with them when they are done.

The embroidery floss used in this was shared by a friend. Thanks, "K" for sharing with me. I love the colors you helped me pick!

California Rolls and sushi

2013-05-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

The last time I was up in Kansas City, I picked up two packs of nori sheets. I have been craving some california rolls for such a long time that I thought it was time to make some myself. I didn't think about buying a mat at the time though. Then, when I went to Ft. Scott, KS with a friend I stopped in at Life + Style and was overjoyed to see that they carried this:

What a deal for only $4.99! Now, all I need is some seasoned rice vinegar and some pickled ginger and the right ingredients to make some california rolls/sushi. My mouth waters at the thought of it!

I really love this store. They sell our favorite Lost Trails Root beer too! Chilled and ready to drink. Ahhhh!

When I get ready to make my sushi, I will be sure to post some pictures!

Chocolate and Strawberries

2013-05-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

Last week, I was getting my shoes out from storage when I went to move my bicycle out of the way. I happened to look down and staring up at me from my bicycle basket was a bar of organic chocolate and a container of fresh strawberries. At first glance I thought I'd put them there and then did a double take when I realized I didn't.

I was so surprised. I carried them both into the house and put them in the refrigerator. I began trying to guess who had left them for me. I went through a couple of names and decided to email each person asking if they had stopped by. I found it a little strange that there was no note. At first I thought maybe it had blown out.

Nick wasn't sure what to think and questioned my wanting to eat the items until I knew who they were from. I worried the strawberries might go bad before I could figure out the mystery. He thought it was strange that someone would just leave me the things, but I figured it was someone that knew that I love strawberries and chocolate. Not just any chocolate but this particular brand. I was going to snap a picture of both but forgot!

To my surprise a bit later that evening, I was rewarded by an email from the person that sent the goodies. I sliced the strawberries and set them in the refrigerator and made strawberry shortcake the next day. They were the best strawberries I have had in a long time. Nick and I enjoyed every bite!

I savored each bite of chocolate as well. Nick tried it but didn't care for the mint flavor. No problem! More for me! :-)

Thanks, "E" for the thoughtful surprise gift. I'm sorry I wasn't home to share my goodies with you. I hope you'll stop by again!

12 minute- Plastic bag holder

2013-04-30T15:18:00.001-05:00

I sewed a plastic bag holder out of a kitchen towel for a friend. The website where I got the idea from said it took only 15 minutes. I timed myself out of curiousity and even including the two times I had to re-thread my sewing machine needle the whole thing took about 12 minutes!

It was such fun to make that I now want to make one for myself. I just need to get to the store to pick out a pretty towel. I've got plenty of elastic and ribbon left to make several more.

Here is what you need to make one:

Kitchen towel, 1/4 inch elastic, 10 inch piece of ribbon.

Measure elastic the width of the towel. Then cut in half.

Tack one end to width of towel one inch below the hem. then stretch to pull and zig zag down. The hardest part is not accidentally letting go of it while you are trying to sew it. On one side, I tried tacking it down and then tacking the other side down and stretching it as I sewed, but that did not work as good as I hoped.

After you have both pieces of elastic sewn down. Turn right sides out and sew lengthwise. I chose to sew it right past the hem of the towel and used that as my guideline.

Sew ribbon folded in half to upper piece. Sew easy!

Took a little over 12 minutes to make!

Tea wallet

2013-04-30T14:58:00.002-05:00

I sewed up a tea wallet the other day with some beautiful fabric I picked up at the local quilt shop. I just love the pretty designs! Instead of my usual button and loop I tried sewing some velcro and a flap to it.

What do you think?

I hadn't sewn on the velcro yet, but I added a strip of black velcro to the wallet. Then, I put it in the mail and sent it to a friend. Let me know when you get it!

Here are the other ones I've made recently:

Treats in the mail

2013-04-30T14:55:00.001-05:00

I received some chocolate and gummies in the mail awhile back. They were well received!

They came as such a surprise as I was not expecting them! I am a member of a group on Ravelry called: Random Acts of Kindness where you create a wish list for yourself and can answer other people's wishes. It's so much fun to read what everyone is wishing for. I've listed in the past that I love Haribo gummies and chocolate. This month I asked for some yarn so I was super surprised when this came in the mail. All the way from Germany! I haven't had German gummy bears since I was a kid and it was like relieving wonderful childhood memories. They taste so much better than the ones here. :-)

I've met many great people through this group and others at Ravelry. If you like to knit, crochet, spin, or loom knit, come join the fun! It's free and you'll meet lots of nice folks!

I love stationary.

2013-04-30T14:47:00.004-05:00

I bought both of these when we were up in Kansas City. I had a hard time choosing between the two so I got both. I enjoy writing letters even though it's easier to email people. There's nothing like finding a hand written letter in my mailbox, so I can imagine that others find it enjoyable too.

I think I paid $2.99 for the cat one and I got 15 cards and envelopes in the box. The bird one I paid $3.99 and if I remember right, I got 16 of them.

Aren't they pretty?

If you know me, you'll know that I tend to procrastinate so if you haven't gotten a letter from me in awhile, be patient, it's on its way!

My only complaint is that on two of the bird ones the card itself is lightly printed so it's hard to see the words on the card.

By the way, I bought these at Half Price Books. If you ever have a chance, stop in and see the wide assortment of stationary they carry. They had so many pretty ones to choose from, that I can't wait to go back and get more!

Fluff ball

2013-04-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

The cutest fluff ball looking dog wandered into our yard the other day. I don't know if it was a boy or girl but it was so cute!

It had the cutest little bark and then it started chasing its own tail. Oh my! Such a cutie! It lives down the street from us and just came over to say hello.

Mittens and the gang

2013-04-16T18:27:00.000-05:00

Took several shots of the kitties last week. Mittens wasn't too happy about having me flash the camera in his face, but he is such a good sport!

He's found this spot in the neighbor's yard where they had a deer hide left. I guess it's a warm soft spot to lay.

I think he's sticking his tongue out at me!

He was so thrilled to model this hat I made the cats. I tried to bribe him with some treats but really it was just cat food and he figured that out real quick! lol

GB always looks so serious.

another shot of mittens in another hat I had made.

GB again. Her eyes always crack me up, as she scrunches them at me.

Georgie found a perfect place to lay without the others attacking him, or so he thought... lol!

Snapped this of Georgie laying on my side. My favorite of her!

When Georgie first came to live with us, I thought she was a "he", so I named him George. Then upon further examination, I learned he was a "she". I still call her a "he" sometimes because I often forget...

My terrarium

2013-04-15T18:29:00.002-05:00

This is my terrarium that my friend "L" made me. I just love it!! The pictures don't even come close to showing how pretty it is. It looks so lovely sitting on my table in the kitchen.

Magic square soap holders

2013-04-15T18:21:00.003-05:00

Here are the magic square soap holders I made. The larger one I used a chain of 15 and the smaller one a chain or 10.

I just made them according to these instructions, but instead of folding them to whip stitch closed, I just left as is.

I like how they turned out!

I turned them inside out too as I liked the pattern it showed more.

This is my second magic square potholder I made. When I first made it, I finished it too early and it did not come out square looking, which bugged me enough that I ripped out the closure and tried it again. It turns out I needed to put in about five more rounds to give it a straighter appearance. I'm glad I did that as I like it so much better. I know it's "just a potholder" but I want to always be happy with whatever I make.

And now I can cheerfully give it away as a gift without feeling embarrassed! :-)

front

back

the smaller one is for hotel sized bars of soap

Crocheted Soap Savers

2013-04-13T17:31:00.002-05:00

I love making soap savers, or as I call them, sudsy sacks. I like the one I've been using for a couple years now but after someone pointed out to me that the small soap pieces were falling out I thought I'd start looking for another pattern to use.

One of the things I tried this week was I used the magic square pot holder pattern to create a soap saver by simply not chaining as much. Instead of folding it over, I left it like a pouch. I'm still working out all the details so until I post up the numbers, here are some other great patterns to try.

These are all free by the way.

Textured Soap Saver
Crochet Spot's absolutely easy soap saver
Fish soap saver

Crochet magic square pot holder

2013-04-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

I made a magic square potholder last week and wanted to show how I sewed the ends together. I had a lot of fun making this and have already thought of several variations to do with this pattern. Stay tuned!

not quite ready just yet

This is what it looks like if you fold it the other way.

ready to sew up.

see how the yarn is going in and out?

completed and ready to go to work!

Crocheted mushroom pouch

2013-04-10T16:43:00.000-05:00

Made this crocheted mushroom pouch this afternoon.

It is a wristlet and has a button loop enclosure hidden under the top.

It was a fun quick project.

The pattern is available for purchase here.

More thoughts on pot scrubbers- learn from my mistakes.

2013-04-10T16:38:00.004-05:00

I've been making pot scrubbers for a couple years now and I still learn something new each time I make them. Aren't you glad you don't have to be the one wasting your netting and time and can just learn from my mistakes? lol!

Okay, so here is what I learned. I got some netting from a customer last week and got to cutting my strips. I found the material looking similar in folds to how it is when I get it from the store. I didn't think twice about it. I just cut up 7 strips and got busy making a pot scrubber.

Well, the first thing I noticed after I cut the 7 strips (thank goodness I didn't cut more!) is that the strips were very long. So, I measured them and they were 115 inches long.

Someone commented on my original pot scrubber post asking how long the strips were supposed to be. At the time, I thought it depending on the yardage you bought. Now, I know better.

The length of each strip will be the width of the material that you get. So, if you like me buy your netting from Walmart your strip length will be 72 inches long. I do not know how wide the netting is from places like Hobby Lobby or Joann's.

I found that scrubbers crochet up best using the original pot scrubber pattern if the strips are 72 inches long.

Since I had already cut the strips out with the 115 inch length, I went ahead and crocheted it up. The second thing I noticed is that these longer strips were creating a shiny scrubber similar to when I did this. I do not care for the shiny looking ones especially not with the original pattern because the strips don't seem to hold together as well. I worry they might slip out since the holes are larger.

As I crocheted the first strip up I noticed it was about as wide in diameter when I use the 72 inch length strips. So, at first I thought, well, I'll just use 6 strips instead of 7 but then the scrubber was looking too tiny, so I went ahead and used two strips. The end result? The scrubber came out floppy and at 5 inches in diameter!!! Much too large for my liking.

So, after many attempts at folding and unfolding the material trying to figure out which way the netting was supposed to go, I got the bright idea to look at one of my previous strips that I had cut from the Walmart netting. I never noticed this before, but the design of the netting faces a certain way:

Can you see this? The points to the hexagon shaped netting faces across. The first strips I cut they were pointing up and down. When I cut the second batch across, it measured about 60 inches long. Too short for my liking but the netting wasn't shiny looking and it turned out the way I like it though a bit smaller.

I just had to know how large to make each section so that it ended up the right size.

The first two strips will make a diameter of about 2 1/4 inches. Then, the next four strips will make a diameter of about 3 1/4 inches. If you follow these measurements you can use netting that comes on a roll, or in whatever width you want, though I like just buying the netting by the yard that is 72 inches wide.

The scrubber came out just 1/4 inch smaller than my previous ones, but they look the same. :-)

Pictures to come later.

Quick way to make a lot of pot scrubbers FAST!

2013-04-08T13:12:00.002-05:00

I don't know that it's actually faster to do it this way but I made close to three dozen this weekend.

Here's how I did it:

Cut my strips and set them into three piles. First pile: Two strips. Second pile: Four strips. Third pile: One strip.

I make sure not to have more than one of the same color to avoid confusion. :P

Then, I grab my first color to work with and do the first two strips (2 sc around). I make up all the scrubbers in the different colors- just doing the first two strips. Then, when I have all the pieces done with the first two strips- I move to the next pile. The four strip category. I crochet them up one color at a time. (1 sc around) Then when I'm done, all I've got left to do is one strip on each scrubber. I did that this morning and got 10 made up in a few hours. It usually takes me an evening to make 6.

I think it goes faster because I'm not having to worry about which part goes next. And separating them into the piles keeps the confusion down which makes me very happy.

And if after you try this, you decide you'd just rather not make them yourself, contact me and I will make them for you!

My piles. I had already started the first two strips when I took this picture.

Completed the first two strips on each of these.

Completed the four strips on the black, green, purple and red. The white and yellow have two strips done on them as I started more.

And done!

Spring is here.

2013-04-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

I love listening to the birds singing in the mornings after Nick leaves for work. It's still been a bit chilly and I still think we may get some more snow yet- (hope not!) but I think spring is finally here. The robins are out gathering sticks for their nests and worms to feed their babies. I've got some bird feeders out but they don't come around as often since there is plenty of wild grub to find. I'd like to find a concrete bird bath so they have plenty of water come summertime.

I worked on various projects this week. I got about 5 inches done on my second helmet liner. If you like to knit for others, won't you consider joining Covers and Soles. They can always use more help. I always feel bad because it takes me a long time to make the helmet liners but they are always so grateful for the ones I make.

I should have it completely by next week and will start on another soon. I got three dozen pot scrubbers to make for orders this weekend and next week. If anyone would like me to make some for you, just contact me through my "For Sale" tab. It will open my Etsy shop and you can find the contact button there. I'm going to have to remove my email from this blog as it's getting filled with spam.

I was given some netting from a friend and I have plenty of dark green and black to last me a long long time. I've never been so blessed by this much netting! When I get these orders filled, I'll get to cutting and making more. I still haven't caught up yet to have some ready made, but one day at a time. :-)

I am almost done with my First Timer's shawl and took out my TGV shawl to work on when I noticed a mistake in it. :-( Well, at least I think I made one. It's on hold until I can figure out what may be wrong with it.

I am giving up on the purple caron yarn shawl. I had a bad reaction to some other yarn given to me and decided that I'm done with acrylic yarn. It takes at least a week for my hands to heal after I've touched it, and it's not worth the pain anymore. So, the caron yarn will go to a friend who can use it. If and when I make any shawls- they will be done in fingering weight wool. Well, I guess it could be made in worsted weight too but I like making the ones that only need a skein of sock yarn.

This book, I check out from the library a lot. Probably more than a couple dozen times in the past six months. I've never made anything from it, but I do enjoy looking.

Off to go do some knitting.
Until next time!

Nourishing Chicken soup

2013-04-05T07:40:00.000-05:00

I've been making my favorite comfort soup the last month. I've been craving it and it's so yummy and nourishing to me. I can feel a difference when I eat it.

I love my new bowls that I got awhile back. The cheery pattern brightens my days. It came as a set with salad plates and dinner plates too. I bought some matching mugs to go with it. It's funny because when we first started looking for some plates that we liked, neither of us liked that design at all. Then when the time came to buy some, we both saw it with new eyes and fell in love with them. Now I can't imagine using anything else.

To make the soup, I add a couple of drumsticks or chicken thighs, (anything with bones) and add enough water to cover. I boil it and then simmer it until the meat falls off the bones. I like to add plenty of pepper, two whole cloves and a dash of salt. While it's simmering, I gather up any vegetables that I have on hand. In this case, it was chopped celery, onions and grated carrots. Chunks of fresh ginger are nice too, especially if I have a cold. Then, I keep simmering it until the veggies are done. Halfway through I add in a couple tablespoons of brown or white rice. Cook until the rice is done. Top with green onions (if I have them). Strain out the cloves. A couple dashes of fish sauce to taste. I like to add 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder to it as well. This reminds me of a soup I had as a child for breakfast in Thailand.

It's a great dish to have any time of the day!

Mmmm! My favorite thing to have for lunch lately.

Lounging in the sun

2013-04-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

The weather was gorgeous on Sunday. I can't wait for more weather like that. Nice breezes. Sunshine. Not too hot or cold.

There is something about this cozy spot that the cats all fight over who can sleep there in the afternoon. I don't know if it's because it's in full view of the front porch or if it's just a nice warm place to be.

Mittens usually sleeps there when he can get to it first. Freddie came along and plopped himself right on top of Mitten's head. Mittens didn't even wake up! lol! I tried to get a picture of him, but he decided to move right when I snapped the picture.

Georgie is starting to fill out and not be as scrawny as she was when she first showed up. She's really learned to settle down for snuggle time with "Papa". It used to be that she didn't know how to sit still when she was petted, but now she just makes herself right cozy on Nick's lap. She also jumps up on her own- which is something that our cats hardly did.

Freddie is hardly the cuddle bug that he was when he was a kitten but he does enjoy some lap time occasionally. He does steal my seat from time to time too. I snapped this picture of him right in the middle of a yawn. Doesn't he look ferocious though? :-)

Mittens used to be the one that liked to have his belly scratched but they all have been enjoying a nice belly rub the past few weeks.

I never combed them much when they were little and I regretted that with Zucchini because he seems terrified of the curry brush, but the rest of them all just love to be brushed. Freddie will plop himself down and turn like over on each side to be sure I get all of him. lol! I know he will appreciate it the most this summer as he has a thicker coat than the rest.

until next time!