Batty Rovings

This is a great tute!!! just wanted to share

where has the time gone?

So it's been a little crazy around here. I can't believe it's the 2nd week of Feb already!

Last Friday it started snowing at 4ish. I snapped this photo around 11 when my DH came home. If you look at the bushes you can see a great deal of snow had already accumulated. and if you look past the bushes you can see the street wasn't really plowed. Luckily my DH didn't have to work Saturday b/c by the time the snow was all done there was about 2 feet everywhere. We took the girls to a local movie place to see the Princess and the Frog. it was a cute movie. I think the girls really liked it. Then they played outside. how could they not with all that snow? They had a hard time getting around it was rather funny. I snapped a photo of them, and you can see how much snow there was on top of their house. Tonight we're supposed to get more snow. On through Thursday we're supposed to accumulate another foot or so of snow. We'll see how that goes! 
Today in the mail we got a memory foam mattress topper that I ordered from overstock.com It took a little work over an hour to unroll and when we were done I wasn't sure if it would fit our bed. In fact I was worried they'd sent us the wrong sized mattress topper. But the directions said it took a while to "air " out or puff up so we went down stairs to eat lunch and do stuff, and when we came back up stairs we found that it totally fit. I'm sooo excited b/c it will be a good nights sleep tonight. in fact I woke up this morning and thought to myself that matress topper needs to get here soon b/c i'm sick of my back hurting. My sister said they got a mattress topper like this one and it really helped when she was pregnant. of course we got our soooo cheap and with two pillows for less than what they cost in the store. (I've been looking at them for some time now). Sorry just had to brag a bit. well I've got dinner to make. Have a great night.    
 

Knitting!

I've been knitting like crazy lately. I'm trying to finish a few things by the end of Jan. (yes I know that's only a few days away) I'm procrastinating for a bit to update ya'll here.  and Yes it's all my "homework" for the HPHC group over at ravelry. I've turned in some of my homework already and I'm working on a sweater vest that I'm testing for a fellow raveler. I won't share a photo of it until it's ok for me to do so. that will probably be when it's finished. But I'm also working on a Child Surprise Jacket for the bead. I think she will like it when it's finished. It's just getting there before the 31st to get points. lets cross our fingers! 
My Dh has been bugging me about his sweater that is one of my OWL's this "term", as I haven't started it yet he's feeling unloved. but I did start my other OWL. it's 4 pairs of fingerless mits. here's the start of the first pair they're going to be for some friends who've been wanting them. the OWLs aren't due until the end of march but I need to have 33% done by the end of Feb. so my plan is to work on my OWLs the first 2 weeks of Feb. I hope to finish 2 pairs of the fingerless mitts and a good portion of the sweater. Then after that I'll do my Feb homework. It's a good plan I've just got to stick to it. Well I have knitting to finish so I must go. if you've stopped by and read please leave me a message of love!

Potter Puppet Pals in "The Mysterious Ticking Noise"

The girls just love watching this "song" now that we have hi speed internet it's soooo much easier to watch things that make us laugh.

Spinning Yarn on a Drop Spindle - Tutorial

I found this video and I want to keep it where I can find it. Plus if you've ever thought about spinning yarn on a drop spindle you may want to watch it.

Dying with Wiltons.

I'm trying this delayed posting option since I have some time to type right now. we'll see how it works....
Last week, I was approved to test a sweater vest. I'm super excited. Luckily I'd just recently "found" some undyed wool yarn. (when I say found I mean I updated my stash on ravelry) I decided to dye 5 skeins for the sweater vest I'm testing, and I had a pot of spiderman black so I thought it was worth a try.
So while I was getting the pot and the dye ready I let the yarn take a bath with a few glurgs of vinegar. I mixed a good scoop of the black dye in the water and vinegar. I dipped the yarn in the water and it didn't look like it was going to be dark enough. I was going for black of course, it will match my button up shirts really well. So I pulled it out and mixed in some more of the wcd. then I let the yarn soak and simmer in the pot for about a half an hour. After I turned the heat off I let it set for another half an hour so it was cooler to touch. after pouring out the water and rinsing it the yarn looked wonderful. almost a dark grey smoke color. As it started drying it started to get lighter and lighter. now it's a greyish purpley color. which I like but won't match my shirts. It looks really cool I think. I'm knitting with it now, and when I'm done if I decide I need to have it be black I'll just try dying it again. but to tell you the truth I'm loving how it's knitting up.

A month?

Has it really been a month since I last posted? I'm really slacking aren't I? well I've been busy doing a lot of knitting, crochet and other things. Today at MOPs, we had a lady speak about becoming a couponer. what's that you say? it's someone who clips coupons and gets deals and groceries for super cheap. I've always been a person who uses coupons but I never really worked at it.. anyways I'm super excited to get started trying it. Though it's a little overwhelming to start out. i'm game if I can start saving big bucks at the grocery store. I'm going to start subscribing to a few couponer's blogs to get used to the whole thing. I have a small list so if you'd like to share anything you've found with me feel free to leave a comment!

Ok on to the fiber arts.. the last finished object a pair of felted mittens.they're for my DH to use while he shovels snow. of course it stopped snowing and has been raining for like a week since I finished them. I've got a few things that I'm working on but they're not finished and I've not taken a photo of them so you'll have to wait until they're finished.
I'm going to try and be more of a poster on this blog, this year. lets face it. I've been here for about 5 years now... I'd hate to just let it die. Well I've got to feed my kids and I've got a date with the Wii here shortly!

To distract you from my lack of posting....

So I have a blanket pattern that walks people through learning to crochet and I added a traditional granny square to the mix. I thought since everyone has their own version I'd share mine with you.
enjoy!

Basic Granny Square

Size : 6 inches

Material : Worsted Weight Yarn 2- 4 colors named A, B, C, & D

US H/8 5mm hook

Stitches Ch= chain

Sl St = slip stitch

Dc = double crochet

Sc = single crochet

Lp = loop

Sp = space

Corner = [3 Dc, Ch 2, 3 Dc]

Directions

Ch 5 Sl St to first ch to make ring.

1. With color A Ch 3 (counts at 1st Dc) 2 Dc, Ch 2 *3 Dc in Lp, Ch 2*; Repeat * to * 3 times join with a sl St to top of the beg Ch 3 and break yarn.

2. Join color B to a corner space with Sc and Ch 2 (counts as 1st Dc) [2 Dc Ch 2 3 Dc] Ch 1 *[3 Dc, Ch 2, 3 Dc] in next sp, Ch 1*; Repeat * to * 3 times join with a Sl St in top of the beg Ch 2. Break yarn.

3. Join color C to a corner space with Sc and Ch 2 (counts as 1st Dc)[2 Dc Ch 2 3 Dc] Ch 1 *3 Dc in next sp, Ch 1, corner in corner, Ch 1* ; Repeat * to * 3 times ; join Sl St in top of the beg Ch 2. Break yarn.

4. Join color D to a corner space with Sc and Ch 2 (counts as 1st Dc)[2 Dc Ch 2 3 Dc] Ch 1 *(3 Dc in next sp, Ch 1) twice, corner in corner sp, 1 ch*; Repeat * to * 3 times ; join with a Sl St in top of the beg Ch 2. Break yarn.

5. Join color B to a corner space with Sc and Ch 2 (counts as 1st Dc)[2 Dc Ch 2 3 Dc] Ch 1*(3 Dc in next sp, Ch 1) 3 times, corner in corner sp, ch 1*; Repeat * to * 3 times ; join with a Sl St in top of the beg Ch 2. Break yarn.

6. Join color C to a corner space with Sc and Ch 2 (counts as 1st Dc)[2 Dc Ch 2 3 Dc] Ch 1*(3 Dc in next sp, Ch 1) 4 times, corner in corner sp, ch 1*; Repeat * to * 3 times ; join with a Sl St in top of the beg Ch 2. Break yarn.

Weave in ends.

Top of Form

Turkey In Yo Belly Time!

I know it's a little late but this is hilarious!

Christmas Letters

The other day while the girls were coloring in their coloring books they found these empty dear Santa pages and proceeded to write their letters to Santa. they're so cute I just had to share them here! This will help my family get some ideas of what they'd like.
The Bub's (the one on the left) says:
I want to get nintendogs chiwowa and friends, I want zoo tycoon 1. I also want an MP3 player (we got her an mp3 player and also a zoo friends game) and I really want to see you this year. Maybe I could get some pink, blue and orange yarn. (she has been knitting scarves and making toys) I also want a real live horse. (we told her our yard wasn't big enough)

The Bead's was translated by the bub from scribbles her says:
I want a zebra bath toy, I want a bob the builder toy too (the workbench kind of toy) I want a camera,(we got her a really cool camera for kids) I want the land of the Lost movie (not going to happen as it's not the type for kids) I want to see you this year, I want a brother, I want a nice sister, I want a happy new year. I want a happy family. (i think that she was a little mad that she wasn't letting her do it the way she wanted)

Pretty funny huh? Luckily we took them a few weeks ago to Kmart and put what we're getting them on layaway. We'll still have to pick up some thing small from Santa and I'm working on some sweaters that I'd like to give them for Christmas if I get done in time. Of course I've got other presents to finish. so I should get off the computer and get to work.

It's Friday!

it's Friday and time to share your fave 5 along with Living To Tell The Story!

1: My washing machine. besides keeping my clothes clean it also helps me to felt wonderful things I've knitted. This past week it helped me to felt my new purse. I test knitted this purse pattern and I love it. the pleats just make the bag look awesome don't you think? The pattern is available over at ravelry here. I'm pondering making more for Christmas Gifts... that is if I have time. I have other gifts I'm making first.

2: the beautiful fall weather. Most of the time here the weather skips over fall and goes right into winter. but this year we've been having some beautiful weather. I'm talking jeans and a sweater/sweatshirt is all you need, maybe a nice hand knit scarf in the evenings. I love it. Not only that but it's great for my hair. being naturally curly I only have good hair days when the humidity is down. so I've been able to wear it down with out it bothering me most of the day!

3:Hansel and Gretel's House......well the smell of my newest candle. it is great and smells like I'm baking. this candle is hand poured and I got it at the Forget Me Not Floral & Gift Shop (one of the places I teach at) it burns clean and doesn't leave residue on the jar and no black on the jar either.

4: Local video rental places. We're able to rent kids movies for free and tons of favorite movies for only $1 for five nights. It makes for a fun cheap family movie night.

5: Chocolate. how can I not have chocolate as a fave? esp after halloween when it's on 50% off.

Fave Five

In an attempt to be more of a regular blogger again I've decided to start doing Friday's Fave Five along with Living to tell the Story. That means at least on Friday's you'll be hearing from me. (hopefully!) and I'll be recapping the week.

1. I love my job teaching knitting and crochet. I meet so many wonderful people and I have a lot of fun doing it. Every day I have a class is a good day! This past weekend some of my Thursday night knitters and I went to Pittsburgh on a yarn store tour. it was a lot of fun and I came home with some glorious yarn that I've been petting all week. it's so soft and pretty. and the pattern book has at least 5 if not 6 patterns in it that I will make.

2. Great Food For All. with everyone watching their pennies these days this organization is helping out. You can order a box of food for a low price of $30 and you get about $50-$80 worth of food. so it cuts down your grocery bill a lot. Anyone can do it you just have to order it. Even better is their website, I wasn't able to go into the church, downtown, to order this week so I was able to order online.

3. Our church hosts a MOPs that I've recently started attending and helping out with. This week was the 10th annv. of the Johnstown area Mops so we had a "birthday" celebration. everyone learned to make/decorate cakes. Mine turned out very rustic but now I know how to decorate a cake. MOPs is a lot of fun and I really enjoy going.

4. Ravelry. I love that website. It really connects people who knit, crochet, spin, and so much more. Specifically: the HPHC it motivates me to get my projects done and not just have outstanding knitting or crochet projects hanging around the house. if you knit or crochet and you haven't signed up... what are you waiting for?

5. Koolaid, it's not just for drinking! I was talking to my mom earlier this week and she said she'd like some purple sock yarn to knit some socks. I told her I probably had some so not to buy any and then I looked at my sock yarn basket. I had a lime green skein and a berry blue skein of yarn. so I put them in a pot with about 8 packets of grape, and I got a lovely royal purple for my mom and an olive green for me.

New Look

I got a blog makeover! (well sorta) and it was free! if you'd like to spruce your blog up I got my background from Shabby Blogs. go check them out!

Soooo what do you think?

Apple Butter

I swear I think that this is becoming a cooking/food blog. well I guess it is what it is. Anyways I've been canning lately and yesterday I made some apple butter. what is special about this is that I made it in the crock pot!!!! I got the recipe from a friend last year but didn't try it until now. it's wonderful and it tastes almost exactly like my gma's recipe.
so I wanted to share it with ya'll. Again I've added where I changed things a bit. mostly b/c the flavoring didn't taste right so I added more.

Traditional Apple Butter (for the crock pot)
12-14 cooking apples (about 16 cups chopped)
2 cups cider (I used about 3 cups)
2 cups sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon (I actually used 3 tsps)
1/4 tsp ground clove (I used 1/2 tsp)
1/4 tsp allspice (again I used 1/2 tsp)

core and chop apples, the recipe said not to peel them but I don't like bits in my jelly so I peeled. (I actually got to use my apple, peeler, corer from PC) combine the apples and cider in your large crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. Puree in a food mill or sieve (I used a blender). Return the pureed mixture into your crock pot, add sugar and spices, cover and cook on low for another 1-2 hours.
It will keep for several weeks in the fridge or you can pour into prepared jars and can. makes about 8 cups.

I had actually 5 of those big jars but one the bottom popped off. (I think I may have filled it too full) and a bit left over in a bowl for in the fridge. enjoy it's great!

Soup Weather!

It's fall and that means soup! I got this recipe from my neighbor and tried it today and loved it. I'm sure you could adjust this to use it in a crock pot. I did change a bit of the recipe so I'll give you the "real" recipe and then my modifications. Taco Soup
1 can golden hominy
1 can creamed corn
1 can pinto beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 lb of meat
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can rotel
1/2 a package of ranch seasoning
1 onion
Throw it all together and simmer.
add ins - salsa, cheese, tortilla chips.

I strongly believe in using what you have.so I used:
1 can golden hominy
1 can white hominy
1 can creamed corn
1 can pinto beans
1 can of black beans
1 lb of meat (ground turkey)
1 packet of taco seasoning
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can diced green chili's
1 a package of ranch seasoning
3 cloves of garlic
1 onion chopped
I browned the ground turkey in the bottom of the stock pot and then added the taco seasoning and I filled the packet of the seasoning with water to mix it in with the meat. then I started open cans and just dump them in. I let the soup "boil" while I opened and dumped. I added in some garlic b/c garlic is yummy and good for you. and I used the whole package of ranch seasoning b/c I dumped it in way too fast. After everything was in I turned it to low and let it simmer with a lid on for 1-2 hours or so. When it was dinner time I topped it with some cheddar cheese and it was wonderful!
Enjoy!

Such a Procrastinator

I finally typed up the pattern for this cute little toy. I named it the "Completely Fierce Dragon". Which it totally isn't it's so freakin cute you just want to hug it to pieces! In fact when I made this I made it as a baby rattle. so it's cute enough to chew on! I have the pattern in testing right now. But it will be available on Ravelry and eventually over at my etsy store some time next week. I'm also working on a cloche hat pattern right now. I've been meaning to do this for some time and I'm finally doing it.
I feel that ravelry is killing my blog. I spend all of my time over there when I'm online. where I used to regularly write for your enjoyment. LOL
If you knit, crochet, spin or weave you should know what ravelry is. if you don't go on over there and sign up it's worth it. I like it b/c it's the place to connect with other fiber obsessed people, talk about projects. You can keep track of your projects and what yarn, hook, needles you used for them. Not to mention you can spy on other people's projects. you can also make a queue of patterns you want to make. it's wonderful!
OK enough of my "ad" for ravelry I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Just a few advertisements!

I have many many many patterns and ideas swirling around in my mind these days. my problem seems to be finding the time to put them on "paper" so to speak. Not to mention uploading them to ravlery and etsy. (I know not everyone is on ravlery yet) I just wanted to do a little advertisement for my patterns.


I finally put the pattern up on ravelry for the Learn To Knit Sampler Scarf. I'd written it up for teaching how to knit at Forget Me Not Floral shoppe. I've had many people asking for the pattern. And I debated for a bit if I should make it available to people or just those taking my classes. as you can see I decided to make it available to all.


One of my fave patterns is the Diamond Wrap Socks. They're knit toe up with a short row heel. but of course you can substitute any heel you'd like in there. They're a great knit! and the pattern looks good with variegated and also solid sock yarn.


For Christmas time I've a great Toe Up Striped Stocking pattern. It's an extra large pattern using bulky yarn knit super tightly for a great sturdy fabric. I've made it in different colors One in Steeler's colors and one in Bronco's colors. It's a fun and easy pattern to knit. Though gauge is key with this pattern.

And I hope you who crochet don't feel left out because I've got a felted crochet bag pattern for sale. It was the first pattern that I've ever written. It's original and fun to crochet. I really like the way it looks. The Shunky Pattern!

Some of my patterns are free for your pleasure those are available on ravelry or crochetme and this very blog. I'm very nosey so if you've made something from my patterns LMK b/c I'd love to see photos!

Enough with this humidity!

This past weekend I've been sewing like crazy! (when I was home that is) I've also successfully broken most of my machine's needles and I fear I may need to take my Gma's old singer in for a look over. But it probably needs it anyways. It did force me to get out my new and much neglected sewing machine. I'd forgotten how much of a love/hate relationship I have with that new machine.. but it works well when I have the right needle in it. Tomorrow I've got to go and get new needles so I can finish what I'm working on. Most of what I've been sewing I'm going to take in to the LYS and see if they will sell there.

But I'd like to show you what I've been sewing. First I made a shoulder bag blue and browns, I love these colors together in any shape or form! I've found that I'm a little obsessed with buttons and using them on the bags this weekend. Inside the bag you can see it's a blue embossed fabric and I used the outside fabric to make some pockets. (there are two pockets) The bag is 13.75 inches tall and across the flat bottom it's 10 inches long and 4.75 inches wide. It's a great bag and fits wonderfully over the shoulder and will hold some great knitting or crochet projects.


This one cracks me up I can't explain why it just does. I made a needle roll using some left over fabric from a Halloween costume I made years ago. I went for the brightly striped inside fabric, mostly b/c I couldn't figure out what would look good with it. So I picked some striped fabric that always catches my eyes when I'm sewing. I used a button again but this time a loop of elastic to "close" the roll. This is for the Diva who loves animal prints. even if that diva is hidden deep inside. (at least that's the story I'm going with) I've got to make some more needle rolls for the store. I'm pondering a circular needle case but that's still in the works.

I also made another shoulder bag. This one my DH said "that bag is sooo cool I really like it!" So it's got his seal of approval on it, if that means anything to you. This bag is 13 inches high with a bottom that's 9 1/2 by 5 inches. I really like this black and white scene fabric. I paired it with some black, brown, green and red striped fabric. Again I used the button to close it. I figure if it's used as a knitting tote you don't want a zipper near your yarn so a snap or button closure is the best, right? This one also has 2 pockets for your notions and pattern or whatever you want. Though with the trend of big ol' bag purses that I see my babysitters and other teens carrying around it may make a great purse too. HMM that's something to ponder.

I really like those two fabrics together. So I made myself a new purse with it them. And I can't wait to go out and use my new purse. I even made a zipper inside pouch. I like how it looks like the tree has a zipper in it. I didn't plan that at all btw.
Anyways I seem to be rambling so I'm out!

July Recap

So July was busy. Very very busy.
Last week we spent some of the time in MD visiting with my Grandma as she was sick. She's getting better now and we were able to "rest" a bit at the farm. While we were there it was hay baling time. and the girls sat down for a good hour or so to watch it happen. the novelties of life huh?

This past month was also Stitch N Pitch with the Pirates. We went and had a lot of fun. I'd like to get a group from my LYS to go next year. B/c I think it would be loads of fun to go with some friends. We got some cool stuff too. See the black and white bag we got this year? It had some yarn and a magazine in it. I also picked up a sticker that I now stuck on my car. (you can see a photo of it on flickr)

July was also the last month for my Harry Potter Knitting/Crochet House Cup over on ravelry. they're taking a month off and then we'll start back up again for September. I love that group it gets my creative juices flowing!

I completed my Muggle Studies OWL. 2 Weasley sweaters. The girls each picked out the colors they wanted. I did a gauge swatch and bought yarn according to the pattern but I have at least 1-2 balls left from each of the main colors and most of the letter colors. So I'm pondering a BSJ or really a not so baby one. since I have the yarn and it goes well together.

For Quidditch our wrist warmers were due. I made them for the girls. they love them. I heard the bead singing, "I'm in gryffindor, I'm in gryffindor" after I gave her the one that fit. I think she's lost it now though... oh well.


For potions this month I made a necklace. Which then I gave to my older sister to have. b/c she likes gold and I do not. So she'll probably wear it. I hope she likes it that is. I really love the color of the beads and the butterfly but I really really don't like gold and I thought about wearing it but just couldn't... sigh. I have some of the beads left so I may have to make something from them but with silver. We'll see.

For Charms this month I made 2 headbands. One green with some left over sock yarn and one in gryffie colors left over from my scarf. They come in really handy and work really well. (esp with my thick curly hair) I'm going to have to make more of them I think! In fact I was all set to see the new movie wearing my new headband (that the bub is modeling) tonight when we were told that they wouldn't be showing it b/c of rain. (it was at the drive-in) so we'll wait until next weekend I think. unless we can get the girls' grandparents to watch them for a matinee sometime this week.

For muggle studies this month I made some socks. I love them. though it's too warm to wear them now I know I'm going to love them come winter. I also joined a new Sock a Month KAL. So I'll be knitting a pair of socks every month for a while. I wrote a small post about these socks there. They're your basic of basic toe up socks 2x2 ribbing with Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn.


And last but not least for Astronomy I made an invincibility star. I made it with Glow-in-the-dark yarn. It's awesome! And simple simple simple. I snapped a photo of it playing the xbox. which I thought was rather funny. It's arms are too short to maneuver the Wii remote I guess. he he he he he.

OK that's it. you're caught up for July. Now on to August.