tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169470092024-03-14T05:08:34.499-07:00Getting to CrazyLouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-21875236046947630392010-09-27T21:00:00.001-07:002010-09-27T21:06:00.542-07:00My 3 Girlies! Today is a birthday!<div style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; FLOAT: right; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/2755117818/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2755117818_72d208130e_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/2755117818/">My 3 Girlies!</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Today is my #2 baby girl's birthday. She is 41 and that number really makes me feel old. She is on the right in this picture.<br /><br />Of course, back on the 17th of this month my #1 baby girl had her 48th birthday. She's the one on the left in the picture. So, this feeling old thing is sort of familiar.<br /><br />Baby Girl #3 is in the middle and she was 36 in January. My girls were all fairly close (but not in age) growing up. Unfortunately now for them they are separated by many miles. This picture was taken a while back when they all met up in San Antonio where #3 lives. They had a great sisters visit from all accounts. It's too bad they don't get to do that more often.<br /><br />Today they were teasing me about Tasha (see yesterday's post) being my favorite now. Hardly a comparison. Although........I DID forget yesterday to mention that you can see more pictures of Tasha in my Flicker pictures if you are so inclined! <br /><br />Between them they have 7 kiddos which we don't see too often. They range from age 21 down to a 6 yr old who is in 1st grade this year.<br /><br />So, now you know a little more about me. I must say they all appreciate my embroidery and crazyquilting efforts even though sometimes it takes me a long time to get things completed.<br /><br />The thing I've always been best at is having babies and procrastination!<br clear="all">LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-90056053247204237002010-09-26T20:50:00.001-07:002010-09-26T20:50:51.939-07:00Isn't she cute?<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4838305089/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4838305089_4774f2810f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4838305089/">My garden</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Oh,this picture is my way of distracting you from all the excuses I have on hand for not keeping up with this blog in a timely fashion.<br /><br />I could say I have been SUPER busy with our new puppy, Tasha, who is about 4 mos. old in thisi photo. We got her on Memorial Day and truly is IT like having a new baby for the first few months! She has drastically changed our lives - for the better we think. <br /><br />So, she was born on March 7th and her "official name" is Angel's Natasha Joy. She weighed less than 5 lbs when we brought her home. She rode, wrapped in her blankie in my arms most of the way home. She has a delightful personality and is very smart, as most corgis are.<br /><br />She is now almost 7 mos. (October 7th) and truly the light of our lives. She keeps us hoping and makes sure we keep up with her routine. My daily routine surely has changed since the beginning of this year.<br /><br />Last Holiday season I fell into a funk as the anniversary of my brother's passing away came and went. It took me a bit to haul myself up and out, but I never stopped with the fiberarts all through it. I knit a lot of things for charity this year - mostly baby hats for our county's hospital.<br /><br />I also went back to my Take it Further blocks that sort of fell by the wayside when my brother was ill. I've finished Sept and October and only have a little left to do (the beading) on the November block. In the days to come I will blog about my work on them. Soon I will start the December one and maybe I'll have it finished by the New Year - just two years late....LOL<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-43248253516925149842010-03-15T16:42:00.001-07:002010-03-15T16:48:01.373-07:00Scarf for Gabrielle<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4423430034/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4423430034_d6ce23498f_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4423430034/">Scarf for Gabrielle</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>After Christmas I was all about yarn and knitting and crochet. In the cold evenings I really enjoy working with yarn but this year I really went overboard.<br />My youngest daughter's birthday is in early January and I made this scarf for her with a combination of 3 yarns/fibers. It ended up feeling like fur.<br />I forgot to take a picture before I mailed it to her and so she took this one for me. I think she doubled the scarf for the pictures. She also sent me another of her youngest (my youngest granddaughter) wearing the scarf. I will try to add that picture below.<br />The fibers I used were all different. One was a glittery yarn that almost looked like a crocheted chain. The 2nd one was a fun fur and the 3rd was an eyelash. I usually make scarves with only 15 stitches and 2 fibers. I yarn over on one row and then drop that on the next row. It makes for a nice loose feel. With 3 fibers this one turned out very much thicker and had a fur feel.<br />Here is my granddaughter who is almost 6 wearing the scarf.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449010479644205058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODa123c6aHlw9CDHk_Ip3Xi8NOmtiwPgTBsDbHCUvfdMLqBceKHxuM_CfGAwJqXykQUPGERGpSegnX9kKcitISC972RoNTu0DRcyyDrkoLangAdaBr-snmkiD4nZm1-h3PaSmTQ/s320/IMG_1316_1.JPG" border="0" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-79378956438758125122010-01-01T12:33:00.000-08:002010-01-01T12:37:42.634-08:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV09KL3zYYebkugpJdZReocUyKPdL9vH_JnK8z170ttJy2LSEVsRRk60yR4fxWtDQ1nNeohqpiZigyj3rWjlIwMGI74sd1QMmAOMUC_T8jUlfDq_2VXlO0RIiX1QinYR2whdFpEw/s1600-h/NYSilk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421872302208042770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV09KL3zYYebkugpJdZReocUyKPdL9vH_JnK8z170ttJy2LSEVsRRk60yR4fxWtDQ1nNeohqpiZigyj3rWjlIwMGI74sd1QMmAOMUC_T8jUlfDq_2VXlO0RIiX1QinYR2whdFpEw/s320/NYSilk.jpg" border="0" /></a> HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY TO ALL!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I have been a bad blogger, I know. And I have nothing but the usual excuses, which don't seem good enough. However, they did at the time. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">May 2010 bring you all you wish for. Happiness, Health and Wealth as pictured in the above image courtesy of Dover Publications. May we all find one of those little bags of gold coins!<br /></div><div align="center"></div>LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-33415253730365058282009-12-14T17:00:00.001-08:002009-12-14T17:00:10.265-08:00Granddaughter's Birthday Pillow done!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4186464338/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4186464338_9c328b577e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4186464338/">Lauren's Pillow</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div> I did the embroidery for this pillow some time ago and when my #3 granddaughter was here this summer she saw it in my UFO pile. Her birthday is the day after Christmas and so finaly I have gotten it made up into a pillow for her bed. <br /><br /> She loves dogs and and I've always loved this vintage design. I used twist up Crayola crayons to color the design before I embroidered it all. I really like how it turned out and I hope she does too.<br /><br /> We're off now to our Garden Club Pot Luck Holiday Dinner. If you'd like to see what I made to take, check out my other blog - there's a link to Lulu's Girl on the side here.<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-72727661639890676752009-12-05T12:53:00.001-08:002009-12-05T12:53:03.359-08:00Christmas Cracker Gifts<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4160393897/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4160393897_1f91f002f8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4160393897/">XmasCrackers</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>WARNING: If you are one of the Delta Crazy Tuesday Ladies, please stop reading this right now! You will spoil your Christmas Luncheon Surprise!<br /><br />I believe I've mentioned before that I belong to a little stitching group that meets once a week. We split off from our large monthly group that is still very active. It started during one summer when someone was on vacation from her school job and wanted to devote a morning to stitching so she could use her time off efficiently and get something accomplished during her time off. <br /><br />Along the way we picked up another member and we are now 5! This year is the first time we will have our own little Christmas luncheon/party. We are going to the local golf course restaurant and then back to one of the members homes for dessert. <br /><br />We discussed doing a baggie swap for each member and I asked if I could be a little different and try something I read about on the CQI list. I didn't join in the CQI swap, but I thought this might be fun to do for this group since I'd only have to make 4 and not so many as I would for the large monthly group.<br /><br />I'm assuming here that you know about the Christmas Cracker tradition. You can still buy pre-made ones at Costco World Market last time I looked. They are a lot smaller than my version and usually contain a bit of candy or a toy like Cracker Jack boxes do. When I was a small girl we had these on the table for Christmas dinner and they made a loud pop when you opened them! I think my Canadian Father might have grown up with them and that's why we had them.<br /><br />For each of these special Crackers I cut a 7 inch length of a paper towel cardboard tube. Then I pieced an 8" block for each of my friends. I handpieced a simple block similar to what I did for the Take It Further Challenge that Sharon Boggen had last year. Just 5 pieces and the center piece of each block was chosen according to the interest of the person it is for. <br /><br />Then I pulled embellishments appropriate for each block, put them in a 3" by 5" ziplock bag and stuffed it in the tube. After that I rolled the block around the tube and tucked the ends in. <br /><br />Then I cut a piece of a faux crazyquilt Christmas print about 8" x 13" and just hemmed it with machine basting and applied lace to the short sies. That way, if they want, they can salvage the fabric to use for another project.<br /><br />For the tags I printed off some gift card packets, put them together with double stick tape and inserted an angel faux cigarette silk that I printed for each of them.<br /><br />I sure hope they like what I've done. A couple of the blocks may very well be a real color challenge for the new owner, but we're always talking about expanding our color horizons, so I hope they are not disappointed.<br /><br />Come this Tuesday I'll surely find out! Stay Tuned!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-68480886763232953392009-12-05T12:25:00.001-08:002009-12-05T12:26:38.571-08:00XmasScarf#2<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4160393901/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4160393901_296290f9dd_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4160393901/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">XmasScarf</span>#2</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lasassone</span></a></span></div>Last night I finished this, the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span> scarf I have knit for a Christmas present in the last month. This one is a tad longer than the first one and it's a little more frilly because of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">fashionista</span> granddaughter who will receive this. It was knit on size 8 needles and the yarn is Red Heart's Collage. I guess you call this a self-striping yarn, the color is called blue waves. It is not nearly "green-looking" as it looks in the pictures - it's more gold/yellow.<br /><br />I've done this pattern before back in January for a black & grey scarf I made for one of my daughters. Once you get the hang of the pattern rows, it's quite easy. However, as usual I did my fair share of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UNknitting</span> because I get easily distracted.<br /><br />My next knitting project will be some fingerless mittens or maybe I should call them <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">handwarmers</span>. At any rate, they look like they would be great for driving.<br /><br />Also in the works is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Taggie</span> for our new grandnephew, a set of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">redwork</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">IKEA</span> dishtowels, another pillow, some doll clothing, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">wallhanging</span>, some fuzzy fabric scarves and maybe a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">totebag</span> or two. My deadline for most of these things is the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> of December when SOME will have to be mailed.<br /><br />Wish me luck!<br clear="all">LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-83157770463074502242009-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:002009-12-05T08:56:38.842-08:00A Great Blog and Super Give AwayCathy over at Crazy By Design is having a wonderful Holiday Give Away. You MUST go visit and check out her generous offerings! Go Here:<br /><br /><a href="http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/">http://cathyscrazybydesign.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Merry Christmas and stay tuned. I'm catching up on projects and will be back soon!LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-66483709700564030952009-11-27T13:48:00.000-08:002009-11-27T14:06:50.650-08:00Skirt for Cheryl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXCGJj7cTG5AF-6U7NveDIqm5WRLzsI16LClaiH0mxYi0dcvJGqviVft8sSGakFPofIwbh4INCFnSyuCqKMC0oBT86TcTub6byDDpukCyO-x705I4740FipQQW9jDlq2wk1tbDw/s1600/100_0902.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408903834628466098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXCGJj7cTG5AF-6U7NveDIqm5WRLzsI16LClaiH0mxYi0dcvJGqviVft8sSGakFPofIwbh4INCFnSyuCqKMC0oBT86TcTub6byDDpukCyO-x705I4740FipQQW9jDlq2wk1tbDw/s320/100_0902.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a bad picture of a gift I took up to my daughter's home for Thanksgiving yesterday. It actually looked way better than this picture. I just had the hem basted at the point I took the picture.<br /><br />The evening before Thanksgiving I had finished this skirt that was a promised birthday gift for my eldest daughter. I had given her the pattern, fabric, thread and zipper in a gift box at her birthday celebration. I wanted her to approve of it before I went ahead and made a skirt for her. She had been complaining that she couldn't find a "pencil skirt" for work similar to what I appeared to be wearing in a lot of her old baby pictures. Back then we just called these "straight skirts" and even the skirts on most of my dresses were cut straight.<br /><br />Do you know how LONG it's been since I made any clothing? It has been 15 years at least I think because that's when I stopped making clothes for my 2 eldest granddaughters who are now almost 19 and 21. While I can't recall what I had for lunch yesterday, it appears I haven't forgotten how to sew clothes. The hardest thing was remembering to use 5/8" seams and not 1/4 inch! I do have to admit to leaving the pattern pinned on the fabric for a day or so, just in case I would discover I had messed it up somehow.<br /><br />The fabric is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">polyblend</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JoAnn</span> Fabrics and it raveled something fierce, so I had to machine zigzag over all the seam allowance to make sure the skirt wouldn't ravel away! I liked the pattern (McCall's 3830) because there was no waistband to deal with, just a facing. And I put in a zipper! I'm so proud of myself.<br /><br />However, I feel very dumb for not getting a picture taken of her in the skirt after we determined the hem was okay. Duh...... <br /><br />But she said she loved it and it looked cute on her!<br /><br />I'm almost done with all my "promised projects". I just have one more pillow to put together and then I can get busy on Christmas gift things. The grands like to get gift cards, but this year I am trying to make them each some little thing to go along with the gift card.<br /><br />Stay tuned!LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-66609052432159526732009-11-25T22:25:00.000-08:002009-11-25T22:28:05.596-08:00Happy Thanksgiving to All<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuUQoLJGNJFKdBLXP7XBQrL8T8rfyvwB7-0hLy3fxtvLRceIjEfEwVJBz2NvFbKTRXFVGxb334liwjgyv7Kmua1dknpTVvaJxV0onJow6r_UcmbHELtHKrVYWJAd63fY3x_XyCg/s1600/thanksgivinggreeting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408294847225110546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuUQoLJGNJFKdBLXP7XBQrL8T8rfyvwB7-0hLy3fxtvLRceIjEfEwVJBz2NvFbKTRXFVGxb334liwjgyv7Kmua1dknpTVvaJxV0onJow6r_UcmbHELtHKrVYWJAd63fY3x_XyCg/s320/thanksgivinggreeting.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thanksgiving Greetings from our Family to Yours<br /><br /></div>LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-27580233162386884882009-11-23T17:14:00.001-08:002009-11-23T17:14:51.701-08:00One Pillow Finished<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4129012689/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4129012689_c4f27d2e5e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4129012689/">Pillow4Shelby</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>This is one of the pillows I think I mentioned that I was making. This one will go up North with us on Thanksgiving for my #2 granddaughter who graduated from high school last May. I didn't do this before her graduation, as I did for her sister, because I thought perhaps she would rather have the embroidery on a totebag instead of a pillow.<br /><br />When offered the choice, she chose a pillow and it's taken me some time to get it finished. <br /><br />I used this design for her older sister, my #1 grandchild, and I plan to do one for each of the remaining 5 grands as their graduations approach. I will try to use the appropriate school colors as I have with the first two. I have 3 years I think before I need to do another one.<br /><br />So, now I'm off to work on a skirt I promised I'd make for our eldest daughter - where we are going for Turkey Day. <br /><br />Time's a-wasting!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-68391362424921064372009-11-21T14:56:00.001-08:002009-11-21T14:56:06.076-08:00Guess what I found<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4123297256/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4123297256_f726886263_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4123297256/">PaperwhitesNov20</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>No, it's not the empty plastic shoe box that I've been looking for going on 2 hours now. I have it's lid here, but can't find the box! Perils of aging I suspect.<br /><br />Walking around the yard though on this chilly day, I discovered that my paperwhite bulbs are blooming! I suspect in colder areas of the US, these don't bloom until early Spring, but here in California they are a late Fall treat. <br /><br />SOME people pot these bulbs and give them as gifts at the Holidays and they are a nice fragrant surprise when they bloom in January. Someone gave me a pot of them years ago and I enjoyed them so much during gloomy winter days when the skies were gray for days on end. <br /><br />Well, now I must get back to finding that box, sewing on my daughter's skirt and I also have two pillows to assemble. <br /><br />Hope your weekend has gone well......<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-90132115053464109312009-11-20T14:01:00.001-08:002009-11-20T22:52:56.026-08:00First Christmas Gift Finished!<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4118137582/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/4118137582_44087cc5b7_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4118137582/">First Christmas Gift Finished</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>I've been occupied during the recent days with catching up with some promised projects but they aren't things I can work on during the evening when we are watching television.<br /><br />However, I CAN knit and so I returned to an unfinished pair of scarves I abandoned last February when I made a mistake that I couldn't figure out how to correct. I was knitting two scarves at once - different colors - same pattern on one set of long needles. A couple weeks ago I pulled them out of the hassock they were stored in and gave them another look.<br /><br />I pulled one off the needles and pulled the knitting out until I was below the error I made. But then I couldn't figure out where in the pattern that row was. I lost patience and frog-stitched (ripped out) the whole 14" of scarf I had originally done.<br /><br />I began it again and very shortly began making the same stupid mistakes. So - more frog-stitching and a little internet surfing and I found this reversible scarf pattern. I'm not saying I didn't have to do anymore reverse knitting, but I have managed to finish my first Christmas gift!<br /><br />I'm taking a chance (pretty good) that my granddaughter's don't read my blog and won't see this scarf. However, I am NOT saying which grand it is for, but I love how it came out. It's not in the least bit frilly, which I think she will like. It is rather sporty and will be warm!<br /><br />If you are interested in this pattern, you can find it at: <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/scarves/nancyswooleasescarf.htm">http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/scarves/nancyswooleasescarf.htm</a><br /><br />She used Wool Ease yarn for her scarf, but I used Red Heart Collage in color Crimson Maple. I added 3 Knit stitches on both edges to make a bit of a border and I slipped the first stitch of each row. I just kept repeating the easy reversible pattern until it was 50 inches long. It took about one and a half skeins.<br /><br />If you decide to try it, have FUN! I sure did! It knit up really fast! Fast is good!<br clear="all">LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-9447551533713408892009-11-20T13:27:00.001-08:002010-03-19T14:10:30.938-07:00Bias Baby Blanket<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4117379041/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/4117379041_a93103fab3_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4117379041/">Bias Baby Blanket</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Earlier this year I knit this bias baby blanket which was REALLY fun to knit. I've just now gotten around to tucking in the ends of joined skeins. I had blocked it in the early summer and then set it away out of site when our children were visiting.<br /><br />It has the neatest picot type edge built into the pattern, so there's no finishing except for tucking and blocking. I wasn't able to get it blocked into an exact square, but the gal whose blog I found the pattern on said " i hope you understand that this blanket was not intended to be square in shape, so if you are blocking it to maintain a square shape, it may naturally take on a more elongated diamond with use - i would encourage you to simply let the shape be what it wants to be, as baby blankets tend to be folded and wrapped all the time anyway.<br />Also, depending on the yarn/wool you chose to work with will impact the outcome of the finished piece."<br /><br />So, I'm ok with it's slightly wonky shape. I think it would be nice to cover a baby in a carrier or carseat. Even maybe it would work nicely in a bassinet. She told me that one she gave to a friend's baby has been laundered many times and is still looking great.<br /><br />If anyone is interested, the pattern can be found at JC's website which is <a href="http://jchandmade.typepad.com/jc_handmade/">here</a>. When you get there, click on "Knitting patterns" and then scroll down to find the Bias Blanket knitting pattern. Oh, and I didn't use the yarn she recommended in the pattern. I used Caron's Simply Soft in color "Baby Bright Ombre". It's very soft.<br /><br />If you give this pattern, I think you will find it..... Fun!<br clear="all">LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-50875847715022082392009-11-09T18:50:00.001-08:002009-11-09T18:50:40.504-08:00Vintage find<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4090949173/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4090949173_8afc656e0e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4090949173/">Vintage find</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Last Friday 4 of us from our local CQ group went on a field trip. One place we stopped was a great antique cooperative shop with MANY wonderful things. I got a wonderful piece of vintage brocade and a yard of this great lace.<br /><br />See those little spiderwebs in the center? I just LOVE this lace. I think maybe I will have a big problem actually using this lace. LOL....there were two hanks for sale and I think I might just have to go back and buy the other one if it's still there. <br /><br />This lace really intrigues me and I'm sure it was machine made. I've crocheted some pretty complicated patterns in thread but something like this I would not begin to attempt!<br /><br />So lucky I found it!<br /><br />P.S......my newer camera would NOT take a fine detailed picture of this lace - I am really upset. I had to use my old Sony camera that takes floppy disks only! Doesn't it do a great job on closeups?<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-13706331511398430002009-11-08T15:59:00.001-08:002009-11-08T16:28:38.744-08:00300th Post! Phew!<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4087829398/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4087829398_30b2904b83_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4087829398/">Block 25-last!</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lasassone</span></a></span></div>What better way to celebrate my 300<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> post to this blog than to post the last block in the Ruby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McKim</span> Farm Quilt design set?<br /><br />I finished the owl and frog block on the evening of November 2nd as I was watching television. I have to say that I was a bit surprised at the design of the last block, but we must remember that these designs are from the 1930's (I think) and reflect farm life in that era. I loved doing the eyes of the from using buttonhole stitch!<br /><br />I'll be setting this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blockset</span> aside until after the first of next year before I try to put my Farm Quilt together. However, I thought you might like to see the fabric that I will be using for the alternate blocks of my quilt.<br /><br />I had the Farm Quilt design set for some time when, one day quite unexpectedly, I finally found the perfect fabric to use with the designs. I immediately used the fabric to match up with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DMC</span> floss color (355). When I got home, I bundled the fabric, thread and designs together and put them in a 12" x 12" portfolio until such time as I felt the urge to start the embroidery.<br /><br />Surprisingly, I found this fabric in the craft department of our local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wal</span>-Mart. It is very nice quality with a nice tight weave. It is called "Pleasant Valley" designed for "Exclusively Quilters" from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Classiccottons</span>.com.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401887324409294322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWejPcX9s3wGLvuPuwoQYoldhm3jA18b9ZHXkCXO4hl20mognA_bWQPFmF-GF4tTHJFAyfvcauTMSAxya2Z1HVPSHL60SwjqiSHwqMUD9natiKe3x_uYJCzlHpb1n0MBI2ucHKA/s320/100_0885.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p>I will be re-visiting this quilt in January, but now it's time to get on with finishing up some promised projects for family. I've a pillow to finish for one grandchild that is long overdue. Then I promised my eldest daughter I would make her a pencil skirt. Then it will be on to projects I have planned for family Christmas gifts. And, right now I also continue to knit scarves!</p><p>I also have a make-do pincushion to get done before our local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CQ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stitcher's</span> Christmas luncheon. I'm the one who posted the challenge to the group last January or February and I'll bet that I'm the last one to get done with my pincushion. My delay is in part to the fact that I knew what I wanted to use as my base, but I spent months looking for it. I finally gave up because I think I may have sold it in the 4 garage sales we had when we were planning the move that didn't happen. It was a pewter cream pitcher from my Mum's (Lulu-see my other blog) pitcher collection. I know I downsized that collection some back in 2007, but I cannot believe that I actually sold that pitcher which was a piece of passenger railroad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">serviceware</span>. </p><p>So, I must get stitching - not to mention both the cat AND G are asking me what's for dinner!</p>LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-88455336232276949552009-11-03T14:21:00.000-08:002009-11-04T14:44:32.037-08:00Farm Quilt block #24-One More to Go!<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4068712217/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4068712217_6a9ce2010e_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4068712217/">Farm Quilt block #24</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Here is the next to last block in the Ruby McKim Farm Quilt design set that I finished Sunday evening.<br /><br />I'm still not sure what project I'll move on to doing in place of these blocks once they are all finished. However, I DO know that I won't be putting them together until after the first of 2010. I've got too many things going here. I'm playing catch up on a couple gifts that I promised and then I need to begin on Christmas gifts. I'm hoping to make a few tote bags for gifts this year and I want them to be unique to the individual, so I think I'll be doing some more embroidery quite soon!<br /><br />Last week I began knitting a scarf for one of my granddaughters for Christmas and I am about 1/2 finished with it. I only work on it when I'm watching tv in what we call our "lounge" for lack of a better name. It's a new to me pattern with only 3 pattern rows that repeat. You'd think that would be simple enough, but I have to stop and count about every 6 rows in case I make a mistake. Good thing it's only 36 stitches wide! I've also had to pick up 2 dropped stitches so far. Knitting with older hands is challenging!<br /><br />Our small Tuesday crazy quilt group had this weeks meeting at my house today and it was a good one as is usually the case. I need to do a bit more stitching and then beads on the parts of the heart shaped box that Beth will then construct for me. I love the colors in my bedroom (eggplant, teal & gold), and this box will be a welcome addition when it takes it's place on our bookcase headboard!<br /><br />I've a plan now for the 2nd block I'm doing for Kate's Africa project, so I can begin stitching & embellishing those two blocks and get them off in the mail to Kate.<br /><br />Back to Stitching!<br clear="all">LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-70629522197772790642009-10-31T10:56:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.046-08:00Farm Quilt Block 23<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4061564568/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/4061564568_cec27f0bd1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4061564568/">Farm Quilt Block 23</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Well, I guess this is sort of appropriate for Halloween posting. See the pumpkins behind the fence? And the haystacks?<br /><br />Gosh, only two more blocks to go and I'll be done with this design set. I already started knitting Christmas gift scarves when I'm sitting in another area of the house. I'll need to find something else to work on while I watch tv with G.<br /><br />Not that there's a shortage of projects here, believe me. The other day I found the red tablecloth that I used to put on our table for Christmas dinner. The last few years I used it I had everyone sign their names on it. I'd like to get those names embroidered so that, if we are here for Christmas this year, I can use it on the table.<br /><br />And then there's more blocks that I have traced for my Life Quilt. And the Redwork Circus Quilt designs that I've had planned for years. there's about 10 other projects in 12" x 12" envelopes on my "to-do" shelf.<br /><br />Stay Tuned; you never know what will strike my fancy next!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-53111794787388081172009-10-31T09:01:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.052-08:00Happy Halloween!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb9m_XHfjWXmEfHvwdbcEifWw69UQPFE0LEDS_D1w8alHagXks1nTz9iVfaDUpPg7sATVnh1h5iatzDkYlr41N2Rk4L7GOS8CtWv2LHjl3pWDRB-RWLCxg2xWjO3IqNZKH8Ggag/s1600-h/BlogHalloween.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398794984543916530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb9m_XHfjWXmEfHvwdbcEifWw69UQPFE0LEDS_D1w8alHagXks1nTz9iVfaDUpPg7sATVnh1h5iatzDkYlr41N2Rk4L7GOS8CtWv2LHjl3pWDRB-RWLCxg2xWjO3IqNZKH8Ggag/s320/BlogHalloween.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-49966796735182886452009-10-23T22:11:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.067-08:00Block 21 - Four More to Go!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4035531504/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/4035531504_7df3a70e10_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4035531504/">Block 21</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Finished on 10/21/09 - Little girls block. #21 in the 25 design Ruby McKim Farm Quilt set. <br /><br />Blowing "dandelions" was a favorite activity of mine when I was a child. When the wind was right, the fluff would make a swirly cloud that danced away.<br /><br />I had no clue as to the grief I caused local gardeners! LOL<br /><br />Preview of block to come = the crow's nemesis!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-74868227472944799322009-10-22T12:24:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.073-08:00New to me Sampler<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4035531512/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4035531512_e0293eba1f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4035531512/">Sampler</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>The other day at our Tuesday group meeting, a friend gave me this sampler from some things she no longer wanted. I don't do much cross stitching anymore, but I LOVE to find finished pieces even if they might need some repairs.<br /><br />The next day I thoroughly looked this piece over and must tell you that was VERY well done by whoever stitched it. The edges are turned under about 1/4 inch and on one of them is printed "No 207 - Pure Linen Sampler Made in USA by Vogart."<br /><br />The stitching is very nice and even the back is quite neat and tidy. The blue corner flowers and the bluebird are neatly satin stitched. There were some age-related stains on the lower half of the piece, but they are all gone now after a 10 minute soak in some warm water with Dawn dishwasher soap added. I rinsed it a couple times and dried it outside in the sunshine. No bleeding of the threads and it is looking almost new.<br /><br />I'm not sure I will frame this piece or use it in the center of a quilted piece....time will tell. I need to find a couple other samplers that I know are somewhere here. At least one was done by my Canadian grandmother and was found by my dad when she passed away.<br /><br />Back to downsizing!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-53712447386254168532009-10-21T16:43:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.080-08:00I'm on a roll!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4032724437/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/4032724437_be5a8187ed_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4032724437/">Farm Quilt - Block #20</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>This is block #20 in the Ruby McKim Farm Quilt design set. I finished it last evening - 10/20/09.<br /><br />Only 5 more designs to go! I can't believe how speedy I've been with these blocks. Part of the credit belongs to my doctor and a new arthritis medication. My hands are SO much better. Not swollen and sore like they had been for quite some time.<br /><br />Crazyquilt stitching and flat out embroidery has become SO much easier! And, after 7 weeks, I can't say that I notice any bad side effects either. <br /><br />Well, today is G and my 42nd wedding anniversary and we are about to leave to go out to an early dinner. We can't believe it's been 42 years because, looking back, it just seems like yesterday. Loads of memories, 3 daughters and 7 grandkids.......imagine that!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-46314724296222265022009-10-21T16:37:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.086-08:00Farm Quilt - Block #19<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4032724429/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/4032724429_d9d66c1e6d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4032724429/">Farm Quilt - Block #19</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Boy Fishing - finished 10/19/09. New camera - sorry for the date thing. I've turned it off now that I figured out HOW!<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-15643741950119072082009-10-19T13:59:00.001-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.091-08:00Farm Quilt-Block 18-Duck<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4027422348/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4027422348_a8a6ab46e8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4027422348/">Farm Quilt-Block 18-Ducks</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>finished 10/17/09.<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16947009.post-54327475523975638142009-10-14T16:22:00.003-07:002009-11-04T14:44:32.095-08:00Block #16 - Farm Quilt<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4012106703/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/4012106703_033638b6f9_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92367173@N00/4012106703/">Block #16 - Farm Quilt</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/92367173@N00/">lasassone</a></span></div>Mr. turkey finished last evening 10/13/09 at 11 a.m.<br clear="all" />LouAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17819960353792266334noreply@blogger.com0