What’s Next?

 Stir-crazy means "distraught because of prolonged confinement."

Guess I'll be "STIR CRAZY" with these projects!!

MMMQuilts is hosting "From Sweden Quilt Along"

I'm so happy!  This will definitely be my sew along project--

Why?  Because--I have this kit!! and never never did anything with it!

I thought it was so colorful and easy to assemble--ordered the kit,

and then promptly lost interest or more likely I put it aside thinking--

Another day!

Want to join me?  You don't need the kit, you can use your own stash--

the pattern is FREE!   I began January 15 and runs through March 15!  

Yeah!!

Oh My Soul! be still!  Another quilt that has gone to the wayside!

Yes, I began this pattern ages ago and now Pat Sloan is getting me off my butt

and I'll finish these blocks!!  All the patterns on her web site at the above 

address--hop on board--this train is pulling away from the station soon!

Purge--Out You- GO!

 Today I purged (rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling.) things from my life---and I have no guilt about it at all!   For years I've been following many different blogs--almost 300 of them.  I see most of the regular bloggers on a daily basis; but there are some I don't see so often--therefore, I went to my blog list and looked to see who had been blogging and maybe I missed their entries------amazing to me, many had stopped blogging years ago!   Some had moved to another site so I updated those.

I found some blogs that I didn't know about, those were added--maybe, I'll be back up to my 300# again!  I love, love seeing other blogs--it keeps me grounded; lets me know what's happening in the world of fiber.  I wish more bloggers had dedication to stick to this way of journaling.  

Some folks journal before bedtime--saying it helps them sleep better; gets things off their minds.  my sleep brings me thoughts of what should be done at times--those dreams can open up new avenues!

Following a word of advice this year, I'm spending 22 minutes a day doing nothing!!! Now, that's not hard at all!  Just sit, mediate, dream, keep still, do nothing--and before you know it, more than 22 minutes have passed!  That's the only down side of this relaxation method.

Okay--So I purged my computer of blogs and then I thought in my 22 minutes of nothing--why not purge that upstairs closet-- and think nothing of it!  Just let it GO!

Recalculated!

 Isn’t that the phrase from my GPS?  Definitely, when I take a turn off my destination route—I hear the voice—sometimes it seems to be “shouting” at me!! Ok, I made a brief detour but I will get back on track!!

Each day I calculate what Projects I would like to work with—need to destroy that pile of UFOs—even if it’s done slowly! In the evenings I knit on hats—easy, non thinking patterns

I combine two different yarns, cast on and knit!  Finished the above hat within 3 nights of TV watching!  Onto the next one—

Almost finished with this one.  I found some rainbow handspan wool in the bin and placed it with this green/yellow sock yarn.  It’s knitting great!  I like the rolled cuff—

the next hat has a k p brim.  I found this funky yarn to add interest—planned to knit whole hat using this yarn; it was just too hard to keep on the needles.  Decision—change to mohair yarn to finish off.  

Off to see what other matches I can make from stash yarns.

These small bits were in the bottom of fiber bin.  Think these will make another varied hat—next on the needles.

 Looking good so far!

Mid Month Blues

Cerulean means "resembling the blue of the sky."

Can't believe we are mid January and when I look at my projects, I see nothing but UFOs or thoughts of what to create.  I'd rather sit and read or knit or watch a drama

I can find all sorts of interesting ways to be creative BUT I'm still sitting still working up the energy to push myself out of this chair--it's really a down time--"winter blues" maybe?

What causes the winter blues?

The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD . This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD .

 

Charismas Corner is free pattern from an outstanding designer!  Make it with blue fabrics!!

 

Everything And The Kitchen Sink!

Affable means "being pleasant and at ease in talking to others" or "characterized by ease and friendliness."

Here is quilt sew along that includes everything and the kitchen sink!

There will be ten different quilt blocks, one each month. At the end of 10 months, 

you will 64 blocks, each 12.5"x12.5".  THis will yield a quilt 96"x96". To make a larger

quilt, just add side sashing. Blocks include in order of difficultly:

• Four Patch Block
• Nine Patch Block
• Half Square Triangle Block
• Quarter Square Triangle Block
• Friendship Star Block
• Flying Geese Block
• Variable Star Block
• Ohio Star Block
• Nine Patch Chain Block
• Pinwheel Mosaic Block 

To me, this is much like my orphan quilts that I assemble--will interesting to sew a quilt from beginning to end with a means to the end!

 

From Hands Finally!!

 Voluble means "characterized by ready or rapid speech.

Long time coming--finished This lace sampler knit along from 2019!  Yay! for me!  I"m afraid I skipped a couple of month patterns, but it's finished and now on the blocking pads!

I love how the pearl beads add definition to the border--I also added nupps--

not my favorite type of stitch but I did a few--that's those nubble things you see

I knit in white wool super fine yarn.  I figured I could dye it whatever color I wanted when finished, so I ask my friend, who I will gift it to, what was her favorite color--teal.  This is close to teal I could get.

It's super soft and yummy feeling--hope she likes it.  I just need to add the little heart tag and

it's all hers.

Challenge done--now, I can begin another knit along!  What will it be? most likely this--

Shetland Lace Sampler 2022 by Toni Lorenz--love her patterns even if I don't get them knitted for years!  I'll begin and see how far I get....

“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD.”* Psalm 27:14**

St Distaff Day

Distaff Day, also called Roc Day or Rock Day, is 7 January, the day after the feast of the Epiphany. It is also known as Saint Distaff's Day, one of the many unofficial holidays in Catholic nations.

As you can see, this lap pad was given to spinners when they attended 2004 Roc Day or St. Distaff Day

I've used this so many times, it's a mess!  But, a good mess it is!  lots of wool fibers were combed on this lap towel--one of the best give aways of all times.  Even though Roc Day is to be celebrated on January 7 it would be celebrated on the Saturday the closest to the date. 

Norman Kennedy is one of our favorite spinners with the most knowledge of the craft!

we loved when he stayed the winter in Louisiana!  Such times we had learning from

each other as we gathered around our spinning wheels to begin our tasks at hand after

the winter break.

Happy Roc Day spinners!

Gather, Gathering, Gathered!

Word of the Day:  Antithetical means "directly opposite of or opposed."

2022 Mystery Blocks--Here we go!  Another fantastic sew along--mystery at that--

2022 Fabric Requirements for 12″ Finished Blocks

• 12 – 18 Fat Quarters (or more for a scrappier quilt)
• 2 yards of background fabric for blocks and inner border (solid or tone on tone)
• 1 yard contrast for blocks (I’m using 1/3 yard each of three different grey prints for this in my quilt).
• 1/2-yard sashing (I’m using a light floral for this)
• 1-yard outer border
• 5/8-yard binding

2022 Fabric Requirements for 6″ Finished Blocks

• 12-18 Fat Eighths
• 1 yard of background fabric for blocks and inner border (solid or tone on tone)
• 1/2-yard contrast for blocks
• 1/4-yard sashing
• 1/2-yard outer border
• 1/3-yard binding

And now for something else to tempt you:

Beginning today! 

Sweet Dreams!

Here is your word for the day: 

A palindrome is a word, verse, or sentence (as "Able was I ere I saw Elba"), or a number (as 2002) that reads the same backward or forward.   Now it is Day 5 of a new year and I’m behind 5 days!!

 

 Pat Sloan has a sweet dreams mystery sew along that begins today!  That woman has so many

quilt alongs going at the same time--how does she keep up with it all?  Maybe, a staff of 

quilters?

Lace knitting!  yay!  Like I've finished the one in 2019 or 2020--

Here is something to know about Shetland Isles

READING Challenge

 

Captious means "tending to find fault and raise objections" or "calculated to confuse, entrap, or entangle in argument."

// Surprisingly, the critic, who is known for being captious, found the movie to be a flawless gem.

// Befuddled by the captiousquestions, the suspect broke down and confessed to the crime.

Here comes a reading challenge for you in 2022  If you like to read, this is a great challenge for each month of the year.  I found a friendly, bookly group on FB--Friends and Fiction.  This is their challenge--you could set your own book challenge for the year.

January--a debut author--there are tons of new authors now--exciting books to read

and embrace the world of words.

My choice for January is Falling by T J Newman

I've already picked  my book for February--Memoir or non fiction--I've chosen 

Stanley Tucci: Taste: My Life Though Food--thoroughly enjoyed his food special of Italy travel.

Here is a different challenge!

What book is in your hand or in your ear?

I really like to use Scribd app--either reading by eye or ear, a book is close at hand!

Mission Imposible?

 Word of The Day:  Impossible (not able to occur, exist, or be done; very difficult to deal with.) 

"Nothing is impossible. The word it's self says I'm possible!" Audrey Hepburn 

I've been working on this orphan quilt for some time--just wanted it finished and ready for

the long arm!  Finally set down and got under way!  I tried to use up all the small filler blocks

to complete this top.  Look!! there is a hanging portion --I can deal with that--get the scissors and

lop it off!  No problem there! OR I can add another smallerr row--hmm--that would be another 2.5" row of blocks--

A good start for 2022!  I found several 3" squares cut--why?  I don't know!

There they were--and there were also some 3" half square triangles--gee whiz, what could be more perfect--than a star block!  I love star blocks!  I ended up with 24 blocks--odd size top--

someone can use a long skinny quilt, can't they?

The fabrics were all pulled from my stash bin--for some reason, I pull alot of

scraps out and the next time I look, the bin is full again!  Just scraps multiplying

to keep the quilts coming!

Mission NOT impossible and is Accomplished!!! 

Snow globes Please!

 Word of the Day:  Rejuvenate!! Rejuvenate originated as a combination of the prefix re-, which means "again," with the Latin parent of juvenile and junior—juvenis, meaning "young." Rejuvenateliterally means "to make young again" and can imply a restoration of physical or mental strength or a return to a more youthful, healthy condition. Things that are timeworn can also be rejuvenated.

Red Button Quilt Company  has a free download the first week of each month--

this month's download is Snowglobes!  After the first week, there is a fee.

Welcome 2022!!!

 Word of day:  willie-waught:  a large gulp of alcoholic beverage, a swig, a copious or deep draught!  

How will you welcome the new year??  

We ring in the new year with a toast to good health, wealth, and good times with family and

friends!  Cheers!

Another Year, Another Challenge

•   The first challenge for this new year—remembering to write 2022!!  Seems just like yesterday we were writing 2021--time does fly for sure--especially when you get older and you want time to slow down!
• Challenge #2 finish up one knitting project from 2019--Japanese Sampler Scarf--I know!  I know! it's about time.  For some reason, I lost interest in knitting this after clue 2 and it just sat to 'age'! 
• Challenge #3--finish at least one quilt that was begun and again 'aged'!  All the pieces are there, ready to be sewn into a quilt top!  Just need to get to it--what does it mean to get to it?!  There I go again--procrasting!  
• Challenge #4--Write more blog enteries--well, in order to do that, I must have more opportunities and seek more insights into blog writing.  We'll see if that happens.
• Challenge #5--Do Not begin a new project until Challenge #2 or #3 have been completed!!!!
• Challenge #6--Be prepared for anything that gets thrown into my path--good, bad, ugly!
• Challenge #7--Chose One word that will emphasize my daily life and use that word every day!

Is this a good motivation photo?

Wrapping up This month!

 One of my friend's birthday is January 1--can you believe?   But, we have a way of celebrating--we close out the old year by attending the ball drop in our neighborhood plaze--and then, if it isn't too cold, we have a birthday party minute after midnight on January 1--always fun to have cake and champage in the same hour

• It’s also time to work on my gifts for friends—since we ddidn’t meet in December, it gave me extra time to decide what to make. 
• Since most of my friends are quilters, I decided on pincushions—who can’t use another pincushion?

I had handwoven fabric with handspun weft--no intended purpose--ah!  I have an idea!

I had scrap pieces of wool fiber--not going to spin that stuff

and I had these milkware pieces from my mother's estate--wasn't going to use themandand no family member wanted them==been in

my pantry for years and no occassion to bring them out anyway.

So--I cut into my handwoven, handspun fabric to make circle, stuffed with the leftover wool bits, sewed it up and ta da--pincushions!  Hope they like them.

Now, if only I could think of someway to use the milkware plates that came with the cups.

Boxing Day 2021! Another QAL

 My photo of the day is Leftover Cookies!

Boxing Day got its name when Queen Victoria was on the throne in the 1800s and has nothing to do with the sport of boxing.

The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor.

Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, and the day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters.

The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.

Another way to end 2021 and begin 2022– is with a mystery by Jessica Dayon!  Each week Jessica will release a scrappy block, which I'll enjoy as my scrap bin is overflowing!  Jessicain.blogspot

Merry Christmas!!

Holy Moley!

 Would you look at me!!  For a couple of days, my energy level went up--couldn't be because I looked at all those blocks and thought "something must be done--soon"!  

I took all those unconnected blocks and built a quilt top--just needs some borders, little quilting and binding and someone will have a nice warm welcome to the cold weather!

The larger blocks were from three QALs and the smaller blocks were from another SAL--I have the

small connecting blocks already--don't know why I had these all made--am hoping it wasn't for a much larger quilt that I've forgotten about.

Here is another one that I took large blocks from two other SALs and combined them

liked the sashing and might add it to the borders but right now, it's resting and I'm thinking on it!

My summer quilt is complete except for the quilting--comes in January when I get back to the long arm.

Brown headed daughter has already spoken for this one--darn!  Was looking forward to using this for spring and summer--I have many more scraps, so I can make something else--hate repeating!

I feel so much better that I created something useful from all those QAL/SAL blocks--It's a great feeling to have that lifted off my shoulders.  Onto other challenges--

Rehashing 2021###

 The year begins all gung-Ho—only started about 5 or 6 different sew alongs—tried to keep up!  All was going well and then...................pouf! By end of October, All the drive was gone!  Now I have so many unconnected blocks.  Of course, I could finish up the quilt alongs—naw—don’t think that will happen.  Besides, another year is just around the corner and several new QALs will be available.  What should I do?  Besides, I am woman! And I have the right to change my mind!

But, Which way will I change my mindset? The brain is running in twenty different ways. I know I will NOT discard all these blocks I've been working on the past few months and I want to be ready for 2022 and the new QAL's that will pop up.  I know I'll be wanting to make new UFOs and my energy will return after the holidays.  

Should I continue writing this blog?  Although, I think I’ll pause the blog, it’s about the only way I can keep up with ME!  I can look back to see what projects I did complete or have waiting in the wings.  It’s a measure of time in one way—recently I looked back on my blogs.. 2009 I found a hat pattern that I had forgotten about!!  Oh wow!  It’s been many years of writing! 

Many years ago I did a 365 projects of photos—a journal of daily life.  Beginning in 2022. I plan to embark on this project again.  Some or many of the photos will upload to the blog. A different way to write when there isn’t much to say. 

I pray that you will have a thoughtful rehashing of your 2021 and make a new start in 2022.  I have high hopes and plans to make it a good year!

Memories Path

Our tree is up and so beautiful!

I do miss the real tree and the aroma of fresh spruce; 

Couple years ago after our real tree fell over, some precious ornaments broke,  many pine needles went everywhere, I threw up my hands and said “enough”!  Promptly marched to Costco and bought that unreal tree—I really do miss the outings to the tree lot to pick out the perfect tree! Oh well......

  Everyone decorates with memories!  Now, that our kids are grown and out of the house, I don't put up those little ornaments they made in school art class but I still take them out of the box and think about the kid and how they were so proud to add it to the tree--

the santa made from a toilet paper roll

the wreath from cotton balls

popsicle stick tree

macaroni ornaments

Each in their own right a memory of their days as children!

Now, that we make our own memories as senior adults, it isn't different for us

Each precious ornament holds a special memory!

So, we cherish those times when we found that memory and added it to our lives.

Years ago when we lived in Venzeula, we would visit an artist community outside of 

Puerto La Cruz--loved those trips!  We visited this artist many times and have several of

her pieces in our collection.  When she learned we were moving back to the states, she pressed this into my hand, gave me a big hug and 

smiled.  I didn't speak much Spanish or she much English, but we knew what this gift meant to her and me!  I'll always be honored with her gift.

  I don't remember her name or the name of the art community,

but I certainly will always remember her kindness.  

She made this lovely angel with clay from their region.  Her hands

sculptured each line with love.  Each year it brings joy to our display case as I

think of her and her metal artist husband--think of them often and wonder what

as become of them in that tormented country.  and I pray!

This is another prize memory--Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.

I bought several of these sets for family--hoping they can remember the 

meaning behind Christmas and how it should be celebrated. 

And of course, this nativity set made by my Granny back in the 1970's is

special--very special in my heart!  

What memories do you hold dear as you bring out your treasures?

 

Baking? Cooking? OR

 Sure, I'd rather be quilting or sewing or weaving or knitting or spinning, but there is that kitchen that keeps calling me--'come bake'! 'come cook'! "come clean the dishes!" and then there is the call "What's for dinner?"  Didn't we just eat couple of hours ago?  Well, guess what?!! It's leftovers===again!!

There is still leftover turkey in the freezer and hubby's homemade veggie soup in the refrigerator--but, we just had that last night and the night before with a turkey sandwich (just how many ways can you use leftover turkey and not go crazy?)  Maybe, next Thanksgiving we'll get a much smaller bird or just have something completely different--like tofu turkey!  Bet that will go over big!!

Anyway, since the refrigerator gets so crowded with all sorts of holiday goodness, it was time to take a peek of what's behind those bottles- more leftovers!  Here we go--

Brussels sprouts are languishing and we don't like just plain sprouts--so I made Bacon jam!  Delish on sprouts and almost everything--of course, it puts me back in the kitchen--really like this recipe

Then there are these small tomatoes that are going really soft--made tomato jam!

Yummy tomato jam!

Back to whatever I was doing before the kitchen called.....................

Nuts To You!!

Okay!  I’ve found the perfect thing that adds to any party—hence, nuts to you!  Recently, we attended a wine tasting and this dish was a hit!  

Mixed nuts with rosemary—simple to make, easy to eat!  Here's the

recipe:

3 Tbsp of unsalted butter, melted in pan; add 1 Tbsp. dried rosemary, chopped;

1/5 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp cayenne or to taste;  stir to incorporate herb flavor--

then

3 cups of mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, etc.

pour onto baking sheet

bake 10 minutes stirring often--

cool! EAT

Yummy! Delicious!

For another tasty snack--

1/2 lbs. almonds

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 T papricka, cayenne, cinnamon, coffee (Yes, coffee), cocoa

1/8 cup brandy

200degrees for two hours (leave door cracked with wooden spoon)

toss immediately after taking out.

cool completely before serving!

Tasty Spiced Snacking Nuts

And now for our son's favorite!

Healthy Spiced Nuts

Happy ‘nuts to you’ cooking! 

Hallmark Bingo Anyone?

We’re playing Hallmark bingo!  Since we all live in different areas of the country—this is one way the gals in the family have fun this time of year.  We played last year and enjoyed the competition so much we’re doing it again.  We tweaked the rules some from last year—only one card—start day after Thanksgiving-blackout card wins—and it must be only Hallmark Christmas movies.  You can pre record,  so I’ve got my cuppa, sitting in my favorite comfy chair, pen handy to name the movie that fits the square.  

I’m even wearing my Hallmark Christmas movie watching shirt!

You might want to sort through several cards before you choose from one of the many generator sites.  I think I made a good choice after perusing several cards before I printed it off. 

When you find something in the movie from your card, you write the name of movie in that square. I keep a clean card with a copy to write on.  So far, I have crossed off five squares—middle square is free, of course! 

Reward? You ask—Besides taunting our fellow players——$5 from each player if you are first with full card.   This season,  two of our friends inquired if they could participate—of course—be prepared to lose though—we’re pros!!
 Here is my card: 

Of course, by day three of Hallmark Christmas movie watching, I'm burnt out! 

and still, I'll keep watching with half a eye to find that interrupted kiss or ski resort that

needs to be saved!