Project Expo

Recently one of our homeschool groups had an Expo to show off things the kids enjoy learning about. Litte Boy brought his rock collection which is a huge part of his life. He also brought along the book that we read three years ago that helped fuel the passion.

Little woman showed off her love of all things Winnie-the-pooh. She has done a big literature study on Milne. She included her work along with all her crafty things (art, apron, purses, pouches, pen pal box, and bed pillows).

Dino Pack

Little boy saw this fabric and had to have another pack. It goes everywhere with us. It's usually loaded down with some serious treasures.

Dish cloths

I hadn't been knitting the last couple of months. It's seems the summer thing hit me and I just wasn't feeling into it.

This past week I've had a bit of a need for some new dishcloths. I've begun whipping them out and am actually really enjoying it. Now I'm digging all around the house for my cottons.

These were crocheted with some scraps found.

Jellyfish

My second jellyfish. Cute. I'm not sure who it's for yet. I've started on holiday and upcoming birthdays. They sneak up so fast.

Sock Success

Taking a little time to play with my sock today has been great. I've gotten a lot accomplished so far. Another 1" or 2" and I'll be turning my heel! Big news for a knitter. The daunting turning of the heel. This doesn't worry me though. It was the Turkish cast-on that caused me anxiety.

Toe Up

After complete frustration with my original cast on. I ripped out the entire sock and started over. I've got a pretty nice cast on now. The right number of increases now and I'm ready to roll. I guess being sick has it's upside, I've had the time to work on my sock.

Turquoise

Turquoise, white, and yellow colors in this two yarn scarf. One a worsted and the other a fun fur.

Brown scarf

New scarf made with a chocolate brown fun fur. The girls and I were given a huge back of fun fur. We have gone on a scarf frenzy......Even my oldest is knitting again! That makes me really happy.

Manly pack

Of course little boy made a request for a pack too. We had the cute patch and decided this would be the perfect home for it.

For a little Diego fan. Can't wait to give it to her.....Little Bit is modeling it for me.

Backpack

Olivia's new backpack. We whipped out a few backpacks for birthday presents this morning for little girlie's we know.

Success

Although my turkish cast on is not perfect I'm moving forward. At least this time around there are no big holes.

I wasn't able to find a size 0 at the store so opted for the 1's. They are working so much better and I may actually get my first sock done. Success!

Partial Success

Being a stubborn woman who has taught myself everything I know, I decided not to give up. I've finally figured out what the problem is. I'm not liking the size 2 needles. They are just too big for this yarn. I'm headed to Joann's to pick up some zeros and get back at it. I am beginning to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Here is what I got done on the 2's.

Done with the socks

I am officially done with the socks. I've tried and tried and never seem to get past the first row. I keep twisting the needles. The yarn keeps splitting and the point on my dpn's isn't sharp enough to get through the splitting yarn. This is just not working. Mary Anne Please move back to Texas!

Luv the Luvy

I had just enough yarn to complete the little Luvy. I added a pink/brown bow to feminize her. Precious.

Socks

Today is the day I start my socks. Turkish cast-on here I come.

Whoops

I am working on a Luvy for a dear little one but realize I am running out of yarn. The idea was to use up yarn in my stash. the dilemma is now whether to buy another matching ball to finish it. Or to use a different color for the bunny ears that will come next. Hmmmm...

Paper Bag Covers

Being that my kids are homeschooled they haven't had the need to make book covers. This week I taught them all how to use the old paper bag trick. They liked them and now have all their journals covered.

Little Bits Journal

Little Bit has been working hard on her journal. Here are a couple of pics. Her work includes Stamping, Stickers, Watercolor Paint, and of course her precious little words.

Fairy Houses

My kids and I have been delving into the world of fairies. The little flower fairies that help the plants and grow and thrive. A very cute book by Tracy Kane tells a story of fairy houses being created in Maine. A big tradition up there which we decided to bring here to Texas. Here is a picture of their first fairy home. They are getting more creative as they work them. We hope to provide wonderful spots to encourage the fairies to come take good care of our garden.

Journals

Journal samples to show the kids in a class I'm going to teach this week. The kids will make their own journals. Try out different binding methods. Then they will swap journals and embellish a page in each of their friends journals. They can draw, doodle, stamp, write, add quotes or poetry. Whatever speaks to them. I'm excited to see how it goes.

Ramblings

This week has been super busy and I haven't gotten to any knitting. It sits in my bag next to the couch calling me back. the projects I have cast on currently are just not working for me though.

I am going to hunt for some new fun patterns, cast on my socks, and get out of my knitting rut. Wish me luck!

Now off to see if I can remember how to do the kitchener stitch....

Embroidery closeup

Embroidery

First time embroidering. I used my journal duck as a template.

Pinks

I'm lovin' the pinks these days. Very feminine and fun!

Alpaca hat

Livy's new hat made from Grandma's special alpaca yarn sent for Xmas. Livy started it but had me finish it for her.

His and Hers

Connor and Livy's new water bottle covers in coordinating colors.

Red bottle

My next cover in a deep red, pink, and tan color.

Bottles Galore

The brown cozy is a fabulous organic soft cotton. The peach is from a ball of dishrag cotton. Both are great and cover my Kanteen's nicely. I have one more of my Kanteen's to go. I'm thinking a reddish color on that one.

Tree sweaters

Here is a picture of my little knitted Christmas tree ornaments. They are getting packed away for another year today.

Birding Journals

Watercolor homemade birding journals. And yet another hobby fills my life.

Xmas yarn

The kids got me new yarn for Christmas. How fun. I'm happy to report to my very special friend in CO I will finally be making my socks. Now only if she was here to help me.

Wine Accesories

Little wine accessories. These were a special request for a very special friend. I love them. They came out really cute.

Pooh

And for the little woman I've got a Winnie the Pooh apron. I took the pic on my phone and can't seem to flip it. Sorry.

Batman

Here is a batman apron I whipped up for the little man for Christmas. My kiddos love their aprons for cooking and crafting.

Bye-bye

Well our snowman moved on to a new house. Ashley really wanted to give him as a present for a gift exchange.

I'm happy to report I've got white yarn cast onto my needles and I'm making another one. He's too cute not to have one sitting in the house.

Frosty

After my dishcloth madness I needed to change things up a bit. I found Frosty online and think he is adorable. The kids think I need to make a Mrs Frosty to go with him.

Lacy Edge Dishrag

Here is my new favorite dishrag pattern. It's a single crochet square dishrag with scalloped edge. (CH 4, sk a st, sc in next st) repeat around entire dishrag.

Dishrag Frenzy

I have been knitting and crocheting up a storm. I pumped out so many dishrags this month, but have forgotten to photograph them..... Next time. Most were gifts for birthdays. I made myself up a handful to go in my stocking for Christmas. I usually gift out everything, so decided Santa owed me a gift. They are made with that fabulous RED color and will be such a joy in the kitchen. The kids have been complaining our rags need an upgrade. Can't wait for Xmas morning! Silly I know, but with tight funds, this was one way to upgrade my rags. I'm thinking Santa may even drop in a few balls of Dishrag Cotton for the mama too. Imagine my delight to find even more cottons to work on after the new year.

Texas Tea

A common occurrence lately.

Love in a dishrag

I found a new dishrag cotton this week. A new color is always so exciting. This is my favorite color I've found as of yet. I love this red and can't wait to send some to a special friend in Cali, who has a red kitchen theme. I will however make several for myself as they are just to fantastic to part with all of them.

Scrubby Lady

I've been named the Scrubby Lady. Lately everywhere I've been I've had either a dishrag in hand or a dish scrubbie. I am in love with these fabulous little nylon scrubbies...... My grandmother loves them too, I'm mailing her some for her upcoming birthday and I'm keeping some for myself.

Dishrags Galore

I've been on a fun dishrag frenzy. I'm trying lots of different patterns with both knit and crochet. I do wish though I didn't have all these ends to weave in.