Saturday Knitting by the Woodstove = Scarf Finish

 

The Foxy Boxy scarf

 

And so I've been knitting all evening yesterday and this morning and now on my last block to knit and then finished. I will block this scarf because in doing so will stretch out 5-7 more inches.

 

Otherwise the homestead is pretty serene. We have been watching HGTV all day and especially back to back episodes of Love it or List It! LOVE those shows.

 

I made this scarf for Mr. Fox but.........he likes to wrap his more and he is much taller so this will be for myself I guess worn around with a heart wooden pin I have, jeans and boots.

 

The pattern is simple, something I totally made up myself and easy:

 

CO 26

Knit 5 rows

Then, row 6

(WS) K5, purl 16, K5

(RS) K all stitches

do this alternating to make the blocked section until 7 garter edge ridges or 14 rows

then K 5 ridges or 10 rows, each row

then, repeat with (WS) K5P16K5

and (RS) K all stitches for 14 rows

then continue to repeat this pattern.

at end, K 5 rows

then BO

 

This created a garter ridge on the edge to keep the scarf from curling with the purling of Stockinette.

This also is a pretty structured unisex design.

 

I used a #  10 interchangeable Chiago Goo metal lace needle with 24 in cord

The yarn was in my stash from last year on a clearance table at my local yarn shop Bumbleberries in Clarkesville, Georgia. I cannot find the tag for info but it was a thicker yarn and washable.

The colors really attracted me because as I thought of my husbands blue teal eyes!

The colorway is just really pretty.

 

I hope this finds you warm and cozy. The woodstove is so relaxing today and the sun actually came out for a little while.

 

Abigail is curled on the sofa watching me finish this up. She has not yet to try to play with this or mess it up and it's been on the sofa for easy pick up and knit. She's been a good girl!

 

I've let this frame sit with the Jane Austen piece unironed and loose behind it for just a glimpse.

I'm going to have to choose a color of fabbie from my stash to sew along the sides. The pink is brighter than I wanted but I think with a light sage green side it will look better.

I am almost thinking of shabby chic-ing this one up. Not really sure.

 

 

Till later..........

Jennifer

Some Knit Finishes and Valentine Inspirations

It's been so long since I posted this time!!!  I can't believe how time flies. Since I last posted, I have done many things, just not all stitchy news. I did finish and pieced together my Chunky Edge Lace scarf and decided that putting this many sections to connect in one scarf was more than I wanted to do. Although it came out lovely, soft and oh so warm and girly, it has more bling in it that I thought when putting it on and looking in the mirror.

With that being said, I still love it, enjoyed knitting it and used 3 full skeins of the colorway Constellation, Thick and Quick yarn. I gartered all the stitching except the two end pieces. Used a # 13 straight needles.

 

 

 

 

Each end piece is a full skein of yarn. I joined them all with a quilting needle and weaved in the ends. I did have to taper down to fit the other 2 sections at the end but I still love it!

We had some really COLD weather since last post too!  Colder than I have ever seen it here before. I have seen colder air in Chicago in the past but this was like brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cold for North Georgia. Our outside cat, Louie, of whom we love dearly, has an outside "cabin" Mr. Fox made for him but it was way too cold for Louie about 4 days so he boarded in the downstairs bath. I have a cat allergy but I will say that it didn't cause me any problems this time. They say allergies change and it's been several years since I was tested so.........maybe it's gone now?/?? I hope so because Louie clings to the door all the time.

Miss Abigail snuggled away in her knitted throw and pillows as she places them as she likes it for different times of day. She is so funny and so loveable. I love her so much.

Another finish this morning, well start to finish, is this Valentine colored washcloth. I simply gartered it because of the colorway in Damask, Sugar and Cream. I love the light pink, the dark pink, red and a hint of milk chocolate this makes. I can make a few more of these for washcloths.

 

It's funny how I really didn't see the pattern it made until I posted pics. Close up I couldn't see this pattern.

 

 

 

 

We've had 2 callings of snow by the weatherman but each morning, no snow.

All in all, January is halfway over and I do look forward to Spring. Actually, the daffodils here are already sprouting from this cold mountain!

Downton Abbey this past week was really intense and I was so upset about Anna Bates. We'll have to see what next week brings. I think Mary is realizing she needs to be in the "living world" instead of the "dead one" as her grandmother described now. This should lead to a lot of good adventure in the next episodes.

On the book side, I'm reading and participating in a Bible Study on facebook called Wife After God by Jennifer Smith, The Unveiled Wife. The book on Amazon is called Wife After God as well.  This study is something I look forward to every morning after I wake and grab a cup of coffee. She posts a 2-6 minute video in the study and some study questions for pondering through the day. We are all following her devotional book which can be found on Amazon and if you are looking for a good one as a wife, you will find this one to be full of humility, strength, encouragement and just really a lot of hope. Interesting discussions have been stimulated by many wives and her husband in fact, has a facebook page Husband Revolution. I do not see him doing any studies right now but I suspect he will in the future. The couple has been married 7 years and have the cutest baby boy. The focus of their ministry is an Ephesians 5 marriage.
Topics from this include faith, fears, arrows of the enemy, Satan and how to handle them, humility, submission, love, forgiveness, and many more. It's a 30 day study but her videos are available to the public so people can catch up if interested.

Ok, so in keeping with some other January beginning-of the-year resolutions, I have been trying to follow FlyLady and other websites for cleaning and decluttering/ organization which is not one of my good traits (really). This week is the bathroom detail and yesterday I spent 5 hours....yes 5 hours in one bathroom taking............every.thing..............I mean everything out of cabinets and reorganizing all the girlie stuff, tossing out old stuff, changing out shower curtains, scrubbing the tub, and I even changed the look of the bathroom by taking off the cabinet doors and putting in some old pretty baskets I already had for organization. The open cabinet effect is so much cleaner and easier to access. I read a book from Pixel of Ink freebie off of my Kindle that fired me up to start this weekly detail cleaning. The name of it is The Busy Mom's Guide to Speed Cleaning and Organizing by BJ Knights. Of course any couple or single person could utilize the info in it. It's easy to read, about 160 pages of just really GREAT remedies for things in cleaning. There are scattered recipes for natural cleaning solutions such as baking soda, peroxide, vinegar, water and others but very simple. 

I found the book to be a great motivation.

 I don't know about you, but I add free books daily offered at Pixel of Ink if you have a Kindle, You have to grab it though then to download at zero dollars because the next day it goes back to the 6-14.99 cost. Pixel of Ink on FB like and then you can check it out each day.

I have a list of several more to get read soon. I like the option on my old Kindle for text to speech. Crossing my fingers this is the first Kindle to come out and it's still working. :)

Another New Year's resolution is to start back yoga daily. I have enjoyed it a lot and look forward to it. Just using You Tube yoga lessons for my sessions. The stretching and movements are very beneficial for the body and mind. We also do couples yoga as Mr. Fox got a men's yoga mat and stuff for Christmas. He really likes it too.

I have completed half of the last row of flowers on At Home with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl. I am so close to finishing it, I don't know why I have not already. I think I'm dabbling with ideas in my head on how to "finish, finish" it. We will see how it strikes me with the last stitch and I hope soon so I can show you.

Here's to changing up to finish this sampler and soon I will get a progress completion pic.

Jennifer

At Home with Jane sampler progress~~nearly finished WIP

 

Here is my progress on At Home With Jane Austen sampler designer The Sampler Girl.

 I've had this one in my basket for 4 years at least. Started on it, put it down, did a third, put it down. So I'm finishing this long WIP up very soon. I have one flower motif left and then the last band of purple flowers and it's done!!!!!!!

 

 

I so love Jane Austen.

 

 

 

And pinks are my favorite colors.

 

 

And my initial changed since I started it. That's how long it's been in my basket.

 

 

Home Sweet Home

 

Just wanted to share something I'm finishing up this weekend. I'm mixed on how to finish it because I can only afford a junkin' frame  .........and I can't find one.

So, I may finish it like the photo she has on the front and hang/display on the wall this way OR I have a frame that is bigger on the sides but the right length and put some pretty fabbie on the sides.

 

I used/am using Crescent Colors that are called for in the pattern. There is a DMC conversion but I like the overdyed effect.

I'm also using the linen called for in the pattern as well.

I believe it's 30ct.

 

So, I finished my Christmas shopping today, just a few items left and grocery shopping for the week. Feels good to be done.

Soon, to watch the Christmas Box movie with the Mr. cuddling by the fire.

We have some snack size ham, turkey, and 2 cheeses with crackers to nibble during the movie!

The last 2 gifts to mail will be late as they are to be mailed out Monday but I'm sure they will like them just as well!

 

Singing I'll be Home for Christmas,

Jennifer

 

Finishing a Shawl, Finishing a Half Century

  I'm finally finishing ball number 2 of this huge shawl. I will probably finish off the small amount left of the second ball, approximately 700 yards, and bind off. This will be a nice snuggly go-to for around the homestead on cool nights and into the Fall/Winter.

It's colorway is burgundy. Bernat yarn in acrylic and wool blend. Gartered the entire shawl, making increases on each end. I have a nice silver ring holder that will work with this one well.
I had a meltdown moment when the cord came unscrewed on one end, I pulled and the entire top came out leaving live stitches, about 250 of them. BUT, I saved them by threading them carefully back on. That made me stop and make sure the interchangeable cord was secure each row.

Yup, this is on a 60 inch cord.

 

 

 

On the cooking home front, I baked these last evening for weekend snacking.

 

Speaking of Yummy!  Look at this color yarn I got at Joanne's during their GREAT sale this past week. I didn't have my coupons with me but these were on sale without coupons. I LOVE French blue and the yarn is very soft.

Colorway is Blue Heather. I loved ALL the heather colors they have but decided on this colorway for now. Pink Heather was a close second.

 

Speaking of blue, this morning is gorgeous here in the North GA mountains with lots of sun, low humidity and cool on the back porch.

 

 

finally. Sun!

 

 

My progress this week on At Home with Jane Austen designer The Sampler Girl

 

I would be finished if I could keep my hands off the knitting needles!!!

 

Really not much left to this sampler to finish.

 

 

 

Even though there's no place like staying home for real comfort, Mr. Darcy and I can't wait for another trip to see my mama and daddy. Speaking of this sampler, I actually have a collection of keys to all the houses I have lived in in my life. I have the ORIGINAL house key still for my parents house. And oh, I remember many days coming home from school with my key for after school.

 It's 49 years old because I was 13 months old when they moved in it.

I couldn't find a frame to fit perfectly for this sampler but I played around with putting it in the center with some calico fabbie on the background and my old keys on each side and it looked pretty cool!

 

I hope I finish it soon so I can show them.

 

Speaking of birthdays, I turned the big 5-0 this past week. I had a really nice birthday thanks to Mr. Darcy for all his love. We had a nice time eating out at Red Lobster!

 

My mama and daddy sent me some special momentos and a beautiful card.

My hubbie gave me a sweet card I'll treasure forever too.

 

 

 

I loved it all, the crocheted bookmark was very pretty and the bracelet too.

 

 

 

 

 

I also got 2 great knitting patterns sent as gifties by my special stitching friend Donna!!! I can't wait until I get my printer ink so I can print those off.

 

I also want to thank all readers here, who still follow my journey in this thing called life. I'm thankful for all who have shown me my strengths and weaknesses, shared creativity and interests in homesteading, and welcomed me like we are neighbors. When I first started blogging several years ago, I never dreamed of connecting with so many people, so many all over the globe! It's been a very rewarding experience in my life. Thank you again.

 

I hope your Sunday is peaceful and you are surrounded by those you love. That's probably the most important thing in life.

 

With love,

Jennifer

My Progress

This week we certainly have felt a tinge of Fall in the air, with a couple of days of 65 as the high temp. The sun comes and goes and still with a good bit of rain. I suspect that we have an early leaf changing season this year with all the cloudy days. Whenever it does, I stand in awe of the colors, the many, many colors, of the beautiful trees that blanket the North Georgia mountains. Nature puts on a show usually here by mid October and along with living on a few miles from a touristy, Alpine village, I can be thankful for the Oktoberfest and festivities it brings yearly! This year is the centennial with fireworks and local history events. I hope to be able to attend some of it and get some pics!

 

On the topic of home, the progress I've made with the Jane Austen design here is slow this week but still going into the third section near the bottom. This is At Home with Jane Austen, designer The Sampler Girl, a WIP for 3 years now, hopefully to become a framed sampler in the next week.

 

 

 

I just love the names of Crescent Color threads! I'm beginning to work with Creeping Jenny at the bottom for a larger flower band section now.

I hope that Mr. Darcy and myself will watch a good movie in the next few so I can make more progress (popcorn included) :P

 

Oh how working with Creeping Jenny reminds me of all the weeds that have grown around our homestead this summer, encouraged by hard rains. Before I moved here the weed (to me it is) was called Creeping Charlie. Then I found out later, people call it Creeping Jenny. Let me tell you that stuff grows a foot over night it seems!

 

I have enjoyed working with all the colors in this sampler. I so needed something cheery and bright lately and this has helped alot. Thank you Tanya Anderson!

 

I also have almost finished my burgandy-red shawl I'm knitting. I call it My Shawl Ya'll.

I've got to a place though this week, and couldn't correct my error and so a visit to Ms. Bonnie, a GREAT knitter is in line this week, possibly tomorrow to get me back on track.

The cool evenings are encouraging me to get this finished.

 

I wore to church the soft, muted pink one I made today, the first shawl I ever made in fact, and always get compliments on it. I made several mistakes but only two that seemed unable to correct so I put buttons and crochet pieces sewn over the areas and make it work! Sometimes it's the imperfections that make a piece unique. It's a great feeling to be able to accept them as part of life.

 

I finished a sampler in honor of the Prince's birth this week. It's a very long band sampler and will be 3rd in line to the throne........just joking, third in line to my sewing basket as I want to do a small freebie one from Liberty House Primitives blog and then get back on track with my own design of Downton Abbey which is quite large but the colors are beautiful!

 

So, I pulled the 2 simple colors at random to do a quick stitch this week. I had already printed off the freebie from the site. There are a few more I wish I could stitch as well, about love.

 

 

On her site you will find, just as most designers request, that you do not sell or kit her freebies.

 

 

Sassy Brass and a DMC color in darker blue

 

This is where you can find your copy of this freebie:

 

Enjoy her beautiful music on this page as you browse:

 

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/23063186

 

The pattern is the last one on the list.

 

I will have to say that it's just my humble opinion, but I think Nancy from Liberty House Primitives has THE best freebie samplers on the internet, from any designer. I have also bought things in the past from her ebay shop and believe me, you will not be dissapointed with your package and order. Her kindness makes the world of difference. You can tell she shines the light of Christ and that genuine kindness and care makes the difference and is very transparent. 

 

Miss Abigail today said Sundays are for for nap-times................and she is the sweetest furbaby.

 

 

A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,

 it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.

 

~~~~~Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

A GREAT big thanks to all who made orders this week as I usually get those out in 3 days. Tomorrow is mail day, so I hope you like it and it gets to you very soon.

I hope to have more designs put in digital format for your instant reception upon payment with Paypal. Thanks for being so patient with me. I really do appreciate it.

 

Jennifer

 

My Progress on At Home with Jane Austen sampler

Yesterday was not such a good day. I had alot of heart problems but feeling better today. I think I slept or rested in bed more than being up.

This morning, Mr. Darcy made his famous French Toast and is the sweetest to me ever. His love is such a blessing. His faith is never-ending.

 

 This morning I finished the house on the sampler and now starting a frame on the right of the house.

 

The pic looks a little distorted because I just took it out of my frame. Also after finishing half the house I figured out that I made the windows at the top too short. This was the joining of 2 pages and sometimes its hard for me to make the transition. I decided not to frog all that out and that houses can have small and large windows! :)

 

At Home with Jane Austen, designer The Sampler Girl

Stitched with 30 ct Weeks Dye linen in Linen (yes that's the name of the color)

 

I am using the suggested Crescent Colors for the threads.

So, I'm about 2/3 of the way done with this band sampler.

 

The day is full of errands to run but not too bad. The sun just came out and I hope it stays out but I hear there is rain forecasted the whole week. I have never in my life seen so much rain in a Summer.

 

Our Sunday school teacher this past Sunday asked the class to raise our hands if we thought that this year we had more rain days since last year. I and alot of others did.

He said, nope. He researched and last year up until August 9th we had 113 days of rain as well as the same for this year.

However...........................the number of INCHES of rain last year was 39 and this year 67 for the same bracket of time so the amount definitely is almost doubled of what is usual.

The previous summer to that we had 29 inches.

 

That's for this neck of the woods. Have you all had rain where you are alot this Summer?

 

Last night, Mr. Darcy and I were out and could get just a faint hint of Fall air here in the North Ga mountains. Just a hint. Reminded me of going to the ball games and about the 3rd game could feel the nip in the air.

 

We have a dry creek in the back of the property and when it's raining so much it flows like a river. Actually, quite pretty to see out the window.

 

On the homefront, I can't believe I'm living out the last 2 weeks of a half-century since birth!!!

Yup, I will be reaching the big 5-0 soon. One lady asked me not to tell anyone but I really  have never been ashamed of my age. It's just a fact and I'm just thankful I have lived this long to tell you!

 

I have learned through many years to lean on the promises of God. He made us and knew us even before we were born. The Bible says He knitted us in the womb.  That by itself is amazing!

 

I find these scripture to be very important in daily life:

 

Isaiah 43:4 You are precious and honored in my sight and ........I love you.

 

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Phil. 4: 12 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

 

Psalm 73:26 God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

I Peter 5: 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

 

Deut. 31:6 The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

Luke 18:27 What is impossible with man is possible with God.

 

Phil. 4: 13 I have strength for all thngs in Christ who empowers me.

 

2 Cor. 12: 9 My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

 

and the most important to me through all these years is:

 

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, submit to him and He will make your paths straight.

 

Bottom line is:

 

You are special. You matter. Your maker knows you.

 

However, He has also given us free will and part of life is using discernment to know the difference from His will and our own free will.

 

Life is hard many times and there are so many times of blessed joy!

But I know if I follow His will and not my own, he will make the paths straight and take care of me through the remainder of my years on Earth and those that choose to walk with me on this journey whether for a short time or forever know where my heart is.

 

This morning I hope you are content, peaceful, hopeful and know God loves you.

 

Till later,

Jennifer

Finishing my Wips!

Cleaning out and moving stash provided me the opportunity to see the many WIPS I have and the importance of finishing them. I needed some cheery colors so when I saw this WIP, At Home with Jane Austen, designed by The Sampler Girl, I pulled the bright colors and started where I left off......on the house.

and then I spent an hour on raising the roof in CC Tartan Plaid.....................

 

I'm eager to get with this one again today.

 

 Also knitted alot, in fact so much that my 32 in cord was bunched and packed so  I had to get a 47 inch and 60 in interchangeable cable in case for My Fall Shawl Ya'll. Yup that's the name.

I'm just using a basic Litroral pattern found on Ravelry for free.

 

It works with all garter stitch shawls with gradual increases after a row of 30 stitches. I like round, crescent shaped shawls better than pointy ones. I find this really is fast knitting.

 

So this is on the 47 inch cord. Can you believe this is only 1 skein of Bernat sale yarn for 2.97 at the end of the season last year, Joanne's Fabrics?

 

I probably will use another 1/2 one here or even may use the whole 2nd one.

 

 

 

 

When I first started knitting, I must have had an attraction to red yarn of any colorway.

I have several in my stash. I have another yarn that is Homespun and  will make a tweed like texture in a burgandy red that I would like to make as well.

 

Don't you just love Joanne's??? their coupons, their military discounts, and options. The only thing I don't like there is any of their circular needles. OMG, try one. The cord is so tangled.

I love the Knitter's Pride ones. They are made of Vermont Birch and laquered to a smooth finish wood needle. I like to get the interchangeable ones if I can and the cords are memory free and will not curl tight.

 

I also like the Dreamz because each size is color coded basically. I don't have a full set but I'm hoping Santa will bring me a Nova set in Knitter's Pride this year. Those are metal ones.

 

I can't believe Christmas is only 4 months away! So this is a busy time for all of us stitchers getting gifts made and ornies.

 

Speaking of ornies, I need to design one soon.

 

I hope you have a nice Saturday. The sun is out here and I'm sooooooooooo glad as we have had our share of rain gloomy days. But the contrast definitely helps me appreciate the sunshine more!

 

Ta ta for now,

Jennifer

My Morning Muse

Almost like a sampler.......just a peek at a pattern I found on Ravelry and I'm stitching it in 100% cotton in a auburn color.

 

I frogged out 4 quite tricky rows about 3 times but I bet you can see the picture already forming.

Using my Addie needles # 6 and they are sweeeeeeeeeeet!

 

 

Hope your Monday is going well too. The sun is finally out here! Yay!

Got lots of Monday day things on my to-do list so I best get busy.

 

There's one thing I know for sure. I'm eating something chocolate today. Craving chocolate for 2 days now. Yummilicious.

 

Jennifer

 

Mr.Darcey Finished

Mr. Darcy sampler designer The Sampler Girl

just finished and framed by me

to add to the sampler wall.....well one of them.

This was a very cute little design. I loved it and will treasure it as it has much meaning to me.

Looks like midnight finishes are starting back up.

Looks like I haven't adjusted to the time change.

Looks like I'm having more fun that I should, but heck, life is short!

Till later to see what I take with on the trip,

Jennifer

Tonight is going to be THE night to finish Mr. Darcy!

Yes, it's hop here and hop there and definitely a full moon out there.

I'm so excited someone got me a ticket to see Van Halen in Atlanta!!!!!!  EXCITED.

So, you might want to mute the playlist because I listed some of my favorite Van Halen songs and they aren't your average easy listening ones. ;)

But, this is the love week, right?

Speaking of that, I've been so busy that I'm hoping I get Mr. Darcy finished soon.

I did finish his sillouette.

I just need to put A Single Man in......then a key. Then frame!!!

Then he's done.

He will reside on top of my piano for the week.

He kinda likes music anyways. :P

Today was just one of those catch up days.

2 steps forward 1 step back.

I had a serious pout going on today when:

a) I mistakenly went the wrong time to the dentist and the clerk was about as friendly as......well, letter b here:

b) the postal clerk next who complained because I had 3 packages to mail at 4:58pm

c) Thomas coughed up a nice size hairball right there in front of me as if he was proud when I got home

d) I bumped a lady's car door in a parking lot getting out something and she went nuts and overboard while I just stood there and said "Really?"

 but it all balances out with some REALLY good things too.  So all is over and now warming up leftovers of leftovers for dinner, then settling in for working on Mr. Darcy's finale and some other things that are heartwarming..........I digress.

Time to get done and move on to another pretty sampler real soon if I could put my Kindle down for a second.

Progress on Mr. Darcy and other sundries

Saturday was a relaxing day. I almost finished Mr. Darcy sampler by the Sampler Girl.

I've picked out a simple black wood frame 5 x 7 for it when finished.

I think it's a great contrast and will be a good addition to my Valentine's collection.

Of course, Valentine's can be and should be every day.

Love.

I also joined an online Bible study with this book which is very comforting and is one that will change your life. It certainly is good for women and confirms that they are special and loved just the way they are, by one man who will always love and protect.

Of course, I was behind in enrolling but catching up. I've gone through chapter 3.

But it 's one that each chapter provokes much reflection and such a relief that no matter what the world thinks, all that matters is what God thinks of our choices. He loved us first. He is the only one that can love us unconditionally.

http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/

This is the site, take a look-see.

My dollar store visit find was this rack which is rustic and oh so prim.

I love it.

I spent some time deep cleaning the kitchen and getting more organized.

All dishes are clean and put away for easy access. For 5 bucks it was well worth it.

My goal is after church to spend time finishing this and framing it.

I've got next to move on to the Coverlet Birds and I can't wait. Beeeeautiful colors.

A cozy home, stitching, a good friend, a good book, and rain on the metal roof to lull me to sleep.

What could I ask for any better than that for today. My pace is slower. My mind is calm. I have someone who is always there with open arms. It's a nice change, a miracle.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Wishing blessings at your home and peace. Peace no matter what life brings you.

You are special.

Till later,

Jennifer