Mohair or Abbie Hair? First Crochet Blanket!

I try to challenge myself to learn something new every now and again.

Well, yesterday I was watching a You Tube on basic crochet and the single crochet stitch. Then some stash busting for a blanket commenced.

I lost count of how many chain stitches I started but it's going to be rather large. All single crochet. Just like knitting and cross stitch, this is rhythmic, almost zen-like. 

It feels good to look through and put colors together from my huge yarn stash of acrylic DK weight.
I don't have but a couple of hooks and used them solely for fixing my knitting but had the right size for DK weight so this happened.

Using one of my favorite pillows for color inspiration...........

and a very large basket my mother gave me, I have a new blanket started.

Wide enough to go across a twin bed probably.

Just winging it.

There is also an added colorway called Abbie Hair, not mohair but very, very similar.

Hope you are having a zen-like day too!

I Just Can't Wait Sometimes and K2tog

 

~~~~~~~~~~for snow and

~~~~~~~~~to start a new lace freebie

especially with this yarn I have in my stash,

and the cabin fever with all the cold weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And on days like today, I just look at it after 5 or 6 rows of the pattern

 

and realize after it's stretched out, the beauty shows.

 

The beauty of the colorway and the way it shows the lace.

 

When  stitches are put together in a pattern intentionally to leave a "hole" for lace,

 

sometimes it's not until it's all stretched out until it's full pattern can be appreciated.

 

Space can be beautiful when it is in the right timing of a pattern.

It can be a real mess when it's not supposed to be there.

 

Reminds me of our journey in life. The places we think are holes, can sometimes be just part of the pattern to make the bigger picture, our journey pattern, a more beautiful purpose in the end.

 

This I know for sure:

 

Those that left holes in our hearts, were just part of the whole pattern, and that in God's grace, He knits our life the way it should be if we put our trust in Him always and always seek His will.

 

Knitting gives me time to meditate. I think that's why there are research studies that show how therapeutic knitting really is. However, if you ask some people, they would say it's just for old people. Man, what they are missing out on, no matter what age!

 

The rhythm of it. The counting. The freedom to choose. Choose colors. Choose patterns.

 

It's very functional as well as beautiful as the process goes along.

 

At the end, there is no better sense of accomplishment which is like a balm to our soul.

 

And the very best part of knitting is using our gifts to give of our hearts.

 

This is just what knitting means to me. I'm blessed to have been able to learn a year ago as it's been as good to me as many a close friend.

 

On the reading front:

 

I'm finishing the Bible study devotional book and online study group called Wife After God in just 4 days!!! I can't believe it's almost over. I don't want it to be........

 

 My review of this is highly recommended for Christian wives. The author is the group leader, Jennifer Smith, and she is very gifted with teaching about such a HUGE part of life. I'm also blessed to have a husband who is just so easy to love and respect. You know marriage is a true KNIT 2 TOGETHER!

And for that, I'm truly, truly thankful.

I think God had me go through a marriage of what is not, to show the contrast of how a real marriage should be.

 

#soblessed #soloved #sothankful #knittedtogether

 

Serious Serial Starting Stitching Saturday

I'm still cleaning/moving stash and trying to organize in some fashion: therefore, I find so many things I would like to stitch. Now. Exactly at this moment. So my time in cleaning stops in 5 minute increments to run around seeking to pull threads and linen and needles to work on them. Not much overall done but, it's another serial start. Then my day  is gone from the distraction of a new start.

The weather is day 6 of rain, several days of hard rain where driving was hard to do. Today, it seems the sun is struggling through the drizzling rain to come out to show us it's still there, but then the rain continues and I wonder if I should send a bird out for an olive branch. Perhaps a Bluebird?

To lift the rainy mood, I found a Blackbird Design sampler pattern gifted to me by Jennifer Holcombe a couple of years ago. She is the sweetest. She also made a button box for me that is always nearby and reminds me there are truly some special sweet stitchers in this world.

The design is  Bluebird--Reward of Merit pincushion. I'm stitching on 30 ct R & R linen in Gardner's (something, I can't read the rest of the label)? and using the CC SILK Belle Soie floss in Blue Lagoon she also sent with it. Bluebirds are cheerful to me and for such a rainy week----need one!

So starting with the border here.

 

I love the rich, blue colorway in silk. I can't afford silk threads regularly or even at all right now, so it's so refreshing to revisit this and stitch with it.

 

 

This hoop I've had for years, came from The Scarlett Letter. I think they still have those wooden ones and  have thoroughly enjoyed the oblong one for samplers. I looked up this name of R & R linen and couldn't find it anymore, so maybe it's retired, dunno.........

Speaking of Dunn, this linen I found in my stash from Karyn Dunn, Ma TeaKettle that she kindly gifted me a couple of years ago as well. She was so generous in giving me many, many linens that are neatly tucked away for my stash eye candy and for samplers!

 

And though my whole life turned upside down 2 years ago, there are sweet memories of the stitchers that are special to me still in my heart. I will say I learned many life lessons with my stitcher friends that year, but kept moving forward with the strength that I had.

 

 

Jennifer H. even put a mother-of-pearl thread keep heart, linen included with this sampler pattern all in the mail one day.

I hope to get some progress on this one. Even finish it!!!! soon. I want to thank all of you for the past 4 years of friendships. I appreciate those who chose to stay on my journey in life even through struggles and those who didn't for whatever reason so I could learn lessons from it.

So this weekend, I will be working on this little sampler in Blue Lagoon, hoping for blue skies to appear once again.

 Rain, Rain, go away,
 come back another day.
 If not, I'll stitch a bluebird to stay

I have vivid memories of my mama holding my hand at the back double doors looking out at the rain inside and singing this song when I was only 3 or 4 years old. Even now in long days of rain, I think about it and I'm almost a half a century old!!

The other news on the stitchy side is a side knitting project, I'm calling it The Walton.
The name is because I only mindlessly stitch 16 inch squares during the Waltons show every week night. It's when Mr Darcy, Abbie and me cuddle on the sofa and never tire of a new episode.

I had this rich, Caron Simply Soft in a jewel tone of teal and it is so soft!

I'm using Addie turbo circulars 8/ 24 in. I still haven't decided if I will do each block a different basic stitch pattern to piece together for a big blanket or garter all of it? I just don't know. I'm wingin' it.

 

I may mix this with Autumn Maize in Caron Simply Soft as it's a muted light gold color. These skeins hold over 300 yards, just can't be beat and Joanne's has them on sale this week for just 2 bucks.

 

I also haven't decided if I will stitch this as a throw or a coverlet for a bed. Now that would take a long time and many episodes of The Waltons!

 

There's always something brewing here with needles.

 Methinks it's time though for baking for the Mr.

His work group loved my Peach Cobbler muffins at a meeting and I think I started sumfin'. :0

 

Don't forget to visit the Etsy shop of Feathersinthenest. This is the last day for 25% off this week. Orders for this will be good until midnight. Mailed out on Monday.

 

I hope you all had a great Independence Day celebration. Happy Birthday America!

 

Jennifer

 

 

Pink Knitting and Banana Nut Bread Recipe

A special friend wants a pink and green scarf. I did not get it done before Christmas, so here goes for Valentines Day!

I found this gorgeous, soft yarn at Joanne's on sale. 

Deborah Norville

Serenity

Red Bayou

2 skeins

I think she will like it. I haven't decided if I am going to put some other stitches in this. I'm tempted to do some different ones.............................just tempted.

Using #11 needles, Bates aluminum,  I picked it up with a cup of coffee after my slice of NANNER bread and went to knitting. The wood stove burned all night and this morning it's got it toasty and cozy in here. 

PERFECT, I think! We both slept like a rock last night.

After I stitched several rows in garter stitch, I just had to show you you the lovely pinks, greens, plums this scarf will have.

 I cast on 26st.

And this little sweetie, Abigail is gathering any banana nut bread crumbs left from the little end we haven't eaten.

IT WENT FAST!

Sorry I didn't get a pic when it came out of the oven but it's a way yum recipe. I think it tastes better than the one in Southern Living magazine and that used to be my favorite.

I will warn you that in order for this NOT to overflow in your oven, set aside part of the batter for some little muffins or something. Mine overflowed pretty bad in the oven, using the streusel recommended in the larger size pan they recommended.

Here's the recipe for it!

This is from an old Better Homes and Garden book that is PRICELESS at Fox mountain.

Banana Bread

Make this favorite quick bread extra special by sprinkling streusel topping over the batter before baking.

2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp of nutmeg

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups of mashed ripe bananas ( medium)

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup cooking oil

1 small bag of chopped Walnuts

1 recipe Streusel-nut Topping (optional but I use it)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of one 9 x 5 x 3 inch OR 2 71/2  x 3 1/2 x 2 inch loaf pans. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and set aside.

In another large bowl, combine eggs, banana, sugar and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy) ~~~~I did use my mixer,and liked it that way.

Fold in Walnuts with a spoon. Use 3/4 of the bag.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle the Streusel-nut Topping over the batter in the pan.

Bake for 55-60 minutes for 9 x 5x 3 inch pan or 40-45 minutes for the smaller 2 pans OR until wooden toothpick inserted near center is clean.

I recommend covering with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over browning.

Cool in pan on rack for 30 minutes before slicing or removing from pan.

OK~~~~~~~~the BEST PART

The Streusel Nut Topping

In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 3 tbsp of all purpose flour. Using a pastry blender (I used a knife and edge of spoon), cut in 2 tbsp of soft butter (spread butter) until mixture resembles really course crumbs. Stir in the rest of the Walnuts and then sprinkle on top of the batter in the pan.

Yum!

Enjoy!

That's alot of yummies in one day!

I enjoy your comments and emails! I"m still learning at this knitting but so much enjoying it.

I also started a Valentine freebie of my own for the model.

It's going fast and I will post this later.

Have a cuppa and carry on,

Jennifer

Twisted Tuesday--new knitting project and old/new cross stitch pattern

The foot is getting much better, thankfully! Woke up last night with it hurting but wrapping it during the day helps a bunch. Mr. Darcy's sweet love helps too. 

While NOT doing housework and such at the homestead yesterday ((((sigh)))), I knitted up a small journal cover. There is a great pattern in a book called Simple Knitting: A complete how-to-knit workshop with 20 projects  by Erika Knight. This book is from Joanne's Fabrics store.

 I got it back a few months ago when I SO wanted to learn how to knit. Along with U tubes, both have been helpful.

page 75 is number 4 lesson Notebook. 

So this is the end result and should be fairly easy going now. I will get some leather tie and sew a button on. I plan to cut up some rough paper, probably from a grocery bag and punch holes in it to put in the binder.

Then I'll show pics later of it finished out. So far one small notebook done and the next working on it. I have a couple of people I would like to give these to for Valentines Day.

Using # 9 Bates aluminum needles with Lion's Brand Mixed Berries. It's really a pretty yarn but I have to say it's tweedy texture didn't really have any "give" to it and it split quite a bit.

Got to sew a button on it, get some leather string, find a grocery bag to cut up rough papers yet to go. I've also thought about using some lace instead, as this if for Valentines.

And on to the second one.

Knitting really has been enjoyable, productive and anxiety-reducing all in one.

Anybody heard of this sampler maker?    This is a package with DMC floss, and the 26 ct natural linen, and chart for a gorgeous sampler with one of my favorite Bible verses. I think it was put out in the 80's.

It's a band sampler.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"

I don't know when I will start this but I just had to show you. I had not heard of this designer before. If you have or know of other patterns, let me know!

This pattern is very little to see. I will have to use magnifier to read it; however,

the address and name on the pattern is:

Words of Praise

2 Alexis Drive

Richmond, Virginia 23231

Whoever is the designer, did a great job and the work is so meaningful.THANK YOU!

The colors are PERFECT for our family room!

The natural, unbleached linen in 26 ct will be perfect for my vision as well.

Well, I guess I've started enough projects for who knows when to finish.

The Downton Abbey episode was so SAD this past Sunday night. Of all people, Sybil. {{{frown}}}

 We can't wait to see the next one though.

I haven't much progress to show on my spot sampler for DA but when the mood strikes I'll pick it up again.

Right now I have a bit of stitcher's ADD.

Seriously.

Is it the Winter time?

the variety of crafts we all have in stash?

Whatever it is, it keeps me going!

As the verse says~~Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Carry-on and stay strong!

Love to all,

Jennifer

Christmas stitching: The First Homestead Christmas

I've missed you, stitching and nesting friends all over the world!

 I have been one busy lady this past week all in good timing with working through some very important issues. I can't really explain now but all I have to say is God is good and His timing is perfect.

I've not stitched but a few stitches this week. For 6 days, I had a flare of ulcerative colitis and was very sick but praise God, I'm on the uphill to myself again. I hadn't had a flare in quite some time and it zapped alot of energy from me. But good news is that I'm much better and the first real food included the largest Cinnabon I could pick out at the store yesterday!!!

Can you believe the magical Christmas time of year is almost hear upon us? Christ's birthday. What a celebration. This year will be NOTHING like the last of spending it alone. I am surrounded by loving friends and one special person that has my heart, and his mine. Yup, Mr. Darcy.

I know Thanksgiving is next week and I will be putting up my village this year on the piano as usual, so if you like to see BIG villages, come back and visit again, and I'll have some pics!

Next week is such a big week of preparation for all of us and in the hustle and bustle of things this morning, I was inspired to create another Christmas sampler, this time not in traditional green and red but deep teal blues, light teal and gold.
 

The First Homestead Christmas designed today. 

 

This sampler is inspired by many things that is happening in my life right now.

Good tidings of great joy!

For now though, I wanted to design one that would or could be stitched in a 4 x 6 frame or over 1 stitch for a small ornie.

I selected other colors besides the traditional green and red for Christmas,

deep teal blues and gold which blend well into the meaning behind this piece.

 

As this is not my first Christmas at the homestead, in many ways it is. Christ has filled my heart in a different way and I want to celebrate it with this and I thought so many could share my thoughts on homesteading with this ornie. For some at their home, the tree is donned by many old, traditional ornies that have deep meaning when each one is hung on the tree.

For some, like myself, I like to add a special one. I've always added one special ornie on the tree in memory of my son Aaron, a different little angel each year. I have at least 27 angel ornies now.

 

 

 

 

 Miss Abigail says she is wearing her "Baby, it's COLD outside" hoodie right now. She's our lump of sugar that brings joy.

 

Thank you so much for sharing personal emails of encouragement. I do so appreciate these and comments here on the blog. I consider each person special and only wish I could meet all of you in person, but no matter how many oceans apart, you are always in my heart!

 

I'll leave you today with some encouragement from a book I've had for years. It's a go-to small book for me in times of reflection.

 

" It is often said that to love someone, we must first love ourselves. Yet, I believe it is equally true that the more we feel love for and from other people, the more we learn to love ourselves."

 

~~Merle Fossum from the book, Seasons of the Heart

 

With a fire in the fireplace and warmth in my heart,

Jennifer

New Start of Love One Another--Blackbird Designs

New start of a Blackbird Design sampler out of their For My Friend book that I got while at In Stitches back in March in Alexandria, VA. The fabric 30 count Sheep Straw and the entire sampler is in 6 skeins of Gentle Art Mulberry.

I really like the dark red for this piece and will be happy to get to the motifs. There are instructions for learning new stitches besides the cross stitch and I'm so ready to get to the part.

This is a great book by Blackbird Designs as there are other goodies tucked in for small projects as well.

Next~~~~~ one thing that came in the mail. I looked on Ebay and saw that a dealer was going out of business and selling stash so I got this for a third of the cost and brand new. It is a BAP but I was attracted to the cute litte fox in it.

This is a 19th century reproduction piece. Mansion House at Fox Hollow.

Of late, I have an attraction to anything fox!

Mansion House at Fox Hollow

designer Country Stitches--With Thy Needle and Thread

I also caved and got this pair of scissors for my stash. I've been doing quite well with not getting as much stash this year due to financial restraints but this little pair looks lovely.

Anybody interested in maybe adding a pair to their stash? Is so let me know and I might be putting a pair for a giveaway.

This pair is from The Scarlett Letter website.

I get alot of comments through the past few years how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful area.

I can only agree that as any season here, the mountains are beautful and I truly am blessed.

My Kindle is loaded up with a few more Jane Austen books. I have a great love for Pixel of Ink on FB where daily freebies are posted and most of the time to load onto the Kindle (Gracie).

Another FB Kindle site for freebies is Inspired Reads.

Just a couple of funny ones from the local area. :)

Stay in Stitches!

Jennifer

Abbie Presents.......

"Hey, I'm Abbie, you know, the spoiled one at the homestead. 

 This is my mama's new BAP next. She said it was from My Dear Friend book by Blackbird Designs.  She has all those strings and all and I picked it out.

Thought I'd show ya'll in her own stitching chair this morning.

She is finishing up a smaller project now.

Now, I hate to run but I'm fixing to take a nap. The day is tiring me out and I'm running late for my morning nap. My mama made this big pillow for her chair and instead of her using it for her back, I claim it as my morning nap spot. She doesn't mind because she loves me anyway."

Another Random Stitchy Start

Just picked up the needle, with a little time to work on it a design I've had from a designer  , and inspired with it, so another start for a cloudy afternoon. I'm using this with DMC 355, monochromatic.

 The fabric has been in my stash for at least 10 years. I've always LOVED it. It has flecks of Colonial Blue and Red in it with a dark linen main color. It has a wool feel to it. I've always wanted to know the name of it, I had taken the tag off. I got this many years ago in a stitching shop in Augusta, Ga. that I don't think is there anymore.

I thought the red picks up the flecks of threads perfectly.

Can you guess what this sampler will be?????
Can you guess the designer?????

I like the "wooly" feel to this linen and I'm finally putting it to use. This is what happens when I clean out my stash. I find too many things to start on. :)

Last night, went to see The Lucky One out in theatre based on a Nicholas Spark's book and it was very good!

More later with pics of Miss Abbie when my camera is behaving. :P

Jennifer

Home Tweet Home~~the Birds are singin'

I love going to a big city once a year but always glad to be home by the 5th day at least!  It's such a great contrast to the balance of the world, fast and slow. Moderate and stagnant. Green and cement. ;)

I had some really great meals while I was there and just had a very good time this year on a business trip for Women's Health.

I went a day early this year to explore some favorite spots in Washington, DC and Alexandria. I think I rode about every public transit you could find, just getting lost in a good way actually, being spontaneous with the time I had which was limited.  My third visit ever to In Stitches was ever so exciting as usual!! Patricia was very nice and helpful and I wanted to bring everything home, but this is what I DID get for my stash!!

They have a great blog, by the way, and if you look on my side bar you'll see it.

She showed me many of the latest Nashville recent designs and just was very pleasant to me. The models are intriguing in there!

My camera is hanging on a limb hinge that is loose so here goes with the pics.

Actually this first one is Coverlet Birds progress that I took with me. The Scarlett House is the designer. This is the first time using Needlepoint Silks and I love it. Although they are not varigated in color, I think it was a great designer choice for the replication of a coverlet pattern. Why do I love birds so much????   I don't know but it seems to be a theme of things I got and working on right now.

I did some frogging on the plane today. Finally got the head count straightened out.

I hope to frame this piece in a black frame as on the cover. I think this looks best!

I am stitching using 32 ct Earthen Belfast linen 2 over 2. I almost used 1 over 1 but, I think with in keeping with the coverlet texture, the 2 over 2 is better. NPI silks as called for in the design.

now, for other items from In Stitches shop in Alexandria.

My Dear Friend book by Blackbird Designs

The sampler on the right "Love One Another"........ I had the threads pulled and have the linen at home.

I love this and will definitely be stitched and in the homestead this year.

Gentle Art's Mulberry is what is called for, a monochromatic, beautiful deep red.

A sewing pouch, rather large, but I love the colors and the sampler fabric.

The pockets are very unique. This is by Shepherd's Bush.

Strong snaps to close

This is probably my most favorite find. This is the last one they had in the store.

These threads are for one project in the BBD book. It's a small finish and the new color Polliwog is very neat in contrast to the other two colors for it.

Little House Needleworks Christmas Ornament that I saw in January and knew, just knew this would be one to stitch for Christmas 2012 because this Christmas will definitely be a pleasant contrast to the last one I hope. I feel so blessed and ever since this one came out, I loved it.

This one by Charland Designs. It's a new one and I plan to stitch it in a different color, Chester Blue silk instead.

More luscious colors!

And a finger nail file too because I broke a nail running from place to place getting there. Honestly. LOL

A large piece of Lakeside linen for this project:

I only got 1 of the 3 parts but the linen for all 3. I think I have enough to do for awhile. :)

And some Kelmscott Daisy scissors for the Spring and Summer stitching.

I hope your weekend went well and you got an Irish kiss on Saturday!!!

Hope you have a wonderful Monday tomorrow!!!

Till later,

Jennifer