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

What's the New Year Bringing

Well, the New Year came swiftly and schedules are back on track. I've so much to clean up and organize that it's not funny. There have been some really cold mornings in these mountains this week and even though the sun is shining brightly today, rain is headed our way tonight and tomorrow.

 

Mr. Darcy had a good birthday and at least I did get his scarf made in time. We had a couple of nights where we toasted marshmellows in the fireplace stove and YUMMY, I tell you. Yummy.

 

The wood burning stove is keeping the homestead quite warm and toasty and the hum of the blower frequently woos me to sleep early on these long cold nights.

 

I'm ready for some SNOW! Seriously. Ready to make a snowman or two and snow angels! I do hope we get some this year. The thermals are ready!

 

I critiqued the Downton Abbey sampler so much until I had to just stop and say, ENOUGH! LOL

I was going to use the Sullivan threads but now have changed directions with overdyeds which I will have to order. I decided the overdyed sampler threads would look SO much better as this sampler is quite large.

 

Here's a peak:

This is the first printing of Downton Abbey~~~the Family sampler. This copy will go to Jolene as part of the Christmas Giveaway. I really enjoyed working on this for hours and hours and I'm sure this is the first of many smaller of ones I am working on now for DA.

This is the general finished look. I have yet to model stitch this one but I am going to start THIS weekend. Promise. The size finishes to 10 x 15. I  added some specialty stitches as well.

So stay-tuned for copies to go on sale soon as Mr. Darcy helps me get my office in gear to print and manage mailing and such.

There are rich golds, greens, blues, reds, pinks and lavender shades. I can't wait to start the model stitching.

Speaking of Abbie......................

here she is. Herself. Watching me take pics of my knitting and designing this morning.

She is simply the sweetest lover of all computers that generate heat from a fan and lover of all things pork, i.e bacon.

(she also is begging with her eyes for some cheese and crackers I'm snacking on)

 

 

In the knitting chair, I had to frog ALL of the Mixed Berries scarf I'm making for a friend I work with and start all over. I simply had to.

 

The green is really a 3/4 hank I had leftover from something else and I started out making a Kindle cover with wooden buttons to close; however I cast on WAY to many stitches for that and will simply make a carrying back for my cross stitching stash. I will still use the wooden buttons.

 

I am still planning on making a Kindle cover but in another color in the future.

 

So much stitching and so many hours in a day..................

 

 

I'm still practicing the garter stitch and haven't ventured into new things but I have watched many U-tube videos and learned several things.

 

Well, off to get the house in order and plan what we are having for supper tonight.

 

Remember that song back in the 80's Things that Make You Go Hmmmmmmmm???? :p

 

That's what supper tonight is doing for me right now.

Spaghetti, however, is really sounding like a simple make and tonight I need simple.

 

I did see a new recipe which is simple for Cheese biscuits that I might try. I think Mr. Darcy would love those.

 

Cuddling by the fireplace with Abbie and hot tea,

Jennifer

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