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Post by choney2 on Mar 30, 2020 11:04:26 GMT
Good morning and Happy Monday!
All crafters are welcome here as we discuss crafting, life and our weight loss journey. Crafting includes actual hands on crafting, such as crochetting, knitting, sewing, quilting, needlepoint, painting, jewelry making, etc.....plus reading craft catalogs, craft blogs, watching craft you tubes or other crafting videos, chatting here about crafting,chatting with another person about crafting, reading craft emails, thinking about crafting, organizing crafting supplies, going into craft stores or the craft aisle in a store , attending craft fairs,or any other activity that inspires or directs your mind toward a crafting activity. We welcome newcomers to our friendly discussion!
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Post by gramma15 on Mar 30, 2020 22:41:47 GMT
Quiet day here on the thread. It's a beautiful day here weatherwise. It could be a little warmer but it's good none the less.
I've been working on the C2C baby blanket and am almost done with the blanket part itself then I'll do an edging. I also am going to make a heart applique to put on one end. The reason for that is I didn't feel like doing another section of white so have to cover that empty part with the heart plus it will be cute. I'm going to start another using a hdc instead of the double and also using a shorter chain. This will make it so that it has smaller open spaces.
I asked my dh then I also looked up experts online and they say that with newer cars with computers and other things that drain the battery even when the car is off that they need to be started more often. They recommend every two weeks. Otherwise for older cars they should last a month but that depends on weather and state of the battery. And they did agree that you have to run the engine for 15 minutes to get it charged back to full.
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Post by choney2 on Mar 31, 2020 1:18:21 GMT
Quiet day usually means busy!! As far as cars go, I remember when we were getting my mom’s car from her home, it had been sitting there for a long time. And our mechanic said that cars were meant to move- the implication being that sitting unused and still was probably not a good idea. So I figure that taking it out once a week to get a few minutes of drive time in should be good. Have no advice on duration of time to keep it running. I have to go to the bank tomorrow and will take the junker for that errand.
So the cross afghan is done? I figure if you are making other afghans it must be. You did mention that these C2C afghans go quickly, and it sure sounds like this one you are working on if flying. What color are you making these afghans? Glad that you had decent enough weather today. Warmer temps will be here soon enough...
My day was interesting. I went for a walk with Dd#1 and her family on a public trail- so good to see them even if just for a little while. Not many people there, so we were able to be together, yet apart. When I got home, I checked the mail, and there was a check reimbursing me for Dh’s medical insurance expenses (the premium). I was expecting a check, but this was a bit more than I thought it would be. Then iI started back up looking at machines on the internet, being that mine is acting weird again. It sews, But the bobbin case is wobbly and I can see that it will be a problem for me. Found a few companies that will ship machines, and tried contacting them Got into a live chat with one- she recommended a Janome. My problem is Janome service is not close by and I do not know how this machine works having never sewn with one. And Husqvarna does not sell over the internet, only through their dealers. So I struck out on the Husqvarna....sort of! I texted the local store (who is closed because the owner had a surgical procedure) just to see if she was able to sell me the Sapphire I liked- and well- I am meeting her at the store tomorrow just to get the order placed. The machine will be delivered to my home in a week. Because she is a dealer she gave me a large break on the price (several hundred dollars) so now the check that came in the mail covers 75% of the machine cost. Think I am a bit in shock over the whole thing, but I am happy. So now I can quit bellyaching about my machine.
Enough from me......see ya tomorrow. Ginny
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Post by gramma15 on Mar 31, 2020 3:10:50 GMT
yay, Ginny. I'm so happy for you. Not only an unexpectedly larger check than you though you'd get but also a new sewing machine and just the one you wanted. I have a Janome. I mentioned one time but probably no one remembers by now, that I bought it because the place that sold them has been in this town for generations and I knew I could get good service for it there. Well then, if you remember, they sold the business Of course I haven't used it much so that ended up not mattering much. From the times I've used it it seems like a really good machine. It's a very basic one though. Not the least basic but the one just up one from the most. I don't need anything more.It's great you got to see dd#1 and the grands and I know they were happy to see you too. Schools here are now close until at least the end of April and I think that's probably the case all over the country. I have a feeling though that ours will be closed for the rest of this semester. They are requiring students to do home schooling and they will provide needed materials and some video chat sessions and of course digital learning. My C2C blanket is blue and has three sections of two rows each of white and the edging is white. I guessed wrong on the edging and it didn't come out like I thought it would and is a little bit ruffly. Not so much that it could be seen as a purposely done ruffle but it will be fine. Someone will like it. The next one I'm going to do is going to be with Lion Mandala in a color that I think might be called genie. The cross afgan is done except for weaving in ends. I dislike doing that but will get it done at least tomorrow. I forced myself to do the ends in the C2C
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Post by gramma15 on Mar 31, 2020 3:48:39 GMT
I've never watched Call the Midwife before but since I get only local channels and dh left this channel on, there it was.Strange or ironic thing is that they are dealing with diptheria and guarantine.And of course other social issues. I don't think I'll watch it again. It's just too emotionally stressing for me.
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Post by choney2 on Mar 31, 2020 12:44:25 GMT
Good morning, Ruth, I think I once watched Call the Midwife- but knowing your background and knowledge base as a nurse, I can see why it would be emotionally stressing for you. The way i see it, television is for either learning or education, and therefore if a show makes you feel uncomfortable or stresses you, then I would not watch it either. Hope that the next time you want to watch a program you can find something more suitable for your viewing taste. I just went on Lion brand to check out the mandala colors....of course the LAST color listed, on a separate page, was genie. Its so pretty and has that fresh and clean color of teal that is so popular now. Bet that will be a pretty afghan for sure. The ruffle that was not meant to be must look great and because its a slight ruffle will have less spaces and places for little fingers to get tangled into. Perhaps you can find a pleasant program to view when you weave in all the loose ends on the cross afghan. I don’t think I know anyone who enjoys that task- it would be nice if that goes quickly for you.
Schools here are closed until around April 15- BUT as we are all on shelter in place until the end of April, i am confident that it will be extended to April 30. The local schools are probably waiting for final word from the department of education in Albany- and they have to have a 2 school board meetings to make such a change. I figure that schools here in NY will most likely not open until mid or late May. Lord knows how anyone will deal with the educational requirements for these kids who will have lost 2 possibly 3 months of school. My DSIL teaches math, which is one of those subjects that builds with each passing year. Losing classroom time is going to have a bad impact for sure.
So my crafting yesterday was looking at sewing machines online. Today I hope to get back to the baby quilt. And yesterday I did get to plant some potatoes (they were sprouting anyway) in the garden. Perhaps in a week I will get lettuce planted.
I do have to go out today- never expected the check that came in the mail yesterday and have to get that in the bank. Yes, I will wear gloves, and my bank does not allow customers to go in- they crack the door open- take your transaction and return the receipt to you. Such crazy times.
BBL Stay well, stay safe all Ginny
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Post by choney2 on Mar 31, 2020 19:49:00 GMT
Hope everyone is ok. So yes, I did go out... had to try to get some banking done, which I could not because of the way the check was made out. I did order the Husqvarna, which should be here in about 10 days. That might be my crafting for the day, we shall see.
Ginny
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Post by snowsaint on Mar 31, 2020 20:31:23 GMT
Yesterday was a beautiful day with sunshine. We woke up to four inches of snow, but most of its gone. The sky is blue again.
I'm almost finished with a dark teal hat in cotton. Before the coronavirus arrived, I had ordered several cones in colors that would make dishclothes that went with the kitchen, but they make good hats/caps, too. I'm not using a pattern, just pausing every now and then to check to see if the fit is okay! Yesterday I stumbled across some clever little flowers and butterflies made using toothpicks, a fork, a comb and how to make a template/loom for the braided bracelets that are so popular with kids. I may or may not add some decorations. The real point to making the hat is to hold down my hair which is a wild disaster. If it were longer, I'd wear it in a pony tail.
I have a chicken in the pot on the stove. Broccoli and rice will be easy to cook later. The chicken will be enough for three meals, and when I change out the rice and broccoli for another veggie and potatoes or pasta, the whole meal will look different.
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Post by gramma15 on Mar 31, 2020 22:29:27 GMT
One time I planted two potatoes only because there was one in the bin that sprouted. It actually grew but it wasn't until late in the fall that we got about 3 or 4 tiny pototoes on it. I had stuck it in the ground very late though. Maybe I'll try that again. Of course I'll have to get some pototoes first. We're all out of those. I tried growing carrots from my carrot tops but in a pot inside. They got nice tops but never any real carrots and they wouldn't grow in our soil outdoors...too rocky.
Today was great here too. Sunny and 62 degrees right now. Tomorrow high will be only 38 and the next day 29 and Sue's snow.
Ginny, did you get to the baby quilt yesterday or are you waiting now until you get your new machine?
Sue what kind of cotton did you buy on the cones? Was it sugar 'n cream or whatever brand it is that they sell at walmart? I've never tried hats or anything like that with that cotton. I use it for potholders and hotpads, bath poufs and soap savers. I can and do put my hair in a low pony tail. It's long. Dh likes long hair and I don't have to bother going to get it cut often. All my life I had a very thick head of very fine hair. It was always a problem getting it to do anything. Now my hair is very thin but still find and the little wisps keep betting in my face. Dh told me I should make myself a headband to keep it from doing that but I'm always working on something else and forget my headband.I wouldn't want to make one that covers my ears either since I can't hear as it is so I have to figure out how to make one that will hold my fine hairs back and still not cover the ears. Chicken sounds good. I may have to dig in the freezer and see what chicken is in there. Right now I'm cooking more beans in my instant pot.
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Post by choney2 on Mar 31, 2020 23:23:11 GMT
Sue- good news that the snow melted- but I bet it was pretty to see- especially with a bright blue sky. The butterflies and flowers sound adorable- its interesting how some kid crafts turn out to be so very pretty. Dark teal is such a pretty color!! Bet it looks amazing in a hat and I hope that yours fits perfectly. I made a chicken (oven roasted it) the other day- and am in the process of turning the leftovers of it into soup. Hope you enjoyed your dinner, which sounds so yummy.
Ruth, I would think you could make a tapered headband, so that it does not cover your ears. Dh has a good idea, and you are so talented with a crochet hook. I use sugar and cream for potholders and dish towels....nice to work with because it does not fall apart or untwist as you work with it. Hope you found some chicken for tomorrow.
Did not get to the baby quilt yesterday because of phone calls (financial stuff), a FaceTime call with Dd #2 (had to help her with the rag quilt she is making for DGS#2) and then the melee over a sewing machine (live chat with sales reps on the internet).. After my hello here, I will pay the auto insurance bill, and then either quilt or crochet. I actually hope to finish the baby quilt on the singer and then start learning how to use another machine.
Stay safe stay well Ginny
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Post by gramma15 on Mar 31, 2020 23:53:25 GMT
well I put a sign on my door that says "because of the danger of this virus, we will not be answering the door. We are doing fine though and hope you are too". Well that didn't stop the neighbor from knocking insistently so I had to answer. He brought us a bag of apples and stayed put on the porch and pretty quickly.He usually is quite a talked. He and his wife are doing ok which I'm glad of because she has MS.
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Post by choney2 on Apr 1, 2020 13:01:18 GMT
Well that was very kind of your neighbor to bring the bag of apples to you and Dh. It does bring to mind the interesting question, if he should have stayed or just left the bags. Guess he just really wanted to see that you and Dh were ok, and I am sure that the apples were appreciated. Its highly unlikely that he was carrying the virus, but I totally agree with your response. I just heard a doctor on television who said that social distancing should be practiced even among family members within a household. Now for you and Dh- who are not going out at all- well, I can see that that advice should not pertain. But for me with Ds going to work daily, (he is back today) I have to be careful. (My kids think I am a bit nuts). Mind you, I would never say that I am an infectious disease specialist, but I did work for a vaccine company for 20 years and understand aseptic technique and how to effectively put on masks and gloves to prevent contamination.
Anyway, just hope that my efforts to keep clear of this monster are effective. Going to clean up some filing today and take a phone call from a friend from high school. Hope that later on I can get some crochet time or quilting time in.
BBL Ginny
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Post by gramma15 on Apr 1, 2020 17:06:01 GMT
Ginny, I sure hope the precautions you're taking keep you and your family safe also.
Yes this was the neighbor that i s always helping people. I was kind of wondering why he hasn't called or stopped by and he did. The apples were very appreciated as we had just eaten the last of our fresh fruit. I always wonder how to repay him but unlike him I'm always afraid to give something as I always wonder if the person uses or eats what I'm planning to give...such as, do they eat sweets...what kind of fruit do they like, etc.
Also since neither dh or I have been out for 3 weeks today we aren't at risk of contacting anything from each other.You're right about that too
Weird weather day. It keeps changing from minute to minute. ONe minute it's raining, next minute the snow is coming down so thick you can't see then tha's fone and nothing for another minute or two then repeat.
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Post by cj59 on Apr 1, 2020 17:19:45 GMT
Hello Crafters - Hope you and all your families are staying well and safe Ginny - Congratulations on the new sewing machine purchase. It sounds like it's a good one and it's great that you have a store nearby for any servicing/problems. I'll be interested to hear how it is once you get it. Ruth - It's nice that your neighbor thought about you and your DH. That was a good idea to put the sign on your door. Sue - Your chicken meals sounds good, hope you enjoy them and that your DH is staying well. Phyl - Hope you are working on some projects. Meg - In case you check in, I hope you are staying safe and enjoying some reading and crafting. Sounds like we have a mixed bag of weather around the country with the snow still out in the west. It's been pretty cool around my area, with mixed days of clouds and sun. I finished piecing the small cat block quilt together so the 12 blocks have sashing and a small inner border. I'll have to think about whether I want to put an outer border on this quilt top. I think it would be good to have one, but it would have to be the right fabric since there are already 5 different fabrics in this top. At least it's done to this point and I can start on some other things. Since it's the first day of the month they've told us what the color of the month is for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - it's light and bright blues. She said she'd be doing dark blues later on this year. I should be able to find 4 different blues to work with this month, since I tend to buy a lot of blue fabric. Hope you are all getting to do some crafting and surviving staying home. I hope we will be past this crisis soon. Take care
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Post by choney2 on Apr 1, 2020 18:12:29 GMT
Good afternoon!!
Ruth, I know its a concern not knowing that to bring to someone as a thank you. Think if I were you I would make a nice apple crisp as a thank you for that really kind neighbor. Sometimes its best not to overthink and just act. Either that or something like a pumpkin bread (do you have canned pumpkin in the house?)- don’t know, just think I would make a comfort food like that. Just the other day I was chatting with a former neighbor (she now lives in Florida) and she remembers the blueberry muffins I made when she and her daughter moved in across the street. And I think if you and Dh make good choices if you go out, washing your hands and social distancing that you will be ok. They are now indicating that perhaps wearing something over your mouth- even a scarf- might help. For sure it would keep hands from touching points of entry (nose and mouth)- as long as you carefully remove the scarf and wash it.
CJ- light and bright blues are wonderful- so versatile and both soothing yet cheery. Its good news that you have lots of that fabric and choices for the rainbow scrap challenge. Bet you really appreciate it that you now know that dark blue is the color in a few months, so you can plan on when to use what blue fabric. The way i see it you are in a position of strength- by the way I am happy for you that you finished the small cat block quilt- sort of. LOTS of time to cruise the internet to find the perfect fabric for a border, if you choose to do so.
Cleaning up paperwork today. And I keep on looking at my machine and the baby quilt. Perhaps in a little bit later. Ginny
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