|
|
Post by choney2 on Dec 17, 2020 12:13:58 GMT
Good morning,
Ruth, its just so nice that you took the time to write to those people but writing to them. Such a lovely gesture and there is still something so very personal about getting a letter in the mail. The letters will be appreciated for sure, especially this year when many feel so isolated. Its so good to hear that you that you actually finished the third pocket shawl!!! That is a pleasant surprise for you for sure! As much as you enjoy creating and crocheting, these pocket shawls are a fair amount of work. hope that your family members appreciate them, they are a lovely gift. As much as you love to create for your family, it will be nice for you to switch to hat and ear warmer patterns- smaller projects and with different patterns for you to experiment with.!!
They say this snow is supposed to be not too heavy- so it will not be a disaster to clear. Its windy here, appears as though the snow has slowed down and looks like we did not get a foot. The birds are feeding heavily at the feeders so my new “kitten” (although she is an older kitten) is enjoying being at the window watching the birds just on the other side of the glass.
I did get some crocheting time in last night. Today will be a day to finish the Christmas cards, give the new snowblower a try and hopefully start painting in my bedroom.
See ya later
Ginny
|
|
|
|
Post by cj59 on Dec 17, 2020 21:10:36 GMT
Hello  Ginny - I hope the new snowblower worked well. How much snow did you end up getting? Hope it wasn't too bad. I love hearing about the new kitty and I'm sure she does enjoy watching the birds out the window. Ruth - Hope you are working on some projects. Did you finish eating the bread you made? Did your DH like it? Phyl - Hope you are doing well. Sue - Thinking about you too. It's a beautiful cold, sunny day here, much different from the sleet and rain yesterday. I finished putting the borders on the carousel quilt and the top finished at 57x57. It's kind of a strange size since most quilts aren't square, but it would be a good lap size quilt. I'm mostly happy with it. I do have some puckering on the inner sashing strips but that was from me being lazy and trying to stretch the fabric across the row instead of joining 2 strips together  I also cleared away the extra blocks and strips from these last two projects so I'm ready to start something new if I want to. The only quilt I'd really like to make before January is the Double Slice Layer Cake quilt that I mentioned several weeks ago, so I might work on that. I also need to oil one of my machines and change needles on one - and then clean out both of them. I have some needles threaded for the hand quilting piece and so I hope to finish it soon too. I did read the instructions today and it says to bind it before soaking in cold water for 30-60 minutes to get the marking lines out. Take care everyone! |
|
|
|
Post by choney2 on Dec 17, 2020 23:16:38 GMT
Hey CJ- glad the sun came out in your neck of the woods....even though it was cold, better that than rainy and damp. Agree that 57x57 is a nice roomy lap quilt, or something to hang on a large wall. Bet that you are the only one who will notice that tiny bit of puckering on the inner sashing strips. Cutting and sewing in sashing strips is a lot of work...and I do not blame you for trying to avoid having to piece them together. Sometimes you can get away with it... Yes its important to oil and clean the machines. Especially with all the quilting you do, I bet there is a fair amount of lint to come out and that can really harm the machine. Funny I was just thinking that I was almost due to take my machine for an annual check up- have not made that much with it, but its probably a good idea to get it checked out for the sake of the warrantee. That makes sense to me to bind the hand sewn quilt first to get the making lines out. Wish I was as organized as you getting the needles prethreaded so you do not have to take breaks to do thread.
Think we got about 14-15 inches of snow. I am getting used to the snow blower.....it works well, its just a bit of an art figuring out how to accomplish the job best. Ds was a big help- and I got lots of activity points from blowing snow and shovelling some. Thank goodness we kept power....
Sweet Tea is quite a little character. She likes to play and LOVES watching the birds. And she is slowly warming up to wanting to be out- at times she loves to be petted - when she is in the mood. Fortunately she coexists well with the other cat (part of the reason why I chose her was she does not seem to have an confrontational nature. They seem not to mind each other- and knowing Sweet Tea she would walk away if the other cat became nasty with her.
Never got to those Christmas cards....hope I can do them this evening.
G
|
|
|
|
Post by gramma15 on Dec 18, 2020 0:42:01 GMT
Thank you CJ and I'm glad too the sun came out in your area. Everything seems better when the sun is shining. I agree with Ginny on the slight puckering. Only you will notice that. We are often our own worst critics.
Ginny, your new kitty sounds like a lot of fun and good company. Do they ever tell you why the kitty was up for adoption? She seems like such a good cat that I wonder why anyone would give her up.
Today I tried out the mesh stitch which I don't remember ever doing before. I'm thinking of making dgd a blanket with that stitch for her baby. There was a great looking blanket posted in one of the crochet groups of one someone else made that was prettier than the pic that was with the pattern. I have to try to find that one again
I'm making an earwarmer with the stitch just to see how it goes
|
|
|
|
Post by cj59 on Dec 18, 2020 21:27:18 GMT
Hello Ginny - Wow, 14-15 inches of snow is alot! I'm glad the snowblower is working well. Hope you'll get some milder weather to melt some of the snow. I'm happy to hear that Sweet Tea is adjusting well and getting along with your other cat. Ruth - How did the mesh stitch ear warmers turn out? That looks like a "thick" stitch so it seems it would work well for ear warmers. It's a cold day here, only in the 30s. It's been cloudy for most of the day but the sun did try to come out for a bit. I met my DB and DSIL this morning where they were going for an appointment so I could give them the Christmas cards for them and their family that is coming over on Christmas Eve. They were nice to ask me to join them but I told them I just do not want to go to any gatherings right now. I would hate to give someone the virus if I had it and I don't want to get it myself. I finished the hand quilting project last night and trimmed it. There is one little part on one side that is not even but I'm hoping I can cover that with binding. I guess the design markings were not straight. I kind of used a big stitch quilting stitch for this since I don't have enough practice to have the small stitches yet, but I do hope to do more hand quilting. I'm attaching a few pictures of the project. The material is a light blue and the thread is a darker blue, and I'm going to bind it in a darker blue fabric. Hope everyone is doing well and that you all have a good weekend.   |
|
|
|
Post by Ruth on Dec 18, 2020 21:51:19 GMT
Well CJ, I'm speechless. That quilt is so amazing that there are not words to describe how in awe I am seeing it. Thank you so much for posting the picture. Your stitches look great and if there's a little off as you said, I sure don't see it. Well we got some snow too but nowhere near what you got Ginny. I think there may be about 4 inches on the ground but the temp is in the high 30's so it won't hang around long. I'm making some more bread today and hope the crust doesn't turn out hard like my last bread. Even though it got softer as time went by I would have liked it softer to begin with. I didn't add the garlic even though I looked that up in several places and it seems like dry garlic powder doesn't interfere with rising but I'm not going to take a chance. I'll make garlic bread with it after it's done and dh can have it with his spaghetti.Yesterday I made him some really delicious cookies....coconut. It's like a chocolate chip cookie with coconut instead of choc chips. I put them in a plastic bag but they still got hard. Cookies here do that all the time. Dh warms them for a few seconds in the microwave and that usually takes care of the problem. You have to look at this pattern. It's a very unusual hat www.theloopylamb.com/2019/12/13/juneau-blues-beanie-free-crochet-hat-pattern/ I'm definitely going to make some of these. CJ, the earwarmer turned out to not be as thick as the stitch looks online but it still is a good one and will work. |
|
|
|
Post by choney2 on Dec 18, 2020 23:59:45 GMT
Good evening!
Oh my gosh!! CJ that hand quilting job is incredible !!! You did a great job- so much to be proud of for sure!! Its lovely and if there is an uneven stitch in it its not worth looking for. Bet you feel great for finishing it too. Think a darker blue fabric to bind it will be stunning. Do you have that fabric?? Nonetheless, I am in awe of your talent and how very well this came out. Bravo!!! Glad you got things worked out with your family....I know its going to be an awkward Christmas for many of us- and as I had to explain to my former neighbor its about what you are comfortable with, and not pleasing someone else. I am sure your family understands your concern for their safety as well as yours. Lord willing we are all healthy and can get together in the spring when counts are lower and outside meetings are easier.
Ruth, I love that hat- also think its cute that she split apart the separate colors of a layer cake yarn so that the stripes are succinct. But then you could do that just by using different color yarns, couldn’t you?? Will you be making those as gifts or to donate. So cute and I love the fluffy Pom Pom. Hope your bread turned out well....and those cookies sound delicious. Hope Dh knows how fortunate he is to have a talented cook for his wife.
My snow is melting....but will take a few more days to completely go away.
Ds and I think that little Sweet Tea has finally gotten out of her shell and is now acting a bit more like the silly kitten she is. Her story is that she and her siblings were barn cats and on a local farm. Think the farmer sold the farm or passed....and the shelter caught them. Her siblings were already adopted- Tulip as she was called was the last to go. She actually went to another home to be fostered and socialized....and loved living with other cats so she was in the catery at the shelter. Each day now she seems to show us a little more of herself. She is a charming little girl and actually had my 20 year old cat playing too! They get along ok- no animosity between them. Its a joy to have a lively little animal- I love my cats, its sure nice to have a lively little girl here.
Got some crocheting in this am.
BBL
|
|
|
|
Post by gramma15 on Dec 19, 2020 1:59:14 GMT
It's great that Sweet Tea is feeling at home now with you and with your other cat. Sounds like the older cat likes her if he will play. I will be making these hats to donate. I don't think my family members need any more hats.Dh's hats keep stretching out around the bottom. I've even made the brim part smaller and they still stretch after a couple weeks.I think that you asked if I would be using Caron simply soft to make the pattern for the blanket for my dgd's baby. No I won't. I don't have enough of one color or colors that go together to make a blanket but I also am not using it because I don't really like it much. It's shiny and slippery and it splits when you're using it. I'll probably use Lion POL unless I find another yarn in my stash that is soft and that I have enough of
CJ, I meant to say that too...that a dark blue will be great with that quilt top.
My bread turned out great today. It's perfect.
|
|
|
|
Post by phyl on Dec 19, 2020 19:18:28 GMT
good afternoon, cj the hand stitching is wonderful. I agree with what the other girls are saying. you are a wonderful hand stitcher.my stitching would look like a 8 year old trying to learn.
Thursday I had a si injection. this one seems to be working right away. also the day Jimmy laid dsil to rest.they weer on my mind alot.
Friday the tree for the family room went up.today I am putting things away the other room. have the table cleaned up to wrap gifts. that told table works for big gifts also have room to sit up my smaller machine if I want to sew. probably won't happen.
been looking for my kitty Christmas wall hanging can be sewn and turned and then quilted. all this stuff got put away so darn good when we cleaned the carpet.
GINNY nice the kitties are getting along.Ruth love the hat.back to work. phyl
|
|
|
|
Post by cj59 on Dec 19, 2020 22:24:42 GMT
Hello Thanks for your kind words on my hand quilting piece. I don't mind that I'll never be an expert at this, but it is something I enjoy and I have several other hand quilting projects that I'd like to work on. Ruth - I love that hat pattern, I hope you get to make it and I'll enjoy hearing what colors you'll use. I'm happy that your bread turned out good - was the crust softer? Ginny - I hope the snow goes away soon, maybe you'll have some milder weather. It's great to hear that Sweet Tea is getting used to her new home and she sounds happy. Phyl - I'm glad the injection has helped you. Hope you are enjoying your tree. It was a bit cloudy here today and in the 30s, but not too bad. I think we might have some milder weather later this coming week. I traced a small pattern today for an embroidery piece, it's just something fun to do. I used a small light box I bought a year or so ago and had never used. It worked well. I'm starting to think about what I want to work on next year. I will do the Rainbow Scrap Challenge again, since it's an easy way to make blocks once a month in a certain color - and to use scraps. I've been wanting to try some string quilt blocks, so I might do those and also work on my tumbler quit project that I have ready to start piecing. I've read of groups that have members choose 12 projects and number them 1-12. Then once a month someone pulls a random number (from 1-12) and you are supposed to work on that project. I might do that with some of my kits and other items and get some things done that I might not have worked on. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend and getting to work on some crafting. Take care. |
|
|
|
Post by cj59 on Dec 19, 2020 23:03:55 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by choney2 on Dec 20, 2020 2:36:34 GMT
Good evening-
Hard to believe that its been a day since I stopped in....yikes where did today go?
CJ- that school bus video is adorable!!!! Only a school bus geek would love that (its so cute isn’t it??) and I did share it with my dear friend who I am sure will share it with others...thanks so much. Like you, I am starting to wonder what I will work on next year, although I have to make 2 baby quilts. I am going to try to find a BOM to work on. Maybe. Happy to hear that the light box worked out well for you and you were able to trace the pattern. What is the pattern of?? There is something so peaceful about hand stitching...its very enjoyable.
Phyl, that is a relief for you that the injection worked immediately for you this time. I will pray for you and the family about Jimmy’s loss- saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, and our emotions come to the surface even more quickly with the holidays and all the emotions that go with them. So nice that your family room tree is up now- bet it looks so pretty!!
Ruth, I agree with you about POL- that its easy to work with and does not split...and its so very soft. So glad your bread turned out perfectly today!!! Yum.....
Last nite I “attended” a memorial service held at a local church by the funeral home for all who lost loved ones this past year. Its a lovely service...I stayed home and watched it . In the ceremony they announce your loved ones name...those who actually attended in person would hand an ornament with their loved ones name on it on a Christmas tree. It was a nice ceremony....a little tough to watch at times. Dd#2 came over early this am- we had a good day and I helped her make candied almonds that she was making as gifts for DSIL’s family. They turned out well. After she left to go home, I finished painting the bedroom- I still need to paint some of the trim but it looks so much better. Think as a family we finally figured out what our CHristmas plans are between church and getting together as a family (Dh has to work Christmas Day).
I am tired...see ya tomorrow.
Ginny
Sue- I know you are taking a break...hope that Dgd is doing well and you are able to make sure that she gets the medical care she needs.
|
|
|
|
Post by phyl on Dec 20, 2020 3:37:21 GMT
I did find my kittens by the fireplace.duh! it was right under my nose,where I put it. only I was looking for the front of the panel.nope it was sandwich and folded with the batting out.DOUBLE DUH!!!PHYL
|
|
|
|
Post by gramma15 on Dec 20, 2020 4:46:47 GMT
CJ, it sounds as though you have good plans for crafting for the new year. They all sound so good. that is an interesting and fun video with the school buses.
Ginny, yes that had to be hard for you. All the first's and anniversaries of various things in your life with your dh will be hard I'm sure. I've never made candied almonds or candied nuts of any kind. What fun to do those things with your dd. I bet you did a lot of things like that with your children when they were little. Candied almonds will make a great Christmas gift.
Well yesterday beside making bread I also got the pocket shawls pinned and ready to attach pockets and also made a small hat and ear warmer. So far today my crafting has consisted of baking another batch of cookies, making another ear warmer, starting another hat...it's about half done, and thinking about crocheting around that pocket shawl which will not only edge it but will attach the pockets. Thinking about doing it is as far as I've gotten so far.
Phyl, I'm glad you found the cat quilt. Usually when I can't find something that's exactly where I finally find it is right under my nose.
Now since CJ mentioned planning crafts for the new year I think I'm going to make another of my infamous lists and plan some things. It will help to have it in writing.
|
|
|
|
Post by choney2 on Dec 20, 2020 13:08:18 GMT
Good morning all,
Phyl, I am so very glad you found the Christmas kitty wall panel...of course you would not find it so easily if it was turned inside out and all you could see was batting and the back of fabrics! Are you hoping to finish it in the next day or so? Sounds like you are using the quick turn method and it will not take a lot of work to complete it. I have a credit card which I have misplaced in my house.....wish I could find that!!!
Ruth, I signed up for a year of emails from a Christian group called griefshare....they send daily emails (you can unsubscribe from the list very easily), About a third of the emails are helpful to me. Anyway, one I just read was about how a recent loss has a tendency to bring back other losses over your life. December is a month full of birthdays, Holidays and also losses- my Dad passed away suddenly December 16 many years ago. So I do expect this month to be challenging. And I will do the best I can, with the help from the Lord. You accomplish in one day of crafting what takes me a month to do. What kind of cookies did you make?? Think that is a nice idea on how to attach the pockets on the pocket shawl...giving it an edge in addition to attaching the pockets. Do not think you are a big fan of “sewing” into your crocheting so this kills two birds with one stone, right?
For me, the immediate crafting ideas are to make Janes gift (the quilted mug organizer, which I am making today), work whenever on my shrug (about 5 rows in on that) and 2 baby quilts. My great nephews will be first- got all I need to complete that in house and then will wait to see what DD#2 is carrying...and have to go shopping for fabric for that baby quilt.
Gotta get into the shower and get ready for church. I am accompanying the pianist this am.
And little Sweet Tea slowly becomes friendlier as she goes. And sillier. You can really see now that she is a kitten- her first days here she was a bit too afraid to run around and act silly. Now she does plenty of that and its fun to watch. She even inspires my older cat to play sometimes, which is also a joy to see. So glad I adopted this little kitty.
Ginny
|
|
