Photo Projects

Instead of crocheting or knitting the past few weeks, I've been organizing photos and ordering photo products. I go through phases I guess.

I ordered this 16 x 20 canvas from Fabness about a week ago. I found a Groupon for it and only paid $25. I'm really happy with it. Even Michael was wowed by it. I've always been skeptical about ordering one of these, and unsure about image quality. But I have to say I'm really glad that I found the Groupon.

 The image wraps around the sides and it feels pretty substantial and not cheap.

I definitely will be ordering more. Right now they are offering 65% off plus free shipping.

This weekend I've spent countless hours weeding the flower beds. It's so frustrating. It doesn't look like I have done a thing. Now I think I'll go give the dog a bath. Have I done a post about Jingles? I don't think I have. Maybe I'll do that in a day or two. Jingles is our sweet little foster dog. More about him later. He is really smelly right now. So I should bathe him while I'm in the mood.

Have a great week!

Unfinished Projects

The dreaded second sock syndrome has affected me. I've started them but have little motivation to finish. I've decided to finish the second jewelry display that I started a few months ago.

It's coming along.

Michael has decided to take on another project. Ireland wanted her room painted an aqua color. No problem... or so I thought. A few minutes ago I walked upstairs to find this...

Apparently there is a lot of sheetrock work to do before he can paint. So to prevent all of her things getting dusty, he decided to take everything out of her room and closet. Great, is all I can say. Something else for me to do. (At least I didn't have to pack it all up)

Her closet was pretty full. Oh well, at least the walls and ceiling will look better.
Here's the new color.

It is a pretty color.
Now I need to go do something with all of our vegetables from the garden.

I see cucumber dressing and fried squash in my future.

Oh, and I finally went through our wedding photos and put a few in a Shutterfly photo book. I had promised to make my mom a book and never have. Shutterfly is pretty good, but not my favorite. I haven't used them lately, so when I received a code for a free book, I decided to give them another try. I like MyPublisher and Photobook America. I also want to try Artifact Uprising. If you want to see the book just scroll down to the bottom or click on the link below. (It's not very clear but it's something I guess)
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0UbtWLZwyYurg

Anyway, I am determined to get back to work on those pesky second socks. Maybe tonight. I may even get caught up on my blog reading. I've had enough of a break and I miss visiting you all.

Have a great week!

Finally Baby Chicks

Ireland has been begging for baby chicks for a very long time... we finally gave in

Michael worked all weekend on a chicken coop and I tried to educate Ireland and myself on how to take care of them. I also tried to explain to her that the babies would grow into chickens

 

She didn't care to hear all of that... all she sees are cute little things. We got these on Saturday and they seem to be growing like crazy. It may be my imagination but I'm sure they are already slightly bigger. They are Rhode Island Reds... I heard the eggs are the best. Hopefully they will survive and grow into chickens and will still let Ireland pet and hold them.

Sunday we spent the day with my family. I took a couple of pics and really love this one

 I've been pretty busy so progress on the socks has been slow

I really messed up the gusset, but there is no way that I'm going back. I'll just have to remember to mess up the second one, so they'll match. Maybe I can show more in a few days.

Have a peaceful week

Spring and Wool Socks

Spring and wool socks...what a combination

I've been enjoying the wonderful weather here in NC. I'm soooo happy that spring has finally arrived, but all I'm motivated to do is knit these socks that I've started. I'll go outside and weed the flower beds for like...10 minutes, and then come back inside or go to the porch swing to work the socks. Addicted!
This self striping sock yarn is addictive. It makes you want to keep going to see each stripe form.

 My worsted ones are also coming along. The second one has been started.

  I worked on the striped ones yesterday while watching Ireland at gymnastics. These are the perfect take anywhere project. Speaking of Ireland and gymnastics, here she is proudly showing off her new leotard. She wanted me to take her pic

We switched gyms last week. I really hope she learns alot here. I'm just as excited as she is, and I hope this is an activity that she will continue to love to do. I really don't mind going on Saturday mornings. It gives me an uninterrupted hour to crochet or knit.

And here is the pitiful hydrangea that I mentioned in my previous post. Who knows if the poor thing will even bloom this year. It's trying to form little green sprouts, so maybe it'll be ok.

Michael, uuuggghhh!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Colorwul Knit Projects

I've learned something about myself lately. I can knit like a champ with straight needles...

Well, sort of

But circular needles are another story. I just cannot use them. I mess up my gauge. Hats are always too big or small, and the twisting drives me nuts.

I love the Patons Colorwul yarn. The hat above is in the Ocean colorway. The mitt below is my favorite colorway.

I decided to use a simple stitch pattern to show the colors. My goal is to knit the Cable Yak hat below. I hope cables will be easy. I guess I should get friendly with the circular needles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Raveled by MariChiba found here

Today is a beautiful day here in NC. I heard Michael outside with the chain saw. I looked out and saw this...

It's the rosemary that I love. The one that I've been taking pics of every season. Well, now it has been butchered. I am mortified. I would cry, but I guess it's not that serious. But still!

In this pic from last summer, you can see it in the background

 It better come back. If not, I just may hurt Michael. Why do men think they can just cut down whatever they want?

Cabin Fever

This week I've crocheted quite a bit. I keep plugging along with the new blanket...

and this is why...

A section of our backyard

This is Michael on the tractor trying to scrape our drive

The view from our couch. He's staring at me

 So I stayed home from work half the day Wednesday and all day Thursday. It was nice, minus the snow...I'm not a fan.

 

This is Ireland's fave motif for her blanket

 This is the owl motif from Repeat Crafter Me

I think we got around a foot of snow. Fortunately, the sun came out after the snow and I made it out to work on Friday. This weekend is beautiful and sunny. It will be 70 degrees by Friday...only in North Carolina.

I'm still working on the blanket and a package for a secret swap on Ravelry. I can't show it until later. I wouldn't want my swap recipient to see what I made her. 

Have a great Sunday!

Hexagons and More

I am loving hexagons right now.

This is not a very good photo but I'll post more when I post the pattern. 

I've also been working on more baskets

I may be doing a craft fair, so I'm going to get busy making more of these in different colors.

We came back from the beach a few days ago and I thought I would share some pics. We had a really good time.

When I get motivated I'll sit down and write up the hexagon pattern

I'll be back :)

A Little Crochet and More Organization

This weekend I have crocheted a little bit on the patchwork. 

I picked out a pattern for a coverup. We're planning two beach trips, the first one 10 days from now. I don't know if I'll be able to get it done. You can find the pattern here 

                       

  

I worked on the craft room organizing photos and cameras and books

I put my desk pieces together, hanging the rail...all pieces from IKEA

and here's a shot of my clock

The other pegboard

Now I think I'll go put something in the crock pot for dinner/supper.

What are you up to this weekend?

Update on wedding plans:

Photographer: Booked 

Rental: Booked

Dress: Purchased

Bouquet: A freakin mess  

any suggestions or help would be much appreciated

So if anyone out there has made one of these sea shell bouquets, please tell me how you did it. Thanks;)