Knitting II

2012-02-02T09:51:00.002-06:00

2012-02-01T15:50:00.000-06:00

A card that I made for my sister.

2012-01-30T09:49:00.003-06:00

A Quilled Rose

Quilling

2012-01-29T10:49:00.002-06:00

Quilling

2012-01-28T13:06:00.001-06:00

I am teaching myself Quilling today.

Basic Sock Knitting

2012-01-23T08:11:00.001-06:00

My sock knitting is coming along slow but sure. Only 7 more days with the stabilizer on my arm. I am so looking forward to a sling, physical therapy, and being able to more my arm more. I am knitting just a basic sock. Using Patons Kroy Socks FX yarn. I think that the color of the yarn is sooooo very pretty. It is called Clover. I am using size 1 DPN, knitting from the top down. I have about 4 inches knit on this sock.

Creamy Double Decker Fudge

2012-01-16T09:28:00.000-06:00

Creamy Double Decker Fudge
1 cup peanut butter chips
14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract, divided
1 cup semi-sweet chips
Line 8 inch pan with foil. Melt peanut butter chips and 2/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk in saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. Spread into pan. Place remaining sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chips in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. Spread on the peanut butter mixture. Cover with foil and chill until firm. Then remove from pan and cut.

Knitting

2012-01-15T22:30:00.001-06:00

I cast on a basic sock, and knit 1 row.
it hurts to knit and I am SLOW. but I can still knit!!!

Coptic Book Binding

2012-01-08T11:38:00.001-06:00

i am still crafting left handed because my arm is stll Broken. i Hate it that my arm is broken!
i did a little more book binding. this method is called coptic book binding. i can hardly wait for my arm to heal so that i can really get into book binding more.

left handed

2012-01-05T14:27:00.001-06:00

my right arm is broken, and in a stabilizer. i feel like crafting but i can not knit, spin, crochet, or weave. but i can cut paper with a paper cutter, string beads, and glue with my left hand. by the way i just found out today that i can do these things with my left hand. so i got out mt book binding supplies and went to work. the result is this little tablet. i am tired now and will probably take a nap. but it was nice to be able to accomplish something.

Arm

2012-01-02T17:29:00.000-06:00

I broke my right arm last Wednesday. I won't be having any new updates for a while.

Button Closure

2011-12-25T10:06:00.001-06:00

Fabric cover, hand sewn binding, button closure.

WIP

2011-12-23T20:11:00.000-06:00

I finished knitting the front of my sweater. I will cast on the back tomorrow!

Japanese Side Stitch Binding

2011-12-21T18:17:00.000-06:00

I made this little journal using the Japanese Side Stitch Binding,
I added a handmade pendant to the binding.
I am liking this!

5 Stitch Binding

2011-12-17T16:00:00.001-06:00

I am playing with paper again today. This little book has 5 signatures. 50 pages. 5 stitch bookbinding.

And I added a little paddle lock charm in the top binding.

Playing with paper

2011-12-16T09:25:00.002-06:00

I have been playing around with paper lately.
I made these little 16 page books. Then added
a book cover to them. They are made from a single sheet of paper.
they are kind of tricky to make. But a Fun little project. I watched videos
on Youtube to learn how to make them.
This is something that I am going to for sure show my Granddaughter how to make.

WIP

2011-12-13T08:22:00.001-06:00

My sweater is coming along slow but sure.
This is the right front half of the sweater.
I have finished making the decreases for the V in the front.
Now I will start the increases to make the left side of the front of the sweater.
That is a very deep V in the front of a sweater.
But stitches will be picked up in the front making a Yoke on the sweater.
So far the pattern is very easy.
I just Need more time to Knit!!!

WIP

2011-12-02T11:52:00.001-06:00

I have decided to knit a sweater.
I have knit the swatch.
I usually don't swatch, but for
this pattern if you do not swatch,
you will not know how many stitches to cast on.

I am using size 7 needles, and I have cast on 115 stitches.

Mitten Knitting Tips

2011-11-27T18:50:00.001-06:00

Caring for your mittens

Hand wash mittens in cool water with gentle wool wash. Do not rub or wring. Squeeze out excess water, then spin in washing machine or roll in towels to remove rest of water. Lay garment flat to dry out of direct sunlight and shape to original measurements.

Knitting Tips

Fair Isle mittens are funtional as well as warm, and beautiful.
Try using wooden needles instead of metal. Wooden needles are less slipery, the wooden needles will grip your stitches better.
You can bind off Fair Isle mittens with a 3 needle bind off from the inside.
The easiest way to knit Fair Isle mittens is to use 4 needles, and devide your stitches evenly onto 4 needles.
Using 5 DPN's will help to avoid ladders.
When choosing colors for your mittens, make sure that there's enough contrast between the background colors and the pattern color so the pattern doesn't get lost.
Carry the strands of unused color loosely in the back of the project.
If you carry the yarn, that is not in use to tightly, you will have puckers.
Loose stitches can be tightened, but it is almost impossible to loosen stitches that are to tight, and they will cause puckering on the right side of your project, and may even affect the fit.
To help you keep your place on the chart, use a magnetic board or a piece of sticky note paper to mark the row you're working, This makes it easier to follow the chart. You can move it up as you finish each row. The reason for placing the marker above the row you are working on, is so that you can see how it fits with with what you have already knit.
You can also make a working copy of your chart and inlarge it, so you can make your own personal notes on the pattern, this will alo help you follow along better.
The key to organizing your yarn, is to keep one ball on your right side, and the other color on your left side. You should hold the main color in which ever hand you feel the most comfortable.
Putting your ball of yarn in a bowl, so that it can roll around in the bowl, may prevent twisting of your yarn.
I like to use a ribbed cuff on my mittens, because the rib is more snug, and very elastic. Your ribbing can be shortened or lengthened, to make the mitten perfect for you.
If your mitten does not fit perfectly, washing and blocking the mitten can change the size. I always block my wool Folk mittens.
Felted wool is warmer, and more water repellent.

Kitchener Stitch

I use the Kitchener Stitch to graft the lives stitches together in my Folk Mitten Patterns.
Using the Kitchener Stitch, you will be able to seam the live stitches together invisibly.
You need to make sure that the two pieces you are grafting together have the same number of stitches. Then you will
create a row of stitches with your sewing needle.
1) Draw your yarn through the very first stitch on the front needle as if to purl, and leave it on the needle.
2) Draw your yarn through the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit, and leave it on the needle.
These first 2 steps are only done once.
3) Pull the yarn through the first stitch on the front needle, as if to knit, and slip it off of the end of the needle.
4) Pull the yarn through the next stitch on the front needle as if to purl and leave the stitch on the needle.
5) Pull the yarn through the first stitch on the back needle as if to purl, and slip it off of the needle.
6) Pull the yarn through the second stitch on the back needle as if to knit, and leave this stitch on the needle.
Repeat rows 3 through 6 until you have all of your stitches grafted together. Then weave in your yarn ends on the inside of your mitten.
Just remember Knit, Purl, Purl, Knit while grafting the stitches on your mitten, and you will have a beautifully finished mitten.

Blocking Folk Mittens

Either water or steam is used in the blocking process. Once your mitten is completed, the blocking is done. Blocking will help adjust, and reshape both the length and width of your mitten. Both of your mittens should be identical. Blocking will ensure proper size and fit of your mitten.

Your mitten can be dunked in cool water until completely saturated before shaping. Steam can also be used by pinning the mitten to the correct measurements, then using a steam iron held above the mitten to steam it into shape. Don't let the iron touch your mitten because the natural fibers can be scorched, and man made fibers will be ruined.

Which ever method you decide to use, it is important that the mitten should dry completely.

After blocking your mitten it should still have texture, and life. It should not be blocked to the point where the stitches are lifeless and flat.

Knitting Poem from 1887

2011-11-23T20:01:00.001-06:00

Knittng Poem From 1887.A Stocking In Rhyme
To knit a stocking, needles four, Cast on three needles and no more; Each needle stitches eight and twenty. Then one for seam stitch will be plenty. For twenty rounds your stitch must be Two plain, two purl alternately. Except the seam stitch which you do Once purl, once plain, the whole way through. A finger plain you next must knit, Ere you begin to narrow it; But if you like the stocking long, Two fingers' length will not be wrong. And then the narrowings to make, Two stitches you together take Each side the seam; then eight rounds plain, Before you narrow it again. Ten narrowings you'll surely find Will shape the stocking to your mind; Then twenty rounds knit plain must be, And stitches sixty-five you'll see.
These just in half you must divide, With thirty-two on either side; But on one needle there must be Seam stitch in middle, thirty-three. One half on needles two you place, And leave alone a little space; The other with the seam in middle, To manage right is now my riddle. Backward and forward you must knit, And always purl the backward bit; But seam stitch, purl and plain, you know, And slip the first stitch every row. When thirty rows you thus have done, Each side the seam knit two in one Each third row, until sure you feel That forty rows are in your heel.
You then begin the heel to close; For this, choose one of the plain rows; Knit plain to seam, then two in one, One plain stitch more must still be done. Then turn your work, purl as before The seam stitch -- two in one, one more; Then turn again, knit till you see Where first you turned, a gap will be.Across it knit together two, And don't forget on plain to do; Then turn again, purl as before, And sew till there's a gap no more.
The seam stitch you no longer mind, That, with the heel, is left behind. When all the heel is quite closed in, To knit a plain row you begin, And at the end you turn no more, But round and round knit as before. For this, on a side needle take The loops the first slip-stitches make; With your heel needle knit them plain, To meet the old front half again. This on one needle knit should be, And then you'll have a needle free To take up loops the other side, And knit round plain, and to divide The back parts evenly in two; Off the heel needle some are due;
Be careful that you count the same. On each back needle, knit round plain; But as the foot is much too wide, Take two together at each side, On the back needle where they meet The front to make a seam quite neat Each time between knit one plain round, Till stitches sixty-four are found; And the front needle does not lack As many as on both the back.
You next knit fifty-six rounds plain, But do not narrow it again; 'Twill then be long enough, and so Begin to narrow for the toe. Your long front row knit plainly through, But at its end knit stitches twoTogether and together catch Two first in the next row to match; Then to the other side knit plain Half round, and do the same again; That is , two last together catch, Two first in the front row to match.
At first knit four plain rounds between, Then two, then one, until 'tis seen You've knit enough to close the toe; And then decrease in every row, Until to stitches eight you're brought, Then break the thread off -- not too short-- And as these stitches eight you do, Each time your end of thread pull through.

Norwegain Blessing

2011-11-21T10:32:00.001-06:00

May da ruts always fit da wheels of your pickup.

May yur ear muffs always keep out the nort wind.

May da sun shine varm on yur lefse.

May da rain fall soft on your lutefisk.

And until ve meet again, may da good Lord protect
ya from any and all unnecessary uffdas.

Basic Mitten Pattern

2011-11-14T17:10:00.001-06:00

Basic Knit Mitten Pattern

Mitten measures 10 inches long.
From beginning of cuff to tip of mitten.
It is 7 inches around.

Materials 200 yards of worsted weight yarn
                a set of 4 size 5 DPN
                piece of waste yarn

Gauge 6 stitches per inch
            7 rows per inch

Cuff
Cast on 44 stitches. Divide onto 3 needles.
14 sts on needle 1
14 sts on needle 2
16 sts on needle 3
Join, and work k2, p2 ribbing for 3 inches. 3 inches makes a nice long cuff.

Decrease round - decrease 2 sts in the round. Knit all stitches around.
You will have 42 stitches on your needles now. 14 stitches on each needle.
Knit every round for 4 rounds.

Thumb Gore
to make the gore increases knit into the front and back of the stitch.
1st increase - increase 1 stitch in the first stitch, k1, increase 1 stitch in the next stitch,
Knit to end of round. 44 stitches
Knit 2 rounds even.

2nd increase - increase 1 stitch in the first stitch, knit 3, increase 1 stitch in the next stitch,
knit to end of round. 46 stitches.
Knit even for 2 rounds.

Continue increasing in this manner until you have 54 stitches on your needles.
26 stitches on needle 1
14 stitches on needle 2
14 stitches on needle 3
knit 2 rounds even.

Slip the 15 thumb stitches from needle 1 onto a piece of scrap yarn.
Next round knit all stitches, at end of this round, cast on 3 stitches.
for a total of 42 stitches.
Knit mitten even until it measures 6 inches above the cuff.
Next round knit 2 together twice, knit rest of round.

1st decrease round - k2, k2tog, around.
knit even for 3 rounds. 30 stitches.

2nd decrease round - k1, k2tog, around.
knit even for 3 rounds. 20 stitches

3rd decrease k2tog around.
Break off yarn, and draw through all stitches.
Weave in ends.

Thumb
Slip the 15 stitches that you have on hold on the scrap yarn onto
2 needles. Pick up the 3 cast on stitches.
Arrange your stitches so that you have 6 stitches on each needle. 18 stitches
Knit the thumb even for 2 inches - from the cast on edge where you picked
up the 3 stitches.

Thumb decrease
1st decrease round - k1, k2tog around.
knit 2 rounds even. 12 stitches

2nd decrease - k2tog around.
Break off yarn and draw through all stitches.
Weave ends in.
Make your 2nd mitten in the same manner.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2011-11-14T10:17:00.001-06:00

1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine ingredients. Roll into balls, roll balls in sugar. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Top with chocolate Kiss immediately upon removal from oven.

My Sailor

2011-11-11T10:05:00.001-06:00

Bread

2011-10-18T18:42:00.001-05:00

My husband baked bread for me today!!!

Dolly Doily

2011-10-17T10:10:00.001-05:00

I have a new Antique table in my dinning room. I needed a new doily for it. The Dolly Doily is my very favorite yarn doily. I choose this pattern for my doily. The pattern can be found here . I used Red Heart yarn in the color Burgundy and I size G hook. I love the way that the doily turned out.

2011-10-17T10:06:00.002-05:00

2011-10-17T10:05:00.001-05:00

Cheerios

2011-10-06T11:33:00.001-05:00

My Grandson Loves Cheerios!

Frito Bars

2011-10-02T12:10:00.001-05:00

I give this recipe 5 Stars!!!!!!! It is super fantastically Good!!!!!!

List of Ingredients

10.5 ounce bag of frito chips
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of clear Karo syrup
1 cup of creamy peanut butter

1 cup (or more!) of milk chocolate chips (you can also use white chocolate chips)

Recipe

Spray a 9x13 brownie pan

Sort of crunch up the corn chips while they're still in the bag, and spread them evenly over the bottom of the brownie pan.

In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and the karo to a boil over medium heat, just so the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth. Pour over the fritos in the pan.

You could just sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the warm fritos and peanut butter mixture, and let them melt, but I melt the chips in the microwave and pour the chocolate over the top.

Cut into bars and wrap individually.

Baby Surprise Jacket

2011-09-23T07:51:00.000-05:00

My Dear Knitting Friend's sister is going to have a baby girl in November. I knit this BSJ for Susan's sister. This is my very Favorite Baby Sweater pattern. This pattern can be found in EZ's book The Opinionated Knitter. I used Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn. 1 skein of the color Orchid. This is Sport weight yarn, so I used a size 6 needle. I collect old buttons. I choose these Bright green Vintage buttons to go with this sweater. I like the contrast of the green and orchid so very much! I am Happy with the way that the sweater turned out!!

Queen of Spades Necklace

2011-09-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

A New item in my Etsy Shop today
To make this Queen of Spades Necklace, I use a lucet, which is a tool used in cord making.
This tool dates back to Viking and Medieval periods.
A lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy.
The cord is formed by making a series of loops, that are weaved around the lucet.
Then I search for the perfect pendant, and matching floss, and create a Beautiful Folk Art Necklace
Each of my necklaces are hand made, and One of a Kind.

I made the Pendant using a large oval glass cabochon tile.
This necklace is water resistant, but not water proof.
It should not be worn in the shower.

The lucet cord is 21 inches long.
Closed with a toggle clasp.

You can fins this necklace here http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrae123

Today's Antique Store Find

2011-09-12T16:06:00.001-05:00

A Duncan Phyfe Round Table

I will have warm feet!!

2011-09-10T20:35:00.001-05:00

I have finished my slippers. I knit myself new slippers every Fall. I used two strands of WW yarn held together. They knit up fast, it is an easy pattern, and they are warm and washable. Perfect fit for me to!! The pattern can be found here

Autumn Pumpkin

2011-09-04T17:37:00.000-05:00

I knit this little pumpkin as a Knit Along with a knitting group that I belong to. Everyone's pumpkin turned out so very Adorable, as did mine. I used Red Heart yarn, the color is called carrot. But it is the perfect color for my pumpkin. The pattern calls for size 6 circular needles, but I got huge ladders when I tried to knit this pumpkin with circular needles. So I switched to DPN, and the pattern worked out just fine. I Love my little pumpkin. It really puts me in the mood for Fall. The pattern for this little pumpkin can be found here

Antique Store Find

2011-08-29T13:04:00.000-05:00

Our latest Antique Shop find.

A Duncan Phyfe Bed.

This bed is fit for a Princess.

It is our Granddaughters bed when she stays with us.

I LOVE it!!!!

Baktus

2011-08-29T08:19:00.000-05:00

I have finished the Baktus scarf and I LOVE it. Baktus is a garter stitch scarf, that is named after a character in a Norwegian children's classic novel. Any yarn and any needle size can be used to knit this scarf. You can knit it as large or as small as you want to. I used size 8 knitting needles and Caron Simply Soft paints, in the color Oceana. This scarf is going to be a gift. The pattern for this scarf is here

Garlic Bubble Ring Bread

2011-08-28T12:05:00.001-05:00

My Granddaughter and I made Garlic Bubble Ring Bread! It is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
The recipe can be found here

Lady Appleton Sock Pattern

2011-08-21T13:12:00.000-05:00

I am a huge mystery buff. I named these socks after one of my Favorite Lady Sleuth's. This is an easy to knit pattern, from the top down, on DPN. This pattern features a stand up cuff, round heel, and round toe. You can find my latest pattern here

A Hat For Liz

2011-08-20T09:43:00.001-05:00

This is just a basic 2 x 2 rib hat. Knit for Liz in the color that she choose!

Hunting hat

2011-08-16T11:22:00.002-05:00

My Son enjoys pheasant hunting. The hunters are to wear blaze orange so that I other hunters can see them. This is a basic 2 x 2 rib knit hat for him. I knit it nine inches long so that he could cuff the hat up, to keep his ears warmer.

A new hat for my Grandson

2011-08-11T15:02:00.001-05:00

I knit this totally adorable hat for my Grandson. This hat is knit flat and seamed up the back. Then the earflaps are added. It is a very easy to knit pattern. the pattern can be found here The only problem with the hat, my little Grandson did not want to keep it on his head. LOL

2011-08-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

Spinning today

2011-08-01T11:18:00.001-05:00

Have you ever pet a baby gray lamb??
That is how very soft this wool is.

Not What She Seems by Victorine Lieske

2011-07-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

I only paid 99 cents for this book. I am giving it 2 1/2 stars. It is an interesting who done it, with many suspects, but I felt like the book was missing something. It was supposed to be a suspenseful, romance mystery. There was not a lot of suspense, no romance, but it did have a good bit of mystery. I did not figure out who done it until the end.

Sealed With A Kill by Lucy Lawrence

2011-07-16T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is a delightful cozy mystery set in New England in the Autumn.

Brenna works with her good friend Tenley Morse in a small decoupage store that

the very rich Tenley owns, named Vintage papers.

One day Brenna is taking a group of tourists on a guided tour of the lake, and stumbles onto the dead body of Harvey Lester.

Rupert More's business partner. Rupert is arrested for the murder.

Rupert is Tenley's father, she and Brenna search for the real killer, to prove the Tenley's father is innocent.

This is a nice relaxed paced Cozy Mystery. I enjoyed it.

Weaving

2011-07-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

I am teaching my Granddaughter to weave.

The Hunt by Jan Neuharth

2011-07-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

I don't ride horses, and I have never been fox hunting.

This is a fast paced, action packed mystery.

I could not turn the pages fast enough. This is a Good Read.

I highly recommend this book!!!

Murder on St. Mark's Place by Victoria Thompson

2011-07-10T13:31:00.001-05:00

I can tell you that I am enjoying this series of mysteries so very much.

Sarah is a midwife by trade. She has to work because she is a widow. Her husband was

a Doctor and was murdered three years ago. The mystery of his murder is still unsolved.

St. Mark's Place is a row of tenement buildings , in the heart of Little Germany, in New York.

Sarah delivers a baby for Agnes Otto, and finds out that Agnes's sister is murdered.

Her name is Gerda, a young girl of sixteen, that came to live with Agnes and her husband. She has only lived in America for 1 year, and she is murdered.

Sarah with the help of her detective friend Frank Malloy solve this case.

My very favorite character in this whole book is Mrs. Elsworth. Take notice of her while you are reading this book. I am sure that you will like her also.

This book is a Good Read!!

A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton

2011-07-10T13:14:00.000-05:00

This is the Third in the series of knitting mystery books that Maggie Sefton has written.

This mystery is about about a weaver that is murdered,Kelly's friend Allison. Kelly's male friend is Steve, he is Good looking, smart, has a great

personality, runs his own business, has a good sense of humor, and he is a great athlete. What more could a women want???????

But the relationship is moving along slowly, very slowly. Burt is a spinning friend of hers that is a former police investigator. He helps her to solve these mysteries.

There is no blood, and no weapon, so how is Allison killed? you will have to read the book to find that out I don't want to give everything away. I can tell you that some hand carved beads lead to the real killer. I found the book a bit slow, but I still enjoyed that book. I am sure that I will read her next knitting mystery.

Julia's Spirit by Emily Hendrickson

2011-07-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is an enchanting ghost and love story. About Lady Winston, a widow and an artist, and Lord Temple. Julia makes her living painting portraits, Lord Temple has hired her to paint his daughters, and his mothers portrait. She is staying at the Lord Temple's home which is haunted by a White Lady, a family ghost. A graceful and genteel ghost that helps her to solve a mystery. I enjoyed this book so very much!

Kromski Harp Loom and Stand

2011-07-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

My husband finally put my loom and stand together!!!!!!!
Woot, Woot!!!!!!
I am going to warp my loom this afternoon!!!!!

June Bug by Jess Lourey

2011-06-29T17:24:00.002-05:00

This book is set in the North Country in Minnesota. I Love the North Country in Minnesota. My husband go fishing there often.

I could see the lakes and the bugs, and the cabins so very clearly as I was reading this book. It is a murder mystery, and an adventure. I enjoyed this book.

Funeral Food by Kathleen Taylor

2011-06-27T18:59:00.000-05:00

Right up front I am going to tell you I give this book 5 Stars. I Loved this book. It is funny, mysterious, and a little sexy. You will not find out who done it until almost the last page. I promise this book will make you laugh out loud, and surprise you at the end.

Two Ingredient Lemon Cake

2011-06-27T11:35:00.000-05:00

The cake is light, fluffy, Lemony, quick and Easy!!!
I give this recipe 2 Thumbs up!!

Never Buried by Edie Claire

2011-06-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

Leigh Koslow is temporarily staying with her cousin Cara. They are living in an old house, that is keeping it's secrets. A dead body is found, and the mystery begins. This is a Good Read. Give it a try. I look forward to future books from Edie Claire.

Die Laughing by Carola Dunn

2011-06-22T13:11:00.000-05:00

Everywhere Daisy Fletcher goes, Dead bodies seem to show up. She is married to Detective Chief Inspector Fletcher. And of course she helps him to solve these murder cases. One day Daisy has a toothache, and has to go to the Dentist. The dentist happens to be her neighbor Mr. Raymond Talmadge. When she gets to her appointment he is dead. So she reports the suspicious death to the police. From there is investigation begins. There are 2 murders, some extra marital affairs, and Scotland Yard is involved to. This is a fun mystery and a good read.

Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen

2011-06-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie is 34th in line to the British Throne, has an impeccable social pedigree, but she is penniless.

As a member of the Royal Family, she lives in a Scottish Castle with her penniless brother Binky, he is a Duke.

As she is at the Castle Rannoch in Scotland, many accidents happen, which lead to murder and mystery.

She fears someone is trying to kill off the royal Family. She also has a love interest in this story an Irishmen named Darcy O'Mara, who she is afraid that she will not be able to

marry because he is Catholic. But the mystery does get solved, the story does have a happy ending. And you also get to know what if anything Scotsmen wear under their kilts.

This was a Good Read. I enjoyed it so very much!!!

Me and Elvis !!!!!

2011-06-17T19:54:00.001-05:00

Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson

2011-06-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have to say that Historical Cozy Mysteries are my very favorite reads. And Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson was a very Good Read. It is set in New York in the early 14900's. Sarah Brandt is a widow and a midwife. One day after she has delivered a baby, she finds out that a murder has taken place at the boarding house where the baby was born. Sarah thinks that she knows the murdered girl and is asked by a policemen to help him solve the case. She does solve the case, and the end of this story is so very shocking!! I very much enjoyed this book. It is the first in the Gaslight Series and I plan to read more of the series.

Life's A Beach by Claire Cook

2011-06-14T19:41:00.002-05:00

This is a light, quick, Summer read. A story about 2 sisters. One sister is 41 years old and childless, the other is married with children and about to turn 50. A fun read.

Cozy Kitchen

2011-06-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

I embroidered this Cozy Kitchen plaque all in blue. Then I matted and framed it. I am going to hang it in my kitchen. It matches my kitchen curtains Perfectly!!

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

2011-06-09T17:05:00.002-05:00

This mystery is set in Mississippi in the 1970’s. It is the story of a friendship between two boys. One is a successful law enforcement officer. One is quiet and shy. Two girls are murdered. One of the boys is suspected of the crime. This is a Good Read.

Reading

2011-06-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

List of books that I have read so far this year.

Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
Back On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
The Professional by Robert B Parker
Happily Ever After by Susan Warren
Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
A Strange Disappearance by Anna Katharine Green
The Leavenworth case by Anna Katharine Green
Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
How to Knit A Love Story by Rachael Herron
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
Saving Rachel by John Locke
Tess of the dUrbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Summer by Edith Wharton
Maids of Misfortune by M. Lock
Unfinished Clue by Georgete Heyer
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Ashiel Mystery by Mrs. Charles Bryce
Love Me if You Must by Nicole Young
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanic Barron

Too Funny!!!

2011-06-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

FOR THOSE OF US WHO REMEMBER .............
Hollywood Squares:
These great questions and answers are from the days when '
Hollywood Squares' game show responses were spontaneous,
not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host
asking the questions, of course..
Q.. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!
(The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up
almost 15 minutes of the show!)
Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water
long enough.
Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how
high should you be
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do
it.
Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you
probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.
Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a
party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to
come out and ask him if he's married?
A.. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.
Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get
older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..
Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get
Enough'?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the
next apartment.
Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less
with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question
Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.
Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.
Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.
Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at
nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.
Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.
Q.. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail.
What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?
Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give
birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of
the dark.
Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with
getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.
Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish
on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.
Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your
wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?
Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its
sex?
A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to
him
Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes
in them and has actually seen them on at least two
occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.
Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should
never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh
WE DON'T STOP LAUGHING BECAUSE WE GROW OLD, WE GROW OLD
BECAUSE WE STOP LAUGHING! :

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery

2011-06-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

This book is written by Stephanie Barron. In this book Jane Austen is a sleuth. I enjoyed this book so very much. It is written in the voice and Spirit of Jane Austen. Weather you are a fan of Jane Austen, or a fan of Mysteries. I am sure that you will LOVE this book.

Granddaughter and I baked Whoopie Pies today

2011-05-29T11:06:00.001-05:00

Catch of the Day

2011-05-24T20:38:00.000-05:00

Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young

2011-05-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed this book. It has an Old Victorian house, with a body in the basement. Which makes the story a little bit scary. There is suspense, a small town, a nosey neighbor. A handsome police officer, an Englishmen with a sexy accent. Murder, mystery, and a bit of drama, makes this book a Good read.

Gypsy Hand Woven scarf

2011-05-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

I know that I use the word Beautiful to much. But that is the perfect word to describe this hand woven scarf. I hand dyed, and hand spun Merino wool into these wonderful colors and named it Gypsy. Then I wove the soft, warm, beautiful yarn into a scarf. I do my weaving on a Cricket Loom. The scarf is 70 1/2 inches long(not including fringe), the fringe is 6 inches long, and the scarf is 5 1/4 inches wide. I just LOVE this scarf!!!

2011-05-16T09:36:00.001-05:00

2011-05-16T09:35:00.002-05:00

2011-05-16T09:34:00.001-05:00

The Ashiel Mystery by Mrs Charles Bryce

2011-05-15T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Ashiel Mystery by Mrs Charles Bryce has every single thing a GOOD mystery should have. This book has lots, and lots of twists and turns,

a secret code, secret society, murder, a bit of romance, a Great Detective, and a Scottish castle. I LOVED this book. Give it a Read!

Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-05-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup vegtable oil

2 cups grated zucchini

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp.cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking powder

Beat eggs, sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla.

Mix lightly, add flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder and soda.

Grease and flour 1 large cookie sheet and bake 15 - 20 minutes at 350

Frost with

1pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese

1/4 cup butter or oleo (softened)

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Garage Sale Find

2011-05-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

This dresser is my husband's amazing $25.00 Garage Sale Find. I just Love it. We polished it up and put it in our Main Floor bedroom. This old piece goes so very well with the rest of our 100 year old house.

2011-05-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

2011-05-13T12:07:00.003-05:00

2011-05-13T12:07:00.001-05:00

2011-05-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

2011-05-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

2011-05-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

2011-05-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

Autumn Vineyard Scarf

2011-05-10T09:48:00.001-05:00

I hand dyed and hand spun Merino wool, with the Beautiful colors of an Autumn Vineyard. I knew that this yarn had to be woven into a Beautiful scarf. It was so amazing watching the scarf come to life right before my very eyes on my loom. My Autumn Vineyard yarn is worsted weight, I used that for the weft on this scarf. The warp is a beautiful green Alpaca/Silk blend fingering weight yarn. Warping the loom with the fingering yarn, then weaving with the Worsted weight yarn really makes the colors in this scarf pop. I just LOVE it. The scarf is 5 inches wide, and 65 inches long, not including the fringe. The fringe is 5 inches long. I am so Happy with the way that this scarf turned out!
This item is available in my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/74714507/autumn-vineyard-handwoven-scarf

2011-05-10T09:37:00.001-05:00

2011-05-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

2011-05-10T09:35:00.001-05:00

Sneek Peek

2011-05-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

Just a sneek peek at what my scarf will look like.

Soon to be a hand woven scarf

2011-05-05T11:27:00.001-05:00

This is my Beautiful Autumn Vineyard Hand spun yarn. I am going to warp my loom today with some green alpaca, silk yarn, then make this Beautiful Hand dyed, hand spun Merino wool into a Beautiful hand woven scarf. I am soooooooo looking forward to seeing this Beautiful Scarf!!!!

Dracula by Bram Stoker

2011-05-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

This book was published in 1897. This is the first vampire book that I have ever read. This is an amazing book. The story is told through journal entries and letters, written by several narrators. It is exciting, mysterious, scary, suspenseful, and fast paced. I can see why this book is a classic. You must read this book.

Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer

2011-04-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

The first five chapters of the book are so very boring. The characters are introduced, and their relationship with Sir Arthur Billington-Smith explained. Then Sir Arthur is murdered. A detective from Scotland yarn is brought in to solve the mystery, which he does by interviewing everyone that was at the house party. This is another few boring chapters. I did not find this book suspenseful or mysterious at all. I don't recommend reading this book.

Maids of Misfortune A Victorian San Francisco Mystery by M. Lock

2011-04-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

This cozy historical mystery is set in 1879, San Francisco. It is a cozy, locked door mystery about a widow named Annie, that solves a murder mystery, and also saves her boarding house from the clutches of one of her late husbands debtors. She plays a clairvoyant for added income, when one of her clients, Matthew Voss is murdered. She then becomes an amazing undercover sleuth by playing the part of a servant in the Matthew Voss home. This was a fun read. I am sure that this book is the beginning of a delightful mystery series.

Summer By Edith Wharton

2011-04-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

Summer is the story of a Summer love between Chairty Royall, and Lucius Harney. Summer was born a poor girl in the mountains, and given up by her mother to Lawyer Royall, and his wife. They became her legal guardians, but never adopted her. Mrs Royall is good to her, but dies when Charity is young, and lawyer Royall remains her guardian. As you read this love story you will find out that the romance between Summer and Lucius is doomed. Bringing this story to a very shocking ending.

Tess of the dUrbervilles by Thomas Hardy

2011-04-16T15:35:00.000-05:00

This book was published in 1891. It is the story of Tess Durbeyfield, the oldest daughter of John and Joan Durberfeild. They are a poor uneducated family. One day John finds out that he is of noble blood, and comes from a family named dUrbervills. This is the very sad story of how Tess was sent to live with a wealthy widow that is supposed to be her rich Aunt. John and Joan hope that she marries her cousin, bringing the family out of poverty. She is taken advantage of by her cousin, and her life goes down hill from there. This is the story of her struggles. It is a very sad story, but I enjoyed the book so very much.

My new sock pattern - Anniken Socks

2011-04-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

I have designed another sock. These socks are knit from the top down on size 1 DPN's. They feature a 2 x 2 ribbed cuff, a slick short-row heel, and a classic toe. The pattern for these socks can be found here. This is a nice all over lace pattern perfect for any time of year.

Knitting Poem

2011-04-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

Cute sock rhyme from 1887 Jenny June Knitting and Crochet manual

.

A Stocking In Rhyme

To knit a stocking, needles four,

Cast on three needles and no more;

Each needle stitches eight and twenty.

Then one for seam stitch will be plenty.

For twenty rounds your stitch must be

Two plain, two purl alternately.

Except the seam stitch which you do

Once purl, once plain, the whole way through.

A finger plain you next must knit,

Ere you begin to narrow it;

But if you like the stocking long,

Two fingers' length will not be wrong.

And then the narrowings to make,

Two stitches you together take

Each side the seam; then eight rounds plain,

Before you narrow it again.

Ten narrowings you'll surely find

Will shape the stocking to your mind;

Then twenty rounds knit plain must be,

And stitches sixty-five you'll see.

These just in half you must divide,

With thirty-two on either side;

But on one needle there must be

Seam stitch in middle, thirty-three.

One half on needles two you place,

And leave alone a little space;

The other with the seam in middle,

To manage right is now my riddle.

Backward and forward you must knit,

And always purl the backward bit;

But seam stitch, purl and plain, you know,

And slip the first stitch every row.

When thirty rows you thus have done,

Each side the seam knit two in one

Each third row, until sure you feel

That forty rows are in your heel.

You then begin the heel to close;

For this, choose one of the plain rows;

Knit plain to seam, then two in one,

One plain stitch more must still be done.

Then turn your work, purl as before

The seam stitch -- two in one, one more;

Then turn again, knit till you see

Where first you turned, a gap will be.

Across it knit together two,

And don't forget on plain to do;

Then turn again, purl as before,

And sew till there's a gap no more.

The seam stitch you no longer mind,

That, with the heel, is left behind.

When all the heel is quite closed in,

To knit a plain row you begin,

And at the end you turn no more,

But round and round knit as before.

For this, on a side needle take

The loops the first slip-stitches make;

With your heel needle knit them plain,

To meet the old front half again.

This on one needle knit should be,

And then you'll have a needle free

To take up loops the other side,

And knit round plain, and to divide

The back parts evenly in two;

Off the heel needle some are due;

Be careful that you count the same.

On each back needle, knit round plain;

But as the foot is much too wide,

Take two together at each side,

On the back needle where they meet

The front to make a seam quite neat

Each time between knit one plain round,

Till stitches sixty-four are found;

And the front needle does not lack

As many as on both the back.

You next knit fifty-six rounds plain,

But do not narrow it again;

'Twill then be long enough, and so

Begin to narrow for the toe.

Your long front row knit plainly through,

But at its end knit stitches two

Together and together catch

Two first in the next row to match;

Then to the other side knit plain

Half round, and do the same again;

That is , two last together catch,

Two first in the front row to match.

At first knit four plain rounds between,

Then two, then one, until 'tis seen

You've knit enough to close the toe;

And then decrease in every row,

Until to stitches eight you're brought,

Then break the thread off -- not too short-- And as these stitches eight you do,

Each time your end of thread pull through.

Blessing

2011-04-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

Faith makes all things possible.

Hope makes all things work.

Love makes all things beautiful.

May you have all of the three.

Saving Rachel by John Locke

2011-04-06T08:19:00.000-05:00

I read this book in 1 day. I felt like I was in the twilight zone while reading this book. It is sort of a twilight zone story. There is suspense, chaos, and mystery. I enjoyed the book. Give it a read it you have time.

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

2011-04-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

This was written in 1886. It is the story of Michael Henchard. He sells his wife and daughter at a Fair. Then becomes a successful business man. He is a very selfish man. There is an affair, some scandal, and illegitimate children in this story. I thought that this was a long book. But a Good Read.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

2011-03-26T20:23:00.000-05:00

This is the story of little Oliver Twist. He is an orphan born in poverty. This is the tale of his miserable life, until a friend discovers his true identity, rescues, and adopts Oliver. This story has a very Happy Ending for Oliver. I enjoy happy endings.

Knitting II

Quilling

Quilling

Basic Sock Knitting

Creamy Double Decker Fudge

Knitting

I cast on a basic sock, and knit 1 row. it hurts to knit and I am SLOW. but I can still knit!!!

Coptic Book Binding

left handed

Arm

Button Closure

WIP

Japanese Side Stitch Binding

5 Stitch Binding

Playing with paper

WIP

WIP

Mitten Knitting Tips

Caring for your mittens

Knitting Tips

Kitchener Stitch

Blocking Folk Mittens

Knitting Poem from 1887

Norwegain Blessing

Basic Mitten Pattern

Peanut Butter Blossoms

My Sailor

Bread

Dolly Doily

Cheerios

Frito Bars

List of Ingredients

Recipe

Baby Surprise Jacket

Queen of Spades Necklace

Today's Antique Store Find

I will have warm feet!!

Autumn Pumpkin

Antique Store Find

Baktus

Garlic Bubble Ring Bread

Lady Appleton Sock Pattern

A Hat For Liz

Hunting hat

A new hat for my Grandson

Spinning today

Not What She Seems by Victorine Lieske

Sealed With A Kill by Lucy Lawrence

Weaving

The Hunt by Jan Neuharth

Murder on St. Mark's Place by Victoria Thompson

A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton

Julia's Spirit by Emily Hendrickson

Kromski Harp Loom and Stand

June Bug by Jess Lourey

Funeral Food by Kathleen Taylor

Two Ingredient Lemon Cake

Never Buried by Edie Claire

Die Laughing by Carola Dunn

Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen

Me and Elvis !!!!!

Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson

Life's A Beach by Claire Cook

Cozy Kitchen

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

Reading

Too Funny!!!

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery

Granddaughter and I baked Whoopie Pies today

Catch of the Day

Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young

Gypsy Hand Woven scarf

The Ashiel Mystery by Mrs Charles Bryce

Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garage Sale Find

Autumn Vineyard Scarf

Sneek Peek

Soon to be a hand woven scarf

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer

I cast on a basic sock, and knit 1 row.
it hurts to knit and I am SLOW. but I can still knit!!!