"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either." ~ Elizabeth Zimmerman

11/20/18

Chantal's Green

Well, we're at that time of year when time speeds up to an unreasonable pace and I find myself in panic mode trying to get ready for the holidays. Joy joy. I think there might be less panic, though, because I started earlier than usual with the hand made presents. I got the socks done weeks ago, and I have finished the first beaded gift. Here it is.



The beading technique is Peyote With a Twist. I used the pattern Green by Chantal  Martens which is a free pattern available to the members of the Facebook group Peyote With A Twist - Not Crochet. Obviously, I used different colors since mine isn't green. I used colors I know the recipient of this necklace likes.



The necklace is 19 inches long. It was only 15 inches long when I finished the pattern chart, which is four inches shorter than I wanted, so I started the chart over again and did two inches. Then I added beads on the ends before the clasp to make it a full 19 inches long. I did beaded caps for the ends of the rope, and I'm not happy with them.



I think I could do better, but I've reached my limit on this project. I've put enough hours into it.



It's 18 beads around so I put a cotton cord inside the tube so it can't flatten. It lays nicely when around the neck. All in all, I'm pleased with the results. Pictures don't do it justice.

 On the weekend my daughter who lives in Rhode Island called to tell me she's bought us plane tickets to fly out and stay with her and the son-in-law for Christmas. I think that's pretty exciting. I will have to find someone to take care of the fur kids though. I don't want to kennel Zoey because it's so expensive, and at this time of year almost impossible to find a kennel with an opening. You need to make reservations at least 6 months in advance for Christmas time. And then there's our two cats. Someone will at least need to empty the litter box every so often. I decided to try family members first. My sister-in-law has consented to do it. She'll stay at our house while we're gone. That will be perfect.

We've had cold, but clear weather lately. Sunshine, blue skies, and, at night, stars and temps in the teens F. The ground is solidly frozen.

Birds have started visiting the Parkarosa Bird Buffet again. Just a few. It will get more popular when the snow comes.

Live long and prosper. \\//

11/4/18

Layette Set #35

This is the last one I'm making for Knitwits this year. I went with nice bright colors.



The Cardigan



Pattern: Super Natural Stripes by Fawn Pea

Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Craftsmart Yarn Value
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Sangria

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 6 and 8

Started: October 7, 2018
Finished: October 18, 2018
Comments: I love this colorway. So nice and bright. Goes great with the bright colored elephants in the blanket. I upped the needles one size and I like it better.



The Hat



PatternChibi Striped Baby Hat by Chiaki Hayashi
Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Craftsmart Yarn Value
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Sangria

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 7
Started: October 20, 2018
Finished: October 20, 2018

The Booties



Pattern: My own
Size: 3-6 months

Yarn: Craftsmart Yarn Value
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Sangria

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Black

Needles: Circular size 7
Started: October 25, 2018
Finished: October 25, 2018



The Blanket



Pattern: My own.
Size: 36 by 30 inches

Yarn: Craftsmart Yarn Value
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Sangria

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Black

Crochet Hook: Size G

Started: October 30 , 2018
Finished: October 31, 2018

And that is that.

We had a visitor last week.



It's been a long time since I've been able to get a picture of a moose. There haven't been as many hanging around lately, and if I do see one, it's usually down the hill on the outside of the fence. This one here showed up in the front yard.



She had one thing on her mind. Getting her lips on the Snowberry bush, or rather, the berries on the Snowberry bush.



After she'd carefully pulled them off and ate them, she wandered off. Here she is licking her lips. They must have been good.



I have been beading all this last week. I picked out the pattern I wanted to use and got started on the Peytwist necklace I want to make for my daughter. Sheesh, but it's slow going. I've worked on it every day for at least a couple hours and got about 6 inches done. Takes me about 2 hours to do one inch. I like how it's looking though.



Live long and prosper. \\//