I've got mail

I got the nicest surprise when I got home from work today.  It is windy, rainy and cold and actually feels more like March than May.  So a little parcel in the mail was just what was needed.   It was a little gift from Lauren.   But I suspect after you see the pug on the note paper you would know who it was from :)

Inside was this cute little necklace with "rug hooker" stamped on it.

And if that wasn't enough.......the most adorable little punched sheep.  I love it.  All her stitches are just perfect and it has a cute little label on the back.

Lauren, I LOVE IT.  Thank you so much.

I'm glad you liked the photo on yesturdays post on me and Mom.  I love that photo and have it framed on my bedroom wall.   However, today  a friend of mine called and asked me if I was trying to get some new followers by posting a topless photo of myself.  Hahahaha, I hadn't thought of that.  So I logged on quick to see if it  worked, but sadly no new followers today.  I guess "The Girls" have lost their magic.

I finished hooking another mat so tonights job is whipping while waiting for DWTS.

My audition for The Mob

It has been quite a day.  Snow, wind, sleet.....yuck.  I patiently waited for my phone to ring this morning announcing work was closed.  Everything else in town was closed.  But the call never came.

I dug my disgusted Butt out and got to work.  After we were all there for an hour, the decision was made to close.  Geez,  but Whatever!!

The snow plow was in our yard twice and the drifts are all back again.  For the 3rd time in a row, we have had a significant snowfall on garbage night.  We have large wheeled compost bins that are collected every two weeks.  After I dug it out of the drift tonight, the friggin wheels were frozen.  Dragging that thing up the driveway was like dragging a dead body.  (or so I would imagine hehehe)  I imagined myself as auditioning for The Mob.  Don't they always make you whack someone before you can join??

OK, OK It is clear I am getting a little squirrelly from this weather.  LOL  This afternoon I did do something productive.  I made these yummy Honey Bran Muffins.

 They were very tasty with a nice Cinnamon Danish coffee.  Just what was needed on a storm day.

I am in between hooking projects so I decided to practice my punching skills.  I still don't have a large selection of chunky wools yet so my options are limitied.   But I was in the mood for thinking Spring so I drew out this little primitive bunny.

Looks like I need a bit more practice on my letters.  There is a yarn sale at Zellers this weekend so maybe I can pick up some more colors.

I really hope I don't have to shovel again tomorrow.  Good night friends.

Practice

I'm not sure why I thought I needed another hobby but I suppose I am a glutton for punishment.  Your comments yesterday were awesome - lots of great advice, plus some emails with extra tips and many laughs.

I thought yesterdays post title might get your attention.  I had some great chuckles reading them - especially weaverpat who thought I had finally gone over the edge!!  LOL

I went to Walmart this morning to get some cheap chunky yarn to continue with my practice punching. 

I'm not sure if it is the thicker yarn or just a little more practice but it didn't seem as difficult today.  Don't get me wrong -- I still have a lot more practice to do before I can say I'm a novice puncher.   I struggled last night with the loose ends.  I couldn't seem to get the hang of "poking" them to the right side so I invented my own solution.  It may not be right, but it works.  I'm not going to explain it because you real punchers might laugh! 

So this is what I did after lunch, just a little 4x4 square.  Its not perfect but not too bad for a newbie.  I see a few problem areas but it was a good learning exercise.  

Now I need to start my 2nd option for the cancer auction next month.  Time to draw a new pattern to hook.

Tonight I wanna punch something

Well, maybe not like that.........It's more like this

I have been looking at all these great little punched pieces some of you create and

wanted to try it.  My new Oxford Punch Needle

arrived today in the mail!!

So I am practicing a little tonight.  Here is the first few stitches

At first I tried a flower at the left - bad.....   Then I tried letters and after a couple I remembered that when punching it is supposed to be backwards - so again, bad!  

Before giving up I tried a little pink heart - better but I have a loooong way to go.

Sorry the photo is upside down but you get the idea.  It is not as easy as I thought it was going to be.

I did try one #8 wool strip before I packed it in for the night.  I heard that you should

start with yarn first before working up to a wool strip but I found

the wool easier than the yarn. 

I think I need a heavier weight yarn.  I'll try that tomorrow and see if it helps.

In the meantime, any advice from you "punchers" would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and I had so much fun with yesterdays "Word of the Day" post,

I am considering making it a regular weekly thing.

How does "Wednesday Word of the Week" sound??

We will see.