JOY

Last night was a blast.  We had a great time at Sandy's party and the Parade was lovely.  And before you ask - Santa was all lit up.  Not in our "Baileys" kind of way - his float was covered in tons of twinkly lights.   Murphy's Law was visiting someone else last night.  :)

However the weather has taken a turn today with gale force winds and scattered rain showers.  It is so windy I am considering putting ankle weights on Millie the next time she has to go out to pee. 

This morning I got busy and finished binding the last of the 4 little holiday rugs.  Woohoo.  You have only seen a sneak peek of the final rug.  Here is Joy

I decided to whip the border on this one.  I could not find the off - white whipping yarn.  I am sure I have a half a ball left but I couldn't find it anywhere.  So I decided to try something different and whip with a contrast color.  It was either that or put it aside to sit with all the other unfinished projects.  And I did promise to bind all four rugs.  This soft green was a ball of Bernat Roving yarn.  Very soft and pretty but I would not recomment it for whipping.  It broke and frayed so easily.  But in true stubborn fashion, I kept going.

It's time for a project

I think the reason I have felt a little out of sorts lately is that I don't have a current project.  I did finish the hooking part of the funky flower a few weeks ago but still haven't gotten around to finishing the edges.  I hate that part.  And I think it is safe to say that no hooker (rug hooker) has ever gotten their mojo back finishing old projects!

I asked you for some advice for the corner part a few weeks ago and I got many great options.  So I took a bit of all of the suggestions and this is what I ended up with.  This is a Deanne Fitzpatrick design "fresh daisy" which I tweeked a tiny bit.

The turqoise and red circles are not as bright in person as they look in this picture. 

Even though I have been busier than a one armed paper hanger, I need to have a project.  Even if I only get to work on it for a few minutes a night, it relaxes me to feel the wool and pull a few loops.  It was yesterday when I realized what was missing so shopping I went, with a tiny germ of an idea for a simple project.

This is my "treat bag" of goodies that will comprise the next hooking project.

 You know how I like a little bit of sparkly bling mixed in, and since I took a textures workshop from Deanne I have lost my fear of different types of materials.    Here is a close up of some of the ribbons for this project

And some of the yarns.   I love working with the slub yarn on the right side and that ball in the middle has big hairy chunks all through it.   FUN.....

Now its time to draw out this little idea on the burlap.  I'll keep you posted. 

And a special welcome to Annie, my newest follower.  It has been awhile since I've had a new one - I was starting to think my follow button was broken.  Lol 

Winner, Winner.......

......Chicken Dinner !  I don't know why I find that phrase so amusing but I do.  Lol

I'm on a bit of a roll today.   First, I was checking some emails over my morning infusion of coffee and I had an email from Tara - I won her giveaway  (applause, applause).  I just loved her email it me.   It read:

"Kim,  Well, you won the CSN giveaway this is better than a stinkin doughnut!  You can tell your coworkers to put that in their pipes and smoke it!"    Isn't that a hoot?

 Tara has a lovely blog called Just Devine Style .  Go check her out.  She was celebrating her 200th follower and offered a CSN gift card.   Now all I have to do is decide what to buy - something practical or totally frivolous ??  Hmmm, tough decision.

Then, I arrive home for lunch and I had mail.   Good mail - not bills.  It was the gorgeous slub yarn I ordered from Jen over at Fish Eye Rugs.  You should visit her site too.  She designs these lovely hooked bags/purses, among other things.  I was lucky enough to meet her a couple of years ago and took a class from her.

So very pretty and it arrived so quickly.  Thanks Jen - the cheque's in the mail !  LOL  Well it will be tomorrow!  :) 

And the icing on the cake........I actually won a free coffee today on my Tim's Roll-Up.  Not a donut but beggers can't be choosers.  Maybe the roll-up curse is ending??  Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket tonight?? 

Lastly, I hope that a little of this luck rubs off on a certain little girl's basketball team tonight.  My friends daughter is playing a game tonight.  She has been asking me to come to one of her games since before Christmas.  Finally tonight is the night.  It should be cute - all the little ones running around.  I hope I get to see her score a basket.  She is special. 

Restful Days

The past 2 days have been so restful.  Just a little thing like taking an extra day off to make a long weekend can be rejuvenating.  I poked around yesterday doing odds and ends.  I usually get the weekly grocery order on Saturdays but I did it yesterday.  It was like a whole different world.   As I was walking up and down the aisles seeing lots of different faces I thought "Gee this must be what it is like to be retired.....or to have married well.......or to have won the lottery."  LOL

It was great to have a Saturday without the typical chores.  I lounged around this morning - no rush rush for me!  And even though the sun wasn't shining much, it was still above zero and the melting party continued!  If this keeps up for another day I might even be able to see the top of the backyard bench  in a day or so. 

I hooked a fair amount on the landscape rug today.  I am surprised at how much I am liking it.  As soon as I find myself starting to over-think it - I just put it down for awhile.  So far it seems to be working.
Here is another peek.

 The colors are just gorgeous.  So many different types of wool and textures.  I think I might be sad when I finish it.

And for another bit of good news, I checked a few blogs last night and discovered I had won Maggies giveaway.  I'll be sure to post my treasure when it arrives.

TGIF and a new project

It's Friday.....and I took a vacation day today!  After a long, busy week and I couldn't wait one more day for the weekend. 

I have a plan to get all my chores done quick today so then I can just chill out for the next couple of days. There might even be a martini in my future.  Mmmm, its been awhile.

Yesterday the temps climbed to above zero and we actually had some melting!  The sun was shining and you could feel the difference in everyone's mood.  But as I am typing this post, and looking out the window, it is snowing again.  LOL  Seriously!  Geez.   I think my martini just turned into a double tonight!

I have a new project on the go.  I am taking a 4 week workshop from Deanne Fitzpatrick on hooking a landscape. I'm excited because I am no good at that.  Being wild and expressive with color makes me break out in hives!

Right now I am at the favorite part of any project - When it still has potential for greatness.  I haven't ruined it yet - I haven't made some fatal mistake yet that frustrates me to the point of abandoning that piece of burlap.

 At this point I am forcing myself to not think.  I am just grabbing a handful of amazing colors and textures and just going with it.  Deanne has provided us with a selection of beautiful materials and each of us get to select our own colors as opposed to being provided with a ready-made kit.   Can you imagine the fun - literally like being a kid in a candy store.

Here is a close up

 I am really loving hooking with the fancy yarns.  Our "homework" is to continue working on the field part of the rug before next weeks class.  Cross your fingers that it continues to look like a field. 

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.



Since you asked

A few of you have asked for some more details on the making of the sheep rug.   The dimensions are 14 x 14 inches.   The background was hooked in a green plaid wool.  I think this was the first time I hooked a plaid and I love how it looks hooked.

The body of the sheep was hooked with a combination of wool and natural slubby yarn. I really love working with this yarn.

While we didn't get the storm we were anticipating, it still was messy all weekend.  An almost constant rain/snow mix was just enough to make the roads slippery and make you want to stay home.  Since I was thread-less and couldn't prepare my next piece of rug warp, I needed a quick mindless project.  Whenever this happens I grab the knitting needles and make a few cotton dish cloths.

I did get out to the store later today to get some thread.  I bought extra so I am not caught off guard again.
So now the edges are secure and I am ready to start drawing out another heart rug.  The auction is being held February 11, so I think maybe that design might raise more money than the sheep.  If it works I might try putting the sheep on ebay.  I have never tried to sell anything there before - mainly out of fear that no one will bid!

I hope you were all safe and warm this weekend.  Have a great week.
Kim

A morning visit to London-Wul

I had a busy and productive morning. It started early with a road trip to Moncton and an orthodontist appointment.  I got my braces tightened again and I decided to make the most of the few hours before the soreness set it.  There is a Chez Cora restaurant in the same building so I stopped at had this amazing Cinnamon Brioche covered in a mountain of fresh fruit.  So good.

Next stop - my little coffee stand to buy a few boxes for home and I smelled something yummy.  The lady at the counter said it was their new pumpkin flavors.  She recommended the pumpkin latte.  It was topped with whipped cream and OMG it was the BEST thing I have ever tasted.   Seriously I actually made a little involuntary noise (Ahhhh) after each sip!  LOL

Saving the best for last - my first visit to London-Wul and a visit with Heidi.  If you get the chance you have to go.  It is a beautiful cabin tucked in a wooded lot.  Inside is wall to wall eye candy.   And yes....I bought some goodies.  Along with the hooked rugs on the wall, Heidi also had some of her felted pieces displayed.  So I bought a little needle felting starter kit to try.

Then, I got lost in the choices of wool yarns.  It was tough for a gal like me who has trouble making up her mind!!!  But I couldn't take my eyes off this bundle on a table...

Isn't this beautiful, with the sparkly thread running through it.  I don't know what I'm going to use it for but I'm sure something will come to me.  For now I just like looking at it!!

Thanks for the hospitality Heidi.  I will be back again soon.