Log Cabin Life

Knitting a little

2012-01-13T17:32:00.000-05:00

I have managed to finish one of my son's socks so I'm at 50% completed and here's a photo. It's not easy to see though.

We're starting a knit-a-long at the Black Mountain Yarn Shop with a project from the Interweave Knits Winter 2011 on page 78-79, called Leif Slipover, designed by Adrienne Larsen (I won't be knitting the hood). I purchased the yarn in the photo since I have gray hair and can't wear as many colors. I'll post photos as we go to see the progress. It's my first knit-a-long and it should really be fun. We have 11 ladies signed up and we start officially next Tuesday night.

MY Stitcher's Choice Ornament Received by Hazel

2012-01-12T18:25:00.000-05:00

I mailed my ornament by regular mail to Hazel in the UK on December 14th. The Asheville, NC post office assured me that it should have been delivered in 10 working days which would have been by Christmas. I am sad to say that Hazel didn't receive in the UK until a few days ago. It's not surprising with all the Post Office rumors of closings nationwide - I'm glad she did finally receive it and she liked it too. I really enjoyed stitching it and used beads from my giant stash for the snow instead of white thread. Here's a photo. Have a great weekend everyone

Stitching, Knitting and Sewing to Do list for 2012

2012-01-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

Things I would like to complete by December 2012:

Paradise Lost-Plum Street Samplers (not started)
Quilt for Sister Deb (top finished)
Quilt for Friend (not started)
Prairie Schooler Christmas 2009 (1/2 finished)
Snowman Ornament (1/2 finished)
Son Allen's socks (60% of sock #1)
Knitted teal sweater to keep warm (1/3rd finished)
Loose Feathers Blackbird Designs (not started)
Quaker Sampler by La-D-Da (3/4th finished)

I think this is enough for now....

I'll be posting photos of progress for most throughout the year. What are your plans for finishes for 2012? I'd love to see them. Have a wonderful year everyone and happy stitching, knitting and sewing.

New Year Wishes and late 2011 Project Finishes

2012-01-01T16:19:00.000-05:00

I wish for everyone a wonderful 2012...and lots of finishes too. I've been able to get a few more things finished for the year 2011 this past week and sharing with photos below. I also have been enjoying a visit with my oldest son who is visiting from Seattle, WA. The 1st photo is the headband knitted for my niece

and here's a photo of the Samantha Ice Cream dress I sewed for my granddaughter's American Girl Doll.

Here's a photo of me and my son at our annual Christmas Party,isn't he just so cute?

Merry Christmas to Family and Stitching Friends

2011-12-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Box received by Amy

2011-12-15T20:29:00.008-05:00

My Christmas Box exchange partner Amy received my box on December 6th but has been feeling unwell, so I'm posting the finished product. It was my first attempt at Mod Podge. I stitched Christmas Peace from the 2002 JCS magazine, from Heart in Hand Needleart. I used fabric and ribbons too. It didn't turn out as nice as I would have liked and hated that Amy's box was the experiment, but I'll make a few more until I get it right. I can always use more storage boxes around the house. I think the only part I was not satisfied with was the ribbon's I used. Here's a peak,

Here's a few photos as it progressed and during the drying out process. It really does dry in about 20 minutes too.

I received an early Christmas Present for myself that I ordered from Scandinavian Stitches. I have been going to Lynda's webpage for a while and finally ordered one of Christiane Dahlbeck's books.

This one is titled Potpourri, and her designs are JUST GORGEOUS... I recommend the website.

Little Gift Boxes Tutorial @ Terry's blog

2011-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

Just a quick link I found to make great gift boxes, just click on this link: And Sew it goes.

Stitcher's Choice Ornament & Orchids by Christmas?

2011-12-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

I received one of the designs from JCS 2011 Ornament Issue that I actually wanted to stitch. It's from Marie. She stitched the Shepard's Bush, Christmas ABC. Isn't it just lovely?

I also love the fabric that she used on the back of the ornament. I don't know the company, etc. but it's very nice

I finished stitching my ornament for my exchange partner to be mailed by December 15th, and need to do the finishing tomorrow after work. Orchids: 3 of my orchids have blooms on them and may bloom by Christmas, so I'm thrilled. Some of you that used to read my blog in 2009 before I deleted it, may remember that I accidentally killed most of them with a pesticide. I was only able to save 2 of them and bought a few more. Here is a photo of one of the three with the blooms if you're interested in seeing what they look like

Once they do bloom, I'll post more photos.

Just thinking...why do we blog?

2011-12-09T05:53:00.000-05:00

I don't have the answer but, got up around 4am, couldn't sleep and came downstairs and turned on my netbook, and since it was cold, I got the fire going in the fireplace again for some warmth, got a small burn on my right hand (accidentally must have touched the hot metal frame around it or something), then decided I needed a cup of coffee, so microwaved some, then looked around awhile at some of my favorite blogs and found a few new ones too. It's really neat how we all talk about different things, different photos and such, but I've rarely seen a blog that isn't telling a unique story. Last night I went to one of my favorite websites and found a few more antique magazines, patterns to download at Antique Pattern Library they have patterns for all forms of needlework (cross-stitch, tatting, knitting, crocheting, etc.) If you've never visited their website, I really recommend it. We'll I'm going to look at some more blog posts - have a great morning everyone.

Knitting a headband and christmas socks for Mom

2011-12-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

I'm glad this week is over at work, just tired I guess...I'm on row 64 of my niece's knitted headband, a free pattern from half-assed patterns bamboozled

I've also been stitching my exchange ornament that I must mail by December 15th. I also plan to start my son's socks this weekend for sure and here's a photo of my mom's 2nd pair of slipper socks that she requested I knit in red for her. So I'll add them to her "real" Christmas present.

I hope everyone has a nice quiet weekend, and plenty of time to rest...

Hooked On Exchange Christmas Box

2011-12-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

Monday I received my HOE Christmas Box exchange from Edgar It's a great box, he stitched Christmas Ark from Prairie Schooler. I'm already using this as my stitching/needlework box. Isn't it just exquisite?

He also added some great candy (which I'm saving to eat later), poppy seeds to plant in the spring and the Night Before Christmas Story.

Happy Thanksgiving All

2011-11-24T10:59:00.002-05:00

My favorite all time Thanksgiving was in 1983, my youngest son David was born, so every 8 or 10 years his birthday falls on Thanksgiving. I am very blessed to have two wonderful sons and a great husband that puts up with all my quirks....

Must "Bee" Christmas - free ornament pattern

2011-11-11T16:54:00.006-05:00

Dear fellow Stitchers, I have made a pattern of the ornament that I stitched for Sadie as a HOE exchange. This is my early christmas present to everyone. Please stitch for yourself or as a gift only & please do not sell. I called it Must Bee Christmas. I finished it by sewing a square and making homemade cord and hand-sewed it to the finished ornament, & I used silks but any thread will work.

Here's the photo version, and I'll add a pdf next weekend sometime that may printer better. Happy stitching & knitting everyone.

Winter Warmth and HOE ornament received

2011-11-01T18:35:00.001-04:00

I received my Christmas Ornament HOE from England from Jayne at jaynesstitchingtales.blogspot.com - I love the ornament Jayne stitched from Lizzie Kate (2007 Just Cross Stitch Ornaments magazine). I also love her finishing technique.

There is nothing better to me in the fall and winter than starting a fire in our fireplace. It keeps us warm in the log cabin & a lot cheaper than the propane heat and also is efficient since there’s a ceramic catalyst that actually keeps the heat in longer. When my dad was still alive we'd sit by the fireplace most evenings and talk while he kept the fire burning, I do miss him.

I’ve also purchase a few “happy” things this past month that I hope to work on in the coming year from my two favorite “local” stitching shops. (1) 2011 Just Cross Stitch Ornaments and (2) Ukrainian drawn thread embroidery by Yvette Stanton – both from Sandy’s X stitch on the Go in Hendersonville, NC (just off 126), and (3) Loose Feathers Summer and (4) Loose Feathers Fall both from Blackbird Designs from 123Stitch online.

Well, I've got to start some laundry and clean house a little so I'll have more time this weekend to stitch hopefully. Happy stitching, quilting and knitting everyone.

Need more free time

2011-10-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

Okay, did a "bad" thing yesterday and went "shopping" in my own stash of needlework stuff (which has recently grown), and knitting stash and decided that I needed just one more project to work on, the list continues to grow. I now have one pair of socks to knit, finish a scarf, finish a sweater and now make a long vest for work. Photos to follow in a few days - well maybe, and this is just my "knitting" to-do list. Hope everyone is having a happy, fun Monday evening....

A week of Knitting & the Blue Ridge Parkway

2011-10-23T04:59:00.016-04:00

I have been knitting my son David's scarf this past week and happy to say, I'm 60% finished. The photo really doesn't do it justice since I folded it in half, it's more of a chocolate brown color too. Thinking about picking up one of the cross-stitch WIPs I've been working on this year depending on how cold it is outside. Or, maybe make another pair of pants for work, just not sure which this early in the Morning.

The trees are about to lose most of the leaves I would say by next Friday here in the Mountains and with them the Fall Colors. I drove to my favorite shoe store yesterday and took the Blue Ridge Parkway to HWY 191 and it was just beautiful, all the trees and fall colors. I am very lucky that one of the "on ramps" is only 3.4 miles from my house. My list of things to finish by Christmas seems to be growing; but anyway, Happy stitching, knitting, crocheting and sewing everyone....

October is in, September is Out

2011-10-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

Wow, I didn't realize my last post was almost a month ago. I finished knitting Phil's socks and they turned out excellent and fit him really good. I have posted two photos since the finished sock photo doesn't show the true colors. The unfinished sock photo shows the true colors, blues, greens, and purples.

I've also started knitting my youngest son, David a scarf for winter weather in the Low Country. I've started it over again two times, so only on row 23 right now. I hope to work on it steady until it's finished.

I'm using 5 skeins of blue sky alpacas - 100% baby alpaca sport-weight, so it's light and feels wonderful to the touch. My oldest son wants socks in a burgundy color, so I just bought two skeins of madelintosh pashmina (merino wool/silk/cashmere blend)sock weight yarn in a beautiful color called "tart".

I'm hoping my youngest son will want some socks too...I've also finished and worn 2 new pairs of pants to work - from gorgeous wool fabrics from my all time favorite fabric store here in Asheville,Waechter's Fine Fabrics. I have also bought from them a incredible purple/black 100% rayon (Newport Tweed - made in Italy) that I plan to use Vogue pattern 1246. I also finished my HOE Christmas ornament exchange this past week and mailed too, and love how it turned out. Hope everyone has a great couple of weeks, and happy stitching, knitting and sewing everyone...

Quiet Weekend at Home

2011-09-18T11:16:00.000-04:00

Not much going on this weekend. Have been stitching the Hooked on Exchange piece and picked up a sweater I started knitting about this time last year and finished the back and now working on the left front. No pictures since it's rather plain until I knit the sleeves which have a gorgeous cable down them for decoration. I received this lovely pyn keep from Sarah Beth, it's her first. Isn't is just adorable. I love cats and pumpkins. It will hang at my desk at work the month of October since I spend so much time there.

There's no place like home, theres no place like home......

2011-09-12T18:12:00.000-04:00

The older I get the more this is true. After a week vacation at Edisto Island/Beach SC this past week I was very happy to drive up to the little old log cabin here in the mountains. I did spend the week stitching and my youngest son visited us one day from Mt. Pleasant and he & I

took the Pink Van Tour which was actually pretty good.
I did work on three cross-stitch projects - Must Be Santa

is almost done, stitched some on Bitter Flower Sampler by Birds of a Feather

and also worked some on my sister's Quaker Sampler by La-D-Da

too. For the Fall Pyn Keepe HOE exchange I stitched a design titled Autumn Splendor from With Thy Needle and Thread, here's the finished project, would like to make one for myself too

Now that it’s finally cooling off some in the evening, I plan to get started on some knitting and quilting again too. I’ve also picked out the fabric and thread for my next Christmas HOE due by October, and here's a photo of them.

Another Summer is Almost Over

2011-08-31T20:25:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been really hot here in the mountains this summer and not much sewing is getting done since my sewing room faces West and gets most all the heat and sun. However, I did finish the Autumn Pyn Keepe HOE piece and mailed today. Also, I've picked up a pattern I purchased over a year ago: Must Be Santa 2009, from Prairie Schooler (Phil should like it since there's a Reindeer & any deer will do), I'm also still stitching my Snowman ornament. We've had a bumper crop of Okra and Tomatoes

this year and my red bell peppers are almost ripe. Made a great recipe from Giada De Laurentis - Couscous stuffed Bell Peppers with Basil Sauce

Since Phil and I love fried Okra we've had it about every other evening for two weeks now. Since Okra is the star, I wash it in water,cut into bite size pieces and put all in a Ziploc bag with only corn meal inside. Shake it up and then put into a medium-heat pan of canola oil and fry about 4 minutes until nice and brown. Drain on a paper towel lined plate, then salt/pepper to taste.

Another Weekend is almost over...

2011-08-07T00:05:00.000-04:00

I've had a wonderful surprise this weekend, my second cousin from Vancouver, British Columbia is on a road-trip throughout North American and she made a stop here in Swannanoa for a day. We had a marvelous visit and talked about our relatives from Greece. I also made her homemade waffles this morning before she left for the next leg of her journey to SC, FL, Texas, and then back up the continent. I do hope to visit her next year in British Columbia and also visit my oldest son again in Seattle (he moved from Tacoma, WA last year). I have also finished more knitted hats for charity; and also one for my mom and one for my husband to take hunting this fall. Here's a photo of the three more I finished for charity.

I've signed up for the Hooked on Exchange Autumn/Fall Pyn keepe and have an idea in mind. Well, its late and I'm tired, so happy stitching and knitting everyone.

5 hats done and Knit in tonight at Black Mountain Yarn Shop

2011-07-13T17:22:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the knit in at the yarn shop and I'm on hat #6 and I'll pick out the yarn for my son's scarf tonight, even though it's way to hot here in Swannanoa to start knitting it. But at least I'll have it when I'm in a air-conditioned building to start knitting. I have purchased some new patterns from 1-2-3 Stitch online to work on starting in a month or two (I have plenty to do once the cooler months arrive). It's just too hot to be in my sewing room upstairs unless I sew very early in the morning (6 - 8 am) or sew very late at night after 11pm. I have a pair of dark purple Capri's about finished, so maybe very early Friday Morning I can finish. I need a few pairs for my trip to Florida in a few weeks to visit my mom. Also, I found a really cute pattern for a cardigan knit in one piece (garter stitch) and here's a link to the creator's blog: Green Mittens, and the pattern link is available at her blog on the left side called the CORINNE.

2 more Knitted Hats and Creekbed scarf for my son

2011-07-03T17:21:00.000-04:00

I finished two more hats for the homeless and found a gorgeous man's scarf pattern at Nik's Knits so I sent the link to both my sons to see if they'd like a scarf for this winter since one lives in Seattle and the other lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC. My youngest one would like this in black so I plan to buy the yarn next week at Black Mountain Yarn shop and get started. I've also picked up my sister's cross stitch and it's starting to look really nice too.

Knitted Beanie Hat for Charity

2011-06-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

Here's a copy of the pattern that Ms. Stobbs adapted for charity and home use only if you would like to make some for your local charity organizations or homeless shelters.

Basic Beanie Hat for Charity

Yarn: Knitting worsted
Needles: #4 and #5 16” circular, and #5 (five double pointed needles) or size to get correct gauge
Gauge: 9 stitches = 2: (on larger needles)

With smaller needles, cast on 72 stitches (child size) and 84 stitches (adult man or women size). Place marker for beginning and join for knitting in the round, making cast-on edge as neat as possible. Working in ribbing of K1, P1 or K2, P2 (your choice) for 2”. Change to larger needle and knit even (in your yarn and color choice, or stripes) until entire piece measures about 6” (child size), 6 & ½” (adult size) or desired depth until crown decreases.

Decreasing for crown:
*K10, K2together (repeat from * around)
*K9, K2together (repeat from * around)
*K8, K2together (repeat from *around)

Continue decreasing this method, having one less stitch between decreases until 6 stitches remain (child), and 7 stitches remain (adult); changing to double-pointed needles when necessary. On adult size on last decrease row, you will end up with K2together around, ending with 7 stitches left.

Cut yarn, leaving a 10” tail, thread yarn on a large eye needle and run needle through all remaining stitches. Draw stitches closed firmly and go through stitches once more and pull firmly. Weave yarn end in securely for 3 – 5”.

This hat pattern was adapted from several hat patterns, including one from the Seamen’s Church Institute

Knitting Hats for the Homeless

2011-06-24T10:50:00.000-04:00

The knitting group at Black Mountain Yarn Shop that meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday has a wonderful member that collects hats for the homeless every summer for the winters here in the mountains. The goal this year is 1,000 hats (toboggans) for men, women and children (we use acrylic yarns so they can be easily washed and fewer allergies). I am knitting my first ever; last year I contributed zero, not because I didn't want to, but I was just scared of knitting a round object that gets smaller. This year I jumped in and here's a peek at my first one. I started it on Wednesday evening - of course and had the help of Betsy (the organizer/collector of these hats), through a group called the Western Carolina Knitters and Crocheters for Charity. If you would like to donate a knitted cap, you can bring them to Black Mountain Yarn Shop, 203A West State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711, or you can mail to them at this address also (please use acrylic yarn).

Also, My Hooked on Exchange partner received my Snowman Ornament so I can post a photo of him.

Snowmen Ornaments and Sideways Vest

2011-06-19T12:27:00.001-04:00

I just finished The Sideways Strip Vest from the book by Noro called Knit Noro, 30 Designs in Living Color. I had to use two sizes smaller needles (size 6) to get the correct gauge but it's amazing how it fits great, will have to wear it first once fall gets here in the mountains. Also I finished my Snowman Christmas ornament this past week and mailed to partner in the US, I enjoyed stitching it so much (I love Snowmen) that I want to make one for myself for this Christmas. As soon as my recipient receives, I'll post a photo. Also I received this wonderful ornament from Ina my exchange partner from the Netherlands.

For the vest, I used two different colors so that I can wear this with about every color pullover t-shirt. I'm hoping to start knitting something I can wear this summer, but I'd better hurry up and get started. Also, I need to start socks for my spouse, finish my sister's quilt and get started on another quilt for a friend.

New purse and new blouse completed this weekend

2011-05-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

I’m traveling next week and will be visiting Washington, DC if all goes well. So I decided to make a new purse and use as my carry on (to fit stitching, knitting and maybe a book to read and some snacks). I decided to make my second Amy Butler bag titled the Frenchy Bag; the larger version. I have always believed that you can use two totally different fabrics and it will work sometimes. The photos of both sides of my finished purse really show this.

I really love how it turned out.

I also had gorgeous linen that I purchased from Waechter's Silk Shop about 6 months ago and I finally made it using a Vogue blouse pattern. I also added a beautiful French trim (using a "Wing" needle in my machine) to the collar, sleeves and hem using my Bernina Artista 650.

My Husband Phil had a great idea about buttons for the shirt. Use one of my pins for the first one (since I don't have much to wear them with) and then use a very plain purple button for all the ones below, so they won't stand out.

Pretty good idea. I hope to post photos next week of my trip to DC. Happy stitching, knitting and quilting everyone.

Wedding Quilt for a friend

2011-05-10T17:33:00.000-04:00

My husband and I went to a wedding about one year ago to a co-worker/friend and I promised to make her a quilt for a wedding present; well my high stress job got in the way and I finally emailed her today to get the colors she wanted again, since I can't find the original email. So this is now my project number 2 for the Summer/Fall of 2011 (#1 of course is to finish my sister Deb's quilt). My friend's colors are deep red/coral/blues, so I can't wait to get started. Happy sewing, knitting, crocheting and stitching everyone.

British Monarchy, Knitting, Sewing & Quaker Christmas Ornament HOE2

2011-05-06T19:36:00.000-04:00

I know, interesting title. But I didn't mention last week that I love all things royal. Here the official British Monarchy weblink if you're interested. I've managed to make two pairs of pants and a gorgeous oriental type vest/jacket for spring and I'll post photos tomorrow since I'm still sewing up a storm this weekend. Here's a photo of the below Hibiscus Shell (sweater) I just finished today. I did cheat and sewed the side seams by sewing machine just because I got a little lazy.

Here's a photo of the Quaker Christmas Ornament that I stitched for the HOE2 exchange, but was told that my recipient may be totally MIA.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there too.

Quaker Christmas Ornament Recieved from Melissa

2011-04-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

Received my Quaker HOE this week and love how Melissa used Easter colors for a little change.

I started sewing early this morning to finish my sister's quilt top (worked on it most of yesterday too) and also finished the four little blocks of April - $5 BOM @ Asheville Cotton Co.

Last week I finally finished all the Oriental BOM blocks from Asheville Cotton Company and found a really gorgeous black from Marti's Patchwork Cottage in Black Mountain for the backing. See what you think. I first put this on point,

but don't like how it looks so decided on the blocks not on point.

Also the top I'm knitting is a little confusing regarding all the decreases (how to keep the pattern looking right). I'm glad that I started knitting the back first.

Knitting and Paper Piecing class this week

2011-04-22T19:15:00.000-04:00

I have finally finished knitting the Hibiscus Shell from Knitter's Magazine Summer 2010 issue that I started August 2010, but ran out of the color. Once I ordered it the weather has started turning cold here in Swannanoa. So picked it up a week ago to finish the last sleeve. Hope to sew it together this weekend.

Also starting knitting a Lace Tank from Nashua Handknits new leaflet Celebration - Designs in Creative Focus Linen. Not sure if you can tell, but using the Peacock Blue from Cascade Yarns (100% Pima Cotton), I love how fast it knits up; it's 1/4 completed.

I also took a paper piece quilt class at Asheville Cotton Co. yesterday as the wall hanging actually SCREAMED at me, it's trees which I love and I used batiks (the great thing is used 95% of my stash and only bought a few extra colors from Marti's Patchwork Cottage (quilt shop) in Black Mountain, NC.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Easter.

Another busy weekend almost over

2011-04-10T19:30:00.000-04:00

I do love Gerber Daisys the most, so I found this old photo from 2005 of some that I planted while living in South Carolina. Also managed to finish Phil's yellow sweater (it took one year, on and off)today; knitting the sleeve for a summer sweater that I started last August (so I can wear it this year) and also finished my HOE Quaker ornament exchange piece. I was also able to sew the panels for my sister's blue/yellow quilt too.

Very Busy Weekend

2011-04-03T22:53:00.000-04:00

Well I've been able to knit 2/3 of the green scarf/cowl, started and completed another dish cloth (free pattern from http://www.ravelry.com) with some scrap cotton that I have, finished the cross-stitching part of the HOE Christmas Ornament exchange, so now I need to finish it for mailing. Also cooked, cleaned, did the laundry, etc. that I normally do on the weekends. Oh and also have about 2/3 of my husband's yellow sweater sewn together and also worked on my sister's Quaker piece (cross-stitch).

Working on WIPs

2011-03-27T06:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been very busy since Thursday night working on projects. I finished block 3 of the Asheville Cotton Co. $5 Quilt for 2011; have about 2/3 of the green cowl knitted (1 ball out of three left), finally started sewing Phi's yellow knitted sweater together (shoulders done so far), busy cross-stitching on the Quaker Christmas ornament for the HOE exchange due in 15 or so days. Also, finished my son's curtains and will deliver to him in the Low Country today (Sunday). No photos though, maybe to come later. Next weekend I need to do some planting though (re-pot 3 of my orchids. One is already blooming and will post a photo next week. Its one of my new ones and just gorgeous [light greenish-yellow with fuchsia polka dots, etc.]) Well, it's 6:20 am and will try and get maybe one more hour of sleep before traveling to Charleston for visiting with family and training for work. Happy quilting, stitching and knitting everyone.

Heart's Desire BOM (free) from Esther

2011-03-14T20:59:00.000-04:00

If you really want an exquisite BOM to piece and quilt, you must visit Esther's blog. The blocks are just incredible and gorgeous.....I plan on working on these in the upcoming weeks. Also, now that I'm stitching again, here is a list of a few of my WIPs that I really want to finish before June 2012: The Quaker Alphabet by La De Da for my sister Anna,CA Wells' Mermaid that I still keep putting down. I have started my Quaker HOE piece and it's looking good so far. Happy stitching, quilting and knitting everyone.

Very Busy Week

2011-03-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

This week has been very busy, went to the First Annual Shop Hop event at Black Mountain Yarn Shop in Black Mountain, NC. We started at the Yarn Shop, then a trip to a local Chocolate Shop, on to the Merry Wine shop then dinner at Que Serra. The evening ended around 9pm and we all had a wonderful time. Yesterday evening was the Evening Knit In at the yarn shop and we had a really good time too. I'm still working on the Rain on the Prairie Scarf designed by Maureen Hefti in the Spring 2011 Interweave Knits. Not sure who will get this one but I have an idea...

You can't really see it but there is a great sparkle thread throughout the yarn (like a foil). The yarn I'm using is Nashua from Westminster Fibers Grand Opera in Grass Green. I mailed my Red Exchange last Tuesday and I don't think my partner has received yet; so as not to repeat a late mail-out I've already picked my next exchange piece and will start stitching tomorrow night. I've decided that I can photo the thread color and fabric that I'll be using since it won't give away the project. Asheville Cotton Company has a new BOM $5 quilt and here's a photo of my 1st 2 blocks (Jan & Feb) I changed some of the colors and we get block three tomorrow or Saturday. I really am hoping to finally finish all blocks so my quilt top will be a whopping $5..

Plans for the weekend: finish my son's curtains, work on Hooked on Exchange (HOE) piece, and rest? Who knows. Happy knitting, stitching and sewing everyone.

Red Exchange Received and another Lazy Weekend

2011-03-05T16:33:00.000-05:00

I received my Red Exchange on Friday in the mail and it's a lovely needle keep and some really pretty red threads that I hope to use in the future from Lisa. I do love the design she stitched for me (LOVE, by Debbie Draper Designs).

I really hoped to finish my son's curtains early this morning, but really still don't feel totally 100% yet. Also working a lot of extra hours at my new Part-time job (still more like 40 hours each week). Hopefully this will be over for good 3/18/2011. I can only hope. I did drag my dining room table upstairs to use as my quilting/sewing table though as it's the heavy country butcher block style and very sturdy. The plastic type table just wasn't sturdy enough for cutting. Hopefully tonight I'll work more on the curtains. I'm also knitting a really pretty green cowl for spring and it's slowly coming along.

New BOM by Esther

2011-02-16T16:48:00.000-05:00

I just visited Esther's blog and she has a new BOM, titled Heart's Desire - here's the link to it Esther's Blog. I'm not feeling well, so this is all I have time for today. Happy knitting, stitching and sewing everyone.

Venison Mousaka and Caramel Apple Cake

2011-02-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

I watch the episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay - Mousaka (baked eggplant & meat). He and a Greek Chef (food writer, cookbook author) made this on the show. I liked some of the ingredients they both used and came up with my own 5-star version.

The basic recipe I started with comes from Popular Greek Recipes (1997), complied by The Ladies of the Philoptochos Society, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Charleston, SC (my sister gave me this as a present for Christmas in 1997). I made a smaller serving size, changed to red onions versus regular white, added lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and Fontinella Cheese to the Crema (béchamel) sauce. Here’s my final recipe if you’re interested.

1 lb venison (ground as for hamburger)
1 red onion
2 eggplant (peeled, sliced)
1 clove garlic (minced fine)
2 tbsp. Olive oil (OO)
Parsley
2 tbsp butter
½ c water
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
Fresh nutmeg

Prep work: Preheat broiler - peel and slice the eggplant, place on cookie sheets; brush one side with OO and then sprinkle with Sea Salt. Place under preheated broiler and watch this (you want it to brown but not burn). Take out and flip all, brush other side with OO and salt, put back in broiler and when this side is browned, take out of oven and set aside.

Preheat oven @ 350°F, on stove-top heat a iron skillet or pan over medium heat, put in the olive oil ( Venison is very lean and it will burn if no oil is added), once it starts browning, add the chopped red onion and garlic clove; brown together for about 10 minutes. Then add parsley and butter. Add tomato sauce and ½ c of water to pan and stir, simmer until thick. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Crema sauce (my version)

3 tbsp. Butter
2 tbsp. flour
1 and ½ cup milk
3 oz. of Fontinella cheese (shredded)
3 oz. of parmesan cheese (shredded)
3 egg yolks

Melt butter over medium heat and immediately turn down to low, add the flour and whisk until blended, add the milk and continue to whisk until thickened. Slowly add the egg yolks (mix them up a bit 1st) keep stirring until very thick. Take pot off burner then add the cheeses and stir until they are fully melted into the mixture.

In an 9” x 9” pan, layer with eggplant, meat mixture, eggplant, meat mixture. Then pour Crema sauce over top. Grate some nutmeg on top (only if you like it). Then put in oven and bake about 30 to 40 minutes, until the top starts bubbling. Take out of oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes; serve with your favorite salad, or greens.

I really love how this turned out and hope to make again as it’s not really as labor intensive as it looks if you get things ready and make room for the layering ahead of time (weekend dish for sure).

Since this was my first 3-day weekend (part-time at work now), I also made the Caramel Apple Cake recipe from Mixingbowl.com The Baking Issue(Fall/Winter 2010). As you can see, it's been one day and there isn't much left..

I also was able to clean out my plastics cabinet in the kitchen, cleaned out my knitting book shelf in the living room so I can actually get to the books and magazines;so all in all a nice productive weekend,but I guess I'd better get busy stitching, knitting or sewing at some point .

Downton Abbey is over until 2012?

2011-02-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

What a great series from Masterpiece, but I hate the thought of waiting one year for Series II and that Matthew and Mary aren't getting married(at least not yet anyway), but guess I'll have too. Also, Mr. Bates is younger and one of the main characters in Lark Rise To Candleford (thank goodness it's still on weekly) I enjoyed visiting with my youngest son this past weekend in Mt. Pleasant, SC., we had a nice time. The traffic was horrible on I-26, about 10 miles before my destination. I was stuck in traffic for over one hour (with only 3 miles to my exit) along with about 1,000 other vehicles. The weather was glorious though..I forgot my camera, so no pictures this trip. I plan to start my Hooked On Exchange piece this weekend, clean the house and maybe work on my sister's quilt top too, depending on the weather.

The Weekend

2011-01-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

Well, today was finally my last day at my full-time job and I officially start my part-time job on Monday (Mon - Thursday), with every Friday off, so it will be a three day weekend from here on out I hope. To celebrate, I'm traveling to Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC this weekend to visit my youngest son. Next Monday evening I intend to take another sewing class for my new Bernina at Asheville Cotton Co., since I've not really been all that impressed with this machine and actually pulled out my Baby Lock to piece my sister's quilt together. I find it incredible that you have to change the needles so much and if you don't, the stitching looks awful. Since I've been sewing for over 40 years now (Kenmore, Singer, Baby Lock) and haven't had stitching look like this from any of these machines and did I mention that it was 4 times as much $$ as any of my other sewing machines (but I did buy it on an impulse/emotion - so my fault)... Anyway as long as I can sew with something it's okay. Hopefully, in a future post I can report that I'm happy with this new machine and using it a lot more. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and happy stitching, quilting and knitting.

Going off the deep end, literally

2011-01-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've been subscribing to Vanity Fair magazine on and off for about 15 years. And lately have been buying books and reading them based on magazine articles I've read; with very good luck. Well, my latest issue had a story titled, The Wave Maker (about Ken Bradshaw) he's a 58 year old surfer and the more I read the article the more I became interested. The same time I have a free month preview of Encore channel on Dish Network and was looking through the guide for shows to tape with our DVR and came across a movie called Billabong Odyssey, made in 2003 that shows Mr. Ken Bradshaw and other surfers looking for and surfing giant waves, it is really incredible. I've now watched it three times and hate to delete it. Talk about luck or good timing.....

Downton Abbey and Lark Rise to Candleford

2011-01-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been catching up on some DVR taped television shows this week in the evening, and I love the new Masterpiece series Downton Abbey and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Here is the photo of the scarf I just finished for my step-daughter last week.

Below is a photo of the crocheted scarf that I made for myself using 100% worsted wool KPPM yarn. It did take more than 1 year to complete as I kept picking it up and putting it down (started December 2009). My sister Deb and I attended The Needle Fair - A Stitching Retreat sponsored by Needle Delights this past October, and funny thing is I worked on this crocheted scarf because of the beautiful colors and my other sister's sampler that I promised her for Christmas 2010. It is not finished yet, but hope to complete by her birthday this year. There is a picture below of it, a design that she picked out by La-D-Da (she also picked out the colors).

I recommend the Stitching Retreat as it's right on the Gulf of Mexico, it's very peaceful and everyone is so friendly. The stitching room was fantastic, open and had very good lighting. The Needle Delights store website has the 2011 registration up already. I will definitely be going again this year if I can, hopefully with my sister too.

Snow Storm of 2011 and Quilting once again

2011-01-10T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well, this morning started out with about 6 inches of snow on the ground that kept on coming until around 2pm, so I called in to work today and just stayed home.

After playing outside with Dr. Watson (our cat) for about 30 minutes in the snow (he's pretty funny about snow, once I create a path, he'd walk and jump with me) he came in and decided to rest on the sweater that I've knitted while it dried on the dining room table.

I started my sister's quilt today, after spending the weekend cleaning out my sewing room and finished all 8 of the print blocks and 1 of the 8 solid color blocks. The pattern she chose is from Fons & Porter Easy Quilts, April 2009, Tracks Along the Trail, page 90.

At least I had a very productive day at home and accomplished something. Happy knitting, stitching and quilting everyone.

Saturday morning Snow in the Mountains

2011-01-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

I woke to 2" of fresh snow on the ground here in Swannanoa this morning.

I really love snow so much as I was raised mostly in Florida where there wasn't any (at least not when I lived there as a child). I visited Sew Many Ways this morning and Karen has a guest post that is fabulous for all you out there that want to organize your sewing and crafting rooms. I hope to do this this year also, maybe on my Friday's off. Here's the link to her post for you http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2011/01/tips-tricks-and-tutorial.html and thank you Karen. I hope to finish the scarf that I have 95% finished knitting for my step-daughter for Christmas tonight (if I do, I'll post a photo tonight) and actually sew a little today too. Happy stitching, knitting and sewing everyone.

It's back to work tomorrow

2011-01-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I just finished "Furious Love", the new book about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, it was a wonderful book which is great since I bought the hardback before I read it. My sister chatted to me about this practice of mine, buying books before I read them. I just bought two more knitting books that look very promising and I did take the time to look through them and make sure that I would knit out of them. I plan to read more this year, and getting ready to start "An Irish Country Doctor" tonight or tomorrow night. I haven't knitted or sewn anything since returning from Tallahassee, FL on the 26th of December, guess my hands just needed a rest.

My Hopes for 2011

2010-12-31T20:54:00.000-05:00

1) Be kinder and less demanding of myself (perfection cannot be achieved)
2) Keep more in touch with my sons via letters and cards
3) Walk every day (for mental and physical health)
4) Things I'd like to complete in 2011(post photos when complete:
a. Sister Deb's quilt (Pay It Forward for 2010 [pretty sad huh?])
b. Sew together Phil's sweater, it's already knitted
c. Knit Phil socks
d. Knit Allen & David socks
e. Finish my blue sweater for work
f. Finish Wendi's scarf 95% done (step-daughter)
g. Make myself some socks, Wendi & Katie too
h. Make Momma some socks
i. Finish some of my quilt tops
j. Finish some of my needlework started
5) Watch less TV and live more...
6) Learn to Knit Fair Isles technique
7) Realize that family members can't always be "friends", and just let it go...

December

2010-12-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I deleted my blog but have decided to try again since I'll be working part-time starting mid-January and really hope to spend more time actually finishing my quilt tops; I still have at least 10 (some completed, some not). Also maybe actually complete some of my needlework projects too (10+ going). Have Knitting fever and go to ravelry.com on a regular basis. This really great yarn will hopefully be a pair of socks for my husband Phil for Christmas. OOPS, but isn't this yet another project....