Thursday, May 13, 2010

Say hello to my little friend


OK, couldn't help myself there :cP  I wanted to share some pictures of the chimp I have been working on.  I'm not real thrilled with my seaming job, but my daughter loves it so its all good.



She is a pattern from Alan Dart and was published in Issue 66 of Simply Knitting.  I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn and knitted her on size 5 needles.  The pattern called for a lighter weight yarn and smaller needles, but I wanted her to be a bit bigger than the published finished size of 13 inches.  Using what I did she ended up at 18 inches from top of head to feet.

Here is a close up of her foot.  Probably the most advanced shaping I've done so far.  I look at it and still can't believe I made it :cD

The  pattern also includes a skirt, necklace and hat.  I am in the process of making the skirt ( dd chose a variegated pink and purple yarn), but didn't like the necklace or hat.  She decided she liked the "pom pom headband" that she is wearing now better...and that she wants me to make her 3 more :cS  We'll see about that.   Actually, I think I may make another Alan Dart pattern for a cat for my son next.

I am down to only adding the border on the dino quilt, and hope to get out to the store to get batting and backing to get it done.  Also hoping to get batting for the love beads quilt (I think I'm going to use the peiced backing for that quilt) and get it done too.  For now I am going to get back to the grind.  Hope you all have a great day!! Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse

Monday, May 10, 2010

Makes me happy Monday

Hi all, its another Monday and today for makes me happy Monday, I thought since I don't really have any big exciting topic, I am going to share my list of little happy makers for me today :cD

1. The kids are here, and I am heading into a 3 day in a row off stretch.  We were at Jo-Anns yesterday and bought some things to make together, and some things they can work on when I am sewing / knitting, so I am looking forward to a fun couple days.

2. A good cup of coffee with peppermint mocha creamer (which is now available all year long...yippee!)

3. The sun is shining, and I am going to try to get out and enjoy it!

4. My neighborhood.  After my divorce I moved a bit further towards suburbia...its not as crowded, we have more yard, and its way more quiet...happy, happy, happy.  Oh, and the tree outside my living room finally has leaves!!  I know that sounds a bit silly, but that tree is the last one in the neighborhood to get leaves for some reason, and I look forward to the shade they provide so when the finally appear I am thrilled.

5. Time to work on projects.  The kids are in school just yet so that means I still have some uninterrupted time to work on things.  Alas I have no pictures to share just yet (I apologize, I know no pictures can be a pretty boring post), but hopefully I'll be back later tonight with a couple to share.  I am nearly done with the dinosaur quilt top, and I am also working on knitted chimpanzee toy for my little one.  I'm not real thrilled with my seaming, but for a first try, its coming out pretty well.

I hope all you moms out there had a great Mother's Day.  I was just happy to have my little ones with me. They both gave me special projects they made in school (which in my opinion is far better and more valuable to me than anything they could buy me) We went out and did some shopping and since my mom couldn't make it up we all got to video chat with her for a little while, which was very cool...it was the first time I ever did a video chat thing.  Then we had veggie lasagna for dinner which I had been looking forward to all weekend.  It was a pretty darn awesome day.

Well, I'm on my way for now to try to get those projects done so I can come back and share some photos. Hope you have a wonderful Monday!! Warmest country wishes!!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Time management...

...OK, I'll be the first to say I suck at it!  I can't believe its been almost a week since I've posted.  I remember when I was in college they did a "test" to determine how you managed time and how to make changes so you would do better in school.  I am totally a task oriented (as opposed to a time oriented) person.  I get going on something and just keep at it and don't really keep an eye on the clock.  There are times I don't have a problem being this way, then there are other times I think I should set a timer so I at least dedicate at least a little time on all the little (and big) things I need to get done.  At least I have some things to show for the time I've been gone :cD
    I have a co-worker that is pregnant with her first baby, a boy, and I have been working on things for her.  I have gotten a sort of little layette done...hat, bib, and booties.  I'm happy with them, but I am thinking  I may still try to make a second hat with my circular needles so there is one without a seam.  I finally found how to do the magic loop technique on line and want to give it a try.  I hope she likes what I've made so far...
I've also made progress on the dinosaur quilt. I have the fabric for the bones that go around the outside. Now to get to work on them.

Other than that, its been spring cleaning time.  I love being able to leave the window open and get the fresh air in the house! We did get out and take a walk on the local trail yesterday.  It was gorgeous, couldn't help but snap a couple pictures.

This is actually the back half of someones property. They were mowing it as we were walking. I would love to have this as part of my back yard.

One of the many "tree bridges" that we passed...my son thought these were really cool. I have to say, I think they're pretty cool too.

I  just though this was a pretty photo ;cD

I think we're going to make this a weekly trip, its nice to be outside, a great place to take the dog walking, and just so lovely and relaxing...not to mention only about 20 minutes away.

Well, I am going to take off and try to get a few more things done.  Maybe I'll set that timer, maybe not  ;cD
Hope you all have a great day.  Warmest country wishes!!
Country Mouse