Unexpected surprises and keeping busy

Hi everyone!  The last week plus has just flown by, and its been quite full of surprises.  It started Saturday (Sweetest's Day) when my fiancee brought these into work for me...

Then I ended up with an unexpected day off all to myself on Sunday...can't remember when I had one of those!  I took my time in the stores I wanted to look around, treated myself to lunch out, and spent some time working on finishing up some knitting projects and took a nice run.  Then we had some good fortune come our way via the mail which meant our monthly expenses being lowered a bit. Unfortunately all surprises can't be good and right now I am trying to figure out how I'm going to handle a scheduling problem at work, but I'll get it figured out one way or another :cD  Life is all about give and take, ups and downs, and without fail it always works out in the end so I am trying to learn not to let myself get too overstressed.

Now I had mentioned running?  I am sooo glad to be back to running consistently again.  I may not be running far (right now I am running about 1 1/2 to 3 miles at a time), but I am losing some weight and feeling so much better.  So far I am down about 7 lbs, and just love getting out in the fall air.  How can you not like seeing this?

We even took the kids out to hike at the park.  Our goal is to hike all the trails on our county park's "healthy hikes" list by next spring.  The kids have been doing so good, I am so proud of them!!

I have been making time for projects too.  I recently finished, well almost I still need to sew the eyes on, another teddy.  The pattern has a sweater for him too which I may make yet, but for now I think he turned out pretty well.  My seaming sure has come a long way :cD

I have been making progress on my sweater.  It brings up another surprise this week.  When I made this the first time I ended up with a few errors in the lace section.  I just didn't get it.  This time, after getting into the pattern, the lace part just "clicked".  I finally got it, and it came out really well.  Yea!!  I am using Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue.  I would love to use some of the fancier yarns out there, but I just can't afford them at this point. I do like the way this yarn feels, and the color, so if all continues to go well, I'm sure I'll love the sweater.

Finally, my daughter has been asking for a fleece poncho.  She knows what fleece she wants and everything.  Well, when I was at our local Jo-Ann's the fleece she has been asking for for weeks was on sale, as well as the pattern.  So I went ahead and picked them up and hope to have it done over the weekend if I can squeeze the time in.  I think is going to be super cute ;cD

Well,  I'm off to get a run in and start my work week. Hope you all have a great day.  Warmest country wishes!!

A little perspective

Hi all, sorry I've been gone so long.  I wanted to give you all a heads up and let you know that the first paragraph is a bit of an explanation of where I've been.  Its a little rambling and borders on a bit of a rant so if you want to skip it, feel free.  I won't be upset, its just stuff I felt I had to get off my chest.  Just skip down to the first picture and check out what I've been working on over the summer.  Thanks :cD

    Have you seen the movie Ratatouille?  There is a scene when Anton Ego comes into Gusteau's and when asked what he wants (he is going to write a review about the restaurant) he tells the waiter something along the lines of '...some perspective...do you have a wine that would be a good accompaniment to that?'  And he gets it.  He not only gets a meal that reminds him of simpler, happier times, he finds out that cooking genius can take unexpected forms.  What does this have to do with me?  Well, over my hiatus I have taken a step back and given myself the chance to gain a little perspective.  I have to admit to almost giving up the blogging thing and just disappearing into obscurity.  Why?  Because, for whatever reason, I found myself falling into the trap (if you will) of thinking my joy in blogging was based on number of visitors or comments.  I was getting absolutely discouraged and thinking I was doing something wrong or was just plain boring (either of which may be true...those can be subjective terms of course) because I wasn't getting lots of visitors, or lots of commenters.  I mean hey, I do wonder how come some bloggers out there are capable of having 40 comments within the first 30 minutes after a post and I'm lucky to get 40 comments over the course of a couple months.  I also have to admit to becoming a bit disenchanted with the world of quilting.  I don't care to elaborate more because I really don't want to hurt any feelings or get any feathers ruffled, but let me just say I am not too very excited to get all involved with some of the online quilting stuff anymore (OK maybe there are a couple of exceptions).  I am still totally enamored with knitting and that has been the bulk of my crafting for the last 6 months or so, as well as Ravelry and learning how to crochet too.  Anyhoo....after taking that step back I have come to some conclusions.  First,  I've gotten back to the mindset that blogging (for me at least) is about having fun and sharing my passion for my craft of choice at the moment as well as life in general,  not numbers and visitors and comments.  If I even have one person come and visit and leave a comment that brings me joy.  To know I've made a connection with at least one person out there....that's pretty darn cool!  Second is not to get so easily discouraged.  Life can be tough, mine has had its share of ups and downs, and just cause something isn't going how I think it should doesn't mean I should give it up. Finally, I've learned to quit comparing myself to everyone else.  I have a competitive streak in me, and in my younger days I constantly compared myself to everyone, and made grand plans of how I could be better.  Even just a short time ago I would be running and be passed by younger, faster runners and think "what wrong with me?'  The honest answer...nothing.  I just had to reach the point in my life where I realize that a lot of those runners are probably 10 years younger than me, haven't been through what I have, and may not have all the responsibilities I do...and besides that, I'm doing the best I can do and no matter what that is in comparison to them, its MY best and I should be proud.  I am finally at the point in my life where I can look at the things I do and be happy with them for their own merit, not compared to everyone else.  There is truth in the saying about there will always be someone prettier, smarter, faster yada yada yada.  And so, I would like to thank any of you that took the time to listen to me ramble and am happy to say that I am ready to get back to doing what makes me happy....knitting, sewing, running, creating, and blogging :cD


                                                              On to the fun stuff!!

I've been doing lots of knitting. These are two little cuties I whipped up.  The bumblebee was for a co-worker.  They are so cute and quick I've though about knitting some up for unexpected surprises.  My first thought (being someone in the service industry) is a little something cute to leave for a good server along with a tip.  It's always fun getting something unexpected...my favorite story was I waited on a gentleman who had brought in a beautiful vase of flowers.  I thought it was for the couple he was dining with, but when the meal was over he looked at me and said "Here, these are for you.  You did a wonderful job."  It ended up he was a gardener who liked to make bouquets of the flowers he grew to leave as part of the tip he left for service staff.  How cool is that?!?!

I have continued to make toys.  LOVE them, so fun and so (relatively) fast.  The pig is going to be a gift, the zebra may end up as one well, and the teddies are going to be added to my growing collection of knitted teddies.  I am working on another teddy now and hope to have pics soon..

Also got a hat done for the cooler weather coming up.

Also I finally got brave and gave making sweaters a try.  My first attempt is the blue cardigan, which ended up not fitting me :(   ...but was perfect for my mom!  Then I found the pattern for the pink sweater and had to give it a try and I am thrilled with it.  I've actually worn it several times already.  My next sweater project?  One like the blue one in my size.  Both sweater patters were published in Simply Knitting magazine.

So as you can see I've been keeping myself busy.  Now we are finally getting back into a routine with school, and I am getting better at finding time for all the household chores and stuff as well as running and hobby stuff and enjoying the evenings with the kiddos.  I think I am finally coming into my own in a lot of ways so I am one happy mouse!!
Well, I am going to get on my way.  Life is so busy, even on my days off.  Hope you all have a wonderful day!!  Warmest country wishes!!

Country Mouse 

Have you ever...

gone though a period where you just didn't feel anything was blog worthy?  Not that there isn't anything going on around here.  I have been dealing with all kinds of stuff on the personal side of life, but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't post any of that "downer" type stuff that may come up.  I will say that the things I have been dealing with have helped to make me stronger, strengthened my resolve, brought life into even better focus, opened my eyes even more to who I want to be and what I want to do, and the stress has led to a considerable amount of working on projects.  Now my poor sewing machine has been sitting dormant for about 2 1/2 months now, but I think I have gotten to the point where I am starting to feel the pull to finish a quilty project.  For now I have some knitting finishes to share.  I have become totally enamored with toy knitting, and just love watching these little guys come to life.

First let me introduce you to Sox.  He is an Alan Dart design from Simply Knitting magazine. I just love his patterns. The detail is just wonderful.  Right now he is resting comfortably in my son's room :cD

Next up is baby bear. His pattern is from a leaflet that came with a magazine.  I was originally going to keep him but I may gift him away since I got this next guy finished and he is definitely staying here...

This is Ezio the yarn guarding bunny.  He is from the book Knitted Toys...21 easy-to-knit patterns for irresistible soft toys by Fiona McTague.  I will admit to modifying the pattern just a bit because I didn't like the way his head turned out the first time.  But I am thrilled with him now and he sits on top of the bin I have my small yarn stash in.

Finally, this is Snowman II who was made for my daughter.  Why Snowman II you ask.  Well, when she was little we met some friends for dinner. While waiting at the restaurant she fell in love with a toy snowman.  We ended up buying that snowman and she has carried him everywhere for years.  Recently Snowman went missing.  We are hoping he turns up somewhere, but I made her this one to keep her company until Snowman's return.  He will never replace that snowman from the restaurant, but my little one loves this one too, so that makes me happy.

The weather around here has been very nice as of late, and I am making efforts to get my running back on track so I think that is what I will be doing later today.  I have been wanting to get back to a local park I used to run at regularly and I am excited to get back out there.  I hope you are all having a great summer so far and have a wonderful day full of your favorite things :cD  Warmest country wishes!!

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

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!!

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

Just thinking out loud

Hi all, I can't say its been an interesting day at the Country Mouse homestead (I did have a mouseling home sick today). I did get a start on another knitted project. It is another handbag that is a lace pattern. Its not necessarily hard, but I do need to keep my focus or I can get lost. So far so good, though.

Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel started to flare, so I decided to look for a pattern for the baby quilt I want to make. I finally decided on the Old Bones pattern in the book More Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts, then went to my stash and started looking for fabrics I could use. Now for the thinking out loud part...as I was going through everything I started to wonder, "I wonder if I could ever really use up most of my stash?" And honestly, I don't think mine is all that big. I have a three drawer bin with yardage (only 2 actually have fabric in them, the other is templates, tools, and a couple ongoing projects), a shoe box sized box with fat quarters, and 2 decent sized boxes with scraps.  I also have about 5 boxes (shoe box sized again and only about 1/2 full) with pre-cut strips, and 1 with strings and crumbs. As weired as it may sound, I would love to knock that in half or better. I love buying fabric, but I also love using it and I hate seeing it sitting there. I want it to be a quilt, or pillowcase, or handbag, or something!!  And I want to use it all. That's part of why I adore scrap quilts so much. I was wondering how others feel about their stash? Do you feel the way I do? Do you like having the fabric there for inspiration? Do you think its possible for a quilter to really use only from stash and really really reduce it down? It never fails for me that I still have to go to the store and find a fabric or two that I just don't seem to already have, but want to use. I'm sure I can't be the only one that happens to. I have to admit there are a few fabrics that just make my heart sing and I have such a hard time wanting to cut it up, but I know deep down I did buy it to use in a project some day. Maybe I just feel a little overwhelmed when I look at my sewing area and see the clutter, but then again let's be honest, how many people have a clean, neat, and organized sewing area all the time? Not me! Heck, I'm happy if even half my house is organized enough that I can find what I need some days.  Maybe its the fact that I still have a lot of fabric that was purchased before my LCE and I want to get it out of here, or maybe its that my tastes have changed a bit and I want to buy more of what I would like to use now but my space is so limited I don't know where I'm going to squeeze it in. Oh well, despite all of that thought...I know I'll still buy more. Maybe just not at too fast a rate ;cD Come on, I'm a quilter and just can't help myself :cP  Oh, and speaking of buying, even after I went through all I had, I probably will go out a buy just a couple "perfect" fat quarters for this quilt.

Well, thank for letting me ramble a bit. Right now I am strangely achy and sore so I think I'm just gonna take it easy and relax on the couch and watch some T.V.  Hopefully it will pass so I can get out for my walk tomorrow, and get my sewing machine humming. Hope you all have a wonderful day, warmest country wishes!!