Oh My Goodness!!

People suspend posting from their blogs for a bunch of reasons, something has gone wrong, or changed in their lives.

I had a baby.

I moved to Vancouver Island

We lost Sam, our sweet dog.

Hopefully I can add some new posts to this journey.

There are some lost posts!

I am not sure what happened but, I tried to post a few times from my iphone and they are not here.
That's not cool.
I wonder what happened. I had some new finished projects, and an update on my canning..... damn.
I have to see about getting some photos uploaded from my phone so I can make it up.
Hope to post soon! Blogger is fighting me tonight on my laptop.......

Crafty, homemaking vacation.....

This week I am on vacation, and for me that means getting some stuff done. Projects that take some time, and care. New things I've never tried before, or never made time for.

Today is Blackberry Jelly, a second attempt at body wash and hopefully a few small batches of some peach recipes.

So, Blackberry juice is on the stove with sugar, gaining heat and waiting for jars to  sterilize in the water bath. It is shocking how much sugar is called for in the jelly recipe I am referring to...... Shocking! I wish that books, or even the pectin packages would give a ratio, and reasons..... 7 cups of sugar to 4 cups of  juice, really? Even the tome "Joy of Cooking" gives no reason for this craziness.... Also all the recipes ask for fruit in a poundage, but don't list how much juice your going for in cups..... 4 pounds of blackberries made into juice, add 3/4 a cup of sugar. Thanks for that. I have reduced the sugar to 6 cups, it still seems crazy! Since the recipe calls for 2 packages of liquid pectin, i will chance it.

Not much to look at......

After the movement into jars, all it will be is dark purple jelly in jars!

As for the previously mentioned body wash, i was giving a Pinterest idea a shot. There are several pins for body wash on the cheap, basically most of them are: grate 8oz. of your preferred bar of soap, add to 6 cups of water on the stove and melt. Let cool, place in containers, and use. Some call for additional glycerine, some do not. So I bought some lovely smelling cheap, low chemical list in the ingredients bar soap, and grated it up. 

 

It smells lovely! 

The wonderful thing about this method is that you are not using an active lye component, which is the hazard in soap making at home. The bar soap has the lye in it, it 's done it's job and is no longer active. The tough thing is it was really hard to tell what I had at the end of the process yesterday. I thought it hadn't worked. I did not have any glycerine on hand so I skipped it. I had a chunk of soap solidifying on the top of very watery soap. Awesome. No there is no picture. 

So I considered......" Ok, I will go grab some glycerine in the morning, and try again."

I was astonished this morning when the pot was filled with a solid (yet creamy) soap! It was too thick to transfer to containers, so I added some water and put my plan into action. 

It's cooling now. Here's hoping the additional water and 2 teaspoons of glycerine are going to work out! Lol.

Hope you are having a great summer, more to come......

Another one bites the dust!

Ok, so I am really enjoying the Zig Zag Pram Blanket, so much in fact that I have completed a second, and began colour tests for the next.

It's a great.... not boring, but not crazy patter for a baby blanket big enough to be useful, but not caught in the buckles and clips. 

This one ended up with 21 white stripes total. The original intention of the pattern was as a scrappy blanket, for sock yarn leftovers. There ate several on Ravelry like this, one solid and a verrigated second colour. Some even use gradations, and those are beautiful too. I can see myself making a scrappy one, as well as trying several other options. So far it's been super satisfying. You should try it!

Things on the go!

I have a few new things on the go...... I started another Christmas Stocking(!)

Sadly I have no photo but, it's only the toe and a bit of foot, so nothing really spectacular yet. 

I have two new shawlettes on the go. An "Old man of Storr" in handspun  i traded a friend for......

As well as a "Inflourescence" from a new book in Indigo Moon. 

Neither are particularly large..... however they ate just what I needed to have on the needles before the next complicated projects!

Do I have plans? Oh boy yes! More on that later. Happy summer crafting!

The way of the blog.......

It's the way things go.......... things that fall by the wayside when life offline is demanding.
LOL

Let's see, I have been updating my Ravelry projects with my iphone app. Yikes.... all technical and stuff. I updated with a Blogger app too, maybe that will make it easier to get to this place.

My sister had her third baby and he's a cutie!
Other than that I have been working on cleaning up projects that have been accumulating and languishing. Not much progress.... I mean the reason that they languished in the first place was loss of interest....... oops.

So... checking up on you all, and hopefully I can keep up this summer.

Happy crafting peeps!

Whoops!

How did I get here?
I should be knitting... or tidying the mess I made trying to get things in order around here.
But, since I'm here and your here.....

I finished my Steampunk Cowl. Yes I did. It's soaking...... a better, more complete photo next time.
I used some very brassy beads on Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca Lace in the lovely blue here.

Hope your weekend was nice and relaxing! Thanks for Family Day Christy Clark, we really are enjoying it.

What I worked on today!

Here is what I worked on today.... just a quick overview of the items I am trying to get finished up. All of these are UFO's....

Meaning I have had them going for a while. The Socks don't have a Ravelry project page, as I am always knitting socks..... and it seems pointless, but I was thinking of making  a "Socks 2013" project as a catchall.

So the small green object is a sweater I call Green Magic. I love the yarn, and I have a bit to say about the pattern, the Prospero Hoodie, but I will post about that later. The blue is a second Jeweled Cowl that I was persuaded the other night to not rip out as my preferences about bead weight may not be those of others that would love to own one. Of course, as I mentioned ..... socks. Both are the second of a pair. Honest.
More posts to come! Thanks for stopping by comments and questions are always welcome!

Inspired

I was very inspired by the shirt painting that I did for a gift, mentioned in a previous post.

I decided to keep it up, and painted one for myself too.

The black paint you see is the previously mentioned glitter paint. This is by Martha Stewart's craft line. The paint container says it's good for wood, metal, glass and fabric. Wow...... impressive stuff.
So this is a test you might say as I have plans for future projects that will need a nice fabric paint.
I bet you're wondering if it worked.... well I painted it and tossed it into the dryer a few times. Then I wore it and then I washed it.

Sugar Scrubs!

As I have previously mentioned.... I made a bunch of sugar scrubs this past Christmas.

They were fun and easy, and honestly they make a great gifts. I really encourage you to try them out and enjoy them. All the recipes were pulled from Pins on Pinterest. I will link to the original posts from the fantastic bloggers that were kind enough to share them.

Ginger Coconut Body Scrub
Coffee Mud Scrub
Sugar and Spice Sugar Scrub
Vanilla Sugar Scrub

If you look through these scrubs, you will see similarities in the proportions and ingredients. Sugar scrubs are a great thing to make and really you can make them out of any combination of scents. Sugars have different coarseness and affordability, so that can change what you make. I had a ton of white sugar left and we are eating less of it so it was a no-brainer to use it up in the scrubs. Adding scents and other things like coffee make things more interesting and personal.

My game plan for all the mixes was to assemble the dry mix first and then add the oils. Much like baking. Some blends have a looser texture when you mix, so you add more sugar, and if you find that the scrub is drying out before you give the gift, add more oil and mix it up well. The point is to have a oily mixture, but you still want to have the texture of the sugar. I chose to use Grapeseed oil and Rice bran oil. Both are easy on the skin and absorb well. The recipe that called for coconut oil was infused as instructed, I love coconut oil, but not all of my recipient's were keen on the idea.

Well, this was one of the things I tried out, and there are more to share. I hope you consider trying this out for yourself or a gift.
I should make one for me.........

So, another stocking

Yes, again..... I knit another one.

I like the traditional colour. I was thinking that this would be great for a family member, but I am not so sure now. That is another issue.... it's not that I don't think they will like it, I just think it will fit another family better.

I did a interesting inside detail, and I really like the way it turned out. What do you think?

I always make a flap that I tack down inside the stocking, previously I have done stripes but I thought this was a bit more fitting. I have a pot on the stove dyeing some green yarn for the next baby stocking.
Yes, another.
I have no idea what is wrong with me.

Did lots of things!

Wow, my Crafting was busy this past holiday season. Knitting was only part of it.

I know I am not alone, and I have a ton of stuff to share. But first I am going to show off a gift that I made for a swap.

We have done this in the past and it was great to get involved with the gang again. This is for a good friend who has moved up country and came back to join us for the gift exchange!
So it's a bit of a selection of goodies. A Coffee sugar scrub, knit hat in an alpaca blend, cute note book, some chocolate, leather bracelets made with "noodle beads" and a heat bag set.

I was really into the sugar scrubs this year, and made them for all the ladies in my family. They were a hit, and that made me really happy so I made this one inspired by a drink that we all enjoy at the end of a party night. (thanks J, you rock)
The final addition to the gift was a hand-painted shirt

I love painting shirts and I haven't done it in ages.... this was fun and inspiring, the colour is totally different in life. The paint actually has a combination of black and silver glitter and when you photograph it, the silver dispersal. Oh well..... the shirt was awesome and she loved it so I win!

Next year should be just as fun! Next post.... more things I did! LOL

Busy time of year.

I know that everyone is busy at this time of year. So am I
And a bunch of things are gift sensitive, so I haven't been posting..... things on the internet have a way of getting around.

You know how it is. In the case of the two photos here... one has been given already (the felt Calcifer)
and the Christmas stocking is for a baby..... and they never check blog posts.
So here is hoping that all your gift crafting is going well and I hope to have a plethora of images and tales for you after the gift giving season is over.

A few finished things.

This week was a busy one, and boy did it go fast. I am a bit at a loss for what to say so this will not be a long post.
I was a lucky gal and my husband bought me some lovely beads when we took a day trip to Granville Island this summer.

It was wonderful of him.... and I promised that I would use them up.
So I did. Yay!

I am wearing the amethyst ones right now. Thank you Husband! Seriously they make me smile, just being done.
Also completed this morning a new cowl for my Dad, I used a Knit Picks alpaca blend in a light grey. It's just drying,and I have to tack in the ends, but other than that complete! Not a really exciting photo ad it's not a real pattern per se....so no photo.
Also completed this week are the baby burp cloths....
You may recall.

All done. Yay. Sorry for the post short on words..... long on photos. Hope you had a great week and I hope I can be inspired to write a more interesting post this week.

Hello Sunday!

The view from my door is calm and wet.....

for the most part a calm and grey day. Fall is like this around here. Nice to have a break from the rain.
So as it is not sunny and compelling outside the house..... this is what I am up to inside. (so far)
I have already done some tidying, and laundry folding while watching a nice movie is on the list as well, but that is not really interesting, so no photos of that. Sorry.

So here is something I am enjoying at the moment......

tea in a space mug. I love this mug, I got it from the Science fiction book club. Remember that? Does that even still exist or has it gone the way of the CD clubs of the last century.... lol. Oh my goodness..... it still lives!(well in the USA it does.... I wonder if I can join it? hmmmmmm oops, moving on)

I have been making great progress on the Jeweled Cowl, and honestly I stand by my earlier statement that this is going to be a multiple project pattern! Love this! It just grows so fast. Seriously I am not making time for this knit... and I am working on other projects, I swear. But I may have mentioned I have mentally planned at least TWO others and I think my mother-in-law likes it too.

The potential is endless, or it seems that way. Every time  I hear about another person's project it sounds AMAZING so I can't wait to see how everyone else in the KAL is doing. Oh, I had a question about the beads. I am using size 0/6 beads, and I love the colour. The weight is a bit of a concern though, I know some people are using a size smaller, 0/8 beads and I am wondering if that is better. This cowl has WEIGHT, as in the beads give it a space that drapes. It seems pretty heavy, so I think another project may have my choice of beads change. This one is fine the way it is. I always have a tester. lol

I have been knitting away randomly on a  mustgo afghan.  It's out in the TV room so I can work on it if I am sitting and have nothing else within reach/appropriate to work on.

Called a Must- go because I have a bunch of Homespun leftovers from various baby blankets and random projects when I was less interested in fiber content than I was in just knitting something I liked in a nice colour. It's washable and handy lots of big boxes have it. Anyway, it was just sitting there and I thought I should do something... so I have wound it into balls it's in a box covered by an opaque bag and I have my husband grab a random ball for me when I am finished the one I am knitting. Random is good. No real formula here, just making a "dishcloth blanket" increase by yarn over two stitches from the start of each row and continue until you think that it's big enough across then decrease the same place. I have had my own stash supplemented by some of the swap yarns from the guild and donations as well..... it's hard to teach a newbie how to knit on boucle yarn. So it got added to my box. I even had a donation from the guild meeting. LOL and now everyone knows my little project is collecting scraps..... so I may have more coming.

Sam seems to think it's OK, so I must be doing something right. Other than that my day should consist of more laundry and hopefully some sewing. Updates on that if it happens, we shall see.
Be safe on the East Coast, I hope the weather is calm enough to be safe. Have a great day!

The Jeweled Cowl KAL

This past week at the FVKG meeting I taught the gang about beaded knitting with a crochet hook.... I think it went well.

Several of my pals and I also agreed to a Knit-a-long. We are making our own Jeweled Cowl each. It's a easy project that I hoped to engage the other guild members with. The beading is in the same area along the shawl and the lacy part is not super detailed. I love beads and knitting so I am really just trying to spread the addiction! LOL

So here is a beginning shot of my cowl. 

I am using one of my favorite colour- ways of Knit Picks Shadow lace weight yarn "Oregon Coast", it's a complicated colour. The base looks like a brown grey but, it's got so many facets to it. So to pick up on one of those colours, I'm using a purple centered iridescent bead. This is potato chip knitting at it's finest. 
The pattern is so easy to get around and the yarn is so lightweight, I can pack it in my day bag easy. You can see the beads in a small purple container, it's hinged with a lid and locks closed. Awesome for keeping a small amount of beads with me. 

If you haven't tried beads and crochet hooks, I recommend it. This is a great project already...... and I know that I am so going to be making more. The combinations are rushing past me every time I see my bead collection, or my lace yarns. Especially for those single skeins that I just had to have but had no plans for. This could be a great thing to do!

Anyway, hope you had a good weekend. Welcome fall!

Updates! Yes, more!

It feels like I am posting an awful lot lately..... but what can one do? Finishing things here and there, trying all sorts of new stuff! It's really fun and I just need to share it all!

Completed is the most recent Christmas Stocking, made from the Fireside Stocking pattern. I DO like this teal and white combo a whole bunch. There have been many admiring comments on the colour.
I already have a red and white one on the go as well. Seriously kids, this is not a chat and knit pattern. I have made more mistakes on these two stockings just trying to knit at lunch with my co-worker. Yikes!

Luckily I am happy to tink until it's right. Thankfully, all I have to do is tink, there has been no massive rip back and I plan on that NOT HAPPENING. Next up is a forest green and white stocking for my BF's baby boy. Yes, I do always pair with white. So far it keeps them looking classic and hopefully will prevent them from looking dated in five or ten years.

Couple of updates for inquiry's. I buy my oils locally at a Voyageur Soap and Candle Company but you could order from them online if you so desire. I have also seen some fantastic oils in town at a health food store, Nature's Fare Market including the peppermint oil (which I believe was an excellent price for the Now brand). The health food shop doesen't sell all the amazing oils that the soap company does, but they have a solid selection.

Updates still to come on the shower puck experiment as well. Hope you have a great weekend!

Hey there, and thanks!

Hi to all the folks who have been stopping by to leave me comments lately.It's so nice to hear from new voices as well as returning ones. Thanks for taking the time to comment, it means I am not talking to myself. LOL

I have been posting up a storm it seems..... I guess I just have so much to say. It seems a bit crazy to do jumbo posts, so I have been breaking things into reasonable size and posting more frequently.

Oh, and if your into the lip balm.... the three main ingredients are beeswax, coconut oil and honey. Check out the blog Frugal By Choice she was the inspiration and directions for that as well as my new experiment. Experiment?

For the moment, I will mention that I tried another DIY recipe that pintrest directed me to. (LOL It's all in there!)

I made shower discs for colds and congestion. The photos are pretty boring, but I will give a overview of what I did.

One cup of baking soda, half a cup of water or so... to make it a pudding-like consistency.

5 drops each of  Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Oil, Eucalyptus Oil plus 2 drops of Peppermint Oil.
Then I spooned the mix out into the muffin tin that I had ready with liners.

I did put it in the oven for a bit on a low heat (200 F) as they seemed fairly moist. Even today, they are stable and I pulled them out of the tin..... but they still feel damp on the base.With strange indentations and everything! 

As you can see they liked the extra crinkles in the cups.

The idea behind these little pucks is; when you are having a shower and have a cold you drop one on the floor and enjoy the aroma as it helps clear your breathing up. Not tested yet.... so I am unsure what the result will be, but so far the scent is very clarifying. LOL We shall see. I will keep you posted on that. There were other adventures this week...... but I will post about those later.
Tried anything new lately?
Have a great one!

My Yarn Harvest goodies

So, Yarn Harvest was really fun, and super tiring!

We had a long day and I had put some money aside so I could splurge a bit. 

Here are the lovely yarns that followed me home!

Details? Why certainly, I would never deny you! From the left, a natural skein of Jamiseon Shetland, because I found the Sheep Carousel pattern on a table at Black Sheep and HAD to make one. I have other Shetland here so I only needed the lighter shade to make the fun teacozy, and I may have to make two! Love the pattern, and check the link... it goes to the designers site and not to Ravelry (not that there is anything wrong with this  Ravelry link, but some people are not on the bandwagon yet so I want to share the joy with everyone)

Next, moving right a beautiful skein of Sweet Georgia Tough love sock in the colourway Boheme....... yummy isn't it? Here is a close up.

Because you wanted that, right? The cool thing about buying Sweet Georgia yarns during Yarn Harvest is you get to visit her in her studio! Smell the wool and see the racks of drying fiber and fleece. A great experience, especially when the lovely Felica is herself in attendance. Thanks Felicia for your creative beauty. 
I didn't just buy one skein at her studio though, I bought two. The beautiful purple on the far right is the colourway Amethyst. It really looks gorgeous. (they all look gorgeous)

A closer look.....

Finally I picked up a skein from a indie dyer I had never encountered before indigodragonfly. This skein is called "Paging Dr. Smart-ass" LOL

She has some great names for her colourways. You can find her at indigodragonfly.ca
That's it, except for some hand lotion and some new sock needles to replace a broken pair.......oh, there was one other thing.

I won a prize!
From the new shop Wet Coast Wools in Vancouver..... it's a slipper kit that is a thrummed slipper! This is a technique that I have never attempted, so I am excited to try it out. Progress shots are a promise. All this beautiful wool and I have no plans yet... LOL isn't that always the way?

Update on the Lip Balm.....

So far.... it's been great. I handed some out to friends and family (because seriously... a dozen!) and have mentioned that I want opinions. 
One pal has said it seemed a bit hard to her (less beeswax, or more honey would make it softer apparently)
I have mine in my pocket and I am super happy with it. It isn't super sweet, and there is almost no fragrance.
It keeps my lips soft for ages!
If you have considered it, I recommend it. The recipe is linked in the original post, and does not call for mango butter. That was a personal addition based on the properties of the butter itself and the fact that I had easy access to it.
The spearmint is a hit too.
Hopefully I will get some constructive feedback. Personally, more honey may be something I will test.
Thanks for listening...... and thanks to everyone who has visited from other blogs and left comments. That makes my day!