proud moments

This is acrylic. Red Heart everyday stuff. It wears well, crochets up quickly with a big hook (I'm using N hook), and the varigated yarn adds interest to a simple pattern.

This is "Pink Ripple" pattern from 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns by Jan Eaton. It is a lot of fun to do and easy to memorize after a few rows. I like the way the blues all fade in and out. So far, there hasn't been too much "bunching" of color.

Damn! This camera does some good close-ups! Here you go. A row of double crochet, then a row of single. Easy. Fun. Fast.

From the previous second hand store post, This is the progress I made while on vacation. I am now thinking it is a cotton/linen blend, but still haven't ruled out bamboo. I am posting it on my Ravlery profile to see if anyone else might know what it is. I cast on 100 stitches with 10.5 needles, and did a 5-stitch garter border, and 2k,2p pattern. ( I think it's called double moss stitch. Not sure here..I just started knitting.)  I didn't want to have the pattern take away from the beautiful colorway. just enough texture to enhance.

The closer look shows the wonderful sheen this yarn has. It is has such a soft hand and buttery drape. A joy to knit!

Here's a good close look for you. What do you think it is?

Aaand, the finished product two days later! Ta-dahh!! Thanks to Aunt Marian and Uncle Mark for their wonderful background view of Lake Washington.

And another closer look. I want to find more of that yarn and knit these until I lose the baby blanket bug.

On to more projects!

Hitting the Stash

I've been knitting like a crazy lady since school got out for the summer.

I joined the Oregon Knitter's group on Ravlery and there's a "UFO" (unfinished objects) event going on, and I'm trying to see what I can finish.

This is Lion Brand Cotton yarn, and I'm making dishclothes for a friend who loves purple and is having a bridal shower. They are easy to knit and fast, and I can crank out three or so in a day or two.

Second hand store score!

 Persistence pays off once in a while.

Ever visit second-hand stores? I go every couple of weeks or so. Mostly just to look, always on the hunt for a treasure or two. My girls like to find clothes. My son plays with the toys. I look for linens, yarn, dresses made from expensive fabrics, and anything that looks like something I would collect.

Today, I found yarn. Wool. Fine gauge. Good quality. Score!
also, worsted-weight varigated cotton. It looks like fiber tape, actually. but there's enough to make a summer top. (it's summer colors).

All in all, a good find. Keep searching!

Drewsey, Oregon

This is a sample of where I grew up. Drewsey, Oregon.

It's in the Northeast corner of Harney County, the largest in the state (with the smallest population). High Desert Country, it hosts hunting, fishing, hiking, ranches and rodeos.

This is my father's mother, Kathleen. She is 100 percent Irish. We like it that way. She'll be celebrating her 87th birthday this coming November.
I wish I lived closer a lot of the time. She always has good stories and advice for  anyone who will listen.

My "Little" brother, Cody. He was lucky enough to get a BLM job out in Burns, about 45 miles west of Drewsey. He took his and my kids fishing.

Joe learning how to fish. He had a great time! That's the Middle Fork of the Malheur River behind him.

My neice, Cailyn and Emily, catching bass like there was no tomorrow!

Sadie and Skye finding a better spot to 'hang out'

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This is wild onion. It grows all over the place. I love seeing them among the Sagebrush. It smells like onion though. ;)

Joe is showing you, the view. So pretty!

I hope you enjoyed my little presentation. If you are ever feeling crowded, or just need a quiet place to think, come out to Oregon's Big Country and leave your troubles in the hills.

Therapy

I found these at the local fabric and craft shop. I didn't buy all of them, but I'm looking forward to making several necklaces and see if I can make a few extra dollars this summer.

I have been feeling the effects of the economy at my job recently. This last pay period, I've only accumulated around 40 hours. That's two weeks, folks. NOT fun. I don't have the luxury of another household income.

I shouldn't complain. I should be thankful that I have a job. Period. But the people that I pay my bills to don't seem to understand that. I don't believe the people that say the recession is over. I think last year was only the first wave of several. More like ripples in a pond after dropping a big rock.

All I can do, is be strong for my kids, keep on working when they need me, and make pretty things to remember the world is, after everything else is said and done, still a beautiful place.

Sand and Sea

I have been wanting to run around outside and play with my new digital camera. Just a little Kodak Easy share, but still. Fun to be had. This one is of my mother's fancy-shmancy bird bath. (Actually, it seems to be used more as a place for the dogs to relieve their thirst). I messed with the color a bit, but otherwise, it's all natural. Framed it in a cool barnwood frame too. For sale!

I like the blue sky in this one. This is an archway that sits out on the edge of the yard.

Outside of Burnt River, Oregon. 100 year old barn.

Just south of Newport, Oregon. My daughter, Sadie is the sillouette.

These were on the rocks with the barnacles. I still haven't found out what they are. I called them "Armadillo Birds"..ha!

Hood River, Oregon. The kids acting all silly. I loved watching them.

Shell on the beaches of Lincoln City, Oregon.

So, what do you all think? Postcards? Notecards? Framed Prints? Thanks for your opinions!

Showing off

Sock Progress! It keeps growing though.. They will be GREAT hunting socks!


G's new favorite necklace!!



She can wear it with either side out depending on her mood.  Love to make stuff!! Thanks, G!

Ah, this is the reason I do what I do! Happy recipients!