Friday, October 18, 2013

This was my first attempt at double knitting.  I decided to try a tiger strip and pays on a lap robe to be knitted for a charity auction.  Once



Once I completed the lap robe, i decided to try some fingerless gloves incorporating some of the same design elements in them.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Finished Stole

I completed the stole finally.  I blocked it over this weekend.  At this point I decided that I need to get some lace blocking wires




But after much repinning and smoothing I was satisfied and let it lay on the table under the ceiling fan to dry.  Here are pics of it on a dress form.  





Wednesday, August 7, 2013

singin bells stole

I have been working on this project for a friend of mine.  She will be getting married soon.  I have made it from my stash of lace weight Missouri wool.  I found the pattern on the internet it is by Patusha.  The ends of the stole resemble wedding bells.  But my friend says they remind her of a cup that is used in Jewish ceremonies which at this time I cannot remember the name.  This should make it an even more memorable gift once it is completed.  I will be posting more pics once it is completed  and once I find out for sure the name of the cup she feels is represented in this pattern.

I truly hope that the stitches I have placed in this stole hold her happiness together.  Helps to contain their love for each other.  I want to see her happy as she should be.  No stress, only smiles from now on.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

outside work to do today

We just had rain storms come through Friday and was raining yesterday.  So today will probably be out getting my roses back up on trellis.  The shepherd hook that I sank into the ground behind did not work.  I think that I will have to search for a large trellis or connect them to the porch somehow to get them to stand up. 

shawl and sundress finished

This is the little sundress I just completed and it will soon be on Etsy.  This is made from an acrylic and will be easy care.

I will be taking pictures to add my shop hopefully today. 


This is a lightweight, spring shawlette that is also made from acrylic.  It is machine washable but will need to be laid flat to dry to make the points on the edging.  It is also another sample of the Haruni Shawl.

Friday, May 24, 2013

knock out roses are blooming

My knock out roses are blooming!

Tomorrow we are going to get the dirt and refresh our raised beds for our vegetables.  I am hoping that we will at least have tomatoes, cucumbers and zuchini.  I plan on making my own sweet relish this year.  I make it out of cucumbers, green peppers and onions.  It is much better than store bought relish.

I plan on raising my own herbs this summer.  May break out the dehyrdrater this summer to put up my own herbs for the winter.  Will see how it all works out.

Last year was so dry here that hardly any of our tomato plants made anything.  Maybe it will be better this year.  I think that I will add a soaker hose to the raised beds for easier morning watering.

Shawl is finished and is on Etsy

I have the Haruni Shawl completed and have put it in my Etsy Shop.  I really liked making this shawl.  Will probably make more as time goes on.  Right now, I am working on a little knit sundress that should be finished this weekend and I will be blocking a smaller version of the Haruni Shawl that would is more shawlette or would work for a child.  I plan on starting a design for a summer dress for a little girl with a bolero jacket this weekend as well. 
This weekend though we are also working on getting yard work done.  We filled our raised beds with dirt yesterday and planted tomatoes and cucumbers.  I want to add marigolds around the outside to hopefully help keep bugs and cats at bay.  So we will see. 

The grandkids are supposed to be coming for a visit today as well so that may slow things down just a tad.  But it is all good.  They bring a true spark to life around here when they show up.  Two very busy little boys. 

This morning I plan on getting some monkey bread in the oven which reminds me I had better get off here and get it started or that will be another project that has to be put off til tomorrow.


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Meager beginnings for a small shop


I love to work with fiber whether it be knitting, sewing, cross stitch, crocheting.  I learned at an early age how calming it is to watch the story that fiber has to tell progress..  
I learned the art and the functionality of working with fiber from some many family members.  It was always impressed upon me to not only make the useful garments, quilts, afghans and the wallhangings but to work the love and hope into them as well.  I can even remember hearing my grandmother say : "In years to come, it will be like I am holding you." 
For many years it has been a desire to follow my true passion which it is to work with fiber.
I have started with opening my Etsy shop with some of the articles I have completed.  I will also be venturing into creating my own knit designs and cross stitch designs.

Why I picked Somerset Stitchery for my Etsy Shop

I was just thinking about why I named my shop Somerset Stitchery.  Somerset was one of my most favorite places to visit when I was a child.  Both my parents loved the place too.  It has been many, many years since I have been there.  But I can still smell the honeysuckle blooming on a warm summer's night.  I was also so happy to go it meant a time to visit with Aunt Lilly.  I remember sitting out on the warm nights, watching the stars in the sky.  Whenever I catch the scent of honeysuckle and pipe tobacco it takes me back.  So I wanted to name my shop for a place that holds lots of good memories and feelings.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Finally framed and ready to be on wall

I have him finished.  Lots and lots of little stitches
to fill the pattern out.  Will be starting another one of your other grandson soon. 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

baby sandals

Someone asked me the other day if I could make some of the crocheted baby sandals that has been posted on facebook.  I looked in my old patterns because years ago i made such things as Mary Jane Shoes, roller skates etc  But they must be in a box in the attic.  Which means who knows where they are.  Once they are in the attic it becomes a complete guessing game of where you may find the one box you are looking for.  No rhyme or reason happens in our cubbyhole attics.

But I did find this pattern on Etsy and so this is my first pair.  not completely finished yet.  I made them in nuetral colors.  I really think the flowers and straps need to be more spring colors.  But this is my first try.


I need to add buttons for the straps. 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Another rainy day

I am so ready for spring to really get here.  We have had frost this week now rain.  Perhaps Sunday will be nice. 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

shawl is blocking

This is the Haruni shawl I have been working on.  It is a design by Emily Ross.  Waiting for it to dry so I can finish blocking it.  

Just finishing my lunch break

I have just finished my lunch break and will be getting back to work.  But I did find this wonderful giveaway at Sweest Magnolias Farm  http://sweetmagnoliasfarm.blogspot.com/    

Check out this website to enter a contest for blue ball canning jars and some beautiful embroidered  
aprons, towels etc.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Took a walk today

I took a walk at lunch today.  It is so beautiful outside.  I am coming to believe that taking a short walk a couple of times a day can do wonders.  Not only for you physically.  I walked by the local harware store and looked at the plants they have to offer for gardens this spring.  I am already thinking of planting impatients and marigolds.  Hopefully getting the raised beds cleaned out and ready for planting.  I want to plant plenty of cherry tomatoes this year.  From what I understand my grandson loves to pick them and give them as presents.  During the little walk I listen to the birds talking to each other about the beautiful day and fussing over who gets the worm. I think of all the things that I want to design and the early spring shawls and sweaters that I can knit.  I let all the office and life stuff just be gone for that 20 minutes.  very good for the soul.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

I think it is over

The storms had moved out of our area hours ago.  But the weatherman has still been announcing other tornado watches counties away.  They finally took down the last tornado warning.  Hopefully it is all done and by tomorrow morning will be all clear.  That everyone will be safe

Stormy weather

Spring is definitely here.  Along with the dogwoods and tulips blooming comes the high winds and chances of tornadoes.  Praying all make it through this day safely. 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Shawl is off the needles

I did get the shawl off my needles over the weekend.  Now all I have to is block and take pictures.  I think that I add to my etsy page by the end of the week.  I look forward to being able to retire and spend more time putting things on my needles and taking them off.  When the girls were little I devoted 2 hours a day to making things whether it be sewing, kntting or cross stitching.  That was the time during the day when we were quiet and either sat together and worked on things.  Sometimes they napped, played or watched tv upstairs.  But that was my time and I was able to make so many things for them, to give away as gifts or just try a new pattern.  I have been seeing quite a few little girl patterns. Hopefully, one of these days I will be making sweaters for a little girl.  I have two grandsons.  I think that I may start a sweater for one of them.  Maybe I can find with Bob the Builder on it that is his favorite.


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

When I was younger

I can remember sitting with my grandmother putting puzzles together, making quilts, whatever we happened to be doing that day. I would be wishing that this or that would hurry and happen. She would say Honey, you are wishing your life away. The older I get the faster time flies. I can remember when I was growing up summers seemed to last forever. Even when my children were at home and in school, summer vacations seemed to stretch forever. Now suddenly it is May and then it is December. The days just seem to pass in such a flurry. My Aunt Ruthie used to tell me when she was in her 80's that the older you get the faster time goes. I didn't believe her but I am finding that to be true. It just seemed people had more time when I was child. More time to just watch the clouds all day,to watch ants build a home, to listen to what the trees had to say. It is so different now. While I wonder and appreciate all the technology, what happened to the just sitting and listening to the birds. To not here all the click, click of keyboards. To realize that people were more important than what was on tv, it would have been unacceptable to sit at a family gathering and text friends. It just would not have been done. Parents took the time to actually listen to what their children were saying. Not just what was put into words but what was being said inside the heart that wouldn't come out in their voices. People had more connection not just in words but in what wasn't said. People had more honor in their dealings with each other. I know there had to be folks who were into politics and using those for personal gain. There have always been politicians. But the majority of the folks knew right from wrong. Knew better than to hurt to get what you want in life. There just seemed to be more honesty and integrety. Now everything seems to be a game how can I play the board just right to win. The ones who always seem to get hurt the most are the ones who try to play by the rules they grew up with. Do you ever just wish the world would stop for a couple of days. People really look at what they are doing and what the result it going to be.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

So the battery is getting low and it is time to turn everything off. Plug into the electric outlet. Have a few hours rest and start in again tomorrow. Today I spent most of the day doing what I love to do. Being with my best friend(my husband), working outside sitting things a little straight and knitting. Hopefully tomorrow it won't rain so I can accomplish more. The flower beds are in real need of care. But if it does rain. I can spend the day taking pictures Maybe get a guilt in the frame or perhaps get my cross stitch frame ready to start a picture of my grandson. I have one completed of my oldest grandson so I need to want to get the other one done. They will hang on our wall until the day comes that they are bequested to my daughter. So it will be goodnight for now. I will try to make it a habit to visit at least weekly.

Hoping to start using this more

Tomorrow I am going to try to turn over a new leaf. If it rains I will take pictures of some of the projects that I have completed over the past weeks. Some things have already left the station so they can't be included. I was busy making legwarmers,mittens, completed cross stitch projects. I made quite a few of the scarfs from the ribbons material. Now I have started making shawls so I have quite a few things to post on here. You know I never really thought that I would be interested in sending thoughts and posting on the web. But I have been using facebook here lately and find that I learn things about relatives and friends that I would not have the chance to know. I saw my cousin's grandson within hours of his birth. When I didn't get to meet him in person for months. I have asked for prayers for special people in my life. And that request was shared by friends and folks from around the United States sent up prayers just because they are good people. Which at the time those prayers were much needed. I have read inspirational postings from folks on my friends list that has made my day and just when I needed it most. So perhaps in this day and age it has its place. So I am going to start using this avenue a little more as well.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

This is one of the sashay scarves that I have made recently.  These do make up rather quickly and are very relaxing to make. 

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