Be safe as you travel tomorrow, friend. Call me when you've rested. Love to You!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
12 things in 12 Months
Life is always a "learning process." Sometimes lessons are easy and fun and sometimes lessons are nigh impossible and poignant. The past 12 months has presented me with many of both and lots in between.
Here are 12 things I've learned in the past 12 months (in no particular order):
1. How to have a friend. Being a friend has always come easy for me. Giving to and helping others is no trouble, but accepting such help proves difficult. This has been a year in which I was (an still am) forced to rely on others and I am better for it. Each friend, old and new ,brings different joy and challenge to my life and I am still learning. Thank you all and please bear with me.
2. There are harder things than the death of your mother. Impossible as that seems - it is true. Loss is certain and final and can be processed, grieved, and dealt with. Uncertainty is agonizing.
3. Don't ride Mission Space 2 consecutive times and then order a Margarita. You'll miss out on a great dinner.
4. I am NOT a domestic goddess, nor will I ever be, but I CAN cook. OK - I already knew that, but I have accepted it and choose to do the things I am good at and pay someone to do the rest.
5. I really enjoy being at home.
6. Being kind and being 'nice' are NOT the same thing and being kind is more important.
7. Children's school scissors will cut ANYTHING, including clothing, hair, and skin.
8. Super Glue really does work instead of stitches (now ask me how I know that school scissors will cut skin).
9. Children grow up too fast; there is nothing I can do to stop it; it really sucks!
10. Love is found at every age and time and it is always a good thing.
11. Macs are not "The Devil" (with the exception of Quicken for Macintosh).
12. Laughter strenghtens your heart, even when it's breaking.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Here are 12 things I've learned in the past 12 months (in no particular order):
1. How to have a friend. Being a friend has always come easy for me. Giving to and helping others is no trouble, but accepting such help proves difficult. This has been a year in which I was (an still am) forced to rely on others and I am better for it. Each friend, old and new ,brings different joy and challenge to my life and I am still learning. Thank you all and please bear with me.
2. There are harder things than the death of your mother. Impossible as that seems - it is true. Loss is certain and final and can be processed, grieved, and dealt with. Uncertainty is agonizing.
3. Don't ride Mission Space 2 consecutive times and then order a Margarita. You'll miss out on a great dinner.
4. I am NOT a domestic goddess, nor will I ever be, but I CAN cook. OK - I already knew that, but I have accepted it and choose to do the things I am good at and pay someone to do the rest.
5. I really enjoy being at home.
6. Being kind and being 'nice' are NOT the same thing and being kind is more important.
7. Children's school scissors will cut ANYTHING, including clothing, hair, and skin.
8. Super Glue really does work instead of stitches (now ask me how I know that school scissors will cut skin).
9. Children grow up too fast; there is nothing I can do to stop it; it really sucks!
10. Love is found at every age and time and it is always a good thing.
11. Macs are not "The Devil" (with the exception of Quicken for Macintosh).
12. Laughter strenghtens your heart, even when it's breaking.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Crafting HALTED!
Can't Knit
Can't Sew
MUST READ THIS:
Ikea in the mail and no bills - Good Day!
BTW: Hope Travis is recovering well and easily!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Can't Sew
MUST READ THIS:
Ikea in the mail and no bills - Good Day!
BTW: Hope Travis is recovering well and easily!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Yesterday...
Yesterday I worked on these:
and this:
And now I have these:
and this:
The top pic are ornaments pieced, cut, and ready to be sewn (120+ of them) next is another ballband dishcloth for the Christmas box (which is actually a basket - hmmm) then there are NAKED NEEDLES - oh no! Finally - that's my worktable and as much as I would LOVE to live in THIS space or THIS one and be one of those neat and tidy workers - it just ain't gonna happen!
Now I know that Alicia confessed a while back to having someone clean her home - well so do I and my house still doesn't look like that. This could be part of the reason:
Three dogs, another kid, and two adults who are much more interested in ANYTHING other than housework could also be part of it. Hey we're working on it and it's coming along.
Forgot to give proper thanks to Caro the other day for the GREAT zipper find, amd also going to have to thank her for her comic book board storage idea for fabric - guess what I'll be working on this week & weekend. Who knows, maybe I'll transform into one of those "neat studio" folks after all (not bloody likely - STOP laughing you're going to fall out of your chair!).
Anyway - check out Katey's new bags, and THIS great sight for pattern and color inspiration. Also be sure to check out Lolly today - her blogiversary was yesterday and she finished some great purple projects posted today.
I'm still working on the shop update and will be posting the zippered bags soon. I've got some ideas about denim lately too so those will come soon. Now I'd better go cast something onto those naked needles!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
and this:
And now I have these:
and this:
The top pic are ornaments pieced, cut, and ready to be sewn (120+ of them) next is another ballband dishcloth for the Christmas box (which is actually a basket - hmmm) then there are NAKED NEEDLES - oh no! Finally - that's my worktable and as much as I would LOVE to live in THIS space or THIS one and be one of those neat and tidy workers - it just ain't gonna happen!
Now I know that Alicia confessed a while back to having someone clean her home - well so do I and my house still doesn't look like that. This could be part of the reason:
Three dogs, another kid, and two adults who are much more interested in ANYTHING other than housework could also be part of it. Hey we're working on it and it's coming along.
Forgot to give proper thanks to Caro the other day for the GREAT zipper find, amd also going to have to thank her for her comic book board storage idea for fabric - guess what I'll be working on this week & weekend. Who knows, maybe I'll transform into one of those "neat studio" folks after all (not bloody likely - STOP laughing you're going to fall out of your chair!).
Anyway - check out Katey's new bags, and THIS great sight for pattern and color inspiration. Also be sure to check out Lolly today - her blogiversary was yesterday and she finished some great purple projects posted today.
I'm still working on the shop update and will be posting the zippered bags soon. I've got some ideas about denim lately too so those will come soon. Now I'd better go cast something onto those naked needles!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Monday, July 24, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
The Haul...
That's after visiting two quilt shops this week. I'd better get to sewing. It's all for Christmas gifts - except for that cherry fabric - that's to make napkins for my table. I've also got two more kits on order from Tiny Stitches one for Anna and one for Toby. Good thing someone else will do the quilting - otherwise I' never make them!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Friday, July 21, 2006
Shopping Day!
Sorry - can't take too much time to post - MUST SHOP!!!! I'll be hitting some quilt shops and fabric shops as well as the bookstore and groceries. I'll post my finds tonight and hopefully have a shop update tonight or tomorrow. Have a good one - I plan to!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDes
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDes
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Randomness
In no particular order:
Anna's 1st Sewing Project - Pink Felt Pillows for her babies:
(please ignore the dog hair - that's what happens when you sleep with a beagle!)
Fun Canisters I bought this past weekend:
Here's what's inside:
Zipper Pouches:
These are waiting to be sewn
Zippers Galore! I found them CHEAP from an ebay seller and am having fun using them!
Those who know me know I can't buy just one of ANYTHING!
Knit Night tonight and I'm looking forward to it!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Anna's 1st Sewing Project - Pink Felt Pillows for her babies:
(please ignore the dog hair - that's what happens when you sleep with a beagle!)
Fun Canisters I bought this past weekend:
Here's what's inside:
Zipper Pouches:
These are waiting to be sewn
Zippers Galore! I found them CHEAP from an ebay seller and am having fun using them!
Those who know me know I can't buy just one of ANYTHING!
Knit Night tonight and I'm looking forward to it!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Monday, July 17, 2006
I'm AmyDe and THIS is the Weekend Report...
Had a great weekend! On Saturday we drove up with my father to Dayton, TN to meet an old friend of his. Dayton is where the Scopes trial was held and they do a re-enactment & such. We didn't watch the re-enactment as it was about 5000 degrees outside, but we had a good time.
Sunday I had a crafty day with Katey. Katey brought her sewing machine over and we worked and played and ate pizza. Laurie was on call, Jana had other plans, and Andrea was on a plane to Arizona. We had a good time and I hope we can do it again soon when everyone can make it.
Katey and I were trying to wrap our mind around installing a zipper into a lined purse WITHOUT having to hand stitch the lining to the zipper. After both our brains exploded we gave up for a while and I finally figured it out last night and today. I had success this afternoon and will be perfecting my pattern/execution later this week.
Katey made a really cute wallet and I cut out fabric for little snappy coin purses/pocket wallets. They are a great size for carrying your ID, checkcard, and a little cash when you don't want to carry a purse. They are finished now and with the exception of smashing my finger with the hammer while setting snaps - they were really fun to make. I'll have photos tomorrow.
I started teaching Anna to sew today and we made two little felt pillows (pink of course) for her babies. I'll have photos of those tomorrow as well since her babies are sleeping right now and can't be disturbed.
It's been fun around here and I am enjoying using what I have. I haven't been out shopping in over a week - it's crazy! Oh well!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Sunday I had a crafty day with Katey. Katey brought her sewing machine over and we worked and played and ate pizza. Laurie was on call, Jana had other plans, and Andrea was on a plane to Arizona. We had a good time and I hope we can do it again soon when everyone can make it.
Katey and I were trying to wrap our mind around installing a zipper into a lined purse WITHOUT having to hand stitch the lining to the zipper. After both our brains exploded we gave up for a while and I finally figured it out last night and today. I had success this afternoon and will be perfecting my pattern/execution later this week.
Katey made a really cute wallet and I cut out fabric for little snappy coin purses/pocket wallets. They are a great size for carrying your ID, checkcard, and a little cash when you don't want to carry a purse. They are finished now and with the exception of smashing my finger with the hammer while setting snaps - they were really fun to make. I'll have photos tomorrow.
I started teaching Anna to sew today and we made two little felt pillows (pink of course) for her babies. I'll have photos of those tomorrow as well since her babies are sleeping right now and can't be disturbed.
It's been fun around here and I am enjoying using what I have. I haven't been out shopping in over a week - it's crazy! Oh well!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Friday, July 14, 2006
Thanks All!
Thanks so much all of you for your support on the opening of the Etsy shop. I am having so much fun. I listed some really cute mini tissue holders this morning as promised.
I had fun at knit night last night, but didn't get to sit at my usual "snarky" table and I missed it. I did get to sit with some other friends that I haven't seen in a while and I had tons of fun with that too.
I tried to quit my job last night; it didn't take. I have been feeling pulled - not being able to be at the shop as much as I think I should be. It's all ok now though - Dana and Ginger wouldn't let me quit. They assured me that whenever I could be there was plenty and I feel better. I just want to do a good job.
With all the listing items and such yesterday I didn't get to do my lace repeat on the Leaf lace Shawl. I'm glad I was one set ahead from the day before as I have a goal of at least 5 repeat for this week. Is it obsessive for me to set crafting goals? If I don't set goals and make lists I never get anything finished so...
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
I had fun at knit night last night, but didn't get to sit at my usual "snarky" table and I missed it. I did get to sit with some other friends that I haven't seen in a while and I had tons of fun with that too.
I tried to quit my job last night; it didn't take. I have been feeling pulled - not being able to be at the shop as much as I think I should be. It's all ok now though - Dana and Ginger wouldn't let me quit. They assured me that whenever I could be there was plenty and I feel better. I just want to do a good job.
With all the listing items and such yesterday I didn't get to do my lace repeat on the Leaf lace Shawl. I'm glad I was one set ahead from the day before as I have a goal of at least 5 repeat for this week. Is it obsessive for me to set crafting goals? If I don't set goals and make lists I never get anything finished so...
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Etsy Preview & More
I've photgraphed nearly everything for the new Etsy shop and can I tell you how much I LOVE my Mac for photo editing. I may hate Quicken on the Mac (another story for another day) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the photo tools and the music tools, and ALL the creative tools that Mac is so famous for!
OK - back from tangent. Here is a sneak preview of the Etsy offerings: Tiny Tote Around bags to carry your small knitting, sewing, or crafting projects. They also make great small summer purses!
Plus several of these:
Mini Tissue Holders for your purse or pocket!
So those will be listed very very soon! I can't wait. It is so much fun sewing up lots of the fabric that I have in my stash. I've been having a great time with the sewing machine and so has Katey. She got a new machine and that's part of the reason for no blog posts lately! We're like women possessed.
I'm having the best time and I can't wait for knit night tonight.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
OK - back from tangent. Here is a sneak preview of the Etsy offerings: Tiny Tote Around bags to carry your small knitting, sewing, or crafting projects. They also make great small summer purses!
Plus several of these:
Mini Tissue Holders for your purse or pocket!
So those will be listed very very soon! I can't wait. It is so much fun sewing up lots of the fabric that I have in my stash. I've been having a great time with the sewing machine and so has Katey. She got a new machine and that's part of the reason for no blog posts lately! We're like women possessed.
I'm having the best time and I can't wait for knit night tonight.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
This Just In...
*Etsy projects finished and awaiting photo shoot.
*2 More repeats on cascading sock completed.
*1 more repeat on Leaf Lace Shawl completed.
*Kid's in bed.
*Tired!
It's been a busy and productive day. I will take some photos tomorrow of the Etsy projects and get them listed by Friday. I updated my sidebar and added lots of new links. Many of those I have looked at daily for a long time - just never added to the list for some reason. They are there now - long overdue - Please check them out.
Tomorrow I'll put up a sneak preview of the Etsy merchandise - plus some photos of WIPS. Now - I think to bed!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
*2 More repeats on cascading sock completed.
*1 more repeat on Leaf Lace Shawl completed.
*Kid's in bed.
*Tired!
It's been a busy and productive day. I will take some photos tomorrow of the Etsy projects and get them listed by Friday. I updated my sidebar and added lots of new links. Many of those I have looked at daily for a long time - just never added to the list for some reason. They are there now - long overdue - Please check them out.
Tomorrow I'll put up a sneak preview of the Etsy merchandise - plus some photos of WIPS. Now - I think to bed!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Monday, July 10, 2006
"Mommy, could you please be a hearty?"
From the mouths of babes. While Anna and Toby play pirates (cued by the new movie hype) Toby asked me the title question. Well of course I HAD to be a hearty when asked so very politely.
Casey and I saw the Pirates movie Friday night - We LOVED it! Johnny Depp is just yummy!
I am working on the leaf lace shawl - and of course after I told myself "hey this is pretty easy" I fouled a row up and had to take out 1.5 rows - Damned Yarn overs! Oh well - I'm back on track now and looking forward to really digging in. Finally I am working on Christmas items and I am thrilled. I am going to cast on some purple socks (project spectrum) so I have some mindless T.V. knitting to work on because SG1, ATLANTIS, & GALACTICA start this Friday so I'll need some T.V. knitting.
Am I the only geek that watches those shows? I also like the 4400.
I am still working on some special projects for an upcoming Etsy shop debut. I hope to have everything finished and posted by Friday at the latest.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Casey and I saw the Pirates movie Friday night - We LOVED it! Johnny Depp is just yummy!
I am working on the leaf lace shawl - and of course after I told myself "hey this is pretty easy" I fouled a row up and had to take out 1.5 rows - Damned Yarn overs! Oh well - I'm back on track now and looking forward to really digging in. Finally I am working on Christmas items and I am thrilled. I am going to cast on some purple socks (project spectrum) so I have some mindless T.V. knitting to work on because SG1, ATLANTIS, & GALACTICA start this Friday so I'll need some T.V. knitting.
Am I the only geek that watches those shows? I also like the 4400.
I am still working on some special projects for an upcoming Etsy shop debut. I hope to have everything finished and posted by Friday at the latest.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Friday, July 07, 2006
Myth...Busted
Well - thanks to Laurie I sourced out the origin of "Fire in the Hole" She pointed out that is was likely from Mythbusters and she is completely right. Now I just have to figure out what the kids wanted to blow up.
Thanks Ames for the Lemoncello last night - it was delightful and made knit night even MORE fun!!! I have half a bottle of Absolut in the freezer and I may hit you up for the recipe.
WIP Friday:
Here are some of the projects I am working on this week:
These are crocheted washcloths that I have finished this week - into the Christmas box they go.
This is a special project I am working on for a potential new Etsy shop. We'll see how they go. I will hopefully have a shop up next week(end).
These are 6 more cotton skirts for Anna that just need to be hemmed. I'll finish them this weekend during naptimes, etc.
Hey, why is it that no one say's "Amy - it's 2:00; time for your nap." I would so dig that - Mandatory naptime.
I am also working on the Leaf Lace Shawl in Cherry Tree Hill's Merino lace yarn - it's gorgeous and lots of fun! I'm almost to the easy repeat part so it's going rather well. I did have to bring in an extra lamp (it's dark in our living room) so I can see it though - time marches on and it takes our eyesight with it!
My week has been pretty good - the children haven't killed each other, I haven't killed them and we learned about the lifecycle of a butterfly and how to spell our numbers 1 - 10. All in all - not too bad.
I haven't forgotten about the "favorite yarn" question - I will chime in on that one soon.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Thanks Ames for the Lemoncello last night - it was delightful and made knit night even MORE fun!!! I have half a bottle of Absolut in the freezer and I may hit you up for the recipe.
WIP Friday:
Here are some of the projects I am working on this week:
These are crocheted washcloths that I have finished this week - into the Christmas box they go.
This is a special project I am working on for a potential new Etsy shop. We'll see how they go. I will hopefully have a shop up next week(end).
These are 6 more cotton skirts for Anna that just need to be hemmed. I'll finish them this weekend during naptimes, etc.
Hey, why is it that no one say's "Amy - it's 2:00; time for your nap." I would so dig that - Mandatory naptime.
I am also working on the Leaf Lace Shawl in Cherry Tree Hill's Merino lace yarn - it's gorgeous and lots of fun! I'm almost to the easy repeat part so it's going rather well. I did have to bring in an extra lamp (it's dark in our living room) so I can see it though - time marches on and it takes our eyesight with it!
My week has been pretty good - the children haven't killed each other, I haven't killed them and we learned about the lifecycle of a butterfly and how to spell our numbers 1 - 10. All in all - not too bad.
I haven't forgotten about the "favorite yarn" question - I will chime in on that one soon.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
After
After shots of the completed felting:
Wooly Stripes & Joy bag with Mason-Dixon Nesting Boxes
Closer shot of Wooly Stripes bag
Nesting Boxes propped on dog toys
Nesting Boxes Pyramid - left to dry
These yarns felt REALLY fast! I'll keep working.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Wooly Stripes & Joy bag with Mason-Dixon Nesting Boxes
Closer shot of Wooly Stripes bag
Nesting Boxes propped on dog toys
Nesting Boxes Pyramid - left to dry
These yarns felt REALLY fast! I'll keep working.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Monday, July 03, 2006
"Fire in The Hole!"
That was being heralded from my children while they were upstairs playing. I'm not sure what they were playing (almost afraid to know) but it was funny to hear my 5-year old daughter yelling "Fire in the Hole!"
Speaking of fire in the hole - I finished the wooly stripes bag and will be felting it and the boxes tonight and tomorrow so hopefully some "after" photos for you guys.
I am going to work on joining the granny squares together to make the purse, but the kids are in bed early tonight so I can't guarantee I won't get - umm - "distracted".
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Speaking of fire in the hole - I finished the wooly stripes bag and will be felting it and the boxes tonight and tomorrow so hopefully some "after" photos for you guys.
I am going to work on joining the granny squares together to make the purse, but the kids are in bed early tonight so I can't guarantee I won't get - umm - "distracted".
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Pictures Galore
I've finished many projects this week and hope to finish even more throughout the holiday. Many folks have asked how I get so much done. 1. I work really fast and 2. I don't sleep much and I don't clean house. It works well for me. Here are the pictures of what I've been finishing up this week.
Mason Dixon Nesting Boxes BEFORE felting
Wooly Stripes Felted Tote and Finished Baby Surprise Jacket (needs buttons)
My "Farm" tote bag and 12 Tea towels hemmed and ready to embroider
4 Litte skirts for Anna - these have been around a while - I just sewed them together and finished them up this week as part of my "Finish What You Have" project
I've been very productive for the last 10 days or so and it feels good. I only have the two projects to finish for the shop before I get to start working on Christmas projects. The trick to that is which to start first. The projects I've picked out are all fun and I want to make them all RIGHT NOW!!!
I am inadvertanly taking part of the Summer ofStash (with the exception of the Noro) project. I have been making things (including the above) with items I have onhand. I can make gifts for nearly all of our entire holiday roster without a single new purchase. That doesn't speak well of my past aquisition habits, but I'm looking forward to using onhand items up.
July is PURPLE month for Project Spectrum and I'll have to search through the Christmas list projects for a purple one. The new Silk Garden is for me so that won't count yet - I'll start something with that after I get a few of the Christmas items under my belt. I think the Bloom Shawl from Knitty is in purple yarn - maybe I'll start with that.
Hey anyone know what's up with the Podcasts lately? I know Brenda from Cast-on is on break, but my other favorite, Knitty D & The City seems to be in the wind right now too. Wendy & Christina I miss You!!!! I hope Molly is feeling better!
That's it for me for the night - maybe I'll finish up the Wooly stripes bag after we get the kids in bed.
P.S. - Andrea I hope you are home safely to your family! Sleep well!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Mason Dixon Nesting Boxes BEFORE felting
Wooly Stripes Felted Tote and Finished Baby Surprise Jacket (needs buttons)
My "Farm" tote bag and 12 Tea towels hemmed and ready to embroider
4 Litte skirts for Anna - these have been around a while - I just sewed them together and finished them up this week as part of my "Finish What You Have" project
I've been very productive for the last 10 days or so and it feels good. I only have the two projects to finish for the shop before I get to start working on Christmas projects. The trick to that is which to start first. The projects I've picked out are all fun and I want to make them all RIGHT NOW!!!
I am inadvertanly taking part of the Summer ofStash (with the exception of the Noro) project. I have been making things (including the above) with items I have onhand. I can make gifts for nearly all of our entire holiday roster without a single new purchase. That doesn't speak well of my past aquisition habits, but I'm looking forward to using onhand items up.
July is PURPLE month for Project Spectrum and I'll have to search through the Christmas list projects for a purple one. The new Silk Garden is for me so that won't count yet - I'll start something with that after I get a few of the Christmas items under my belt. I think the Bloom Shawl from Knitty is in purple yarn - maybe I'll start with that.
Hey anyone know what's up with the Podcasts lately? I know Brenda from Cast-on is on break, but my other favorite, Knitty D & The City seems to be in the wind right now too. Wendy & Christina I miss You!!!! I hope Molly is feeling better!
That's it for me for the night - maybe I'll finish up the Wooly stripes bag after we get the kids in bed.
P.S. - Andrea I hope you are home safely to your family! Sleep well!
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
Picures will Come with the Morning Light
I finished the baby surprise jacket and the Mason Dixon Boxes and am working on the crochet bag and one more felted project for the shop - then on to Christmas knitting! I'm all organized and ready for the Christmas projects - patterns pulled, yarn decided, etc. Now I just have to finish these two shop projects and I can get going on everything! I can't wait!!!
I'll have before pics of the Nesting Boxes from Mason Dixon Knitting tomorrow as soon as I get some sunlight. I'll also shoot photos of the finished BSJ and the Wooly Stripes in progress bag.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
I'll have before pics of the Nesting Boxes from Mason Dixon Knitting tomorrow as soon as I get some sunlight. I'll also shoot photos of the finished BSJ and the Wooly Stripes in progress bag.
I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe
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