Crochet goodies

Snowy day

Dec 042009

Well today was our first day of the season under snow squall warnings. We did get some real heavy squalls and dh said the roads were very slippery. But we didn’t get the 30 cm (1 foot) of snow they said this morning we would get. Last time I looked we had almost 3 inches.

But the girls had a wonderful time playing in the snow this afternoon! No photos unfortunately, dh had the camera out with him. Maybe tomorrow! Snow is suppose to stick around until mid week when it’s going to rain. BUT the next day we’re back to cold snowy weather. I’m thinking we will have a white Christmas after all.

I managed to fit in a little knitting this afternoon. I’m halfway done another doll leg. I hope to finish that tonight and the arms tomorrow. Then the wee doll needs some clothes!

We have to do some of our bulk shopping this weekend. So I’ll have some time to knit in the van as well. I might start on hat to take with us.

One thing on my list is new snow pants for dd7. I got them out today and oh my has she ever grown taller this year! They were ok for today but just will not due for all winter. Funny because the coat fits just fine. But she’s our tall girl.

I also need some Christmas baking goodies on top of our normal staples. A bit of fabric to finish up a few gifts is on my list as well.

Dh was working on our old snow blower yesterday and just can’t get it to start. We had so much trouble with it last year, it was beyond not funny. So he decided to replace it with a new one today. It sure works great! Hopefully it will give us many, many years of service. Our other old snow blower was built 1976 and a real work horse. At its age it doesn’t owe anyone anything. But perhaps when dh has the time to completely rebuild it, it will be put to good use again.

Getting some snow

Around The Homestead No Responses »

Dec 032009

It rained here most of the night. At some point the wind changed to the North West and the temperatures dropped. You could really hear it howling. It rained on and off today, I was very glad to have the wood stove burning a way.

They put us under a snow squall warning for tonight and tomorrow. Up to 15 cm by tomorrow night, that’s about half a foot. Dh was outside a little while ago and said there is 1/2 inch already on the ground. The little ones will be thrilled!

We just got our van back from the shop to day. Ack! They are money suckers aren’t they….(sigh). We had dh’s work van in the shop last week to.

I did a little knitting this afternoon. Managed to finish a doll leg. Its hard to work and not let the little ones see what your making! LOL

Feeling sick and knitting patterns

Knitting No Responses »

Oct 182009

Well the kids are almost over their colds. I thought I was to, until this morning. I woke up with a pounding head and full sinuses. Dh was so sweet and made a great breakfast for us. Then offered to look after the little ones so I could rest.

I slept for a good part of the afternoon. As long as I was laying down I felt not to bad. I spent the evening looking through two knitting magazines I picked up. I rarely buy magazines but each of these had lots of patters I would like to make. Links to the patterns on Ravelry.

In Interweave Knits Weekend I would like to try these.

Ruffles and Feathers Breeches

I think they would make adorable bloomers. All the girls want a pair! For my youngest ones they could double as diaper covers, if I make them from wool.

Whirligig Shrug

This is a cute little shrug, that would be perfect for the cool spring/summer evenings.

Dax’s Jacket

This jacket is cute! I would love to make one for ds. But first I have to try the Baby Surprise Jacket.

Gooseberry Cardigan

I really like this sweater to! So when I get a few projects done for the kids and dh, I would like to make this for ME!

The other magazine is Love of Knitting. Unfortunately I couldn’t find their patterns online. They have a really cute vest and legwarmers set. I’m going to plan that for the girls as well.

I’m getting a spinning wheel!!

Crafts No Responses »

Sep 302009

I’m so excited, I’m getting a spinning wheel!! I have wanted to learn how to spin since I was a little girl. I have always been on the look out for an affordable old/used one in the are with no luck. Last year I came across the Fidelis made by Heavenly Handspinning, I liked the look and it’s very reasonably priced. It’s also a home business run by a homeschool family. I love supporting family business. I’ve been reading reviews and looking at the yarn spun on these and I’m impressed. I can’t wait for mine to get here!

A long time ago I tried to learn to spin with a drop spindle. I just couldn’t get the hang of it, but did learn why drop was in the name. LOL!

Homestead Series How To Dye Wool Yarn With Kool-Aid

Crafts, Homesteading No Responses »

Sep 232009

Thank you all for you kind comments on my dyed yarn! I’ve been having a lot of fun dying wool with kool-aid. I needed to do some more today, to match the red and green yarn I did the other day. This time I made a video of each step. I hope it’s helpful!

I also wanted to share a great link. This site has a wonderful post on mixing colors using kool-aid and food coloring. I need to get some more yarn LOL! I’m also hoping to try dying with coffee soon.

I didn’t have a chance to take both photos and video. So here are the steps written out, I’ll update with photos as soon as I can.
Step 1. Put 1 to 2 inches of luke warm water in your crock pot and a “glug” of vinegar. Place your skein of yarn in the crock pot.
Step 2. Turn the crock on high and cover. Leave it until steam it starts steaming, try not to let it boil. That could cause it to felt.
Step 3. Place kool-aid into a heat proof container. I like measuring cups, they are easiest to pour from. Cover with about 1/2 a cup of boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Let the kool-aid cool until close in temperature to the yarn.
Step 4. Pour the coloring on top of the yarn in the pattern you like. They will mix a little were they touch. The more dye/liquid you have in the crock the more likely they are to mix together.
Step 5. Turn the crock down to low and cover. Leave it until the yarn has absorbed all the dye and the water is clear.
Step 6. Turn off the heat and let yarn cool completely.
Step 7. Remove yarn and rinse well, until the water rinses clear. Step 8. Drain and gently press out as much water in the sink as you can. Lay yarn on a towel, roll up and press out the rest of the water. Hang to dry.

Crochet goodies

Crafts, Knitting No Responses »

Dec 182007

I’m still working on my Christmas gifts as fast as my fingers will go and when the kiddies will let me lol.

I finished one more shawl and a pair of slippers. The slippers were for dh and he swiped them already! He’s been grabbing all his gifts early this year lol.