New Post (yes really)

Ok, it's been JUNE since I've posted. Yeah really JUNE. Vermont Summers are short but certainly not a lack of things going on. I think this Summer and Fall have been non stop. I went camping four times this year. I spent one weekend in Montreal and went back for a day trip a month later. I tended to my garden and I am still tending to it now.. late Summer/early Fall lettuce still coming along. I quit my job at IBM of eleven years and started a new job a week later at Dealer.com. : ) Am still waiting for my contractor to be available to start my kitchen renovations. Laid down new tile where my pellet stove will go (when it gets here). Purchased a beach permit but only got to once, due to the rainy weather. I know there is still more stuff.. but I can't think of them right now. All in all it's been one busy Summer and the Fall isn't slowing up either. This photo is of my tomatoes, spinach and lettuce from July.

I'm a Katherine

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Katharine!

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.


• * Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.


• * Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.


• * Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.


• * Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.


• * Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine

• * being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down


• * being spontaneous and free-spirited


• * being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.


• * being generous and trying to make the world a better place


• * having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures


• * having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine

• * not having enough time to do all the things I want


• * not completing things I start


• * not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career


• * having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies


• * feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often

• * are action oriented and adventuresome


• * drum up excitement


• * prefer being with other children to being alone


• * finesse their way around adults


• * dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents

• * are often enthusiastic and generous


• * want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life


• * may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Gardening in 08'

The other day I finally took some pictures of this years Veggie and Flower beds. I like to compare them from year to year for layout ideas and improvements. What works and what doesn't. This year I planted more tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and peas. I planted less cukes (well maybe I didn't actually), but they are not in the garden. They are in a large flower pot with a tomato trellis for now. I think about half a dozen seeds sprouted up in that pot, some will need transplanting to where I don't know yet. So maybe if all my cuke plants make it I guess I'll have as many as last year. Anyway....
I also planted carrots for the first time this year. My radish seeds will need replanting as there was an accident with the window box they were in. DAMNIT! : (

I think I can still find some room for onions too, here and there. I really went to town I think on the lettuce and the spinach, but I love them and I like to have a steady supply. So much that now I don't believe I'll be purchasing any lettuce for the rest of the Summer. I hope! This is great for me because I eat salad daily and I go through a fair amount. I was just noticing in this picture that I can take out my white fencing and probably sneak in a couple more rows of spinach maybe...
I have planted some herb seeds off to the right in the corner but either they aren't doing anything or they are so tiny they look like a weed still. I think I'm just gonna till it or try to move them somewhere else. That empty space is bothering me and I could put something more productive there.
Normally I keep the herbs in the flower beds. They smell nice there and help with the bugs but this year I thought I'd get them started in the garden. Didn't think it would take this long.



In my perennial beds things are happening. My Bleeding Heart is GIANT. Compared to last year. I think this is the third year I've had it. It came from a coworker that I swap plants with. It was just a small guy when I got it. Now this Spring it has reached heights of nearly 3ft+. Not to mention the inner stalks on it. Looks like celery its so thick. I've counted at least two separate shoots from it so far. My mom has laid claim to one of them! I believe the neighbors septic mound is n the hill behind me. That particular bed sits below it. I think that's why everything I put in there does quite well! (PS. Ignore the weeds.. I need an edger)

Mmm, yummy Spinach and Lettuce just screams for a vinaigrette!

Gardening

What a busy week it's been. My aunt had some surgery on Tuesday, nothing major or too serious. By the time we got up there, had the surgery and came home the day was shot. I stayed with her that night in case she needed something. I wish I had taken my camera with me. She lives in Monkton and has this amazing view of Monkton Ridge from her front porch. No matter what time of the year it's beautiful. Her house sits high and you look down at the Dairy farm below in the valley. Very picturesque.

I worked on getting more garden in this week. I purchased some Heirloom Tomato plants from Pleasant Mount Farm in Huntington. She has great stuff! I had some really great luck with her Tomato plants last year so I decided to try it again. I was thinking about buying the seeds and starting them myself but by the time I priced it out it just didnt seem like any savings. I purchased nine plants, two are cherry size. One of those is the Orange Cherry tomato that I got last year. Those were amazing in flavor! Sweet as could be. Both plants got huge and just never seemed to stop yielding. I had a lot that I picked late and was able to still eat into the beginning of December! Thats just sitting on the counter too, ripening slowly. I also got the Green Zebra Stripe very pretty and super sweet in taste. Other than repeating the three that I remembered from last year I told her to "mix up the rest". I like how she wrote a name stick for each plant.
I also picked up some Leaf Lettuce plants, Pansies and Stock. I love that way Stock smells, like baby powder. I think she also has the best colors of pansies. I can never choose just one.
I had already planted some leaf lettuce and it is coming along, though tiny still. But I'm inpatient for it and the plants I bought yesterday are of a nice size and I could be picking leaves in a week or two at best. I figure between mine (if it does ok) and purchased plants I'll be set.
After planting my Tomatoes, Lettuce, radishes, cukes and planting another row of Peas I realized I still have more space in my garden. I'm thinking some carrots and maybe onions in that empty space.

New Stash

Lately the knitting needles have been taking a break. In fact it's been a long break so far. I didn't intend for it to happen it just did. Most of my knitting time happens in the evening during tv time. But there hasn't been much on tv lately and I've been getting home from later and later due to time spent at the gym. Thats not really a bad thing just bad for my knitting. If I'm really truthful it's not just the lack of time knitting its been a lack of interest too. I used to be on Ravelry A LOT. I'd sneak in there inbetween busy work times, early morning and late at night. I'm lucky if I can claim to half a dozen visits in a week now. Guess I'm just in a knitting slump! But I'm definately not in a sewing slump! These items arrived at my house yesterday from Vogue Fabrics.



This some blue and brown cotton lawn that I scored for 1.99 yd! I couldn't pass it up. I also bought the following Brown cotton lawn as well. Same price. I took two yards of each. I was originally thinking skirts but they (at least one) may end up as a top instead. It's a rather sheer cotton so whatever I decide it will need some lining or a tank underneath. Still I love these prints. I think they are very Amy Butlerish.



Then I also saw this chiffon sheer for 1.99 yd. I grabbed just one yard thinking it make a cute sleeveless top as well (again requiring some sort of lining). I love the gold thats worked through it.



The last find I have to post is the Blue Merino Wool knit. I LOVE this color. The fabric has a nice light drape, not heavy at all. I purchased 2 yds thinking some sort of a jacket but now it may be a top. I'm gonna hold off before making any final decisions as the new fall patterns will be out soon.

Updates

I finished my blouse from Wendy pattern 3835 that I wrote about last time. It came out really cute. Of course there are no pictures of it yet. Lately all my days off from work have been dreary rainy ones. The lighting has been lousy. I like to take as many shots as I can outside or during the day inside if I have to. But it's just been too dark and dreary. Tomorrow is supposed to nice so I'm really gonna try to get some shots. I have quite a bit of things to post about.

Back to the blouse pattern. This pattern has been a definite success so far. I've worn it three times already. I made a second one right after in a linen/rayon blend. Its a natural linen color with dark blue stitched daisies on it. It came in other thread colors. Very cute. On this however I modified the pattern a bit. I think I'll take some detailed pictures of that and post more about my mods next time.

Gardening and Sewing

I don't have any pictures to post today but the spinach I planted last week is UP! That was quick. I guess my mini greenhouse did the trick. Now we wait and see how the lettuce fairs. I also planted two rows of peas two nights ago. We're supposed to get cold and icky weather next week. Peas love that. I wanted to get them in intime for it. Also I've got tons of flowers are in blossom, again no pictures. : (

Last night I started working on a Blouse. Its from the popular Built by Wendy pattern 3835. I got it cut, side and back seam sewn and part of one sleeve sewn in. My needle hit a pin and I went to change it and realized that my mom has currently has all my sewing supplies. I keep all my extra needles and tools in an old tin can. She needed some things to fix her machine with and I just lent her the whole can. It's been a while and I'd forgotten about. It will be at least a couple more days before I can finish that. I did try it on as it was and it does fit so far. I wasn't sure if I'd like the pattern on me so I did this version out of some very inexpensive quilting fabric. I think it was 4.99 yd and 40% off that. So even if I screw it up or don't like it I'm not out much.

Stash Update

Today I'm going to post about my new addition to my Spinning stash. I scored some beautiful fiber from Jessie. It's some of the last of her Addison Blend in the Pansies colorway. It's absolutely goegeous. I had to share it.

Meeting Relatives and the Bennington Monument

Today we traveled to Bennington Vt. It's about 2 1/2 hours away from my town in Chittenden County. We went to visit with my Aunt Marion who's up from Florida helping out her brother Pete. I haven't seen Aunt Marion in about 8 or 9 years.

We met them at a local Irish Pub Carmody's. The food was great the beer was cold and the service excellent. We even bought nice souvenir glasses at 3.00 a glass! We visited with Aunt Marion and her brother for a while then later we went to local Veterans Hospital Park for pictures. Later on we decided to check out the Bennington Monument. The day was beautiful and I got some pretty good pictures.
** ( of course as always click on the pictured to enlargen)

Here is my mom, Aunt Carol and Aunt Marion outside the pub.



At the Veterans Park there was a fenced section of some Fallow Deer. They were laying down and blended in quite well with the scearnary. It was hard to get a decent picture of them.



It was hard to get a full shot of the Bennington Monument its so tall. I'm not sure of the actual height but I was told it's approximately 30 stories high. There is an elevator inside that will take you up higher. We didn't do that today. It was built in memory of the Soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.



These two are of Brigadaire General Stark. An important figure in our countries fight for independence.

Winter Vacation

I was looking through old posts and I realized that I never posted any
pictures from my Winter Vacation in January. I went Royal Oaks in
Dundee Florida. It's about halfway between Tampa and Orlando I believe.
I went to visit my Uncle and Grandfather. They lived in a Mobile Home
Park. I was lucky the week I was there, it was in the 80's everyday
except for the last two but still in the 60's and sunny. That was a
nice change considering I was leaving 30's and snow at home.

The park was really nice. Very clean and well kept. Paved paths throughout,
everybody biked and walked. They had an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi as
well. I spent most of the week lounging poolside. It was entirely
relaxing and exactly what I needed. It was good to see my Grandfather,
he passed away about two weeks after I came home. It was sudden and he
wasn't sick at all until just before he passed. He was 97. I was lucky
to have gone when I did.



One day we did manage to go to a theme park, The
Cyprus Gardens. It was pretty there even though they weren't a lot of
flower in blossom. I think it starts full swing in February. They still
had shows and things going on so it was still busy.

I love this Butterfly Fountain.





This giant tiled urn is pretty cool. I wonder where I'd put that in my garden.



I even spotted a Gnome. He was in the Butterfly
Conservatory. There were beautiful plants, flowers and waterfalls all
built inside.






I especially loved the Giant Topiaries everywhere!



My Uncle took Gram pa on a water ride. Of course someone had to stay back and take the pictures. Ah shucks.



They also had a bit of an animal sanctuary too.




I'm thinking these retirees have it pretty good. This was a picture of the
activity board on one of the days. My kind of day! Though other nights
there was Bingo, Golf, Ladies Shopping day and even a band/music night.




There was also plenty of time for biking and raiding the nearby Orange and Grapefruit trees!
Retirement? I think I can handle it!

New Supplies

Last week Joann's was having a pretty good sale on new Spring/Summer fabrics and McCalls patterns at 99 cents! I think I went three times. It was crazy. These fabrics I didn't purchase at Joann's. These came from a newish Quilting shop in Williston called Strawberry-Rhubarb. Its a tiny shop but they carry Amy Butler and lots of other amazingly cute and modern prints. They also offer classes and a "Sew Night" time. It will be nice to have somewhere local to go for help on various sewing techniques.
It was hard to choose some fabrics there so I only got 1/4 yds of these four prints for now. I'll be going back there soon though as there are a few other things I'd like to get! I don't have the names of the particular fabrics with me but if anyone really wants to know just leave a comment. I love the Bunny one so much I had to have it in two colors. I think these cuts will be made into checkbook and eyeglass covers.. misc. things.



Also I finally got this drawer setup that comes with caster rollers for my scrapbooking paper. I only had some thin plastic envelopes to keep my paper in. They worked when I had a small stash but I've accumulated quite a bit more paper and the envelopes are just not cutting it. This makes more sense. Also it fits perfectly under my desk height counter top in the craft room. I can roll it out when I need it and roll it back in when I don't! I love things that are hidden out of the way. Plus each drawer is really a locking case. This will be handy when I go to my mom's to work on pictures with her.



I've also signed up for Wardrobe Refashion. I commited to the two month. The idea is make or refashion from what you have in your closet and not to buy new clothes. ! Lord knows I don't need any new clothes. There a ton of things that I have that can worked into something better not to mention the pile of mending I've got. We'll see how this works out. I think it's going to workout because I'm on a mission not to buy anything new. I joined Planet Fitness back in December and I'm really making the effort to eat healthier. I'm finally starting to see some results from that! I also have been holding off on starting any new sweater projects as well for the same reason. Lately I've been knitting for other people instead. I'll save those pictures and details for another post.

Yes, I'm still alive!

Sorry for the lack of posting here in blogland. I know theres at least a few of you that check in here once in a while to see what I'm been up to. I have lots of projects to share but it's a little late tonight to get any decent pictures. But I will say theres some knitting, rug hooking, crochet and other things to post about. Though the last couple of weeks my knitting has definately taken a back seat. Suddenly I'm loving my sewing machine again. I've been buying patterns and fabric up left and right. I'm also intending on joining Wardrobe Refashion! So there will be lots of crafting to see in the upcoming future. Stay Tuned!

Cocoa Swap package arrived!

I received my Hot Cocoa swap package.. all the way from Tricia in England! She sent me the cutest pig, Mr. SnootyKnickers.. some very yummy mint cocoa.. super yummy Malteasers, Natural Silk Aran, a little knitting notebook and some other sweet things. Thanks Tricia! I've been soo wanting to try this yarn out! I have enough for a scarf! Sweet.

Cocoa Swap Question

What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

I think the most memorable vacation I had was a few years ago when my parents and I decided to visit Amish country in Ohio. At that time mom and dad still had their tagalong camper. We camped in a great little place right near the Amish area were were visiting, Charm Ohio. It was unusually humid that week but otherwise it was a great trip. The arts and crafts were amazing, wonderful fresh produce stands everywhere, the people were so nice and beautiful countryside. I really want to go back again. I think that was my most favorite and memorable vacation.

Cocoa Swap Topic of the Week

Question:

"Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?"


So far I don't think my knitting has changed. Even though it's the middle of Winter, for me in Vermont the cold will drag on and on until May. Even in May I'll be wearing light to medium weight sweaters. So thats like five more months of cold weather knitting. I knit socks year around,regardless of what fiber they are. I'm still planning more scarf/muffler/fingerless mits and hats in the next couple of months. I also have two sweater projects that are on going. One I would like to finish before Spring. It's about 75% done so it's it's definately doable. I start doing Winter in the late Summer so it seems most of the year I'm making cold weather things. I have been browsing ahead thinking of Spring/Summer knits. It's hard not to when the big pattern/yarn companies are coming out with their new stuff right now. But I haven't purchased anything or settled on anything in particular at this time.

Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt

A little late, catching up.


1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa. Angela A-H
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Ana Sofia F., Angela H, Bianca B.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter. Angela T
5. Name someone who crochets. Paula B-E
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Ashley R
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) ..Couldn't find anyone now
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? ME!
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Rachel C.
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Amanda D., Amanda R
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L.
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Amanda D.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Alice A.
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs. Bea R.

Back from Vacation.

Well vacation is over and now it's back to work. Bleh! I don't have any pictures to post today at least none that are knitting or vacation related. I took my knitting with me on vacation. I packed four projects thinking I'd get so much done but I only managed to finish one thing, though I worked a bit on two other ones. I completed one sock that will probably be gifted to my dad Christmas 08'. Yeah for early Christmas knitting! Now I have a whole 11 1/2 months to finish the other one.

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionaire.

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?

Most of the time I drink cocoa packets with hot water. I like to add some milk or half & half for a creamy taste. The packets are easy and quick. If I have time then I will make it homemade. Hot milk, cocoa powder and a little sugar. Also I like to add a candy cane to my cocoa..I love that peppermint chocolate combination. Now my all time real favorite way to drink cocoa is with a shot of Doctor McGillicudies and whipped cream! A little Christmas Hot Toddy for me!: )

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

I like both!

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?

I guess I tend to lean toward soft wools or wool blends in deep rich colors. Though I also like natural tones too.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?

Mostly I only knit. The crochet needles only come out when I need to pick up stitches or fix mistakes.

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?

I prefer circular or double points. I've pretty much abandoned my aluminum needles and use my wood or plastic ones.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?

Yes I do, and about three chibi's. I'm not lacking in this dept.

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?

I really can't think of anything in particular. Through swaps I have acquired many items. I am usually on the lookout for unusual or odd looking accessories. I have been drawn to knitting lace more and more. Thats something on the new side for me.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)

There's a mitten pattern I use a lot. I like to modify it for finger mitts. I've used the pattern multiple times. Also I have used the "Classic Socks for the Family" by Melinda Goodfellow. I can't even count how many times I'ves used it now.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?

Watch movies and knit with some cocoa at my side while it snows outside!


2. What is your favorite animal?

Cats
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?

Sometimes I find the month of January to be the longest.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?

Try to keep busy on my WIPS's and thinking about warm weather knits.


5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?

Getting my garden started.

6. What are your favorite treat?

I like chocolate (with or without nuts), anything peppermint or mint. I also love Jelly Belly jelly beans.
7. What is your favorite board game?

I'm not sure if I have a favorite board game, I like card games better.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?

No kids, just one cat.

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
I dont' have any allergies to anything food or fiber wise.