Gorgeous!

One of my first hoyas has bloomed! I first discovered hoyas when I was a subscriber to Davesgarden.com. I had posted a thread in the hoya lovers forum, explaining the fascination I had begun to feel, and some beginner questions about the difficulty of growing them. I soon discovered that gardeners are some of the most generous people on the planet. I recieved a PM from a fellow DG member offering to give me three plants from her collection. Sadly, one of the three didn't make it, but the other two have thrived. One in particular, hoya pubicalyx, bloomed regularly for me until a few years ago. I had repotted it, and for some reason it had stopped blooming. I began to lose heart, thinking I'd killed it, but I recently discovered that some of these hoya plants are happier when they are pot bound. That must be true of this one, because last week, I discovered a bud. This is the first bud since the repotting. It has now opened, and wow! I'd forgotten how gorgeous these flowers are. They also have a heavenly scent that gets more pronounced as evening approaches. I wish you could smell it through the photo.

Dave, The Genius

My husband is such a cooking genius. He made this yummy pizza all the way from scratch. He followed the crust recipe that came with our food processor, rolled it out, brushed it with olive oil, then the magic began. For toppings, he used turkey pepperoni, black olives, and crumbled up meatballs we had leftover from our last batch of spaghetti, and (most importantly) fresh mozzerella cheese. I've never tasted better pizza in my life.

Thanks, Zita!

Sending out a heart felt thank you to my sister for the beautiful crocheted gift. This towel topper is not attached to the hand towel, making it possible to change the look of my decor with ease. My kitchen is painted a creamy yellow, and this just fits right in. I just love it, Zita. Thanks again :)

Crocheted Cotton Cloths

It all started last week, during a Hobby Lobby visit. I had originally gone in to pick up a size H Tunisian crochet hook, needed to make a shawl from my latest issue of Interweave Crochet. While shopping around, I found a booklet of crocheted dishcloth patterns, some of them very pretty. It had been marked down to $6.57, so I bought it. What a great buy that was. I've already finished three of them, and there are several more I plan to make. The book is called Learn-A-Stitch Crochet Dishcloths, and I recommend it to anyone who like so crochet. I just have two warnings-Warning number one is that the dishcloths are huge. I love big dishcloths, so they are perfect for me, but I just wanted to warn ya'll. Warning number two is that I've found a few mistakes in some of the patterns, but they were very easy to figure out.
Before I sign off, I'd like to mention one more thing. I've been asked by many if I actually use these dishcloths, and how well they hold up. The answer to the first question is yes, I absolutely use them. How well do they hold up? Quite well, actually. The biggest problem people have mentioned is color fading. The other issue people have complained about is odor. I, personally, have never experienced either these complaints. After I wash dishes (and I do this with store-bought cloths, too), I rinse my dishcloth through, wringing out as much water as I can, then I hang it on the faucet to dry. This process keeps the cloth from accumulating smells, and allows you to use them several times between washings. Color fading? Yes, some of the colors fade, but I guess it doesn't bother me. I think it makes them look homey and loved. For those of you who don't want your colors to fade, I recently read that you can soak your cloths in a vinegar/water solution to set the color. Out of curiosity, I did this with my new granny square cloths. I haven't washed them yet, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know if the vinegar trick worked.

Booga Finished!

Just sharing a photo of my second finished Booga Bag. I can't tell you how much I've been enjoying making these bags. As I look through my stash, I can pick out several yarns that would be beautiful as a Booga Bag, but then I run into another problem...if I knit all these bags, where am I going to put them? My sewing skills are not up to par, or I'd line them and give them as gifts. I guess I could practice sewing, but I just don't enjoy it. It's a beautiful craft, but I've just always prefered working with yarn over fabric.
Anyway, I've put my Booga addiction on hold for now. I have so many hibernating projects that need to be finished. Maybe by then, I will have figured out a plan that allows me knit Booga Bags to my little heart's content. :)

More Flip-Flops

I am so proud of these! I decorated another pair of flip-flops, using the same directions as before. This time I used Taiyo, a cotton-silk yarn (with a small amounts of wool and nylon thrown in for elasticity), from Noro. I had a little left over from a striped vest I'd made last year. It feels so soft and comfy on the feet. The creater of this pattern sews a button to the center of each flip-flop for embellishment. I didn't have any buttons, so crocheted myself one...
Using the center color, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Chain 3, then work 11-15 double crochets in the center of the ring (enough to make a circle), and join with a slip stitch to beginning chain, fasten off. Join second color in any of the double crochets with a single crochet. [Chain 1, single crochet in the next stitch] all the way around your 'button' and join with a slip stitch in the beginning single crochet. fasten off. Sew to center of each shoe and enjoy.

Psalm 103:1

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, Bless His holy name!"

I love this verse! God is so worthy of our praise!

Second Booga Progress

I just felted my second Booga Bag today, and it's drying on the counter as I type this post. I modified the pattern a bit to make it bigger. The changes I made are as follows-
Cast on 56 stitches, and knit for 48 rows. Pick up 24 stitches from each side, 56 stitches from the Co edge=160 stitches. I used some solid green Cascade 220, from my stash, to make the bottom piece, then knit ten rounds before changing to the recently purchased multi-colored yarn. I continued with the multi until I used up all three balls, then ended with five rows of my solid before casting off. I used the remaining solid to knit the i-cord handles. I'm very happy with the width of the bag, but felting shortened the length more than I would have preferred. I probably should have knitted ten rows of the solid before casting off. Anyway, it doesn't matter now, because the bag is already felted. I think I'm still going to like it, I'll just have to remember this for my next bag...And there will be a next bag.

Hummingbird Pictures

Not really much to write today, but I did want to share some photos. We have more hummingbird activity this year than we've ever had, but everytime I go outside with my camera, they scatter. I shot these photos through the window with my flash off. I think they came out pretty good...

Here she is perched on the shephard's hook...

..Oop! Looks like she caught me spying...




Here she is getting ready to drink.

Have a great evening!

Sock Yarn Flip Flops

This project was so much fun. Lately, I seem to be obsessed with flip-flops. I don't know where this came from, because normally, I hate any shoes that show too much of my feet. I guess turning forty-ish, and being married to a completely non-judgemental man has helped me to not worry so much about little superficial things. That, along with the fact that flip-flops have become more than they once were. I've always thought of them as just an easy, cheap shoe that can be slipped on for a quick trip outside. Now they are spruced up with jewels, silk flowers, polka dots, and all sorts of fun things. They can be worn with dressier clothes, and to a wide range of events. Yes, flip-flops have come a long way, baby. Of course, with that versitility comes higher prices, but with the help of Ravelry, I've discovered a way to dress up a pair of inexpensive flip-flops, with a little yarn, and some imagination. Just click here for the easy, well illustrated instructions, as well as some ideas for imbelisments. It only took me an hour to create the cuties pictured here, using Panda Cotton sock yarn, a cotton, bamboo blend from Crystal Pallace Yarns. The shoes just cost five dollars at Walmart, and the yarn was in my stash. Have fun!

Mantis Trouble

Yesterday, I discovered I have a huge problem. When Dave and I got home from church, we noticed a praying mantis had stationed its self on the front yard hummingbird feeder. Dave shooed it away so we could change out the sugar water, but this morning it had returned. Not only that, but another mantis had claimed the side yard feeder. A long time ago, I had watched a discovery channel show about the praying mantis, and learned that they have been known to occasionally feed on hummingbirds. I googled this to see if I was remembering correctly, and found out that not only is it true, but it happens quite often. I rushed outside, grabbed the hose, and gave each feeder a good spray, only to find the mantises (is that the correct plural?) had returned. So I've spent today, going back and forth, indoors and out, to spay the hummer feeders. If the manti (is that the correct plural?) return when Dave is home, I'm going to have to ask him to dispose of them. I know that's harsh, but I can't spend my days worried that I've lured hummingbirds to thier deaths. I have no great love for mantises (?) anyway, but I've learned to tolerate them because they're good for the garden. However, I have no tolerance for the ones that lie in wait to ambush defenceless hummingbirds, because they're too lazy to forage for insects. I'll take my feeders down if I have to.

Another Butterfly

This is so awesome. I get to share yet another butterfly sighting with my readers. Dave was getting ready to go to the store. He had stepped out onto the back porch to slip on his flip-flops, and that's when he saw it. He called to me, asking me to grab the camera, and head out there. This butterfly, even though it has no stripes, looks to me like it might be a member of the same species as the one in my last shot. It has the same gorgeous blue spots at the bottom of its wings.
I have to say, I'm very thankful that I decided to start this blog. I had never really paid much attention to butterflies before. I've always liked watching them, but never took the time to really inspect thier beauty. In my search to find things to share with my readers, I, myself, have learned to stop and appreciate the wonder of simple things. I included the second photo, even though the wings are in mid-flap. It is more true to the actual colors of the blue and orange spots.

Quick Project

I just had to share this picture of my new dishcloth. I was in the mood for a quick, instant gratification project, and found this pattern in one of my Lily Sugar 'n Cream booklets. It's just a simple variation on a granny square, and and a great way to use up cotton remnants. Yes, it looks a little old fashioned, but I love that. I crocheted it up in an hour, while sitting on the back porch with Morty this morning. I still have lots of cotton yarn, and I'll be making plenty more of these simple cloths.

Psalm 30:4-6 (King James Version)

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

Lord, you know I've had a very hard day. Please help me get past it...

Striped Scarf In Progress

I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I had browsed through the project pages on Ravelry, to see the work of others who'd knitted this scarf. Most Ravelers paired a bright colorway with a muted one. Since all I had was two muted ones, I was a little skeptical about the results. I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised. While my scarf may not have the striking contrasts of the others, I still like it. When I shop Woolie Ewe's annual year-end sale, I'm going to pay special attention to the Noro yarns. I want to make another scarf using colorways I pick out specifically to go together. It will be intersting to see which one is prettier.

I Feel Better

Well, I started a thread in the Remnants forum on Ravelry. I told of the goal I'd set for myself, and the new yarn purchased Sunday. According to my fellow Ravelers, I haven't failed, because technically the yarn was a gift...

"You have not failed. You said no, and your husband got you a gift. Don’t feel bad - kiss him a lot for supporting your desires!"-ps28vs7
(Yes, he has always supported my yarn habit with no complaints)

"Hell no! It’d be rude to refuse a gift…."-Maiasmummy
(Well, I wouldn't want to be rude...)

"I am knitting from stash this year as well. New yarn (for me) is okay as long as it is A) a gift, B) purchased to help finish (or make) a project using at least some of the stash or C) not often, because honestly going cold turkey for a year would be impossible for me..."-peanutknits
(Oh, good. Some guidelines. This will make my goal less painful, and more likely to succeed...)

"A wise knitter once said to me that a yarn diet is one thing, yarn starvation is a whole ‘nother matter."-zoec
(wise words, indeed)

"Hihi, if you failed I did too… I didn’t wanna buy any more fiber before the stash isn’t down by quite a bit. Yaaa, that’s why there’s half a pound of cashmere sitting next to me snugglesnuggle. I swear I only wanted an ounce to try it out as I had never spun cashmere before, it was my hubby’s idea that I needed more than that. I will not fight against gifts of cashmere, really not, I don’t have the willpower to refuse softness."-Asherra
(Ah, husbands are the biggest enablers...)

So I'm going to knit up my new bag free of guilt. Thanks, Ravelry, once again, for your help. :)
If you'd like to learn more about spinning yarn, click here to visit Asherra's website, written in both English and German. Caution: Fiber addiction is sure to occur...

Unachieved Goal :(

I enjoyed making my first Booga Bag so much that I just couldn’t wait to start another one. Today, while I was looking through Tuesday Morning’s craft section, I happen to spot this beautiful yarn from Ella Rae. There were only three balls of it, so I’m going to knit the bottom with some Cascade from my stash. Yes, I know I said I wasn't going to buy anymore yarn for the rest of the year, and I honestly started to walk away. Dave, never one to pass up a good bargain, wouldn't let me leave without it...so blame him....and tomorrow is my birthday after all...Yes, I know he already bought me a needle case, but...

Chalupa Recipe

Dave and I have a great recipe for chalupas. I just had some, and I enjoyed them so much, I wanted to pass the recipe on to my readers.

Chalupas
1 onion (or half onion if you prefer)
1 lb ground meat (Dave and I use turkey)
1 taco seasoning packet
1 can of refried beans (we use Rosarita fat free beans with cilantro and lime)
toppings of your choice (we use lettuce shreds, tomatos, cheese, salsa)
Brown ground meat and onions together. Add taco seasoning, and stir until completely mixed (you may have to add a bit of water). Add refried beans, and heat through. Assemble your chalupa, and enjoy.
If you'd like to make your own shells, here is Dave's recipe:
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, followed by a single layer of white corn tortillas (tortillas can touch, but not overlap). Give each on a shot of fat free cooking spray, and salt to taste. Bake in oven until golden brown (our oven takes about 10-12 minutes per panful).

The bean/meat mixture can be refrigerated, and reheated later for another meal. I like to use it to make nachos, a taco salad, or just as a dip.

Finished Booga Bag

My Booga Bag is complete, and I'm so proud of it. In fact, I've thoroughly enjoyed everything about this project. The pattern is very well written, it's a fast, easy knit, and the yarn was a dream to work with. Plus, I learned a new skill! The felting process was the scariest part, because this is the first time I've felted something bigger than a cat toy. It took three passes through the washer, about a day and a half to dry, but I did it! The only drawback (and it's really not a big drawback as far as I'm conserned) is that if you look closely, you can still see a little stitch definition. I suppose I could have run it though the wash again, but I chose not to. The more felting, the smaller the bag, and this bag is the perfect size for my needs. I highly recommend this project to anyone who wants to venture into felting, but feels intimidated by the process. If I can do it, trust me, you can do it, too.

Proverb 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Please, God, help me to always remember this passage. I've prayed a specific prayer, expecting a specific answer for months, when what I need to do is simply trust you. Trust is a hard thing to maintain, so please forgive me when I slip into doubt, and give me strength to cast out my fears. I know you will answer my prayer in your way, and in your time. Please, give me peace until you do. Amen.

Hummingbird Flower

I just had to share this photo of my hummingbird flowers. These annuals are easy to grow, and look to me like a type of salvia. I had bought some from a local nursury back when I first began gardening, but hadn't been able to find them since. Over the years, I had actually forgotten about them, until this Spring. I was at Lowe's on one of my plant buying sprees, when I saw a table full of them . They were small plants, and very inexpensive, so I grabbed three to fill one of my pots. They have grown into this big beautiful bush, covered with pale pink blooms. I had always thought hummingbirds were attracted to red, but that must be a myth, because they love these flowers. I'll be sad to see the plants die out when thier season has passed, but I'm excited to have them in my garden again, and I plan to enjoy them as long as they last.

Noro Striped Scarf

Every now and then I allow myself a treat. I'll buy a couple of skeins of a more expensive, high-end yarn. I haven't done this is a long time, because I've ended up with several bins filled with two and three skeins of these lovelies, and no idea what to use them for. In keeping with my goal to use only stashed yarn, I've been searching for small projects, and found the perfect use for the four skeins of Noro Silk Garden I found among my lonelies.
Noro is famous for self striping yarns in amazing colorways. The Noro Striped Scarf pattern uses two different colorways, resulting in a very interesting striping pattern. I'm not sure if I'd have gone into the yarn store and chosen these two colors to use together, but it's what I have, and I really want to make this scarf. It's going to be so much fun to see the results.

Booga Progress

It’s the wee hours of the morning, and I just finished knitting the i-cord staps for my Booga Bag. This project has taken a lot less yarn than I thought it would. The bag portion used one and a little over half of another skein, so I just knitted i-cord until I’d used up the rest of the second skein. The pattern suggests five to six feet of i-cord. I’m not sure exactly how long mine is, but I’m 5’4”, and when I hold it over my head, and stand on my tip-toes, it still drags the ground. Tomorrow (well, I guess technically it is already tomorrow, but I haven't slept yet, so to me it's not) is laundry day, so I’m planning to felt my bag then. The pattern suggests washing it with something heavy like jeans. Since we don't wear jeans often during the summer, I'll have to use something else. Maybe my big, heavy towels? I'll let ya'll know how it goes...

Gorgeous!

I'm so excited! I was outside watering my poor wilted flowers, when I saw this beauty. It floated around the yard, and lit on my purple pentas. I was berating myself for, once again, not having my camera with me. I continued to water, glancing at it from time to time, and noticed that it just wasn't leaving. I decided to run indoors and grab my camera. If it flew away while I was in the house, it would be no different than if I'd missed the picure because I was outside without a camera, right. When I got back outside, not only was it still there, but it stayed long enough for me to get several shots. I chose the best of them to share with my readers. I think it's probably the prettiest butterfly I've ever seen, and this time the picture isn't blurred! I know it's hot and very uncomfortable this time of year, but if we're paying attention, we can find a wealth of little things that make us smile.

My New Goal

During my recent reorganization of my yarn bins, I made a new goal for myself. I was surprised, and a little embarrassed at the number of skeins I'd purchased, stored, and forgotten I had. This blatant neglect of these poor yarn skeins and hanks is inexcuseable. I plan to devote the rest of this year to knitting primarily with yarn from my stash.
now, I know what you're probably thinking...That there's no way on earth I can go the rest of the year without buying new yarn. I'll admit it's not going to be easy, but I'm going to give it my best shot. I've searched the Ravelry patterns pages, and have already made plans for some of my yarns, plus just finishing the projects I've started will keep me busy for a good long time. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually look forward to the challange, and I'll be sharing my progress with all of you. Maybe ya'll can help me not go through yarn shopping withdrawls.
I hope ya'll like crafts :)

Booga Bag

While going though, and reorganizing my yarn bins, I rediscovered three skeins of Boku yarn. Boku is a 95% wool-5% silk blend put out by Plymouth Yarn Company. I was told this yarn is great for felting, and since I seem to be the only Ravelry member who hasn't made a Booga Bag, I decided to do one. I've been trying to use my stash yarn as much as possible, and this is a great project for that purpose. I only have 297 yards, and the pattern calls for 330, so I decided to knit the bottom rectangle, and possibly the straps in a complimenting solid color (also from my stash). I was going to start this until next week, but I was just too excited about it to wait. What a fast knit. I just started it yesterday, and I’ve already finished up a whole skein. I absolutely love the feel of this yarn, and the colors are so amazing. I’ve gotten to row 40, with two more skeins to go, and I’m beginning to think I’d have had enough yarn without having to use the solid. That's fine, because I really love the effect. I can hardly wait to felt it, and see if mine turns out as nice as the others I've seen. I'll keep ya'll updated.