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Working Hands...Creative Hands

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Another UFO Finish

Originally this was intended to be a rag rug, but I underestimated the amount of scraps I had left after trimming the towels and making the shower curtain. Not a problem!!...It makes a great mat as well...and now that is off my list :-D


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Baby Quilt Progress

4-patch blocks...Cut in ninths and re-assembled...




Words to Ponder

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

I John 1:5-10

Oh Lord please keep me ever mindful of the things that cause me to walk without you...Keep me in the light...thank You that your mercies are new every day, that you are not caught unaware, and that yes Your grace is sufficient for me!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Monday!

For Today...

Outside my window...herds of giant grey clouds float through the sky.

I am thinking...of how much I love the drama created by the sun, the blue sky, and those giant grey clouds!

I am thankful for...God's grace in my life.

From the kitchen...all is silent.

I am wearing...back into sweats...it is now too cool for dresses!!

I am creating...blocks to swap with friends.

I am hoping...we have more rain...I really like it when it rains.

One of my favorite things...is when God surprises me!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...the "Opportunistic Optimist". This little flower has enjoyed and taken advantage of all the rain!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tuesday - Simple

Outside my window...it feels like spring. I know it's too early, but I can dream.

I am thinking...of all the amazing things that God shows me when I least expect it.

I am thankful for...the innocent and generous way that small children show you their love. Warm hugs while they pat your back, gentle kisses, a little snuggle with soft breath. I am so grateful for the little ones in my life.

From the kitchen...the dishwasher is churning away.

I am wearing...okay I think it is time for this line to be replaced. But I will say that it was warm enough to wear a dress today. I love wearing dresses, they make me feel beautiful!!

I am creating...many little piles of finished quilt blocks.

I am going...to need a bigger workspace if I keep starting more projects.

I am reading...Woman of the Bible.

I am hoping...to finish two quilts for my grandbabies before the end of March.

I am hearing...the purring and meows of a happy cat.

Around the house...there is still evidence of little ones having been to visit.

One of my favorite things...is the frankness and honesty of a 5-year old.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Raindrops on Flowers

Monday, February 15, 2010

How I Made the Eucalyptus Scarf













This scarf was very easy to make so I thought I'd share how it was done. If you use my pattern to make a scarf will you please leave me a comment. Thanks!!

Materials:
Size 8 (US) knitting needles
1 skein Stitch Nation's bamboo ewe yarn in Eucalyptus (use two for a longer scarf)

My finished scarf is 37” long by 7” wide. I really like them a bit longer than this, but this length works just fine.

Cast on 30 stitches (actually any multiple of 10 will work, so cast on more if you want a wider scarf, but remember you’ll need more yarn if you make it wider).

*Work in the garter stitch (knit every row) for 2 inches…I hate keeping track of rows unless I absolutely have to, so I didn’t. Instead I used my 6” clear acrylic ruler and measured from the start of the pattern to right below the knitting needle.

**Work the Basket Weave stitch for 1 ½ repeats
R1: knit
R2, 4, 6: K6, P4
R3, 5: K4, P6
R7: knit
R8, 10, 12: P4, K6
R9, 11: P6, K4
(Repeat rows 1-6 for the half repeat)

Continue alternating between the Garter Stitch and the Basket Weave patterns until the scarf has reached the desired length. Make sure to end with the Garter stitch pattern.

IMPORTANT – because the Basket Weave pattern starts with knit row you need to make sure that you start the second row of the pattern on the correct side…you should start R2 from the same side every time. If you don’t, you’ll have some of your patterns showing their right side and some showing their wrong side.

It’s that easy!!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Monday - and more rain on the way!

It is supposed to be the most dramatic storm we have had to date. The storm itself is predicted to be much colder and the snow levels much lower in elevation. Only tomorrow will tell for sure!

After a busy weekend I have some finished projects -

The first:

What is Love Stitchery from Val Laird. The stitching is done. The blocks will be incorporated into a quilt of disappearing 9-patch blocks.



















The second:

My February mini-quilt for the challenge Sandi is holding for her SeasonsBOM Yahoo! group. It also counts as a finish for Nancy's Patchwork Penguin: 2010 UFO Challenge, number seven on my list.



















The third:

A Valentine pincushion. The tutorial for this very cute "Simply Geometric" pincushion can be found on the Polka Dot Pineapple.



















for Today, February 8, 2010

Outside my window...all is peaceful and calm. There is no evidence yet of the predicted winter storm.

I am thinking...of all the lovely friends who take the time to share of themselves.

I am thankful for...my health today.

I am creating...so grateful that I can create. Thank you Lord!!

I am going...to visit my grandbabies soon. How very exciting.

I am hoping...that you all are truly blessed!!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Thank You for Visiting!!

Jenny, Sandi, and Ruth,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave comments! It is very encouraging to hear from you. I am still not quite sure just how this blog will shape up...my plan is to share my projects while they are in progress and when completed...so you are here at the beginning with me and we will discover this blog's identity together. :-)

- Kelly

Monday, February 1, 2010

A Finished Scarf

The bamboo/wool scarf is finished. I think it will look lovely with a black sweater! or navy blue...or?...

Simple Day Three

For Today, February 1, 2010

Outside my window...the courtyard is quiet. Families are tucking their little ones in to bed.

I am thinking...that I am beginning to enjoy putting thoughts "down on paper". Even if it is virtual paper.

I am thankful for...good friends, kind words, bright smiles.

From the kitchen...well, there is silence again. But that is fine, dinner is over.

I am wearing...bet you can guess!! No really, this is my down time. I have finished my day and being comfortable has taken top priority.

I am creating... an applique for my February mini.

I am going...to visit my grandbaby tomorrow night.

I am reading...well, following, several blogs and learning more about applique, embroidery, and quilting from several wonderfully generous women.

I am hoping...to get warm. I am feeling a bit of a chill this evening.

I am hearing...the TV droning in the background.

Around the house...are lights lit up that I forgot to turn off...is there NOT a light fairy????

One of my favorite things...is cinnamon candy, preferrably Hot Tamales! :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...God is so amazing!!!