Rain is Good

I have planted gourds and have them growing on a swing set frame   They are growing like wild this year.  I also planted climbing cucumbers and brought the first two in last eve.  So excited to have a mountain of Zucchini soon too.  Problems is that grass and weed grow as fast or sometimes faster! keeping up with all the outside work this time of year can prove to be a challenge.

They're back!

My guys have returned from a week at BSA camp.  It rained the majority of the week.  This results in many loads of nasty, smelly, laundry.  So I was one with my washer and dryer for a good part of the day.

Moving Right Along

I know it's 80 degrees outside right now, but I'm on a role with this sock!  Monday I learned to turn the heal and now off I go until I decide how long I would like it to be.  And although my dear daughter rolls her eyes every time she sees me working on this...I'm sure she will want a pair!  Now let's hope I can make at least one more!  I love it!

Something new....well, sort of

Something new....well, sort of


I have begun another type of project while I wait for my machine to receive some needed TLC.  Until I can figure out the tension issue my machine quilting is on hiatus.

So, my friend Nancy and I found this dear little knitting shop not far from home where sisters Elizabeth and Sarah are so patiently working with us to learn to make socks from the toe up.  Although this is not my first adventure in knitting, I felt like I had five thumbs trying to get this started.  And Nancy....I didn't realize she hadn't even been introduced to a knitting needle before this class!  She and I left after the first class laughing thinking about Elizabeth and Sarah and what they must have thought of us.

Here's my beginning after starting over several times.....

I've missed you

I've missed you......

This is the first time I have spent any time with my machine in several months.  I've missed the time we spend together!  But alas I think she needs some TLC...do any of you ever have these issues?

This is what the back looks like when I am attempting to meander.  See the stitching on the curves?  I have adjusted the tension (both the machine's and mine).  Even the straight lines are kinda rough and bumpy on the back.  Front looks fine. 

So...although I was hoping for an afternoon of progress, the only progress I made was un-sewing.

Headed to northern New Jersey today. A few hours of quality binding time while the hubster is at the wheel

Squaring it up

Leaders and enders .....anyone else use the Bonnie Hunter method of collecting scrappy squares and sewing them together as leaders to begin your chain stitching and then do the same at the end?  I have an entire bucket and basket of 2.5 inch light/dark squares that have been sewn with this method.  I am now contemplating what to do with these. 

I have been in a slump the last few weeks...I haven't been making much progress on the several projects I have in the works.  Perhaps this weekend I'll get back on track a little.  I really hope spring is coming soon and then my time will be spent outside.  I'm having a little trouble with my back, I'm not anxious to sit for very long right now.  Another thing to figure out before the weather breaks.

It looks like we might get some snow this week....maybe some unscheduled time at home is coming.