I need some knitting advice.  Please read my full account here, but know that this is about suggestions for purchasing yarn wisely.

Thanks for your help.  Have an awesome day!

Hello everyone, hope you are all enjoying Spring.  Its been very lovely here even the rain.  I'm spending more time around the house than normal ~ could be cause I don't have a car but thats okay.  I am realizing that there is so much to do here when you are home 24hrs a day.  It seems that the housework never ends.  Why is that?  What does it seem that you clean over and over again but don't see real progress?  Mine could be the dog, the 3 teens or simply too much stuff and lots of dust from going in and out all day.  Who knows, but I've been busy doing my spring clean thing.  I will probably do some cleaning around my blogs too so they look a little more springy.  Hmm, thats an idea though time has been a factor lately.

I'm making great progress on learning to knit.  I've made several things and am currently working on a size 2T sweater in sherbet.  Its very soft and easy ~ worked in garter stitch.  I unfortunately had to frog half of one side today because I lost a stitch.  The kiddos have started their own knitting group in the neighborhood sharing their new hobby with boys and girls.

Well, thats all for now.  I must go and decide whats for dinner because I haven't done so lately.  I've opted to treat them to dinner out but we haven't been feeling well afterwards so thats not working.  I think we will have a simple meal today, that will be good for a rainy day. 

Have a blessed day.

~at our homestead~

Smells ~ breakfast blend coffee and vanilla

Dinner ~ polish sausage, yellow rice and green beans

Sounds ~ Schumann and soft rain drops

Working ~ cleaning carpets, making washclothes and a sweater

Its been quiet around here.  The weather is changing, not to my liking I might add.  Winter appears to be a matter of memory.  Our bradford pear trees are blooming which is creating a very interesting smell in the air.  The kiddos don't like this smell but the trees are beautiful.  It is lovely to see the rejuvenation of things in the spring.  I am looking forward to such for myself.

I've spent quite a bit of time lately learning knitting techniques.  I've crocheted more than I have in 2yrs and I am clearing clutter that has been looming about for far too long.  My dc seem to enjoy my presence but that verdict is still out. 

I am more content at home though recently our only mode of transportation has decided to kick the bucket.  We are prayerful that we will either fix it or be able to replace it.  However, it has put a damper on my work pt, so I'm home without any outlet except for working to the nearest convenience store.  Hmm, must work on that ~ gotta get to the LYS and to the library.

Thats all for now.  I still need ideas for those coupons and you can visit my other blog for details on my knitting/crochet projects.  Lots of stuff made recently to include a bath mat, washclothes and even a dishcloth I just finished off this morning.

~ Be Blessed ~

Ok, I need some practical help.  For those of you who coupon, please respond asap.  I have been couponing  consistently for over 2 yrs and love it.  However, somewhere along the past 1 yr or so, with working outside the home, I’ve lost my organization.  I am become discouraged with my couponing because I can’t seem to keep up with my coupons or keep them in an orderly fashion.  I am not sure what the deal is, but it is really frustrating to miss a good deal because you can’t find your coupons. Ugh!

Anywhoo, I’ve used Ellie Kay’s method ~ I loved it before I started working and I’ve used the Coupon Mom’s method ~ but I felt completely disorganized using this one and never knew what I really had.  LOL  So, if any of you have a really easy, user friendly method for sorting, ordering and accessing your coupons ~ please share or I’ll have to give this up.  Btw, if any military families who are overseas are reading this, I have some expired coupons (really good ones) that I would be more than happy to send your way ppd.  Email me and we’ll get them off to ya asap.

Thanks guys you are wonderful.  Now, to read the posts from last year on gardening.  I think I’m ready now especially since I’ll be home to actually do something.  I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.

Don’t forget to stop by my other blog ~ now considered my Crafty Side, there are new things and projects I’m working on.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Here are my recent posts, Enjoy!

Knitting 101

SAL Day #1 ~ Lesson in Self Control

Welcome Secret Pal and thank you,

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Still new to knitting and haven't had an opportunity to dislike anything but I do love soft acrylics when I crochet. *like the feel of cashmerino.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Currently all needles/hooks are in their original packaging in my tote bag , except for the ones my dd has on her projects.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I am a beginner.  I learned to knit when I was 12yos from a friend of the family.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I have an amazon and cbd wish list.

5. What's your favorite scent? Sunflowers and a newbie ~ Sensual Amber (personal); for home ~ fresh linen or vanillas.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, anything chocolate ~ Cadbury Dairy Milk is a fav.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?  Do you spin? I crochet, cross-stitch, sew, make wreathes and I'm learning to draw.   I don't spin but maybe one day.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Mostly classical along with christian rock and contemporary.  My computer/stereo is MP3 equipped.

9. What's your favorite color(s)?  Any colors you just can't stand? Red, red, did I mention red. I don't really have a color I can't stand ~ I love color especially bright ones.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am a wife and mother of 3, whom I homeschool.  We have a 2yo german shepherd mix named "poochie."

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, especially scarves and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Don't have one yet.  I am working on my first project since learning years ago. *Baby things ;D

13. What are you knitting right now? A child size scarf ~ done.  *Child's sweater and socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, these are special gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?  Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I don't know yet about straight or circular, have only used straight.  I do prefer aluminum but don't mind using the others.*Would like dpn bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, my two hands and those of my children.  All jokes aside, no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Not counting items in storage ~ hmm, almost 2 yrs old.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Lighthouses, books, band shirts/buttons.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Not sure what I need since most I own was for homeschooling or my oldest dd.  I'll need to take an inventory and post it.  Haven't really been looking and will update later regarding books and yarns.  I only have e-magazine subscriptions and borrow anything else from the library.  I currently get Lion Brand updates which I enjoy.

*Update :  Books ~ see my crafty wishlist; Yarns ~ sock, bamboo and silk; Needles ~ bamboo

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Cable stitch (done) and felting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not yet but am anxious to learn ~ started my first sock today.  Heel to toe - 9.5"; Toe to ankle - 7.5"; shoe size 7.5/8

23. When is your birthday? Nov 12th

Updated 3/27/07

I posted earlier about my joy in starting something new.  Here is the link to the details of my new hobby and fun.  Stop by and say hi.

Stashalong

I'm having so much fun, I can't keep it to myself.  You know I mentioned that I was actually blogging over on blogger and that I had considered joining a few knitting groups.  Well, I did and I am enjoying both.  I just got accepted to Stashalong and am looking forward to my first challenge, with fear and trembling.  I am writing my post here because I was updating my template and love my blog so much.  I really do like the ease of use at blogger but I love my blog here.  Too many choices and so little time.  I am considering joining a swap or two but I'm going to pray about it.  I may just wait and see how being apart of KTC and SAL works out.

Anywhoo, I am off to determine which challenge I will accept, type up my stash inventory, work on my preemie hat and listen to a book on cd, then I will heat dinner up and clip/organize my coupons.  Oh, the joy of being home and enjoying my life again.  I am even enjoying hsg my dc again.  Yeah me!

Oh, I also wanted to tell you all about a blog I just found, more specifically the blogger's post on dyeing yarn. Checkout Knitting Rose's site here, she's even introduced me to the Sockret Pal Swap ~ sounds like such fun.  I've never done this and it looks so easy and the yarn is simply lovely.  Is it really easy to do this?  Can I do this at home ~ you know that saying "don't try this at home kids?!"  Ok, I'm a little silly but its alright, I'm allowed every once in awhile.  I'm looking forward to doing new things and making my home beautiful using my hands.

Have an awesome day!

~at our homestead~

Sounds ~ rainfall, classical music ~ Corelli

Smells ~ burning wood, homemade iced tea

My hands ~ soft yello preemie hat (its so pretty)

Plans ~ dinner, lesson plans and book selections

Mood ~ wonderfully happy and content

Temporarily, which may become a permanent thing, I will be posting regularly at my other blog and linking it back here.  I'll keep this blog because I love visiting and gleaning the wonderful tips on homesteading but I need some simplicity in my life.

Here is the first one:

New Pursuits

I've put a couple of the websites in my sidebar too that I mentioned.  I'll update more soon.  Have a great week.

It truly has been a long time since I last visited here.  I have no excuse other than I have been setting my house in order and am please to say I am, once again, a SAHM.  I've been spending my time in prayer, cleaning and re-acquainting myself w/my dc.   In the process, I ended  up taking a little break from the blog-o-sphere.  I'm back.

I've been visiting some new blogs, taking note of new pursuits and reading alot.  I found some wonderful new blogs on knitting that I can't wait to add to my sidebar.  I even was motivated by one of them today to take inventory of my yarn stash.  I didn't even realize I had one, well at least not one in my current home being that I have one in storage.   I managed to sort it all, put them in some semblance of order since I have various projects underway but nothing finished.  I am not too happy about this but am now able to see what I have, what is available and how to proceed.  I am considering joining a couple of these  wonderful sites but I'm not a knitter, yet.  I love to crochet and cross-stitch but there is hope for me to become more of a knitter in time.  My oldest dd simply loves to knit now and can whip up a scarf in no time.  It is a pleasure to behold.  I also must confess that I haven't finished my beloved socks I began so long ago.  Hmm, I am not sure that I'm interested either but I have placed the project in plastic for later.  I think I will create an "in progress" listing for my projects and may even create a progress marker.

Yesterday, I spent time listening to a book on cd that I began in Jan and started a new project.  I was trying to make a preemie hat but it turned out to be an adult size hat that my oldest dd loves.  When I get the camera working, I'll upload a pic.  Its done and I am beginning another one and hoping to make it the right preemie size this time.   I choose a smaller needle, a D but I've never done this before so we'll see how it turns out.  I'll upload a complete pic of this one too.

Well, I'm off to update my other blogs and return to my book.  Hope you all are having a wonderful evening too.

~ at our homestead ~

smells ~ homemade pizza ~ vanilla caramel coffee

my hands ~ preemie hat in royal blue

sounds ~ crackling fire, most lovely ~ sense & sensibility