A New Year...Time for Plans

I am such an emotional creature.  Even when I was little.  If upset or scared, I could literally get sick.  I remember being in a talent show when I was in Girl Scouts, and we were doing a fashion show of clothes we had sewn.  Oh, I had the grooviest maxi skirt you could have ever seen and the coolest crocheted poncho.  We practiced walking on stage.  That's when it hit, all those people out there watching.  I was puking a short time later!  Arggg!

In my teen years I remember doing the same thing.  Mostly fear from having to stand up in front of people.  A breakup with a boyfriend.  Typical teenage stuff.

And later years, the crisis of a marriage falling apart, sent me in a down spin.  Leaving me sick and puny with a case of shingles that still to this day reminds me where they once were.  What on earth!

And here I am again.  So much going on with responsibilities of taking care of sick mother-in-law, selling her property, worrying about how long her money will last, all while trying to figure out how to keep a husband from being in total denial.  It is draining mentally and physically.   Then on top of it all I keep dreaming of "what I want to do when I grow up".  I am pretty sure I am not doing it.  I want to design crochet and knitting patterns, maybe own a little thrift shop...but it is so scary.   And all this denial has made me totally unorganized and frazzled.  So this year, I am going to try and get my foot in the proverbial door. Yes, at 51, I know in my heart that I need to give it a try.  I may fall on my face, but I am pretty sure if I do I will get back up.

So, like so many, I need to declutter.  I mean seriously declutter.  I have yarn everywhere.  Things I have started.  Things I want to start, and they all seem to have gotten lost in the clutter.

I am hoping my blog can be a source of strength!  Some support, and maybe a place to rant a wee bit! LOL!

Christmas was nice.  It is fun to see family.  I wish there was more time to visit.  But I am sure I am not alone on that one!

I got all my Christmas orders done.  I had to work on the up until Christmas Eve!  Next year I hope this will not be the case!!  I learned a lot this December in judging deadlines and custom orders.

That being said, I wanted to share one of those orders.  A pretty crocheted shawl!

I thought it turned out pretty.  The pattern is the South Bay Shawlette by Lion Brand.   The yarn is Roller Skate Fingering Weight from Knit Picks.

I have started a pair of socks for my mom, but not sure what else is on the horizon.  I am thinking organization needs to come before I tackle anything else!!

Love and Peace,

Dawn

A Little Bit Cray Cray

How is everyone?  Ready for Christmas?  Me, not quite!  I am hopeful this weekend it all wind down.  I believe the problem is the juggling of a full time job, the responsibilities of running a household, the chronic respiratory infection I can't seem to shake, topped off by my desire to give everyone on my list something handmade.  So, looking at this and taking it all in, I realize that giving all handmade gifts is not going to quite get it done.   I have read it, thought about it, and accepted it!  So in that respect I feel better about what is left to be done.

Secondly, I must get over this respiratory infection so I can enjoy myself with family over Christmas. I have decided this is top priority.  So a dr visit today and more antibiotics I and keeping a positive outlook that I will like this!

So with these two revelations, I have formed a plan.  I little bit of shopping on Saturday to finish up and get everything wrapped then rest and relaxation!

I do have one more custom order to finish up.  I have told myself that next year any custom orders for Christmas will have to be to me before the end of September.  I have been scrambling and stressing with my final project, although I feel certain it will get done.

Check out this little fella.  I managed to get one done before my last project came in!  Yes, next year more of these will be ready!  They are fast and fun to make!

And this little guy came along to keep the other company.  I have a shawl pattern that I do hope to finsh up this weekend, which is looking quire preety, and will free up some free up some time to do more little snowmen!

Isn't he cute, even while naked!!!

So hear is my plan:

Work tomorrow 8 - 5, and Monday as well.

Saturday, finish up shopping.  This will be huge!!!

Saturday evening dinner with friends.  Now some fun begings!

Sunday, wrap presents and get ready for work.

Monday, deliver gifts.

Whew!!

Now once this is done, all will be good. 

Now that I have shared a couple little snowmen with everyone I think I need to get a good night's sleep!  Completely uninterrupted sleep is what I am hoping for.  So with that I am saying good night!

I  will see ya'll back here shortly with a progress report!

Dawn

Thanksgiving at the Outerbanks

Phoebe and I were able to spend Thanksgiving at the Outerbanks with the whole family!!!  Although it was very cold and very windy, it was beautiful.  I actually thought the cold felt good!  As you can see, Phoebe loved it!!!

Our house had a lookout on the roof!  And the view was amazing!!!!!  I was fascinated with the sky!

Isn't it beautiful!!  You can see the clouds just rolling in!!!

The chairs on the second floor deck looked inviting.  But don't be deceived....it was about 30 degrees and extremely windy when I took this!!!  

Phoebe mustered up enough bravery to climb a couple steps until she stopped!  I think the bravery came from her desire not to have me out of her sight!  LOL!!!  Just look at those eyes.

Like most families, we cooked up a large feast for all of us!  Check out the mashed potatoes!

Holy cow!!  Were they ever good!!!!!  Yeah, that is butter floating on top of them!!!

Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Turkey, two kinda of dressing, gravy, rolls, cranberries, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie...I think I am still full!

Miss Phoebe after a half cup of turkey.  I do believe the tryptophan had totally kicked in!!!  LOL!!

We made a trip to Bodie Island Lighthouse.  This place was absolutely beautiful!

I was really taken by this place.  It is so full of history.  And the beauty of the lighthouse is just jaw dropping.  It is hard to realize how big it is until you step out of the car.  

If you ever get to the outbanks, I urge you to visit at least one of the lighthouses!!!  

We also visited Oregon Inlet.  I really like that place, too.  It is full of boats and neat little store full of fun fishing stuff and tee shirts.  

Look at that Carolina Blue sky!!!!

The beach at Nags Head (where we were staying) was very pretty and full of things to photograph.

I was in awe of how close this beach house is to the water...it is obvious that it is in the tide at some point!


My nieces on the beach.  I don't know how they can stand the cold in their bare feet, but they were all over it.  Not me!!!!

OK, don't let her cuteness burn your eyes!!  She was having a blast running and sniffing!  Although she wasn't too keen on the water, but she loved the sand and running full speed with now leash holding her back!

Now, I could show more, but I really wanted to share some crochet fun with you!!!  I will preface it with telling you I learned to do fair isle in crochet!!!  And it is so freaking fun!!!!!!

Once I finish up with all my Christmas projects I want to do some more of this!  I have been pinning patterns and  charts of different things I want to try!!  

There are several you tube videos out there to help you out.  I took advantage of a couple, and recommend if you are going to try and do this watch a couple.  It will help out quite a bit!!!

I also cranked out a chunky crochet project because I was in between projects.  It turned out quite cute!

 It is a giant half granny, only it is joined at the ends.  Kinda cool!  I am sure I am not the first to think of this, but I had to give my self credit for being kinda clever to think it up!!!

It is truly an infinity!!!  I used a super large hook, it was fast and satisfying!!!!!

Well, that's about it for now.  Must admit I am tired and need to head to bed.  Morning will be here soon enough!!

Dawn

Rural North Carolina

Yesterday I went to Seagrove with my mom and dad.  For those of you not familiar, Seagrove is a small town in North Carolina, known for its deep roots in pottery.  It is a wonderful place anytime of year.   I am fortunate that it is just a short trip from High Point.  I snapped a few pictures to share with everyone!  This area is so typical of what life is like in North Carolina.

As we were riding down the one of the roads we spotted this old place.  You feel as if you just stepped out of time when you see it.  I wondered who lived here and what is was like.   The entire countryside and sprinkled with places like this, old barns, and out buildings.  And for me I was in heaven taking pictures of everything.

I just love anything that is old and rusted.  This old churn was just sitting in the yard at one of the potteries.  The place had so many relics from its earlier times scattered all over the yard.

My dad, sitting in a rocker at the Cagle Road Pottery.  He is love'n every minute of it.  Cagle Road Pottery is in an old log cabin set off the main road.  There are old dogs laying on the porch waiting for someone to have a seat and give them a scratch on the head.  My dad struck up a conversation with one of the owners there, who told him the property has been in this family since the 1700s.  There pottery is beautiful too!

Ray Pottery is a MUST stop!!  It has become one of my favorite places to stop.

This little guy was there to greet us when we got out of the car!  OMG....he was so cute.  A little black dachshund, with a grey muzzle and a tail that didn't stop wagging!!

Here is some of their pottery.  I love the combination of the salt glaze with the shiney red glaze.  I DID bring a piece of this pottery home with me.

I want it all!!!!


On our drive down to Seagrove we made a stop a the Pisgah Covered Bridge.  There are stories of it being haunted.  Haunted or not, it is old and a perfect time capsule from about 1911.  You can walk in it, around it, and under it.  A must stop if you are in that area!

The day was overcast and cool, and perfect for taking pictures.  It is so quiet here, even with the main road in plain sight.  You hear nothing but the sounds of the woods and the water.  

If any of you are curious about North Carolina, I think these few pictures I have posted say it perfectly. It is beautiful place to live.  

I wish I had some crochet to share this evening.  I am very close to finishing up a crochet scarf.  I am going to give it a post of its own!  It is something new I have learned to do with  crochet!  I don't want to give anymore away right now.  

I hope everyone has a great week!!!  

Crazy Insane Variegated Madness!

Pure nervous energy started this little project.  I was at an impasse.  I had finished the Laura's Wrap and not certain on what to start yet.  So I picked up my circular needles and variegated yarn, next thing you know this is the result.  

I added a granny edging in teal blue.  I didn't want anything fancy-shmancey, just something clean and simple.  I think the variegated insanity framed by the calm blue is perfect.  It rather reminds me of myself these days!  LOL!!!

It is fascinating how variegated yarn works up.  How can anyone not like the color.  I want to dive right into it and get lost!!!  

I have been looking at shawl patterns on ravelry.  I have so much yarn that needs to be worked up, and I am in a crochet mood.  

These days Goodwill has been a fun break for me.  I am always looking for that treasure.  This long green sweater is my latest score for $3.75.  It looked in need of love hanging there on the rack.  it was dirty, out of shape, and had some pilling on it.  I gave it a good cleaning and hit it with the steamer. Ran it over with the little sweater shaver and a lint roller, and ta-da!  It is my favorite.  And I love it with denim. Olive green and blue is so pretty together.  Oh...the belt, a total score too!  

For those that don't know me, I love Goodwill.  Like my mom says, "It makes her happy"  LOL!  It really does.  Plus finding a treasure for under 5 bucks is so freaking fun, I can't explain it!  I must say, this is the grooviest sweater I have ever had!!!  

I  love this peaceful Sunday evening.  Hubs is gone to bed, Girlie is laying here next to me in peaceful slumber and I am enjoying the quiet.  I have a new little crochet project going, and a rather large order to get started on.  The beginning drowsy feeling is kicking in...it can't get much better.  You see, anxiety has been high these days.  I can't pin down one particular reason, maybe it is several things causing it, but it has crept in and really done a number with me.  So these moments where I feel calm and content are the best!!!  I think part of it is the fact that 51 years have hit and certain chemical changes are effecting my temperance, leaving me in an agitated state everywhere I go.   LOL!!

About the new crochet project, it is something kind of new to me.  I won't share a lot until next week when I can share some pictures, but I can say learning the technique has started the creative wheels in my head and I already have ideas on where to take it.  That's all I will say for the moment!

I hope everyone has a great week.  And may it include some yarn, too!!!

Dawn

Laura's Wrap Finally Done!!!

Finally!  I have finished the pattern for Laura's Wrap, and got it listed on etsy and ravelry.  Whew!!!  When I designed this wrap I never had the intention of writing up the pattern, but after so many requests for the pattern I decided to go ahead and do it.  

I have had fun today playing with it and figuring out ways to wear it.  

Hey...notice the Owl Necklace!!!  Heee heee!  Total Thrift Store Score...$3!!  His eyes are missing, but I didn't even flinch when I saw him.  Had to have it!!!!

Now, I have all this variegated yarn all over the house.  So, I am in "variegated yarn crazy insane heaven"!!!  

Check these little sock project totes I crocheted up!

I have been mixing yarns together just to see how they work up. And who can't resist the little sugar skulls??

Now, I am ready to kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening before Monday morning gets here.  I am sure it will involve some yarn and a hook!!

I'll leave you with the cutest little picture of Phoebe.  We were headed to "grandma's" house this morning.  She loves everything about it, the ride, their house, and he ride home!

Bye y'all!