Welcome Fall

Hello everyone.  I hope you've had a wonderful week full of creativity, happiness and love.  I've been on vacation this week and haven't turned on my computer until today.  In some ways I've had withdrawals but in others it's been nice.

I took a stroll around town and looked up into the trees.   This time of year reminds me of so many things.  The time of year Mother Earth transitions from summer to winter.

In the past I would complain about  the temperature drop, darkness coming so early.  I've begun to realize that this is one of my favorite times of year.  For the exact reasons I used to complain about, and many more.  Stop, breathe, truly open your eyes to the world around you. 

The joy I feel in taking photos has changed my view of the world - every single day.  Even when I don't have my camera with me I see things that I wouldn't normally notice.   I find that it slows me down to take in the splendor every day offers.

The aspen trees are starting to turn.  I love the way the leaves shimmer in the breeze.  They put on a show for anyone who will watch.

Whatever you do, stop and breathe.  Fill up your lungs with what gives us life.  Look around to see what gives your life meaning.  It could be as simple as the last bloom in your garden to those you love and hold dear.  Enjoy every day as a gift, for that is what life - life with meaning and purpose - is all about.

Peace,
Kay

Friday Smiles

Hello lovelies!  Please don't be shocked -- three posts in one week!  I have decided that I'm going to make an effort to get on my computer at home every other day.  Having said that, please cut me a bit of slack if it takes a while for me to get in the routine!

Today I'm joining up with Annie at A Stitch In Time.   If you need to smile hop on over and see what others are sharing.  

There's so many things in my life that make me smile.  The leaves turning golden, my dog playing with her food like a cat, and one of my obsessions -- yarn.  Seeing all the colors available bring the biggest smile to my face.  It's sensory overload in so many ways.

I watched this adorable creature get sheared.  I love seeing sheep out in the field.  They are so amazing and gentle.  Don't you love those eyes and that adorable pink nose!

Just imagine the relief they must feel in losing all their fleece.  It's probably an extra thirty pounds (or more).  Oh bless.

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW 279

Hello everyone!  Can you believe it's October already?  I bet those of you that have started your Christmas cards are now laughing at us that haven't made even one!!

It's time for WOYWW.  Our lovely hostess is Julia at Stamping Ground.  People from around the world join in and show their desks and projects.  

Last Saturday I went to the thrift store.  I found these very cool salt/pepper shakers.  The glass on the left is a shot glass.  It doesn't matter that they weren't sets as I have a special plan for them.  Can you guess? 

So this is what's on my desk this week.  I'm finding it hard to believe that the Craft Fair is a little over a month away.  Holy moly, I need to get cracking on some of my larger projects!

OMG, I just knew I shouldn't have taken a photo from this angle....

This is what happened right before I started this post.  I don't have insurance for my phone and am not eligible for an upgrade until December, 2015..... guess I'll bite it and get a new phone.....

As always, I will visit those that visit me (please leave your number) and those that end in the same number as me.  It may not be until the weekend before I get around but I promise I'll do my best.

Peace,
Kay

Infinity and Beyond!

Hello all my lovelies!  I hope you all had a wonderful week and the weekend has treated you well.  

I've been busy knitting, knitting, knitting.   After a hard day at work I truly enjoy sitting in my comfy chair and working on a project.  The motion and the clacking of the needles is meditative for me.  If I've had a bad day or am physically exhausted the needles and yarn relax me.  I love the textural feel of the yarn.  Everything about this wonderful craft is healing.

I finished my first infinity scarf.  It's a scarf that has no end and no beginning.  I enjoyed making it and have started on another.  I get to feel the wonderful yarn working it's way through my fingers and into a finished garment!

  Here it is wrapped around "Camille" three times.  

Wrapped twice.

Wrapped once.  Now, that entire wall is painted yellow -- I will definitely have to find a better location to take these photos!

This project is so simple all you need to know how to do is the knit stitch.  I used Loops & Threads Country Loom yarn in Magic Carpet.  The label classifies this yarn as Super Bulky (6) and use a size 13 needle.  The ball comes in 104 yards and is 100% acrylic.  Unlike some acrylics, this one is extremely soft to the touch.  The benefit is that it can be washed and dried!

Below is the pattern.  Give it a shot, you'll find it easy and fast!  If you do make one please let me know!

Kay's Infinity Scarf
Bulky yarn of your choice 
Size 11 needles (I had these and didn't want to look for size 13 - and it gives it a tighter weave)
Large needle for sewing together

Cast on 15 stitches.  You can cast on more/less depending on how wide you want your scarf.
Knit every row until you reach the desired length or until you have around 22 inches of yarn left.
Loosely bind off.
Being careful not to twist, line up the two ends and sew together.  I use the Mattress stitch method.
Weave in any ends that you may have.

Even though I didn't measure to see how long my infinity scarf is, I know it's MUCH taller than my 5'3" frame.  

I hope you enjoy.  Fall is definitely in the air here and it will soon be time to wrap yourself up in a lovely scarf!

Peace,
Kay

Happy Birthday Mom

Hello everyone,

I am dedicating this post to my mom.  She would have been 79 years old today.  She passed away at the very young age of 55 (the age I am now).  To say that I've missed her is an understatement.  

 

This photo was taken at the Calaveras Big Trees in northern California.  It was one of our favorite camping spots while I was growing up.  Lots of fun memories include the huge trees, inner tubing down a huge hill and feeding deer out of our hands.  To read more about Calaveras Big Trees go HERE.

My beautiful mom.

We had our moments of mother-daughter arguments but at the center of it all was a love that was full and unique.  I'm so blessed to have had her as my mother, even though our time together was cut so short.

If you still have your mom, give her a kiss on the cheek for me.

Peace,
Kay