Misty's Day at the Doggie Spa

Last Saturday, Misty went to Bark and Bubble in Sturbridge, MA for her first haircut.  Her hair was getting very long and out of control.  They told me that she was great for her first time.  She is just not a big fan of the hair dryer.

Here is a picture before:

And here is a picture after:

She looks so different!  She feels like a soft lamb with pure white fur instead of ivory fur.

Just to update you, she is almost 7 months old and weighs 24 pounds.  She is pretty much house trained, with an occasional accident.  Her newest thing is she loves to jump up on everything, people, counters, furniture and Hershey.  Plus she loves to bite.  We are working really hard to break her of both of these bad habits.

Puppy Love - Meet Misty

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything here on my blog, but this is worth sharing.  

We bought a puppy, a sister, for Hershey!

Meet Misty:

Misty is a 4 month old keeshond poodle mix.  She weighs 18 pounds and is mostly fluffy fur.  They are saying that she should be about 35 pounds full grown but I have a feeling that she is going to be a little bigger.

Here is a picture of her after her first bath:

She is mild mannered, sweet, gentle and even lazy by normal puppy standards.  She will run around and play with Hershey and after 10 minutes, she is laying down relaxing.  She has been meeting our neighbors and their dogs and she is more than happy to meet everyone.

Here is Misty meeting her brother Hershey for the first time:

Hershey is really taking to her and they are becoming great friends!

I am so excited that we finally found a sister for Hershey!  She will make a great addition to our family!

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis

Today, I am reviewing The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis.

When her sister falls gravely ill, twenty-year-old Marlena Wenger takes on the responsibility of caring for her infant niece, Angel Rose. Worried that this turn of events portends a more complicated future than he is prepared for, her beau ends their relationship. Marlena is devastated, but is determined to give Angel Rose the best care possible.

Though from the Beachy Amish herself, Marlena meets Ellie Bitner, an Old Order Amish mother who offers quilting and needlepoint classes. They soon form a bond, and Marlena is drawn into the circle of Ellie's family. Ellie's handsome cousin seems rather taken with Marlena, but after her recent breakup, she is cautious where her feelings are concerned.

But things begin to change when Ellie's young son Jacob discovers an older homeless man camped out in the nearby abandoned mill. Suffering from some cognitive disorder, the man has few prospects and fewer possessions--among them a small clutch of letters apparently from his own courting days. Could these letters be the key to the old man's identity? And can they bring healing and hope to Marlena and Ellie as well?

The first part of this story was about Marlena Wenger.  She moves in with her Mammi to help her deal with household responsibilities after the passing of her Dawdi Tim.  While she is there, her sister Luella, who left the Amish community, died in a car accident and Marlena has been asked to care for her young niece, Angel Rose, until Luella's husband and in-laws are contacted.  It was a transition period for her but things worked out.

Marlena also has a beau, Nat, back home who she is staying the contact with but there are several things in her life with Mammi that Nat does not approve of, including her raising her niece.  What will become of their relationship?

The second part of this story is about the Bitner family who are neighbors of Mammi.  Small Jay meets a stranger in an abandoned mill named Boston who does not remember much about his past.  Small Jay becomes a dear friend of Boston's and works with him to regain his memory of his past. 

This was a story about love, dedication, family and responsibility.  I really enjoyed reading it and how everything worked out in the end.

A special thank you to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

Brian's Snow Pillows

Here are some pillow that I made my SIL's boyfriend for Christmas.  He is very hard to buy for so I figured I'd make him something this year.

Here is the front:

Here is the back:

My hubby and I found this great snowmobile fabric when we were in Maine in June at Knight's on Route 1 in Cape Neddick, ME.  I used my Accuquilt Holiday Medley die (#55043) to make the trees, snowflakes and snow.  I appliqued around each item with coordinating thread to quilt and secure all the small pieces down.  They are big 18" pillows for his house in Vermont!  I know that he will appreciate all the work that went into them!

My pillows were also posted on Accuquilt's Facebook page on December 23, 2014!  Check it out HERE!

Christmas Table Runner

Here is a Christmas table runner that I made one of my hubby's co-worker's:

I followed the directions from THIS blog posting!

Last December, I went through my fabric stash and cut a 2-1/2" strip off of each of my Christmas fabrics and then cut them into squares.  This year, I found the started project and completed it.  I also quilted inside each rectangle with a spiral and I went around the outsides of them also.  I really liked how this came out!

Copper's Quilt

When I was watching my MIL's dog Copper last month, he loved to lay on Hershey's quilt.  Well Hershey was not having it.  So for Christmas, I made Copper his own quilt.  Here it is:

I made this using my Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter and Triangle in a Square - 4" Finished die (#55409).  I love how it came out!  It is rather small but Copper is a mini Chihuahua so he will have plenty of room to stretch out! 

Winter Wall Hanging

Here is my second creation using my new Accuquilt Go! Fabric Cutter:

To make this, I used the Holiday Medley #55043 die to cut out the snowflakes, trees and falling snow.  Then I used the Value Die #55018 to make the half square triangles on the top and bottom.  The pattern can be found here!

Also, right now Accuquilt is having a great Black Friday sale.  They are offering 20% off all Go! dies until tomorrow (11/29/14).  Plus the Go! Fabric Cutter Starter Set is only $199.99, that's a $50 savings.

I saw a posting from Sturbridge Quilt and Sew that they are having the same sale (20% off all in stock dies) for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.  I'm heading over there Saturday with my wish list to get some more dies.  I'd be there today but I have to work! :(

Happy AccuQuilting!

My First Accuquilt Quilt

Here is my first creation using my new Accuquilt fabric cutting machine.

 

I used the GO! Value Die only to make this quilt.  The inside blocks in light purple are four blocks of Road to Oklahoma to form a star.  The twelve blocks around the star are Double Four Patch quilt block.

 

I went through my fabric stash and pulled out pinks and purples to make this really girly baby quilt.  It is not for anyone in particular, I was just playing around.

A Quilter's Giveaway

As you may have seen, I recently received an Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter for my birthday.  Now it's your turn for a chance to get one for free for yourself.

Accuquilt is giving away $200 to use on their website each day for the next 10 days, that is $2,000 in free prizes.  All you need to do is set up an account at:

Create an Account

When you do this, they will automatically give you 250 points (this equals $5 in store credit) to use anyway you like.  Then go shopping and add everything you want into your wish list by clicking on Add to Wishlist next to the Add to Cart button on each product's page.  Everyone that has an account and has registered for the giveaway can win what is in their wishlist.  Here's the link to register for the giveaway after you have created an account:

Giveaway

In case you can't wait to win, they are offering free shipping when you spend $25 until 11/22/14 when you use the promo code FREE25.

Also, if you are not sure if the Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter is for you and you don't want to make a large investment ($249.99) for something that may not get used enough, then check out the Accuquilt Go Baby!

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter Starter Set

 

This starter set sells for $129.99 and comes with everything pictured here.  It will use most of the dies available in the whole collection but it can only use these sizes 6" x 6", 6" x 12" and 5" x 10" dies.  If you are not fond of the larger dies, this may be the fabric cutter for you.

Here are two other options for you:

1) GO! Baby Craftsy Class Kit- Half Square Triangles-4 1/2" #56501

 

This one is on sale for $89.99 and comes with the die shown here.  It can use all the same sized dies as the one above.

 

2) GO! Baby Craftsy Class Kit- Half Square Triangles-2 1/4" #56050

 

This one is also on sale for $89.99 and comes with the die shown above.  It can use all the same sized dies as the Go Baby Starter Set.

I am not affliated with Accuquilt in any way except for being a happy customer who loves her new toy!
 

Happy quilting!

An Accuquilt Birthday

On Saturday, my hubby and I were shopping around in Sturbridge and I popped into Sturbridge Quilt and Sew on 559 Main Street in Sturbridge, MA.  I stopped in this shop a couple of years ago but they moved to a bigger and brighter area.  The store owner, Gina, was very welcoming and willing to share her expertise on her products.  When I first got there, we walked around checking out the fabric and notions.  Then I went over and I was drooling over the AccuQuilt display with the machine, tons of dies and lots of projects to inspire you.

We wandered over to her education center with plenty of desk space for a fun day of classes and sewing.  We also admired her beautiful Handi-Quilter machine with king sized quilt frame which she used for machine quilting.  Oh, this place was great!

 

She is a Babylock distributor and I noticed the inviting Aria quilting machine.  Take a look for yourself:

  

 

I was in love and my hubby was actually encouraging me to consider buying it even after we heard that the price was $3,499.  We left well informed and excited to go home and research new sewing machines.  After reading reviews and researching other brands with similar features, this was the best deal out there.  But the accountant in me was having a hard time justifying the cost for only 4 new features over my current well-working sewing machine.

 

We went back on Sunday to tell Gina that we decided against a new sewing machine but we wanted more information about the AccuQuilt GO! machine and dies.  Oh no, my OCD could get me carried away with everything that is available.  Here's what we ended up purchasing:

 

GO! Fabric Cutter Starter Set #55100S

 

 

GO! Hexagons #55011

 

 

GO! Equilateral Triangles #55079

 

GO! Holiday Medley #55043

 

When you purchase a GO! machine from her, you name is on file and you will always receive 10% off all dies.  She suggested keeping a wishlist and to watch the newsletter for the featured die since it will be 15% off.  She is also the largest dealer of Accuquilt in central and western Massachusetts.

 

As I was leaving the store with my arms filled with new toys, Gina gave me a big hug.  I felt like I just became part of a new quilting family.  She was so helpful that I would recommend to everyone in the area to check out her store.  I am going to be watching her website for upcoming classes using the Accuquilt.

 

I am looking forward to playing with my new toys.  I have several ideas of projects using the dies that I purchased.  Also, the die that came with the machine has an idea book with 13 quilt blocks you can make using just that die for an awesome sampler quilt.

 

Since my birthday is November 18th, my hubby bought all of this for me as an early present.  This is just the inspiration I needed to get me motivated to quilt during this upcoming snowmobile season.  Thanks honey for a great present!  I can't wait to show off some finished projects from it here!

GCB Mini Monster

Okay, after finishing Ashton earlier this week, I am in am in the mood to make more amigurumi.  So here is my first one from Monster's Toybox.  This is Mini Monster in the Toy Box:

I used the remaining yarn from making Ashton as well since you only need 65 yards of a main color and 15 yards of a contrasting color to make one.  He is only 7" tall as compared to 12" tall for the full sized Monster in the Toy Box.

 

This little guy was quick and so much fun to make, I made him with only 3 1/2 hours of work.  I am making more of them as we speak.  I am hoping to find good homes for them soon!

Supplies:
Pattern: Mini Monster in the Toy Box by Alyssa Voznak
Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Waltz Worsted in GCB and Cavemoss Green
Hook: US G (4.0 mm)

Ashton Mystery CAL

I recently participated in a mystery CAL (Crochet A Long) with the Freshstitches group on Ravelry for September.  As I made the parts for the clues, I was unsure of the end result.  I thought it might have been a fox but I was expecting more parts to be made with clue #3 but there were none.

 

Here is Ashton:

 

 

Ashton is a puppy pillow.  I love how he came out!  Here's his back side too:

 

I think he has a cute little butt with a stubby tail.  Don't you just want to hug him!

 

Supplies:

Pattern: Ashton Mystery CAL by Stacey Trock

Yarn: Dancing Dogs Dyeworks Waltz Worsted in GCB and Cavemoss mini skein

Hook: U.S. Size G (4.0 mm)

Hubby's Third Pair of Socks

As you have previously read, I am on a sock knitting kick lately.  I have been very good about sharing with my hubby.  It was his turn for new socks.  Here they are:

This time I made them on 12" circulars by Chia Goo from the top down.  He liked the way these fit better than the toe up ones I have done for him in the past.  I bought 12" circulars for his socks because I was afraid that all those extra stitches (cast on of 72 versus 56) would be super cramped on the 9" circulars especially when I got to the gusset.

 

My next socks are for me!  Hmm, which pattern and yarn should I use?  You'll have to wait and see!

 

Supplies:

Pattern: "Top-Down Socks: One Or Two At A Time On Magic Loop" Video E-Book by Liat Gat

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply with Aloe Vera #3815 - Camoulflage Print

Needles: Chia Goo 12"Circulars in Size 1

More on 9 Inch Circulars - Videos

So, did you see my post about knitting socks on 9 inch circulars?  Do you want to learn more?  Here is a great series of 8 videos on You Tube from Springer's Yarn Nook to help you through it.

 

Here's the first video:

 

The second video:

 

 

The third video:

 

 

The fourth video:

 

 

The fifth video:

 

 

The sixth video:

 

 

The seventh video:

 

 

The eighth and final video:

 

 

I hope you find this series to be very helpful in your quest to knit socks on 9 inch circulars!



Sunday Swing Socks at Sunset

I've been on a sock knitting kick lately.  I figured if I was going to knit, let's make useful items for myself (or sometimes for hubby too).  This is my first attempt at a top down sock other than the sample socks I made several years ago.  Here they are:

These socks were also make using a new method to me, knitting them on 9" circular needles.  What???  9 inch???  Yes, you read it right.  They are the perfect length for knitting in the round and match the diameter of socks.  I first read about this from Stacey Trock from Freshstitches.  Want to read more about it, here are her blog posts #1 - Why a 9"? and #2 - Video: How to Knit Socks on 9" Circulars.

 

Here's a picture of my cast on:

 

 

Aren't they so cute!  To me, this is more efficient way of knitting socks over magic loop.  You do not have to keep adjusting your needles and turning your yarn bag.  I made these in a little over three weeks.  As you can see, I bought two sets of needles and I work them at the same time so I don't get second sock syndrome.

 

Where do you get these needles?  I got mine from an eBay store called Knit Bin.  They are HiyaHiya Sharps in size 1 (2.25 mm) for $9.25 each plus shipping.

 

 

If this has sparked some interest to you, please give it a try, you won't regret it!  If you do, please leave me a comment telling me about your experience and thoughts.  I love this method!



 

Supplies:

Pattern: Sunday Swing Socks by Kristel Nyberg

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply with Aloe Vera #3824 - Sunset Print

Needles: HiyaHiya Sharp 9" Circular - Size 1 (2.25 mm)