"To Do" Wednesday

Do you have a “To Do” List?

I’m a list maker, if I don’t list out things I want to do, complete, start, find, write (get the idea?) I forget.

Often I’ll list household chores as, some days it feels like you’ve been working your fanny off and have nothing to show for it.

I like that since of accomplishment of seeing things checked off the list.

It also helps me better budget my time for other things like sewing & knitting.

One of my goals for the year was to organize this house.
I know which layer things are under but, for some reason few others in my family have this God Given built in sonar. I was off to a pretty good start until we combined households & are now near bursting at the seams.

Our entire basement has become a storage area, a maze of boxes furniture and bags. I gave up on organizing for a while. But, bit-by-bit I’m finding my way through.

Starting in the laundry room. It’s become a dumping area of all things no one wants to deal with; out-grown children’s clothes, ill-fitting/wrong season adult clothing, blankets and extra pillows.….I mean, who has extra pillows!
My canning supplies are on shelves behind all of this stuff…
Better get started on that list…….
Goodwill’s going to love me

Signs of Spring and Fun Finds

Do you see what I see? BUDS!!!!

Signs of Spring! That means FLOWER BEDS! Gardening!

Completing the WIP Patio!

Opening the Pool!

Re staining the Deck,

Painting the Play Yard

Mowing the Lawns

cutting back brush at the edge of the woods

Painting the Fence,

Oh,

this is going to be a LONG list......

After the wind storms, I'll be able to see if my "Face" will have hair again!
Fun Finds for the day...
I stopped in at Michael's Crafts, Winter White & That's Pink Patons Wool is being discontinued. Mine has now been cleaned out! :D
I love the $1.00 bins they have. Today I lucked out and caught them 2/$1.00.
I Try and keep a few things tucked away for quick gifts & love using them myself. One for knitting, plans, idea's & mods to patterns, sewing gardening.....
Just the right size to tuck into a bag.
A few of these may be tucked into Adult Easter Baskets

She Who REALLY Rules the Roost! Family Fun

Helping fold laundry!

Outgrowing Newborn clothing, Grandma has to get sewing!

Dishcloths Anthropologie Inspired

I am so far behind!
I’ve been trying to clean up a bunch of smaller project that have been “marinating” for quite a while. I have the "Mindless Mitts" knit & ready to be sewn, also started the second “Ivory Bootie.” It just drives me nuts to pick-up a working project after a few weeks. Its almost easier for me to frog it and start over.

Yet, I keep having multi WIP’S
I’ve also been attempting to use up the cotton yarn from my Goodwill thrifting, after all... a score is only a score if you use it right? To date I have 8 dishcloths and still have ¾ of the bag to go. Here are the first few; some are multicolor from some of the smaller scrap

While knitting I like to troll my blog list….I was reading Pioneer Woman & she was talking about her finds while shopping at Anthropologie….the cutest measuring cups & spoons. Then I saw the dish towels….I LOVE dish towels and collect them where ever we go, they are my weakness. I love the older style tea towels…can’t stand the “toweling towels”

Anyway, I’m looking at these adorable towels and noticed……….there are no dishcloths! So, inspired by Anthropologie I came up with these!

Already listed in the Etsy store!


By the way, If you some how have missed the "Pioneer Woman", do yourself a favor and check her out, her blog is just plain fun!

Sewing Bug Strikes Again

Looks like Spring brings all sorts of bugs. Rachel was scheduled for one last transfusion but had to delay it do to the same "creepin crud" bug everyone else is getting. Its a double whammy for her as her resistance is so low & the transfusion would be a big boost to her system. But, they will not transfuse if you have a fever.....she was running 102. So, she will have to reschedule. Hayden has the same bug so lets just hope they don't give it back and forth to each other!

I got bit by the Sewing Bug. I used to sew and quilt all the time. I made dance costumes for years and just got burnt out. Working for a major chain fabric store for 8 years created a....well, lets just say MASSIVE stash and leave it at that.

I've been trying to sort through some of it and just touching the brocades, velvets and cottons have my fingers just itching to dive in again. I found 3 quilts nearly completed about 6 pair of flannel pants waiting elastic.....bolts of Lycra & sequins from costuming.....I really need to destash. But then I think well, I could put a few leotards together and list on Etsy, finish those quilts and update some bedrooms. I could do a lot with it. But would I?

We have quite a few friends with small children so I've pulled a small stack out to make up some skirts/tops and sun dresses. I think if the outfits go over well with them I'll see how well they do on Etsy! I get to play with fabric & sew little girl things which I love, start cleaning out the sewing room.

Bad Blogger! But, I've been Knitting and Sewing!

I know, I'm a bad blogger! It's been crazy hectic around here, Spring Fever possibly?

Little Evie (AKA Porky) is outgrowing her diapers. We had bought quite a Smalls from Candi thinking they would last a few months....Miss Porky is drinking 4-5 oz every 2-3 hours! Can you say over 10 lbs?!?! Needless to saw we've been making new diapers as fast as we can.

I need to make about a dozen more & a few covers this week. We are recycling quite a few flannel sheets and shirts but I just had to make some girly diapers...a girl just has to have her cute Stuff

We have been having beautiful Spring days. Larry & I like to have coffee or a glass of tea outside together when he gets home in the evening. Isaiah joined us the other night. It was getting cool so Mama said to get a hat on.....he couldn't decide which he was supposed to wear so he took the safe route and wore BOTH!! Such a GUY already!

I have some knitting completed. Not as much as I'd wish but, my needles never can keep up with my plans. Anyone else have that problem?

These are again BFL, I call this colorway "Sherbert"

Today, my best friend, my guide on, my rudder, my heart, my projaholic partner, the man of my dreams and I are celebrating a special Anniversary with a dinner date. Tell ya more tomorrow!

Shorties On Silky BFL

Its so sunny and spring like I had to break out some spring colors. Using my colorway "Sweet Pea" for the body &"Green Apples" for the cuff & waist. Medium shorties, on super soft and silky BFL!

More BFL, "Earth II" Large shorties. These sold before they were posted!

I added a Peace symbol on the lower leg at the customers request.

I have a 3rd pair nearly done, just need to knit the legs. I have been having a blast playing in the dye pots coming up with various colorways. I should have photos tomorrow!

Erika and I hit the fabric store today, (no I don't mean the one in the basement.)

Cotton summery prints were 30-50% off....so of course we had to take advantage of that. Doing our part to boost the economy

Thrifting Thursday!

Great finds today! This pillowcase size bag of cotton yarns, soon to be dishcloths and washcloths!I estimate there is about $20.00 of cotton in there!

New Sheets( high thread count) half in the bag, the lady said she did not like the colors.....returning them was to much trouble so she brought them to Goodwill. There were also 2 packs of heavy cloth napkins...still in the package never opened. I think I see tote bags in the near future

MINE!

This is what I found when I got home. Let me preface to say he is always in a closed cage when I leave. Some how he has learned to get out. When I came thru the door I heard "Hi Baby!"

See those latches hanging down? It takes a 2 handed human to open them. Apparently just a sneaky Parrot to do the same!

Off to play in the dye pots!

Color Play & Trying to knit

Having a Parrot as a pet is like having a Permanent 3 yr old in the house. They need fed, entertained and contently monitored. They also can become Verrry jealous of anything they feel takes the (my) attention away from them. If Papuga is loose, I generally have about 5-10 minutes of knitting before he comes over and sits on my hands. I'll love on him & pet him for a while, then back to my shoulder he goes. If I keep knitting, well lets just hope its not new bamboo needles being used as they will be chewed!

I hid the camera under my knitting the other night, Hes on his 3rd trip down to my hands.

Playing with colors again today. My photography skills are not the greatest but.... here is

"Green Apples"

"Danielle"

"Erika"

"Watermelon Sorbet"

Shorties & Colorplay!

Despite Puga's attempts to take all my attention, I was able to get some knitting in.

Tropical Goldfish, Medium Shorties

" Crew Girl" Medium Shorties..The colors for these were inspired by this swim cover up
A bit of color play! All on the some of the softest Merino I've ever felt.
"Rocker Girl" 220 yds

"Hanna Banana" 220 Yds

"Mama Jama" 220Yds

Erika named this one "Bunny Adventures"

Why I l LOVE my LYS & Other Good Stuff

I've often been told I have a twisted sense of humor, its not twisted its just expanded.....

Which is why I love my LYS (Local Yarn Store.) The owner's Anne & Jerry are a hoot! Here is the the St Paddys Sale ad.....

St. Patrick's Day Sale
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
March 14 through 17
Starting tomorrow we will be celebrating St. Patrick's day until Tuesday with a sale. All instock yarn will be 20% off. That's right for just showing up and wearing a little green you can save some green and get a whopping 20% off in stock yarn.

As you know we like to have a little fun here at Grinny Possum so in the spirit of fun if you come into the shop with your entire face painted green we will give you an additional 5% off. That's right a huge 25% discount if you come in with your face entirely painted green. Now we don't mean a few splotches of green here and there but the entire skin area. Also expect to have your picture made and it turning up on the web site or Ravelry..
As always there are rules to this sale. The sale only covers in stock yarn. No needles, wheels or books. No already discounted yarns. You must also be wearing at least a little green. Green teeth or green underwear do not count so keep your mouth closed and your pants on.

Grinny Possum Fiber Arts
248 Spring St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
www.grinnypossum.com

I Love it!!!!

Having a cruddy day? Want to feel better? Check out what Mandie went thru yesterday.

And for a chance to win a Uber soft pair of hand knit socks, pay a visit to Evy at

"Yes They are all mine"
She is celebrating her 200th post ....and they are posts worth reading!

Got Peanut butter?

All kids love peanut butter and Jelly. But it has to be the all time favorite....

"Grape Jelly"

Small shorties, 85% wool 15% angora, super soft for little tushies.

Ribbed legs designed to contain new babies blowouts (cause we all know they happen!)

Stash Busting!

Playin in the dye pot again....

"Fresh Rhubarb"

"Rivers Rising"

"New Shoots"

"Building Blocks"

Stash Feeding!

Some on BFL, Some on Merino, these and others to be listed on Etsy by tomorrow.

Pet Me, Pet Me NOW!

I learned something today,

Parrots and Bamboo Hiya Hiya needles don't mix.

My parrot "Puga", will (when he thinks enough is enough) chew on my needles & set on my hands. That was fine when I was using the Addi's. I no longer consider his bid for attention cute. They were my new favorite pair.

Pants on Fire! Shorties & Family Time

Fresh off the needles! O.K., it was this morning. STK Large Shorties.

"Pants on Fire" Base Yarn: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted Weight Contents: 85% Wool, 15% Mohair. Purchased from Monkeyypal Hand dyed yarns.

Rich Red's to yellow and every shade in between! Stocking on Etsy this evening!

This weekend was crazy in our house. We had fun but it was nuts! Lots of people in and out, and we had our bonus granddaughter Raven for a few days. Leaving church Raven & Isaiah picked up pine cones, special ones....."because, they were just laying right there waiting for them to come along and pick them up!"

After a lot of giggling, tape & craft paper, these are the table decorations I was surprised with!

Little kids playing nicely above, big kids not playing nicely below.....Isaiah quickly told Daddy & Auntie Danielle they both had a time out for "rough housing inside"



During the ice storm we Bird-sat for a friend of Erika's who was with out power..............we still have the bird. Seems the owners did not want it back. So, in the house we now have 4 adults, 2 children, 1 Golden Retriever (that thinks hes a Poodle), 20 fish, a Parrot and now another bird.
If we still had the cat I said we would have named it (Little Bird) Kitty Bait!


My Zoo, I wouldn't want it any other way!
Most of the time!~

Frugal Fun Finds Friday

A little wool on the hoof.... You have to influence then early right?
Frugal find of the day, ladies 100% cotton cardi, stain on the cuff $1.00. 7 Shell buttons alone are $2.50 for 4 at Hancock Fabrics.

As the front button placket was serged on I was only able to reclaim the back and sleeves, still it will be plenty for a sweater, booties & hat for Evelyn......someday.

The down side of reclaiming the yarn is the mess. Still worth it!

Funny Friday For Those OWNED by Pets

In an email from my friend Adel;


The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.


Dear Dogs and Cats:
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.



I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.



For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

Thrifting Thursday!

On the way home today I had 10 free minutes so I popped in to my local Goodwill looking for more flannel sheets. Never made it to the back wall. They were just starting to unload a rack of men's garments & I got side-tracked. Flannel shirts would make cute diapers right? Look what I found, Men's XXL sweater, 77%Lambs' Wool & 23% Nylon!

Which soon became....I have not weighed it all but, the dark Grey skein in the top center is 3.5oz/100gr. Not sure what I'm going to do with it all but, for $1.99....I'll think of something!
What did you find today?

Simple & Sweet

Simple & Sweet

Because every girl needs a bit of Fluff!

Little Bit of Knitting, Little Bit of Sewing, LOTS of Cuddling

Evie wants to say HI!!!!! 3-4 oz every 2 hrs and shes getting just a biiiit porky! I love watching babies fill out. Shes sure doing a good job of it!

I'm stuck on spring, or dreaming warm weather dreams. Everything I've been knitting or dying has a Earth "flavor" so to speak.

The latest knits are "Earth" Sheepy Shorties
I love this colorway & super soft. A great buy from "The Bare Sheep Yarn CO."

Ever lived where there were Mulberry Trees? As kids we would squish the fallen berries between our toes. One summer I had brand new sandals (not hand-me-downs) to wear to Church. That was a big deal as we had school/everyday shoes and church shoes. Not the 5 pr of flip flops & 3 pr of sneakers kids have now. Anyway, I'd had a blast squishin all these berries & my feet were pink to a brown purple....that did not wash off. I had to wear my school shoes and leave my new pretty sandals at home. I haven't looked at Mulberry's the same way since! This dye lot did not come out quite as I'd planned. Pinks to a brown purple. So I call them.......... "Squishin Mulberries"

O.K. I'm to to frugal (cheap, I'll admit it) to pay someone to do something I'm capable of doing myself. So we've been playing with various patterns, making diapers & covers. Some attempts successful, some are ..........not.

I've decided this face is due to moving her away from the thread....Another crafter in the family, its in the blood! YES!!!

I might even share my knitting stash :D

Bits of flannel I had & a flannel sheet I scored at Goodwill for $1.99. The rest from stash, how cheap is that!