Updating web presence

I have spent the day updating my web presence. Phew! What a job that is and I am still no where near finished. Still, it had to be done. The links on the right hand side are being updated with up-to-date information and hopeful plans. No crafting of any kind while this is being done.

Now that I have my firs quilting UFO out of the way, I can do this with an easy conscience.

More later ...

Quilted UFO #1...

A couple of days ago I read emails and discovered that I was in position #3 of the Ladies in Waiting for the Queen position in the Stashbuster's UFO Challenge, and I haven't even made it to the quilt shop to get my application "fees" yet. So, heeding the thumping of the heart - do I want to don the regal wardrobe while riding the TransWorld Express (train)? I think not. So as soon as we got the RV out of storage and parked, out came Miss Betsy and a review of what I had to accomplish in the way of UFO's and "want to do's" and what would take the least amount of time. "Winter", a 2013 Christmas present left behind during our travels, received the winning vote. I started with this ...

 The fabric chosen and started, getting to this point  The colours seen in direct winter sunlight did not have the effect and value that I had hoped for when choosing them. If I remember correctly the lighting in the store was incandescent but I had thought daylight. So the first dilemma: Do I want to change the fabrics and start over by ripping put what has been done. NO! So I persevered. I didn't dislike the colours but rather they were a little off for the reason I was doing this - a 2013 Christmas present (not taken with me on our travels). Their Christmas dishes are blues and silver yet the fabrics, in direct sunlight, have a distinct purplish hue to the blues. So we will see how it goes over, and if necessary, I can remake it. 

A marathon day of sewing and binding sewn as I traveled to the doctor appointment, I completed tonight and this is what I have ...  20 x 60" table runner.

Completed. Done. Move me down out of the Ladies in Waiting list.

On to another subject: Knitting. During conversations with my granddaughter and me knitting a scarf for myself out of lacy silk fiber, she hinted, albeit indirectly, that she would love to have a cowl. All the kids in school were wearing them. So off I headed, ended with a white synthetic with a slight sparkle (probably way too much, maybe enough for two), needles and a downloaded pattern from the internet. 

 A good travel project for sure: 15" wide and 54" long, then connected end to end through provisional casting on. By the time I had gotten to our parking spot for this week, I had already knit quite a bit and also realized that this particular pattern, cute as it is, draws the width in to about 12", not quite as big as I wanted it. With re-evaluation I realized two things: need bigger needles and more stitches.  Still, it will be quite nice when finished, and, quite warm. Of course, now that I am making her one, the temperatures will remain high here in Texas, :) and I have another UFO on my hands.

So now, what UFO project will be next? I am thinking, the "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed as it will be a stitch in the ditch finish and then binding for completion. During this process I will also get started on DGD's new one for her newly redone bedroom. I am hoping to alternate new with a UFO for more progress. For travel I will take the appliqué Merry Merry Snowmen.

'til later ....

I won, I won ...

Wow, I won a prize, something that has not happened in a ver very long time. I opened an email from my Stashbustr's online group and realized, albeit slowly, that I had won a bonus prize of FQ's. This will be an awesome Welcome Home gift. Of course it will add about 7+ yards to the stash that will have to be used up and that means a new project can be planned! Pictures to follow upon arrival!

Having arrived back in the USA this week, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Miss Betsy to the fold. Hopefully by tomorrow at the earliest. So now, the decision has to be made, which UFO do I attack? Which project do I start on? Will the start be quilting or will it be needlework. Oh, the possibilities are endless.

For now I need to start reorganizing and updating my webpages. They need it badly. Oh, I can see, I will be one busy person over the next little while. In the middle of everything I will be making a trip to Canada to visit my parents. That will require some handwork to tag along. This too means a decision of sorts.... too much, too much ... just do it.

Excited...

The count down begins: Only 2 more days until we leave to return to the USA. I am so excited as that means only 7 more days until Miss Betsy makes her appearance. Along with her appearance however, comes a required complete re-organization of my projects, UFOs and travel accoutrements. And not to forget the same for my needlework.

Just remembered, need to put a photo of the completed BOM #1 of the Merry Merry Snowmen.

When I went to start the 2nd block, I realized that the thread that I received with the project was far too light for the reindeer. I ordered more but it won't be available until we pick up our stored mail. So now it languishes. Oh well, 1 finish is better than none.

I have made great strides on my knitted silk scarf. A long way to go to finish but because of limitations of available fiber, the length will be dependent on the fiber available, not vice versa. All in all however, it will make a great scarf to complement my denim-colored leather jacket, which is a fair weather, spring and autumn jacket. A perfect time to wear a lightweight scarf.

So let the clock tick down ...

Happy New Year ...

Happy New Year to all my friends out there. May your 2014 be filled with health, happiness and prosperity within whatever life may bring you. This will be a good year and attitude has a lot to do with how it is perceived. For me it is going to be a great year!

I look forward to getting back to the US in a few days where I will be able to once again get at my various endeavors. I have joined the Stashbuster's UFO Challenge again this year and due to timing will probably have to pay a forfeit right away. I am #11 on the list and with all those who state they are close to finishing, it probably won't be many days hence 'til I am crowned queen.  That is the fun of this group.

I also read an inspirational quote a few days back and felt the call. "Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." by Brad Paisley. Life is what you make of it and only you can make the deciding factors, so I decided to rite on the blank page, each of the 365 pages. Although this literal meanng is far from what he meant, I am choosing to see it that way as I have already decided to make the best of every ebb and flow that comes my way. Not a "NYE resolution" but rather a goal; to record my progress through my 64th year on this earth, as I choose to live it, along with my thoughts and observations.

My journey will be documented on my blog:     http://travelinduo.net/2014/Index.html

Enjoy and have a great one!