tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87269253340036243792024-03-12T20:04:40.026-07:00Acorn to OakGrowing Ideas into Something Grand - Fiber Arts - Cooking - Travel - LifeAcorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-46932885047800219222018-11-14T11:38:00.003-08:002020-05-06T12:02:25.277-07:00Decorating Bravery and Using What You Have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've long had the problem of worrying what others will think or judge about how I decorate home. I've worried to the point of not doing much of anything. Crazy, huh?! I also hesitate because I don't want to fail and end up with results I don't like. Well, I recently tried to stop worrying and started to just go for it. It can be hard because I find myself going back and forth in my mind between trying not to worry and thinking of what's "in" and trying to figure out what I'd really like to do in my own home. I'm hoping it'll get easier with practice.</div>
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One brave move I made was to finally hang my red plates.</div>
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I love transferware! I've been slowly collecting it over the years. I initially fell in love with blue ones. However, when I started collecting them I found myself loving the red/cranberry color too. So, my collection of those two colors began to grow. I hung a few on the walls years ago but a collection of the red ones grew and just sat stored away because I just couldn't figure out where to put them. They don't exactly go with the colors in our home. Red is one of the colors we have in our decor but it's not quite the cranberry red in transferware.</div>
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There was some space in our dining room for them. And, I noticed that the cute little noses on this bunny painting we have just happen to match the plates perfectly. I played around with the arrangement for a few weeks but didn't want to commit out of fear it might not look good and it didn't perfectly match the rest of the house. Finally, one day, I just made myself go for it. I made a decision on a layout and began pounding nails into the wall one by one until I had this....</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrQDQqnprJM/W3Wr1F9NNYI/AAAAAAAAqWY/Zuct1b9GJT8oMzFx4tnHXLqESSzydWEfgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180812_191544_966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrQDQqnprJM/W3Wr1F9NNYI/AAAAAAAAqWY/Zuct1b9GJT8oMzFx4tnHXLqESSzydWEfgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180812_191544_966.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love it! I often sit on the side of the table facing it just so I can stare at it. It's so pretty! And, no, it's not the right red but the painting across the room has some of this color in it along with the red-red that's in other parts of the house. That sort of ties it together. And, I think that's good enough! Especially since I love this so much! </div>
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This is also a great example of use-what-you-have to decorate. I imagine I'm not the only one that has things tucked away here and there that aren't being used. Or, things that can be arranged differently or in a whole new way or area. I've been noticing this past year or so that I often think of something I'd like to get or an area I'd like to decorate and find that I already have something that will work. It's such a great feeling! Not to mention a great money saver! </div>
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Sometimes it's something that may work out great until I find something to replace it or make it even better. This photo is a good example of that. The dresser isn't exactly what I want for our dining room. I'd prefer a buffet or hutch of some kind (which I had something closer to that idea but it works better in our craft studio for now). However, I just haven't found what I want yet and I'm a budget shopper which means it may take even longer to find. So, for now, the dresser will work. </div>
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The Pepsi box is another example of using what we have. I'd been watching for a nice wood tray for a bar but never found one I loved. We had found this box at an antique sale and it worked great for our bar. So, that's how we're using it. It's not quite big enough but we can at least keep our most used spirits in there.</div>
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How do you approach decorating? Are you fearful of what others will think to the point of not doing much decorating? Does fear of it not working out make you hesitate? Do you decorate with what's currently in style? Or, are you brave and bold and just go for it and do your own thing? Are you budget minded and go to thrift shops, yard sales, and antique stores? Have you found joy in using things you already have? Have you always approached it in one of those ways or changed over time? Our homes are ours and we should enjoy them in that way....as a reflection of us and who lives there. Although, it's not always easy. I'd love to hear your thoughts!</div>
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Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-14726443172160648082018-11-02T10:28:00.002-07:002020-05-06T12:00:55.584-07:00Halloween Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It had been years and years since I dressed up for Halloween. I finally did this year and it was so much fun! I dressesd up as a witch. Of course, I had to get pictures. I seem to take pictures of everything. But, before I got a picture of my whole costume I had an idea I wanted to try first. And, it worked! I'm so excited about this picture...I'm flying!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Voq7Rq6weRU/W9yAl36xO9I/AAAAAAAAsis/cNvzFwUaYSYfTJBjdAFiXnfgbiTHVmUJgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181031_163040_255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Voq7Rq6weRU/W9yAl36xO9I/AAAAAAAAsis/cNvzFwUaYSYfTJBjdAFiXnfgbiTHVmUJgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20181031_163040_255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my whole costume. It was hard to get it all in one picture with that tall hat. So, I leaned over to try to get it all. I made the broom recently. It's made with a dried rose branch with the thorns removed, some faux flower/grass bouquets from the craft store, jute, a little left over leather for the handle, and a stone glued to the top. Oh, and a glue gun! My daughter had this vintage dress that worked and looked so cute for my costume. However, clothes from those days had such tiny waists that the zipper only went part way even though the top closed. So, we wrapped me up in black tulle to cover the open area. It created a bit of a bustle in the back. That was a fun little bonus. The hat and socks are from Michael's. And, those little witchy boots I've had for about 30 years. I've worn them so much over the years that they've even had repairs and parts replaced. It's fun when you can create a costume with things you have. I love how my costume turned out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My daughter created hers entirely with things we had...the clothes, boots, and even the crazy wig. She even painted the t-shirt the night before. It was a never worn logo shirt hubby had gotten from work and thrown into the rag bin. I'm amazed at how great she did at painting it! She's a heavy metal rocker from the 80's. And, of course, she had to get a pic with her harp. She's a harpist that does amazing and surprising things with her harp. Yes, rock, blues, Latin...all kinds of cool music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We wanted to go somewhere wearing our costumes and decided to share the fun with my mom who is in assisted living with Alzheimer's. She loved it! We even brought her a sparkly witch hat. She laughed so hard that she had tears in her eyes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3yxKIoaQuw/W9yA0x4mNXI/AAAAAAAAsi0/ab3CBPI5qL0buykvBCL8AJHbxjpLlxKvQCKgBGAs/s1600/image000000_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3yxKIoaQuw/W9yA0x4mNXI/AAAAAAAAsi0/ab3CBPI5qL0buykvBCL8AJHbxjpLlxKvQCKgBGAs/s400/image000000_06.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found some Halloween craft kits at Michael's and we brought those for some crafty fun. She struggled with tthem a bit but had a lot of fun! She's always been a very crafty and talented person but hadn't crafted in a long time. We weren't sure how she'd do. This was a bit of a struggle but it worked. We'll be doing more crafts with her around Christmas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We each made two bats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She thought they'd be fun as earrings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After that we took them up to her apartment to decorate with them. Then, we took her to the Halloween party they were having for the residents. She had a good time and so did we.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a tough year. In a nutshell, my father had become increasingly ill and weak. He fell in March, went on Hospice in April, and passed away in May. Since then I've worked hard to get all of my mom's surivor benefits, and everything else straightened out for her. It was so much more work and stress than I ever would have imagined. I've just recently started feeling like me again. That's due to finally finishing up on a lot of stuff, finally having some time to grieve the loss of my dad, watching some grief videos to figure it all out, and, finally, joining an Alzheimer's support group on Facebook. I was surprised to find that was even a thing but it has helped me so much! I don't feel alone in dealing with my mom's Alzheimer's and the things she does. The support is amazing! And, it feels so good to support others dealing with the same things. And, I've gone from dealing with the mom I've been hurt by all these years and the anger of the time she robbed from me and my dad, to taking care of her with love and trying to bring joy into her life as long as we can. It's a horrible disease! It's nice to bring her happiness!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I composed a post several months ago about what all had happened with my dad and what we were all going through but it was tough to compose and I just couldn't bring myself to post it. I'm not sure if I ever will. It feels good to be getting to the other side and feeling better. It feels good to breathe deeply again and finally feel the stress start to melt away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope you all had a happy Halloween!</span></div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-47017426272268112322017-12-30T15:46:00.002-08:002019-01-18T09:35:46.084-08:00Simple Spiral Cowl Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the beginning of the year I challenged myself to creating 52 things...equal to one per week. That seemed simple enough since I'm usually always creating something. It went well at the beginning of the year but I seemed to have lost my mojo a few months ago and got behind. Now, with just days left in the year, I'm scrambling to achieve my challenge. That's where this cowl pattern comes in. </div>
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One evening last week I decided to go through my yarn stash to see if I could find some inspiration. I pulled out a couple of almost full skeins of Caron Simply Soft yarn that were left over from another project. I quickly got a pattern idea in my head, selected a crochet hook, and got started. It turned out so well that I whipped up a second one and had two finished by the next evening. I think each one only took a couple of hours. I love how they look and fit. And, the pattern is super simple and fun to make.</div>
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It was unusual to come up with an idea so quickly and for it to work out so well. Maybe my mojo has been there all along...it just needed a deadline to get going!</div>
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I loved the results of this pattern so much that I decided to write a pattern to share. It's a good thing I did because I quickly started getting requests for one when I posted pictures on Instagram and Facebook. I hope you all enjoy it. Please let me know if there are any questions, problems, or things that need to be clarified or changed. And, let me know what you think. Thanks!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Simple Spiral Cowl</span></b></div>
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For this project I used:</div>
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<b>Crochet Hook:</b> Size "J" crochet hook</div>
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If you're using a different yarn, adjust the hook size accordingly to get the look and fit you like.</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> One skein of Caron Simply Soft yarn - 315 yards</div>
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You can use any yarn you like. Just adjust the hook size to match. The cowl can be made in various sizes from the one shown (using about four ounces of yarn) to a longer version (using the entire skein) which can double as a hood.</div>
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<b>Stitches used in this pattern:</b> Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, and half double crochet</div>
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<b>Difficulty:</b> Easy/Beginner</div>
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<b>Finished size:</b> approximately 12" wide by 13"+ long</div>
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This pattern is made in a spiral that doesn't have a beginning and end on each round. It simply works up with two different stitches until it's the desired size or yarn runs out.</div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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Chain 101 (adjust accordingly to the desired size if you use a different yarn). To make it larger or smaller, add or subtract 10 chain stitches (to get a multiple of 10 plus one).</div>
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Being careful not to twist the chain, slip stitch into first chain (to create a circle). Chain two, *skip the next stitch, half double crochet in the next stitch, chain one*. Continue with pattern ** to first chain two. Half double crochet into chain two space, *chain one, skip next stitch, half double crochet into next chain one space*. Continue in pattern ** until cowl is about 13" long or desired length. Single crochet in next chain one space, chain one, slip stitch in next chain one space. Fasten off, tuck in the ends, and enjoy!</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-91252856148924505322017-08-31T11:21:00.001-07:002020-05-06T12:04:51.346-07:00Thursday - This and That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just thought I'd do a post about this and that....a few different things going on lately.</div>
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It's been a very hot summer here. So, I've been staying in a lot to avoid the heat. I haven't accomplished as much as I'd planned due to lack of motivation in this heat and being stuck inside. But, I have done a few things...</div>
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I knitted up a washcloth and scrubbie with some pretty, tan, Sugar N Cream yarn I had. I love the results of this washcloth pattern. It's simple but so nice. It lays very nicely with great edges and corners. It's the "Copycat Dishcloth" pattern from Ravelry and it's free. The scrubbie pattern is also free and it's called, "Tribble". I have a big, glass jar on our master bathroom counter that I have several shades of off-white and beige, hand knit washcloths in along with cotton balls and q-tips. It's handy and the washcloths look so good in there. They're very nice to use too. Soft and pretty!</div>
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We bought a long dining room table a while back and I collected some chairs to go with it. I just finished up some custom cushions for four of them. I used fabric I got years ago for almost nothing...a whole bolt of it! I still have lots left. There are two antique chairs that I need to create cushions for too. All the chairs will be sanded down and painted black. I think it's going to look great when it's all done. We just need cooler weather so we can go out in the garage to work on them.</div>
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My dad had a couple doctor appointments yesterday. One was a bit stressful because he was going to get the results on tests to see if he has lung cancer. I wanted to be with him for something this big...just in case. Although, we felt it probably wasn't and we were hoping for the best. My mom was being her usual, difficult self (Alzheimer's) and wouldn't allow me into the room but we got her to go for letting my daughter in. I hated for my daughter to be in that position, just in case it was bad news. But, she wanted to do it to support grandpa and to hear what was going on for my brother and I. She even recorded it for us. She's awesome! Anyway...it was good news...he doesn't have cancer. He has fluid in his lungs but it's probably due to his heart condition and some of the meds he's on. Whew! Afterward, we went out to lunch. We've been trying to do that about once a week or so. It's been very nice.</div>
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When we got home in the early afternoon, the temp in my car said 113 degrees! Ugh! We had a nice surprise shortly after that when it started pouring rain. It dumped hard and rained for at least half an hour. It cooled things off and gave the plants nice cool shower that I bet they loved. My daughter's kitty, Sonora, was a little scared by the rain because it was so loud. When it calmed down a bit, she enjoyed looking out the window and watching it. So cute!</div>
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I've been meaning to put together a picture-full post to introduce a new (last December) member of our family but I just haven't gotten around to it. I wanted to put a lot of photos on the post and all my photos are all backed up and I literally have thousands and thousands of photos (not just her) that I'd have to go through to find the greatest ones of her, download them back to my laptop, and then upload to the blog. A big job! So, I'll just go ahead and introduce her now. That way I can continue to post pics and not get further behind on what the intro post would have. </div>
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Here she is...our adorable Siamese named, "Sky". She's my hubby's kitty and she is awesome! She's so sweet, loving, fun, funny, playful, and she loves being with us almost constantly. She's adorable! We love her so much! Here she is laying next to me while I crocheted one time this week...</div>
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It's been a long and difficult adjustment for Penelope to have another cat but she's finally becoming herself again...almost. Here she is rolling on a rug this morning. She's actually playing, roaming around the house more, and being loving again. It's been tough for her and for me to see her not being her wonderful self. So, it's wonderful to be getting her back.</div>
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Sky came over to see what Penelope was up to. She's not used to seeing Penelope play and be the cat she was.</div>
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Our cats are still separated from my daughter's cat as they get to know one another. Although, my daughter's cat is a very confident cat who's not afraid of much of anything and can be aggressive. So, we're not sure when or if we'll ever let them be together. For now, they're just getting to know one another through a screen door we put at the hall near my daughter's room. We don't love having a door there but it keeps the cats safe. We switch back and forth with who gets to run around the house. We either let Sonora out for a while while our cats hang out together in our large master bedroom and bathroom. Or, our cats come out while Sonora gets to stay in her part of the house where my daughter's room, bathroom, hall, and craft room are. They're very happy wherever they are. They're all wonderful cats in their own ways. We love them all so much!</div>
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The screen door we used is one we finished up that we'd started when we lived at our old house and had llamas. All it needed was some color, stain, varnish, assembly, and screen. Hubby made a frame for it to fit in the arch and ta-da!...a solution for our cat conundrum.</div>
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I finished spinning up a ball of roving this week. I'm letting it sit for a bit before I Navajo ply it.</div>
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I've wanted to play a musical instrument for a very long time. I tried piano lessons a couple times but didn't stick with it. It was difficult to memorize all the notes and play different things with each hand from the two different lines on the music. I've been thinking that something with just one line of music would be more practical to start with. In my search, the ukulele has been suggested several times. I finally decided to go for it when I found this great ukulele that not only is cute but has a wonderful sound...not so shoe-box-like as so many are. It even came with an adorable bag! So far, it's going well and I'm even enjoying practicing. There are challenges with learning the many chords and the different rhythms but I'm enjoying it. I find myself wanting to practice. Wow! Maybe, hopefully, I'll have a different answer someday to a question I'm often asked when people see my daughter masterfully play the harp... "where does she get her talent?...do you or your husband play anything?" My answer is usually...."um...I play the radio". My daughter and I have a goal to eventually play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" together (harp and ukulele). We found a beautiful rendition of it on YouTube that gave me the last push I needed to buy my uke and go for it.</div>
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Maybe I should have made this post yesterday and called it "Wordy Wednesday". lol Now that it's all put together, I realize I could have made several posts. Oh well. It's done now. I hope you enjoy it. And, if you stuck it out to the end...thank you! :-)</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-55558360794776824912017-08-25T08:35:00.002-07:002017-08-25T08:35:09.767-07:00Tiny Airedale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished up a project that has been in the works for quite some time. A few years, actually. It's a tiny, needle felted Airedale. I'm not quite sure why I'd set it aside without finishing it but here she is. my tiny, 3 1/2" little cutie...</div>
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I feel like she still needs something but I can't quite figure out what it is. So, I've decided she's finished...unless I come up with any ideas on what might make her better.</div>
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A little red collar might be cute.</div>
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I love her ears and her adorable little behind.</div>
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I'm naming her Salsa after our dear, sweet Airedale that passed away recently.</div>
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This is number 34 in my create 52 challenge.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-27435657189686128172017-08-24T10:53:00.001-07:002017-08-24T10:53:23.429-07:00Coachella Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been knitting for years but haven't moved much beyond scarves, hats, and simple things. Except an occasional pair of socks. I've been wanting to venture into knitting clothing...sweaters, vests, tops, etc. The fear of not understanding the pattern and spending lots of time on something that has a high likelihood of looking bad and/or not fitting has kept me from that venture. Yeah....there was a vest years ago. It was a simple pattern with v-neck and a cable down the front. It was made with a double strand of yarn. It was ok and I think I wore it once or twice. But, I used yarn that pilled up really bad on the sides after only wearing it that little bit of time. I made another vest years later that was actually looking great. But, silly me, I noticed a couple spots along the v-neck ribbing that had holes. They were small and I could have just stitched them closed from the inside and had a finished vest. But, no....I felt the need to rip out the ribbing to learn what I did wrong and do it better. It didn't work as planned and I couldn't get the ribbing knitted on a second time to look right...the count and other stuff kept going wonky. The vest was a little large anyway and I ended up ripping it out.</div>
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I'm trying again to go for it but with baby steps. I decided to try a tank top. The one I decided on was a pattern I'd tried before. It had gone well the first time but I'd made it a size or two too big and ripped it out. I figured it would be a good pattern to use again since I'd had some success with it before. I thought that if I got this one right and could actually wear it that it would be a great stepping stone to knitting more clothing. </div>
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I did it! Here it is...my Coachella top (a free pattern on Ravelry)... </div>
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I love the back of it.</div>
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The pattern is basically a tube with a rolled edge on the top, two arm holes, and a little bit of shaping. It calls for two sizes of needles. I used size 6 and 8 circulars. The smaller ones are for the rolled edge on top and for a rolled edge at the bottom. I had to re-do the bottom of mine because the smaller needles and the twisted stitches used for the rolled edge made it too tight to fit and it didn't have any stretch. I ripped back and made a 2x2 rib with the larger needles. It fits fine now. If I use this pattern again, I'll use the larger needles at the top too. I think it will lay a little nicer that way. I made mine in the x-small size. I'm not sure how it will be if there's any shrinkage but it's fine now. I normally wear size small tops but the small size of the pattern was too big last time. I've read notes from other knitters on Ravelry that say it ran large for them too.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mw7CUNiHvwc/WZ4GvnM_9dI/AAAAAAAAf2U/fHED9tDB8BQI33X6y-UtIbHypf1nICx2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170823_154825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mw7CUNiHvwc/WZ4GvnM_9dI/AAAAAAAAf2U/fHED9tDB8BQI33X6y-UtIbHypf1nICx2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170823_154825.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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I got a little worried half way through that I might not have enough yarn. I went to find more but couldn't. Luckily, I was able to finish it with what I had. There were just a couple yards left. It took four balls of Sugar N Cream in the "Pebble Beach" colorway. I love this color way SO much and I'm bummed that I can't find anymore. It seems to have been a limited color but I sure wish they'd keep making it. It's one of the prettiest colorways they've made. At least I got some while it was in the store and enough to make something cool with it.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-27998159968288509752017-07-21T11:52:00.001-07:002017-07-21T12:18:06.041-07:00Tropical Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just finished tucking in the ends of this gorgeous, turquoise, chunky throw. I wish you could see it in person because the color is breathtaking! It's hard to get it to turn out right in photos though. The only way I was able to come close was by having warm tones of the table and the seashells in the photo. The colors went all wonky whenever I tried to go in close without those things in the photo. Oh well. Close is better than nothing. And, the seashells are perfect because the throw colors remind me of tropical seas.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzwyUjH5xbk/WXJTIeZ6NtI/AAAAAAAAfB8/rilwYTbUVXgnB-jqgRmvmtMR4TgOvCxNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_121549_921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzwyUjH5xbk/WXJTIeZ6NtI/AAAAAAAAfB8/rilwYTbUVXgnB-jqgRmvmtMR4TgOvCxNQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170721_121549_921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3r7DOZFKBc/WXJKofGgO_I/AAAAAAAAfBM/uKCrHnEAOCc_F7SFjZ3ngkqZZu7KROfYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_112308792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3r7DOZFKBc/WXJKofGgO_I/AAAAAAAAfBM/uKCrHnEAOCc_F7SFjZ3ngkqZZu7KROfYwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170721_112308792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This project started out as something completely different. The original project only used one kind of yarn (with several strands held together) and was a knitted cable throw. It was exciting to try out giant, size 50 needles. However, I quickly lost my enthusiasm for several reasons....it went much slower than I'd anticipated with those giant needles; the giant knitted stitches/loops made it hard to figure out where I was what was what with the pattern; and those giant needles caused pain in my shoulder because of the exaggerated movements required to knit with them. So, it sat in time out for a long time. I eventually came to the conclusion that this would never get done. I had no desire to work on it again. And, I wasn't even excited about the throw pattern anymore. So, I ripped it out a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbTeVEfYelc/WXJLooZWj1I/AAAAAAAAfBg/KnQcYzHL0UAR4g9RgEUULXOL1S-MyLEVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170721_114404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1345" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbTeVEfYelc/WXJLooZWj1I/AAAAAAAAfBg/KnQcYzHL0UAR4g9RgEUULXOL1S-MyLEVACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20170721_114404.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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I decided that I really wanted to make another "5 1/2 Hour Throw" (that's the name of the free pattern on Ravelry but it takes longer than that to make). I'd made several and really enjoy crocheting them. I figured I had enough of the chunky yarn. I just needed some accent colors to go with it. I had some ideas in mind but came home with totally different yarn and colors than I'd planned on and I sure am glad I did! They turned out to be a gorgeous combination!</div>
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The chunky yarn is Loops and Threads Charisma. The other two are Caron Simply Soft in Pagoda (the dark teal) and Blue Mint (the turquoise). The three strands are held together throughout the entire project.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io2g85d52LI/WXJKztMj3yI/AAAAAAAAfBU/QswNpLAwsbMlzH7F8iVIRaMKGmMPFQKuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_110447114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io2g85d52LI/WXJKztMj3yI/AAAAAAAAfBU/QswNpLAwsbMlzH7F8iVIRaMKGmMPFQKuACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170721_110447114.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Something happened that I found interesting. I started two skeins of Caron Simply Soft at the same time but one ran out way before the other. I wonder if one was way short of the yardage, the other way long, or ???</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9nAzPzaZnI/WXJK8AyNYfI/AAAAAAAAfBY/XhQCyUqTo_IiZ8Yu6pcoRUstqUXQTptNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_082250560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9nAzPzaZnI/WXJK8AyNYfI/AAAAAAAAfBY/XhQCyUqTo_IiZ8Yu6pcoRUstqUXQTptNACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170708_082250560.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I love this throw! It's my favorite color, it's beautiful, and it's super soft and squishy!</div>
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It didn't use up all of the yarn from the original project. I still have several skeins left. And, I have about 3/4 of a skein of each of the Simply Soft colors. I did, however, get something out of it that I love. That old project is no longer hanging hanging over me and waiting to be finished. And, I have an idea of something to make with the leftovers.</div>
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This will be number 30 in my Create 52 Challenge. </div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-78060512793370150192017-07-19T09:42:00.003-07:002017-07-19T09:42:37.141-07:00Re-fashioned Denim, Fun Fashion Finds, and Confidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mother-in-law went through her closet recently and pulled out a lot of stuff she wanted to get rid of. She asked my daughter if she'd like to come over to see if there was anything she wanted. My daughter and I both found several things that we brought home. We've been busy re-making them into different, more current, fashionable clothing.</div>
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The first one I worked on was a long denim skirt. It went almost down to my ankles. I think it must have been from the 80's or 90's. It's a high quality skirt and the top of it fit great. So, I shortened it for a more current and stylish look. It has nice deep pockets on the sides too. I love that! I even had thread that was the perfect color to match the faded yellow on the other parts. Cool!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fB9KeSuDRfM/WWYg50bbnFI/AAAAAAAAexE/IQ9Mb4GtHoUPfpPPut-WRYUBCuRVJVI8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170710_193429_190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fB9KeSuDRfM/WWYg50bbnFI/AAAAAAAAexE/IQ9Mb4GtHoUPfpPPut-WRYUBCuRVJVI8QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170710_193429_190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wasn't quite sure about this dress. It was a little funny. But, I love denim so much! And, I have a memory of a super cool denim dress I bought in the 90's that I ended up returning because I wasn't sure I'd be brave enough to wear the very fitted style that it was. This dress is different but there was something about it that reminded me of that one. So, I had to go for it. Oh, and a cool side note...not only is it great to be up-cycling old clothing but this dress was made in the USA!</div>
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Oh that ruffle! And, the raw, frayed edge! Oy! lol</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_P9dOabIZk/WW7Stxxn_OI/AAAAAAAAe6s/Fs_Yqa958swptsFvdRxr3sF1U7Dn7xcVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_171310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_P9dOabIZk/WW7Stxxn_OI/AAAAAAAAe6s/Fs_Yqa958swptsFvdRxr3sF1U7Dn7xcVQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170718_171310.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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I removed the ruffle. It turned out that the edge that was left was already surged. That was nice. All I had to do was fold it over and stitch it down. I wasn't quite sure if the tapered look would work or if a hem on the thick denim would even hang right. But, I think it works. As far as the top goes, I opted to just cover it up. It fits funny at the top and there's a tiny hole in the middle that looks like it might have had a flower or something attached at one time. I have plenty of scarves and shawls and several of them looked great. I went with a more summery one for the pics.</div>
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Oh, and pics! Yikes! I've been working at being braver to post pics of myself. I've gotten better. It's still weird though and uncomfortable even having my daughter take pics of me. But, I went for it and got a few I'm fairly happy with it. I'm not going to let myself wimp out on posting these! So, here it is....my new, up-cycled, re-fashioned dress...</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dstpFpz6ino/WW7Szbu0m2I/AAAAAAAAe6w/yg_C7TuyZOs2HOC4WmqisGK5scfi8h_WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_170251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="805" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dstpFpz6ino/WW7Szbu0m2I/AAAAAAAAe6w/yg_C7TuyZOs2HOC4WmqisGK5scfi8h_WwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170718_170251.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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I've been working on being braver with fashion. There are looks that I love but I tend to go safe. My usual way of dressing is jeans and casual shirts. I'm doing better. So, now, I'm trying to be even braver and trying not to worry about parts of my body showing....like my legs. I've been wearing shorts all summer and even some skirts!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCYNc4dQGQ/WW7S6argVYI/AAAAAAAAe60/-3BLAyUrYpQ05qwj_65Z1hcCJCrFlixIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_170409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCYNc4dQGQ/WW7S6argVYI/AAAAAAAAe60/-3BLAyUrYpQ05qwj_65Z1hcCJCrFlixIACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170718_170409.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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I found these awesome boots a few weeks ago at a thrift shop. I love them! So, I got them and I'm determined to be brave enough to wear them. And, now I have an outfit that goes with them. So, no excuses, right?! Gulp!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85vyYGhznmY/WW7TAc1kBiI/AAAAAAAAe64/2GlLYzFbC68DqJwNJ9JKe_mL9M7EW_hggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_170640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85vyYGhznmY/WW7TAc1kBiI/AAAAAAAAe64/2GlLYzFbC68DqJwNJ9JKe_mL9M7EW_hggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170718_170640.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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I hit the shoe jackpot the day I found these! They were only $5! They're leather and in great shape. I looked up the brand online and found out that these boots were over $100 when they were brand new! These look like they've barely been worn. And, for heels, they're actually pretty comfortable.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX7Iq_UJFno/WW-FeuEZYZI/AAAAAAAAe84/kIEg3xH5CA0nzAPv8dgrrd307GlGHx2_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_164740386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jX7Iq_UJFno/WW-FeuEZYZI/AAAAAAAAe84/kIEg3xH5CA0nzAPv8dgrrd307GlGHx2_gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170718_164740386.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I found two other pairs of shoes that day for just $4 for each pair. They're in great shape and look like they've barely been worn too. Those who've seen them think they're high dollar too. I'm still working on finding outfits for them. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTV-Je36QzE/WW-HIyec8DI/AAAAAAAAe9E/SBQEvzXinh0zBUbcZ19CXbd_n6OLLuCxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_092107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTV-Je36QzE/WW-HIyec8DI/AAAAAAAAe9E/SBQEvzXinh0zBUbcZ19CXbd_n6OLLuCxgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170719_092107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They're definitely beyond what I normally wear but I love them. So, that's a perfect reason to be braver and bolder to get to a place where I can wear things like this that I love!</div>
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How do you all feel about fashion? Do you stay in a safe zone with what you normally wear? Do you see things you love but aren't sure you could do it? Do you worry about an imperfect body like I do? Are you nervous about trying to be more stylish or letting parts of you show? I'd love to hear how others feel about this.</div>
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I've always been SO self conscious about my skinny bird legs. As I've been working lately on being OK with me, I've noticed that there are beautiful people out there with skinny legs. The difference seems to be confidence. That's what I'm attempting to have! I'm trying to love what I've been given and make the best of it. And, besides, I'll never be as young as I am today! So, why keep waiting?! Watch out world, here I come! Gulp!</div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-40709523196771785722017-07-18T08:19:00.002-07:002017-07-18T08:19:47.514-07:00Scrabble Markers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finally got around to finishing up another project that had been in the works and waiting to be done for quite a while. I made Scrabble tile crochet markers. They are letters that correspond with crochet hook sizes. When I start a project, I simply place the hook size marker on my project. Then, there are no worries about losing my hook and not knowing what size I was using.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBGDc6WlfN4/WWo4x50h-AI/AAAAAAAAezg/HsTPGUO2lYU65scuVur1CcCxQ6e2yFCewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170714_182424_132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1282" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBGDc6WlfN4/WWo4x50h-AI/AAAAAAAAezg/HsTPGUO2lYU65scuVur1CcCxQ6e2yFCewCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170714_182424_132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I collected letters of sizes I use most often and a few others. There are several of each of the more commonly used sizes. I used a few different sizes of clips for different thicknesses of yarn. And, they store nicely on a ring to keep them all together.</div>
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I'm not sure if I'd seen some like these already made up or if I got the idea from other things made with Scrabble tiles. Either way, I started searching for and collecting Scrabble tiles a few years ago for this project. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpQdal0DjUA/WWo5BhcrIUI/AAAAAAAAezs/mI6qNr21vGA-nSjRlmBhglxiZ3n9fgTKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_210346_243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpQdal0DjUA/WWo5BhcrIUI/AAAAAAAAezs/mI6qNr21vGA-nSjRlmBhglxiZ3n9fgTKACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170708_210346_243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hubby helped me build a tiny jig to put the tiles in one by one to drill and get all the holes in exactly the same spot. It was fun using the drill press!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG7q4Aa8kfA/WWo5mvaReXI/AAAAAAAAez0/pJuQg57DPggYSDge2hqC9-luTNxaWmKvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_084817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1562" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG7q4Aa8kfA/WWo5mvaReXI/AAAAAAAAez0/pJuQg57DPggYSDge2hqC9-luTNxaWmKvACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170715_084817.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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It'll be nice using these and not worrying quite so much about my hook getting separated from my project or setting it down next to another hook only to forget which one I was using.</div>
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Yay! Another project completed that's been in the works. And, another project for my Create 52 challenge. This one makes number 28 and keeps me caught up.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-46227779198319745752017-07-15T09:23:00.001-07:002017-07-15T09:23:13.606-07:00My New Wheel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've wanted a double treadle spinning wheel for a long time now. And, I've wanted a wheel that is more portable than the Ashford Traditional and the Country Craftsman wheels that I have. I just couldn't justify buying one since I had two wheels that worked just fine. However, when my Traditional wheel broke a few months ago, I felt it was time.</div>
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I was loading it up in my car and heading to Tucson to see my daughter. I was planning to take some private spinning lessons from someone I'd met there. When I got to my Tucson and took it out of the car, a big section of it fell off...the part with the uprights, the bobbin, etc. A piece of wood that attaches it all to the wheel had snapped in half along the grain line of the wood. I have a feeling it's not meant to be transported a lot...even though I try to be very gentle with it. However, most of the spinning I do is when I'm meeting up with other spinners somewhere other than home.</div>
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That was a perfect time for it to break though because there's a yarn shop in Tucson called Grandma's Spinning Wheel. Which, as you might guess, sells spinning wheels. I paid them a few visits to test out the many wheels they carry. I'd dreamt for years about getting an Ashford Joy wheel. I love the idea of how they fold up and fit into a handy carrying case. However, when I had the opportunity to test it out, I really didn't like it. I also couldn't justify the high price for a wheel that seemed so delicate. I ended up falling in love with the Ashford Kiwi. I had fallen in love with a Kiwi years ago when I tried one out but to like this wheel over all the other high dollar ones was surprising. A very nice surprise! The cost was about half.</div>
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I ordered one that was unfinished to save a little more money. And, I thought it would be nice to personalize it. I had grand ideas of painting beautiful things on it and lots of bright happy colors. I decided against doing that when I imagined all of that flashing at me as the wheel spun round and round. So, I went for a simpler design...I painted the wheel in my favorite color and gave the rest a subtle stain with a satin finish. I'm very happy with the results. I think it's beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-lypFVUsM/WWYgsl-omUI/AAAAAAAAexA/TDuzA6XSaQk5ebDWI2qLgXbece2Q2xEdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_154711_854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1585" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-lypFVUsM/WWYgsl-omUI/AAAAAAAAexA/TDuzA6XSaQk5ebDWI2qLgXbece2Q2xEdACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170708_154711_854.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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I have to admit that there were many times I'd wished I'd splurged on a finished version. I don't enjoy sanding and I was worried that the stain wouldn't work out or that the whole thing wouldn't turn out nice. Luckily, my hubby loves to sand, stain, paint, and finish things like this and he was more than happy to help out. In fact, he did a lot more work on it than I did. But, it was a lot of fun working on it together with the stain and then putting it together.</div>
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There were a lot of parts! And, this picture doesn't even show the bag of hardware for putting it all together!</div>
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Since my new wheel is my favorite color, it made sense to have my first bit of spinning on it be in that color as well!</div>
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I'll post a pic of the yarn when I get some done. I've had a crazy, vertigo, sinus thing going on for most of the week that's prevented me from doing much of anything. I'm hoping to get back at it now that I'm starting to feel a bit more normal.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-17407594692359005272017-07-10T08:30:00.001-07:002017-07-10T08:45:38.694-07:00Cooler Coastal Hikes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The weather here has been very hot. That continues to make our 52 hike challenge even more challenging. Luckily, we live within about an hour drive from San Diego and that has helped us keep up. We did our city hike in San Diego a few weeks ago. We've hiked the past couple of weeks at Torrey Pines (also in San Diego County). It's been warm and humid down there but so much nicer than the record temps of over 100 at home. And, the views...WOW! Gorgeous!</div>
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Click photo to see it larger....they're so much more fun to see that way. You can even click through them from there to see them all larger.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjSqvXkYuo0/WV5J5VkCJkI/AAAAAAAAedU/2JzabKqXG5AvRko0UrugMXRvgqHah7MNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170627_210841_585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjSqvXkYuo0/WV5J5VkCJkI/AAAAAAAAedU/2JzabKqXG5AvRko0UrugMXRvgqHah7MNgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170627_210841_585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The red ice plant on some of the hills is surprising sight.</div>
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I took my daughter there the first time and we hiked over six miles. There are so many more trails there than I realized. That's cool!</div>
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Hubby went with me the second time. We hiked some of the same trails I hiked the first time but the tide was low this time and we were able to hike down to the famous flat rock in the water.</div>
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The beach next to that big flat rock is covered with interesting rocks. This one looks like an ear...</div>
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It always amazes me at how dry and desert like the landscape is right next to the ocean. It seems like all the humidity and moist ocean breezes would make it more lush and green. There are even cactus! But, there are lots of pretty flowers. Here's an interesting one with beautiful color...</div>
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I love the color of these and they're so cute!</div>
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Teenie, tiny, wild snapdragons...</div>
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There are LOTS of yellow flowers...</div>
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And, white ones...</div>
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Heart shaped cactus and a cactus bloom!</div>
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What a beautiful day!</div>
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Hubby and I had a wonderful day together! We started the morning off with cappuccinos at our favorite coffee roaster in Encinitas, Ironsmith. Delicious! They are the best! They're SO skilled at what they do and have the most delicious cappuccinos! Then, our hike and walk along the beach. We finished with lunch at a yummy Mexican restaurant.</div>
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Our daughter hiked one of the Southern California Peaks that day....16 miles in one day....up to a 10,649 feet! Wow!</div>
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We've kept up pretty well with our challenge and have officially reached half way. However, we are now one week behind because of another week of record high temps that even had the beaches sizzling. It's supposed to cool down slightly this week. We'll see what we can figure out to get caught up.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-82414442286548079532017-07-06T09:01:00.002-07:002017-07-06T09:01:57.025-07:00Bikini Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I did it! I successfully crocheted a bikini top without a pattern! Whew!</div>
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I started this project about a year ago when I became fascinated by crochet clothing projects I'd started seeing that were made without patterns. It was an exciting challenge that I wanted to try. I watched a few tutorials on cup shaping (they were in a different language) and got started. That part was pretty easy. I completed the cups and bottom band pretty quickly. The straps and back, however, posed a bigger challenge. I wanted to be sure they'd work and look good. Not quite knowing how I wanted to make them, I ended up setting the project aside. Over the past year I've looked at swimsuit tops, sports bras, and searched through patterns and project photos to get ideas.</div>
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This week, I finally decided to just go for it! I had an idea of how I wanted to work the straps and worked it out as I went along. And, now, ta da!...It's done!</div>
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In some ways, the back is very close to what I had in my head. In other ways, it's better. The best part is that it actually works.</div>
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It looks a bit different on my dress form than it does on me but this was the best way to get photos. And, honestly, I'm still working on just going for it with wearing it. I figured all along that I could at least wear it in my back yard for some sun time or gardening.</div>
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I've never been very comfortable in my own body. So, wearing something like this would have been a challenge for me at any age. However, at 55, I've decided that if I ever want to feel comfortable in my own skin that I need to push myself and go for it. After all, time flies by and I'll never be this young again!</div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-64135667225519839012017-06-23T09:30:00.001-07:002017-06-23T09:30:33.859-07:00City Hike - San Diego<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our 52 hike challenge is tough to keep up with lately because of the extreme heat wave going on right now. So, my daughter and I decided to bend the rules a little this week and hike in the city...a cool city...San Diego!</div>
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I love San Diego and I'm always so excited to go there. It's only about an hour south of where we live. There are so many things to see and do in the city and the surrounding areas. It wasn't difficult filling our day! And, the temps were much better! It was about 105f at home but 69-75f throughout the day in San Diego.</div>
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We started with cappuccinos at Lofty Coffee in Little Italy. Yum! Afterward, we walked around a bit. We found an awesome art supply store named, "Blick". They had so much cool stuff! I bought a couple of Tombow brush pens to play around with. My daughter bought a really cool map/poster of California to frame.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIS72OYy0SQ/WUvW8oEH-8I/AAAAAAAAd_M/_PT3IxWP1kk-IjNTfju--IDloHKj_cxcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_105805448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIS72OYy0SQ/WUvW8oEH-8I/AAAAAAAAd_M/_PT3IxWP1kk-IjNTfju--IDloHKj_cxcACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170621_105805448.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Next, we headed over to Old Town San Diego for lunch. We tried a new-to-us restaurant, Miguel's. It was delicious and the service was very good. After lunch, we walked around Old Town. I've been there many times but I always seem to see things I things I've never noticed before. It's a fun place to visit.</div>
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Heritage Park is nearby and we made sure to walk around the beautiful old Victorian homes. I think this one is my favorite...</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCH010nIfkY/WUvXKH-ldiI/AAAAAAAAd_Q/uFV-B397TpUHxjTuo22r7_c2bUaTi09kwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_134017049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCH010nIfkY/WUvXKH-ldiI/AAAAAAAAd_Q/uFV-B397TpUHxjTuo22r7_c2bUaTi09kwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170621_134017049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We did a little shopping after that and then we went to find the famous Spruce Street suspension bridge. It's a walk bridge in a residential area that spans a deep ravine. It was a little nerve racking to walk across because of the movement. I didn't think it would bug me but it did...a little. It was cool to see though. It's amazing they'd go to this much work and expense to make a way to walk to the neighborhood across the ravine!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAS-UQkfz-0/WUvXVh4j7tI/AAAAAAAAd_U/ZJPhql-lcw8xXQL6HclEM-PaDRJdInRMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_222855_363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAS-UQkfz-0/WUvXVh4j7tI/AAAAAAAAd_U/ZJPhql-lcw8xXQL6HclEM-PaDRJdInRMACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170621_222855_363.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a neighborhood on one side of the bridge, there was a tiny library. So cool! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hkz0K1Lu-w/WUvXaCU1LNI/AAAAAAAAd_Y/C-OJnybq_k8TDqEWNVFLYIVpHU-s-MkqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_223053_385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hkz0K1Lu-w/WUvXaCU1LNI/AAAAAAAAd_Y/C-OJnybq_k8TDqEWNVFLYIVpHU-s-MkqwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170621_223053_385.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the things we'd planned to do was to go to an African drumming class at World Beat in Balboa Park. Unfortunately, it was cancelled. But, that was ok because it just gave us more time to walk around Balboa Park. Even though the museums were all closed, there was a lot going on. There were concerts ending, being set up, a big one about to start, and various musicians performing throughout the park. And, the weather was absolutely perfect! It was a perfect evening!</div>
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I love Balboa Park so much! It's a gorgeous and magical place! Here's sample of the amazing architecture...</div>
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We sat down and listened to this concert for a while. It was 50's 60's and 70's music. This is the organ pavilion. They regularly have pipe organ concerts here.</div>
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I took a stroll around the fountain before we headed to the car to go home.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEb1qe8X4Ec/WUvXrkVg1RI/AAAAAAAAd_o/x8r_6JVXDw49u2zBHGdLahb_9wQSjZvygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_224017_046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1008" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEb1qe8X4Ec/WUvXrkVg1RI/AAAAAAAAd_o/x8r_6JVXDw49u2zBHGdLahb_9wQSjZvygCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170621_224017_046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have no idea how many miles we walked on our city hike but my step counter said we did over 21,000 steps that day! And, we had a wonderful time! We're actually thinking of doing another city hike but this time we'll head to downtown Los Angeles. Stay tuned!</div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-35809752990139264322017-06-20T10:26:00.003-07:002017-06-20T10:26:09.061-07:00Latest WIPs and FOs OR Creating with Deals and Stash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since I'm behind on posting, I'm behind on showing you what I've been up to with my Create 52 challenge. So, here are some photos of some things I've been working on over the past few weeks...</div>
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I love thrift shopping and found a little package of tiny, unused bottles with cork lids and loops to hang them. I think the cost was twenty five cents for both of them. I recently filled one with lavender buds and made a necklace out of it. I thought it would be fun to fill the other one with teenie, tiny sea shells. I went through a jar of shells I have and found just enough tiny ones that were small enough to fit. I crocheted a triple cord to hang it by and I have a beachy necklace. :-)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZXjgfqGqHU/WUAmCpYYUKI/AAAAAAAAdoI/ug0TFDb-hOoU_rXVHJWDfaIk50rMEe-qgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170524_170218_147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZXjgfqGqHU/WUAmCpYYUKI/AAAAAAAAdoI/ug0TFDb-hOoU_rXVHJWDfaIk50rMEe-qgCLcB/s400/IMG_20170524_170218_147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also like going to rummage sales and found this huge table cloth for a couple dollars. It's in perfect condition and I thought it would be fun to crochet a fancy edge on it. That's when I realized how HUGE it really is. It took quite a while to stitch around it! I made it around twice with crochet thread I had in my stash. I had to buy a new ball of thread to keep going to make the fancy edge I had in mind. Even though the new ball seemed to match when I bought it, the colors were really different when I started crocheting. The new red really didn't go with the fabric at all. It was a cooler, more blue red. So, I ripped out the start of that third row and decided that this was enough trim. It did fancy it up a bit.</div>
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You may already know how much I'm in love with cotton yarn and that I have a weakness for Sugar N Cream. Especially when it goes on sale! I've had some ideas in mind for the ever growing stash of colors I have but when it went on sale a few weeks ago I just had to buy a few more colors and get started on one of my ideas. I'm making a bunch of the "African Flower" motifs to sew into something. I figure I'll keep making them until I'm tired of them. I'll make a blanket if I end up making a lot. If I get tired quickly of making them, I'll use them to make a bag. There are so many great ideas on line for this versatile little motif. It's fun playing with all these colors!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0NK64ZSjKs/WUAmOnypaxI/AAAAAAAAdoQ/jxgYqm6I2EwfQnQJS86MKJWCVUIrGXYqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170606_172057_183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0NK64ZSjKs/WUAmOnypaxI/AAAAAAAAdoQ/jxgYqm6I2EwfQnQJS86MKJWCVUIrGXYqQCLcB/s400/IMG_20170606_172057_183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I often long to knit or crochet just for the sheer pleasure of it. It gets frustrating when I want to stitch but just can't find a pattern I love. I end up spending a lot of time pattern searching. I thought I'd found one last weekend and got started. It was SO nice to just work on a simple pattern of double crochets. It was like meditation and was SO relaxing. Ahhhh!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYf7FsKtPFA/WUlSF_Zq4HI/AAAAAAAAd1Y/qDW1SncZH3cl7Ts6PCnmbVjh6VvLMHvXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170620_094412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1424" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYf7FsKtPFA/WUlSF_Zq4HI/AAAAAAAAd1Y/qDW1SncZH3cl7Ts6PCnmbVjh6VvLMHvXgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170620_094412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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However, I soon realized that I wasn't going to be very happy with the result as it was so bulky that the shawl I was making wouldn't hang nicely. So, I ripped it out! After searching for so long for a pattern to use this leftover yarn in my stash (another yarn I've fallen in love with and it comes in SO many pretty color combos!), I decided to just make up something...a scarf. So far, I think it's working up nicely. And, I still have something relaxing to work on in between other projects that take more concentration and brain power.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kB6diWkP4rQ/WUlSKFP9OII/AAAAAAAAd1g/7aNfNvgPCQcaqCa2V8hYQ11tChc5bdXqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170620_094616491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kB6diWkP4rQ/WUlSKFP9OII/AAAAAAAAd1g/7aNfNvgPCQcaqCa2V8hYQ11tChc5bdXqQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170620_094616491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I usually have several projects going on at the same time. That way I can switch to something different if I need a break, want to work on something easier, or feel like tackling something more challenging. Since I went through that finishing frenzy a few months ago and finished up so many projects, it's seemed a little weird to not have several projects to go to. So, why not start another new one?! I've been wanting to try to move beyond shawls, scarves, cowls, hats, and other simple stuff and learn to make garments. I finally decided on a top pattern last week and got started using some stash yarn. It's a bit challenging because the yokes require some lace knitting....something I'm a bit challenged at. But, I'm figuring it out. Yay! I hope this project works out because I have several things in my wardrobe that would work great with this orange top.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXqUoiJmlmM/WUlUHtw54NI/AAAAAAAAd10/Hy0XaTxRAzYlD4IPr4Qq7GbLEal5xBCHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170620_095708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1430" height="391" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXqUoiJmlmM/WUlUHtw54NI/AAAAAAAAd10/Hy0XaTxRAzYlD4IPr4Qq7GbLEal5xBCHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170620_095708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post seems to have developed a theme of budget shopping and de-stashing! Here's another project that started with a deal. Over the weekend I found a skirt at a thrift shop for just $2. It was a gathered, mid shin length, size 18 skirt. With a little cutting, stitching, and use of parts from a pattern I recently bought, I transformed it into a knee length (just below) wrap skirt. I like the colors and pattern of the fabric and thought it would look so much cuter this way. I think I'm happy with it.</div>
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I have so many things I want to create! If only I had more time and I could finish them more quickly to move onto the next! But, these projects and my small accomplishments are fun!</div>
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What have you been working on lately?</div>
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<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-11699872017728418382017-06-19T07:56:00.003-07:002017-06-19T07:59:55.097-07:00Hiking Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you to everyone who left such sweet and caring comments on my last post. It meant a lot! I'm still missing our sweet Salsa a lot but it's getting a bit easier with time.</div>
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I've always tried to respond to all my comments via email but I've been having trouble lately with most of them coming back undeliverable. I've thought about posting replies under the comments but, if you're like me and generally just visit a post once, you'd never see any replies posted there. So, I hope ya'll see this just in case my emails don't go through. Hugs!</div>
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For today, I thought I'd post a few pics of the most recent hikes in my 52 hike challenge. I've been keeping up pretty well. The heat has arrived though and that will make it more challenging. I think I'm behind by a week right now and we're supposed to have weather around 105+ this week and next. We're planning to head down to San Diego one day to do a hike near the ocean where it'll be a lot cooler. An idea I have for another hike is to leave before sunrise and get to the mountains very early to hike before the heat arrives. We'll see how it goes.</div>
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My daughter moved home and that provides us both with a hiking partner for our challenge (she's doing the 52 hike challenge too...in fact, she was the inspiration for me to do it). We took her adventure cat, Sonora, on a hike with us a couple of weeks ago. My daughter has trained her to walk on a leash. When Sonora gets tired she rides in the backpack. She seems to enjoy taking in the scenery from there as we hike along. She's a unique and amazing kitty!</div>
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We had some "May Gray" days and took advantage of the coolness on this hike. We hiked in and out through the fog and watched it blow by. It was beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClaPgLgpW70/WUAlHKrsfsI/AAAAAAAAdnk/Z517QQEJTTw8rtoLXqZL9LlbfdsqYh0TwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170524_135248_877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClaPgLgpW70/WUAlHKrsfsI/AAAAAAAAdnk/Z517QQEJTTw8rtoLXqZL9LlbfdsqYh0TwCLcB/s400/IMG_20170524_135248_877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This hike is uphill to the top of a hill with amazing views where we can often see the ocean. Some sections are quite steep as you can see in these photos. It makes for a great workout!</div>
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We do this hike fairly often and it's interesting that there are always flowers blooming but we never know what kinds we'll see next because they're always changing. Here are some we saw on this hike...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjWtaYePlpo/WUAlPV6A8-I/AAAAAAAAdns/e90lj3WgkCkkqhB1zriS3dFk9BaY2WuQQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170524_140650_755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjWtaYePlpo/WUAlPV6A8-I/AAAAAAAAdns/e90lj3WgkCkkqhB1zriS3dFk9BaY2WuQQCLcB/s400/IMG_20170524_140650_755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had weather cool enough one weekend to do the Eagle Rock trail again. It was so much fun to take our daughter to this beautiful area. And, that she got to hike a part of the Pacific Crest Trail! There was a creek, huge old oak trees, and expansive views. That's me in this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpXNWnE7mlU/WUAlUihYMqI/AAAAAAAAdnw/QVGNtlCHu5QsvASWNYIp00UaBhhitqRVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_171457_249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpXNWnE7mlU/WUAlUihYMqI/AAAAAAAAdnw/QVGNtlCHu5QsvASWNYIp00UaBhhitqRVQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170527_171457_249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A couple of weeks ago, we took our daughter to hike around a beautiful mountain lake that we discovered last year. It was so pretty that we were excited to share it with her.</div>
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It was so full this year from all the rain that the trail on one side was closed. It was awesome to get so much rain this winter. We needed it SO badly! I hope we'll be as lucky next winter!</div>
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I found some wild iris' on this mountain trip!</div>
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We hiked the Santa Rosa Plateau again last week and were surprised to see large patches of purple flowers where the vernal pools had been just a short time ago. Beautiful!</div>
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We saw bushes with brightly colored berries along our hike. Some glowed in the sun like jewels!</div>
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There was one spot on the trail with a few flowers I'd never seen before. They're so interesting with their freckles and fuzzy edges!</div>
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What's the weather like where you are? Are you having to work your plans and goals around heat or rain or even tornadoes? There sure is a lot of crazy weather these days!</div>
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Wishing you all a wonderful week!</div>
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<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-63406179240986149232017-06-13T11:36:00.005-07:002017-06-13T11:36:57.846-07:00Sweet Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was doing pretty good at getting more regular with blogging and then life got crazy again! It's been good and sad.</div>
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The good is that our daughter graduated with her master's degree in May and has moved back home. We're so proud of her! She's working hard now to find a job.</div>
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The sad is that our sweet dog, Salsa, left us just over a week ago. Her health (kidney disease) had been declining and took a sharp turn downhill to the point that we had to let her go. There was nothing that could be done to help her and it was obvious that it was time but it's been so much harder than I'd imagined. She'd been with us for almost 12 years and, since I stay at home so much, she was an almost constant companion. It feels like there's a hole in my heart and in our home. It seems like she should still be here, or on the back patio looking sweetly through the window, playing with her toys, and just being the sweet, smart, happy, and beautiful girl she always was.</div>
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I've cried and cried. Late in the afternoon of the day we let her go, I thought it might be better to put our sad energy into a hike rather than just sitting at home and crying. So, that's what we did. Hubby, our daughter, and I hit the trail. I hiked in honor of her and thought of how much she would have enjoyed it. We made a heart around a flower that was sunshiny like her.</div>
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She was the sweetest, smartest, happiest, and most beautiful dog I've ever had. She was even adorable when she needed a haircut!</div>
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She was even more beautiful after she'd been groomed. She was so cute! People often said she looked like a stuffed animal. We even experienced people stopping their cars when we walked her so they could ask about her. She was a great girl! This picture was from a camping trip. She always loved to go bye-bye! I miss that beautiful face, sweet eyes, and her smile!</div>
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She loved laying her her little cot/hammock when we went camping.</div>
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She loved going for walks and hiking. We got her some boots a couple years ago. It protected her feet on trails that had lots of rocks or gravel. And, it kept her from getting hurt on all our Arizona trips when the pavement was blazing hot. She walked funny with them in the beginning but soon realized they were great and didn't mind wearing them. Adorable! There's that smile!</div>
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She was my walking partner at home. She walked great on a leash and rarely pulled. I could tell that she loved going for walks because she'd nose bump my hand and look up at me like she was thanking me and telling me how much fun she was having.</div>
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She knew a ton of tricks...she could, sit, lay down, shake, high five, hit something (like the bell we hung by the door for when she wanted to go outside), weave through our legs, cha cha (go back and forth between our knees like dancing), spin, rewind, and so much more. She was awesome! And, she is SO missed!</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-17781629352016664432017-05-10T03:00:00.000-07:002017-05-10T03:00:31.557-07:00Tole Painting Finish Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Create 52 Challenge I'm doing to try to create at least 52 things this year (one for each week of the year) has been inspiring. It's pushed me to keep creating. And, it's pushed me to finish up a lot of creative projects that have been sitting around waiting to be worked on or to get their final touches. I've really been on a roll over the past week as I've finished up about half a dozen projects. Woot! The excitement of that must be why I finally pulled out and finished this project...</div>
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It's a tole painted planter box (the box is attached to the back of the little cottage). I painted it in a class many years ago. MANY years ago! All that was left to do was to accent it with hand drawn black lines around the windows, leaves, etc. Why I never finished it?....I have no idea! Crazy, huh?!</div>
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This is how it looked all these years...</div>
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It feels good to FINALLY have it finished. I'm not crazy about it though. But, I have a feeling I may be able to find someone who is. So, it's going in my gift box and it'll be ready to be gifted for a birthday, special occasion, or Christmas.</div>
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This creative accomplishment counts as number 20 in my Create 52 Challenge.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-66165447327421076082017-05-08T15:53:00.002-07:002017-05-08T15:53:38.769-07:00Argyle Color Pooling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started a project a recently just to try a new and interesting technique. It's called, "color pooling". Multi colored yarn is stitched in such a way as to produce an plaid or argyle-like pattern. I researched the internet for patterns, videos, blogs, and tutorials that explained how to do it. And, after a couple of tries, I finally figured it out.</div>
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I can't say it's easy. And, I can't say it's fun either. It requires constant attention as to where the colors are landing and lots of ripping out, adjusting of tension, and re-stitching to get the pattern to work and continue to work. So, it did end up in a short time out. However, on my trip to Arizona about a week ago, I only allowed myself to take projects that were in progress. As much as I wanted to stick to my norm of taking lots of project possibilities to start new things, I knew that this was the best chance of getting some projects completed. It worked! I completed two shawls and made big progress on this during the trip. So much so that I continued to work on this scarf and finished it up this morning. Hooray!</div>
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I decided to make the finishing end match the starting end...</div>
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I realized while taking photos of the scarf that the pattern matches up when it's draped around the neck. That's pretty cool!</div>
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Of course, it has to work as a cowl...one of my favorite ways to wear a scarf...</div>
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I used about a skein and a half of Red Heart Super Saver Multi yarn in the Icelandic colorway and a size J hook to crochet this. It turned out pretty. And, even though the process wasn't very fun, the results are kind of magical. </div>
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This will count as number 21 in my Create 52 Challenge.</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-50280678643250304922017-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:002017-05-08T03:00:11.619-07:00Mandala Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few years ago, I found a blogger that was making mandalas with little pieces of nature...leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, etc. I decided to give it a try. It was fun, creative, and relaxing to be outside just focusing on nature, shapes, and colors. I haven't made any in a while and with everything growing and blooming so much it seemed like a great time to do it again.</div>
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Wishing you a marvelous, Monday!</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-68462656282718866852017-05-05T10:47:00.001-07:002017-05-05T11:22:55.576-07:00The Granite Dells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband and I went to Prescott, Arizona last week for a little get-away and for him to participate in the Whiskey 50 Off-Road mountain bike race. We love Arizona and have been exploring more and more of this beautiful state. The Prescott area was totally new to us. Like much of Arizona, it didn't disappoint. It's incredibly beautiful and the higher elevation makes it possible to visit and enjoy even more of the year than some of the hotter parts of the state.</div>
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We stayed at Point of Rocks RV Campground. They were very nice and there were full hook-ups for our RV. The location of the campground was great! It was right next to the Granite Dells. We even got a campsite with a view of them!</div>
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Before our trip, I'd Googled Prescott and pictures of The Dells popped up. The photos were jaw droppingly beautiful. The opportunity to camp right next to The Dells and hike in them was wonderful. We quickly headed out for a walk after setting up camp to check out the area and see some of the beauty. It was stunning!</div>
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This is a view looking out over Watson Lake...</div>
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Click on any photo to see it larger.</div>
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There were lots of wildflowers. Many of the bushes with these flowers were completely encased in flowers. It was amazing! Here's a view of just a few that aren't quite so crowded...</div>
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The cactus were blooming...</div>
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We scoped out the area to figure out where we wanted to hike the next day. And, what a hike it was! We hiked around Watson Lake and through the Dells. It was amazing! It was beyond words! It was so beautiful and so varied! And, SO fun!</div>
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There were more beautiful wildflowers... </div>
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There was the beautiful lake (like in the top photo) and at one far end of the lake was a wetland area that made me feel like we were in the South. It was gorgeous! I just couldn't stop saying, "WOW!". There were benches here and there throughout the hike to sit and take in the beauty.</div>
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One section of the hike went along a Rails-to-Trails path where old railroad tracks are turned into a trail for biking and hiking. That was cool to finally be on a section of something we'd only read about and seen photos of.</div>
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The rest of the trail wound around, over, and through giant granite boulders. At one point, we turned a corner to see lush green. The trail went down into it and along a stream. At the top of the stream was a roaring outflow of water coming from the center of the dam. It was a surprise as we didn't realize we'd be seeing water besides the lake.</div>
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We came upon this sign as we neared the end of the hike. It made us laugh but it wasn't joking! It was a steep climb up granite boulders. What was also funny was that both ways were just about as steep.</div>
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It's really hard to tell the scale of these boulders in photos or by looking at them from a distance. They are HUGE!</div>
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There's a section high above the lake and near the dam for more incredible views. That's my awesome hubby!</div>
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We saw a skink that was olive green with a red head and neck. We'd never seen anything like it and had to look it up when we got back to camp to figure out what it was. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photo of it. It quickly ran away and hid from us. We also saw a garter snake crossing the trail. There were lots of lizards. And, we saw lots of beautiful butterflies. I did get a photo of one of them...</div>
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I could post a lot more photos but none of them truly capture what we saw and experienced on our six and a half mile hike. It turned out to be one of my all time favorite hikes...so far.</div>
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It counted as number 18 in my 52 hike challenge. My ankle did great! Yay! And, I was able to wear my old hiking shoes. I'm going to try my boots on again and see if my ankle is ok wearing them yet.</div>
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Hubby had a blast doing the race. He rode 54 miles in about six hours. He said there was a lot of steep climbing involved but he'd trained hard and enjoyed it a lot.</div>
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We explored the town of Prescott a bit. There are lots of antique stores and restaurants, and a few saloons left in the famous Whiskey Row. We went to the Palace Saloon on Sunday for a drink. We even saw old time western dudes walk in...complete with guns on their hips. We had a great time in Prescott and plan to return again someday. Maybe next time I'll even visit some of the yarn shops in town!</div>
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<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-7074972942658385402017-05-04T18:14:00.002-07:002017-05-04T18:14:28.315-07:00Two Finished Shawls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished up two projects this week. Hooray!</div>
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First was this fun shawl knit with Caron Cakes yarn in the Blueberry Kiwi colorway. This yarn is so nice to work with. It's soft, has very few to zero flaws in it. And, I love that I can get different color stripes without changing yarn and having ends to tuck in.</div>
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It took about one and a third skeins to make this soft, squishy, roomy shawl. I used size 10 circular needles. The pattern is the "Coffee Shop Wrap"...a free one on Ravelry. I didn't follow the pattern exactly. In fact, I only followed the beginning and the very end. I did the eyelet rows whenever the yarn changed colors and had gone across one whole of the row that knits all the way across. When I started the second ball of yarn, the blue/periwinkle stripe was thin. So, I pulled out the little bit of green in the center of the second ball and started with the blue to make that stripe a little thicker. The final stripes of color ended up skinny though. But, I just went with it on those. The tassels are a fun touch.</div>
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The second shawl I finished up had been in the works for a while. It was a de-stashing project I'd started almost a year and a half ago. It's a crochet pattern called, "The Original Half Granny Square/Shawl". It's another freebie on Ravelry. I used a size J hook and about 12 skeins of Silver Creek Yarns Space Dyed BFL in the Bordeaux colorway. I made it really big so I could fold over the top (the long edge) to create a cowl/turtle neck and wrap it around with plenty to cover the tops of my arms. The colors are much richer in person and it's quite pretty.</div>
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Selfies are hard to take! I must have taken a couple dozen pictures trying to get a decent shot of the shawl and one that I was ok with. It probably would have worked better if I'd waited until later in the day when the light wasn't so bright. But, I was anxious to post my accomplishment. It feels extra good to finish projects that have been around a while.</div>
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I finished up these projects while on a trip to Prescott, Arizona. More on that in the next post. :-)</div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-73968662476099826032017-05-04T11:28:00.001-07:002017-05-04T11:28:18.082-07:00Hike 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Number 16 in my 52 hike challenge was up in the mountains. I was still a bit unsure of how my ankle would do after twisting it a few weeks prior. So, we chose a trail to hike that wasn't very technical and wasn't very steep. I wore my running shoes because my hiking boots were still uncomfortable on my ankle bone. My ankle did great! Hooray! We hiked over five miles that day.</div>
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We had expected to see a lot of people because the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is popular. Luckily, there weren't very many people up there that day. The weather was perfect, the birds were singing, the trees were sprouting new leaves, flowers were blooming (we even saw daffodils), and...a special and rare treat...the streams were flowing. They were flowing so well that the sound filled portions of the trail like a big, beautiful song. It was wonderful! Hooray for all the rain we got in California this winter! </div>
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There was switchback section of the trail where there was a small waterfall a few yards up the hill from the trail. We hiked up to see it and saw a Western Rattlesnake warming up in the sun. I was a bit surprised by the place it decided to snuggle into as pinecones don't seem like they'd be comfy. But, it was very content. I saw it's eyes look at me but it was perfectly happy where it was and had no plans of moving. So many people are terrified of them. And, yes, they can be dangerous. But, they don't want to be bothered by us any more than we want to be bothered by them. As long as hikers are aware and watch out for them and keep a safe distance everyone will be fine. They're an important part of the ecosystem and help keep rodent populations in check.</div>
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Speaking of things that need to be kept in check. How about this....litter! I've been finding more and more litter on trails and in nature. On this hike, we found several bags of dog poop at the end of our hike. They were sitting just a few yards from the trailhead and just a few more steps away from a trash can. Why that person or those people didn't take the few extra steps to finish the job just boggles my mind! I've heard others complain about finding poop bags on the trail too. It's great that people are picking up their poop but that's only half of the task. It needs to go in the trash! I just don't understand what people are thinking when they do this! I care about our planet and the experience we want when we go into nature....for it to be clean and beautiful. So, when I see trash on the trail or poop bags I can't just walk by and leave it. I know of other caring people that feel the same way. Everyone needs to be responsible and not leave things like this for others to do.</div>
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A video was posted recently of a problem in our local mountains that was created by those who went up to play in the snow over the winter....trash and broken plastic sled pieces all over the mountain. It was unbelievable to see how much was left behind and how wide spread it was. They've been having clean up days and some residents have been going out for an hour or more every single day to try to get it all. They said that it's so bad they're not sure they can ever get it all picked up. So sad! So ugly! And, so bad for wildlife and our beautiful mother earth!</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-18921443157147689382017-04-20T15:07:00.001-07:002017-04-20T15:07:49.920-07:0052 Hike Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love hiking! So, when my daughter told me she was going to challenge herself to 52 hikes in 2017, one for each week of the year, I just had to join in the fun! It's such great inspiration to get out there regularly and do something I love and get fit!</div>
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We started while she was home on winter break. Our first hike was a nearby trail that is short and steep. It's such great training that I decided to try to do this trail once a month. It's called Monserate Mountain Preserve and it's in northern San Diego county. The views are amazing! You can see the ocean on a clear day. There are beautiful hills all around. There's a box at the top with notebooks for hikers to write their names, notes, etc.</div>
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My second hike was very short but I counted it anyway. It was a small hill in Tucson that overlooks the city in almost every direction.</div>
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Hike three was with hubby. The destination was a waterfall in San Diego county! That's pretty amazing to see in Southern California after years of drought! It was beautiful!</div>
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I was sick for the fourth week but managed to do a short hike in the hills above our little town. Our dog, Salsa, came along too. The surrounding mountains were covered in snow! Beautiful!</div>
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Hike five was at Monserate again. Hubby went with me this time and we made it a little longer by taking a different way back from the top. That added another mile or so. There were stairs in a section of the east/back side.</div>
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Hike six was to Eagle Rock. It was longer than the previous hikes in my challenge. And, it was oh so beautiful! Here's the eagle shaped rock at the turn around spot. The rocks are huge!</div>
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The landscape was just starting to turn green from all the rain we were getting.</div>
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Part of the trail meandered through beautiful, old oak trees.</div>
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Other parts of the trail went across open grassland. It was beautiful! Much of the trail was part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. That was exciting to hike on that!</div>
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Hike seven was in Tucson! We started out just before sunset and finished with our headlamps in the dark. Fun! Here's a cool silhouette of hubby.</div>
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Hike eight was back to Monserate and the flowers were really starting to pop!</div>
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I got a pic of a bee enjoying one of the flowers...</div>
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Hike nine was to the beautiful Santa Rosa Plateau. There are vernal pools there and they are very full this year! Yay for the much needed rain! There are walkways over the water. It's fun to look into the water and see fairy shrimp, tadpoles, tiny frogs, and an occasional little snake.</div>
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We saw a chocolate lily that day! We've heard they're rare but we do see them now and then.</div>
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On the way to the preserve, we stopped to see a local poppy field in full bloom! Gorgeous!</div>
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Hike 10 was on Mount Palomar. It's an area we've been curious about but had never hiked. We were surprised to find a little pond up there, small streams, and even deer!</div>
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Hike 11 was back in Tucson with my daughter. We decided to try Pima Canyon Trail. We were stunned by the beauty! There were SO many flowers and it was GORGEOUS! Pictures don't come close!</div>
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Hike 12 was also in Tucson. We hiked to Seven Falls by Sebino Canyon. We hiked eight and a half miles that day. And, I did it in my brand new boots! It was awesome! No pics of the falls though. The falls area was filled with hundreds of people. That doesn't make for great photos. There was added interest that day as we saw a woman injured on the trail on our way up. On the way down we saw that the rescuers had reached her and her family. We saw search and rescuer people on their way up all along as we headed down. Here are two that were going up on horses. The injured woman was later airlifted in a Black Hawk helicopter! It was a good reminder to be very careful. And, that if you ever get hurt on the trail that help arrives slowly and might cost a LOT! I hope she was ok!</div>
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I wish photos could come close to how stunning the landscape was with all the flowers. It was amazing!</div>
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Hike 13 was an evening hike back up Monserate. There were even more gorgeous flowers this time. Here's one of them...</div>
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Hike 14 was in Anza Borrego to Maidenhair Falls. It's a hike we've wanted to do for a long time. It was hot that day but gorgeous and the hike was a ton of fun! There was a lot of way finding and climbing around, over, and under giant boulders to some desert oasis' with palm trees and lots of greenery, and ending at a 20' waterfall. Ahhh!...Refreshing!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3V175f0aQ/WPeAw0KibWI/AAAAAAAAbpE/EO9lJP3ESgIq3O8gIzMvf-La6jbctdvpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170401_194515_160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3V175f0aQ/WPeAw0KibWI/AAAAAAAAbpE/EO9lJP3ESgIq3O8gIzMvf-La6jbctdvpwCLcB/s400/IMG_20170401_194515_160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, I twisted my ankle pretty badly on the way down. I eventually made it to the car but had to rest it for a couple of weeks before I was able to try another hike. Luckily, I was one hike ahead in my challenge. That gave me time to let it heal without getting behind.</div>
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Last weekend, I went for my first hike after resting my ankle. It felt SO good to hike again! However, it started to hurt a bit after about 20 minutes. So, even though I wanted to keep going, I forced myself to turn around. I didn't want to go backward on my progress. I'm glad I did that because it's feeling better and better.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2LScUjgjww/WPeBITu9TGI/AAAAAAAAbpM/K5JmUramaQ8JX9XFLmg6rFh13mfghcq2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170415_115359_975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2LScUjgjww/WPeBITu9TGI/AAAAAAAAbpM/K5JmUramaQ8JX9XFLmg6rFh13mfghcq2QCLcB/s400/IMG_20170415_115359_975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited about this challenge and fully intend to succeed. It's such a great incentive to get out there more often. And, hiking is a great way to exercise. Nature is so good for the soul too! I'm excited to see all the places this challenge will take us! </div>
<span id="goog_1723283021"></span><span id="goog_1723283022"></span><br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-28531480889807638712017-04-17T10:34:00.003-07:002017-04-17T10:34:46.598-07:00Weekend Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful!</div>
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We had a great weekend! It was productive, successful, and filled with pretty things.</div>
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We did some some plant shopping and came home with some beauties. Here's one of the flowers we got for our front yard. Isn't it gorgeous?! I love the colors in this verbena!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMwX0c77aA4/WPT0wWERZKI/AAAAAAAAbm4/M2SgCsa6LVImJDZJF7MHb1BtBFDDyE8EQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170415_201956_304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMwX0c77aA4/WPT0wWERZKI/AAAAAAAAbm4/M2SgCsa6LVImJDZJF7MHb1BtBFDDyE8EQCLcB/s400/IMG_20170415_201956_304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We planted these and several other kinds of flowers in our front yard. Shortly after we'd finished and we were standing in the yard admiring the pretty new flowers and how nice our yard is looking, a hummingbird buzzed around and discovered some of the new flowers. It quickly started eating from them. That made us so happy! I love having flowers that the wildlife enjoy! In fact, we bought two bushes that are supposed to attract butterflies. I'll be sure to post pictures when they start blooming. Maybe I'll even get some butterfly pictures.</div>
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Our spring and summer garden is shaping up nicely, so far. We continue to add more to it. And, we're already enjoying food from it! Our lettuce and arugula are doing so well that we haven't been able to keep up. It's so cool to go out and pick fresh food right before a meal. I'm excited that the arugula is successful because I love arugula! It's so tasty! I usually buy a bag every week or so and they often have a lot of moisture in them and don't last long. Right now, I get it fresh whenever I want some and don't have to worry about it spoiling in the fridge. I find myself munching on it whenever I'm in the backyard. It makes great pesto too!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2mWDHYGOT4/WPT03TL0H7I/AAAAAAAAbm8/OnHp7gXo6zA-x7MJdk4wHMnrM78EuqlmwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170411_185608_669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2mWDHYGOT4/WPT03TL0H7I/AAAAAAAAbm8/OnHp7gXo6zA-x7MJdk4wHMnrM78EuqlmwCLcB/s400/IMG_20170411_185608_669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I twisted my ankle a couple of weeks ago and have been resting it since. It's feeling quite a bit better than it has been. So, I went out Saturday morning and tried to hike on it. It felt SO good to get back out there again! I love hiking SO much! I was encouraged that it felt pretty good. But, it started to hurt a bit after about 20 minutes. So, I turned around and kept my hike short so I wouldn't make it worse again. It was a short hike (only about 40 minutes) but a hike nonetheless. So, I counted it for my 52 hike challenge and I'm still up to date.</div>
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Here's one of the pretty flowers I saw on my hike...</div>
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Probably the best part of the weekend involved our SUV (aka what we use to pull our camping trailer). About a week ago the brakes locked up and started smoking. We were near a mechanic/dealer that we thought we trusted and pulled in to have it checked out. It made sense because the only other way to get it home would have been by tow truck. Well, to make a long story short, they told us the entire brake system and more had melted and that they needed to do $8,000-$10,000 of work on it. What?!!! That's insane! We thought, explored, and shopped many options and ended up having it towed home. The tow truck driver told us that he tows cars from that mechanic to other places all they time because that place is so crooked and expensive. Well, now we know! And, he looked underneath and didn't see anything melted. Hubby took it apart, found the problem, and fixed it this weekend for about $200! Whew! He's going to change out everything in the brake system and more just to be on the safe side. However, the total cost will be significantly less, about $1,000!</div>
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It was a good experience to go through because we learned not to trust that mechanic. And, we found out, after lots of shopping, that we still like our Yukon XL better than anything we could find to replace it with. It has so much of what we want on it. And, best of all, it's paid for! Besides that, fixing things is so much better for the earth than constantly throwing things out and getting new.</div>
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Wishing you all a wonderful week!</div>
Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726925334003624379.post-54279958806144822752017-04-15T03:00:00.000-07:002017-04-15T03:00:00.175-07:00Almost Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thrift shopping and bargain hunting are things I love to do! I like to stretch my dollars as far as I can. That can sometimes involve a little creativity. That's the case with this apron.</div>
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I found the start of it at a rummage sale. It was a rolled bit of fabric that was wrapped with a piece of masking tape and marked twenty five cents. All I could see was the bottom of the apron and I thought it would make a great dish towel. When I got home and opened it up I found that it was an apron kit. Directions were printed alongside the apron pieces. It just needed to be cut out and sewn together.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG_K7psLbWs/WO_LKCxa4GI/AAAAAAAAbgo/xyyEzP0l6JwIDMz9q5W3Dqm_lFyNTyuywCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170412_125808051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VG_K7psLbWs/WO_LKCxa4GI/AAAAAAAAbgo/xyyEzP0l6JwIDMz9q5W3Dqm_lFyNTyuywCLcB/s400/IMG_20170412_125808051.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I completed the project by only using supplies I had. I liked the challenge of keeping it cheap and using what I had to de-stash my supplies a bit. I used buttons from my button jar, white thread, and some left over cotton yarn to make the ties at the neck and waist. Ta da! A brand new and cute apron for just a quarter and some time! :-)</div>
<br />Acorn to Oakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14334558675705027610noreply@blogger.com6