dishcloth topic No. 3

As for weird Halloween thing I think the bowls with the reaching hand and various other dishes are some of the stuff I look at and just shake my head. I just like for kids to dress up, jack-o- lanterns and candy for Halloween. I decorate more for fall and Thanksgiving than for Halloween. Sorry to be a party pooper. Have a great week everyone.

Dishcloth swap weekly topic no.2

I know that fall has arrived by the turning of the leaves and the drop in temps which are now in the high 40's to low 50's. We had our first frost on Monday. We also have "termination" dust on top of the mountains which means summer is terminated and fall has arrived,lol.

I like fall because it's getting closer to Thanksgiving (one of my favorite holidays) and closer to Christmas and to my daughter's visit to Alaska. I can hardly wait to decorate my room in fallish colors and I am hoping that snow will wait awhile before it makes an appearance.

I hope everyone has a wonderful fall week

Dishcloth Swap Weekly Topic

Hi, I went to JoAnne's blog at cape sox knitter.

We seem to like some of the same yarns, both have grandchildren. She crochets and knits Some of her projects sound like things I would crochet and she probably knits them (lol).

Really looking forward to this swap!

Halloween Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

Knotting Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? For how long?
I only crochet, though I learned to knit when I was younger. I've been crocheting since I was 5 or 6, so a lot of years!

2. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using the most? Are there some you've been dying to try out and haven't?
I like using metal hooks; I'm not a fan of plastic, and I've never tried wood - the one my daughter sent me is just too large for anything I make, so I'm not sure.

3. What kind of projects do you most enjoy? Small things you can take with you, or big complex ones that are just gorgeous when they're done?
I enjoy both; I try to have a couple of each going at each time.

4. List one pattern for a dishcloth that you love to make, or just tell us about one you've made or received that you loved.
I started making dishcloths from the Crochet A Day Calendar, and I'm really enjoying those. It's fun to learn and try new ones.

5. What are your 'must have' notions? Are there any notions you need or can never have enough of? Any that might make you cry if you owned more?
I am very easy to please - I generally like the things I get, even if I have some; I'm not bothered by having more than one of something, I can choose one that suits my mood and appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Petting Yarn
6. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Any you hate or are allergic to?
I'm not a fan of scratchy wools - they itch me very badly. I've not ever tried the organic cotton, and I like Peaches n Creme more than Sugar N Creme, but love soft cottons too.

7. What colors do you like to use in projects? Any we'd never catch on your needles?
I love all colors!

8. Any cottons you'd like to try you can't find by you, or just haven't gotten around to getting?
Pretty much just the organic cotton - I tried to get some for my last pal and couldn't find it!

Halloween, Fall, and General Stuff
9. Do you like to use bar soap or shower gel more? What kinds of scents do you love? What kind do you hate?
I like Lavender most of all, and I use either bar soaps or shower gels - which ever I have.

10. What's more 'Halloweeny' - Ghosts, Pumpkins, or Witches?
Pumpkins!

11. What's your favorite Treat to get? Sweet or Salty? Anything you're allergic to or just hate?
I like nuts - macadamia and cashew especially - I enjoyed some biscotti I got from my last pal, or ginger cookies. Not a huge fan of most chocolates, though now and then I get a hankering; and I am a milk lover, not dark.

12. What was your favorite Halloween Costume as a kid? As an adult??
There isn't Halloween in Germany, so I didn't really dress up for it as a child. I don't really dress up as an adult, but I like wearing tshirts or sweatshirts for holidays.

13. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?
No, I'm not.

14. Anything else you'd like to be sure your pal knows?
Nothing I can think of! I love swapping and look forward to this one.

Summreofloveyarnswap

Here are finally the pictures of my wonderful July package. Thank you so much secret pal. I love everything you sent. The yarn, the kerchiefs, the spreaders, the magazine which have read from front to back and got some good ideas. I am still eating my cookies. The little flags are sitting on my dresser and I love the patterns you sent me. I just feel really spoiled by you and am so sorry that it took me this long to post the pictures. Take care and thank you again

summer of yarn love swap

Hello everyone out there. I hope you all still have a nice summer. Our summer has been really bad. Lots of cool weather and very little sunshine. I need to apologize to my secret pal for not posting a picture of my July package. I am sooooo sorry. It was a great package and I will post the pictures tonight. I thought I had done so before, but looking at my blog, apparently not. Again, I am sorry, the package was on time and it was wonderful.

Things are quiet around here. School started last week and everybody is gone except my 5 mos and 2 yr old. They do keep me busy. Looks like it is going to start raining outside and the baby just woke up wanting a bottle. So I better go for now and I'll be back tonight. Have a great day all.

Dishcloth Exchange

,Hello everyone. Here are finally my pictures of the wonderful things my secret pal Alana sent to me. Pleas note that the package came in plenty of time it just took me this long to post my pictures. Alana, I love everything you sent, the pattern book, notebook, magnet, the yummie nuts and sunflower seeds. The wonderful cotton for me to use and those beautiful dishcloth. I also love the shower gel and the candle. I appreciated you wrapping everything so pretty and I would have taken a picture if my 6 year old granddaughter wouldn't have helped me "unwrapping" them before I could get to my camera. Thank you so very much again for your thoughtfulness. I hope you will have a wonderful rest of summer. Ingrid

pictures

Hello, finally here are some pictures that I had promised for a long time. The red shawl is the prize I won in the coffee swap and which was donated by Grace Y. thank you so much again Grace. The next photo is my package I received from my summer love of yarn swap secret pal. Thank you so very much. I just love everything you sent. I want to try to crochet something from the magazine you sent and I will get real busy crocheting dishcloth. The little drawers are grate and I can really use them. Thank you so much again. You made my day. Last but not least there is a picture of my granddaughter after losing her third tooth in as many weeks. She is very proud.

summer of yarn/dishcloth swap

Hello everyone, I know I'm a bad girl for not posting more often on my blog. I am very sorry, but I've been busy with VBS and then I've been sick and still not 100%. Our summer has arrived and we have temps in the mid to high 60's. Went swimming with my grand daughter (indoor pool) . She loves swimming since she has had some lessons. Went to the park yesterday for the 4th of July. The weather was nice and we had lots of fun. I received my yarn package and it was wonderful. I will post a picture for everyone to see and I was late in mailing my pals package and I hope she will forgive me. Well I better go, answer some e-mails and take some pictures. Have a continued nice summer. Til later.

summer yarn swap/summer dishcloth swap

Hello everyone, hope you all enjoy the beginning of summer. I am so busy and I am so far behind with blogging that I don't know where to start. I received my prize from the coffee swap. A beautiful shawl, knitted and donated by Grace Y. and just my color RED. Thank you so much Grace and my apology that it took me this long to acknowledge and thank you. I will post a picture this weekend. Our summer has finally arrived as have the mosquitoes. They are pretty bad already. I have started packages for two swaps I've entered. As for the dishcloth swap, the two topics, one I don't have a favorite pattern and have tried lately to us different patterns from a crochet calendar I got for Christmas, the second I know that summer has arrived when the mosquitoes arrive and when it stays light til almost midnight and soccer games for my six year old granddaughter start at 8:00 p.m.. As I said before, I will take and post some pictures this weekend. Right now I have to get ready for VBS to prepare 170 snacks and then some more baby sitting.

Summer Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long?

I crochet only - no knitting here, and for about the last 59 years :)

2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook?

I like metal the best, and I really hate working with plastic. I've never really tried wood.

3. What are your favorite types of yarn? Any you just can't stand?

I don't really have a favorite - I like soft wools, cottons, silks - just about anything, I hate scratchy wools - it reminds me of ickly wool I had to wear when I was little.

4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't?

Too many to name - I mostly use dishcloth cotton, and have some gotten some nice ones from pals though.

5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts?

Both - I like using handmade dishcloths and towels.

6. Do you have a favorite color? Any that you dislike?

I like all colors, but I really prefer bright colors over pastels or deep shades. For example, I like fire engine red more than a deep maroon.

7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in?

Not really a single color; the kitchen has a deep blue for a lot of things, and the bath has a lot of sage green and cream color.

8. What are your favorite scents around the house?

I like Lavender for everything!

9. What is your very favorite thing about summer?

That it's light outside until 11 at night and that you can do things outdoors - especially here in Alaska!

10. What is your least favorite thing about summer?

The mosquitos!

11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower?

I like body washes more than soaps, but I really enjoy either if it smells nice.

12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath?

Hrm. This is a tough one. Lavender! I also like Plumeria.

13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern?

Not really, I enjoy trying different kinds.

14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? Sweet or Salty?

Salty more often - things like Cashews and Macadamia Nuts especially.

15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather?

I LOVE the hot weather - bring it on!

16. What sorts of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting?

Reading, mostly, and spending time with my grandkids and the little ones I babysit.

17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!)

Gingerbread men and Santa Clauses actually - but that's not very summery! I also collect cocktail knives/spreaders with interesting handles.

18. Are you on Ravelry? If so, share your ID!

No, I'm not.

19. Do you have any allergies?

None that would matter here.

20. Do you have any pets?

We have a family dog named Dash; an active, exciteable beagle!

Summer of Yarn Swap Questionnaire

Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?

I crochet only - no knitting here, and for about the last 59 years :)

Do you spin? What type of spinning?

No, I don't spin.

What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers?

I don't really have a favorite - I like soft wools, cottons, silks - just about anything, I hate scratchy wools - it reminds me of ickly wool I had to wear when I was little.

What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors?

I like all colors, but I really prefer bright colors over pastels or deep shades. For example, I like fire engine red more than a deep maroon.

Are there any yarns/brands that you are dying to work with but never have?

None that I can think of offhand; I just got some bamboo from a pal, and that was new, but I'd love to try silk someday or something equally soft.

What is/are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?

Easy ones! I like making baby blankets and dishcloths but might be trying my first tank top soon!

What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to work on this summer?

Nothing! I have a sock and blanket in progress, along with a dishcloth, but I haven't worked on them lately! I will probably finish those up this summer, and perhaps work on the tank top too.

What is your favorite FO? (Post a pic if you would like.)

I love my baby blankets I make - and the moms seem to like them too! I also like some new dishcloth patterns I like.

What is your oldest UFO?

My socks. But my daughter says I'm gonna finish them soon.

Are there any techniques that you want to learn?

Not really - I am working on learning what it is I already know. I've been crocheting so long, but sometimes don't know the names of things when I read the pattern.

Are you on Ravlery? What's your ID?

No, I'm not on ravelry

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Well, I have one pair started, but they've not been my favorite. My foot is women's size 7.5. However, if you chose to make socks for me, I am diabetic - the tops need to be loose and/or very stretchy.

Do you collect anything?

Gingerbread men and Santa Clauses actually - but that's not very summery! I also collect cocktail knives/spreaders with interesting handles.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift?

Nope!

Do you love sweets? What are your favorites?

I love some sweets, but shouldn't have them! I indulge sometimes though and enjoy Milka Chocolate most of all.

What are your favorite scents?

Lavender!

Where do you keep your needles/hooks?

I have a little bag my daughter got me for storing my hooks.

Do you have a wishlist (Amazon, Etsy, etc?)

No, I don't.

Having a birthday this summer?

Nope - Just had mine in March.

Are you allergic to anything??? Please let your pal know!

Nothing that would matter here!

Coffeeswap

My WIP are two baby blankets, a scarf and some dishrags and I haven't worked on any of them. Our springtime has finally arrived. Snow is all gone, the trees are showing more green every day and the sun is shining. It is great after all the snow. I just love it. We have 4 more days of school left and the kids are really exited as I am. I hope you all have a wonderful summer.

coffee swap

Here are some pictures of the wonderful package I received from my secret pal. Edit: Silly me, I forgot to tell you who it was! She's not a secret now - my amazing pal was Cindy! I am drinking some of the coffee she sent me while I'm trying to post these pictures.I loved everything she sent, the coffee, wonderful stitch markers, cashew and macademia nuts, an afghan crochet hook, a cute duck letter opener, a nice little home made bag as well as a great cup and saucer for me to enjoy my coffee. I love the Bamboo yarn and the pattern for a scarf and hat. I will post when I have completed one of the items, and everything arrived here on the 22nd and it truly made my day. Thank you so very much.

Did I say that spring had arrived in Alaska?????

Have a great week everyone. Ingrid

coffee swap

Sorry that I missed the post for last week's topic, but... I can't remember it was over 50 years ago and I truly don't remember. I do remember taking a trip to Holland with my dad on a train to meet my grandfather and the first stop across the border had vendors coming, selling coffee with lots of cream and sugar and a cookie on the side and I do know that I had some coffee there and I think I was probably about 10+ years old or should I say young lol. As to this weeks topic , I would plant a vegetable garden, some flowers and certainly an herb garden. I love fresh herbs in the summertime and I would need the flowers to look at. I don't plant a garden anymore but we go to a you pick it farm almost every summer and that is lots of fun.

I got my swap package yesterday and what a wonderful package it is. I already took pictures and will post them tonight.

We have wonderful sunshine and temps is the low 50's, yeah its beginning to look a lot like springtime with most of the snow gone. Til next time stay happy and enjoy your coffee, I will.

coffee swap

Hello everyone in coffee swap land. Hope you all have a better spring than we have. Once again it is snowing hard and really and truly I can hardly stand it. As for topic no. 2. No I have not switched to lighter yarn or different projects. It will be awhile before it gets warm enough here to not want to deal with wool. I am planning on going to my knitting/crocheting class tonight (if it stops snowing) and I promise that I will post pictures tomorrow. Have a wonderful week everyone and I'll just keep warm by drinking another cup of Kona with Pumpkin spice coffee. Bye

topic of the week

I went to Jennifer's blog and she likes some of the same coffee I do. It took my checking several blogs to find someone that likes a light roast. I'm glad that I'm not the only one. Also, right now I'm crocheting a baby blanket and still trying to finish my first sock. Hopefully one of these days I can show the finshed

Chan's blogiversary

Go over to Chan and wish her a happy blogiversay and participate in her contest. Hope everyone is having a very happy easter. Ingrid

Spring Fling Coffee Swap Questionnaire

Coffee

1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground?

I prefer Ground.

2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non?

Light, fresh roast - I'm not a fan of dark roast AT ALL. With caffeine of course!

3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up?

Dunkin Donuts!

4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both?

Both.

5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers?

I used to enjoy Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee, but not anymore. I'm a plain jane girl.

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup?

Small dainty cup!

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it!

The first cup out of the pot with some half and half; sit down, and just drink and enjoy it - before anyone is up. I like to drink my first cup of coffee all myself.

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company?

A slice of pound cake or a piece of pie - though I shouldn't!

Yarn

1. Do you knit or crochet?

Crochet

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with?

I like all kinds of yarns - especially soft ones. I don't like the feel of wool if it's scritchy scratchy!

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now?

A baby blanket

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash?

I really like ALL colors!

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest?

I use metal hooks. I really abhor plastic ones, but I've never really tried wooden.

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan?

Tape measures! I have a ton. Stitch markers for crochet are always welcome.

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with?

I would buy the bamboo because I've never tried it.

Spring

1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are?

Nooo... I live in Alaska, and right now it's sunny, but probably about 25 degrees or so, definitely not very spring-ish!

2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one?

Yes, but I'm not sure what it is in English - in German it's called a "Schneeglockchen" which directly translates to Snow Bell. I also like crocuses and tulips.

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime?

No snow and ice! That might not happen until April for us though!

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day?

Gosh I don't know - maybe I'd go out for a walk with Avery, the baby I babysit.

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up?

No, rain doesn't really impact my mood. I might read a book, drink some coffee and just enjoy being inside.

Odds n Ends

1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles?

Interesting handled butter spreaders. (the flat, kind of curved knife - I can't think of the name right now!)

2. Are you allergic to anything?

no

3. Do you have pets?

We have a dog named Dash - a lively beagle.

4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in?

I was in the last two dishcloth swaps, and the last Coffee Swap.

5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

I only really know of two offhand..

www.yarnfamily.com (My daughters' blog) and the Friday Night Knitters Group blog from my LYS.

I've been busy

Here are some pictures of the dishcloth I've been crocheting. Our weather has been almost springy here in Alaska. Just had a great lunch with Martina and Katie and I'm actually pretty full and wanting to take a nap. The dog wants to go out and play but once he is outside he runs. Well I'll go for now. Everyone have a great rest of springbreak, I sure do.

Happy Birthday, Momma!

See that lady? That's my momma. She had a birthday on Tuesday and spent some nice time with my niece and sister.

I sat yesterday talking to a good friend at work, and told him how there's no way I'll ever be able to pay my mom back for all the time's she's bailed me out - all the times she's been there for me when I didn't really deserve for someone to be - all the times she's been the best mom a girl could ask for.

I used to hate it when people compared me to her, or called me "Little Ingrid" - now I'm old enough to realize what a great compliment that is.

Hope you had a wonderful day, Mom - sorry I couldn't spend the day with you. I love you.

Annie

Dishcloth Swap

On question no. 4, I stay busy, watching Jake play soccer, going to the club and swim, sit around and read, drink tea and coffee, and crochet from time to time. But in general just stay as busy as I can because we have a long winter.

On question no. 5--I would sit on the beach in a very warm place read a great book or two, have a quiet, yummy lunch and just be lazy. And if money was no object, I would try and take Martina and Anne with me.

Keep warm everyone!!!!

this and that and dishcloth swap

Let me start out by telling my secret pal that I received her package on Saturday and it certainly made my day brighter. Georgeanne, thank you so much for everything. The little purse is so cute and my granddaughter wanted it right away because it has a bug on it and she is "Katie Bug". The dishcloth are so pretty, almost don't want to use them and wont for a while. I love the yarn and the stitch markers (did you make them yourself?). The lotion and soap will come in handy. I thought it was pretty funny that you spoiled me and I had spoiled you in the fall. LOL.


On another matter, when I do post pictures you will see the sock I am crocheting in its glory in December and what it looks like now. I've been lazy and have not worked on it for awhile, but will start again soon. With being sick and not wanting to go out in the cold I've not been going to my weekly crocheting class.

Here's how the sock looked in December:

And here's how far I am now:
As for the weekly topic I will take pictures and post as soon as I round up all my yarn. My yarns are not sorted. All are in large container and I have to pull out my cottons. So sorry.

Hope everybody is staying warm. I'm rtying to. We are having a real bad cold spell right now. Yesterday morning it was -15 and its supposed to be colder today. I will go for now and have myself a nice, hot cup of tea.

Topic of the week

I call them dishrag and washcloth. But when I was selling them at bazars I called them dishcloth because people would rather buy a dishcloth then a dishrag. LOL. And when I was growing up, my mother called them a dishrag or a washrag. I think its a matter of what you feel most comfortable with. Have a great day all. Ingrid

dishcloth exchange answers

Hello everyone and happy new year. Here are my answers to the questions for the exchange:

1. I crochet only

2. I use mostly metal hooks

3. Whatever colors I see and like and at this time I'm not looking for any specific yarn.

4. Bath is cream and sage; kitchen is black and dark blue and some stainless steel.

5. I actually like all colors

6. Right now, this minute I wish winter was over because it just keeps snowing and when it stops snowing it is really cold.

7. Play with the kids I babysit or if I have the time I drink a cup of coffee or tea and read a funny book.

8. Nibble on some yummy nuts or eat some cookies (which are a no no for me)

9. I love coffee and tea but don't drink cocoa.

10. Go to a warm place, lay on the beach, swim, read and relax

11. I have no allergies

winterwonderland coffeeswap

hello everyone, Angela's package finally arrived. It was late but thru no fault of hers. She mailed the package on the 10th and it arrived in Anchorage on the 15th but was delivered to my old address (across the street from where I live now). The girls that live there just put it in a corner and forgot about it. After Christmas I finally started checking because I thought the package should be here by now and after phone calls and messages(to make sure they had the package), Martina went over there and got it. Thank you so much Angela. I loved everything you sent. The Patton yarn has wonderful colors and I trying to figure out what I want to make with it. Can't wait to try the crochet hook with th light. I am already drinking some of the coffee as in right now. All the gingerbread ornaments and the little cup are precious. Had to defend the cup because my granddaughter Katie wanted it because its sooooo cute. I'll keep the nuts an dnibble on them while watching the superbowl. Thank you so very much for being so thoughtful. I appreciate and love everything you sent. Ingrid