just another creative thing to do.

86 days

2008-06-02T22:19:00.002-04:00

I do not know why but it is just funny. 86 days trapped? DUDE! I so totally wish at this point.OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Random Family Things

2008-05-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon was spent sorting through 90+ years of photographs with my mother to find some great pics of Nana for the photo board. Those who know me well understand what a chore this was in some ways. I won't say anything else on that particular subject for now. WOW! The memories we'd forgotten. Photos of Nana without a child are so few in numbers it astounded me. I believe we found a

End of an Era

2008-05-22T09:01:00.004-04:00

Early this morning, my grandmother passed away just a few months shy of her 96th birthday. She was the last of my grandparents, having outlived my grandfather by nearly 19 years and my other grandparents for close to 22. I do not remember thinking of my father as an orphan when his parents passed but that is one of the first things I thought of this morning when my mother called with the news.

News?

2008-05-19T18:11:00.003-04:00

I really haven't felt there has been much in the way of personal/family news for a long time. It felt as if we were just hanging on for the ride, swept up in the current more or less. Nearly all creative pursuits slowed to a snail's pace, influenced heavily by this house's dark paneling and lack of decent light. Who knew light and brightness were neccessary for creative people to flourish?

Revolution Money Exchange

2008-05-16T07:57:00.004-04:00

Finally someone has put together a way to get paid for things like etsy without paying a fee. I love it!I got $25 just for signing up, which is going

Today, I...

2008-04-06T17:07:00.002-04:00

Bought groceries. Divided up the jumbo package of hot dogs into 3 meal-sized portions.Chopped 3 green peppers for the freezer (first I've had to buy since, well, I can't 'member when thanks to the garden)Planted lettuce and radishes outside.Started peppers (bell and banana), tomatoes (rutgers and beefsteak) and lavender in the Jiffy greenhouse on my desk.Washed and hung out 4 loads of laundry.

1954?!

2008-03-16T17:25:00.003-04:00

You Belong in 1954You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!What Year Do You Belong In?Um, wow?! For years, Duck and I have joked about me channeling June Cleaver and having a Lucy love for dresses. Seems only fitting that I land smack dab in the midst of the 50s. Now if I could only fit into this dress , I'd have it made between my killer meatloaf and

2008-03-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

What Jill MeansYou are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of

View from the porch

2008-02-29T10:46:00.002-05:00

The snow started again this morning around 7 (I think it was 7). It is now just minutes shy of 11 AM and we have 2 fresh inches. I know this for sure because I filled the birdfeeders yesterday and cleaned the tops off them so I could gauge the next snowfall. Winter sucks this late into the season.

ISO: MS LIVING June 2007

2007-11-17T14:17:00.000-05:00

Being a tightwad, I never, ever buy magazines from the newstands or stores. I'm just not a magazine girl that much. However, I am searching for a used copy of Martha Stewart Living from June 2007. I browsed through a copy while waiting on my nephew at the dentist's earlier in the week and damn! there were several articles I thought were usefull. Magazine need not be in perfect condition, shelf

250th Post ~Ravelry

2007-11-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

I tend to think of myself as a non-joiner. I'm usually the last knitter to jump on a pattern bandwagon, I rarely join KALs and I do not belong to a guild or attend SnB. When Ravelry came out, I thought just what we need, another knitter thing to tell us the same sh*t we've already heard. Boy, was I wrong! My invite came today and every possible spare minute has been spent exploring it today. My

Found Treasures

2007-11-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

One of the things on Hubster's Honey-Do List was to make room in the garage for both vehicles before the first heavy snow. I'm so glad I made him do that because he found 2 huge boxes of jars I'd stored out there and forgotten about. Am guessing that's about 4 dozen more jars I do not have to buy before the next harvest. So that's found treasure #1.During the garage clean-out that took place

Old School Knitter

2007-10-31T17:45:00.000-04:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You? Snarky Old School. You may be old, you may be young, but you're the knitter that puts us all to shame with your amazing skills. Novelty yarns that NOT your gig. Your knitting library probably out does most, especially with the old but goodies, like Alice Starmore and the original editons of Barbara Walker's books. You're cool, but you scare me. Take this

S=Slacker, Secretive, Selective

2007-10-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

S is for Slacker, of which I am the queen.It is also for Secretive that describes how I have been feeling lately.And Selective which is a very nice way to say I am very, very picky. I am itching to make Burridge Lake Aran Afghan but would really like to know how to take the directions and make a chart. Hmm, first I hated charts and cried with a headache any time one crossed my path, now I beg

Growin' Up

2007-09-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

Why is it that as parents, we are fully prepared for the first smile, step and word but the rest of the really big firsts completely blindside us? I cannot believe I just sent my middle dd off to a semi-formal dance with a young man in a suit who brought her flowers!! When did this happen? I am so thankful for friends who willingly offer to loan dresses, fix hair and do make-up without a breath

Thrift Score!

2007-09-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

Our town lacks good thrift stores. We now have 3. One I won't go to unless Hubster goes along because the owner/managers give me the serious creeps. Another one is mostly clothes but not in sizes any of us wear. The remaining one is the Goodwill which finally reopened in a new spot after a yearlong absence. I stop there from time to time because it's on the way to Aldi's, WM and KM. Most days I

Uber Cool High Nerd

2007-09-25T21:03:00.000-04:00

Love that History/Lit score.

Macaroni, macaroni

2007-09-14T10:44:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to find a source for bulk macaroni elbows. Anyone point me in the right direction? Looking for 20 pound packages or larger. No, not for crafting either...for the pantry. Our local bakery sells foodgrade 5 gallon buckets with lids for $1. I use them to store flour and sugar in so far but will be getting one for rice and one for macaroni elbows if I can find them.

Long Rides in the Country

2007-09-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

urge me to hurry up and find a country house. I had the opportunity last night to drive my dad home from a jobsite. It was a very nice evening for a ride and we took roads I have not been on in close to 20 years. E rode along since she's Gramps' shadow and every single farm we passed made her exclaim: "I can't wait until we live on the farm." Me too, baby, me too. We live in a decent neighborhood

R and Reading

2007-08-31T22:54:00.000-04:00

The lovely and talented R, snapped one day this week during E's art lesson. Purple kitty whiskers and pretend claws are always a hit. If I were computer savvy enough, the voices she does would put you on the floor with laughter. She is our comic, always quick to make people laugh. A math whiz, handy with a hammer and helpful too. Reading is a great passion the girls and I share. Miss E is a very

Quilts

2007-08-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

Edited to add: 2 of these quilts are now for sale. Prices listed INCLUDE shipping, insurance and delivery confirmation by USPS. Other shipping methods are available upon request. Please email me at sewjillquiltsATverizonDOTnet with your interest rather than leaving a comment. These quilts are machine wash and dry, machine pieced and quilted. Each quilt has over 10 hours of quilting alone.

Observant Oddball Pens Paradox

2007-08-17T21:24:00.000-04:00

See,I told you Dr Seuss is channeling me. In grade school, I used to win awards for "outstanding" something-something or other. I bet my mother still has those things packed away in the cedar chest or hidden in the bottom of her undies drawer but I won't ask for them. They just don't mean that much to me anymore. However, being an Observant Oddball is something I could wrap my heart around these

News, Needles, Name, Nonchalant

2007-08-16T12:40:00.000-04:00

I really am beginning to feel like a ghost writer for Dr Seuss. It is kind of cool, in a weird, aspiring author sort of way.N is for:News, which there hasn't been much of. That is also how my father begins nearly every phone call to me..."Any news happenin' there?". Needles. My former therapist told me upon the news I'd quit my job at joann's, "I thought pins and needles through your veins. Never

Motherhood, Michigan and Merriment

2007-08-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

What "M" entry would be complete without MOTHERHOOD? Currently, it is the largest portion in the definition of ME. How did I ever start my days without "good morning, Mama"? How will I function when those greetings are no longer daily, when they come via email or phone minus the hugs, kisses and giggles that help define my daughters? Wonderment I am sure every mother ponders at times."M" would be

L

2007-08-14T23:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's flurry of letters was so that today could be for "L". Today would have been Lydia's 9th birthday. I do not mention our losses often because they are a very private part of me now. Lydia was born with Thanatophoric Dwarfism, a rare and fatal form of dwarfism. We found out early in my pregnancy but nothing truly prepares a parent for the loss of a child. The lessons Lydia taught us

K

2007-08-13T23:08:00.001-04:00

I have been a knitter for 31, almost 32, years now. That is a long time to play with string and sticks. I have also been kicking myself for the better part of a week now for not snatching up the set of linen napkins I found at a thrift store for a buck. Plain white, spotless and they would have been fun to embroider. Kidlets have always been a central part of my life. One of my first paying jobs

H, I, J

2007-08-13T14:55:00.000-04:00

Busy hands keep the devil at bay.Happy is what I strive to be.No one goes hungry around me. Eat until you are full is one of my many mottos.Ignorance is something I do not tolerate well. Insulation, I am thankful for...it keeps us warmer during the cold months.Inspiration is all around us.J, my oldest daughter, who shares initials with me. And J is also my father and sister who shared initials

E, F, G

2007-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

To keep Lynn calm, the next installment of ABC meme.E:Well, E is my youngest daughter. There really is nothing more defining than motherhood, she is part of that definition.Energy, something I lack most of the time. Eyes. Mine are very expressive and take in all sorts of details. Very handy for working with color too, I might add. E is also for Ems, my great niece way out in Washington whom I've

Dessert, Donuts, Dog

2007-08-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

Dessert, a yummy treat. Donuts, how I miss my grandma's warm donuts on a cold morning before school. I can make some that everyone says tastes like hers but they aren't hers. Dog, does he own us or we him? He's old and not much of a watchdog anymore but we still love him.Dad, that I love dearly. Being a daddy's girl has definite upsides. ;o)Decisions. One of my least favorite things to do...make

Along Comes C

2007-08-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

Toting more abc words of me.Canning that I did yesterday in 90+ weather. Green tomato relish, 6 pints plus a quart in the fridge and a pint gifted straight from the fridge. Centuries that I've lived in. Amazing that to think most of us have seen 2 of them. Cleaning. I hate it. Computer. Love it, hate it at times. The world at my fingertips is both inspiring and discouraging at once. Clutter see

"B"

2007-08-07T10:15:00.000-04:00

B is forBabies, of which I have a few.Bernina, that I adore.Bananas whipped up into bread.Books, many that I own. Or do they own me?Batting and backing, without them, there would be no quilts.

ABCs of Me

2007-08-06T19:25:00.000-04:00

Bella Dia started this great ABC Meme. What a great writing prompt especially since I am not inspired to write at all. "A"Angels: I have a few of my own. I believe they hold many protective powers along with other good things. Anne: One of my very favorite girl names. 2 of my daughters share this as their middle names.Apples: One of the few fruits I will eat in many forms: pie, raw, applesauce,

Back, with Sparse Posting

2007-07-18T17:33:00.000-04:00

A souvenir from our vacation was the fabric and pattern for this quilt. I cannot find a link for the pattern but I bought everything here: Common Threads in lovely St. Louis, Michigan....the official center of the mitten. A very cute shop with more creative quilts and ideas floating around than I have seen in a long time. My only complaint was I found it to be very dark inside. Maybe it was just

Recovery For Old Folks

2007-07-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

Getting old is rough. I am not equipped to deal with multiple events/appointments/excitement in short time spans any more. In the past 2 weeks, Hubster has had a colonoscopy (which revealed nothing new. Back to square one with that), J lost her job and the older girls and I went to our very first concert ever. John Mayer puts on an awesome show. I don't recommend Ben Folds though. Their stuff

Summer Fun

2007-06-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

I'm one of those terrible, old-fashioned mothers who thinks children should be outside all day, every day when the weather permits. Today we decided we needed a princess tent, not the regular old real camping tent the older girls adore. What better to use than "fancy" sheets with eyelet edging over the clothesline with a few pins and props? I even let her have a comforter for "carpet". Nary a

ISO: A Series of Books

2007-06-18T12:41:00.000-04:00

I've found that posting here things I'm looking for is a way to find them affordably, sometimes even by bartering. So going with previous successes, I'm searching for the Golden Nature Guide series along with the Golden Science Guides and the Golden Field Guides. I do NOT want new copies, thrift store finds would be swell. It seems our girls are really starting to take a more avid interest in

The List

2007-06-18T08:22:00.001-04:00

I am a complusive list maker. Not that I can always lay my hands on it when I need it, but there is always a list in progress. A grocery list, a chore list, a book list, a WIP list. You get the idea. My father is the same way. I laugh to see him coming up the walk with his list in one hand, pencil in the other. He literally crosses things off as we go over them. And his list is literally an

I LOVE cables

2007-06-17T09:49:00.000-04:00

Finally a pair of grass green socks just for me! I am ashamed to admit how many times I've checked Sensational Socks out from our library (intralibrary loan no less!) without knitting a single sock. The first few times, I just couldn't understand the appeal of it to so many knitters. Cannot say that I really know what tripped my switch but I'm a convert now. I'm waiting patiently for the other

HSP Arrived

2007-06-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

The mailman brought boxes yesterday. Stuff J ordered from Amazon earlier this week and a box for me from Becca containing my HSP'07 sock. Wildfoote yarn, which I haven't tried before, M&Ms, notepad, barretts for the little one and the pattern from Knitpicks (twisted sock, I think). I have fulfilled my HSP obligations. I blogged about the sock I knit (well, once), I packed and shipped the box on

Nothing Happening

2007-06-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

There has been nothing really blogworthy for a while now. I knit the sock for HSP, packed my box and shipped it. It was received but not blogged about. I forgot to take pictures of everything because as usual, the batteries are missing for the camera. I thought it was a nice box, filled with goodies I'd like to receive. I've still not received my HSP box and it is now a full 12 days since

7 Things, the Way I Spent My Day

2007-05-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

A while ago, Helen tagged me for the 7 Things Meme. I hadn't forgotten, honest. I was just brewing up 7 things. 1. I can wink with both eyes. This made me "famous" in high school due to the popularity of a game called "Killer" we played during English and Art History. No one was safe if I made stayed alive longer than 10 seconds and the teacher made sure to warn people I was a dual-winker and

My Color

2007-05-19T13:36:00.000-04:00

GREENYou are a very calm and contemplative person. Others are drawn to your peaceful, nurturing nature.Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!Can I just say how funny I find this? My favorite color is green, no matter what someone else says so this is perfect. Now about the calm, contemplative part and peaceful nurturing...that is not how I would describe myself at all.

Clessidra and Skirt

2007-05-17T17:02:00.000-04:00

I finished these weeks ago. They lay in a heap on the floor near my knitting spot crying silently to be modeled and packed away lovingly until fall. The sobs were just too much for me. Forgive the icky indoor shots, we are having a bit of dreary, cold weather and rather than wait another few days and endure more sobbing from the socks, I begged one of the resident photogs to get busy already.

PICTURES!!

2007-05-15T21:43:00.000-04:00

First up, for Christy's peace of mind, a shot of my first attempt at the HSP'07 sock. I was unhappy with the first 2, yes 2, attempts so I've switched patterns and am to the heel turn now. After frogging this one twice, I realized that all I had to do to make it fit properly was add 8 stitches but after the second one, I was too p.o'd to try that pattern again. Besides that, I think the pattern

Stolen Meme

2007-05-11T08:36:00.000-04:00

I found this out there in blogland and found it amazing how much of this I have already accomplished. How about you?Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.AfghanI-cordGarter stitchKnitting with metal wireShawlStockinette stitchSocks: top-downSocks: toe-upKnitting with camel yarnMittens: Cuff-upMittens: Tip-downHatKnitting

One Almost Finished Quilt

2007-05-04T12:27:00.000-04:00

Because I am clearly too lazy to post anything truly inspiring lately, a picture of a nearly finished quilt. This is a small quilt that would be a great table topper or wall hanging. All I need to do is finish the binding, which is sewn on...just needs turned and tacked in place by hand. Which I am clearly too lazy to do at the moment. NOT. Just too uninspired. I see all these fabulous creations

ISO Knitscene Fall 2006

2007-05-02T23:13:00.000-04:00

FOUND! Thanks,Jane. Next order of business will be to decide on a color/yarn. Anyone have a used copy of Knitscene Fall 2006 they'd like to part with reasonably? Need not be in perfect condition but must have Central Park Hoodie directions complete. I hate to buy a new copy for just one pattern. Email me at sewjillquiltsATverizonDOTnet or leave a comment including email addy.

Busy, Busy Mama Duck

2007-04-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Things I have accomplished since the last time I found time to post:1. Quilted 2 lap/throw quilts. Still need bound.2. Finished Clessidra. Still need pics3. R-U-N-N-O-F-T for a day with one of my dearest friends. ALONE, no children or hubby for the first time in over 4 years. 4. Whipped up dress for E only to discover that she'll probably only really wear it once...it's snug in the hips. 5.

SOLD For Sale-Straight Knitting Needles

2007-04-18T10:18:00.000-04:00

THESE HAVE SOLD. THANK YOU, ASHLEY!!An assortment of used knitting needles from my cedar chest. Some of these are from my orginal stash and some are from my late grandmother's who began knitting in the 20's, if not earlier. I detest using straight needles now that I'm older so these must go to help fund other pursuits. Included in this lot are: all sizes are: 1 pair US 15 I pair US 10 1/2 1pair

Is There A Sewing Gene?

2007-04-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend was filled with fibery fun for the youngest duckling. For some time now, she's been pestering for lessons with the 'slow machine'. Pestering me to the brink of losing my mind. All I can say is thank goodness for older sisters (R) who spent an entire paycheck on a variable speed machine last year and is willing to share with E. I know, she's giving me that look in this shot, but

Random Questions

2007-04-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

I stole this from Thicket Dweller. Clearly I am a follower and have nothing worth blogging about at this very moment. Go ahead, talk amongst yourselves about the weird woman who writes this blog. RandomDo you have any pets?yup. a mute wonder dogWhat color shirt are you wearing?grey TRIBE tee-shirtName three things that are physically close to you:Fritos, Magnifying Glass, 1975 Kentucky Derby

It's Easter??

2007-04-08T09:21:00.000-04:00

This is from 2 weeks ago. R wrote this on our back porch at the top of the steps. I think her cursive is lovely. She taught herself from a book not long ago. I am a strong believer in kids learning when it's right for them. Turns out waiting for her has proved wise on a lot of things: reading, math and cursive. Thank you for the beautiful welcome mat, R! And this is the sight we woke to this

Hurricane Sock Party Questionaire

2007-04-06T08:50:00.000-04:00

1. Repeat after me "no hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes" . Okay we just had to get that one out of the way first. We needed to created a bit of "good weather karma"! Last year, I swear it was due to all the good knitting vibes that we didn't have any hurricanes hit Florida.No hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes. No tornadoes or floods either!2. If your pet(s) wrote a paragraph about

Reason #2 Why I Love My Children

2007-04-01T14:42:00.000-04:00

This morning, Miss E presented me with this portrait. While I love how much detail she put into this picture (shoes that tie, striped shirt, curly hair), what I love the most is she drew me SKINNY and SMILING. View of a mother through her child's eyes, it's a touching thing. Crafting news:Clessidra is now waiting for the Knitpicks order to arrive. Placed Friday AM, we'll see how long it takes

Wednesday Finished Works

2007-03-28T16:59:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy 10 days here at Chez Duck. A few weeks, yes weeks, ago, Hubster had a minor, in-office procedure done for polyps. As with all things Hubster, this has not been minor and yet not been major either...he's slowly bouncing back to his usual ornery self and driving me bonkers in the process. On top of this recovery, we have still had school going on, a massive garage clean-out along

Clessidra Progress

2007-03-19T19:36:00.000-04:00

Talk about a fast knit! I had visions of these socks being months in the making. Boy, was I wrong! I'd say at max, it will take 3 weeks to finish the pair, if that. This one is now about an inch from the heel flap and I think I'll get that inch done this evening yet. Cable running down the back of my leg. I LOVE IT!! R has asked for a pair in purple and I am leaning towards another pair for

I'm all about the socks

2007-03-16T10:07:00.000-04:00

Of all the things I have knit, socks are the most rewarding, interesting and fun. I can only think of a few times when there have not been socks on the needles. This month has been no exception. See? For Wee Tiny Sock Swap hosted by the lovely Emily. This is a seriously tiny sock. Think quarter-sized. Only took about an hour for me to knit this beauty up from some Lorna's Laces in Desert Flower

Lightbulbs

2007-03-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

This morning while reviewing this week's lessons with E, the subject of Thomas Edison came up. Which brought about this earthshaking revelation from a 7yo history buff:"Mama, flashlights were invented AFTER the lightbulb. Wanna know why? Cuz it's impossible to invent something without all the parts!"Just another of the many reasons I love my girls.

MUST HAVE SOCKS

2007-03-11T11:13:00.000-04:00

The socks I MUST HAVE BEFORE I DIE: Clessidra. Not many things in life I can honestly say I must have, taste, try, whatever before I die but baby, these socks are a must. Only two questions: color and yarn? I am leaning towards either natural or a green since I have been hording a skein of KP Bare that Cynthia sent as part of my YA box a while ago. My thinking is that it is natural, therefore

2007-03-08T19:24:00.000-05:00

Borrowing an idea from Shizzknits, my version of Love Thursday: Hubster's endless cardigan: DONE. Well, it still needs buttons and blocking but hey, I have roughly 9 months to get those done. Vital Stats: No-name 100% wool picked up last spring at a big box craft store, clearanced. US 5 and 6 circs and dpns, using the V-neck Cardigan pattern from The Complete Book of Raglan Sweaters (Thanks,

Mariah, I am stuck.

2007-03-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, I cast on for Mariah. This is a Christmas '07 knit. R requested this hoodie earlier in the fall and I was not sure she would wear it enough to warrant the work I thought it would take. Silly me, once I remembered how to cable without a needle and color coded my chart, the fun began. That is 6 inches of cable-y goodness right there, folks, on US 6, 2 stitch markers and 2 row

Week in pictures

2007-03-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

One of E's finished summer tops. Simplicity 4208 vC, I believe. Same as before but different. She is very pleased with it and that delights me. A Princess box arrived this week for the youngest princess from her cyber friend/cousin, Princess G. I tried to capture her excitement and failed dismally. Sorry about that, Princess G. You and your mama did a most excellent job of picking out things

2007-02-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

Spring/summer sewing season is upon us. Miss E has a list of clothing she would like to have along with a stack of fabrics. Perfect way to spend the snowy cold days we had last week. Luckily, she tends to fixate on one or two simple patterns and "gussy" them up with trims or whatever. That means I can assembly-line sew them and accomplish almost an entire season's wardrobe in a single day.Vital

ISO TREKKING XXL 126

2007-02-23T18:54:00.001-05:00

I am searching for a skein of Trekking XXL 126 (pink, brown and white). This week, I bought one from the destash blog and have decided that I really want to do a second pair of socks in this colorway. One pair will be mine and the other pair(s) will be Miss E's. So, knitters, if you have a skein you'd part with or know where to find it, please email me: sewjillquilts AT verizon DOT net. I need

Snowy Day, part 2

2007-02-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

More snowy day pictures from the camera of J at work. Even though these were snapped away from our house, we have similar scenes every day. Bushes filled with all varieties of birds and squirrels who come to call. I believe this is a red squirrel but with the snow cover, I'm not sure. <- that's for you, Aunt Lynn, J says! I have had to chuckle at the public school kids. In the past 10 days, they

Overheard

2007-02-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

This afternoon while fixing lunch, I overheard this.J: E, if we could bottle your farts as poison for the goverment to use throw in the caves as bombs while searching for Bin Laden, we'd be rich and he'd be dead. The insurgents would beg for mercy and our troops would crown you the Queen. It's just that potent. Girls...way more into bodily functions than boys and proud of it. Just another example

Deer Socks

2007-02-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

Sometime during January, I cast on for these adorable Two Yarn Old Shale socks from MargueriteNow, I know Marguerite, like myself, likes to know the specs of a featured project. All I can tell you for sure it that I used her pattern, modified to suit Miss R's demands (2x2 rib in place of the k7,p1 and a short row heel), US 2 dpns and the creamy yarn is Knitpicks Bare sockweight (or whatever they

2007-02-11T17:55:00.000-05:00

Thicket Dweller tagged me for this housekeeping meme. If you decide to do this one, leave me a comment so I can see!Aprons - Y/N? If yes, what does your favorite look like? Yes. Like most of my favorite things, I can never choose just one. The top 3 favorites are from my maternal grandmother: a red paisley one, a blue farmhouse type and a blue print with ties. I remember her using them all when

Sewing Still Life, Series 2

2007-02-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

Freshly mended jeans belonging to Hubster. One pair had begun the day sporting a single patch and by breakfast's end, had 3 new ones. We never seem to find time to head to the thrift store together so these will have to do a while longer. With spring around the corner, these will be his around the yard and tinkering with cars jeans. Stains won't hurt them in the least. Happy now, Lynn? LOL. And

Sewing Still Life Series 1

2007-02-04T19:15:00.000-05:00

Some time ago, I was given several "hanks" of fabric suitable to use for Hubster some new winter shirts. This is the slow progress of making a man's shirt using a dark plaid corduroy, poor lighting and general dis-interest. Now I remember why quilts and children's clothing appeals to me so much: simple, fast and painless. Much less marking too. Lord, I hate marking for sewing! But Hubster needed

Spelling Bee

2007-01-26T19:58:00.000-05:00

Miss E competed in her very first spelling bee today. After a meltdown this morning at home, she did just fine. Placed 3rd in her division, which I think is just awesome for a little one in the 1st grade who spelled mainly against 3rd graders. She, of course, was upset but after the winner came over and told her she did a great job, E perked up a bit. I must say, I was very proud of E for

Snowy Day

2007-01-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

When we have snow! I feel the urge to make Vermont Cheddar Bread along with potato soup (this bowl is missing the cheese and sour cream!) as well as some slightly burnt Magic Cookies bars, minus the coconut and nuts. And of course, a snow day means lots of goofy around as shown by J&R. Isn't it shocking how much they look alike? I finished another sock tonight along with weaving the ends in the

FO Picture

2007-01-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

PJ Pants#1, 100% cotton fabric bought on clearance, sportswear elastic bought in mega quantities, pattern drafted from an old pair of worn-out Fashion Bug pj bottoms. No, I do not have a bow leg as it appears in the picture. It's just a weird pose since my photographer wasn't as quick as I thought. And the giant pink spots are actually cute dragonflies. Still searching for a tee to wear with

Answers,Batteries and Cooking

2007-01-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

I still have problems with Blogger letting me know I have comments. I do like to reply when I can so: To A. who asked if we were still planning on a move: YES. When we find the right house. I have a very specific area in mind but see very few houses available to rent there right now. I also have a very, very specific list of things the next house will have so we may be another year or so yet. :::

A list, a list...now where to start?

2007-01-13T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have this habit of making giant to-do lists. Anything from changing the tp roll to buying groceries and paying bills can be on that list. Usually everything is lumped together on a single paper: chores for the girls, errands to run, things Hubster needs to do. This morning I did something completely new. A to-do just for sewing. And oh! how it grew in just a few seconds. PJ pants for me, skirts

Customer Service

2007-01-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

Remember that defective KP needle? The replacement arrived today and guess what! It was defective as well. I could not believe it, a burr in the middle of the needle. Being a fiery redhead, nothing would do but a phone call this time. Best to deal with it person to person instead of person to computer. A very pleasant sounding woman named Randi (yes, with an "i", I verified that) answered and was

Brain Farts While Sewing

2007-01-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

This morning while folding the laundry, I came across a torn sheet. So with sheet in tow, I made my way to the sewing machine, changed the needle back to something suited for a woven instead of heavy denim and mended away. Then I noticed the tag said "Extra Deep Twin". Um, dude,no twin beds here anymore. How it escaped the twin sheet purge when we obtained free queen sets for the girls, I will

Gearing Up for Fun

2007-01-08T12:44:00.000-05:00

If you are a knitter and you haven't seen this latest knit-drive at Kate's, run and check it out. That is after you extract yourself from the rock you've been hiding under. I mention this knit-drive because as you know, it hits close to home for the Duck family. SIL is still battling, rather mightly and quite bravely I add, ovarian cancer and has complained that the wig she was given is either

Story of the Santa Flag

2007-01-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

If I do not blog about this now, I will forget the story come Christmas '07 and it's just too special to lose. Early Dec '06, E was having her turn on the weekly call to Gram Duck. E asked Gram how many days until Christmas which resulted in my yelling in the background "DO NOT TELL HER! DO NOT ANSWER THAT!" Well, E being the youngest, the miracle baby, means she is denied very little. Gram shot

2007's 1st FOs!

2007-01-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

Vital Stats:2s2c using Knitpicks classic circs, US 1 (Crappiest needles on the market!)Regia? knit at 7.5spiFor: E, possibly. She initally told me these colors were hideous so I intended them for the parish sock drive next fall but she has since said she likes them. Time will tell.Pattern: My own 56 st/2x2 rib, short row heel thanks to QK. I carried the ribbing down the heel to the turn point

FO Rundown

2006-12-31T16:50:00.000-05:00

Once again, I'm blaming Jane for something. She always gets my brain going and usually my needles too! One of her recent posts was a tally of FO for 2006, which reminded me that in January, I set a goal to beat her ungodly number of socks knit. Did I manage to do just that???11 pairs of mittens2 scarves1 Clapotis1 child sweater1 hat1 baby sweater1 baby afghan4 pairs wrist warmersAND26 pairs of

5 weird things

2006-12-26T01:59:00.000-05:00

Jane tagged me a while ago for the 5 (or is it 6) weird things meme. Y'all have seen it, you know the rules...consider yourself tagged if you so desire.1. I do not wear a watch.2. When I do wear a watch, it is one of my father's old ones which is too large in the band and the face that he brought to me in a box of misc stuff from a drawer in the office. I love that he had it marked "new batt" on

2006-12-18T23:35:00.000-05:00

During the week leading up to Thanksgiving, blogland was filled with elogant posts about being thankful and feasts and family. Missing from that particular chorus was me. Not that I was feeling unthankful, I just could not find the words. So what if I'm a few weeks late?Things I am thankful for:Friends who know when to jump in and bale out the boat. Double the thanks when they do it repeatedly

Making a mold of my *ss

2006-12-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

Yup, still camping in the recliner. I do believe now, that despite having housed my father's rear-end for years before coming to dwell at Chez Duck, the recliner now could serve as a mold of my *ss. I fully expect the chair to make that sucking sound sometime soon when I attempt to leave it. (Think The Simpsons. You'll get it)Today was my follow-up appointment. I knew when I woke up at 8AM

Waylaid by my appendix

2006-12-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

About this time last night, I was heading to the recovery room after emergency surgery to remove my ruptured appendix. I've been through a c-section almost completely UNnumb, lived through a ruptured eardrum and truly thought nothing could hurt as bad as either of those. Boy, was I wrong. Morphine was my new best friend for most of the day and night yesterday. Today, I'm down to tylenol with

Opinions, please

2006-12-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

First with the opinions, then with what passes as news...Knitters, if you could have only one stitch dictionary in your library, which one and why?The Knitpicks Options set...yeah or nay?Leave me a comment or email me at sewjillquilts@verizon.net News from Chez Duck:Not much really. It's cold. Really cold. I hate the cold.J has a job caring for an elderly lady with Alzheimer's 2 days/wk. Some

2006-11-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

You Belong in FallIntelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall bringsWhether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for youWhat Season Are You?Very true!

Christmas Knitting

2006-11-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

It is offical: Christmas Knitting Season. The list is growing and the time allotted is shrinking. Hm, what to do? Keep adding things to the list, that's what!On the needles:Sweater for J from Knitty's archieves.Sweater for E from a book (name forgotten at the moment)Socks for E, nearly completion.Shawl for me (thanks,A!)In the wings, waiting:More socks for E. KNEE socks at that. @@Wrist warmers

One Yard Fabric Swap

2006-10-24T18:27:00.000-04:00

I am a truly terrible blogger these days. This wonderful package from Joni arrived last week as part of the One Yard Fabric Swap. Joni really outdid herself with this one! 2 beautiful retro fabrics-one has DUCKS on it, a tape measure, stitch markers she made, chocolate, buttons, ribbon and the neatest wooden bowl. Oh, and the best scented soap ever! I am leaning towards a new apron with my

What One Could Knit

2006-10-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

With 12 miles of yarn: Lauren Porter. Not sure whether this is a WTF or a too much time on her hands thing....

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2006-10-18T15:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, these beauties arrived on my doorstep...to celebrate today. (Thanks, Duck..you rock!)Today marks the beginning of the 36th year of Jill. GASP. SHUDDER. SIGH. 36 already? Really? That means in a few short months, I will have lived on my own exactly half my lifetime. It means that in a week, Miss E will be 7. Thanksgiving isn't far away and Christmas will be here faster than I could

Baby's got a brand new sweater

2006-10-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

Just in time too! The temps are dropping and we definitely need sweaters and jackets outside now.Some time ago, Bron the Cotton Queen and I swapped yarns. This is what I finally did with mine...knit the babe a sweater.I know, I know, vital stats, right? Yarn: TLC Cotton Plus in Jazz (3615). Cannot say enough about this yarn. Thanks, Bron for turning me on to it! Pattern was from The Knitter's

Heard Around the House

2006-10-06T11:31:00.000-04:00

Overheard this morning:E: "My boots stink."J: " Probably because your feet have been in them!"I believe that says it all. Laughter is alive and well at Chez Duck.

FO on Parade

2006-09-30T17:45:00.000-04:00

Vital Stats: Child's First Sock from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. Yarn: Lang Jawoll. Needles; DPN, US1(I think) SPI: 9.5 to fit Miss E's foot. These are BDay socks for her...almost knee socks! I like this pattern and will probably knit it again but at 8spi!Jumper for Ems. Am still thinking of things to make for her, so be patient Lynn! (roflmao, I know) This one is just plain, so she can

Reasons to Knit

2006-09-26T23:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Kristi has 3 wonderful reasons to knit on the way. Cool Kelli and Super Sarah came up with a way for the knitting community to help Kristi outfit those bundles of joy in handknits while Kristi is on bedrest. Details are here: Red Dog Dutchicans. Go see what YOU can do to fill the Red Dog Dutchicans' closets with love.

Weekend sewing

2006-09-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

Spent a little time yesterday whipping this up for a mystery toddler who loves Winnie the Pooh. I have other things in the works for her, so she must remain nameless at the moment. Sure was fun to finish something in under 30 minutes and know it will be worn, no matter what. I miss the toddler stage so much when it comes to dressing. Miss E wore tons of mamawear as a toddler. She remembered a

The 3 States of Matter

2006-09-18T01:08:00.000-04:00

are definitely not: yarn, fabric, thread or in line, WIP, FO but rather solid, liquid and gas. Every 1st grader loves this lesson, I swear, but few can pull it off with the polish and jazz of my youngest. Who, while reviewing the previous week's lessons, somehow managed to time her sentence and flatulence perfectly. Whoever says boys are worse than girls has yet to meet our clan because not only

Dr J To Surgery, STAT!

2006-09-16T22:39:00.000-04:00

J brought me her favorite pj bottoms this evening, proclaiming "They need surgery, STAT." Which brought out this from R: "You know how to sew. Fix them yourself. Ma's busy." I swear, they get this from their father. The very same man who will sit complaining loudly about the hunger pains rather than fix his own PB&J. The bickering about the pjs went on for a few seconds, evidently because they

Because You Know It Is Funny When....

2006-09-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Two pasty white girls from the hills start actin' all gangsta, YO! Don't ask...I guess it was just one of those days. Like my kids have a clue about gangsters and signs and such. Too many viewings of Judging Amy reruns featuring Graciella and too many Law & Order marathons on TNT or whatever channel shows it non-stop. It was much needed comic relief after a loooong day of school with much

Sock bag or a little girls' handbag

2006-09-06T14:32:00.000-04:00

When I made this bag Saturday evening, E proclaimed it a "FABULOUS BAG, Mama. Just right for me." I had not thought about it being a bag for her. I made it as a trial for sock-KIP. Turns out, maybe my girl might have a head for marketing. This bag is currently listed in my etsy shop: CreativeMamaDuck, which just opened today! The shop price is $12.50 plus the shipping...Yarn Aboarders can get a