Emptyknitster

I justified learning to spin by making a pact with myself: If I learned to spin I would also have to knit the handspun into items. Although I haven't spun as much as I would like I did have some yarn to knit up. Right now there is so little yarn is each amount I spin I have to knit small projects... Pattern: Beartooth Mountain Mitts Yarn: Hand spun Amount: @ 250 yarns Needle Size: Size 6

I had been fending off the Pinterest craze for sometime. I love Ravelry, my knitting community, but it does cut into my knitting time and I knew that Pinterest would as well. Finally I broke down when the teachers all around me began saying what a great source of lessons there was on Pinterest. I have picked up a few lessons but what I feared has happened! I've begun working on projects from Pinterest... I have snowmen all over the house and keep them up until February so when I spotted this simple project I had to add it to the collection. Easy, with fun foam and my NEW glue gun! Also, there have been many entries on using Sharpies on mugs and plates to make personalized items. This has been an interesting project. I've gone everywhere trying to find the necessary items. I'm currently doing a "Test" project to see if it works!

I just finished the second wagon train shawl! This one is for Chloe. Pattern: Knit and Crochet Shawl by Diane Moyer Yarn: Plymouth Yarn, Encore Tweed Colorway: Denim Amount: 2.5 skeins Needle Size: Size 8, Hook Size I I'm hoping the NorDakPurlGurl will bring her sewing machine at Christmas. The next item I want to work on for this trip is an apron for myself. It has a large pocket to hold needles, yarn and the project. It was a free pattern from Cast On. And then we need to make some sunbonnets!

Last summer while visiting the NorDakPurl Gurl we visited a wagon train the night before setting out on their week long journey. The kiddos fell in love with the idea of a pioneer journey. When I asked the NorDak Kiddos at Thanksgiving if they still wanted to go, there was a resounding YES! I gave the California Dreamin' crew a call and my reply was, "I thought that was a for sure, the kiddos are planning on it!" I’m going wrap up a shawl for each of the little girls for Christmas to symbolize the upcoming trip we will be taking. And each boy is receiving a cowboy shirt! Pattern: Knit and Crochet Shawl Yarn: Plymouth Encore Colorway: Ruby Amount: 2.5 from the stash Needle Size: Size 8 (not the 9 recommended), crochet Hook J

The last Friday of each month is treat day at work.  I have a couple of old standards I enjoy bringing and was asked to share them with the crew. What an easy way to get copies to everyone! Microwave Carmel Corn Kathy W. Combine in 2 quart microwave dish: 1 cup brown sugar 1 stick margarine 1/4 cup karo  syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt Bring to boil, then cook on high for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 tsp baking soda. Put 3 quarts popped popcorn in brown grocery sack. Pour mixture over it. Roll bag shut and cook on high for 1.5 - 2 minutes. Shake bag, cook 1.5 minutes more. Spread onto cookie sheets and cool. Pumpkin Bread Caroline K. 3 cups flour 1 teaspoon soda 1 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons cinnamon 2 cups white sugar 2 cups pumpkin 4 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups oil 1 cup chopped nuts Place all dry ingredients in mixing bowl, with a spoon make deep well in center.  In well place all other ingredients. Stir carefully - just enough to dampen dry ingredients. Pour ...

I finished another pair of socks. These Stashbuster Socks are the greatest! You need three balls of leftover yarn from previous socks. I like to use two variegated colors with one similar color running through both and a third yarn in a solid color. This seems to keep the colors in the socks "toned down" and not looking like what the knitting community calls "clown barf"!  An added plus is for every three pairs of sock yarn bought you get a third pair free! Pattern: Stashbuster Spirals Yarn: Lorna's Laces Multi and Solids Colorway: Maple Grove, Specially dyed Wild Purls, Off White Amount: Leftovers from 3 previous projects Needle Size: US1

What do Rednecks in Montana do on December 1st when the temperature hits the 60's? Go to the shooting range!