Emptyknitster

I've been experimenting with dyeing speckled yarn. My first try turned out okay but I thought I could do better so out came more dye and I gave it another try. I liked the result but didn't want to waste the leftover dye and so out came the dye pot, more yarn and I dyed a multiple colored tonal yarn. When I put the two together it was clear another hank needed to be dyed and I needed to knit a "Find Your Fade" sweater. It's been a fun knit and I look forward to showing you the finished project.

Who would have thought there was a needle killer hidden in this adorable little kitten?   Polly's currently chewed up three pairs of my Addie Turbo Sock Rockets. I've tried to do my part and be more diligent by putting them away after each use but she dives head first into my knitting bag! So I finally dug out the needles I ordered from Ebay a few years ago for sixty cents a pair. They are Chinese needles and have crazy sizing and metal cables (instead of the plastic Polly appears to be teething on) But they work and seem to be doing the job.  At the time I didn't know why I bought the needles, I had so many already. Now I know they were a necessary item for my little orange shorthaired kitty to keep her happy home.

During the month of June I worked very hard to deplete my Red Heart stash. Often, when non-knitters learn I knit they will offer me their grandmother’s stash. I accept with the dream the stash will be cashmere but it’s always been a stash of Red Heart. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a big box. Every kitten bed I finished was Polly's favorite until I finished another, then the new one was her favorite. In total I completed thirteen cat beds and twelve cat blankets for the vet.   Pattern: Cat's Craddle by Comfort for Critters Yarn: Red Heart Worsted Hook: I Pattern: Sunflower Pet Blanket by Maryann Yarn: Red Heart Hook: I Polly is now the proud owner of one of the cat beds. I also finished forty-three preemie hats for a sum total of 8,518 meters.

  Yesterday the kiddos headed home after another visit to the old homestead. We started the visit in the usual way - a trip to the public library. The kiddos found a great stack of books knowing it would keep them happy for their three week visit. I happily checked the books out on my library card. I've had my card for over forty years and even though I'm asked from time to time if I want to update it I've kept it just for old times sake, until this visit. As I was putting the card back into my purse, it just broke in half. I was shocked! The kiddos laughed at the look on my face. It forced me to replace my Parm l y Library card with a new flashy Billings Public Library Card and in that second there went my ties to two libraries and thousands of checked out books! A little thing with a BIG impact...   We spent our days as we usually do reading, hiking, paddle boarding, playing card games, watching a little tv. One day we visited the Top Of The World on the Beartooth ...

I enjoyed making the baby quilts this last winter and told the girls I'd make more as gifts for their friends as needed. The Chick was the first to take me up on the task. This quilt is for a baby boy whose room will be decorated in a nature theme. The owls are a great touch! I was worried about the owl's background color and later I found out The Chick had been too. No worries, it's perfect and I just love how this quilt turned out.

It's that time of the year again, with a big difference. Hubby and I weren't the only people playing this year.  There were a few additional contestants with family visiting earlier than usual this summer.  The California Dreamin' family and The Chick were quickly made aware of the rule required to play the game:  It must be a confirmed siting, involving PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF. Everyone got into the swing of it, carrying their cameras on all walks. As usual Hubby saw the first fawn but the proof was nonexistent in his photo. Bri was right behind him with her camera but disqualified herself because all you could see was a very small bum - or tree stump, we're not sure. It didn't take long for the next siting. The next evening Chloe ALittleBit was just finishing her walk, and  heading up the driveway when there by the garage was not one fawn but TWO! How are your skills at finding those little guys? Way to go Chloe, 2017 winner of the First Fawn of The Season compe...

The California Dreamin' Family and The Chick came to visit this week. We've been hangin' at the house relaxing. The Chick brought Zoey for the visit too. She was surprised by the new kitten but they hit it off immediately and it was as though Polly had found her mom once again. Polly played "no holds barred" while Zoey used her newly found adult restraint. They would chase each other around the house in the morning but Polly would find a lap to nap in all afternoon.  Where was Denali during all this fun? Under the bed, she will soon start her third week there!