Toothbrush Rug

Since 2002, when I discovered "Aunt Philly's" website, I have tried my hand at making "toothbrush rugs". I was leading a quilting group of ladies at the church and one of the member's aunt made these rugs and was willing to come and demonstrate it for us. It is a little hard on the back and hands because of my arthritis, but I do enjoy it a lot and have made several. They wear well, and probably will last my lifetime!! Also, they are a great way to use up those cotton fabrics that you bought way back when and now say "Why did I buy THAT"! I love to work on these rugs, but often just need a "round tuit" to get started. I suggest, if you are interested, to look up the "Aunt Philly's" website to get started, too. I made my own tool from an old toothbrush, but she has some to buy reasonably. Unless you have an OLD toothbrush that has a hole in the handle, you will need to buy one. I carved mine myself, then sanded it down. Newer toothbrushes are curved handled and do not have a hole in the end. The strips of cotton fabric are torn at 2" wide by the length of fabric (not more than 2 yards, though). I am experimenting with using cotton clothesline for the "filler" instead of the same fabric as the working fabric. So far it is doing fine. It just makes a stiffer rug, that's all. It's fun, it's useful, check it out!! (click on photo to make bigger)

Needlepoint

I have been trying to finish up some UFO's (unfinished objects). It seems like everywhere I look there are plenty of them! Quilted ones (embroidered blocks), crocheted ones (vintage afghan), knitted ones (socks, yuck!) and this needlepoint, among a lot of others. Yes, I can do needlepoint. I prefer the ones where someone else has done the center design, though. This piece was given to me by a dear friend in Michigan and I am determined to finish it. I will get the upholsterer to put it on a round footstool (vintage 60's) when I finish it. Thing is...my vision has changed since I began this piece. Just can't seem to find the right holes. Guess it's time for a needlework magnifier. Growing older ain't for wimps!

Happy Easter!

He is risen, He is risen, indeed!

Forty Shades of Green Afghan

Okay, here it is, the mile-a-minute afghan I call Forty Shades of Green. It is sitting on the back of a small couch at the Community College Library, in the study area outside of my son's office. (He took the photo for me, as I am a truly rotten picture-taker!!) Now I am concentrating on the green Breadfruit Hawaiian style quilt and the sleeves for the green Aran. Gee...how did everything end up GREEN right now? Maybe because it's Spring?

What I'm Working On

The work in progress above is a green Aran pattern. The yarn is cheap acrylic called green fleck. For my own use, I use acrylic, not because I want to, but because I have a skin disorder & can't comfortably wear wool and alpaca is even worse. I have now finished the front and back & attached one shoulder by three-needle-bind-off. All that is left is neckline ribbing and the two sleeves!! The pattern is by Grandma on the Mountain (www.aranknits.com). I am also working on, not pictured yet, a Mile-a-Minute Afghan I call Forty Shades of Green using green varigated, mint, and dark greens. The quilt I am working on is also GREEN, but it is a dark green, Hawaiian style, about 50 inches square, in the Breadfruit design (a commercial pattern by Kathy Tsark). I try to keep busy.

(PS. It is supposed to be 82 degrees here today. Snow last Monday, 82 today....go figure!)

Birthday Snow

It is my birthday today. Shizuku-chan and I celebrate our birthdays on the same day. My daughter says that Shizuku is a "spring kitten", so we celebrate together. She is 13 now, I am 62. This morning we woke up to SNOW. It is quite unusual for snow this late in March, but it was pretty to watch it come down. There was about an inch on my car when I went to take my son to work earlier. It is sticking on the grass and porch, but not on the road, thank goodness. It should all be gone by the time I have to go back to town to pick up my son after work. The above photo was taken from the back porch, looking at the pines to the North. Isn't it odd to see snow on the bright green grass?!! I'm thanking God for the unexpected "treat" of snow on my birthday!

Uh, I'm still here, I think...

I have been missing in action. Actually, for the last 3 weeks I have been on the sick-list. First the dreaded stomach flu, then immediately followed by the head cold flu (yes, I did have a flu shot for all the good it did). As usual, the cold/flu went into bronchitis and I have been fighting it ever since. Pretty much end of story. I am taking one day at a time (on antibiotics again) and doing as little as I can. Every thing I do sends me into coughing fits. No sewing (allergic to cotton dust) but started an Aran sweater (photo later). Earl is great entertainment and Shizuku is my "nurse". My son has kept things going around here, bless him. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel (just hope it isn't the oncoming train!). Stay well, pray often.

A Pleasant Surprise

I am a big fan of Tasha Tudor books, videos, anything! I have recently been collecting as many of her books as I can. I especially wanted to find a copy of Becky's Christmas, but alas, when I looked on Amazon.com, I realized that they were rare, and the ones listed I just couldn't afford. Today, my dear friend Barbara, at the College, gave me her copy. I am shocked...stunned even. She said she had bought it used from a school library a few years ago, and that she didn't want it anymore, and wanted me to have it. I am so thrilled. It was the last Tasha Tudor book that I was hoping to get ahold of. Although there are many more out there, I have found a copy of the ones I especially like. Thank you Barbara. Your kindness with always be remembered!!