Susan Burr rug hooking machine??

Ok...I had to get this....off of Shopgoodwill.com   I have no idea how to use it or exactly what it is...is it a proddy implement?  I dont know anything about proddy hooking...if I am even spelling that right.  I just thought I would try to figure it out...It has instructions but I dont understand them completely.  I wish I could have someone show me how to use this!  It will probably take me forever to figure it out...oh well...its kind of a neat thing to have around..perhaps it will just find its way on my wall to decorate my one day studio!  Its kind of pretty wood!
I am trying to wait patiently for my used sewing machine to come in the mail.  Meanwhile I have been on the library system ordering books on how to applique and other methods for art quilts.  My husband asked what I wanted for x-mas this morning.  Besides some rug hooking items...materials to start my handbag...and some backing material/linen to keep me happy for awhile with some other new hooking projects....I also asked for a gift certificate to our local quilting store in town...so I can start trying the art quilt thing.

I won this! And other thoughts on winning!

I won this from following their blog ...how fun!  They are in Michigan...and they said "come on in and pick it up"..I had to call them and ask them to send it!  How wonderful though!  I told them I would post it for further advertising.  It was from "Pink Sugar Kisses" company that makes soaps and lotions etc...through the "Yellow Door Market" Blog Site.  I think as part of their grand opening celebrations.  Nice to win sometimes isnt it?  I feel so special!  I'll have to see if this becomes someones x-mas gift or I use it myself.

My youngest daughter and I went to the Woman's Expo yesterday...I think I have only missed it one year...since the last 10 years...I really was looking forward to seeing Molly Ringwald as I grew up with her with The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles...etc...She talked mostly about being a mom with young kids..a topic I am a bit past in my life...but it was still nice to see her.  Amanda and I had fun...we always sign up to win about 50 things...some as big as a car and a trip and other smaller things...so we have to wait to see later today if I won anything big....I acutally won one of the main prizes about 5 years ago ( a kayak) so I think my luck is done with this expo!...Buy hey...you never know...sure would love the trip to Mexico!!!!I could use a vacation.  Statistically I probably have the same chances of winning even though I have won in the past...dont you think?  

My New old Sewing Machine...from Spokane Washington to Wisconsin!

Ok...I am now the proud of owner of this old Kenmore Sewing Machine  (Kenmore 10 model # 385.1249180)  I only tell you this because it was bought used from Shopgoodwill.com and it hasnt gotten to me yet..and I just realized that it is missing the extension table part in front!  I called them and  YEP gall darn it...it is missing!....If you know if anyone who has this old machine that wouldnt mind me nabbing this piece because they never sew anyway...let me know!  What a shot in the dark..but I thought I would try!.  I called Sears and I cannot order this part anymore. Bummer..I guess I thought you could always find a Sears part...no matter how old...I guess I can probably use it without this piece and jimmy rig something that will work ....it has no purpose except to give you more flat working space to sew...kind of important...but I guess I could find something to fit in there..   I have 2 sewing machines...also very old..in cabinets...but I am going to try and sell those...I dont have room for a whole cabinet type machine...I wanted something portable that I can use on my dining room table and move off when I am not using it.  Someday I would love to have an art studio...and when and if that ever happens I will buy I lovely non portable sewing machine.with a huge work station....but this is going to have to do for now!  I figure you cant beat the good quality of Sears...nothing fancy...but should work for a novice sewer like myself...  I want to try my hand at doing some art quilting...and I also need it to do some finishing with my rug hooking projects like the tote bag I want to make...   I also am going to sew some drapes for the house....I am really quite excited to have a working, available machine again!.  I dont even know where the other 2 are...hidden in the basement or garage somewhere...so this will be great...

By the way...NOW is the time to go get your Paper White Bulbs at your local Walmart, hardware store, Farm and Fleet, or nursery....This picture if from a very expensive store./White Farm...no need to go all out and spend tons..the cheap ones are just as pretty....and you can find any ol shallow pot you have around to put them in....small rocks from outside work well...I usually put some dirt in the mix....but you dont have too...I just think it helps the roots to grab....You'll have pretty flowers for X-mas...I dont have any luck with Amaryllis bulbs..they never seem to bloom for me...but the Paper Whites...always work.....albeit they are a bit stinky when they bloom. ..not your prettiest smelling flower for sure!

 These Wine hat and scarves are so cute...to give a bottle of wine at Christmas time...I had to share....One could make these quite easily...either by sewing or knitting them--yourself!...neat idea I thought!  If you want to buy these this comes from the Sundance Catalog...(one of my favorite catalog/stores of all times...but very very expensive!)

Some Knitting too!

A while ago I posted my cowl neck scarf I made...I found this on another blog I follow..Close Knit.....I am going to try my hand at this!  I think it is lovely.  I even like it in this grey color...sophisticated I think. 
New to Close Knit, Brown Sheep Burly Spun, a pure wool single ply in some fabulous colors. Looking for a quick knit? How about 2.5 stitches per inch on a US13 needle? It practically knits itself.
Sally created this beautiful seed stitch mobius cowl using one skein of the Burly Spun. It is very warm and cozy. Tuck one of these into your rain coat, and you'll stay nice and warm when those bone-chilling winds pick up. Enjoy the pattern and stay warm!

Close Knit Burly Spun Cowl
By Sally Palin

Yarn: 1 skein Brown Sheep Burly Spun
Needles: US17 24" circular
Finished Size: 10" high by about 32" around
Gauge: about 8 stitches over 4" in seed stitch

Seed stitch in the round:
Round 1: *K1, P1* until 1 stitch remains. K1.
Round 2: *P1, K1* until 1 stitch remains. P1.
Basically, after round 1, you will simply knit your purls and purl your knits, so it's not crucial to know what row you are on.

Instructions:Cast on 65 stitches.
Twist once, place marker, and join for knitting in the round. (This twist is what you usually try to avoid when joining to knit in the round. You could also join normally to create a non-mobius cowl if you prefer, but the drape is not as nice.)
Seed stitch your heart out for about 10".
Bind off and enjoy!

Posted by Leah at 11:00 AM

Happiness mistakes...from another blog...I like these ideas

1. To delay to do something important until you have some “free time,” because you may never have any free time
2. To retreat into isolation when you’re unhappy
3. To neglect to make a small change because you think a big change is necessary
4. To refuse to consider a big change because you assume you can only make a small change
5. To “treat” yourself to something you wouldn’t ordinarily permit yourself, because you’re feeling blue
6. To postpone something important until you’re feeling healthier, or thinner, or married, or whatever
7. To think that you can “make” someone else be happy
8. To imagine that what’s true for other people is true for you
9. To spend too much time, or not enough time, thinking about the past, present, or future
10. To ignore the truth about your own temperament, interests, and aptitudes

I had an eleventh mistake, but my computer didn't save the document properly, and now I can't remember what else I'd added. Very annoying. What have I overlooked? Wait! I just thought of another. "To think about everything you don't have, instead of everything you do have." But that wasn't the one that I forgot...
This is from the Happiness Project...Gretchen Rubin...

Confections of a closet Master Baker--Great Book!

Confections of a Closet Master Baker Trailer from Raymond Prado on Vimeo.
I am reading this book right now...it is simply wonderful!  It inspired me to make a decadent chocolate truffle pie last night.(recipe was not in the book.. posting separately....which my husband ate too much of and got a bit sick..but was/is sooooo good...  (The author is Sandra Bullocks sister)  You have to read this book...its wonderful...kind of makes me sad right now...because I felt this way about my art gallery which just had to close its doors....I miss it so much...like her bakery...it had a life of its own..a beauty in the atmosphere...a personality...and attracted many unique people of which I felt honored to know.  I miss my gallery so so so much...but this book and the video...inspires me that perhaps I can do something else of significance and importance ( to at least me...and a few people!) in the future.

 This is what mine looks like!  I forgot to cut the rest of the recipe out ...so basically I just mixed it all together...and cooked it for an hour and then turned the oven off and let it sit in the oven for an hour....very rich!!! Yummmmm

My new "scarf"

A friend sent me this beautiful wool she hand dyed..and I was going to make mittens...but I wanted the beautiful wool by my face...for color and softness and warmth for the cold months ahead!  I made this as a circle...like a turtleneck you just put it over your head..and you can cover your lower head and ears as well....Isn't is scrumptious wool and a wonderful blend of colors!??  I love it...!  I made it a bit big...so when it gets wet...it wont shrink too much and be too tight.  The other reason I made this instead of mittens,....Is I am mitten challenged!  I need a class or help in some way;...I tried and tried but I had no idea what I was doing!  I wish Debbie MacComber would have her Blossom Street Knitting Store right by my house...we have a knitting store nearby ...but the knitters just sit and knit...there is no classes and I have gone but I end up asking too many questions and feel its not quite what I need.  I wish I had a store nearby that had mitten, sox,  hat and shawl classes...etc...just like in the Blossom Street series....I am the type of person that needs hands on help....I was able to figure out rug hooking mostly by myself...but I find knitting is bit trickier than hooking to me.  But I do love and will definitely wear this ALL the time...so I am still very happy!   Plus, it feels good to actually finish something usable!!!

one of my favorite poems....

i carry your heart with me by E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)