tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81055103683414935302024-03-05T07:18:48.410-08:00Cotton Eyed Jo takes a look at lifeForget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran
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The spirituality of our lives may or may not be the same, but if you Love your Higher Power and try to live with kindness...we have a kindred spirit.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-4612447517246095842020-05-14T11:34:00.001-07:002020-05-14T11:40:12.807-07:00My Life has changed, How about Yours?This is my first post in a long time, so much to write about it is spilling over, so what first.<br />
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May 2020 Our granddaughter and I spend most of a day working on a life skill. We made two loaves of Sourdough French Bread. She hadn't ever made bread before, and I hadn't made any in a very long time. Our joint adventure was truly a success!<br />
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I got my recipe for the bread and for the sourdough starter, from Taste of home.com. 5 stars for both recipes. I subscribed to their magazine, which is much easier to read than using the website. lots of ads, video tutorials, competing lists of recipes... but I'm 70+. plus saving our ink and paper...<br />
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Right now, on May 14, 2020 I was able to order yeast from Amazon. I have self-rising flour for the starter, and the bread uses All purpose flour and starter + yeast.<br />
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I have my grandmother's dough bowl, and next time we make bread - next week, I'll make sure we use it for the first rise. I told her a couple of short stories about her 2nd great Grandmother Clella Byers. What a great cook she was! And an inspiration in many ways of my learning to sew. She begged to let her teach me, so all the refusals I've had from daughter and granddaughter are straight up Karma!!!! I offered to show Liv how to sew a face mask, and perhaps she'll eventually let me do that.<br />
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Her bread kneading skills were AMAZING, because a couple of summers ago, she like many other kids, became entranced with SLIME, and all the variations there of. It didn't seem to be of much value other than the possible science principles she'd discover. But let me tell you that girl made the most finely grained bread... tiny gas openings not gaping holes! The bread was delicious and what a wonderful addition to their meal. Her dad was sure we bought it, but we sent mom pictures all day. She tiktoked an episode of her series on quarantine cooking - Raman. lol we chatted and laughed, and had a fun day. Yeast bread has a couple of intensely busy times separated with time to let the yeast work... so she had time for Minecraft, and some other art work she'd brought along.<br />
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She loves to watch cooking shows like chopped, so she is much more aware of kitchen crafts than I'd guess. Her mom, our daughter, expects some help with dinner, which started years ago. Liv's first original recipe was "EarthDay Salad" from about 1st grade... she washed and chopped things up and added all kinds of veggies to it, but it was enjoyed mostly by grownups, as she took her own obligatory no thank you bite.<br />
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On to the bigger world issues. I am opening a section in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cottoneyedjo?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">Cotton Eyed Jo</a> shop on etsy to sell masks and surgical caps(designed by www.twelvebees.ca who also has an Instagram account you might want to check out and follow) if you live in Canada, she might still be teaching sewing in a fabric shop... sorry no more info currently although I'll try to bring more info and revise this section.<br />
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She has vacationed her etsy shop for now, but some great tutorials on YouTube, with the same twelve bees in title... definitely clear and can help you see how to do a better than average job.<br />
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Section #THE NEW NORMAL<br />
My masks and a very few mask and caps sets will focus on sturdy, with eclectic fabric choices. Bright spot, I am sewing out of my stash, so costs will primarily be the postage. All the items I sew will be made from 100% cotton and elastic for ear holders/or ties made from fabric. Don't check for them today or even this month, I'm still working on the masks I'm donating to the local postal drivers.<br />
Especially, important to say that although they will be sturdy, they are just face covering masks. Not professional PPE so great for those who'd like a unique mask. Not sure if they are the type of mask that cancer patients might use, but again they will be sturdy.<br />
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Stay healthy, be kind to others, and help to make the New Normal better than this last few years of divisive partisanship has been. Jo<br />
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-57602007114715979332018-06-15T21:12:00.001-07:002018-06-15T21:12:39.545-07:00Incredibles 2 gets 17 stars!One of the pleasures of being a grandmother, has been going to movies, with Livvie. She is getting older, so there will come a time when going to the movies will be for friends only. But for now, we have a GREAT TIME. Today, we saw Incredibles 2, and laughed all the way through it! The short feature, "Bao" was funny, but I cried for the last minute. Spontaneous, tears rolling so fast an furious! It touched my heart. So a good thing.<br />
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No spoilers, except - Grandpa, Livvie, and I all got fooled by who the real villain was. Of course, Jack Jack was the character we most wanted to see. And NO disappointment there! Who doesn't love babies?<br />
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It was amazing that it had been 14 years since the first one. Mostly because, we have Disney Infinity Xbox game, and 1st year included, Incredibles, Monsters U and Pirates of the Carribean! Our favorite turned out to be Monsters U, because Incredibles has lots fighting and Robot Enemies! Monsters U had Sully, Mike (1-eye) and lots of silliness, even with monsters....<br />
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She was 5 or 6 when the game set launched, so not 14 years ago, as we watched Incredibles before we played.<br />
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See no spoilers! Go See it if you can!Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-56512137491535679192018-06-13T22:56:00.000-07:002018-06-13T22:56:10.227-07:00Six? Years Since I dyed LastIt has been a long time since I played amongst the dye jars. This summer, I plan to replace the missing supplies in my Palette dyed wools.<br />
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So look for more posts about that, hopefully our granddaughter will join me in the fun. She loves painting and color! Perhaps we'll even make her a palette of her own.<br />
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I found a letter from a former student which allowed me to find her on Facebook. I hope she will visit my blog. We can share what has happened in the intervening years.<br />
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<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-59004173747896196092016-02-29T06:10:00.000-08:002016-03-01T09:49:49.950-08:00Food Allergies and Egg Substitute ~ AquafabaToday, Leap Day 2016 is our Granddaughter's 2nd/8th Birthday! Her parents hosted a wonderful birthday party for her over the weekend, and are going to let me fix the Leapday dinner and birthday cake.<br />
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Egg sensitivity is not unusual in young children, and in fact her sensitivity to eggs by 2 years of age, was one of the first warning signs that food allergies were one of the important things to consider when making birthday cakes for her or other family members.<br />
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She's okay with egg inclusion in recipes now, but is definitely allergic to nuts of all kinds.<br />
However her younger brother, almost 2 is sensitive to eggs. Luckily for me, during the last 8 years I've learned how to adapt some recipes and even found a few that were <b><u>egg free </u></b>with regard to cakes. Google recipes for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-thornton/gooey-chocolate-pudding-cake-recipe.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Pudding Cake</a> as an example... great as if you are a grandma, probably your pantry will contain most or all of the ingredients. This one is a great reward for snow shovelers too, and takes not all that much time to prepare and bake.<br />
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Recently, I heard a reference to AquaFaba spelling may be incorrect, but google can set that straight too. <a href="http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/2015/04/14/aquafaba-magical-egg-replacer-for-vegan-meringue-recipes-and-beyond/">http://www.glueandglitter.com/main/2015/04/14/aquafaba-magical-egg-replacer-for-vegan-meringue-recipes-and-beyond/</a> Meringue? Are you kidding me?<br />
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I'm making "you gotta be kidding me cake" for her birthday, normally easy peasy to do, but without the eggs? So I looked into aquafaba a bit via google, and found out (at least in my head, that the drained fluid from 1 can of garbanzo beans = approx 1 egg.<br />
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Since 3 eggs were needed, I decided to make a crunchy garbanzo bean snack for all of us to enjoy too.(not necessarily with the cake) I added the crunchy beans to an "Earth Day Salad" Livvie's naming of a green salad with carrots, celery, etc. and also just had some available for taste testing.<br />
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When I drained 3 cans of generic garbanzo beans I got about 1 quart of fluid. Having baked numerous birthday cakes in my 69 years, that looked like WAY TOO MUCH liquid! Turned out the straight substitution of aquafaba for eggs, was too much as this particular recipe also has a can of cherry pie filling.... oh, yeah, baby!<br />
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http://www.thekitchn.com/medium-large-jumbo-how-egg-sizes-actually-measure-up-ingredient-intelligence-200891 Tried to link it, but somehow or other when I copied the URL something went missing. The information below was copied directly from that site, so I am including the link above for your further information(great photos and narration!) but also to *footnote or give credit to the person who conducted the actual investigation.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1461571271"><br /></a>
<b>So, to summarize I needed egg substitute for 3 large eggs and egg volume in liquid measure for eggs- "Large: 3 1/2 tablespoons (1.75 liquid ounces)" so times 3 eggs would be 10.5 tablespoons according to my head math, verified by a calculator. Will try to remember to add a photograph of cake to post.... </b><br />
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<b> Results of the baking were good, but the cake was a little too damp. So will try again using only 2/3 of the aquafaba if adding pie filling to the recipe. Seriously, this cake is delicious, and so easy to make. </b></h4>
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<b>The crunchy garbanzo recipe was a hit with all of us except the "baby" He didn't get to try them, as I thought and his mama agreed they might be a choking hazard. </b></h4>
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<b><br />Will definitely be trying the meringue receipe from above linkie using aquafaba.... probably for a lemon meringue pie! :)</b></h4>
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-79331989060382397232016-01-29T09:30:00.001-08:002016-01-31T12:04:14.956-08:00ANNOUNCING A NEW PATTERN RELEASE! Cotton Eyed Jo has been sewing and working on a new pattern for release this weekend.<br />
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Just in time for the Houston Rodeo, I'll be listing some items at both <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cottoneyedjo?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>, and <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/cottoneyedjo/" target="_blank">our Ebay store . </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/121881327929" target="_blank">Live auction on Ebay began a few minutes ago, and will end on Sunday, February 3, 2016.</a><br />
This is the only time this particular set will be on Ebay.<br />
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If it doesn't sell, I'll move it over to my Etsy shop(linked above). Good luck if you decide to bid on it!<br />
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This first pattern will have patterns for the steak/bacon platter and plates as well as the "campfire". I will also be offering pattern kits which will be sold seperately from the basic pattern, but contain a selection of fabrics to help create that campfire feel. Your littlest buckeroo's will probably just toss around the cups and plates unless someone honkers down with them, and serves up some milk and cookies. ;)<br />
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Imaginary play is a great way to increase vocabulary. If you live on a ranch, little ranch hand will start hearing the family stories... like the time the cow escaped... or whatever adventures you want to spin. Shoot you could even use these in a classroom, to introduce a Tall Tales literature unit...<br />
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There are variations that you could do with the basic platter and plates to make something special for a young camper, deer hunter, or pirate. In fact, the kits I'll offer will give you a chance to chose from many types of heroic adventurers!<br />
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My next pattern, which will include cups, a Coffeepot, and other campfire accessories will require a mother or grandmother's patience and care in construction. They will require some hand-sewing to achieve their special looks... and are quite honestly a bit time intensive. But I've machine washed and air dried my coffee pot! (truly just for imaginative play) It will not hold liquids! But will add fun and more vocabulary opportunities!<br />
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-47778872052312574432015-08-09T10:01:00.001-07:002015-08-09T17:24:04.596-07:00What was old is new again :)One of the benefits of living past middle age, is that all kinds of trendy things will be your second or perhaps even third exposure to the "paradigm", skills, and of course supplies.<br />
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Apparently macramé is becoming trendy again, especially catching my magpie eye is the type called micro macramé <a href="http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/2015/08/drunkards-path-new-micro-macrame-class.html" target="_blank">http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/2015/08/drunkards-path-new-micro-macrame-class.html</a> loved this pattern, and although it has been years since I knotted up plant hangers, bags, and belts ~ a little practice should have me up to speed. An alternate tutorial for a simpler bracelet project is <a href="http://smittenbyaknot.com/2011/01/01/easy-macrame-bracelet-tutorial/" target="_blank">http://smittenbyaknot.com/2011/01/01/easy-macrame-bracelet-tutorial/</a><br />
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However, just now, I'm having a reunion with Rughooking. Summer has traditionally been my quilting time. And several projects are cut and ready for when school starts. :) yes, grandmother's look forward to that too. But last weekend, after a 4 day workshop with Diane Stoffel, my Rughooking jets got ready for ignition and lift off.<br />
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Ugh, I had hoped to post a pic directly from my iPad, but it will require an app when trying to do that from this end. I'll end for the moment, as I go do a workaround I'm able to do. :)Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-72407586805116487402015-06-16T12:01:00.004-07:002015-06-16T12:09:58.097-07:00 Tropical Storm Bill and a great Rainy day sewing project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you ever have an idea of something you wanted to make, that didn't turn out quite like you'd hoped, but in trying to figure out something to rescue it you came up with something you like even better? Voila! This block I'm calling 10th Anniversary Basket, and it won't be a quilt, just a mini quilt. I haven't seen it done anywhere else, so think perhaps the idea is my own intellectual property wise.<br />
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Our Daughter and Son~in~Law will celebrate their 10th in almost exactly a month. So I'm ahead of the game at this point. I used a left over block from their wedding quilt for the handle, and created the basket, from two parts of receiving blocks. In each arc of the basket sides, I included a small piece of baby clothes. and the fabric which were representative of the two of them. His, although he is not a morning person is the dark green and purple morning glory piece. Hers is a pale periwinkle and most easily spotted on the left side of the basket. Nestled between the two pieces you'll spot a pink, brown, and white striped knit sleeper on the right, and a pale blue portion of his Baptismal coverall on the left. Don't gasp, most of it is going to be securely sewn into a memory quilt, so I cut the tiny piece from the back. I generally make memory quilts from baby and toddler clothes into an actual quilt design. But lately I've seen a newer style, where most of the actual piece of clothing is sewn to a backing. So this is more my own style. It was supposed to be a heart, and does have somewhat that shape, but I like the idea of a basket so much better. 10 years holds lots of memories, and their two kids! :)<br />
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Another thing I plan to do is use some of the scraps for a mat for some of their babies pictures. When I finally get something together, will share that too.<br />
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The feeder bands are finally starting to bring in heavier rain, so I'm off the computer and back to work at the sewing machine... while we still have electricity. :) <b>I know the picture is terrible, but I may try to create a pattern for it. </b><br />
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-36391989207438670332015-06-01T01:41:00.001-07:002015-06-01T01:53:32.945-07:00Supernatural Update - Hellatous<br />
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Hellatous is the time period between the end of the season finale, and the premiere of season ELEVEN! That's right, the series has been reuped, early announcement all the way back to January or so. Pretty cool, not sure how many seasons Bonanza ran, another story about a dad and in that case his 3 sons, but impressive for a post millennium series. For a quick parody recap of the season(sort of) and definitely the central theme of Dean and the mark of Cain, MOC, enjoy this clip! More below! If you are into behind the scenes info, click the link at the end of the parody for an additional hour or so of content. <br />
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DH and I are in negotiations about how much costuming I will be able to talk him into for next year's Con here in Houston, Valentine's Day Weekend, and "our"(my) idea for Photo Op. :) Seriously, how did I ever get so lucky to have him for a spouse?<br />
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The very end of the finale showed a release of The Darkness! I personally hope that they will come up with a musical theme for the words "The Darkness" One of my favorite episodes of Sesame Street had a parody of Indiana Jones called I think "Oklahoma Smith" they were looking for the U(yew) sound or possible the golden triangle. It's been years since Livvie and I watched Sesame Street. But to get back to the point, every.time someone said "Oklahoma Smith" a brief version of the Indiana Jones music played. Totally fun! Now while that might get too campy for the whole season, done right, it could really add to an episode. Variations on that musical theme might be playful, creepy, or even downright scary... Premiere of Season 11 is scheduled for October 7(Wednesday) 8pm Central, do the math for your timezone. <u><b>CW </b></u>is channel 39 for us on Direct TV, but is probably something else for you. Google is a great way to find it in your city!<br />
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The tweets about the finale, as always were varied. But if you've never watched Supernatural, this summer would be a good time to give it a try. TNT plays 3 episodes a day M-F, which kind of explains why I could seriously become a fan girl only after retirement. Some of my favorite episodes, which of course, doesn't mean they'll appeal to you are.... Mystery Spot, Changing Channels, Supernatural Christmas, SwanSong, Lazarus Rising, and as my dh would tell you pretty much all of them. He finally sat down and started watching them with me, as he kept asking me, "is this one you haven't seen before? and getting the reply, "No, but it is a really good episode!" Go figure, :)<br />
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Fair warning, my tweets @cottoneyedjo are mostly about Supernatural, the natural world, or political. I'm more independent than Democrat, and really loving Bernie Sanders, this time around. I personally oppose Secession, although I wouldn't personally miss the folks that do support it. I don't support the new Texas Law that allows open carry of handguns,
but hey this sort of thing happens when you live in the Lone Star State. No offense intended to hunters. Come on, SuperNatural is a show about hunters, and I do have an interior warrior princess.<br />
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But in the real world, guns are not my thing, and shouldn't be so common place to little one's eyes at CVS, church, wherever folks will be carrying them. You are welcome to disagree with me... I'm proud our grandkids are Native Texans, I'm only and ever will be a first generation, Texan! But growing up in the midwest, my views often vary radically from the frontier ethic that still hangs around. Houston, thank the Lord is a civilized town! But we have lots of crime. My weapon of choice would be the frying pan!Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-76401381510144378302015-04-20T16:02:00.001-07:002015-04-20T16:02:58.744-07:00Puzzle TimeOne of my happiest memories of childhood was putting together jigsaw puzzles. Don't feel sorry for me, and I won't feel sorry for you if you don't enjoy them. It may be generational, remember we didn't have as many ways to entertain ourselves. Books and Puzzles were fun not chores, and our family generally worked on a 1000 piece puzzle on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After church on those two days, there was still lots of time to devote to finishing a puzzle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YwpOaxFfaU5meHg-H49n1QJW0EoQ7fTX322YYAfFFrxoQefT7I5k7Z5VxTscDEJzfkIpiVMv31yixvBPEY5hj9ArTHMWW60vG4r3AZSrlubPVRYMs6bm7c1zKeBIjN0iuYCFDGyps0m3/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YwpOaxFfaU5meHg-H49n1QJW0EoQ7fTX322YYAfFFrxoQefT7I5k7Z5VxTscDEJzfkIpiVMv31yixvBPEY5hj9ArTHMWW60vG4r3AZSrlubPVRYMs6bm7c1zKeBIjN0iuYCFDGyps0m3/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>While my sister was here in February, we put together most of a puzzle(1000 pieces) from a painting by Charles Wysocki. He called it, "Maggie, the mess maker" and the puzzle looks like my sewing room on a good day.<br />
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<li> First turn over all pieces</li>
<li>find the edges and assemble them</li>
<li>sort by colors or items you can see in the puzzle picture</li>
<li>fill in the blanks, :)</li>
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We didn't have time to finish the puzzle, but had a great time working on it while she was here. In the hours while she was traveling, the puzzle gave me something to do so I wouldn't worry about her while she was flying home. The last time we were together was at our daughter's wedding. So another 10 year anniversary and a lot of long overdue hugs. We'll hopefully see each other again this fall or next year. I owe her a return visit. Fall seems like a great time for that. We've lived in TX for 30+ years, and fall days here are often not that thrilling, and occur in December. One of the funny things was that I'm wearing the same shirt in 2 pics taken over 10 years apart. I do love that shirt, it has wonderful colors and holographic film dots all over it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQztBb7a6p_GMomWqkpELN7ozzgUJOofbDylhTs3tY9v5sxiGhxxFrOfwpMgAYj9B3D4zmg0SwTnnnM5jxGW8_daVqTqxL6semxMDWNoQJl92oRQY7OTE3yKJfoj2SXNRPjw02QK5-gEh/s1600/Kirbyface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQztBb7a6p_GMomWqkpELN7ozzgUJOofbDylhTs3tY9v5sxiGhxxFrOfwpMgAYj9B3D4zmg0SwTnnnM5jxGW8_daVqTqxL6semxMDWNoQJl92oRQY7OTE3yKJfoj2SXNRPjw02QK5-gEh/s1600/Kirbyface.jpg" /></a><br />
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No longer will I have a feline assistant, biting the thread as it rolls off the spool, or pushing pieces of cut fabric at me as I chain piece... KirbyKat truly did that while I was working on the Double Wedding ring quilt I made for our daughter and her husband. That quilt, and they will have their 10th anniversary this summer. :) Buddy another furbaby we have lost to the Rainbow Bridge. Liked to sit and watch and occasionally bat the chain piecing coming out on his side. BobKat is not my kat, his heart belongs to my husband. Plain and simple.<br />
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We have two wonderful grandchildren who have slept on and under that quilt. And it is currently "home base" for grandson who is just about to switch over to full fledged walking. A year passes quickly as you watch a baby growing and changing. I looked on this drive and that, trying to find a picture of their quilt, or one of the baby on the quilt... Maybe on some future post.<br />
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This picture was taken of me, the year I made the quilt. I'm cheesing it up in front of my 60 red carnation bouquet that my husband sent. I love the smell and longevity of carnations. He sends me a birthday bouquet every 10 years. It is a wonderful bouquet and of course, gets bigger each time. When I was 50, my principal at that time, delivered the bouquet to me, and was clearly impressed. Because less than a month later she received a bouquet of 50 red roses. I wouldn't have swapped mine for roses, carnations last and so has our marriage! We are coming up on 50 years of marriage.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-83384872017075674622015-04-20T12:27:00.003-07:002015-04-20T12:45:36.653-07:00Time keeps on slipping into the Future... Why I believe People do the work of AngelsI keep saying things like "How is it already, almost the end of April?" This year has been such a series of contrasts. It began in, to be honest chaos. I had pulled everything out, over the year of destashing, would work until my brain was overwhelmed from making decisions. Some days I left a bigger mess than I started with. Honestly, my husband earned sainthood over the last year. Most of the men I've known would have "at least had words with me over the mess".<br />
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Instead, he helped me clean out the storage unit that had at one point been infested,<br />
ACTUAL visual count of black widow spiders, 2 + an egg case 1st fall, and another egg case near the door the following fall. By then even without spying even one spider, I was certain there were thousands of black widows throughout the unit. Maybe millions. Every bad sci-fi movie that included spiders, led me to jumping every time something brushed against an uncovered area of skin... Of course there wasn't much of that, if I could have worn a Haz - Mat suit into the unit, I would have cleaned it out myself. Add in my second hip replacement during the third year, to understand I wasn't just being lazy or crazy.<br />
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I did get started a few times, but could never get much past the trash at the opening of the unit. I'd cleaned out my car over there, mostly drink cups, but once the widows appeared, no way was I putting any trash bags into my car. Where could I begin?<br />
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ENTER THE ANGELS while remembering, my husband is a saint! <br />
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January 2015 there was a new manager at the storage unit. She ALSO made it possible for me to get started on this enormous task. Some people are roadblocks, while others open doors for us. <span style="background-color: #76a5af;">Tina Marie had the key that opened the door to me getting started. </span>She encouraged me, and made some suggestions that got me started talking to my husband about how to accomplish the goal of sorting trash from what I'd need to rescue from THE Unit. She and the Assistant Manager Tim, helped me several times, in normal ways, such as helping with a lock that wouldn't open... for good reason, it was the wrong unit. We all laughed together the next week about that, and guess what, once I was at the right unit, my key did work.<br />
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In February, my sister came for a visit, just a few days, I wish it could have been much longer. For those of you with a sibling, I hope you are as lucky as I have been. We were always close in age, which meant, as the older sister, my bossy nature ran wild. In fact, I believe one of the reasons I first liked Supernatural(tv series) was because I so identified with Dean's feelings of protecting Sammy.<br />
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Not that I ever rescued her from a Werewolf or anything nearly as scary. We did watch scary movies together on Friday or Saturday nights. Gregore, was the host of an Omaha, creature feature when we were 10 and older. The old classic, Dracula, Frankenstein, etc. Nothing Like Count Floyd on Saturday Night Live years later. <br />
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I may be allowed to "take care" of a doll she loved very much as a kid. She can't throw it away, I'm supposed to keep the solution to myself, and have a nice idea. Can't share it here. May not work, but how could I not love a sister so loyal to her favorite doll? Her heart is of purest gold.<br />
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Her visit included a teaparty, to enjoy an extended visit with our grandkids in a semi play setting. We had a mixture of plastic plates and real cups and saucers filled with iced tea, which they could add sugar cubes to. I watched, but again, not telling how many cubes went into anybodies tea! The grownups all sipped hot tea, some with sugar cubes some without, and lots of savory and sweet treats.<br />
Cucumber sandwiches made by my sis, Tuscan skewers, fruit salad, and as many variations as possible out of one yellow cake mix. We even had herrings on the Savory snacks plate. I hope Livvie, remembers the tea party, Luke's a baby so he won't, and my husband sat down and enjoyed the good food with us too. <br />
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After she left it was time to finalize all the facts and figures for income taxes. Last year, I created a simple spreadsheet that helped me track Texas sales, sales tax collected, and total sales of the day. It also kept track of postage for the day, taking out personal purchases, identifying office supplies purchased at the post office, and postage collected or paid for with a free shipping purchase.<br />
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That really helped with book keeping this year. State Sales Taxes were a breeze, and able to be finalized before the deadline was even looming!<br />
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So by the time we finished with other receipts, and all the other time consuming paper work for itemizing it was April!<br />
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This post is finished, for now. I'm going to put in a picture or two, and of course, this was a bare bones retelling for me... <br />
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-1553707514545868442015-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:002015-01-28T08:45:13.457-08:00When Worlds Collide<br />
Just this last weekend, my husband and I went to the Houston Convention for Supernatural. My all time favorite show. We entered the costume contest with a nod to Madge and Edward who were the villains of the episode "A Very Supernatural Christmas" The two heros, boys raised on the road who<br />
save people, kill monsters... a family business. kill Madge and Edward (really nasty couple who are bad Santa and spouse) PS for those at the convention, did you notice who walks with a cane? Not my DH although he can be a bit of a curmudgeon like any old person, he is pure of heart. Nope, I'm the one who would be cosplaying Santa and up the chimney we'd go... Not really, but definitely the one who causes more trouble than I solve.<br />
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Back to the colliding Worlds. Facebook, even though I've posted about Supernatural many times, and had several rather doubtful comments (fangirling about Dean for the most part) from TVTAG which I could not shut off. . . arrrgggh! but I digress. Monday I announced our contest results and then put up a link to the tv article, and finally a pic taken of us at the Con. Changed my profile picture, and was generally in the after Con glow. My friends already know me for the most part, and I could for sure tell who really is a friend from reactions! LOL<br />
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My dh and I may be too old for such nonsense, but we'll be back again. I'm already figuring out my costume for the "Fairy Lady" and have a great dress at the back of my closet.... I know she dressed in denim on the show... this dress is white denim, and rather retro TX. :)<br />
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If you are a rug hooker, look at my earlier posts from a year or two ago. If you are one of my Winchester Family friends, I'll be writing about what I think of various Supernatural episodes or cons now and again... I loved "There's No Place like Home" although it is interesting to see how differently I interpreted it's meaning during the scene where Dean whaled on Dark Charlie. This was not a time for talking, Although he didn't consider and had been warned that whatever happened to one would happen to the other. Bottom line, to me was that he stopped short of being controlled by the MOC (Mark of Cain). <br />
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Highlight of the Con, aside from the obvious, Moose and Squirrel/Rocket and Groot, was actually meeting Dr. Lynn, author of Fangasm and although I missed her when I went for a visit, will hopefully get to sit down and talk to her at length about her adventures sometime!<br />
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Adios, Bitches! (A Charlie Bradbury-ism)<br />
<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-44452219065211264862015-01-21T21:24:00.001-08:002015-01-28T08:42:00.535-08:00Too much of a good thing isn't great!With all respect to Mary Engelbreit, too much is just plain simply rather overwhelming. But as I've heard others say it does get easier to deal with the excess.<br />
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Several months later, some sales on ebay, some fabric shared with bee friends, and I'm still struggling with the hard truth that while I will not call myself a hoarder, I have way too much fabric for someone living in a patio home.<br />
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I think I mentioned at one time, making my crafting bucket list... so amongst the other things I'll share some other time here are 3 top priority items.<br />
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<li>Making a couple of <b>small quilts for our daughter</b>, and each of the grand kids. Now these are meant to be made from their <b>baby clothes</b>, and so since she is 6 and he is only a few months old, hers at least should be well under way. All excuses aside, this last year hasn't found much time for actual sewing, except at quilt retreats. The last one I attended in October, was a total disaster, as my sewing machine had needed a tuneup after June retreat. Because I wasn't sewing I forgot. I arrived <b>with way more</b> than several projects, and the sewing machine, went from bad to worse... </li>
<li> A wedding quilt for both granddaughter and grandson. I'll be doing the 54 40 star variations (my favorite block), although the finished quilts will be quite different. I'll start posting some pics once, I can sew a few mega chunks together, big enough to get an idea. I have plenty of left over pieces from other quilts of blues and bluebonnets, so he'll get a reprise of the TX Two Step quilt, I first made almost 10 years ago. The very one that suggested my business name to me. Cotton Eyed Jo was a true statement... and if you could see the piles of this and that kind of fabric, you'd wonder why most of my more recent posts were about rug hooking.</li>
<li>Livvie's quilt will have the same 54 40 block with a different 2nd block... a couple of possibilities, but the blocks will need to be the same on both sides to take care of quilting... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, well I finally gave up looking for the picture I wanted to add. This is a picture of Jenni and me on a hike up Cottonwood Pass in the last century. Around 1980 DH and I were camping with friends, and one of them took this picture. ©Dan Todden Jenni in the backpack, me in my always wearing them Tevas...probably a miracle we didn't tumble down the mountain side.</li>
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What things would you like to really craft before your untimely end? Considering my age, no one is likely to say, "so young to die" :) Which is a good thing... None of us know the number of our days. Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-14788364418604270162014-08-24T15:55:00.000-07:002014-08-24T15:55:07.089-07:00I'm still about, and working my Bucket List!This summer and the last year in fact have flown by! We now have Two grandchildren. Just yesterday, our granddaughter passed her test for a yellow belt in Tai Kwando, and our grandson is nearly four months old.<br />
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I've been working hard at clearing out my sewing room, and instead of being finished it is a lot like a cross between eminent avalanche, and a discovery of lost treasures, or head scratchers! Not everything is a treasure, but it has made me happy to find things not really forgotten or lost in the traditional sense of the word. Simply beyond my reach....<br />
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After my second hip replacement, and the first two years of recovery, I am still older, but able to move better than I have in several years. Thus, the removing of fabric, notions, quilt patterns, magazines, squirreled away over the last 30 years, has begun. :)<br />
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But grandpa and I are busy, so the progress hasn't been rapid. A year or so ago, I made a bucket list of quilting, etc(smocking, rug hooking, cross stitching, and so much more) It isn't because of news of my approaching last days. But in my later 60s, I do have the big picture more or less.<br />
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I'm putting a link to my Ebay store, Cottoneyedjo right here<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/cottoneyedjo/Fabric-/_i.html?_fsub=12" target="_blank"> http://stores.ebay.com/cottoneyedjo/</a> In addition to fabrics, old quilting magazines, individual patterns, and eventually wools, there are all kinds of other "treasures" my husband and I have purchased over the years.<br />
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It would be great to share some of the things I have to part with, with other quilters or hookers. My prices may be too high, but the things that are expensive, are also not available easily in other stores. Do search Ebay for the items that are similar, but perhaps you could use me for a jumping off point. :)<br />
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<br />Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-29451501537704407652013-12-10T19:25:00.000-08:002013-12-10T19:25:47.871-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!I have been busy trying to do too many things. :) my list is still long, and I have several projects nearly finished, partly finished, already gifted. Next year, I hope to start fewer projects, but finish more. Not calling that a resolution exactly, but will give it a good try.<br />
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Was going to post a picture of the rug I'm currently working on, but no luck. So will hopefully add it before year's end. Till then will keep pulling loops...<br />
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An American Primitive Group has had an ongoing challenge for the last year. Blush, a year and still not finished? Well, my year started off with a hip replacement and recuperation until April, more or less. The theme was "Tree Sale" my rug was a bit ambitious at nearly a square yard. It contains a few features that really make me happy. This will be a family rug, and it has my husband's old truck, my birth sign constellation as Comet Ison was making it's way toward our Sun. The design melded together childhood memories and those as a mom and grandma too. So not really one memory.<br />
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Christmas trees are really more of a scent memory to me. The crisp cold walk through trees outside the grocery store, a longer walk around the local tree lot, or an out and out treasure hunt on a tree farm. Dark or daytime, with mingled scents of branches, sap from fresh cut trees, a slight breeze, or wind in your face. Snow gently falling, or a sunny day...<br />
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I wish all of you dear readers the happiest of Decembers, from buying a tree through decorating it. Memories of bye gone years, with parents and grandparents. The sounds of giggling children, chairs scraping on the kitchen floor, the doorbell as others arrive, carols of the season...<br />
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Hark the Herald Angels Sing!<br />
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Celebrate the season where the days are shorter until Mid December, then slowly the light returns. Yule Log or Christmas tree, Festival of Lights, Kwanza, or just the joy of family.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-89800021125905395612013-06-09T16:54:00.001-07:002013-06-09T16:54:50.314-07:00There is NOTHING more certain than CHANGE~Today I am going to show you some WONDERFUL handmade items I received from Ginger Jackson, back in May. They are lovely, and she deserved to be thanked much more quickly, but like everyone else, life has been hectic around here.<br />
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Ginger and I have been in more than one group, this swap was for An American Primitive Gathering.<br />
One of our members suggested having a swap in May, and I got spoiled ROTTEN! Ginger blogs at<br />
<a href="http://primitivesbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/">http://primitivesbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/</a> and our swap was going on the week of the two ginormous tornadoes in Oklahoma.<br />
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My picture taking skills aren't the best, so let me give you a guided tour of the photo. Surrounding most of the picture is a lovely handmade scarf, in creams, taupes, and browns. Starting in the upper left corner are some handcut wool pennies, the lovely card got buried at the bottom of the bounty, but its sentiment is one I fully believe in, that friends are the flowers of our life. Then there is a gorgeous needlepunch prim flower, just right for hanging on a cabinet, or even a wrist! :) Next to that are what you might think is a blue bird appliqued on a sunflower. The sunflower is a mug rug, although I'm mostly drinking iced tea this summer! The bluebird is a pin which our granddaughter has been eyeing in a rather wishful way... there is also a pincushion or mugmat with hearts, stuffed with allspice mixture, which I will use this fall when HOT tea or coffee sounds good again. Last and certainly not least is a handmade Penny Rug. If you click into the picture you may be able to see the perfection of her stitches, and how perfect the foundation wool was as a choice.<br />
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Pati Jane and Ginger offer lovely items for sale in their Etsy shop Called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/prairiemoonprimitive?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">PrairieMoonPrimitives</a>.<br />
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I am out of my running in circles mode, and getting back to a regular life. That is fabulous news for me, and as a result I've been able to finish and list a rug I recently finished at Ebay. If it doesn't sell on that listing, it will move on over to my Etsy shop. But this blog is about my life, not a blog for selling things. <br />
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The design is one I got from Linda Smith who gave me permission to sell her design, and I truly do appreciate it! I had lots of fun hooking this rug. It isn't truly primitive, because I used some fancy fibers to add some POP to the fireworks. When I was working on it, at hooking circle, it got some great comments from friends, as the fireworks really do catch your eye.<br />
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Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-76465993684140882382013-03-25T13:09:00.001-07:002013-03-25T13:14:51.422-07:00Spinning in placeJust one of those days, when life seems to be spinning in place. Not head spinning, sick to your stomach spinning, just not going forward spinning.<br />
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In the few months that I've been away, lot of changes have occured. I have a new hip replacement, our granddaughter has had her birthday again, and I've even driven the car a few times. I'm not on pain meds now, other than the ones anyone can buy over the counter, and so lots more aches and pains than a month ago, but just the normal ones, you can mostly ignore.<br />
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I've cooked some, but still more the now and again cook, than getting most of the meals. I do plan to continue to diet this year. Nearly the same 50 off that I had the day of the surgery, so not really having more than the same task that was ahead of me last year. Except that this year, I can walk, and know that losing 50 pounds more or less will be a matter of keeping my focus. So that is a big change. Last year at this point, I was hoping and trying, and reforming bad habits. But unsure as to whether it would result in the change so badly needed to my skeleton, or end up with me is a hoverround or some other type of wheeled vehicle like a wheelchair.<br />
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I haven't hooked in several months, but have a couple of finished rugs, I haven't shared yet. Unfortunately, I also haven't take a picture of either of them, so that won't happen today either. Still feeling that spinning my wheels and getting nowhere feeling, but it too will pass.<br />
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The hook has been calling my name, after spending more time on a sewing machine lately finishing up some small projects. A couple of baby quilts for family babies, that are due in the next couple of months. Just little utility quilts, one needs so many things with a new baby.<br />
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My best things to share will be a hexagon star I hand pieced, and some
progress pictures of the hexagons I have pieced for a quilt made with
our granddaughter's baby clothes. But no pictures of them on this
computer...so guess I'll quit for today.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-62343446788827150422013-02-24T18:10:00.000-08:002013-02-24T18:10:59.341-08:00The Eaton EdgeI Love Pinterest! This morning, I stumbled across a pin that linked me to a 9 minute demonstration of Doris Eaton, showing how to do "the Eaton Edge". I'd read references to it as a simple and effective way to finish rugs.<br />
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After watching the video, I can see where this could be a favorite way for finishing in the future.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_535621760"></span><span id="goog_535621761"></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=zR-ebWIJd_Y&feature=player_embedded&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzR-ebWIJd_Y%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">She mentions that this technique helps the edges of the rug wear more slowly. You do the prep work for the Eaton Edge before hooking your rug. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li>You need to sew tape around the edges of the rug, using a zipper foot. </li>
<li>Start by hooking from the underside of the rug first.</li>
<li>Hook a second row (from the front) and continue on hooking the remainder of the rug. </li>
<li>Turn tape to back and secure it to the rug foundation</li>
<li>The first row of hooking done from the back, will fill the tape, giving it a corded appearance.</li>
</ul>
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Efficient and long lasting - who could ask for anything more?</div>
Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-14601954259582624132013-01-01T11:58:00.001-08:002013-01-01T11:58:58.041-08:00Back to Blogging with the New Year!<h4>
Although, my hip surgery is much closer than my last post, I'm finally back, to wish all my followers. Hooking friends, and fellow wanderers, <b>Happy 2013</b>! Blogspot has changed since my last visit, and most of my creative oomph is stored on my computer I still can't use, so this may be rather grim looking for a time or two. My next stop will be for a background! Although this sparse look is definitely about all I can do on my own, the power of the Internet is that it makes all of us so much more, than just our self.</h4>
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I've finished a new rug, and will be listing it soon. Hoped to get it listed last night, but a full day of granddaughter, no nap, fixing dinner for a small family dinner, and still a bum hip, equalled a crash 3 hour nap that also made it possible for me to see in the actual new year at our house. :)<br />
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The countdown to my actual surgery will begin today. In a couple of days, I have my cleared for surgery doctor's appointment. Assuming nothing arises as a problem that requires attention before that it will be exactly 4 weeks until the Tuesday that is the first day of the Rest of my Life. Since this is my second hip replacement, I know there are challenges ahead, but with belief and sticking to it, a renewal of my last rejuvenation is not only possible, but probable. I have lots of living left in my heart and mind, so a little longer wait, but things to do and places to go!Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-25764907464355893372012-07-01T06:33:00.001-07:002012-07-02T14:13:13.706-07:00Cindy Gay and rug finishing techniques<a href="http://cindigayrughooking.com/fold-forward-rug-finish-whipping-the-edge/">http://cindigayrughooking.com/fold-forward-rug-finish-whipping-the-edge/</a><br />
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There are several great finishing tips, especially for corners, which can be problematic.... Found this article via <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Pinterest</b></u></a>. If you finish rugs, I think you'll enjoy looking at her suggestions. If you haven't tried out pinterest yet, you really should. If you need an invitation ask around and you should be able to easily find a friend who is already on there.<br />
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Happy 4th of July. I'll be sewing for a couple of months now. Houston, under a rug in the summer is just too HOT! :)Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-17520132098919335142012-06-11T09:43:00.000-07:002012-07-01T06:31:07.271-07:00I Believe Pinterest Is a Positive Diet Tool for meAlthough I have been losing weight, I think that Pinterest was a positive tool in that transformation. So far down 30 lbs.<br />
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I have two boards, one is called 2012 goals and the other is holiday treats, which helped me to reaffirm my goals everyday, (sometimes several times a day) :)<br />
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As I sat looking at the kaleidoscope of pins, I could eat the desserts with my eyes, and meanwhile pin them to my holiday treats board. I am a recovering overeater, and will be the rest of my life. I do better knowing that I can choose any luscious treat in that folder for bringing to a holiday get together.<br />
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Another interesting thing to me, is that after an hour or so of pinning, I'm either famished or feel like I couldn't eat for a week. Having a small snack scheduled at the times of mid morning and mid afternoon, just as I start viewing pinterest is another habit, is another way it has been supporting habit change. It has been fun to look at all the wonderful things people find, and repin them for possible use later...<br />
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Anyone looking in at my pinterest folders currently, would wonder about the validity of this post. I'm not having much luck changing the folder if pinning to Ipad, so gave up trying. Best intention is to go back in and edit(sometime)....don't hold your breath! ;)Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-62421292562719688462012-05-12T05:58:00.001-07:002012-06-19T18:24:34.902-07:00Know what is better than ... Mermaid RugI miss having my Playlist on Blogspot, but it apparently doesn't work anywhere other that playlist now. I've been hooking more than doing the computer, so I haven't a clue why. But such is our world hear today, gone tomorrow. My regrets that I can no longer share it with you, or have the fun of selecting a new version. :( <br />
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Buying a cutter that cranks out 6 beautifully cut strips with just a few turns of the handle?<br />
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Why-- hooking up a rug using those strips! Promising a photo of a work in progress soon...<br />
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Mermaids will survive global warming! :)<br />
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The sky portion of the rug is hooked in various shades of my own formulas called "©<u>Crawfish Boil</u>" in my ©TX Palette using the <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/april-deconick/the-wool-palette/paperback/product-18342697.html" target="_blank">rug dyeing Techniques described by April DeConnick</a> in The Wool Palette. The various shades of blue green in the oceans are the shades of my formula called <u>"©Gulf Shores"</u> in a variety of shades of blue green, and her tail showcases most of the shades of purples called <u>"©Wine Cups</u>" named after another of my favorite roadside wildflowers in TX.<br />
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Know what is better than buying a new pair of zip up the front jeans? </h3>
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Finally having the courage to try on a favorite old pair of jeans you loved and just couldn't ever throw away....and they are on the big side! Smiling nearly from ear to ear!Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-43040176894892161092012-04-26T08:52:00.001-07:002012-04-26T08:58:46.614-07:00A Wish/Dream come True!Now if you have been reading my blog this spring, posts few and far between, you might expect this posting to be more news on my declining hip or weight. Ho hum!<br />
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Nope, this week a wish or dream I've had for quite awhile came true. After lots of saving, was finally able to purchase my brand new Bee Line - Townsend Wool cutter from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/lavenderwool/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686">LavenderWool</a> on ebay. First off, a thanks to Sally who was so great to deal with after I made a rather typical type of goof up for me. While happily clicking the Buy It Now Button and then not seeing the size I went back and bought a second #6L cutter! YIKES!!! But the ladies understood and we resolved the order quickly back to what I really wanted. Not every Ebay dealer would have canceled such a goof up, so want to recommend them for being so understanding and helpful.<br />
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The cutter arrived and I couldn't open it that afternoon because of time constraints. AAAARGH!!!<br />
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Next morning, I was up brighter and earlier than usual, and rip raring to open that box and start cutting wool strips. Reading all the directions, I started to open the assembly and it wouldn't budge. I am a huge chicken when it comes to new things, and believe me, didn't want to do anything to damage it further if there was a problem. Call placed to Beeline, where a very helpful Sherrie? Sherry? answered my very distraught call. Oops, there was a screw on top of the part that swings easily to the right once the screw is raised just the tiniest bit. Of course, until talking with her I never even noticed that screw!!! She was so kind, as I was both embarassed and joyful to have solved the problem myself. Thanks heaven for 800 numbers!<br />
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Next I popped in the #8 cutter head and cut piles and piles of wool for the rug I'm currently working on. A<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1268659386"> </a><a href="http://www.spruceridgestudios.com/index.php/patterns/notforgotten-farms/mermaid-new/" target="_blank">Lori Brechlin/Kris Miller design called Mermaid</a>. By last night, I'd cut and hooked more strips in a few hours than since January. Yep, it is a dream come true!Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-170735345558897532012-04-05T18:45:00.000-07:002012-04-05T18:45:28.728-07:00Update and a great find from PinterestBefore I forget, Happy Easter! Remember that the meaning behind the celebration is mind blowing. God incarnate, executed, buried, arisen...<br />
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I found a wonderful blog <a href="http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/">http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/</a> on Pinterest, full of storage ideas for crafts.<br />
The main blogger has a new job, but lots of wonderful pictures and ideas...<br />
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Finally, a bit of bragging, straight up. First, my zip front jeans... and now my BMI has dropped by 2%. Not to diminish that in any way, the fatter you are the faster that BMI can trend downward. But this gives me plenty of reason to be happy.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-19871124362353094582012-04-03T09:00:00.000-07:002012-04-03T09:00:19.160-07:00I had forgotten this website! for viewing the stars...<a href="http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury">http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury</a><br />
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If you enjoy gazing at the stars, but have forgotten a lot of what you used to know and haven't used much recently Earthsky.org is a great site. It gives you a head up on what you can look for, and what you are actually seeing. Those are both great things if you have young children or grandchildren around.<br />
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Even here in Houston, but at its northern reaches, you can see quite a bit of the night sky. But my best sky viewing ever was in Colorado on the western side of some mountains... amazing to actually be able to view the Milky Way. White Star Campground near Aspen where we camped for a couple of nights when our daughter was a freshman in high school.Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8105510368341493530.post-14264234748757010162012-03-22T16:10:00.000-07:002012-03-22T16:10:42.450-07:00Karen Kahle's Spiral Chairpad Hookalong<a href="http://primitivespirit.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/hook-a-spiral-chair-pad-with-me-part-1/">http://primitivespirit.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/hook-a-spiral-chair-pad-with-me-part-1/</a><br />
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I'm starting to leaf out and bloom(at least today) with Spring! I've gotten into working on a rug, Mermaid pattern I got from Kris Miller at <a href="http://www.spruceridgestudios.com/">Spruce Ridge Studios</a>. Hooking it for our Kirby Hookin this June, and gonna have to be busier than I've been with my hook.<br />
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But eventually I want to try one of the hook and miss spiral chair pads that Karen Kahle has described on her blog... (linked above). Just a quick drop by to post about this great tutorial and project. I learned of it from my one of my other North Stars Kanknchester in An American Primitive Group...Cotton Eyed Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115269196856596429noreply@blogger.com2