Still Cold

 Today the weather is 0°F, with a wind chill of -15°F. 

The forecast was for cold weather for the weekend and maybe Monday.  Now the sub-zero weather is predicted the entire week.

We have cold water, but the hot water pipes froze.  Many people in our area are dealing with all frozen pipes.  We installed heat tape over a year ago too.  The horrible high winds, combined with the bitter wind chill are just too much this winter.

Here is the crocheted scarf I finished.  It literally used an entire skein of yarn.  I'm happy with the coloration too.  Just in time for this freezing weather we are having.

Stay warm!

Still Cold © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

. . .from the handiwork journal ~ Chit Chat

 Winter time is the best time to catch up on handiwork, but I am also very busy trying to catch up on abandoned home projects that need finished.

Finished!  One more scrap yarn lap afghan done.  Although it looks too short in the photo.  I need to re-measure and make sure it's large enough.  It's checked on my unfinished project list now.

I'm still tackling the rest of my list, but it's getting done.  I have, however, started a new blanket, but this was a plan from spring of last year, to use up other yarn I have.  Winter is the best time to crochet blankets (small or large).

I have had to frog two blankets, and I think it's due to me trying to finish them faster than usual.  Ugh.  I have more on the handiwork list to finish.

Bad weather is moving in fast.  It has been pouring down rain and the forecast is saying snow next.  It's not good. I am hoping it misses us, or for the most part misses us.  The beginning of next week is looking like there is the possibility of below zero temps.  I'm tellin' ya' the weather is all over the board right now.

We were not able to pick up straw due to repairs on the truck.  First, we replaced the front rotors.  Next, we thought we only needed two new tires, but we ended up with 4 new ones (which took 2 hours to get done).  Now, it's the back brakes.  If it's not one thing, it's another.

. . .from the handiwork journal ~ Chit Chat © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Tuesday Tidbits

 

The aftermath of the Christmas gathering has all been cleaned up.  Dishes are washed and put away, the Christmas tablecloth removed and washed, living room debris picked up, floors swept and mopped.....the worst part of hosting is the clean up.  One thing I have learned, when someone says they are coming early to help, don't count on the help.  Two, don't count on people bringing what food they say they will bring.  Hence the dip I made at the last minute.  

I also learned that the day after a gathering is the best morning to have a make-ahead breakfast ready to simply pop in the oven.  We did not, and I did regret not having one ready.  I will definitely remember next time.

Finished!  Off the list now.  My husband's scarf is done.

I mentioned we tried a new dip recipe - Sausage Artichoke Dip (The Southern Lady Cooks, link goes to the recipe online).  It is very good, although we think we may use "hot" breakfast sausage (or homemade) next time we make it.  Everyone loved it.

Bonus:  It's a crock pot dip recipe, and can be thrown together very quickly.  We keep canned chilis on hand for several recipes.

The new gadget I mentioned the other day - a water pump for a 5 gallon water jug (we have well water).   You simply charge it, and put it on the top of the jug.  No expensive water system, and no flipping it upside down.  It works great, but we did notice that not all 5 gallon jugs are the same.  We first got a jug at a farm store, which the pump worked, but did not securely attach.  Other stores sell the jugs that properly fit this, but we love it.  No more filling 10 gallon jugs, and having to make room for them.  

(available on Amazon, and inexpensive, and no I am not an affiliate for this product, as it was just recommended)

Chit Chat

 

The pretty sunrises are dwindling as we move into the winter season.  It has been cold enough to cause frost on the vehicles and lots of scraping.  I enjoy the crisp air, as it wakes me up, and makes me feel energized.  The chickens?  Probably not, ha ha!  They (as well as us), are truly enjoying the sunshine.

There have been more and more coyote sightings, and in the country now.  We ourselves, have not seen or heard any.

I have survived the worst of the dental work, and for the first time in many, many years, I had to take Tylenol for pain.  It's the worst timing, as far as the holiday goes, but had to be done.  It also took me out of commission for about two to three days.  Imagine something in your eye and you can't get relief.  That is what is feels like with a sore jaw/mouth.  It's still sore today, but feeling better. Although, I have been advised to eat on one side of mouth for over a week.  

I finished my husband's matching winter scarf.  It has been crossed off the "unfinished" list now.  The remaining yarn, will be used for scrap lap afghans.  Secretly, I want to make myself one.  I don't have any more of the stripe yarn, but I do love the soft texture, and how it blends into a nice pattern for the scarf.  I just don't think they make a color to match my winter coat.

I am trying to catch up with housework, meal prep and baking.  The new chicken coop is on delay again, mostly due to me not feeling up to it, and more so the weather.  

Speaking of weather, they are forecasting zero snow for Christmas this year.  I'll admit, I think I would be in a more festive mood if we did have snow.

I have found a recipe for instant mocha coffee, but have not found a sugar-free peppermint syrup.  Our grocery store does not carry it.  I think, years ago, I ordered it online, but cannot remember.

This and That

 

Beautiful sunrises are dwindling here these days.  The winter weather is slowly moving in.  It is very cold here now, but maintaining.  Woke up to 25°F with a windchill of 18°F.

There has been a sighting of 6 coyote (in my home town).  Crazy.  I have not seen any coyote this year here.  I wonder why they are gravitating to the city?  Stray cats perhaps?

Do any of you have a good/tried and true recipe for homemade oven cleaner? 

I found this one, but wanted to ask before I tried it.

Homemade OVEN CLEANER

¼ cup of dish soap

½ cup of lemon juice

1 cup of vinegar

1 ¼ cup of water

.Mix, spray, let sit, and wipe.

I also need something to scrub the oven racks with. I read somewhere to sprinkle baking soda, then use this spray and let sit over night (for the racks, lay on large rags). Does anyone have tips/tricks for this? I'm so over due on this home cleaning job.

Day 2 of soaking this tomato sauce stained freezer container. I have tried baking soda paste and it's still not gone. I have no idea why, but I froze pizza sauce and some tomato sauce this year (vs. canning it). I have not had to deal with this before. Any tried and true method to clean the stain off the container?

 Back in 2020, I started making washcloths/dishcloths, using a new pattern.  It involved using two strands of cotton #10 thread.

I later packaged them up, to sell at the craft shows.  They never sold at all.   Three years have gone by now, so.....

(photo from 2020)

I recently opened one to actually try for myself.   

They are a nice thickness, but for a dishcloth, they do take a bit longer to dry out on a hook.   

Honestly, they could be used for a washcloth, dishcloth or even a cleaning rag.  I am sure I found the free pattern online, but cannot locate it on my blog.  Blogger is making it much more difficult to search for something anymore. 

Live and learn, as they say.  What doesn't sell, don't make anymore unless you are personally using it.  I have made a home for all of these, but most likely, will not make them again.

Although it is way too cold to get porch reading time, I have finally finished this book I borrowed from the library. It was not that exciting to read. I forced myself to finish it, and it was the first book to completely read since March of 2023. I saw the new sequel to the book and thought I should read the first one first. Well, I have no plans now to read the sequel. Back to the books I have at home.

Paperwork ~ Pricing Continues

 Goodness, we went from snow, to freezing conditions, then up to the 50's and then more rain.  The weather is all over the charts.  The outside work awaits us.  

I turned on the outside Christmas lights, the small light up fixtures and the tree now.  My husband is very into Christmas decorating for the first time.  I am still not ready for Christmas spirit. 

Now a days, everything is online, so I spent almost 2 hours on the computer accessing several accounts, downloading forms, scanning them, uploading them...just for getting medical bills paid.  Good gravy!   The worst part is that since I had to print stuff, then I have to file it until the year is over with.  Oh I do not like paper work days like that.  It doesn't help when a site is down or having issues with a claim or what not. 

The good news, is I'll be caught up at the dentist, only to rack the bills back up again.  Long story short, when we first moved here we had to go to a chain dentist due to insurance.  After they ruined teeth on two of my kids (literally verified by another dentist), we got back to our original dentist, but they are still fixing everything they did wrong.  One of my kids had an emergency visit this year, only to find out her new dentist was angry at how the chain dentist so called filled cavities on her teeth.

So after several visits this summer, guess who is having a problem that stems from a crown done by the chain dental location?  Yep.  Me.  An expensive one, but they (my current dentist) say they can do it without replacing the crown with a brand new crown.  Geeze.  Merry Christmas to me!  

Pricing continues.  Golly, I think I started making these over 5 years ago.  Honestly, I don't even know if I still have the pattern.  These are the last of the last of these.  I will not be making anymore.

  They are crocheted mug covers, with matching coaster, and come with a mug or cold beverage travel cup (100% cotton yarn).  Pricing continues. . .

I love the pink and gray one I made.  Totally forgot what colors they were, until I unpacked them to price.

We used to have a pop up camper.  When we went camping with the kids, I had crocheted a specific color for each kid, so the cups/mugs were duly noted (as the camper mugs/cups were all the same).  Plus, the hot cocoa (or coffee) stayed warmer longer.

I  finished this Monstera leaf cup/mug coaster set, that fits in a "clay" pot for a fun look.  I have another pot crocheted.

I had already loaded up and packed a tote with these, and found more in another tote.  I counted 36 more!  These are those fun water balloons that are eco-friendly.  Oh boy.  I think I may gift some to the grandkids.   I doubt I'll sell any during winter time, but these need packaged up yet. 

How do these work?  You soak them in a bucket of water and toss.  Wash, dry and reuse. Summer fun for kids on a hot day.

This and That

 

Detoxing after the holidays, as well as mentally. 

Not what I expected to show up, but shoveling for the first time of the winter season was therapeutic.  Not just the physical activity, but getting outside for a while.

It's "shot gun" week here in our state for deer season.  So far, it's been pretty quiet.  It has also been very cold too.

The dreaded moment - hand pricing all of the jewelry I made.  It's done.  Those are just the crocheted bracelets, and the beaded crocheted bracelets.  I organized the keychains, and priced them too, along with earrings and necklaces.  Pricing stuff continues....

A funny for you all.  I just found out that that piece on the top is magnetic for a reason.  It's so you can remove it to clean the lid.  I have wanted to find out why the lid was magnetic for a long time.  Every time I washed it, things stuck to the lid.  My husband got this Yeti from work, and gave it to me a while ago.  Oh boy, so did you know about this?

Just the Bits

 We are on the hunt for a wider ridge cap for the chicken coop.  We will need to be creative and resourceful, if we cannot locate one.

We have another leak in the kitchen, but it's under the floor, so yay us.  We may have to cut out the bottom of the cupboard and check under it.  Not what we need right now at the holidays.  It could be another issue.  

The  weather turned much colder and brought rain.  Lots of rain.  

Has anyone who crochets, noticed that the "I" hooks are getting made now with new handles, but the measurements are not the same as the original hooks?  Top one says 5.50mm and the newer one says 5.25mm.  Both say they are an "I" hook.

Yay!  The photo upload function works again on blogger!

The kids were over for Thanksgiving, and two mentioned that medical workers would buy "boot" cuffs for their 40oz. Quencher Stanley cups.  It keeps the tumbler from scratching surfaces, but I do not own one to measure.  Does anyone have one to measure the width of the bottom, and the height up to where it goes wider?  I may just take this one to Wal-mart and try it, ha ha!

Homemade seasoned salt was restocked.  I don't use this very often, but I do make it homemade.

I am thankful the library gave out 2024 calendars for free this year.

I found a project to use up scraps of cotton yarn.  Particularly solid colors, but we'll see.  It will be gifted, so I can't share it if I am successful (just been too busy to crochet much).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Handiwork ~ Baby Washcloths ~ Crochet

 

Top yarn is 4 ply cotton yarn, the bottom is the Honeysuckle cotton yarn.

Tucked away in one of my yarn totes is yarn from a store closeout.  I think I bought it, thinking I was buying cotton yarn the thickness of a 4 yarn.  It is very thin cotton yarn, and about a thin 2 maybe?  the label doesn't even say what hook size to use or even the thickness.  It is USA made, and I think the company closed back around 2011.  I've had the yarn that long.

Not that I need another project right now, as we have so many going on, but I wanted to find a use of this yarn.  I'm trying very hard to get stuff made for the last craft show.

By the way, I was invited to another craft show, and once again the cost would be $50.00.  This particular show was $20.00 for a 2-table space the last time I participated.  Crazy high prices, unless you sell high priced items.  It just takes the "fun" out of fun.

Anyway, back to the subject of this post, which I apologize if it's boring.

Funny, how I can get hooked onto a new project.  I was moving my binder project to another area (for a winter snowy day project), and a pattern fell out.  It was for baby washcloths (crochet pattern).  I him-hawed, and left it sit on the end table.  Well, I had written the source of the pattern, and borrowed the library book again, just for fun.  

I had the pattern, but not the photo, so hence the book borrowing.  The color of the yarn (to me) was perfect for something "baby" so I gave it a whirl.  I figured 100% cotton was just right for a baby washcloth with the thin cotton yarn.

I think they are turning out nicely.  I used a "D" hook.  I have yet to try them myself, so I may be asking a friend to try them first, but I may have found a purpose for the yarn, and will make some up for gifting or donating.

I also have some cotton blend baby yarn I mistakenly ordered several years ago, and forgot to return.  I made a few washcloths with that too to try.  It's not 100% cotton, but I found a pattern online where they used the same blend for dishcloths.  I mean, if it's a "washcloth" you would not be re-using it, so I believe I found another way to use up another "oops" yarn purchase.

Just in case you crochet, this book has the pattern for the baby washcloths, and there are 3 patterns.  I have only made one so far.

Also, a pattern in this book.  I made these to sell at craft shows.  I am sold out, but it takes two strands of cotton at a time to make it.,

A cute and very easy pattern also in this book.  I made these one year for gifting.  They did not sell at all at the craft shows.  I tucked these in with other gifts. Sometimes the ribbon can be found at the dollar stores.

Sorry for the long post.  I never intended that, ha ha!  I have one person trying both washcloths with their baby.

Catching up.....

Is anyone else having trouble with the photo icon button uploading photos from your computer?  It's different now, and when I click on it, browse button shows up and will go to my photos on the computer, but will not upload.  Any suggestions on this?  I will try emptying cookies etc.  

I've been using the library more often lately.  However, I catch myself loaning handiwork books or cookbooks, and that gets me into trouble with new projects.  The crochet project book has 3 different crochet patterns for baby washcloths.  I may have found a way to use up some discontinued yarn I have.  I'll update you on that later.  I will use them for gifting.  There are a lot of babies being born around us lately.

The cook book underneath has a great recipes to try.  I found their breakfast baked oatmeal recipes very good.  I have two more to try.  One with pears and another  I think with mixed berries.

Had to laugh the other day.  I was puttering around the house one evening, talking to my husband.  I looked out a window and saw a pretty good size gopher.  We continued to talk and I looked out a second time, and this time (I kid you not, ha ha!), there was a stray cat doing the low and slow attack crawl, stalking to attack the gopher.  Good kitty!  I have no idea if it caught it, but it was funny to watch.  I think the cat was smaller than the gopher was.

In light of my email being hacked,  I have a question.  Is there a way to get my entire blog put into pdf maybe by a service?  I can't afford to do the blog to book, as I have been writing it for the last 15 years.  I mean, I would like to have a copy in case I have to delete my account. Then again, do I really want a copy of it?  That is a lot of material posted over the years.

Question for those with a blog - do you use the "contact form" in gadgets?  If so, where does the message end up?  In your listed email?  Not sure I want to use their gadget.  Maybe find a widget for a contact form?  I don't want it in back in my profile where it was when it was hacked.  Thanks!

Catching up..... © Nov 2023 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

. . .from the handiwork journal

 

. . .made a head hair wrap using #2 fine yarn.  I think it turned out super cute.  I have enough yarn to make a few more to sell, and use up yarn.

. . .finished the XL hot pad.  I gifted these to the family years ago.  They are great for 9 x 13 baking dishes at the holidays, or for baking sheets, your larger baking dishes and even pizza stones.

. . .made a few more dishcloths (knitted), and I am getting worn out making them.  Seriously, why did I think it would be a good idea to do one last craft show??  I have been timing myself, and it takes me almost 3 hours to make one of these.

. . .finished the crocheted strawberry keychains/keyfobs.  Daughter K was making a trip over, to pick up some home canned tomato soup, taco sauce and other items.  I finally got them done in time for her, when she arrived.

If you didn't read the story about these, I had made one back during the kitchen floor repair work (that was a year and a half or so).  I was playing around with some yarn and made one.  I later gave it to Daughter K.  She attached it to her purse.  Her co-workers saw it and pretty soon I was getting 3 orders.  I had no intentions of making them for sale, but I made them ha ha!  

. . . learned a new crochet stitch work!  I learned the wiggly/wavy pattern for a hot pad.  I am working on this being a Christmas gift.  I'm having fun with it, but lack the time to work on it.  I just needed a break from knitted dishcloths.

Also, the person who made the Youtube tutorial, said their template would be on their website, and it is not.  The pattern won't print correctly either, so I'm going by the photo and winging it.  I even sent a message to inquire.  I got zero answers.   It is supposed to be 8 x 8 inches, but mine measures 9 x 9 inches.  Either way, a cute way to make a hot pad, and/or use cotton scraps of yarn.

I started a second one using black (for someone with a black and white themed kitchen) as the starting yarn, and it came out smaller.  The ecru cotton (for the starting base) I used on the first is the same yarn company, but I had it for probably 14 plus years.  

They are not the same thickness.  Do you find some colors are not the same thickness?  It could be that they just don't make the yarn the same over the years.  I will be making the first one over again, but starting with a different yarn color.

That's all for handiwork updates.  I'll be back to update you on the Christmas present hot pads.  I think they are super cute, and they are so different from anything I have made.  The first two rows use a good amount of cotton yarn, but the smaller rounds are great for scrap yarn.  

The rain kept me indoors yesterday (there is so much to do outside and inside these days), but they say it will be going away today and tomorrow.  It's been on the chilly side, and more of a sweatshirt weather.  

I need to take inventory of my bulk herbs for tea making today, and write out a list for anything to re-stock.  

. . . from the handiwork journal

 

. . .started on an order that was long over due.  Three crocheted strawberry keyfobs are on the crochet hook.  I am slowly getting them made.  One of my daughter's painted that box you see with yarn in it.  It's my "kitchen" crochet project box.

. . .another XL hot pad on the afghan hook.

. . .this color yarn is on the knitting needles for another dishcloth.

. . .a scrap lap afghan in the making.  I also have about 6 rounds left to do on a doily, but forgot to get a photo.