tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35183759666055636002024-03-13T10:07:59.318-04:00Tri CraftualThis is a blog for anyone. Anyone who knits, crochets, quilts or any other type of craft. I am a working mom and an army wife who lives in Northern Michigan. Join me in all my crazy crafting and my life in general.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-40180827634049116992011-10-30T15:23:00.000-04:002011-10-30T15:23:35.022-04:00Just an idea...I had such grand plans for this blog and well lets just leave it at epic fail shall we?<br />
<br />
I love all the videopodcasts that have been popping up all over the place. I've been thinking about doing more of a video blog / videocast for a while now. (I'm naive to think that it would be less work.) I figured that since I grew up Army, was Army and married Army I would do an Army/military theme.<br />
<br />
Since I already have the computer and webcam I could technically start anytime but I'm much more inclined to do some research and ask other podcasters questions before diving into the deep end of the podcasting pool. Will keep ya' updated. (Eventually.)Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-56276302706386520702011-10-30T12:10:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:10:14.998-04:00So Freakin Excited!I'm so freakin excited! (And not just becuase I'm knitting at work.) This coming week I will begoing to the Knittin' in the Mitten retreat in Grand Haven, MI. It will be going on from Nov. 2-6 at a wonderful lodge. I will be able to surround myself with people understand my knitting and crochet obsession.<br />
<br />
I will be posting pictures from the retreat or shortly after. (Famous last words)Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-40814875564838626882011-07-27T16:17:00.000-04:002011-07-27T16:17:05.325-04:00Drop it like it's hotSo this is my first attempt at drop spindling. I loved doing it and isn't that all that matters at first?<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5609209728582816482'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/Tdfqh37YEuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/IJkKcYKIpUk/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneTri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-90847691094164250422011-07-01T17:37:00.003-04:002011-07-14T19:58:36.850-04:00Slogging... a Year of ProjectsSo here it is over halfway through the year and I find myself once again with good intentions and more projects in all areas of my craftiness than I know what to do with. So from now until who however long it takes I'm doing a slog-along. Meaning I will be trudging through all my works in progress. They will be listed below by craft and then if I can really motivate myself I will include pictures.<br />
<br />
<b>Knitting</b><br />
<br />
1) Mimosa Shawl<br />
2) Wendy Knits Mystery Shawl<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXZHU_OZFnY/Th-CJCt51RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/hpdcORkEVMk/s1600/tdf%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXZHU_OZFnY/Th-CJCt51RI/AAAAAAAAAEk/hpdcORkEVMk/s320/tdf%2B018.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3) Steggie<br />
4) Ampersand Socks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXBXQacjDCE/Th-CWhXETJI/AAAAAAAAAEs/opqRC8D0kII/s1600/tdf%2B024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXBXQacjDCE/Th-CWhXETJI/AAAAAAAAAEs/opqRC8D0kII/s320/tdf%2B024.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
5) Summerflies Shawl<br />
6) Simple Knit Shrug<br />
7) Evenstar Shawl<br />
8) Ring of Fire Socks<br />
9) Jay Walker Socks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX6TmTPHYn8/Th-Ckr11HNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/M3M0T3gTm9Q/s1600/tdf%2B023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX6TmTPHYn8/Th-Ckr11HNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/M3M0T3gTm9Q/s320/tdf%2B023.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Quilting</b><br />
<br />
1) Seeing Red<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiEVlj248dE/Tg5rtWpzliI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tp4hUwuSp_4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiEVlj248dE/Tg5rtWpzliI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tp4hUwuSp_4/s320/010.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2) Moda Modern Quilt<br />
3) Hand Embroidery Quilt<br />
4) Applique Quilt<br />
5) Cheater Quilt<br />
<br />
6) Ode to the 30's Quilt<br />
7) Red, White and Black Quilt<br />
8) Asian QuiltTri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-55295134147662568422011-06-12T01:51:00.001-04:002011-06-12T01:51:15.289-04:00Mammo Training<br />Yeah I'm now officially a Mammographer. See...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5617206715867089490'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IjRhSxnWcio/TfRTvzEySlI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/-OcSQYGeAbE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br />And this is me on my off time<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5617206771031931538'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_jbbEs4YNbY/TfRTzAlG-pI/AAAAAAAAAEU/NwrdrV48DWo/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-74773935553330432922011-04-20T16:10:00.000-04:002011-04-20T16:10:15.983-04:00Dear Mother NatureDear Mother Nature:<br />
<br />
You Suck! Snow on April 20th? Really? Again, you suck!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Shannon<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Need I say more?Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-68449009514692653362011-03-31T17:12:00.000-04:002011-03-31T17:12:39.381-04:00Etsy ate my bank accountOK maybe Etsy didn't litteraly eat my account but figuratively it took a big chunk out of it. My credit card is waiving the white flag and screaming at me thanks to enablers like Heather at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HighlandHandmades">Highland Handmades </a>and <a href="http://www.intentionyarns.com/shop/">Intention Yarns</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/scarymerry">Scary Mary</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sby4718?ref=pr_shop_more">sby4718</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverStation?ref=pr_shop_more">RiverStation</a> I just couldn't resist. Pictures will follow of course as soon as the arrive in my hot little hands. Please check out their shops they have great and amazing stuff.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-3212207650130303222011-03-21T10:19:00.000-04:002011-03-21T10:19:41.312-04:00Book Review : How to Knit a Love Story<i></i><br />
<br />
I just read recently a really good book and thought I would share it with everyone. It's called <i>"How to Knit a love story" by Rachael Herron.</i> There are two main characters. Abigail, a woman who made the healthy decision to get out of a very dangerous relationship and Cade, a ranch who inherited his now deceased aunts ranch. The aunt, Eliza Carpenter, was the wife of a sheep rancher and a famous knitwear designer and teacher in her own right. The twist is Abigail inherits Eliza's guest house and Cade is none to happy about it. The book deals with the conflict and relationship between the two main characters as well as their dreams and aspirations. I really liked the book and hope that Rachael turns this into a series. This is definitely worth a read.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-63391035092012981532011-03-20T16:42:00.001-04:002011-03-20T16:43:17.447-04:00Here's a recipe for anyone who wants itI'm working this weekend and having to be into work by 7 am is made possible only by coffee and multiple alarms set. Needles to say I am <b>not</b> a morning person.<br />
<br />
Growing up in the Seattle, Starbucks and their overpriced coffee became a staple for me. Since I no longer live in Seattle (moved to northern Michigan) I have since developed a recipe I love even more than my beloved Starbucks Mocha. So here it is:<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Faux Mocha<br />
<br />
1 Tbl (Tablespoon) hot cocoa mix<br />
2 Tbl flavored creamer (use your favorite or plain)<br />
3-6 Tbl milk <br />
coffee (whatever you want to use at any strength you like)*<br />
<br />
(* or you can use 2 shots espresso and just add more milk)<br />
<br />
Mix all together in your favorite mug of your choice.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
</i>Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-48649187903929888572011-03-20T09:23:00.002-04:002011-03-21T10:23:21.900-04:00Like New Craft Room<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5586157283124426402'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TYYEc8gXtqI/AAAAAAAAAEE/bmXtk4YFo3c/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5586152170848991378'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TYX_zXy7OJI/AAAAAAAAAEA/7xExEJA6dq8/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
Last weekend I decided to clean out my craft room I had dubbed my "crap room". As you can see from the pictures above it was a success. (Holy crap there's carpet in there! Who knew?) The only thing left to sort and organize is the top of my sewing table. But hey aren't we all a work in progress?<br />
<br />
Much to the family's delight both little man, huub and the dog are able to walk in the room without fear of being buried alive. Little man's new favorite thing to do is "hide" under the sewing table and play with his toys. The dogs favorite thing to do is nap in the middle of the florr and hubby's favorite thing to do is stay out of there. So really it's a win-win situation and no longer a stress point for anyone. YEAH!Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-73720324724281319632011-02-22T18:40:00.000-05:002011-02-28T16:22:16.352-05:00Congrats!Congratulations to my favorite LQS (local quilt shop) <a href="http://www.heartstoholly.com">Hearts<br />To Holly </a>here in Charlevoix, Michigan. They are one of the ten quilt shops across America and Canada to be featured in the Better Homes and Gardens <i>Quilt Sampler 2011</i> issue. It will be available on news stands in late April or early May.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5578853338798647042'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TWwRjbkYZwI/AAAAAAAAAD0/cS7rNCdZpp8/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Using the new Charlevoix fabric line by Moda the shop came up with an original quilt design. For those who don't know, Hearts to Holly is a family owned quilt shop. Mike and Sue Miller own the shope and their daughters work there as well. Besides wonderful fabrics and notions they even offer a long arm service done by one of their daughters. The shop is offering kits through the shop and also through their online store. I absolutely love the fabric line.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5578853829900660290'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TWwSABEObkI/AAAAAAAAAD4/5aGlMUWfOJ0/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/105102388649968083769/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGd65mGt4DdLg#5578853863468869074'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TWwSB-HgpdI/AAAAAAAAAD8/W1uMN4Jkfek/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-19228301595721460652011-01-02T23:34:00.000-05:002011-01-02T23:34:33.062-05:00Happy New YearI hope this entry finds everybody in good spirits and hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. I would like to start out this blog entry in typical new year style. I, like many other people, have some resolutions that I would like to make in 2011. They are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Blog at least once a week<br />
* Include pictures more frequently on ongoing projects<br />
* Have a more formated style type of blog<br />
<br />
So here it goes for my resolutions. Hope you like the changes and any input would be very helpful.<br />
<br />
<b>On Pins and Needles<i></i></b><br />
I had planned on making a quilt for my husband to go on our bed. The design is done and planned but I wasn't able to finish the quilt top let alone the quilt in time to give it to him. The main fabric line I am using is <a href="http://www.benartex.com/page/index.php?page=gallery-detail&pg_o=&collection=132">Montana Modern</a> and <a href="http://www.benartex.com/page/index.php?page=gallery-detail&pg_o=&collection=253">Mayfair</a> by Benartex fabric. I plan for it to go on our queen size bed. <br />
<br />
I am also finishing a civil war quilt for my uncle, who has no idea he's getting one. It's the <a href="http://http://marcusbrothers.com/cgi-bin/media/viewnews.cgi?id=EkVEZlppppWPvjWsfd&tmpl=features">Civil War Tribute Quilt</a> done by Marcus Fabrics. I still have a long way to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>In the Loop<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I still have some knitting projects left over from Christmas. I'm knitting my mom a pair of basic socks along with a pair for my son. I'm also knitting the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/speckled-shrug">Speckled Shrug</a> by Lion Brand. Still on the needles is my sons cardigan called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/steggie">Steggie</a>, a dino inspired cardigan.<br />
<br />
<b>Book Worm<br />
<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I'm reading <i>Pope Joan</i> by Donna Woolfolk Cross, it's a novel based on the rumor of a woman being pope in the 9th century. It's a very good read and is written mostly from Joan's point of view. I'm am about half way through and would recommend this as a good book to read. <br />
<b><br />
Music to My Ears<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I have been listening to several podcasts lately, mostly <a href="http://spincontrolpodcast.com/">Spin Control</a> by Shilo aka A Joyful Girl and the <a href="http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/">Quilted Cupcake </a>by G. Spin Control tells a lot about not only spinning but knitting, crochet, some sewing as well. Quilted Cupcake is mostly about quilting but also a tad of knitting, crocheting and cooking. I recommend both as a good listen<br />
<br />
That's all for now and pictures are coming as soon as there's decent progress made.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-8911940584612443622010-10-27T16:17:00.011-04:002010-11-02T10:05:14.556-04:00A Productive Week<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TNAZHESkDTI/AAAAAAAAADA/uLx5u8xKMX8/s1600/keiba+056.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TNAZHESkDTI/AAAAAAAAADA/uLx5u8xKMX8/s320/keiba+056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534951551239720242" /></a><br />I'm happy to say that I have a FO (finished object) with pictures and a couple more projects that almost done.<br /><br />While at Jo Anns I had a little falling down, yarn was on sale and they had just restocked their free projects sheets. So I picked up a couple skeins of <a href="http://www.bernat.com/search.php?pspt=w&advps=y">Bernat Satin to make a Satin Prayer Shawl</a> it's a beautiful pink color and supports breast cancer. It will be given away as a Christmas present but I don't know to whom. That is done and completed. I also bought a couple of skeins of Lion Brand Fisherman's wool to do a <a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?search=Search&searchText=&craft=Knit&categoryKey=1694561&subcategory=29&size=Any&edition=Any&cost=Any&componentCategoryKey=1419777&yarnClass=Any&searchType=0&I4.x=26&I4.y=8">Speckled Shrug</a>. <br /><br />While shopping the yarn section the Red Heart Holiday yarn was discounted too. I'm usually a Red Heart snob but this yarn was very pretty (white with a metallic yarn plied together) and soft. I'm making their Mobius Shawl and am about half way through. Also while at Jo Anns I picked up some black fleece (the fabric kind) to back my mother-in-laws frog quilt. That has yet to be sandwiched and quilted, I plan on just stitching in the ditch.<br /><br /><br />I have one of my fathers socks finished and just turned the heel of the other one. Once I finish that one I plan on knitting my moms other sock (I'm using the same neeldles to do both).Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-80846155820502060232010-10-24T11:40:00.009-04:002011-03-21T10:22:59.944-04:00A Sad GoodbyeTo the owners and employees at the Quilt Cottage in East Jordan, Michigan:<br />
<br />
You will be sorely missed and I wish you guys all the best. I'm sorry to see the doors to your beautiful quilt shop close but look forward to seeing you all at quilt guild. I wish that all your future endeavors are fruitful and bring you joy. In next years shop hop there will definitely be a void without your shop participating.<br />
<br />
I thank you for all the friendship, great advice, superb support and wonderful inspiration. <br />
<br />
Your Sincerely, <br />
ShannonTri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-7343835303328326492010-10-19T10:05:00.006-04:002010-10-22T21:04:44.824-04:00Michigan State 26 - 6 (Illinois)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0jzs8olI/AAAAAAAAACw/DA-5VX-XRPM/s1600/state+game+029.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0jzs8olI/AAAAAAAAACw/DA-5VX-XRPM/s320/state+game+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531041082143187538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0jUwXNzI/AAAAAAAAACo/Kzikuc5_gg4/s1600/state+game+030.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0jUwXNzI/AAAAAAAAACo/Kzikuc5_gg4/s320/state+game+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531041073836013362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0ir1dEsI/AAAAAAAAACg/-d6WMfxXPNg/s1600/state+game+024.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI0ir1dEsI/AAAAAAAAACg/-d6WMfxXPNg/s320/state+game+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531041062851515074" /></a><br />As you can tell by the title Michigan won the game against Illinois. Little man made it through three quarters and the first play of the fourth. Here are pictures from his very first football game.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-88002766355107215722010-10-15T18:42:00.006-04:002010-10-22T21:07:31.154-04:00The Holiday Start Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI1K_I2DuI/AAAAAAAAAC4/oKonkWJwuLA/s1600/state+game+015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TMI1K_I2DuI/AAAAAAAAAC4/oKonkWJwuLA/s320/state+game+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531041755227885282" /></a><br />I don't know if you're anything like me but when Halloween comes around that's when I gear up for the holidays. For those of you counting there's only 10 weeks until Christmas. The good new is I have already started making gifts, bad news I'm maybe only half way done!<br /><br />Now that the weather has turned cooler and the leaves have changed color and falling I'm really in the mood to get my projects done. Projects include socks for my dad,mom and sister. (They don't read my blog so I'm not worried about them finding out.) I find that after little man is in bed I sit on the couch and listen to my knitting and crafting podcast and get in the groove.<br /><br />Podcast that I have been listening to are:<br /><br /><a href="http://theanatomyofknitting.libsyn.com/">Anatomy of knitting</a><br /><a href="http://www.stashandburn.com">Stash and Burn</a><br /><a href="http://nkilkenny.libsyn.com/">Cloudy with a Chance of Fiber</a><br /><a href="http://gettingloopy.com/">Getting Loopy</a><br /><a href="http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com/">Yarncraft by Lion Brand Yarn Company</a><br /><a href="http://www.sticksandstring.org/">Sticks and String</a><br /><a href="http://toginet.com/shows/creativemojo">Creative Mojo</a><br /><a href="http://librivox.org/">LibiVox Audiobooks</a><br /><a href="http://stitchitpodcast.com/">Stitch It!</a><br /><br />This weekend I have a chance for some quality knitting time too! My mom, little man and I are headed down to Lansing for the Michigan State game. A three hour car ride there and back! I love football so I will probably be too engrossed in the game to even think about knitting, plus it's little mans first football game. Picture to follow.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-8387436910599210682010-09-12T08:05:00.016-04:002010-09-12T22:19:58.574-04:00Back to School or New Begginings<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TI2JlJceqGI/AAAAAAAAACQ/R794qL7RQnY/s1600/school+001.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TI2JlJceqGI/AAAAAAAAACQ/R794qL7RQnY/s320/school+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516216389882259554" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TI2J7wItCmI/AAAAAAAAACY/C2SVXWice0I/s1600/school+003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TI2J7wItCmI/AAAAAAAAACY/C2SVXWice0I/s320/school+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516216778225420898" /></a><br />Well it's that time of year again. Back to school time! Little man is going to preschool three times a week this year. He is now in the 4 year old program. It's hard to believe that next year he goes to Kindergarten! The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating. With little man in preschool this year that means three days a week I have about a 3 1/2 hour time block all to myself. <br /><br />With that said I have made some back-to-school resolutions for myself. Due in part because my UFO's are calling to me, mocking me. I have UFO's (unfinished objects) in crochet and knitting but especially in my quilting realm. I'm not setting deadlines for finishing my UFO's but I do plan to work on them and eventually finish them. Now that the temperature is no longer the surface of the sun I have the inclination to once again start quilting. <br /><br />What is it about the fall weather that makes you think of doing nothing but curling up on a comfy chair and doing what you love? Which is definately a motivator for finishing my UFO's I have a quilters retreat at the end of this month in the UP. (That's upper pennisula of Michigan for all those not from the area.) I will definately show pictures once I have them.<br /><br />UFO's I'm getting back to include: <br /> Little Man's Socks<br /><a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/items/316_over_the_river_and_through_the_woods.aspx"> Over the River and Through the Woods by Crab apple Hill</a><br /> Frog Cross Stitch Blocks<br /> <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/khs-stripedYokePullover.html">Little Man's Sweater out of Lion Brand Homespun</a><br /><br />I also want to do better with my blogging. I plan to be more consistant and provide pictures. Again I'm not setting any specific deadlines. That's my homework I will be working on.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-12198256556924831012010-08-18T21:35:00.002-04:002010-08-18T21:41:05.308-04:00And the race is on!Last weekend started the Northern Michigan shop hop. We went to seven different quilt shops over two days. Mom, Dad and I went to five on Saturday then took little man with us on Sunday to the remaining two. I will post pictures of the shops and their quilts as soon as I can. Right now I'm charging my camera, it died. Bought some souvenirs at each of the shops and had a wonderful time. The shop hop ends this Saturday. I will be working.<br /><br />Hubby is over in Wisconsin picking up his units equipment from Iraq. He will be back Friday. Little man really misses his daddy.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-78053392840298976312010-08-12T00:10:00.002-04:002010-08-12T00:47:10.128-04:00Ready, get set, go! (But not yet)It's almost go time for our areas local shop hop and I can't wait.<br /><br />Updates include my dad visiting for a while and just in time for the Amazing Quilt Race 2010. The Amazing Quilt Race starts this weekend, August 14, and lasts one week. There are seven shops involved and include: <a href="www.thequiltcottage.net/">the Quilt Cottage</a>, <a href="http://www.heartstoholly.com">Hearts to Holly</a>, <a href="http://www.reneeshouseofquilting.net">Renee's House of Quilting</a>, <a href="http://www.interquilten.com/">Interquilten</a> and <a href="http://www.libertybellquilts.com">Liberty Bell Quilts</a>. If you are in the area this coming weekend or this upcoming week you can stop by any store and pick up a passport and participate in the shop hop. You get a stamp on your passport at each shop and each shop comes up with a block to sell for about $5.00. The blocks arrange into a possible quilt top. Each shop also has their own way of arranging and finishing the quilt. All the shops sell their finishing kits as well. <br /><br />Pictures to follow of course. <br /><br />On the craft front still crocheting, knitting and quilting<br /><br />In the past the fabrics have been correlated so that all fabrics from each shop goes well together. Each shop hands out door prizes and their is a drawing for a grand prize <br /><br />Little man will be spending the day with grandma and papa while mom, dad and I go quilting. So I anticipate everybody having a good time.<br /><br />On the crafting home front I am still working on the same damn projects. I either need more hours in the day or less sleep. (Although I'm sure my family wouldn't appreciate the side affects of sleep deprivation.)Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-78696814067842867762010-08-04T23:57:00.017-04:002011-03-21T10:22:26.464-04:00Turning a corner (or a heel)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7uJmgIGI/AAAAAAAAACA/AD3rctqlaPU/s1600/temp+tatoos+031.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7uJmgIGI/AAAAAAAAACA/AD3rctqlaPU/s320/temp+tatoos+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775558823911522" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7te7lvII/AAAAAAAAAB4/Ds9mXq9mR6E/s1600/temp+tatoos+029.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7te7lvII/AAAAAAAAAB4/Ds9mXq9mR6E/s320/temp+tatoos+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775547369634946" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7s-vkS0I/AAAAAAAAABw/1Zm8HmCovuc/s1600/temp+tatoos+027.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TFo7s-vkS0I/AAAAAAAAABw/1Zm8HmCovuc/s320/temp+tatoos+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775538729274178" /></a><br />
Today was my day off, which was absolutely lovely. I got to spend the morning with little man and we did some crafts and he discovered temporary tattoos. We got our ice maker fixed finally and just in time. It's been hot as hades here in northern Michigan.<br />
<br />
This afternoon I went to a sock knitting class at <a href="www.gaylordimagiknit.com">Imagiknits</a> in Gaylord, MI. I learned how to turn a heel and do the gusset. Afterwards I came home and made dinner. Mushroom risotto and braised chicken.<br />
<br />
The reason for the gap in blogging is due to life getting in the way as well a military function. This past weekend my hubby's unit had a "mandatory fun" weekend at the <a href="http://www.greatwolf.com/traverse/waterpark">Great Wolf Lodge </a>in Traverse City, MI. We all had a great time despite the mandatory briefings we had to attend. Yes we as in my husband and I. (Did I mention I am no longer a member of the armed forces?)<br />
<br />
My plans for this upcoming weekend are going to be spent working at my hospital. Hopefully all goes well and everyone stays healthy and uninjured.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Completed Projects</strong></em><br />
Finished craft projects include:<br />
* A couple of dishcloths that will be given out as Christmas gifts. (Yes I am one of those odd ducks who makes and buys gifts year round.) <br />
*I also finished a crochet vest made out of <a href="www.lionbrandyarn.com">Lion Brand </a>organic cotton. <br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Works In Progress</strong></em> <br />
*My first pair of socks<br />
*Crochet top in the round using <a href="http://www.stonehedgefibermill.com/yarn.html">Shepard's Wool </a>in a gorgeous salmon color<br />
*Hand embroidery Christmas scene from <a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/items/316_over_the_river_and_through_the_woods.aspx">Crab Apple Hill</a>. (No guarantee it's going to be finished in time for this Christmas.)<br />
*Civil War BOM (block of the month) from <a href="http://www.heartstoholly.com/Cart/store.php?pg1-cid36.html">Hearts to Holly</a> quilt shop in Charlevoix, MI.<br />
<br />
If I have a slow weekend maybe I'll get to try and catch up on some of my UFO's (Unfinished objects). Otherwise I have Monday off.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-77896734586133874942010-07-25T18:06:00.007-04:002010-07-25T20:38:27.634-04:00Some help is not always better than no help<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEy2MKd7BjI/AAAAAAAAABo/wDxr4vkxPsI/s1600/craft+room+008.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEy2MKd7BjI/AAAAAAAAABo/wDxr4vkxPsI/s320/craft+room+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497969565197076018" /></a><br />Last night I heard what sounded like a battle going on our computer room/ my craft room. To my utter horror the picture above is what I found my craft room looking like. There have been times when I have referred to my craft room as my crap room, but nothing prepared me for what met me at the door. What started out as my husband innocently saying he was going to tidy up the computer desk ended up nothing short of a catastrophic disaster. Basket were turned over, nothing was where I left it. My craft table was in a completely different part of the room. Total shelves were now on the floor along with things he just wanted to "sort through".<br /><br />I am here to report that my husband is alive and unharmed. Believe me the thought to kill him or do bodily harm seriously crossed my mind. In the state of Michigan if you kill your husband after he completely destroys your craft room it is not considered a crime of passion. (Bastards!)<br /><br />He did "clean" the room as best as he could. I still do have to re-organize my craft room again but I am able to walk around the room without being fearful of being buried alive and having to be pulled from the wreckage. <br /><br />Although to be honest know is the time to clean and de-stash in just about all my crafting areas. Perhaps I can do that in my "free time". LOL!Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-55846497882494021592010-07-24T23:40:00.007-04:002011-03-21T10:21:49.669-04:00Bunnies and Llamas and Sheep Oh My!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1aL4IkSI/AAAAAAAAABI/G8EPhojzXRg/s1600/fiber+art+015.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1aL4IkSI/AAAAAAAAABI/G8EPhojzXRg/s320/fiber+art+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497687231605281058" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEuzmn_5mOI/AAAAAAAAABA/AxXXshfFSF8/s1600/fiber+art+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEuzmn_5mOI/AAAAAAAAABA/AxXXshfFSF8/s320/fiber+art+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497685246289221858" /></a><br />
Today my mom, little man and I all went to the Fiber Arts Festival in Charlevoix, MI. I'm proud to announce that I merely window shopped and none of the very lovely yarn, kits, books, roving or fleeces came home with me. (Although at the end my mother did have to practically drag me out.)<br />
<br />
Little man loved the animals and at times would pet them only after sending Noni in first. (Noni means little grandmother in Italian and is what little man calls my mom.) I have a few pictures of him with the animals.<br />
<br />
There were many vendors from all around Michigan selling wonderful things and doing spectacular demonstrations. Everything from felting to spinning to sheep hearding. This has been a family tradition of the three of us going since my son was 1 and could barely walk. (He's four now.)<br />
<br />
My hsuband is not into that sort of thing and was just happy that I didn't bring anything home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1bhCIi3I/AAAAAAAAABg/fiAEris8WVY/s1600/fiber+art+027.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1bhCIi3I/AAAAAAAAABg/fiAEris8WVY/s320/fiber+art+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497687254464236402" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1bet_FII/AAAAAAAAABY/1Y5Bd229HCE/s1600/fiber+art+022.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1bet_FII/AAAAAAAAABY/1Y5Bd229HCE/s320/fiber+art+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497687253842859138" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1ayeV0JI/AAAAAAAAABQ/Lxcc8A7Xe3o/s1600/fiber+art+016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_phjkSjn0TF4/TEu1ayeV0JI/AAAAAAAAABQ/Lxcc8A7Xe3o/s320/fiber+art+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497687241966080146" /></a>Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-83266863018591198742010-07-23T09:45:00.005-04:002010-07-23T10:19:58.472-04:00It's all about meI'm back again and I figured I'd give you a little more back round about me and my life. I'm an Army brat so I moved around a lot when I was younger. I have a younger sister who is two years younger than me and we are polar opposites. We also have many other "siblings" but more on that later. We lived in Germany until I was four. Picture this if you will, me as a toddler with a speech impediment (think Elmer Fudd) and a southern drawl trying to speak German. Hilarious I know.<br /><br />After my dad retired from the military we stayed put in Tacoma, Washington. I didn't know it then but apparently our family wasn't "normal". OK so that's not really a surprise to me. Our house was the house where everybody came to hang out. During the summer our friends would stay for days, my mom would feed them and do wash their laundry so they could stay longer. My mom was the one to go pick up my friends after they snuck out of their house. My mom would be the one to take us to Denny's at 3 am in the morning just because. Did I mention my mom also worked full time for the local sheriff department. <br /><br />My mom was also "mom" or "shorty" to a lot of kids she didn't even give birth to. Whole hockey teams in fact because my sister played hockey (both co-ed and girls teams). If any of our friends got kicked out their house my house would be where they would come to. It was very common for my mom to call home before leaving work to find out how many of her "kids" were at the house. There were times when the number would be well into the double digits. Did I mention we only had a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house. When it came to sleeping we became very creative.<br /><br />As teenagers my house would be the house where our friends bands would come to practice. Not in the garage but in the house, again did I mention we had an open floor plan. In other words no doors to shut if the phone rang. Although who am I kidding between the amps and the sub woofers there was no chance of hearing a SWAT team breaking down the door let alone the phone. And I wouldn't change it for the world.<br /><br />Even as an adult my mom never really got a house to herself. I joined the Army Reserves out of high school, where I recieved my schooling and training as an X-Ray Technician. I met my husband while in training. My sister was dating a guy from his unit. My mom and sister actually picked out my husband but had the good sense not to tell me. What 19 year old listens to their mom. What started out as one little date turned into a three year serious relationship. My husband and his Army buddies would come over and invade the house for the weekend (or week). Why go to the Army chow hall when you have a mom to cook for you. <br /><br />During any holidays our house was filled with people. I thought everybody had 20 - 30 people over for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I mean who doesn't cook two 15 lbs turkeys for Thanksgiving? Everyone has both turkey and ham for Christmas right? My mom had holiday feasts (and I do mean feasts) down to an art form. She knew the exact timing of when to do what. The biggest fear in our house was that someone would go home hungry and if they did it was their own fault. That's the Italian and Portuguese side coming out.<br /><br />Now as an adult I still take great joy in holiday cooking, although I have had to learn how to downsize. Cooking for 6 is a lot easier. Our holidays are still spent with family. My mom moved to Michigan to be closer to her grandson about four years ago. Both my in-laws and my mom only live 10 miles from us. Talk about a great support system, not to mention I have on call babysitters.Tri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518375966605563600.post-91048689014013720902010-07-22T22:40:00.006-04:002010-07-22T23:35:01.445-04:00Hello ThereHello, my name is Shannon. I'm a 28 years old army wife and working mother of one. My husband, Chris just returned from his second tour in Iraq. My son Austin got to have daddy home for his fourth birthday. We live here in beautiful northern Michigan and moved here from the Tacoma/Seattle area 6 years ago. I'm an X-Ray Technician at a small local hospital. <br /><br />I came up with my blog name because I mainly crochet, knit and quilt. I also scrapbook, cross stitch, embroider, cook, bake, read and garden (and I use that term very loosely). I knit/crochet/quilt so I don't kill people. I find it as a way to relax and I love gifting my things to other people. I am also very blessed to have such wonderful family members and friends that truly appreciate what I make for them. <br /><br />I have been wanting to start a blog for a while, but have always said "someday". Someday has become today. My expectations for the blog is to chronicle my crafting life as well as my life "in the real world". While I hope people will read this blog I don't really think that I'm that interesting. Time will tell.<br /><br /><em><strong>Upcoming Events In My Life</strong></em><br /><br />1) Fiber Arts Festival at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, MI<br />July 24th and 25th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.castlefarms.com/Michigan-Festivals-And-Shows/event-calendar/Fiber-Arts-Festival/"></a><br /><br />2) Chris's 30th birthday on July 26th<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Projects in Progress</strong></em><br /><br />1) My first pair of socks - I took my first sock class at Imagiknits in Gaylord, MI and will be returning soon to learn how to turn the heel and do the gusset..<a href="http://www.gaylordimagiknit.com/"></a><br /><br />2) Basic Washcloth - I mad up my own stitch pattern with left over 100% cotton<br /><br />3) Kids Stripped Yolk Sweater - for Austin, I got the pattern from lion brand.<a href="http://www.lionbrand.com"></a><br /><br />4) Civil War Block of the Month (BOM)done through my local quilt shop, Hearts to Holly.<br /><a href="http://www.heartstoholly.com"></a><br /><br />5) Over the River and Through the Woods embroidery / quilting panels from Crab Apple Hill. This is another BOM from Hearts to Holly <a href="http://www.heartstoholly.com"></a> <a href="http://www.crabapplehillstudio.com"></a><br /><br /><br />Fortunately for me I just finished a few things so I don't have quite as many things going on. But obviously there is quite a bit to get finished.<br /><br />Well so long for now. It's late and my bed time. Awful isn't it? I remember when I would get off work on a Friday and go clubbing Friday, Saturday and Sunday night then go to work on Monday and be productive and brighteyed. Now I can't keep my eyes open past 11 pm. So it's bed time and I look forward to doing this again soonTri Craftualhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08738103719760801567noreply@blogger.com0