I definitely have a "bump" now, since I'm almost 6.5 months pregnant (Friday). We found out we are having another little girl, so Tegwin's quickly going to have to learn to share. Lol. My appetite is increasing, and up until this month, I hadn't really gained any weight, but when I went to my OB appt. yesterday, I had gained 6 lbs.! Ack! No wonder nothing fits any more!
Crochet-wise, I've also been quite busy. I started my mom's Christmas present, but I can't say what it is since she might read this, and I started a bed spread for Tegwin for when she's a little older. I have one block done, and I've almost finished the second, so I'll be connecting the two shortly and perhaps posting a picture of them together. My latest Christening dress design is FINISHED!!--well, excepting a few details on the bodice, but otherwise... :-) I'm very excited about this piece, but it's taking forever to finish working it up because it's a sack dress, worked bottom-up, in size 10 crochet thread, using a No. 9 steel hook. The skirt is in the pineapple stitch pattern, and the bodice is designed out of serpentine lace (just have to work on fastenings, sleeves, and the collar to finish it). Unfortunately, I do have to purchase more thread to finish it, which will have to wait until Friday on my monthly trip to Hobby Lobby. Within the MONTH I will be asking for testers on my forums to see if anyone's willing to tackle this extensive project. If someone were to purchase the actual finished dress, I'd ask for no less than $150, because of the amount of time I've put into the thing. If they're looking for just the pattern, I'm probably going to ask for about $5-7, due to the complexity of the pattern and the length of time it's taken me to design it. This pattern will be available for testing as of October 1st, and available for sale--hopefully--by New Year's or Valentine's Day (depending on the speeds of my testers ;-) ). A bonnet and bootie set will follow, hopefully by the time testing commences (I have a neat idea for the bonnet/cap, but am still working on the booties). I can't wait to share with the world this design! By far, it's my favorite. I just don't know if I can make this dress again, no matter how beautifully it's turning out to be!
I have decided to start knitting (gasp!) a baby blanket for the new little one. I was discussing this with an online friend (ExtremeKnitter), and I decided to knit the center in garter stitch (easy enough, I suppose), then crochet a pretty border around the edge to help it keep its shape. Hopefully, I can find another skein or two in the same colorway (pink, blue, and brown tweed) so I can finish it. I have two rows done (yuck! acryllic on plastic needles!), and it's going very slowly, but turning out nicely. Hopefully soon I can post a pic of my progress once it's a bit bigger. I was able to crochet 2 blankets for Tegwin, so i hope to be able to make at least two for this little one.
Well, I must go and take care of some business around the house before Tegwin wakes up from her nap. I hope my next update won't be too far behind!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
These past few weeks have been fun. I can now feel the baby moving a lot more, and see it bumping up from the inside--I had forgotten how much I missed that feeling! On Thursday, we find out what gender this little critter is, and I am really looking forward to it!
Last Saturday, dh bought a pre-seasoned cast iron set for me--a skillet and a dutch oven. I've only used the skillet so far, and I LOVE it!! It's also much healthier to use than stainless steel or non-stick pans.
I think dd may have been bitten by the fiber bug, like her mommy. When I'm not crocheting, I set down my project(s) in a place where I think she can't get to them--she shortly proves me wrong, and grabs the hook and begins twisting it, making a jumbled mess out of my work! :-) *sigh* I can't wait until she's 4 years old, when I can teach her how to use a knitting knoddy.
My Bible-copying has progressed considerably. So far, I've copied: Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, 2 John, and I'm currently on Chapter 8 of Proverbs. This is such slow, tedious work, but it's very satisfying when I reach my goal of a chapter each day. When I tell folks about it, they look at me like I'm weird, or something. I'm just trying to encourage others to do the same, at their own pace. A chapter a day is not an unreasonable goal, nor is even half a chapter per day. I just want to be able to set a good example for my children, since they're also going to be charged with doing this for their homework once they're 12 or so (or at least during the school year that they turn 12).
Over the past few weeks, I've found some tools to help keep me organized while I copy. I have a binder with plastic dividers which I purchased from the Dollar Tree (THUD), and I always keep a couple black-ink pens and a pad of perforated spiral notebook paper with it. Since I didn't have my own KJV bible but an NIV, I bought an inexpensive one for about $5 at Meijer (also, THUD). I keep all these things together as I work, and stack them together when I'm doing other things.
Last Saturday, dh bought a pre-seasoned cast iron set for me--a skillet and a dutch oven. I've only used the skillet so far, and I LOVE it!! It's also much healthier to use than stainless steel or non-stick pans.
I think dd may have been bitten by the fiber bug, like her mommy. When I'm not crocheting, I set down my project(s) in a place where I think she can't get to them--she shortly proves me wrong, and grabs the hook and begins twisting it, making a jumbled mess out of my work! :-) *sigh* I can't wait until she's 4 years old, when I can teach her how to use a knitting knoddy.
My Bible-copying has progressed considerably. So far, I've copied: Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, 2 John, and I'm currently on Chapter 8 of Proverbs. This is such slow, tedious work, but it's very satisfying when I reach my goal of a chapter each day. When I tell folks about it, they look at me like I'm weird, or something. I'm just trying to encourage others to do the same, at their own pace. A chapter a day is not an unreasonable goal, nor is even half a chapter per day. I just want to be able to set a good example for my children, since they're also going to be charged with doing this for their homework once they're 12 or so (or at least during the school year that they turn 12).
Over the past few weeks, I've found some tools to help keep me organized while I copy. I have a binder with plastic dividers which I purchased from the Dollar Tree (THUD), and I always keep a couple black-ink pens and a pad of perforated spiral notebook paper with it. Since I didn't have my own KJV bible but an NIV, I bought an inexpensive one for about $5 at Meijer (also, THUD). I keep all these things together as I work, and stack them together when I'm doing other things.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Progress Update
Belly starting to show quite a bit...I don't think I was this big until I was about 5.5-6 months along with Tegwin. That's okay, though. ;-) It's all worth it. Energy levels still rising, walking more, can't tell if I'm still imagining the flutters from the outside or if it's gas. Never could tell with Tegwin, either, until she really started kicking. The tiny flutters do feel like gas bubbles, so I don't know whether it truly is the baby or if I'm going to--ahem, you know.
A second tester has finished her chemise. Again, rave reviews from another happy hubby. Yay! When I read her post in my google group, I was ecstatic. Today I am going to write to all my chemise testers to tell them to go ahead and post pics of their finished work on Crochetville (see sidebar for link). I want/need to see the reactions of others before I take it to the next step. Hopefully, I can finish mine and hang it on the dress form my friend, Linda, and I made. (I had forgotten about my "double" when I previously posted. *embarrassed grin*)
As far as my writing the bible goes, I haven't exactly stuck to the plan I originally laid out. I googled "Bible reading plans", and picked one that is a .pdf which is a 3-year plan. It has each chapter laid out individually (except Psalm 119, which is broken up about 44-48 verses/day for about 4-5 days), with little boxes right next to each one. I printed out this plan, and when I finish a chapter, I fill in the box. It's working quite well so far. It has been taking about 30-60 minutes to write just one chapter, but it also depends on the time of day (if it's naptime for Munchkin, I get it done in record time!) and what's going on--how many interruptions I get during the time I write. When B's home during the day (weekends), I try to get it done in the morning and have the rest of the day to clean, play w/ Teggy, whatever. If not, it's naptime.
So far, I have the first two chapters of Genesis done. Needless to say, I'm easily daunted by the amount of work required to accomplish this task, no matter how much time I've allotted to do so. After I printed up the reading plan, I took a look and examined what some of the "easier"--meaning, shorter--books might be. Mind you, I did not start with a single-chapter book/letter. I began with Ruth, then 2 John (a single-chapter ;-) ), now I'm on the 8th Chapter of Esther. Basically, I've been focusing on what marriage truly is, and how to be a good wife (yes, I know all about Proverbs 31, but I'll be getting to Proverbs after I finish Song of Solomon/Songs, which is going to be right after Esther).
Cool part is, since I've been doing this, I've been focusing on getting one more new task done around the house. I have purchased and potted a cinnamon basil plant (mmm! My favorite! Spicy, yet a bit tangy like regular sweet or Italian basil). I've been able to remember to do more of the things B has asked me to do (trust me, it used to be a long list, and that list is continuing to grow shorter--at least, it feels like it). I feel more "on top" of things lately, and I really think God is working through me with this. I'm keeping up with doing the laundry (though I still need to work on putting it away *rolls eyes*), washing the dishes and running the dishwasher, making bread, making the beds, watching the grocery budget (not buying pre-processed "junk", but actually buying natural "staples" like the typical milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and produce, and the only times I go into the center aisles is to get baking goods like flour and sugar, paper products, frozen veggies, things like that).
We've also started to eat a bit healthier, too. I've been trying to make wheat bread--unfortunately, it turns out to be either wheat goo or wheat crumbs in the bread machine. I might have to just start making it by hand so I get the correct consistency. B loves my veggie bread--I take a white bread base and add diced tomato, green bell pepper (which, God love him, B calls 'mango'), and freshly-shredded Swiss cheese. I make the dough in the machine, and I kneed a little amount of flour into it (it's very sticky, otherwise), form it into a round loaf and bake it for 40 minutes. Mmm!! Yummy! I made this loaf on Tuesday night, hoping it would at least last until the weekend. Nope...B finished it off last night. *sigh* The perfect compliment to the chef, I guess. This bread is wonderful if sliced, and each slice cut in half, then added with a couple thin slices of roast beef. Pop into the microwave about 15 seconds, and oh, my goodness! So divine! Y'all should try it!
Well, gotta go. Munchkin is about finished with her breakfast, so it's time to get her dressed for the day. God bless!
A second tester has finished her chemise. Again, rave reviews from another happy hubby. Yay! When I read her post in my google group, I was ecstatic. Today I am going to write to all my chemise testers to tell them to go ahead and post pics of their finished work on Crochetville (see sidebar for link). I want/need to see the reactions of others before I take it to the next step. Hopefully, I can finish mine and hang it on the dress form my friend, Linda, and I made. (I had forgotten about my "double" when I previously posted. *embarrassed grin*)
As far as my writing the bible goes, I haven't exactly stuck to the plan I originally laid out. I googled "Bible reading plans", and picked one that is a .pdf which is a 3-year plan. It has each chapter laid out individually (except Psalm 119, which is broken up about 44-48 verses/day for about 4-5 days), with little boxes right next to each one. I printed out this plan, and when I finish a chapter, I fill in the box. It's working quite well so far. It has been taking about 30-60 minutes to write just one chapter, but it also depends on the time of day (if it's naptime for Munchkin, I get it done in record time!) and what's going on--how many interruptions I get during the time I write. When B's home during the day (weekends), I try to get it done in the morning and have the rest of the day to clean, play w/ Teggy, whatever. If not, it's naptime.
So far, I have the first two chapters of Genesis done. Needless to say, I'm easily daunted by the amount of work required to accomplish this task, no matter how much time I've allotted to do so. After I printed up the reading plan, I took a look and examined what some of the "easier"--meaning, shorter--books might be. Mind you, I did not start with a single-chapter book/letter. I began with Ruth, then 2 John (a single-chapter ;-) ), now I'm on the 8th Chapter of Esther. Basically, I've been focusing on what marriage truly is, and how to be a good wife (yes, I know all about Proverbs 31, but I'll be getting to Proverbs after I finish Song of Solomon/Songs, which is going to be right after Esther).
Cool part is, since I've been doing this, I've been focusing on getting one more new task done around the house. I have purchased and potted a cinnamon basil plant (mmm! My favorite! Spicy, yet a bit tangy like regular sweet or Italian basil). I've been able to remember to do more of the things B has asked me to do (trust me, it used to be a long list, and that list is continuing to grow shorter--at least, it feels like it). I feel more "on top" of things lately, and I really think God is working through me with this. I'm keeping up with doing the laundry (though I still need to work on putting it away *rolls eyes*), washing the dishes and running the dishwasher, making bread, making the beds, watching the grocery budget (not buying pre-processed "junk", but actually buying natural "staples" like the typical milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and produce, and the only times I go into the center aisles is to get baking goods like flour and sugar, paper products, frozen veggies, things like that).
We've also started to eat a bit healthier, too. I've been trying to make wheat bread--unfortunately, it turns out to be either wheat goo or wheat crumbs in the bread machine. I might have to just start making it by hand so I get the correct consistency. B loves my veggie bread--I take a white bread base and add diced tomato, green bell pepper (which, God love him, B calls 'mango'), and freshly-shredded Swiss cheese. I make the dough in the machine, and I kneed a little amount of flour into it (it's very sticky, otherwise), form it into a round loaf and bake it for 40 minutes. Mmm!! Yummy! I made this loaf on Tuesday night, hoping it would at least last until the weekend. Nope...B finished it off last night. *sigh* The perfect compliment to the chef, I guess. This bread is wonderful if sliced, and each slice cut in half, then added with a couple thin slices of roast beef. Pop into the microwave about 15 seconds, and oh, my goodness! So divine! Y'all should try it!
Well, gotta go. Munchkin is about finished with her breakfast, so it's time to get her dressed for the day. God bless!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Whew! It's been a while!!
Well, it's been since February that I last posted. I'm sorry for not doing so sooner, as I have great news!! Brandon and I are awaiting our 2nd child, who is due to arrive right around December 21st of this year. I'm just starting my 2nd trimester, and I'm feeling great. My energy levels are beginning to pick up, I'm feeling tiny flutters in my abdomen, and the nauseated feeling is finally gone!! Woo-hoo!!
For those of you who are finding out about this for the first time, I just wanted to let you know that I had to wait until after the first ultrasound. Some of you I have tried to telephone, but as I never received a call back, I couldn't arrange to meet up with you and tell you in person, nor did I wish to tell you via e-mail. So, blogging was the next option. I hope you all will forgive me.
There has also been a lot of other great things happening in the past few months. My first lingerie/clothing design is almost ready to be posted on my site, tracey.mccorkle.googlepages.com. It's still in the testing stages, but it's almost done. It's a very cute chemise/camisole, which is designed for a custom-fit (the crocheter takes the measurements and makes it accordingly). It can be left unlined for a wonderful chemise (I already have praise from one tester whose hubby just loved it! *grin*), or it can be lined to be worn over a pair of jeans alone, or under a nice, tailored blazer. I'd show y'all a pic, but I don't have my sample done due to the new--ahem--"developments", and it won't fit. *sigh*
Brandon and I attended the CHEO convention this past Friday and Saturday. Jonathan Lindvall was one of the keynote speakers, and he gave us a very interesting challenge. When his children became 12 and 13 (the same age Jewish children are considered to be "of age"), he gave each of them a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. When his oldest daughter was 12, they threw a Christian Bat Mitzvah, and charged her with the responsibility of handwriting the Bible. This was something, he thought, which would be a nice gift for her to give to her future husband on their wedding day. Hmmm...So, I felt compelled to do the same. I would like to have my copy finished by the time Tegwin reaches the age of 12, so that I can set an example for her, and challenge her to do the same. At this point, I have 10.5 years to accomplish this task. I haven't asked Brandon if he plans to write a copy, himself, but I'm borrowing his KJV (my reading bible is an NIV Study) to copy down. I have the 1st chapter of Genesis finished, and when I've completed Genesis, I'll move on to Matthew, then to Exodus, then back to Mark, etc. Is anyone with me? I know it's a huge undertaking, but I'm going to plan things out so I can aim for 1 chapter per night, so many books per year, so that my goal can be accomplished by the time-line I've set. Please let me know if you decide to do this so we can all pray together that we can accomplish our goals. You don't have to begin with Genesis. You can start wherever you're currently reading, or with the next book you begin. This can be used as your Quiet Time/Bible study, because as you are reading and copying things down, the words get stuck in your head, and you'll meditate on them longer. Also, you'll memorize scripture you never knew you could.
Well, I need to go. It's after midnight, and Tegwin will have me up early in the morning. God bless!
For those of you who are finding out about this for the first time, I just wanted to let you know that I had to wait until after the first ultrasound. Some of you I have tried to telephone, but as I never received a call back, I couldn't arrange to meet up with you and tell you in person, nor did I wish to tell you via e-mail. So, blogging was the next option. I hope you all will forgive me.
There has also been a lot of other great things happening in the past few months. My first lingerie/clothing design is almost ready to be posted on my site, tracey.mccorkle.googlepages.com. It's still in the testing stages, but it's almost done. It's a very cute chemise/camisole, which is designed for a custom-fit (the crocheter takes the measurements and makes it accordingly). It can be left unlined for a wonderful chemise (I already have praise from one tester whose hubby just loved it! *grin*), or it can be lined to be worn over a pair of jeans alone, or under a nice, tailored blazer. I'd show y'all a pic, but I don't have my sample done due to the new--ahem--"developments", and it won't fit. *sigh*
Brandon and I attended the CHEO convention this past Friday and Saturday. Jonathan Lindvall was one of the keynote speakers, and he gave us a very interesting challenge. When his children became 12 and 13 (the same age Jewish children are considered to be "of age"), he gave each of them a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. When his oldest daughter was 12, they threw a Christian Bat Mitzvah, and charged her with the responsibility of handwriting the Bible. This was something, he thought, which would be a nice gift for her to give to her future husband on their wedding day. Hmmm...So, I felt compelled to do the same. I would like to have my copy finished by the time Tegwin reaches the age of 12, so that I can set an example for her, and challenge her to do the same. At this point, I have 10.5 years to accomplish this task. I haven't asked Brandon if he plans to write a copy, himself, but I'm borrowing his KJV (my reading bible is an NIV Study) to copy down. I have the 1st chapter of Genesis finished, and when I've completed Genesis, I'll move on to Matthew, then to Exodus, then back to Mark, etc. Is anyone with me? I know it's a huge undertaking, but I'm going to plan things out so I can aim for 1 chapter per night, so many books per year, so that my goal can be accomplished by the time-line I've set. Please let me know if you decide to do this so we can all pray together that we can accomplish our goals. You don't have to begin with Genesis. You can start wherever you're currently reading, or with the next book you begin. This can be used as your Quiet Time/Bible study, because as you are reading and copying things down, the words get stuck in your head, and you'll meditate on them longer. Also, you'll memorize scripture you never knew you could.
Well, I need to go. It's after midnight, and Tegwin will have me up early in the morning. God bless!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Death in the Bathroom....Foul Play Suspected
Last night, right after my hubby came upstairs to go to bed, we heard this thumping crash downstairs. He went back down, took a look around, and didn't see anything. He came back up and went to bed. This morning, while he was getting ready for work and I was packing his lunch for him, I opened the door to the downstairs bathroom and turned on the light. This is what I saw:
An autopsy revealed that the poor little snowlady had taken a fall from the top of the toilet tank where she had been standing and perished on the bathroom floor. She died immediately on the spot, due to blunt force trauma to, well, her entire rotund body. The "blood spatter" analysis was inconclusive, and her death was ruled as a possible suicide. I, myself, didn't buy the story. After the authorities left, I took a second look around.
I'm not sure, but I really don't think it was a suicide attempt on Snowlady's part...The Snowman on the other side of the tank looks just a little too happy, to me...In fact, Snowlady's hat is still on the tank!! If it were a suicide attempt, wouldn't it have landed on the floor with her?
Just to give you a little bit to chew on.
An autopsy revealed that the poor little snowlady had taken a fall from the top of the toilet tank where she had been standing and perished on the bathroom floor. She died immediately on the spot, due to blunt force trauma to, well, her entire rotund body. The "blood spatter" analysis was inconclusive, and her death was ruled as a possible suicide. I, myself, didn't buy the story. After the authorities left, I took a second look around.
I'm not sure, but I really don't think it was a suicide attempt on Snowlady's part...The Snowman on the other side of the tank looks just a little too happy, to me...In fact, Snowlady's hat is still on the tank!! If it were a suicide attempt, wouldn't it have landed on the floor with her?
Just to give you a little bit to chew on.
Friday, January 12, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Okay, so it's, like, the end of the 2nd week of January already, but still, it's my first post of the year. I'm sorry it's taken so long!!! We've been busy here with the holidays, church, and I've also been madly hooking away (crocheting, that is! *wink*). I've finished off the Sock Monkey Hats, and now I need to make and finish just one more and make a scarf to go with it for a friend's daughter...that's what I'm working on this weekend.
Also on my hook this week are the two sweaters for my Sisters-in-law, a table runner for my dining room table (adapted from a pattern at Celt's site), a secret project for my aunt which she asked me to design (shhh!! don't tell anyone!!), some doilies for a CAL at Crochetville (my goal is to make all 18 from PK's "Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies"), a yellow thread dress for my bff who's expecting a girl!! (Yay, Meron!! Gotta know some name ideas soon! ), among a myriad other things. I'm also trying to get a head start on this year's Christmas gifts, like some dishcloths, bath cloths, etc., some really nifty scarves I found at Garnstudios.com, and I also want to design some matching mittens for the scarf-recipients. . . Among other things, I also want to join the Secret Pal Exchange at the 'Ville next month, so I'm working on some special gifts to send to whomever I'm assigned, as well as some random RAOK's I'm delighted to fulfill...
One major goal this year is to start a ministry at my church to 1) teach people to crochet, and 2) make things from newly-discovered talents for charity and for those who need a little extra comfort. I'm hoping that a prayer shawl ministry springs up out of this, and I might be able to get some donations of yarn and hooks for the people participating...the yarn needed can be expensive. Still working with the church leadership on this one...in fact, that reminds me, gotta call Brenda...
The Sock Monkey Hat challenge at the 'Ville is still going strong!! I originally set the deadline as Christmas Eve, but folks are still coming up with ideas...Come check it out if you can...
Some more ideas I'm working on...and still playing with in my head...
Well, readers, I should go. Today is going to be a busy one, and dd and I have to get on the ball and go. Hope to hear from you!
Also on my hook this week are the two sweaters for my Sisters-in-law, a table runner for my dining room table (adapted from a pattern at Celt's site), a secret project for my aunt which she asked me to design (shhh!! don't tell anyone!!), some doilies for a CAL at Crochetville (my goal is to make all 18 from PK's "Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies"), a yellow thread dress for my bff who's expecting a girl!! (Yay, Meron!! Gotta know some name ideas soon! ), among a myriad other things. I'm also trying to get a head start on this year's Christmas gifts, like some dishcloths, bath cloths, etc., some really nifty scarves I found at Garnstudios.com, and I also want to design some matching mittens for the scarf-recipients. . . Among other things, I also want to join the Secret Pal Exchange at the 'Ville next month, so I'm working on some special gifts to send to whomever I'm assigned, as well as some random RAOK's I'm delighted to fulfill...
One major goal this year is to start a ministry at my church to 1) teach people to crochet, and 2) make things from newly-discovered talents for charity and for those who need a little extra comfort. I'm hoping that a prayer shawl ministry springs up out of this, and I might be able to get some donations of yarn and hooks for the people participating...the yarn needed can be expensive. Still working with the church leadership on this one...in fact, that reminds me, gotta call Brenda...
The Sock Monkey Hat challenge at the 'Ville is still going strong!! I originally set the deadline as Christmas Eve, but folks are still coming up with ideas...Come check it out if you can...
Some more ideas I'm working on...and still playing with in my head...
- Irish Crochet fairy wings for the Renaissance Festival coming this fall...wondering if yarn would be better, and a giant butterfly motif would be good...(If anyone has any ideas on how I can make this happen, please let me know--the wings either need to stand out as in real life, or I can just make them into a shawl...)
- mittens and a sweater to match the Sock Monkey Crochet-Along...*wiggles eyebrows*
- modifications to my aunt's idea...
- exploring more with the felting/fulling process...
- learning how to spin...I have some raw huacaya alpaca fleece in several different colors (brown, white, gray, mottled, lilac, maybe some black), and I'd like to learn how to make my own yarn and save some cash...maybe earn a little extra, too...
Well, readers, I should go. Today is going to be a busy one, and dd and I have to get on the ball and go. Hope to hear from you!
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