so...there comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama,
hate and hypocrisy and the people who create it.
You try to surround yourself with people who make you laugh,
people who speak their truths and have no ulterior motives...
Forget the bad, focus on the good, love the people who treat you right,
pray for the ones who don't...
Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living.

by unknown
Dan Witz: New Night Paintings

Fashion ATC

Another stitched ATC done! Fashion theme for the month of August. I was looking for something that reflected a Diva!

Received ATC- 70's Disco Diva , the picture does not do it justice! Made by Gill Bickerstaff.

Thanks ...she's awesome!

Knit Shop in Champaign

Found this great knit shop going through town when I went to pick up my daughter. She's not exactly into yarn crafts or shopping for them. So when I was pulling into the parking lot the expected groan and eye roll came. Granted she wasnt feeling 100% so I didnt spend as much time in there as I normally would have, but I enjoyed the side trip any way. Im pretty sure that Im not the only knitter/crocheter with yarn store radar. Half the cool shops Ive visited were found by accident. The store actually spans three large spaces-- between the two shop signs pictured. Since I already have yarn for alot of future projects I stuck to just getting some whimsical buttons for a hat pattern I plan on making for winter. Thanks for indulging your mothers yarn fetish<3

Loop Knit Shop Milwaukee

Bradford Beach

(...and NO that is not a naked guy on the beach just sayin!)

The hottest day EVER!

Classic Diner

MooseJaw Pizza & Brewing Company

Wisconsin Dells

Tree House Cabin

July Stitched ATC

This months theme was pirates. I found my pirate as a free pattern and found the ship in a book from the library that had cross stitch patterns from around the world. The ship was a Denmark pattern so thats also how I chose the colors for the star. Its going to be on its way to Portugal this time!

Fimo Project...

http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/project/needle_decorating_going_dotty/

All the directions are listed in the link above. Thought this looked fresh and fun! You'd always know which knitting needles are yours:)

Robins Egg Blue

Ok, now that the bathroom is done, Im looking for inspiration for the kitchen. I luv Robins Egg Blue and Ocean greens. Ive pretty much settled on the colors, but the hard part is where to put them!! Where is "House Crashers" (HGTV) when you need them? Truthfully, my kitchen needs way more than a new coat of paint.....baby steps:)

Knitting @ Panache

Visited a new knitting group today, there was every thing from spinning, knitting, rug hooking & crochet! A great group of gals:) Would like to meet up with them again soon. Alot of great patterns there...hoping to exchange some of them. Totally enjoyed myself !

In Memory of Saddie ( Tootie)

As you well know pets become part of the family over the years...I cannot begin to tell you how much she is missed. My children and her all grew up together, she was just like one of my babies.
Saddie was a German Shepherd Chow mix , very fluffy and lovable! She will always be held close to our hearts.

A Touch of Humor

Itty Bitty Knitties Cards

www.paradisefibers.net/Itty-Bitty-Witty-Knitties-Cards-p/489774.htm

New Bathroom

Finally finished! This bathroom project started in March. The plumber and his contractors came, rebuilt the whole floor from the rafters on, replaced all the plumbing in the basement and then quit!
Left us with the new floor, a shower, and a toilet. No cabinets, sink or mirror--the rest of the room was empty.(All the new stuff was already ordered and on its way!) They told me that no one wants to do a small job. Well it wasnt small when they started it and they sure didnt charge me small either. Two months and two contractors later my bathroom is done. The second contractor agreed to take the job and just never called me back. The
third try was a charm! It might not be HGTV material but we are thrilled with it! Still putting things away and waiting for art work to arrive, but its a good thing!

World Wide Knit in Public Day

June 11-June 19th

www.wwkipday.com/find_kip.htm

New Book Release

Cant wait! Comes out June 7th. (knitting mystery)

Farmers Market Bag Finished

This was a fun project...pretty easy pattern! Im ready to hit the farmers market this summer & maybe a train trip to Chicago to visit the knit shops!

Cozy Collage

Happy Birthday Dalton

Black Magic Cake (Best Chocolate Cake Ever!) | Chocolate Recipes | Just A Pinch Recipe Club

Black Magic Cake (Best Chocolate Cake Ever!) Chocolate Recipes Just A Pinch Recipe Club

Dalton ended up helping me make his own birthday cake...it was a good time:)

The cake turned out great and got thumbs up from everyone!! We added Chocolate sprinkles to the top.... well Dalton did and he probably used half the container LOL ...whatever makes you happy hun!I personally dont like chocolate cake but I liked this one and so did my daughter (& she's picky)!

Landmarks ATC Received

This ATC was stitched for me by Donna Easton. "Angel of the North" located in Gateshead, England.
Its a contemporary sculpture designed by Anthony Gormley. Made of steel it stands 20 metres tall, & has a wing spand of 54 metres across. Its wings are angled forward 35 degrees to give it a sense of embrace. The sculpture was started in 1994 and finished in February of 1998.

Thanks so much Donna!! I luv it!