Monday, November 17, 2008

Double Pointed Needles - Yet Again

No need for yet another picture of the
troublesome socks.

I have frogged them beck to the beginning twice
since the last time I spoke with ya'll.

This may be, forever, a one sock set!


Have a great day!
Ruth Ann
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com
http://www.beadkits.etsy.com
http://www.raggbaggs.blopspot.com

Friday, November 14, 2008

Daddy's Quilt



This crazy quilt was made by my dearest daddy and is dated
February 12, 1925.
He would have been about 18 years old.
It was apparently never used as it is in
perfect condition save a bit of wear on the binding.
Since Mama died a little over 2 years ago,
we have found a good bit of treasure
in her house.
How I wish she has told me about this!
How wonderful it would have been if she
had given it to me as a wedding gift
32 years ago.

I still adore Daddy, even though he died
42 years ago.
It's so great to have a piece of his handiwork!

Ruth Ann
http://www.raggbaggs.blogspot.com
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com

Double Pointed Needles


Remember those socks I posted about on Monday?
I only lacked casting off and they would have been done.
On Monday evening, one stitch fell off of a needle.
By the time I caught it, the one stitch
had traveled more than half way down the sock
and was impossible to retrieve properly.
So...............
the above picture shows where sock number two
is this morning.
I reiterate -
I hate double pointed needles!

May your day be bright -
but without hand knit socks!

Ruth Ann
http://www.raggbaggs.blogspot.com
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

Time for Socks!


'Tis the time of year when
a young woman's heart turns to
knitting!

My first experience with knitting socks with double pointed needles
was when I was about 5 years old.
This was also my last experience.

A few years ago, I discovered that one can knit large
Christmas Stockings
on short circular needles.
I made enough for the whole family,
including our fur babies.
Sometime during the summer,
I lost the pattern.
It had fantastically easy heels and toes.

Last week, I discovered
self-patterning yarn.
Wow!
What neat stuff!!!!!!
(Yes, I know it's been around for years,
but I'm still avoiding the double pointed needles.)

I had to have a couple of skeins,
but then there were those double pointed needles.
Now I remember why I hated them so badly!

As you can see by the photo,
I almost finished my sockies last night.
I have maybe 30 minutes left to do.

Then another color of the same
self-patterning yarn
followed me home.

I still hate double pointed needles,
but I'm loving that yarn!

Have a great day!
Ruth Ann

http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com

Friday, October 31, 2008


I couldn't wait to finish my new Hallowe'en bracelet,
but the flu got in the way.

I finally finished it yesterday afternoon
about the time that Ray got home from work.

The Peyote band is made from my special
Indian Corn Blend.
There are several shades and textures of yellow, gold, orange,
red, green, brown, silver, and black.
The blend will be available in my Etsy shop early next year.

A kit for the bracelet may be available if I can find a reliable
supplier of Halloween charms.

The web site for my jewelry kits is
http://www.beadkits.etsy.com

It is sorely lacking in products right now,
but it should fill up soon!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween 2008









October 2008 - Cades Cove


A weekend at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park is always time well spent.


The leaves have just begun to change colors.
The low is supposed to be in the 20s this week,
so there should be some fantastic color next weekend.


A park director told us to cut through Rich Mountain Road.
This road is gravelled - sort of - is one way,
and is as crooked as a dog's hind leg!


Ray's top speed was 20 miles an hour
and, most of the time,
much slower.


I watched his speed carefully,
while I screamed for him to slow down.


It felt like he was running the Grand Prix!


The views were stunning!


Even for folks like us who live in the mountains.




The handsome Ray taking pictures.


I'm sure his photos are much better than mine,
but I can't find his camera.
We saw quite a few deer,
but were unable to get a close-up picture.
There's bars in them thar woods, too!


When you have the opportunity to visit East Tennessee,
head straight to the Smokies!


Cades Cove is perfect for driving, walking, and cycling.


When spending the night or the week,
stay in Townsend -
'The Quieter Side of the Smokies'.


Stay away from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
They are nothing but tourist traps.


Sevierville (home to Dolly Parton)
used to be to a lovely small town.


Now, you can hardly tell when you leave
Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or enter Gatlinburg,


What a shame our lovely country side is going commercial!


No place is lovelier than the Smoky Mountains!