I had one finish this week and it was the Mini Cow (pattern by Graceandyarn.com ).
The pattern might say "mini" but it still measures approximately 11" tall! It took me a while to finish but I worked on other projects as well and just worked on this one a little each day.
I decided to make her a "girl cow" and added some little flowers to her head. I think she turned out super cute! I'm trying to decide if I should add her to my Etsy shop .
And that, my friends, is my finish for the week :)
Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~I noticed the other day that I have surpassed writing 4100 posts on the blog. I can't believe I started writing posts in 2009. 15 years of sharing! I appreciate each any every reader that has stopped by throughout the years. Thank you!
~I mentioned in my "Happy Homemaker Monday" post that I was to have an interview for a PT job on Tuesday, but due to the weather I was going to try to reschedule. I was afraid it would be a deal breaker but the HR contact was very understanding and rescheduled my interview for Friday, January 12th! I'm a bit nervous so I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Friday at 1pm :)
~This past Sunday, we had the privilege of attending Nate's Senior Soccer Banquet. (I introduced Nate to the blog a few "Tea Time"s ago as Laken's boyfriend. They've been dating for 8.5 months and we absolutely adore him.) Nate earned Defensive Player of the Year and we couldn't be prouder of him. He is a great young man and treats Laken like a princess! He's a keeper :)
~I think I've mentioned it in another post, but I had somebody purchase the Dr. Seuss/Cat-in-the-Hat Baby Blanket from my Etsy Shop. In this crazy weather, I hope it gets to NH safely. I packaged it in a 2 gallon ziploc and then in a box with tons of packing tape but I'm always nervous about the shipping process. It was supposed to arrive today, so I'm going to check the tracking number with USPS. Wish me luck :)
~Slowly, but surely, I have finished the amigurumi cow I was making and featured on my WIP Wednesday post. I wanted to have it finished up for my Friday Finish post so that gave me some extra motivation. Make sure you come back tomorrow to see the finished product :)
I thought I'd do a weekly post listing my current crafty works-in-progress (WIP).
As of Monday afternoon, when I'm typing this post, I have two WIPs that I'm actively working on and would like to get finished this week.
The first is this "Mini" Cow. It is a free pattern by Grace and Yarn . I started the regular sized cow pattern and it was huge! I then decided to switch over to the "mini" cow. Even the mini cow is turning out quite large and is taking quite a while to finish. I have to make two arms, some spots and tail to finish it up. I'm going to put crocheted flowers on the head instead of horns as I don't think female cows have horns. Correct me if I'm wrong, please! I'm hoping to finish this up soon!
My second WIP is a Think Pink Prayer Shawl for my Etsy shop. I'm almost halfway finished with it at this point and would really like to complete it this week. The pattern is based on Attic 24's cozy stripe blanket that I've modified.
If I start (and don't finish) any more projects before Wednesday, I'll let you know :)
What are you working on? How many WIPs do you currently have?
When does Spring start? Obviously not this week. I was to have an interview for a part time bank teller position on Tuesday, but the hubby is making me try to reschedule due to the weather :( I sent an email to the HR contact. I hope it won't be a deal breaker!
On today's to-do list:
~I need to make a trip to the post office to send out an etsy order. I was so excited to wake up Saturday morning with an order for the Dr. Seuss inspired baby blanket! The buyer emailed me and said that his daughter is due within the next few weeks and has worked really hard to decorate the baby's room in a Dr. Seuss theme and that it was a blessing finding the blanket. I love getting messages like that!
~Clean. The family room has a few "hot spots" that need attention really badly. There is a table that is a catch all and it is over flowing with STUFF. I really would like to get it organized.
Happening this week:
~As I mentioned above, possibly an interview...sometime...for a part time position. Last week, on Wednesday, I had an interview for a fulltime HR Assistant position but I haven't heard anything back.
~Laken missed school pictures and is quite upset at the thought of having a blank space in the year book where her picture is to be. I made arrangements with the photographer to meet at their office (an hour away) so that they can take her picture. That appointment is Thursday at 2pm. It is her Junior year, so I can understand why she wants to be in the year book.
Currently reading:
~I'm doing well with my Bible Reading Plan and Scripture Writing Plan. Other than that, I'm really in a reading slump. I've been spending my spare time working on my etsy shop. I do need to take a break from reality sometimes though so I want a really good book to dig into.
Watching:
Other than a few football games this weekend, I haven't watched much TV. I have been watching youtube videos of a few favorite content creators. How to Faith a Life and Elise Rose Crochet are a few of my favorites.
Listening to:
On the menu today:
Creamed Chip Beef Gravy over Biscuits
In the Craft Basket:
I've made a few more amigurumi toys. Laken requested a bee and Kaylee requested a bunny. I haven't gotten the courage to add any to my shop yet, as I feel that I still need more practice. All I can see are the imperfections. I've worked a bit more on the Think Pink Prayer Shawl and would like to get it finished this week. I've also made a few Love Letter Book Covers and listed them in my shop. I think they are really cute and can't wait to make more in different variations.
Picture from the Camera
I'm going to go out of my comfort zone and show you the bee and bunny I made for my girls. I had a lot of fun making them and learned a ton.
Bible Verse
"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light." Genesis 1:2-3
Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~I haven't written a Tea Time post since before Christmas, so, "How was your Christmas?" We had a busy month leading up to the big day . I felt very unprepared this year. We did our shopping very late and even had a few packages not come in time :( Christmas Day, itself, was kind of quiet and anti-climatic. We had to wake Laken up at 9am to open presents...typical teenager who likes her sleep... Kaylee and Shawn came over for the present opening and then later for dinner. The time between opening presents and Christmas dinner was kind of like a twilight zone. Like I said, very quiet day.
~Happy New Year!!!!! I know it is almost a week late but I do hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day and are enjoying 2024 so far. The hubby was off the week between Christmas and New Year but had to go back to work on Monday night. So, what are your plans for 2024? I'd love to hear!
~I started a new Bible Reading Plan that will take me through the entire Bible in a year. So far, I'm up-to-date and enjoying my quiet time in the Word. I also started a Scripture writing plan for January. The theme is "God is my Refuge". Again, all up-to-date and enjoying it.
~Laken is back to cyber schooling for a while. She got so behind from being sick, having surgery, recovery, strep throat and the "sickness" that we decided it was the best option. She's hoping to head back to in person school for the 4th quarter and is working really hard. I'm super proud of her. She's been through a lot and has been very strong even if she has her moments...
~I re-opened my Etsy Shop: Colletta's Kitchen Sink! I even sold a Dr. Seuss Cat-in-the-Hat inspired baby blanket Saturday morning. So far some of the items I have listed are Prayer Shawls, Baby Blankets, Dishcloths and my newest addition: The Lover Letter Book Cover. I've made a white one and a purple/yellow on so far. I do hope you stop by and check out the shop!
The book sleeve/cover can be made in any color as a custom order.
Right now it has a cute little bow tie to shut the "envelope" but I think I'm going to be on the look out for some cute buttons as well.
The sleeve measures 9.5" X 7" when tied close but there is a good bit of give and can fit most paperbacks and even a kindle if you prefer reading digitally.
I had a lot of fun creating this piece!
The bow can be made in any color as well. I can even make a few different color ties that can be swapped out.
Once Christmas is over, I'm ready for Spring, but apparently I'm going to have to suffer through some winter weather this week with colder temperatures than we've had lately and some snow showers. I really don't mind a bit of snow if we can all stay home and don't have to be traveling in the bad weather.
On today's to-do list:
~Relax for one more day before trying to get back onto a schedule.
~Start my 2024 Bible Reading Plan to read the Bible through in a year.
Happening this week:
~I'm still trying to decide whether to continue as a stay-at-home-mom or try to look for another job. In the meantime, I've opened my ETSY shop back up to keep me busy and my hands occupied while Laken is doing schoolwork. So far I have some dishcloths, shawls and baby blankets listed.
~Laken is starting Cyber School on Tuesday. She got so far behind on her work due to her surgery/recovery and everything that came afterward (strep throat, the "sickness", etc). We had a meeting with her principal and guidance counselor and we all decided that switching to online school was the best option for her. If she gets 50% done with the curriculum by the beginning of the 4th quarter then we can decide if she is going back to in person school to finish out the school year.
Currently reading:
I haven't been reading much. I downloaded a few Christmas themed books in early December and didn't read even a word. I did get the following two books with an Amazon gift card I received and they have the cutest patterns and stories to go along with the characters. I can't wait to try my hand at one.
~I've set a reading "goal" this year to read at least 15 minutes a day. I really should pick out a book (other than the Bible) to start the year off. Any suggestions?
Watching:
We've been watching a decent amount of TV lately. Of course, I had to keep my annual tradition alive and watch "White Christmas" (which we did NOT have). We also watched the newest "Indiana Jones" movie and also "23 Blast" which was really good. I've also been watching a ton of amigurumi tutorials and vlogs about crocheting toys on Youtube.
My current works in progress that I'd like to get finished within the next few days are a Think Pink Prayer Shawl and a set of pastel variegated dishcloths. I've also been dabbling in amigurumi and have made a little sea turtle, a little chicken and a little octopus. I wanted to get some practice in the crochet techniques used in amigurumi before I start attempting any projects from the above books I received. I can't wait!!!
Picture from the Camera
My very first attempt at crocheting a plushie/stuffed animal :)
Bible Verse
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
I mentioned in my last post that I've reopened my Etsy Shop and that I want to learn how to crochet plushies and amigurumi. My very first attempt was Fred the Sea Turtle by CJ Designs.
The pattern is free on CJ Designs website but can also be purchased in PDF form in their etsy shop.
Look at that wee little tail!!!
The pattern was well written and easy to follow. The pattern calls for a chunky yarn but I'm trying to use only yarn that I already have, so I used a Medium (4) yarn and hooks in sizes 3.75mm and 4.25mm.
I don't have any safety eyes, so I embroidered the eyes on with black yarn. (In a way, I like it better this way as I was always fearful of those safety eyes falling off when my girls were littles.)
My very first foray into the amigurumi world is complete and I think he is super cute!
What do think? After some more practice, should I add him to my Etsy shop? (be gentle...lol)
After much deliberation, I've decided to re-open my Etsy shop!!!!
I was going to wait until January 1st, but I just couldn't help myself from listing a few items that I've already made.
Some of my listed items so far are dishcloths, prayer shawls and baby blankets.
I definitely want to get some better pictures for the listings and also add new listings.
I'd love to learn how to crochet plushies and amigurumi.
Is there anything else you think I should add to my shop? I'd love to hear from you!
BTW, I've created a coupon for my blogland audience. You can use the following coupon code for 10% off your entire order: BLOG10
Please go check out Colletta's Kitchen Sink shop at https://collettaskitchensink.etsy.com and let me know what you think, what ideas you have and what you think I should add.
Many Christian women find great encouragement and joy in and through women's Bible studies. However, popular Bible teacher Jen Wilkin is concerned that sometimes we let our emotions rule our study of Scripture and forget that the Bible is primarily about God, not us. Challenging hungry women to go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will help you refocus your efforts on feeding your mind first and foremost. Whether you're young or old, married or single, this accessible volume will energize and equip you for Bible study aimed at transforming both the heart and mind.
My Thoughts:
Wow, it has been FOREVER since I finished reading a book or written a book review! January 2023 as a matter of fact.
I purchased this book off Amazon after watching Jen Wilkin on "How to Faith a Life"'s podcast. (I'll share it below.) I was thoroughly impressed with Jen's knowledge and passion for women to really study the Word of God.
I enjoyed reading this book as I am attempting to read my Bible through in a year in 2024. I've read the Bible through many times but this time I want to really study and apply what I'm reading.
Jen does a great job of teaching the Five P's of studying.
1. Study with Purpose
2. Study with Perspective
3. Study with Patience
4. Study with Process
5. Study with Prayer
She then pulls it all together with an example study of the book of James.
I had set myself a goal of reading one chapter a day but found that I always wanted more at the end of one chapter. When I found that I wanted to keep reading, I was so excited! I ended up finishing the book within a few days.
I definitely recommend "Women of the Word" and look forward to reading more books by Jen Wilkin in the future.
As promised above, here is Faith's podcast with Jen:
We're pretty much on the mend from "the sickness" except for Laken who tends to have viruses settle in her lungs due to having asthma. The on-call provider called her in a steroid to bolster her lungs on Saturday but I'm still going to call her regular provider today. I just would feel better if she's seen by the provider and has a listen to her lungs. Just to be safe. I worry about that girl!
The weather outside is:
For some reason, the 7 day forecast for my area still has the weekend weather. It must not have updated yet for the week ahead. There was a drastic drop in temperature today and now it is spitting snow along with the rain. It has rained ALL day long. The week ahead doesn't look bad though!
On today's to-do list:
~Call Laken's healthcare provider to try to have her seen today.
~Pick up my contacts that I ordered weeks ago from my eye doctor. I just haven't taken the time to stop by and get them.
~Write Christmas Cards
~Clean house
Happening this week:
~Tuesday evening is our Ladies Class Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange. Laken and I still need to wrap the present for the gift exchange. I pray that she is feeling better by then. She will be heartbroken if she can't go.
~I have a check-up with my healthcare provider on Wednesday. She's going to want to recheck my A1C as it was borderline pre-diabetic last time I had my routine blood work done. I have been terrible about trying to make any changes to my diet though.
~Continue reading a chapter a day of the Gospel According to Luke. I've been doing fairly well with staying on track!
Currently reading:
I took a break from reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. I'm undecided if I'll finish it or not. I guess time will tell. I've been digging into "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin. I'm well over halfway through it and I just started it a day or two ago.
Watching:
The hubby watched the new Transformers movie Saturday evening. I had no interest in watching it so I caught up on some youtubers that I follow. "How to Faith a Life" had a live chat and Q&A going on so I cleaned my desk area while watching/listening.
Listening to:
On the menu today:
Creamed Chip Beef on Toast
In the Craft Basket:
Here is the No Name/No Recipient Blanket that I finished a few weeks ago. I wanted to show you a picture as promised last week.
Picture from the Camera
Bible Verse
"While they were still talking about his, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you'." Luke 24:36
1) In this song, a tall, handsome man asks Taylor Swift to drive away with him to escape the crowds. Where were you headed when you most recently got behind the wheel?
I was actually headed home from the auto repair shop with my vehicle after it was repaired from hitting a deer while taking Laken to school.
2) She sings about memories of a romance that just "follow you around." Is anyone special on your mind this morning? (It doesn't have to be a romantic partner.)
My SIL is having some health issues and has been on my mind a lot lately.
3) The lyrics reference sunset. Now that it gets dark earlier, do you find yourself watching the sun set more often?
No, no really. It is usually dark before I even realize it!
4) The video for this song takes place on a movie set. Swift said it was inspired by tales of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton embarking on a love affair while co-starring in Cleopatra. Elizabeth and Richard fell in love in Rome, while this video was filmed outside of Gaborone, Botswana. In your wildest dreams, which of these exotic locales would you rather visit: Rome or Gaborone?
Rome, by a long shot!
5) In homage to Elizabeth Taylor, Swift went from blonde to brunette for the video. Do you have an appointment with a stylist between now and year end?
I do not have an appointment with my stylist set up but I do need to call and schedule one as I'm due for a trim.
6) Both Taylors (Swift and Elizabeth) often wore the color purple. What color dominates your wardrobe?
Black and gray are the colors that most dominate my wardrobe although I have a lot of floral print blouses.
7) In the video, Taylor Swift's leading man is Scott Eastwood, son of Clint. Though not as famous as his dad, Scott works steadily and has more than 30 TV and movie credits. Can you think of another second-generation performer who followed his or her parent into show business?
Nobody is coming to mind at the moment, but I would definitely like to see more of Scott Eastwood. I saw him in "The Longest Ride" and loved it!
8) In 2014, when "Wildest Dreams" topped the charts, Paul McCartney had to reschedule tour dates so he could recover from a bout with the flu. How are you feeling this morning? Any coughs, sneezes, sniffles?
My entire household is recovering from a nasty "virus".
9) Random question: How many different zip codes have you lived in throughout your life?
3
Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!
