Finished Projects

It always feels good to finish a project.  My problem is that is feels better to start a new one, so I always have many going on and don't finish them as quickly as I'd like to.

But this past week I've really been focusing on finishing and I thought I'd share my little accomplishments.

I started with this multicolor crocheted hat

 made from I Love This Yarn which is very soft.

But the hat needed more...

so I made a pair of fingerless gloves.

 

 Really easy to do!

I'll be making more of these.

 See how nice they look?

Another unfinished project was this scarf.

 I had bought this really expensive yarn that's like ribbon yarn,

nearly impossible to use unless you're an expert

which I am not.

So I added a soft, beige yarn and knit the two together.

 It turned out much better than the photo.

The last project was another little hat for my sweet Sarah.

 Made of the softest pink and white yarn I could find.

She seems to like it:-)

Now time to go back to some basket making!

                   Until next time...

                       Terri

My gift arrived!

Oh my goodness!  Yesterday the package arrived with the giveaway I won during the Grow Your Blog Party.  For someone who usually doesn't win things, this was quite a treat!

Marrianna from Red Dancer Studio gave away an absolutely beautiful vintage beaded bag.  It looked quite lovely in her blog post photo, but when I unwrapped it and took it out of the pretty heart paper, it took my breath away!

This little bag is completely decorated with clear crystals that pick up colors of light. You can see some of the different colors. They change and sparkle as the light hits them.

The top is metal, maybe pewter, along with the chain, which makes it quite heavy.  Not a flimsy bag at all!

And look at the bead work on the bottom! Just amazing!

Thank you so much, Marrianna, for having such a lovely giveaway! 

I am one lucky lady:-) and am looking forward to a night on the town next week with my honey to show this pretty piece off!


          Until next time...
              Terri

And the winner is...!!! Winners are...!!!

All I can say is WOW what a party!  I've been so busy visiting that I haven't had time to write. Again, thank you Vicki, for organizing this event:-)

I have stopped by so many sites during the past two weeks. It's been kind of like being at an outlet mall of blogs.  I wandered by each one and window shopped. Some I went in and spent some time, maybe even leaving a comment.  For many, I made a figurative purchase and bought the blog (became a follower)!  I have discovered so many interesting, creative folks and new friends that it's a bit overwhelming.  And the fun continues as I get to read new posts each day!

But now for the giveaway!!!

In keeping with the spirit of the party and seeing some of the marvelous giveaways from others, I decided to give a surprise and have two drawings!  The first winner selected will get to pick the color of the headband they would like and I will whip one up just for you!  The second winner will get the headband shown in the post!

This is the first time (but not the last) that I have had a giveaway and I must say I've had logistical troubles trying to figure out the best way to do this.  Guess I should have asked others how they did the selection process, but too late now.  I wanted to be absolutely random in the selection, so I wrote down everyone's name that left a comment. I numbered each one. There were 65!

I then wrote the numbers on a sheet of paper, cut them in to individual pieces and put them in a baggie

The final step was to have someone pick two numbers out of the baggie and voila... winners!


So......(drum roll, please).....

The winner of the pick your own color headband is #21 Kelly @CCC!!!
Email me with your color pick and I'll get started:-)

And the winner of the ivory headband is #41 Hilary!!!

Thank you to all who stopped by and left such nice comments! And congratulations to the winners!  I really hope you enjoy these:-) 

Don't forget to email me your mailing address so I can send them to each of you.

Until next time…

       Terri

Welcome to the Party!

Thanks so much to Vicki for hosting this wonderful Grow Your Blog Party!

And thank YOU for visiting!

I'm fairly new to blogging, so am still learning how everything works.  But I am enjoying meeting new folks and learning about their interests and hobbies. 

So about me...

Basically, I am a basket maker, knitter, photographer with a travel habit.

I love designing and creating unique baskets and jewelry out of long leaf pine needles. Several of my baskets have won ribbons at the Florida State Fair. 

I just completed my latest entry.  I am hoping it will win a ribbon, but regardless, I have a great spot for it on my coffee table.

As you can imagine, baskets take a remarkably long time to make, and most I make to keep or as gifts. But there are a few that I place in my Etsy shop, Pine Designs.  

I went to China a few years ago on a mission trip and that inspired me to turn my basket making into a ministry.  When I do sell something the money is used to help support missionaries in China.  I hope you will visit the shop sometime and take a look.

~

My other favorite pasttime is knitting (and crochet) and, like many of my fellow knitters, I always have a few projects in process.  I am blessed to have three beautiful grandchildren and enjoy spoiling them with a few handmade items.

I belong to a knitting group and we make warm items such as hats, headbands, scarves, etc. to donate each year.  It's fun to share ideas and get new ones!  I try to make each piece a little bit different so no two are exactly alike.

This headband is one of my creations.

And I made it to give to one of you!

It looks white but is actually a cream color.  I enjoy making these since they're perfect for the little nip in the air we get in north Florida.  The flower is tied on and can be removed if preferred. 

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post! 

 ***The winner does not have to have a blog -- anyone can enter -- anyone can win - regardless of where you live.***  

The winner will be drawn on February 1, 2013 and will be announced here!  

~

I've been married for over 35 years and we enjoy traveling.  We are always looking for new places to explore. When we travel I enjoy sharing our adventures and photos to anyone interested or will sit still for a few minutes.  In fact, that's why I started this blog:-) 

The following photos are from our 35 anniversary trip to Europe last year.  You can check out the entire trip in past posts.

Paris

London

Westminster Abbey

Germany

Venice

It was a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.  

Now where to go next....???

~

So that's it about me.  Hope you will leave a comment so I'll know who you are and can visit you too!

 

Until next time ~

        Terri

Finished!

Finished at last!!!

After more hours than I want to think about, my pine needle basket is finally done!

It doesn't look that big in the photos, but it is about 14" in diameter.

The two tones are made from long leaf pine needles and the

lighter color is sweet grass.

I used dark brown waxed thread on the pine needles and for the wrapped rows

and a natural color on the sweetgrass.

If you look closely you can see the stitch design.

Different stitches give different results.  I wanted to create a pattern.

The agate center is very eye catching.

Now it's off to the judges at the State Fair.

Will keep you posted:-)

                       

                      Until next time ~

                             Terri



Twas the night before Christmas...

and all through our home

the presents were growing

there's no place to roam.

The teddy bears sit by the fire and wait

to see if St. Nicolas will not hesitate

to visit this house and three tiny grand-tots

and their Nana who loves them, lots and lots!

But lest we forget, in the joy of the day

the reason for the season, asleep in the hay.

from my home to yours ~

Merry Christmas

Terri