Wednesday, March 26, 2014

We Survived!

Well, it was a crazy, cold camping trip but we did it! My hubby wanted to stay another night but on the second night, I woke up mumbling/complaining about the cold and he heard me so we left the next day.  It was definitely an experience I'll remember...being freezing! I was like a lizard during the day following the sun, trying to get warm.  There was also no water there, which we didn't know about.  Luckily for us, there were some older campers who were very kind and gave us water from their warm motor homes. On the last day though, we had to use creek water, boiled of course, to sustain us until we got back into Sechelt.  The water was very clear and crisp yet one can't take risks and should always boil water in case of parasites.  I managed to get a fire going on the second night which is a small feat considering the damp woods all around us.  I found dry kindling and we sprinkled some fuel to get it going.  I was very proud of my spring fire! We made a good choice in leaving that day for the very next, the coast had a downpour of cold rain.  Phew!! 


The trip over to the Sunshine coast

Sunset at Porpoise Bay

Morning sun at the Estuary
Rising sun



Frosted seaweed




Sea Snake!!

Hairy trees
I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do since my hands were so cold!! Very thankful for warmth now :D

Stitching Stuff and Conundrums    

Since I've been back, I made some progress on my projects however, I'm feeling stuck on my granny stripe.  When reading the instructions for the granny stripe, I found another post of Lucy's stating that it would be good to make the chain loose or use a larger gauge for the starting chain. Hummmmm....that's not what I did and so now, my granny stripe has a slight curve from the chain.  I'm not sure what to do.  Do I rip all my progress out or hold onto hope that the curve will "straighten" itself out?  Calling all crocheters for help!!  It's hard to tell in the photo but there is a definite curve.



I think ripping it out would have to happen now instead of adding more then deciding to rip....it's just so hard to think about counting 240 chains again!! That gave me a headache!

Quilting conundrums...I pulled out my quilt and measured, cut, pinned and sewed the first border the other day.  The second border, which was going to be 4 inches, is now going to be larger in order to cover our bed.  I think I have enough fabric for the border and the back but even if I don't, I'll improvise.  My conundrum is whether to hand quilt or machine quilt.  Machine quilting would mean I could only go in straight lines, which would be okay, but boring.  Hand quilting would allow me to be more creative and do swirls and things....yet it would take an age especially with all my other projects on the go.  I know I'll make the right choice for me in the end however, I can't visualize it at this moment!! The putting the quilt together part is still a bit of a mystery to me...hopefully when I get to that point the mystery will be revealed!


The brown border

The red fabric which will be the border and the back
Stitching, oh how I love you! If problems arise, I always (usually!) know what to do.  Thankfully, with stitching, I haven't had any conundrums...just pure, wonderful stitching.  I am happy to say that all of my little packages arrived to their owners.  I crocheted a little mug cozy for Mouse as a thank you for the 123stitch GC.  These little cozies are so easy to hook up and send on their merry way.  


Photo borrowed from  Mouse!
The little BBD pincushion I stitched for Shirlee arrived safely too.  I stitched it on 40 ct. Linen using a mix of DMC and GAST threads.  It's from the Agnes Platt's Strawberry Sampler book.  It was a fun one to stitch with some specialty stitches sprinkled in for variety.


Photo borrowed from Shirlee although my watermark showed up??
My spring biscornu made it all the way to the UAE!! Sarah loved the package and we both enjoyed doing this private exchange together.  Again I had to borrow photos from her to show you...sigh...next time I'll remember!!





The biscornu design is a spring biscornu freebie from Ancsanaplo.  I used 28ct Baby blue lugana with a mixture of WDW, Dinky Dyes Silk and Carrie's Creations threads. I chose the colours to represent the beautiful tulips of spring. 

Before I sign off, I wanted to show the progress I've made on Knotgarden and...wait for it....TEA BATH FAIRY!! My hubby again said "Why don't you give her some love and stitch on her tonight?"  So I did.  I pulled her out and am slowly filling in all the baby pink in the cup before I complete it with that wonderful stuff called Kreinik...Not!!! You can probably barely tell any difference but there has been about 2-3 hours put in filling in that pink!





Oh, and I got my love birds finally framed.  It's not the best DIY framing job, but it will do.






I feel like I have more to say...I'm sorry if it's been too long of a post! 

I just want to say to all of those who have joined my blog, and to those that I wish to join their blogs...that I CAN'T.  Google/Blogger are at odds and so am I.  For whatever reason, I can no longer join blogs and this is actually a problem for a few people.  You can read about it here. I also don't have any blogs on my reader list for some reason.  When I click on the settings, all of you are there, but not in the feed part.  Feedly is back to working for me so I can add people there...just can't be an actual follower on blogs...very sad and irritating.  

Take care everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this post! I know it's a long one!!


Hugs

Anne

42 comments:

cucki said...

Beautiful post with so many sweet pictures..
Great stitching xx

Vickie said...

So glad to know you are home and thawed out! Love the Sea Snake picture. ;)
I don't crochet. Love the colors though. Hope you get advice.
I am looking forward to Unction on the eve of Palm Sunday.

Linda said...

Great post Anne. Loved all the pics.
I would rip the blanket out and do the chain with a larger hook before you go any further.

Linda

Melissa said...

What an adventure camping! I can feel the chill in my bones just reading about it though the photos say it was a beautiful trip as well.

You are one busy crafty gal, that's all I can say. I see lots of lovely things on the go. I hope you have an enjoyable rest of Spring Break!

Take care!

woolwoman said...

wow - I can't believe being that cold and having no water on your camping trip. good thing someone took pity on ya'll. I have so many problems with blogger, I'm not surprised something else has cropped up. I have not try to become a new follower lately but I'm sure I'd have issues. Personally I would probably keep going on the crochet. you can block out quite a bit of problems with both knitting and crochet but if you can bear to pull it out - might be best to get off on the right foot er hook. good luck with that - Mel

Barb said...

You have so many beautiful projects going!!! I hand quilted a queen size quilt some years ago. It took 8 years!!!! That's why I gave up quilting and took up stitching! For my DH's first B-day in the Pacific NW, I took him to the sunshine coast. What a lovely place. We stayed in a great Band B. I know, we are whimps!!!! I loved your pictures!

Lulu said...

You really took some beautiful photos of nature while on your camping trip. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip. I had the same problem with my blanket I ended up pulling it out because I knew I wouldn't be happy and the result is so much better I went up a hook size for the starting chain and did the first rows of dc very loosely it just looks better

marly said...

What a beautiful place. Too bad it wasn't a little warmer! But you came home safe and sound so that's good.

marly said...

What a beautiful place. Too bad it wasn't a little warmer! But you came home safe and sound so that's good.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

I am glad you survived your camping experience. I've been camping only twice, and it's not my thing. Loved all your nature photos, your gifts and your WIPs! I'm glad you brought up the problems with Blogger--this explains why I can't follow new blogs!

Rowyn said...

Hopefully the beautiful scenery made up for how cold it was on your camping trip. Gorgeous photos.

Your post is full of beautiful stitching, crochet and quilting!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photography! "Rising Sun" is stunning!!

Tama said...

Your projects all look great! Sometimes you can fix a 'starting curve' by putting a border around the entire finished afghan - works about 75% of the time, 95% if you put a few extra stitches on that side. Or, if your yarn is wool or a wool blend, it will block out. If it's acrylic, it will eventually straighten out with use but you'll see it for a while. The heavier your afghan is, the quicker it will vanish. The weight of the project will straighten the curve.

Sarah in Stitches said...

Beautiful camping pictures, Anne! And all your stitching/crochet/quilting looks beautiful :D I had the same problem trying to join blogs, and I figured out a way by going to the Blogger dashboard and adding the blogs manually there (copy/pasting the URLs into it). Hope that helps!

Chris said...

Your trip looks like it was cold!! Very pretty though.
I am sorry to hear about the project conundrums and I hope that they work themselves out soon.
Lovely stitching and such sweet RAKs you sent out.
Hugs to you and sweet Titus.

Mii Stitch said...

Looks like you had a beautiful trip with very scenic views!... Although, it did look very cold on some pictures :) I have noticed this problem too on my desk pc. However, when I try to follow people on my Kindly (reading tablet) it does work... So strange!! Take care & I love that sweet biscornu you made for Sarah!!

Margaret said...

Ok, there was frost on the ground and you were camping? Brrrrr! Too cold for me! I remember camping once when it was cold, but I doubt it was THAT cold. lol! Lovely pics of your trip. Lovely stitching and quilting and crocheting! I have the same problem with quilts -- hand quilting or machine quilting. If it's machine quilting, I need to find a machine quilter -- and money. lol! Good luck with the crochet. I've only crocheted once in my life so I won't be any help to you.

♥ Nia said...

What an adventure!!! :D
Ohhh how fun to see that biscornu! Because I've stitched that same one with different colors.. 4 years ago! Heheheh fun to see it now made by another stitcher with a different color scheme :)
Your love birds look perfect :D

Shirlee said...

John & I went camping for one night in the dead of winter once. Just slept on the ground in a sleeping bag next to a fire. Thanks for the good memories : ) I can't help with your crochet question but I sure like the look of those 2 colors together! The quilt top looks lovely. Hand quilting will indeed take time. Machine quilting doesn't have to be just straight lines but it's a pain either way. Have you ever thought of having someone else machine quilt it? I've done that with a few of my quilts & was happy with the results. Lovely things you've stitched/given/are stitching : )

Tricia T said...

Gorgeous stitching, Anne! Could you direct me to the pattern for the mug cozy? I think my daughter would enjoy making some of those for Christmas!!

Tricia
The Stamper's Stitches

geeky Heather said...

Oooooo, you are a better woman than me camping in that frostiness! You have done some lovely stitching!! Sorry I can't really help with crochet, except to say that if it is a 100% wool yarn, it will probably wet block straight. You could actually try blocking it now, and then rip if it doesn't straighten out like you want.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

Lovely campimg photos,glad you have thawed out!
I have never quilted,so I am in awe of anyone who does quilt.Looking forward to seeing your quilting decisions.
Lovely stitching,you Tea Bath Fairy is such a delicate colour.

Annie said...

That camping trip sounds way too rustic for my taste! I'll take a luxury hotel suite any day! ;-)

I always have that problem with starting chains. I look for patterns that don't need them! Have you tried the Doris Chen's Foundation single crochet technique?

Hand quilting really sounds like an enormous task, but you seem to like big and small projects so go for it if you are really in the mood.

Lots of lovely stitching and goodies for eye candy today!

Carol said...

You are a brave and hearty soul, Anne! I can't imagine dealing with the cold let alone having to drink boiled water. I would be sure there were still parasites in it :)

Your quilt has such lovely colors--that is something I've always wanted to learn to do, but just haven't found the time. Maybe when I retire...

Love what you made for Shirlee and the biscornu just screams "Spring." And you know I'm in awe of your Tea Bath Fairy--good luck with the Kreinik. I avoid it at all costs :)

That is weird that you are having trouble with people joining your blog... Blogger is so strange how it gives different people different issues!

Have a relaxing weekend, my friend :)

Stitching Noni said...

Wow, you have been busy with stitching and stuff! Goodness me!
So glad you survived the cold camping trip.... lovely photos :o)
And it is lovely to see the little Tea Bath Fairy popping in to say hi again :o)
Big hugs xx

Brigitte said...

Those pictures from your camping trip are so great but one can see how cold it was, lol. Good that you survived it without getting something serious, lol.

You made some wonderful gifts for your friends. I love that BBD pillow with the beautiful flower bouquet. I think I have that book somewhere in my stash. I'll have to go and search for it because this little design is so beautiful that I want to stitch it, too.
Great progress on your WIPs.

A wonderful quilt that you were working on. I don't know if I would try hand-quilting, I admire all the quilters who do. Hand-quilted pieces look so gorgeous but they just take long to be finished. I'm curious to see what you will decide.

I can follow blog up to 300 blog, then blogger tells me that I can't take on any more. I'm very grateful that feedly doesn't have such a limit and I can add as many blogs into my reader as I want to. But of course these blogs only show in my reading list. I don't show as a follower on these blogs.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Can't help with the crochet/quilting conundrums but I can give a clue on the following issue - try using a different device! I can only follow new blogs using my iPad not the PC.

Weird or what?

Anyway, the camping looks like my worst nightmare although the scenery is beautiful!

Shirlee's pincushion is divine, I saw it on her blog the other day.

Melanie said...

That..........is not my kind of camping. lol SUCH beautiful photos though!!!!! :)

The quilt is lovely. I'm sure you'll do right by it in the end!

I just about lost my mind over that biscornu. So adorable and perfectly 'springy' with the colors you used. ARRRRRRRGH! I might have to add that one to the 'list' of things to do. :)

rosey175 said...

How did you remain ungrumpy! It must be because it was absolutely beautiful!

All of your projects feel like spring, even the endless pink teacup! :D I cannot provide any help on the crochet -- I can almost do a single chain now ehehehe.

I do the manual add by copy-posta-ing the URL in blogger dashboard. I will have to check out feedly though; I am STILL not seeing all followers in my reading list. It's difficult to pinpoint who is missing because they'll show up one day and not the next... so I assume there wasn't a post that day! Come on blogger, get your act together!

ricketyjo said...

Beautiful photos and lovely stitching!

Giovanna said...

Wonderful pictures! And great stitching too - love that biscornu.

Annette said...

Your advanture it's looking great!!
You must had a blast of a time!!
And cold.. brrrr!!!
And that all those progress pieces!!
Awesome!!!
Really beautiull
Your biscornu is awesome!!
have a great week with many stitching and crochet!!
I havne't done a things in a week ;((

msmartello said...

Hi Anne,

msmartello said...

Hi Anne,
I am a new follower to your blog. Great job on your DIY framing. I frame all my stitching b/c I can't afford to have it framed by someone else. I do less framing these days and more sewing for finishing. I just wanted to tell you that I had that same problem with blogger and I was frustrated. I then couldn't post pictures and everyone I asked didn't know why so that was the last straw. I switched to wordpress and it has been great.
Take Care
Maureen

Solstitches said...

What beautiful pictures of your trip. The rising sun one is especially lovely. It sounds as though it was a bit of an endurance test though!
I love the BD pillow and the biscornu.
Nice work on the crochet and quilting too.
Margaret

Valma said...

WOW ! your pictures are always so beautiful !!!
I'm not a great fan of camping (in fact...not a fan at all :D) but this place seems to be so beautiful that I would do an exception :)
and beautiful beautiful very beautiful pieces done :D
Love birds is perfect in that frame ;)
and your biscornu is so sweet
a very great post :D
Have a wonderful weekend
xxxx

The Maiden said...

I am glad you survived the cold and could bring us lovely photos of your trip! I say rip away, usually the curve does not rectify (which is why I have little patience for crochet or knitting). The quilt looks great, I keep thinking I need to pull out my sewing machine... there are a cute purse patterns I want to try! I have been having problems with blogger as well, I keep getting all these errors, but at least I can still post.

Julie said...

Well done on surviving the camping trip.
Lots of lovely gifts you have made and sent out.

JennyPennyPoppy said...

A great post with super pics. Hope all your blog problems get solved. Your biscornu is beautifully stitched and lovely and very spring looking :)

Meari said...

Wow, so much to comment on. :)

I can empathize with you about not liking camping when it's cold. Not fun. Although, you did see some pretty sites.

Wonderful gifties you received. I really like the biscornu. I'll have to check out that design.

Beautiful stitching... your projects always look so nice.

Meari said...

P.S. Love Birds looks great in that frame.