Big T's Blog!!

For any of you interested in getting to know my fiance, please hop on over and check out his new blog. Give him some extra love. He's a wonderful writer, and I'm so insanely happy to get a chance to finally know what is happening in his brain. ;o)

Check out Big T!

Weekend Projects!

This weekend, I finally finished my new brights blanket. I really love it! My sister pointed out just how easy it would be to keep all the blankets we make, but we just don't have the space!



Also pictured above are the new awesome soap savers I made for me and Big T. Big T has started a blog, by the way! He's one of my followers, listed as jables1985, so check him out. I'm sure he is much different than you ever imagined.



Also, I finished up the leg warmers for my new friend in Ireland, Micki. I shipped them out today and can't wait for her to get them. I made up the patter myself. It can really only be used with super bulky yarn, though. If you'd like the pattern, just let me know. I'm happy to share, but I'm short on time here.



I had a great weekend. I spent time with all my wonderful lady friends, coming within inches of my life as I stared a semi straight in the face whilst my older, wiser sister took a left turn when it was in fact not her turn and also when I became so short of breath after a serious bout of laughter during another of our lengthy conversations about lady parts! We visited the mall and a few craft stores, made little to no actual purchases, and yet, we had a fantastic time together. I hope they are all ready for my bachelorette party in less than a month!!



Anyway, I hate to be so short with you, but for those of you attention challenged, this short post is a gift to you. You know who you are!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Well, in my recent outburst of emotion, I have had a few new comers stop by. I am only sorry that their first impression of me was in my desperate cry for help. However, a very sweet lady actually made a purchase in my store. She bought my stitch markers!


I absolutely cannot tell you how ecstatic it makes me to know that people are looking into my store and actually liking things enough to buy them. This is truly a dream come true, a dream I truly was unsure would ever become a reality. I could honestly cry because I am so happy people have chosen to buy from me...ME! A year ago, I was just a beginner crocheter, not having a clue how I would ever use my new found skill...especially in the state I was in with uneven edges and sloppy stitches, and today, I am selling things that I have created with my own hands. It is such a wonderful feeling.


Thanks again for checking my store and following along in my blog. It feels so nice to have a support system of people who are so caring toward someone they haven't even met.

Any Special Requests?

If anyone out there has anything they would like me to try to crochet for them, I would love the opportunity. My Etsy Shop is going to become our extra income while my fiance is jobless. If you know anyone who needs or even just wants anything, please pass my name along.


I know I'm sounding ridiculously desperate, but out of desperation comes many masterpieces.


Please pass along the name KMB Studio to anyone you know that wants some hand made gifts. I do jewelry and crochet items, and I can knit beginner items.


I would really appreciate your help and prayers right now. Thanks, all!

Emotional Uproar

Today my fiance was given the news that he no longer has a job...


I feel anxious...


When I found out, I cried and shook...


My stomach is all tied up in knots right now...


He's already filling out an application for a new job and planning on going to the unemployment office tomorrow...


He's ok...


I feel so sad for him...


He didn't deserve to get laid off...


He's such a hard worker. He doesn't miss days unless he's practically dying. He does what he's told and rarely ask questions. He doesn't complain. He gives it his all. He gets along with his co-workers.


It's not really his dream, though...


He doesn't really like the job, though...


It really is time for something new...


With so much change in our lives right now, I suppose it is time for that area of our lives to change as well.


I also just checked my e-mail...


I received a one line e-mail from an old friend...


She was just dropping by to say hello...


I think I will always love that friend...


I still have dreams about her and think about her a lot...


My heart is still hurt, though...


I'm still feeling a little jaded...


There's too much else happening in life right now to try to pick up the pieces...


I'm glad she said hello, though...


I'm glad she didn't try to push me...


I'm glad she kept it simple...


I'm glad she still thinks of me...


Only God knows how this will all play out...


Only God knows why both things happened today...


Only God knows...


Only God knows...


I feel better knowing...that only God knows.

I can't believe it is done!

The blanket I made per special request is finally finished, not that it really took long. I am so happy with it, and I am actually jealous of it. I never would have though to make it out of such bright and fun colors. I always paly it safe, and making this blanket has helped to inspire some new jewelry ideas as well as pushing me to get out of my box and start using some more color!


I think my boss will be very happy with this blanket. I hope so anyway! I really can't wait to get started on some new projects, though. My sister and I are going to be having our very first booth sale in August, and my list of items is just not big enough to fill half of a 15'x15' space! I have about three weeks to really boost my stock. Wish me luck!!

The Irish Give Away

I just heard about the Irish Give Away Over at Irish Muse. She is giving away some quilting fabric, a quilting magazine, a tote, and a few other authentic Irish things I'm sure I could find a use for.

Since my dream of an Irish Honeymoon was squelched due to lack of money, I would be really excited to win this gift package. I could just hold on to it and imagine we were there. If you are interested, go check it out as well. You can get up to five entries!

Good Luck!

This quilt is screaming my name!

I have to have this wonderful quilt! I mean...the only problem is that...its a kit...and its not assembled yet...and I don't like sewing...but its perfect for me!! I know people who sew! I could pay them to sew it for me!! Please, please, please enter to win this quilt kit and say that you heard about it from me so I can have more entries. Please!! I am not below begging. It matches my bedroom so well, and I have had the same blankets, the same Wal-Mart blankets....well only for like 3 years, but still, it matches perfectly. It would be a fantastic accessory to my blanket, and can't you just imagine me, sitting in bed, knitting or crocheting away, knitting or crocheting something for a give away if you help me this one, with this lovely quilt covering up my legs?


So, run over to Kati Cupcake and check out the giant picture of this quilt and enter to win it. Good luck!!

Look what I got today!!

I am in love! I loved the little ribbon. I love that the lotion bar is shaped like a flower. I love how much you get for such a great price, and I love that it is VEGAN. I also love that it actually works the way it supposed. I haven't gotten a chance to use the soap yet, but I love the lotion so far. I have heard great things about the soap as well.


I also think it is a really great marketing idea to send a sample of another product with the order. I hope you all check out this lady's store on Etsy. Please jump over to TGurleyBathandBody and see her great soaps and lotions. It is a great product. The scents are wonderful, and the prices are truly guilt free!

Thanks, Tracey!!

And the squares are blocked!

I finished all the squares as of this morning. I washed the 11 that were done last night, and I stretched and shaped them onto this piece of cardboard. Then I spent at least half an hour pinning them down into the shapes and places they need to be. It was a lot of work, but I could not be happier about this blanket! The edges are straight, the seams are lined up, and now I just have to sew them that way.


My fiance's mom is the one who told me about this technique of blocking. I am so glad she did, too. I didn't get my squares blocked correctly on my first afghan, so my seams are crooked. It drives me crazy, but I didn't really know what I was doing then, either.

Isn't just gorgeous?

A Blog Friend's Etsy Ventures!

Ok everyone, I know we are all capable of making someone feel loved through this blog-o-sphere. I have felt and witnessed many people banding together as one for many different reasons. So today, I would like us all to band together for a fun reason! My friend Marcia runs the blog Ant Knit here on blogger, as well as a few others that you can find on her blog. In the past months as I have gotten to know her just through the blog world, I have seen her great talent in knitting and crochet, and I have also been witness to her big heart. She is a very charitable lady, and if you recall, when my sister over at My Crazy Kids!! and I were participating in a charity event of our own, making up over 100 winter hats for a local children's home, Marcia actually made up some hats for us and mailed them from halfway across the country, simply out of the kindness of her heart. She really is great lady, and I'm glad to have met her.

Therefore, I would like to help her out a little bit. Marcia has joined the forces on Etsy and started her own shop. She doesn't know I'm posting this right now, but I would really love it if you would check out her blog, leave her a little love tap, and also head over to her store and she what she has to offer. I am personally in love with the Sherbet Water Bottle Sling! So, lets all band together for something fun and give a little love to Marcia over at her store Girlmama, crocheting the days away...

Have fun! Congratulations Marcia and started a new venture in life! :o)

The Bright Blanket to Match the Bright Personality.

I wish there was a way to really give you guys a better idea of just how much fun this blanket is. As you can see, I have just one more square to go before I get to start the blocking process and hopefully start sewing this weekend! I know it sounds like I'm excited about this sewing business...I am not. I am just so excited to see the finished project and see my customer's reaction when it is done.

For those of you who do not know, this is going to most likely be my first sale through my Etsy store at KMB Studio. It is also my very first ever special request. If you couldn't tell,this is the very same blanket I made for myself with the customers chosen colors. She said she liked how each square was different and that clashing was OK. She just wants bright colors to go with her leather furniture.

It has honestly been so much fun making this blanket, and it has been so much easier the second time around. I am a little bit jealous that her blanket looks better than mine, but that is for two reasons. One, it is for someone else, and my OCD kicks in when I know someone is paying for it. Two, I know what I'm doing this time around. I've got the skills tucked away in my brain now!

Stay tuned for the finished project, which I promise will be much sooner than the first time around!

A Brand New Caaaar...(Do it in that annoying game show host voice!)

Oh yeah! Look who is drvin' a sweet new ride!! Take a gander at my amazing, beautiful, lovely 1991 Buick Park Avenue. It is carrying a V6 engine, 3800, which should be practically indispensable, but I'm knocking on wood anyway, I mean if I really knocked on wood. haha!

My fiance's dad was able to talk the owner's down to $300.00! It needed a new fender, on the front left side. It needed a new light socket on the front left as well. They thought it needed a new alternator, but so far, it doesn't. The left driver's side window works when it wants. The radio is shotty sometimes. The trunk leaked really badly just from one little spot, but my fiance's dad found that spot and is working to remedy it. It needed an oil change. It needed new gaskets because it was leaking oil. His dad also found that it was leaking trans axle fluid and is working to fix that as well.

Isn't it beautiful, though? It is freedom, and freedom is beautiful!

As you can tell, my fiance's dad has been putting loads of work into this car all by himself because neither I nor my fiance know much about cars or how to fix them. I honestly think I know more than my fiance does because he just doesn't care about cars. That's right ladies...I got one that is not completely car obsessed, and I didn't even have to look outside of the country. I am beginning to think we may both have been born in the wrong century and the wrong country, though. haha We both just seem to fit oddly into our current time period and would love to live off the Irish soil.

Anyway, he's been doing all this work on his own basically out of the goodness of his heart. We supply the money, though technically the bank supplied the money, for all the parts, but we aren't paying mechanic prices for all of his services. Quite honestly, I just don't know how to thank him for all this. I don't want to just buy him pizza from a local pizza place like we normally do. I want to do something for him that shows we know how much he does for us, that we appreciate the hundreds and thousands of dollars he saves us by having so much car knowledge.

For some reason, my ticker just isn't ticking, though. What do you guys think? What should we do for this man, my future father-in-law, for all he does for us, to really show him how much we appreciate him? I will appreciate any ideas you have...though I may not be able to think of the proper way to thank you for them...ugh...Its ok, I'll just ask the other bloggers. haha

Yep. This is my new car. That is my future father-in law. Isn't life grand?

My New Blue Green Afghan

About two weeks ago, I finally finished this blanket I had started Mother's day weekend. I had all the squares done in very short period of time, about 2-3 weeks. When I was done crocheting, them, though, I realized, yet again how much I hate sewing. I don't know why I have this aversion...It might have something to do with my hair brained efforts to make each of my member of my massive family a pair of machine sewn flannel pajama pants last year!

Anyway, I have finished this lovely blanket now. I notice all the little imperfections in a way that no one else does, but all in all, I am really happy with it. This was my first "intermediate" crochet project, and it is just so crazy to look at where I was last September-ish and see all that I have learned since then. I am so happy to have a skill I will carry with me for lifetime.

I made it to match my living room, and it ended up looking great with my dark blue furniture. Eventually, my fiance and I will get new, non-hand-me-down furniture, and I would like something a little more inviting...We just might have to make sure this blanket is the inspiration, though. ;o)

Clutch Bag Give-Away Winner

And the winner is....by a....er....landslide?....Marcia!!

I am sad to say Marcia is the only person who entered to win this give-away.

I really truly thought more people would love it as much as I do.

I have to be honest and say that I am a little disappointed and a little hurt.

This give-away did not meet my expectations at all, but...

I am glad to give this hand knit, hand sewn clutch to a true friend.

I am not completely jaded by the give-away process...

I will try again some day...

It most likely won't be a project I put so much time and effort into for the next time, though.

I am excited for Marcia....

But I am sad all in the same.

Thank you Marcia and Momma B for being true followers! :o)

P.S. Marcia, if you will get ahold of me by e-mail, I will get your new clutch shipped right away! Enjoy and God Bless!!

One Day Left- Knit Clutch Purse Give-Away!

This is just a reminder post for all of those interested to make sure you get your name in for this knit clutch purse before time runs out tomorrow at noon central time. Refer to the original post just below this one to get the rules and see more pictures.

Thanks and enjoy!

Knit Clutch Give-Away!!

Take a look at this little beauty. I knit this up myself, and I am giving it away to one lucky reader as a gift back to society because I won my sister's give a way, a clutch she had made herself in order to get her Etsy store out there.

In this view above, you can see the clutch with a cell phone, a check book, a Tide pen, a writing pen, and a tube of chap stick. They all fit comfortably into this purse, so it is perfect for a day out shopping or for those of you who travel much lighter than I.

This view of the clutch shows off the flashy liner. Its a flannel liner, and the clutch is made from cotton yarn. I didn't think I was going to like them together, but I really do. The clutch also snaps shut, so things won't be falling out all over the place.

Now for the Rules, which are as follows:

1. Post a blog with a pic of this hand bag and a short idea of what the giveaway is for and you will get one entry.

2. Each time one of your followers comes to my blog, posts, and says that they saw the post on your blog, you will get 2 entries.

3. If you follow my blog, or become a follower, and you post about this at all, you will get 2 more entries!


Haha! I stole the rules from my big sister. No way am I going to go through the process of creating rules. ;o) I will draw a winner one week from today, which will be Monday July 13th. Good luck to all!

Oh, and just as a side note, be sure to check out my big sister's Etsy store, as well as mine. :)

Momma B's Hat House and More and KMB Studio

Good Luck!!

Oh my, Oh my.

Do you still recognize me? I hope so! It seems I have been on quite a long hiatus from this blog world, and it makes me very sad not to be able to read the daily ramblings of all my blogger friends!!

Life is all right at the moment. Big T is back to work, so that is truly fantastic! I know he doesn't love the job, and I feel bad that he has to work somewhere he doesn't love. I am glad to be able to pay our bills, though. I haven't really been in panic mode, but I sure do feel panicky. I feel scared that we won't have enough. I feel frustrated that God is testing me constantly. I feel mad at myself for being mad at God. I have to be honest with myself and God, though.

Beyond that, my new job is going so well. I am a receptionist/assistant/cleaning lady/babysitter/marketing/whatever needs to be done! :) I am always busy. And just to clarify, I am not really a babysitter. However, when a patient comes in and brings their children, their children have to wait in the waiting room. I have only had this happen once, so far, but it is an area that I am not entirely comfortable with because I don't want to have to keep someones children in line. I am just going to pray I don't have to deal with many unruly children. :oS

The people I work for are truly great, though. The doctor is funny and a little off kilter sometimes. ;o) That last comment was just in case he is ever reading this some day. His wife, the business manager and my other boss is so bright and easy to be around. She is actually really supportive, as is her husband, of my business endeavors. She is going to be buying a blanket from me that I am really excited about making. It is full of bright colors. She specifically said, "The brighter the better!" She really enjoys the eclectic crafts and gifts, and she adds a splash of color wherever she is. Its nice to be around.

These colors below are the colors I chose for her blanket. She had said to me, "You know the colors in a marker box? Make the blanket like that." So, I did just that. I imagined being a child again opening up a crisp new box of markers, and I envisioned all the lovely bright colors. Thus, my shopping basket below.

She put these flowers in the office, and that is how I knew she was going to be easy to get along with. ;o) We have similar tastes, and I feel as though I am going to be encouraged to truly be myself in this job. It is a perfect place for me, especially as I continue on my journey to find out who I am and what I stand for. It has certainly been quite a journey already.

When my boss was trying to describe what colors she would like the blanket to be, she pointed to these flowers and said to mimic some of these, so of course, I snapped a picture and carried it along with me. Isn't it awesome?

This next picture is of the newest item for sale in my store. It is so warm and cozy, and I'm in love with it. When I have my own little ones, I may just make a replica. I love the pastel rainbow affect it is taking, and the border adds just enough frill to make it perfect for any little girl.

The blanket ended up being about crib length, which is fantastic. I had to do a little frogging and re-working to make it work up to the right size, but as you can tell, it finished up quite nicely, and in only about a day and a half if you don't count the original start that I ripped out and re-started.

Our holiday weekend, Independence Day here in the States, ended up being really fun and relaxing. We got to see two sets of fireworks on both Saturday and Sunday nights. On Saturday, I woke up late after having been awake for hours on Friday. Friday was my first day working the morning shift at the chiropractors office, and it really wasn't too bad, especially since I was out of the office by 12pm. I got a jump start to my weekend!

We spent almost the entire day, excluding the morning, with my older brother. Hanging out with him seems to be most always rewarding because he is so loving. He loves to give hugs and tell you how much he loves you. He is great at doling out compliments. He is always smiley. He's really a teddy bear. He's funny, loves to tell jokes and be the center of attention, and he sings wonderfully. Each time we get together, he lets me listen in to some of his newest lyrical creations. He still has big dreams of making it as a singer some day. I wish him the best. I know he could do it vocally, but it is a lot of time and effort. Its a hard lifestyle.

We made it home late on Saturday, and slept in together, Big T and I, on Sunday. Around noon, we headed off to his parents house where we spent the day. For part of the day, we headed to our small town close by that hosts Fourth of July festivities. They had been postponed due to rain the previous day, so we met up with some friends, caught up with a few others, and stopped at a little Corner Store before heading back to Big T's parents' house.

I love that little corner store. They sell candies like they might have back in the pilgrim days. They sell coffee and tea and all kinds of novelty gifts. It just has a very homey, cozy feel to it.

In that shop, I got this wonderful little tea steeper. I have had my eye on them for awhile now. With the extra push of my employers, I am trying green tea more often now. My basic knowledge of green tea's benefits include that Green Tea has loads of anti-oxidants, especially if you purchase the pomegranate black berry green tea like I did this weekend. The anti-oxidants fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are very bad. They go through your body destroying your cells, which one could assume is not OK. Your destroyed cells then become much more prone to disease, namely Cancer. Destroyed cells can no longer fight off disease, so it grows quicker. Therefore, we should all be drinking Green Tea and eating berries on a regular basis! :) *Hint, Hint*

This little tea steeper holds 8 6-oz cups of water. All I have to do is put the water in my tea kettle and spoon four teaspoons (about one teaspoon for every 2 6-oz cups of water) of loose leaf tea into the filter. When the water in my tea kettle gets to a point just before boiling, I pull it off the heat and pour it directly over the tea leaves. I then let it "steep" for about 4 minutes before I drink it.

Let me tell you, it is a little piece of Heaven knowing I am helping to prevent disease in my body while having a nice hot or iced drink.

I do hope you have all gotten your fill of me before possibly another hiatus! I enjoyed catching up...

But wait!! There's more!!

I am hosting my very first give away. I am going to post this separately, though, so all your bleeding retinas can have a rest before moving on. I hope you are all as excited as I!!