Thursday, January 31, 2013

New Wool…happy face!

Yep…it was a happy face for me on Tuesday…every thing looked beautiful – the sun was shining and the temperature got up to 59 !

Except for going to the 2 dr. apt.s and a funeral this was my first real day of getting out just for me and I really enjoyed it.

Doug took me into Milwaukee to a wonderful Colonial shop called ‘Just A Little Bit Country’ :  http://www.justalittlebitcountry.com/justalittlebit.html 
Here’s the link to her Rug Hooking:  http://www.justalittlebitcountry.com/index.html
Kari’s shop is a step back in time with so much wonderful Colonial furniture and accessories – and she has a little room off to the side full of rug hooking and wool – a wool lovers dream!

I had a difficult time looking because it has old brick floors and she had hooked floor rugs and Doug was worried I’d trip over them but I still did a number on the wool…lol

I didn’t buy a pattern but I got some wonderful wool to use for my Penny Rugs or any other hooking project but it will most likely be for the Penny Rugs as i don’t have a wool cutter.

She helped pick out 2 different wools for the sky of my sheep/sleigh rug I’m working on and I think I’m going to like it – I had kind of an Aqua that I was going to use but she gave me a darker winter sky look.
It’s showing up in the first picture brighter than it really is but yet not as gray as in the second so I left them both for you to see…I’m really liking it a lot.
Kari was such a dear when she saw I was walking carefully and had the walker (which I didn’t use in the little room as it would not roll on the brick) … anyway – she cut my wool for me free as a ‘healing gift’ she said – and she said to come in anytime and she’d help me with the binding of my projects as I’ve never done it before.

She also holds hooking classes on certain Saturdays so I just might go to one.

Wool for sky

 Wool for sky 3

Wool for sky 2

Wool for sky 4

Wool for sky 5

Then I went in and chose my wools – goodness I was overwhelmed…I wanted it all but I kept it down to a minimum as I want to go up to Country Freckles and get some from her soon.
Wool 1

Some wonderful Gold and a speckled Black w/Gold
 Gold Wool

Muted Green w/some Red and Gold flecks
Green Wool 

And last the Reds
Red Wool

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I haven’t done much else except lay or sit on my love seat as I can’t do any housework – or laundry but I have been helping make the dinners now – and I feel so much better.  Got a good report on my follow up visit on Monday but still need to wear the brace and use the walker yet for at least 4 more weeks but that’s fine – I feel more protected with them both…although sometimes in the house I forget to use the walker when I’m going from spot to spot.

I’m feeling more like chatting these days so I know I will be back to visiting you all – I think you can tell that by this post…lol  

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Oh we finally got Winter again!  The last 2 days it has snowed…not a lot but enough to get out there and shovel or Doug has been using the leaf blower for the lighter snows and it works like a charm…no back breaking bending and lifting.
We have had 3 snows this year – not the typical winter and that’s a good thing.  Doug used the leaf blower on the last snowfall too – you might want to try it with a light snowfall!
I wish I could take a picture from inside the house and not get the screen to look wavy. Not much for pictures but my first for the season as there wasn’t much snow before either.  But I liked how heavy it was and hung on the branches and bushes.

Snow out window 1
Snow in front
Snow on birdhouse
Snow 1 2013

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Our community had a devastating fire last night and is still going on as I write this.
A large egg factory caught fire around 6 pm last night.
Here’s part of what was said…
At this time it is an 8-alarm fire and assistance has been provided from more than 80 agencies from a wide area of Wisconsin. Emergency crews from Racine, Walworth, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane and several other counties have responded to the blaze. Additionally the Racine Hazardous Materials Unit is on the scene monitoring air quality and assistance is being provided by the Southeast Wisconsin Incident Command Management Team. More than 300 personnel from various emergency agencies have assisted in battling the fire.
Echo Lake Produce manufactures bulk egg products for commercial use and employs approximately 300 people.
The Burlington Police Department evacuated ten homes and one apartment complex approximately one-half mile east and south of the factory due to smoke inhalation concerns.

Fortunately the wind was in a southeast direction so it didn’t come at us – we are directly south across from it less than 1/2 mile.
We heard the fire trucks go out and then they kept coming and coming and so we knew right away it was very bad and very close – and the news helicopters were everywhere – and this went on into the night…we went to bed at 10:30n and there were still fire trucks coming.
I pray for the families and the company that lost such a huge plant and the families we are out of a job today – we have a little town of 10,000 people so it will be felt greatly.  You are never exempt from feeling the effects of tragedy … it can hit anyone at any time.

~~~~~~~~~ 

I am so ashamed of myself for being remiss in thanking someone for a gift I received way back around the first of the month – actually it turned into a swap.
I had seen a pillow tuck on someone’s blog that Jean from http://primcrafts.blogspot.com/ had made so I contacted her to purchase it – she said she actually doesn’t sell them but would gladly make me one after Christmas and we could do a swap – I received the wonderful pillow and along with it she sent a surprise tuck…I love them and her work is wonderful.
I finally finished up all my orders – which was a slow process at this time for me – but now I can work on Jean’s gift – she chose something with sheep so that’s an easy one for me…lol  So Jean your gifts will arrive I assure you!
Here are the wonderful gifts I got from her -
they even had Burgundy Wool ties!
Pillow Tucks 2

The Merry Christmas was the one I wanted and she threw in the Winter…gorgeous!!!
Thank you Jean!
Pillow Tucks 1

That’s my post for today – I do feel like getting back into the swing of things here so be watching for me now!

Hugs, Karen

~~~~~~~~~

43 comments:

  1. Hi Karen, I am so glad that you are on the mends!!! Love all of your beautiful wool. Love your rug hooking project. Isnt' that Jean a sweetheart!! Love the pinkeeps!!!
    I am so fortunate to live near Jean, she spoils me!!!!
    Love all of the pretty snow pictures, wishing you more and more beautiful days! hugs, Lecia

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  2. So glad you were able to have a fun outing along with the doctor visits. The wool is too yummy, the colors, the textures, just right. I adore the look of rug hooking but when I bought a small mug mat as my trial piece, I wasn't sure that it's the craft for me so I set it aside. Maybe I'll try again after seeing your photos. The snow is always so gorgeous, even when IRL it can be a hassle for driving and such. It snowed here briefly this morning and added a touch of white all around. And it's going to get Brrrrrr cold tonight, a good night for staying in. I have to go out in just a few minutes for an appt and then we have another one this afternoon so no staying all snuggly warm at home during the daytime much. The fireplace tonight will be our treat. Wishing you another great day my friend. xo xo c

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  3. The wools are to die for !! How awesome you have a shop like that nearby ?? or at least reasonable traveling distance....
    Your rug is looking just beautiful !! Your loops are so nice and even, something of which I am STILL struggling with ...I just say, mine is more " primitive"....lol
    I hope and pray your recovery time is short and sweet...sounds like it is coming along ok so far ...

    Have a great day, weekend !!
    Robin

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  4. HI Karen,
    I can tell you are feeling much better. So happy to for you. A little retail therapy always helps doesn't it.
    Blessings,
    Sandra
    Homespun Elegance
    www.plainfancymerchant.blogspot.com

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  5. Hi Karen glad you are feeling a bit better! Your rug you are making is amazing! Love the colors and the sheep! I hope those associated with the fire will be ok.

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  6. Karen, so good to see your post pop up on my blog list. I am so thankful you got a good report on Tuesday and that you got to do a little shopping. That always makes one feel a tad bit better. I think the wool looks great on the piece you are working on. I still wish there was a class for hooking somewhere close to me, but there are none. Love your tucks. I am just learning to cross stitch and have made a few. Not my favortie hobby. The snow pictures are so pretty. Doesn't look like we will be getting any here in the south, but keeping my fingers crossed. So sad about the egg factory. With the economy like it is and now all those folks without a job is so heart breaking. Sending up prayers for all that have been affected by this tragedy.
    You take care of yourself. As you feel better it will be easy to forget and possibly hurt yourself.
    Hugs
    Angela

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  7. Hi Karen, so glad your feeling better and getting back into the swing of things. Take it easy & don't rush yourself!!!
    Love that hooked rug your creating, I hope to some day learn to hook.
    Your pictures of winter are so pretty, i love the snow when it looks like that!!!
    Hope you have a great day!!!

    Lynnly

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  8. Hi Karen ~~
    So Glad to hear you were
    out and about for a Fun Day.
    Your Rug looks Wonderful and
    the new Wool ... love the colors.
    Pretty Snow pic's ... glad to
    hear Doug was able to use the
    leaf blower ... Smart thinking.
    May every day be better than
    the next till you recover fully.
    Blessings & Hugs ~ Connie xox

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  9. Afternoon Friend
    So happy you got out.
    You are still in my prayers and your community.
    Wool sure does make me happy too.
    With buttons and coffee too.
    Woolie Hugs
    Trace

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  10. Fabulous! We have our Karen almost all the way back here for good! Wonderful , wonderful news!

    Susannah

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  11. Karen, So glad to hear that you are on the mend. I have not been on blogs the last month or so, too much going on here and I missed the post about your operation. So glad that you are healing. I actually think that I was at that shop that you are talking about when I visited Milwaukee two years ago. I loved it and the wool was awesome! I was in Hummelstown/Hershey over last weekend and found some of your penny rugs for sale in one of the shops! I was so surprised to see your name tag on them! Continue to rest and heal!

    Cathy

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  12. Hello Karen.
    Glad to hear that your on the mend!
    Your rug hooking is coming along Beautifully.
    Love the wool, such beautiful colors.
    Your pillow tucks are Beautiful that you received. Love them both.
    Take Care and have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Hello dear,,, I am so glad that you are on the mends...l.Love all of your beautiful wool.
    Love your rug hooking project.I Love the pinkeeps..they always my fav...
    Love all of the snow pictures..so sweet..
    Big hugs for you x

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  14. Wow Karen, sounds like you are much improved! You go girl... Love all the wools. Don't you love the feel of it when sewing pennies or hooking? Keep up the good work...Blessings!

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  15. Wow Karen, sounds like you are much improved! You go girl... Love all the wools. Don't you love the feel of it when sewing pennies or hooking? Keep up the good work...Blessings!

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  16. Hi, Karen,
    It is so nice to hear that you are doing better, and you "sound" so much better too. I am so envious that you got to go to Just A Little Bit County. I have hooked a couple of Kari's patterns, and I saw her home in one of Judy Condon's books. I get emails about her shop sales and am always drooling over the picture of the inside of her shop. If I lived nearby, I would do some serious damage!
    Melinda

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  17. So glad you are feeling better. That visit to the country store must have made you feel so much better too...ha ha!! Wow those snow photos are fantastic.

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  18. Welcome back. I can hear the smile in your voice again. So glad you're feeling better and able to do a few things that you enjoy. Our temperature was 77 yesterday and 47 today. Up and down. Life in the South!

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  19. Looks like you got some fantastic wools. I just started a little bigger rug and I'm loving it! Can't wait to finish it to hand over our fireplace. Glad you got a chance to get out. Dawn

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  20. Hi Karen,
    I'm so glad to hear you are doing well and getting out a bit. I've been to JALBC and love it there! Love the wool you picked out. The wool in your sheep rug is perfect. Take care and enjoy all that yummy wool! Hugs, Lori

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  21. Praise the Lord....you're doing better!

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  22. Karen ~
    I'm so happy to hear you are getting better and got to go buy some wool! Your rug is looking wonderful. Keep up the good work. Isn't it grand being a hooker?
    Prayers for all those affected by the fire.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  23. Karen, so glad to hear that you are doing so well and able to move around so well.

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  24. Hi Karen,
    SEW glad you are on the mend!! Love all the wooly goodness you purchased. I am in LOVE w/WOOL!!LOL Your rug looks so cute!!
    So sorry to hear about the fire, how awful! Will keep your community in my prayers.

    Love those cross stitch pillows! another LOVE of mine!!

    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  25. baby steps karen.....dont over do it....but i am so happy you are feeling better and well enough to go out for an outing...the snow pictures i am enjoying....(only because i am down here in florida for the winter...i love to look at it but dont want to be in it...)love your rug and that blue is looking great....i sure wish i would of brought mine along with me....i want to work on it...hope you are feeling better each day ...

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  26. Karen, I am so glad you are feeling better. I know you enjoyed getting out for a bit. I love all of your wool - that blue looks great on your rug. Take it easy as you continue to heal.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  27. Yea! Karen! You sound more like yourself! I know we have all been praying for you! Thank you for the update! I love the wool, and the pin tucks, and your rug, and okay just everything! It is so good to hear you getting out and about! Your snow pictures are just beautiful!

    I will be praying for the people of your town. This is a hard time to be out of work!

    Glad you are feeling a bit better!
    Love and hugs!!!!
    Heather

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  28. Glad your feeling better. I took Kari's class last winter. It was wonderful. She teaches it in her house which is to die for. I just picked up my project again. I hope to keep at it until I get it done. You would love her class although your hooking looks so wonderful you really don't need it.

    Happy to see you blogging again.

    Kathy

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  29. KAREN!!! Oh it did my heart good to see that you had posted. I am so happy that you are feeling better. I have written the name of the shop down for the next time I go to Milwaukee to visit family. Your wool is loverly! Continued prayers for your complete recovery! Lots of love!
    Be blessed,
    Cindi

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  30. Hi Karen. So glad that you are feeling better. The new wools are gorgeous. I love the sheep rug you are working on. So sorry to hear about the fire. Fire really scares me. The snow is awesome. We haven't had any yet, just devastating storms that are not typical of usual weather in January in Alabama. Blessings to you and your whole family ☽

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  31. Hi Karen...so happy you were able to get out and have a little fun before all that snow fell. Your rug looks like it is coming along beautifully...great colors!
    Hope you are feeling better and better each day! Stay warm and have a great weekend.
    Robyn

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  32. I'm glad you enjoyed your day out. Being inside for so long makes me feel down (as I remember from 6 weeks plaster last year).

    Pretty snow pictures. It melted here last week.

    Hugs
    Goedele

    (Old Red Barn now, no more Gingerbread Gem)

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  33. Hi Karen! Wow! You seem so much perkier in this posting. SO glad you are doing better...hope your recovery continues to move along this quickly! The wools you chose are so beautiful and fluffy.The background on your rug really makes the sheep pop out...just perfect! I've been collecting them for some stitching projects for my "spare time" --Haha! The fire was terrible...we had a bad one around here during the 7 degree weather period. It makes it especially hard on the families and firefighters. Take it easy and don't rush yourself..it sounds like you are making great progress!!---Jan

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  34. Have you ever smiled so much, 'til it hurts. :DDD Well, that's what I'm going through now; so happy to read you are doing so much better and able to get out and do some of the things you so love.

    Love this rug...and the colors are very nice. I visited "Just A Little Bit Country site, added it to my someday to visit list. Awwww, there's so much to learn about Rug Hooking; don't know when I'll start hooking, but I sure do enjoy wool. :)

    Keep moving forward in your recovery. And, Thanks for Inpiring and Sharing with us all.

    Many Hugs and Blessings.

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  35. Have you ever smiled so much, 'til it hurts. :DDD Well, that's what I'm going through now; so happy to read you are doing so much better and able to get out and do some of the things you so love.

    Love this rug...and the colors are very nice. I visited "Just A Little Bit Country site, added it to my someday to visit list. Awwww, there's so much to learn about Rug Hooking; don't know when I'll start hooking, but I sure do enjoy wool. :)

    Keep moving forward in your recovery. And, Thanks for Inpiring and Sharing with us all.

    Many Hugs and Blessings.

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  36. so thankful you are doing so well, love the wool colors, and am happy you are getting back on track.
    love those gifts she sent you, hugs from down south to everyone effected by the fire, take care

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  37. Hey there ms. Karen! I have been thinking of you. Had my hand full here... my dad fell on the ice last week and broke his hip... he is on the mend.. in rehab...
    So glad to see you got a wee bit and doing sooo much better! Keep healing my friend!!! many hugs!!! OLM

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  38. Hi Karen, glad you can help out a little and got out of the house for a time. That can be a real booster:) My mother is facing some major back surgery herself and right now can't do anything becuase of the pain. She is having injections done until they can figure out what to do with her. She can't do any housework right now and is mostly sitting all the time. Your snow is pretty. Ours is all gone and it's been so warm that we hardly need our coats anymore. I hope it stays that way. I am sorry to hear about the fire. It's a scary thing. -Steph-

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  39. Hey Karen...so glad to hear your up and around and moving much better. Please remember to use your walker:) Your winter pictures are so pretty....Take it easy and rest! Loves and Hugs, K

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  40. Hi Karen,
    I am so happy you are doing so well! I know it was wonderful for you to get out and about. Love all the wools you posted by the way. You take care and know we are all thinking about you and wish you a quick recovery. Warm wishes to you.

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  41. Hi Karen~ what a lovely rug~
    Wishing you a lovely week,
    Pamela

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  42. I've always wanted to learn rug hooking! Someday I might just do it! Your photos are lovely...from the material ones to the winter scenes!
    Have a wonderful week and heal quickly!
    sandy :)

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  43. Aqua would have been pretty but I think I like the darker sky for the winter look. Your hooked piece is darling, coming along so well Karen!

    Glad to hear that you had a good report and are getting around better!

    Beautiful snow pictures around your place! We have yet to have a snowfall so I'm enjoying others pretty pictures. Sorry to hear about the devastating fire in your community. Yes, something of that magnitude will surely be felt by the whole community.

    Jean's tucks are wonderfully prim! She is very talented indeed. You be careful girl. You've been down for a long time and I'm sure you're anxious to get up and do something but please don't over-do... which is very easy to do!

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen