Well hello crafting friends. I have missed a couple of days of blogging but not of crafting. I went on Monday morning to learn something new in the bead world. I went down to Arbolito and chose a beautiful ring design centred around an oval quartz stone. I chose green as my base colour. The teacher started the ring off and all of a sudden the thread broke. So we start again. There was not much instruction so it was look and learn but in a hurry. I asked her to look at my work when I had used up all my crystals and she took it from me to tighten it and ,yes you guessed it, she broke the thread again. So out it comes and she starts all over again. When I reached the same part I tightened it up myself. The I realized that there were too many crystals around the stone. So I showed her and ,yes you guessed it, out it came again. She reduced the number of beads to make the part that holds the stone smaller. By this time I was totally confused and frustrated. She ended up doing the main part herself and then the lady sitting next to me helped me with the last row of beading. I told the teacher that I would take my project home and do the band there. I think the problem with her is that there were too many people at the table and we were all doing something different. The schools are on vacation here so mums were coming in to get their kids a lesson. So it's like a revolving door. So home I came totally exhausted, too tired to do anything.
Yesterday I was doing all my packing. I was going with 1 suitcase but now I am up to 2 with a carry-on case and a rather large purse.I had hubby stand on the scales in order to calculate the weight.One was over 50lbs. and one was slightly under.
This morning I emptied both cases and started all over again.This an ongoing project as I still have to pick up a couple of things from the laundry. The most important things are my crafty stuff and my computer and my bibles. Clothes are definitely secondary. Later on I'll have hubby weighed again and get both cases to the correct, and compliant, weight.
Meanwhile I'm going to continue on knitting the baby shawl. I am really enjoying this pattern. Now that I understand and have memorized the short forms the knitting is moving along a lot quicker. Photos to follow, hopefully next week.
It is another hot and sticky day today. The sun was shining really brightly early in the morning which dried up the rain from last night and then the humidity stepped up. My BFF informed me this morning that it is snowing in Ontario. Hopefully not too heavy for my arrival tomorrow. I'm leaving tonight. It will be relief to get away from the humidity but I'm not sure I am prepared for the cold weather. My son is bringing a sweater and a winter jacket to the airport for me so that should help. My car has a good heater.
I'm not sure what I will be able to do, if anything, tomorrow. I'll be back on as soon as I can.
Have a great evening and a good night.
Cheers.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Day #8ie
Well I didn't do so well yesterday. The best laid plans of mice and men...... However, I did finish the 40 bracelets that I was in the process of making for the ladies at my church. I delivered them today after service. Today was a pretty emotional one for me as it is the last day seeing my friends before I leave for Canada. There wasn't a dry eye in the place after everyone said their piece.
Now the packing begins in earnest. I brought 3 suitcases, a carry on and a huge purse down with me. I had to pay for 2 of my cases which cost me $230.00usd. I thought I might get away with taking only one back but it looks like it will be two. That will cost me $70.00usd. But I need my "stuff".Anyone ever here George Carlin talking about "stuff". It's pretty funny if you have "stuff" like I do.
Today I'm going to be doing a small piece of work I started when I first came down here. It a Christening Shawl. I'm making it for my niece Carly in hopes that she and her husband Scott might decide to have a baby soon. The pattern is The Sheelagh Shawl from Jamieson & Smith, Shetland Islands, and the yarn, also from Jamieson & Smith, is 1 ply cobweb pure wool in white. The shade is called white but it is actually more natural. I don't have a liking for pure white. I find it too cold and stark. The shawl is knitted from the outside border in to the middle. I have made smaller shawls in the past but not one as intricate as this. The border is a 33 stitch- 48 row repeat times 40 for a total of 160 scallops. And that is just the border. So my plan for today is to do 2 repeats. It's quite the job keeping that fine a yarn on the needles. Lots of yarn overs. Keep you fingers crossed. In case you might wonder why I chose this pattern it's because my grandmother used to make those shawls and when I was a wee lass back in Scotland. I was enthralled at the way she knitted and never looked at her work or had a pattern. It was all in her head. Totally amazing.
It's pretty hot and muggy today so I'll be having lots of showers.
I got up early this morning, 5 a.m., and roasted a chicken so I didn't have to have the stove going too much this afternoon. I did cheesy mashed potatoes and carrots. It was yummy. My mum would be proud. BTW it's my mum's 84th. birthday today. Many happy returns Betty. I love you.
Well crafty friends it's time to be getting at it so I'll say Cheerio for now.
Cheers.
Now the packing begins in earnest. I brought 3 suitcases, a carry on and a huge purse down with me. I had to pay for 2 of my cases which cost me $230.00usd. I thought I might get away with taking only one back but it looks like it will be two. That will cost me $70.00usd. But I need my "stuff".Anyone ever here George Carlin talking about "stuff". It's pretty funny if you have "stuff" like I do.
Today I'm going to be doing a small piece of work I started when I first came down here. It a Christening Shawl. I'm making it for my niece Carly in hopes that she and her husband Scott might decide to have a baby soon. The pattern is The Sheelagh Shawl from Jamieson & Smith, Shetland Islands, and the yarn, also from Jamieson & Smith, is 1 ply cobweb pure wool in white. The shade is called white but it is actually more natural. I don't have a liking for pure white. I find it too cold and stark. The shawl is knitted from the outside border in to the middle. I have made smaller shawls in the past but not one as intricate as this. The border is a 33 stitch- 48 row repeat times 40 for a total of 160 scallops. And that is just the border. So my plan for today is to do 2 repeats. It's quite the job keeping that fine a yarn on the needles. Lots of yarn overs. Keep you fingers crossed. In case you might wonder why I chose this pattern it's because my grandmother used to make those shawls and when I was a wee lass back in Scotland. I was enthralled at the way she knitted and never looked at her work or had a pattern. It was all in her head. Totally amazing.
It's pretty hot and muggy today so I'll be having lots of showers.
I got up early this morning, 5 a.m., and roasted a chicken so I didn't have to have the stove going too much this afternoon. I did cheesy mashed potatoes and carrots. It was yummy. My mum would be proud. BTW it's my mum's 84th. birthday today. Many happy returns Betty. I love you.
Well crafty friends it's time to be getting at it so I'll say Cheerio for now.
Cheers.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Day # 7t
Hello crafting friends. Well yesterday was quite the day. I started out looking for an easy jewelry project and ended up crocheting a doily. I'm still not sure how that happened. I like the finished product and will take it and use it in my home in Kingston. The pattern I found on Scotty's place blog and also as a free download on Ravelry. It's called the 16 spoke doily. I used Aunt Lydia's #3 crochet cotton in yellow, mint green and lavender. My hook is 3.5m.m. It took no time at all to make as the pattern is a row by row ( I'm not good with charts). I like using Aunt Lydia's cotton. It's soft and doesn't tangle easily.
I wasn't able to write last night as we are in the torrential rain season. The rain beat down on the roof so hard I couldn't even hear myself think. Our Internet and satellite both went out but, luckily, our water and hydro stayed on. Sometimes they both go off without warning and it can take hours or days to get them back. The water isn't a problem for us as we have a cistern built under the floor. My stove is gas which doesn't give me an excuse not to cook. The hydro is the problem because of the fridge. I don't keep too much in there as I learned from previous experience how disastrous that can be. Now I shop daily for my groceries.
This morning the rain stopped and the sun is shining. So all is well with the world.
I'll be back on later after I finish today's project.
By for now.
Cheers.
I wasn't able to write last night as we are in the torrential rain season. The rain beat down on the roof so hard I couldn't even hear myself think. Our Internet and satellite both went out but, luckily, our water and hydro stayed on. Sometimes they both go off without warning and it can take hours or days to get them back. The water isn't a problem for us as we have a cistern built under the floor. My stove is gas which doesn't give me an excuse not to cook. The hydro is the problem because of the fridge. I don't keep too much in there as I learned from previous experience how disastrous that can be. Now I shop daily for my groceries.
This morning the rain stopped and the sun is shining. So all is well with the world.
I'll be back on later after I finish today's project.
By for now.
Cheers.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Day #6
Hello my crafty friends. Another hot and sticky day here in Guayaquil. It's really difficult to get going when every move makes me perspire like a water fountain. Don't visualize that please. I've had 3 showers already today. The water is not hot, not many people have hot water in their homes, just refreshing. Water is relatively inexpensive, around $8.00 a month. I boil the tap- water in a large pot called an agua hervida on a daily basis, I actually have 2. I use this water for just about everything in the kitchen even to wash my veggies. When I was here last year I had a bout of major intestinal distress which had to be treated medically. This year I took Ducarol before I came down and I have had only one little problem. The things we take for granted in our daily lives in Canada. My husband has gone to buy me some ice cream as I assured him it would cure my perspiration problem. I'm not sure he fell for that line.
Today I chose The Spin and Sparkle bracelet, a free tutorial, from Fusion Beads as my project with some modifications. I used macrame cotton that I purchased at Beadapolooza in Kingston, in a silver shade and white with a hint of silver sparkle shamballa type beads that I bought in Michaels. I raked through my stash and came up with 2 large decorative lobster clasps for each end. I used the threading pattern in the pattern. I wore the bracelet when I went out and I got a lot of interesting looks from the ladies on the street. They usually look to see what I am wearing or what I am buying. I am the only foreigner in my barrio and my husband and I are they only two who speak English. I found the constant staring a bit disconcerting at first but now I hardly notice. The children were the funniest. They used to run by my house and giggle when I would step outside.
I sold 4 of my crochet bracelets today to one of the Elders from my church. He is buying them for his sisters. Now I have to really hustle and get the rest done for Saturday.
Well, that is all for today folks.
I look forward to a new tomorrow and a new project.
Cheers.
Today I chose The Spin and Sparkle bracelet, a free tutorial, from Fusion Beads as my project with some modifications. I used macrame cotton that I purchased at Beadapolooza in Kingston, in a silver shade and white with a hint of silver sparkle shamballa type beads that I bought in Michaels. I raked through my stash and came up with 2 large decorative lobster clasps for each end. I used the threading pattern in the pattern. I wore the bracelet when I went out and I got a lot of interesting looks from the ladies on the street. They usually look to see what I am wearing or what I am buying. I am the only foreigner in my barrio and my husband and I are they only two who speak English. I found the constant staring a bit disconcerting at first but now I hardly notice. The children were the funniest. They used to run by my house and giggle when I would step outside.
I sold 4 of my crochet bracelets today to one of the Elders from my church. He is buying them for his sisters. Now I have to really hustle and get the rest done for Saturday.
Well, that is all for today folks.
I look forward to a new tomorrow and a new project.
Cheers.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Day #5
What a beautiful day it was today. Cool breeze and warm sun. I was awake at the crack of dawn this morning (5 a.m.) It's difficult to sleep when your brain wont shut down. I was designing jewelry in my sleep. I'm no designer, whatsoever, but you can be Super Woman in your dreams. I wanted to make something really easy today so I chose to make The Beaded Crystal bracelet from beadjewelrymaking.com. I used 4m.m. fake round crystals in an amber colour and silver lined # 11 seed beads and Fireline. I used a finding from Arbolito. The bracelet turned out lovely. It would have been more lovely had I used real crystals but I am trying to use up my stash before I leave next week. When I get back to Kingston I can start a new stash. Isn't that what crafting is all about friends.
I'm starting to wind down now so this is goodbye for now.
Buenas Noches.
Cheers.
I'm starting to wind down now so this is goodbye for now.
Buenas Noches.
Cheers.
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Day #4
Buenas tardes everyone. Another hot and humid day. No rain last night but it is on its way. I was up early and did my shopping, locally, for my daily needs. I was going to do something with fish but I ended up making chicken and vegetable soup, roasted chicken with mustard sauce and a whole bunch of seasonings and vegetable rice. Turned out pretty good. Yum. Lots of leftovers for later.
I chose a great project for today. I really enjoy watching the videos, from beadifulnights, on you tube, so I chose the hugs and kisses ring. I used a 7m.m. round multifaceted crystal bead in dark hues 2- 5 m.m. dark red round beads 4 pink crystal 3 m.m. bi-cones and 2 light green 6 up seed beads. I chose gold and pink #11 seed beads for the accents. It turned out beautifully. I made a few of the ring patterns with junk beads in the last couple of weeks but I never really liked the look of them. I realized today that I hadn't finished them properly so the bands were floppy and cheap beads look cheap. So ultimately I took them apart and will use the beads for beading lessons with my friend Julady, who I met here in Guayaquil. She is a young single mother working part time and going to school part time. I met her when she was looking for someone to help her with English lessons to pass her exams. I helped her as much as I could and she did pass. It was tough going as, I mentioned before, my Spanish is somewhat choppy. We make out pretty well with sign language (charades really) and the little we know of each language.
I'm having a little trouble with my eyesight at the moment. I have some allergies and the lighting in my house is not that great. The ceilings are high and the overhead lights are those energy saver ones. I can't stand them myself. My house is long and narrow so the only real good light comes in my front window and my bedroom window at the back of the house. Tomorrow I am going to move my craft station to the bedroom in front of the window.I have enough room to put my computer and light and tools. That should help with my tired eye problem.
Tonight is more crocheted bracelets. I have to keep up with my schedule.
Well I will close here. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Cheers.
I chose a great project for today. I really enjoy watching the videos, from beadifulnights, on you tube, so I chose the hugs and kisses ring. I used a 7m.m. round multifaceted crystal bead in dark hues 2- 5 m.m. dark red round beads 4 pink crystal 3 m.m. bi-cones and 2 light green 6 up seed beads. I chose gold and pink #11 seed beads for the accents. It turned out beautifully. I made a few of the ring patterns with junk beads in the last couple of weeks but I never really liked the look of them. I realized today that I hadn't finished them properly so the bands were floppy and cheap beads look cheap. So ultimately I took them apart and will use the beads for beading lessons with my friend Julady, who I met here in Guayaquil. She is a young single mother working part time and going to school part time. I met her when she was looking for someone to help her with English lessons to pass her exams. I helped her as much as I could and she did pass. It was tough going as, I mentioned before, my Spanish is somewhat choppy. We make out pretty well with sign language (charades really) and the little we know of each language.
I'm having a little trouble with my eyesight at the moment. I have some allergies and the lighting in my house is not that great. The ceilings are high and the overhead lights are those energy saver ones. I can't stand them myself. My house is long and narrow so the only real good light comes in my front window and my bedroom window at the back of the house. Tomorrow I am going to move my craft station to the bedroom in front of the window.I have enough room to put my computer and light and tools. That should help with my tired eye problem.
Tonight is more crocheted bracelets. I have to keep up with my schedule.
Well I will close here. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Cheers.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Day #3
Well so far so good. I had a plan for earings today but when I went to the schematics I was a little confused. I tried at least 4 times to master the plan but to no avail. Maybe I was just too hot. It was raining again this morning, no surprise, then it got really hot and humid. It's hard to to work under lights with that heat. I eventually found another earing pattern at tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.com. The pattern is called Elise and was inspired by a pair worn by Angelina Jolie in the movie The Tourist. I used 6m.m. faceted crystals in 2 shades of blue and 2 shades of pink and gold #11 seed beads. I attached gold plated earing findings. They turned out really nice and I was so excited that I had to put them on right away and Skype my mum so she could admire them as well. I also made 10 of the bracelets for the church ladies. I'm right on track on this project for Saturday.
I also started making a list of the websites that I visit regularly. I've also joined a few blogs as well and signed up for beading newsletters. I'm really looking forward to the beading challenge.
Nine days to go until I am back in Ontario. I miss my best friend and I miss my knitting and beading store friends. I hope they miss me??? It will be nice to get back to work and have a regular schedule as well. I'll be back at the Y.M.C.A as soon as I can to get back my " before Ecuador" figure. LoL
I'm a very organised person and I do my best work when I have a plan so having to complete one project a day, however big or small, suits my personality.
Wow, looks like a got a lot done today in addition to my housework and cooking. Yes, I cook as well. Today was homemade salsa with tuna and rice. Tomorrow is fried fish and soup day. I'll be up early and at the market for 7 a.m.to get the fish nice and fresh. So cheap to. Usually I bargain and get a pound of tuna for $5.00 and a pound of large shrimp for the same price. I have to rip the heads and stuff off the shrimp but it's worth it. Mmmm I'm feeling a little peckish now. Time for tea.
Well goodnight all. Buenas noches.
Cheers Christine
I also started making a list of the websites that I visit regularly. I've also joined a few blogs as well and signed up for beading newsletters. I'm really looking forward to the beading challenge.
Nine days to go until I am back in Ontario. I miss my best friend and I miss my knitting and beading store friends. I hope they miss me??? It will be nice to get back to work and have a regular schedule as well. I'll be back at the Y.M.C.A as soon as I can to get back my " before Ecuador" figure. LoL
I'm a very organised person and I do my best work when I have a plan so having to complete one project a day, however big or small, suits my personality.
Wow, looks like a got a lot done today in addition to my housework and cooking. Yes, I cook as well. Today was homemade salsa with tuna and rice. Tomorrow is fried fish and soup day. I'll be up early and at the market for 7 a.m.to get the fish nice and fresh. So cheap to. Usually I bargain and get a pound of tuna for $5.00 and a pound of large shrimp for the same price. I have to rip the heads and stuff off the shrimp but it's worth it. Mmmm I'm feeling a little peckish now. Time for tea.
Well goodnight all. Buenas noches.
Cheers Christine
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