tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47609418333755349772024-03-14T02:31:00.519-05:00biblio bleezcrafting, knitting, and life in the midwestbibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-33893071822445141132014-12-15T13:56:00.001-06:002015-02-04T11:42:56.198-06:00'Tis a Gift to Be SimpleSimple gifts.Oftentimes, it is the simple gifts I remember most.The knitting magazine an anonymous coworker left on my desk.The card in the mail thanking us for our hard work and dedication, letting us know we're appreciated in spite of what others may say. A cup of coffee on a dreary, slow Friday at work.A helpful and encouraging friend during a major life transition. The plate of bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-21045500791671338342014-10-13T12:51:00.001-05:002014-10-13T13:11:09.839-05:00A Handmade FallContinuing in my quest to produce handmade gifts for my loved ones this fall and winter, I tried out a few new recipes this weekend. I hope others love these as much as I do!Homemade, all-natural sugar scrubs! Two different recipes: vanilla chai and pumpkin spice. They both smell amazing, and my hands felt great after using a little bit while I filled the jars. This was also my first time bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-30794727919865580142014-09-04T21:32:00.001-05:002014-09-25T13:02:23.269-05:00Kitchens and Christmas PlansThis weekend I've got a case of peaches to process. Two years ago when we bought these peaches, I only froze them. This year, I'm venturing into the canning world and making some crockpot peach butter. I've got a great family recipe that calls for peach butter, so I can't wait to try this out! Andrew's especially excited for this adventure, haha!
I'm also planning on making some of this bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-69080885976442100032014-08-01T15:50:00.000-05:002014-08-01T15:50:54.207-05:00versatile patriotic buntingAbout a week ago, I posted this photo on my facebook page:
Well, those 80 some triangles were trimmed with pinking shears and exposed to spray starch for durability.
Hung on twine, they got lots of compliments at our Red, White, and BOOM! Summer Celebration at work (because, you know.... we can't have birthday parties anymore).. I forgot to take a picture of them hanging at the party, but bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-12545041206906910232014-07-23T21:35:00.000-05:002014-07-23T21:35:03.690-05:00birthday cakebuttermilk pound cake with cherries and a powdered sugar glaze. sometimes the simple, non-traditional birthday cakes are the best.
bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-75492432544382307932014-07-19T21:54:00.001-05:002014-07-19T21:54:47.331-05:00The Caffeinated Sheep: Etsy Update and SALE!Take a few minutes to browse all the new stitch marker varieties I've listed in my Etsy shop. Everything is 10% off until July 28 in honor of my birthday!
bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-73596823210906921102014-07-17T22:51:00.003-05:002014-07-17T22:51:46.284-05:00summer bountyall from generous friends who shared the abundance of their summer gardens. yes, that is a sink full of green beans. good thing andrew likes green bean casserole!
bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-61000696397864923012014-07-15T22:40:00.000-05:002014-07-15T22:40:09.459-05:00I'm sensing a theme here...
Apparently this blog has become a catalog of craft projects, at least for now... I'm ok with that! It helps keep me accountable, and gives me that extra push I need to work on projects after work in the evenings (honestly, I'd rather sit on the couch and do nothing sometimes. Good thing knitting is portable!).
First up, another soap sack, by request. This yarn isn't my favorite to knit with, bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-34417847935287736502014-06-24T22:20:00.000-05:002014-06-24T22:20:44.472-05:00Pleated Clutch in an EveningI pinned this project over a year ago, and tonight I figured it was time to try it out! This pleated clutch is simple and fairly quick to sew in an evening. It only took me about 2.5 hours, but that included ironing the fabric, cutting it out, mods, and a separate load of laundry. Less than two fat quarters and a 7" zipper later...
It turned out bigger than I expected, next time I bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-20531282423996655022014-06-12T21:05:00.000-05:002014-06-12T21:05:44.947-05:00taking stock
Making : cowls, scarves, and hats.
Drinking : water. lots and lots of water. it's summer.
Reading : blogs. knitting patterns. my to-read list.
Wanting : johnnie's italian beef. soon.
Looking : forward to vacation.
Playing : with fiber. and board games with friends.
Deciding : what to wear to work tomorrow.
Wishing : there were more hours in the day to craft.
Enjoying : spending bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-39349310906243894252014-06-01T21:30:00.000-05:002014-06-01T21:30:06.400-05:00Banners GaloreLots of banners around here lately... different kinds, but all turned out really well if I do say so myself!
A bunting banner made out of old books to welcome a new coworker:
And this set of banners for our six confirmands this year. Because there were so many this year, I chose one design for all of them. During the banner making party, we talked about the symbolism behind the design. Each bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-67168735555290900442014-03-29T09:47:00.000-05:002014-03-29T09:47:23.901-05:00one fish, two fish...
A few months ago, we had a baby shower for my friend. Her nursery theme is Dr. Seuss.
From this fabric:
To this adorable burp cloth set:
Custom-made burp cloths in a wide variety of designs are available for purchase on Etsy from The Caffeinated Sheep. Just send me a message and I'll set up a reserved listing for you.
Set of 3 for $12; Set of 5 for $20; bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-58313506550161384712014-03-25T08:23:00.000-05:002014-03-25T08:23:31.689-05:00Remembering BlessingsHe will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. -- Job 8:21 (NIV)
On my desk at work is one of those verse-a-day calendars that you can reuse from year to year. I bought it when I started working because I wanted to have something to help re-center my thoughts and meditate on throughout the day, especially working in a secular environment. Up until a few years ago, bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-23811037370768625402014-02-26T10:41:00.002-06:002014-03-25T08:24:14.109-05:00midweek crafting updateThe sock is coming along nicely. I've turned the heel and am now working the gusset. Knitting socks is not nearly as intimidating or challenging as I previously thought, although it does take some time. I'm glad I've challenged myself to try something new, though.
Slowly but surely I'm getting myself out of the creative rut known as Deep Winter. I've been buying quite a bit of fabric (much to mybibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-61886059448216517322014-02-17T22:25:00.004-06:002014-02-17T22:25:49.803-06:00an adventure in sock knittingOur knitting group is doing a sock knit-a-long during February. We're having lots of fun with this adventure, and are excited to see how they all turn out. From a knitting perspective, socks have intimidated me for a long time, but they're not as challenging as I thought! Tonight I got through turning the heel. We'll see if I'm feeling adventurous enough to conquer the gusset this week, or if bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-51870170037873518452014-01-30T15:39:00.000-06:002014-01-30T15:39:12.457-06:00A New Year, and Some New Goals...Hard to believe January is almost over. Every year I always seem optimistic that things will magically become new, and we can start over with a clean slate on January 1. Problems, stresses, issues, and drama from 2013 will magically disappear when the clock strikes midnight, right?? Oh, how I wish this was true!
I am, and always have been, a very emotional person. I rejoice with others, I mourn bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-73702816833209957292013-12-22T22:34:00.003-06:002013-12-22T22:34:58.160-06:00Tomorrow's baking adventuresTomorrow is Christmas baking day. I've got two gifts to bake, plus a recipe I'm intrigued to try myself...
Here's the plan (all courtesy of pinterest, of course!):
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Earl Grey Tea Cookies
Salted Chocolate Caramel Bark
Oh, delicious. Hopefully these will all turn out perfect the first time! But then again, it wouldn't be an adventure if they did...
I'll do my best tobibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-65671740059765136252013-12-21T11:20:00.000-06:002013-12-21T11:20:42.461-06:00Christmas Break Plans
Tomorrow marks the fourth week in Advent. Advent. Such a busy time, but one of my favorites for the whole year. A time of preparation, planning, anticipation, and hope. A time for reflection, renewal, and comfort. A time for longing, peace, and joy.
Now that I'm officially on Christmas break (and an extended one at that!), it seems that, in a microcosmic way, much of this preparation, bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-57352859877293115452013-12-18T18:07:00.005-06:002013-12-18T18:10:18.168-06:00A Christmas Carol Cup of Tea Swap
This holiday season, I participated in a swap on Ravelry based on the legendary Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." The three categories were (you guessed it!): past, present, future. Our mission was to include tea, yarn/knitting-related, and other goodies based on these three times in our life and our swap partner's life.
Look at all the wonderful treats waiting for me!
bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-24257283685598074362013-10-21T14:11:00.000-05:002013-10-21T14:11:01.497-05:00Finished Object: Chiefs Gear GaloreOne of my sweet coworkers is a diehard Chiefs fan. Every year, she puts up this hilarious Chiefs Morgue with rubber chickens dressed like their opponents. (Yes, the chickens even make it to the games!) She asked me to sew some coordinating curtains to complete her office decorations and give her storage cabinet a "door."
She was so excited when I brought in the finished curtains last week, rightbibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-51761303038245845112013-10-19T15:55:00.000-05:002013-10-19T16:05:10.931-05:00coffee and cozy and chicken, oh my.I'm sitting here bundled up in my sweatshirt and pathetically warming my hands on my once-steaming hot cup of coffee. Apparently we decided to skip the majority of our lovely fall temperatures and go from the sweltering 90s to something much... chillier.
Supper tonight is going to be warm and delicious. Trying out this Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken recipe from Budget Bytes. It looks good, and bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-39882041636173919822013-10-05T18:12:00.000-05:002013-10-05T18:12:01.497-05:00thoughts on a saturday...- i've got my lovely new cowl soaking in some wool wash. blocking later tonight and hopefully that means i'll be able to seam it up at knit night on monday.
- i currently want to cast on all the things. this is dangerous.
- cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 is the best movie i've seen in a long time. i liked it even better than the first movie, which is saying something. chock full of cheesy bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-18339549653153680212013-10-02T20:46:00.000-05:002013-10-02T20:46:55.175-05:00Project Bags GaloreI recently completed not one, not two, but six custom orders for project bags. This was such a fun adventure, and I'm considering building up some inventory of project bags, stitch markers, and other knitting-related items to sell in the future. Each customer selected their own fabrics from my stash and I love all the combinations they came up with. It's hard to pick a favorite!
Here are the bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-33760021534014821472013-09-22T16:16:00.000-05:002013-09-22T16:16:45.587-05:00my new pottery!At our church auction/ice cream social last night, I bid on and won this beautiful, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind pottery bowl. I was thrilled!! I think it looks so pretty holding these colored spools of thread, just waiting for my Sunday afternoon sewing projects. This bowl will be so useful and look so pretty around the house!
Julie's Clay Creations has wonderful, high-quality craftsmanship, bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4760941833375534977.post-62829315991510705732013-09-21T11:32:00.000-05:002013-09-21T11:32:27.572-05:00my favorite time of yearFall is officially here. My favorite time of year, and I'm so excited that the temperatures are cooperating today! Windows are open... decorations are up... I even made some muffins this morning to celebrate!
Fall is when I feel most creative with my crafting, decorating, cooking, and adventure planning. I've got some exciting FOs to share in the next few days, some things in the works, bibliobleezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882254298309451497noreply@blogger.com0