Sticking my neck out....

 Sticking my neck out....for a new lanyard, of course!!!

At my school, we wear lanyards with our ID or classroom keys attached.  I saw this Vera Bradley lanyard on Amazon for $17.99!  All the prices were from $14.95-$19.99.  That's way too expensive for my budget.  But,  I like that they are unique and made from cloth.

 So, to the sewing machine I headed!  

These are mine.

The best part is that were practically free.  I already had everything on hand.  I cut the material 2.5" in a 44" strip.  Then I folded them, ironed, sewed them, and then sewed on the hardware!  

Easy, easy, easy!!

 

Now, I have one for every month or I can give them to my co-workers if they want one!  Looks like I might need to find some darker or winter colors!  :) 

 So, what do you think?

I am linking this to Heidi's Make Do and Mend.  I love when I can make something new and save money!  It's a good thing!

Year End Teacher Gifts

 Every year I struggle with year-end teacher gifts.  This year, my friend Linda, suggested that I give them some of my knitted spa cloths (aka dish cloths) with a bar of soap.  This really appealed to me since it gave me a chance to knit!  She knows I love to knit spa/dish cloths!

I found this Chocomania Soap online at The Body Shop!  I thought it was perfect for a year end gift. This may just be the new year end gift for every teacher for the years to come.

I tied the spa cloths and soap in a bundle with raffia and wrapped them in a paper bag with a doily.  It was a quick wrap and I thought was cute.  I should have added a raffia bow on the bags but by this time I was tired!  Did I mention I did this the night before the last day of school?!

The last thing I did was attach a poem to the gifts:

‘Twas the last day of school with much left to do,
But I have to take time to say a thank you to you.

Thank you does not seem like near enough
And I know that you have too much ‘teacher stuff’.

So I knitted you these spa cloths and added some soap too,
In  hopes that you can pamper yourself and bid troubles adieu.

But if you are too busy tending to your family's wishes,

These work equally well to use on your dishes!

I hope that your summer is sunny and bright,
And that you take time to rest each and every night.

The boys were happy to have you this year,

We think you’re the best, and that is sincere!

I hope you enjoyed reading about this gift of love to the boys' teachers!

Thanks for dropping by,

Plant life at the cottage

I figured you all were tired of looking at knitted dishcloths.  So, I thought I would share with you some pictures from the yard.  This is my tomato plant.  It already has some tomatoes on it.  I went back to container gardening this year since the deer ate all my tomato plants last year!

This is my green pepper plant.  We have already had 2 bell peppers from it this week.  They were delicious in chicken fajitas!  Yummy!!

Just a shot of the tomatoes that are rippening.  Can't wait for my very first tomato sandwich of the season.

I had transplanted some of my lamb's ear last summer and I was afraid they did not make it.  But, they did and are doing fine.  In a few years they will spread all over this area. 
I just love this little plant.

And, all of my gardenia bushes are blooming their little hearts out.  I have 3 bushes that are just covered in blooms.  Bless their hearts, I don't do anything to them.  They just bloom and bloom.

Hope you enjoyed this little break from yarn!

Knitted Dishcloths

I'm taking a break from knitting scarves to knit some dishcloths.  I have noticed lovely craft rooms in blog land.  This is mine - a TV tray table!  I don't have a designated craft room and it hasn't slowed me down one bit.  (Not that I don't envy drool over all those beautiful craft rooms that I see!)  See my Tervis glass waiting for yet another glass of tea?  I can't knit without drinking tea!  Of course, my lack of room for crafting has nothing to do with this post.  Just thought I would throw it out there! 

This particular pattern is called Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth.  You can find the pattern here.  I love using cotton dishcloths and have given many away over the years.  Once you start using these, it's hard to use anything else.  The variegated and dark green yarn is Peruvian cotton.  It's addictive once you put it in your hands and start knitting. 

More scarves!

My needles have been busy as they have been knitting more scarves!

 

My bad!

Don't I look sweet?  How could anyone be mad at me?  My mama is a happy person most of the time but she is a little put out with me.  Just because I borrow her knitting needles and did this...

After all, she wasn't using them.  I took them out her pretty scarf that she was making.  Then, I got a little carried away playing with them.  She has had to replace several pair of needles because I like to chew on things.  She tries to hide put them up, but I always find them.

 And, you know what she did? 

She started crocheting with a metal hook - this is not near as fun for me! 

Wags,

Maxie

Busy Crocheting/Knitting!

I have been busy crocheting knitting these ruffled scarves.  I just love them.

Here's a close-up picture of one. 

Hope to be back soon with more pictures of scarves.

UPDATE:  I noticed when my friend Heidi mentioned crocheting that I actually meant knitting!  So sorry about that.  Heidi, you can actually crochet this yarn as well.  I just haven't tried it yet!