I’ve found a “yarn”:http://www.diamondyarn.com/cat.php?yarnID=851 that would make the most fabulous scarf. Of course it’s $8.95 for 1.75 oz,and I’m not sure I’m ready to spend that much. I did purchase the yarn needed for my next project, the afghan. I also picked up 12 oz of a bluish color that would make a great sweater, but of course, 12 oz probably isn’t enough for a sweater. But I had to get it. It was on sale. I’m about 1/2 way through with my scarf. I kept losing count on my rows so I had to keep tearing apart and starting over. I finally broke down and bought a counter. So much easier than trying to keep it all in my head. I’m on a roll now and hopefully I’ll be finished by Monday. I’m enjoying it, but I’m not sure I want a scarf in the colors I’m using. Go figure. So I may give it away as a gift or just hang on to it, since it is my first project. The yarn I’m using is multi-colored green, purple and beige. Oh well.

We finally got all the Christmas decorations taken down today. I love Christmas but I was so ready to put it away. Dusted most of the house. Poor hubby is sick, so he’s been in bed most of the day. At least he’s fnally getting some rest. During the week, he is at work all day, refuses to take sick leave. I’m trying to stay away, so I don’t catch it. I don’t need to get sick.

The dogs went nuts early this morning when they found a dog roaming the ditch behind our house. It seemed all the dogs in the area were barking like crazy. Maybe they were defending their territory. Must have been about 5 or 6 dogs barking like mad. It was quite funny, actually.

I’ve uploaded a few photos from our holiday. The girl sitting on the bench shaving bark off of a branch with a grey t-shirt is me. The closest I’ve come to showing people what I look like.

My crocheting is going fairly well for a beginner. I’ve started my scarf. Hopefully I’ll be finished this weekend with it and I’ll post a picture of my very first crochet project. A few days ago, I broke down and bought some knitting needles and a book. So I’m learning to knit. My instruction booklet has a fabulous scarf and hat that I’d like to try, but I first need to get the hang of the whole thing. I’ve done several rows of knit stitches and it looks pretty good except for the first row where I cast on. That row looks very sloppy. The rest actually looks somewhat like it should.

I’m browsing the internet and finding all sorts of patterns that I want to try. Mainly afghans, but I saw a few sweaters that I wouldn’t mind attempting. I also found a fabulous crochet scarf that I might try at some point. I’m collecting patterns for future projects, but trying not to get too ahead of myself. I think I may be ready for the fabulous afghan I want to do when I finish my scarf and hat. But I’m having so much fun with it all, both crochet and knitting.

Oh yeah, I found this great site, StitchGuide.com, that actually has little videos on how to do all the stitches. So in addition to following the instructions and looking at the graphics, you can watch someone doing them. It has helped with several that I’m not sure about. And many of the stitches comes with a free pattern that focuses on that stitch so you can practice. I know many of you advanced knitters and crocheters probably know about this site, but for some of you who are contemplating learning or are in the process and struggling, this site will be very helpful.