Ongoing Projects

Every day or two I pick a project to FINISH.  My desk is cleared off now…so more projects will accumulate there.

Can you guess what this is?

I designed this pattern last year.  No it is not a winter bikini top for a skinny minnie with no boobs.   I used a heavy chenille yarn that is very soft. 

The sleigh bell Christmas ornament project is completed.  Well ahead of the 2018 Christmas deadline. I hope I don’t forget about them.

I contacted a “bell expert”  who said that these bells on a brass stand were most likely used on a dinner table and maybe the guests used them to ring in the new year.  Since I wasn’t planning any such dinner in the future the bells were taken apart.

There was a screw that held the base onto the bell.  Far Guy removed all the bases and ribbons were attached at the point where the screw attached and then the screw was replaced holding the ribbon firmly in place…it worked perfectly…the extra brass “stands” are now in the button jar along with one small bell without a dinger.   It was a fun project but I am glad it is done.

Still guessing what I crocheted?

No… not a bank robbers mask.  It is a face mask that people with breathing problems can use in the winter…the yarn is heavy enough to keep out the cold and the way it is designed air can be warmed up before you breathe it in.  This one serves a dual purpose as it is soft enough that Far Guy can wear it next to the right side of his face where his Trigeminal Neuralgia resides.  When he puts his parka on you only see his eyes.

We have a fellow at woodcarving that complained about breathing in the cold air…so I made him a mask also.

We struggled for years to find something that worked for Far Guy…we have a whole collection of face masks…that were either too tight, too loose, too cold…this one is just right.   One skein of bulky chenille yarn from wallyworld makes two facemasks. 

Ongoing Project: Sleigh Bells

Christmas gift from long ago…probably about 5 years.

 

It was a bunch of sleigh bells from Jen, Andy and the boys.   I put the bells in this wooden container and put them up on a shelf in the kitchen…twice a year when I would clean off that shelf I would think…I need to clean up those bells.

I started this project before Christmas.  I soaked them for a few days and then polished them…and polished…and polished.

Most of them still need their throats cleaned…but I could not stand the suspense of what one might look like? They were laying out on the counter drying.

Pretty…this one is a B/C bell ( Must be the place it was on the harness)

I am not sure how I will use these four bells…They are attached to the base with a screw.  Historically I can find no reference to bells mounted in this fashion.  So they are mystery bells.   They are all #3  petal bells. The creative part of my brain has a few ideas how to use them as Christmas ornaments….but I am not sure how they will look. 

For now, I will finish the cleaning…attach ribbons and put name tags on them and put them in a Christmas Tin to be opened before Christmas next year.

It was turdy below that old zero mark on the trusty old thermometer yesterday morning. 

The Bells And A Mountain Lion

Several people asked to see the bells that I purchased at the Val Chatel  sale.  You remember the ones that Far Guy carried  around for me..and I could tell where he was!  Those guys on TV..the American Pickers had a set just like these one night, they shook them..I nearly flew off the couch..then they put them back down without saying a word about them. Bummer. I think perhaps some kind of animal wore these bells..but I am not sure.  Perhaps my readers care to venture a guess!

I hung these out on the sauna..just incase we are ever lost in a blizzard between the sauna and the house we can ring the bells. Or perhaps we will need them in case of a Mountain Lion Attack..do you suppose these bells ringing would scare one off..or just make him think he had a talented snack?

Last evening a Mountain Lion was sighted in the neighborhood, he or she is about four feet long with a tail that is about two feet long.  Josh, my nephew who was raised in Wyoming and has seen just a few Mountain Lions saw it in his yard.  He called to warn us.  Shortly before the phone rang, Chance came to the dining room window and wanted in “NOW.” Isn’t living in the woods fun. This morning Far Guy is out looking for tracks:)

Ringing The Bells

Bells I have a few.. one was an ornament the year we lived in Buxton, ND.  That year I had zero for imagination so the ornament was a simple bell with your name and the year on it..mine now has a bow to dress it up a tad..but I am not sure if the others had bows or not.

Last year I got a new bell, but for the life of me I cannot remember who gave it to me... maybe I bought it for myself.  As an ornament giver..I am not often an ornament receiver..I think it must be true..you give the gifts that you would like to receive yourself.

In 2006, I received a very special gift from my niece, Rachael and nephew, Jacob and my X brother in law.  I kept the slip of paper that they sent with the bell.. " We hope that you enjoy this authentic Victorian Sleigh (Jingle) Bell. The kids and I have restored this bell and offer it to you in celebration of the Christmas season.  We hope that you will find a place on your tree or perhaps an entry door to hang it and each time you hear it jingle, be reminded of all your blessings in life."  It is one of my most treasured ornaments.

In some cities the church bells ring at noon everyday..I am sure that many people don't even hear them anymore.  They are just a normal part of the city noise. Far Guy has a favorite Christmas Carol..it is a tad sad..but it has a happy ending.  As Christians whatever our life story is..there is a happy ending.  No matter what pain and sorrow you have, no matter how tough your row is to hoe ( my Grandma used to say that) ..everyday should be all about reaching the end..it is not a race either..everyone will reach the goal in their own time:)