Crazy Vanilla Fish Lips Kiss Socks

Hello ladies,

  It's a pleasure to visit with you this afternoon. I truly enjoy our time together, both the time that I write to you and the time when I get to read your comments back to me. If you would like to write to me outside the comment section, you can always reach me at laura@harvestlanecottage.com. I invite your letters and notes.  If you prefer snail mail (I do), please send me an email, and I will give you my mailing address.

  Someone recently asked me about the Fish Lips Kiss pattern by Sox Therapist that I use to make my socks. It is actually a pattern for the heel, but it also helps you to size the sock perfectly for your foot or whosever you are knitting for. I had my doubts, but I have knit 3 pair so far using the pattern, and it worked splendidly. 

  I used Seam Free Rounded Toe for a Toe Up Sock by Lynne Ashton found on Ravelry.com. I use it, because my feet are wide at the toes. Then I knit knit knit in the round until I got to the point where the Fish Lips Kiss pattern told me to begin the heel. I knit the heel using the YouTube video the lady made to go with it to learn the unfamiliar stitches. After the heel was complete, I knit knit knit in the round until it was as long as I wanted it. The plain knitting in the round is the vanilla. The crazy is the color. Lastly I used a super stretchy bind off after a k1 p1 cuff. I'm sorry, I cannot remember the name of the bind off.

  I learned to knit my first socks by following a Knit Picks tutorial video called Kelley's Sock Class.

  I would suggest you practice knitting in the round by making some simple hats. Here's an easy one.

  If you're just learning to knit, this is a nice project that was one of my early ones. 

  I'll be happy to answer any questions I can for you. You'll find that YouTube is indispensible as is the channel Very Pink Knits.

  Enjoy this time with your family if you are together more, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Look at the positive. Leave off the news. Most of it's bad regardless of truth. It wasn't that long ago they had us all stirred up over impeachment! After this virus, it will be onto something else. 

 Be safe and trust God!

 Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
 Laura

This post was featured at I Made It Monday.

Pandemic Encouragement

 It seems all the world is aflutter these days. Nothing seems quite firm under our feet right now. So many things have changed so quickly. Good thing we stand on the Rock of our Salvation. Cabin fever is, in some cases, being taken to an extreme. Have you noticed it? Are you home more than usual? Is your family home more than usual? Has there been an economic impact on your life? When one thing changes, there is often a domino effect.

BUT GOD is rich in mercy. God did not cause this pandemic, but I believe He will use it for good. I believe that He is good, He loves us, and that He will work all things together for good for those of us who love the LORD and are called according to His purpose. That's all of us if we love Him.

 I hope this finds you all well. These are certainly interesting times we're going through. Yes through. We will see the other side of this. Is it not amazing how quickly things can change? But God is unchanging, and it is in HIM that we put our trust. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9. 

Keep the faith,
Laura



Wednesday

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

On my Needles... What I'm Reading April 2, 2020

Hello everyone,

Did March pass in a blur for you like it did for me? I don't even know where it went. I can tell you one thing though, I am ready for blue skies, fresh Spring air, and the end of flu and virus season. Like you, I have been  washing and praying.

On my knitting needles... on my bookshelf, in my Kindle,  and on my Scribd app! Knitting and reading in my free time and little bits of snatched time is one of my favorite ways to enrich my life. I love to listen to the Bible, to a non-fiction book that can help me learn, or to a novel to pass the time as I knit or work around the house. Do you have any favorites?

Here are the things that I'm listening to this week:

I just finished Revelation  on Bible.com. Now I need to decide whether to read the entire Bible or the New Testament next.

Yes I'm one of those ladies who loves Christmas stories all year round. Donna VanLiere has written several stories all centered around the same little town and characters. I really enjoy this reader, too. I downloaded this to my phone on my Scribd app.

You can see other books I'm reading  on Goodreads.

While I listen or watch videos, I am also knitting earbud bags for gifts. I just finished these.

I just wove in the ends on my socks  

More tinkle wipes 

I think knitting for charity and praying during the knitting is one of my very favorite things to do. There are so many who need to feel cared for.  But right now I am working on filling my gift boxes and sewing things we need. It is good to be proactive. 

Blessings to all of you!
Remember... keep busy.
This too shall pass.

Have a homemade, handmade, heartmade thrifty week! 

Laura

P.S  I highly recommend using Scribd. You get unlimited ebooks and audio books plus other reading materials for just one low price. $8.99 a month. You don't have to pay per book. It's all included in the one price. It's the best money I've spent this year!

If you use my link, you'll get a 2 month free trial of Scribd, and I will get a free month as well. I'm not an affiliate, it's just a neat perk that they have for their subscribers who tell their friends. I've earned 180 free days just sharing how much I love their service! You can too.

Find me online here:

Laura Lane on Goodreads

2020  9 Finished Books

Goal 50

HarvestLaneLaura  on Ravelry

Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram

laura@harvestlanecottage.com

Address available by email

Paypal lauraofharvestlane@gmail.com 

Shared at:

Homemaking Party

Thrifty Things Lately at Harvest Lane Cottage #151

Hello ladies, please read my note at the bottom of this post. 

I'm so glad you came by to visit me. I like to share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, frugal cooking, and my blessings from God. Keeping a record of the ways that God provides and the ways that I am resourceful truly builds my faith. I encourage you to keep a record, too.

~~~~~

♥♥♥

~~~~~

Thrifty Things Lately at Harvest Lane Cottage!

~~~~~

♥♥♥

~~~~~

~ I sewed more tinkle wipes—this time by hand, because my machine was not cooperating. I need ball point needles, but I am making do. I used some mismatched thread that someone gave me in a portable sewing kit. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. The dark 6x6 squares are from my husband's old t-shirt. The light gray is from my old skirt. I've worn it for well over ten years—maybe even fifteen! It was worn out, so now it is repurposed! The wipes that I made last week have already saved us at least one roll of toilet paper. After all, my two adult daughters still live with us. ~smile~

~ I used a seam ripper to harvest the old elastic for use in a future home sewn skirt. That will save me a few dollars.

~ My daughter was reading her Bible and learning about God's provision. While she was yet reading and praying, one of my friends rang the doorbell and gave her these things! What an incredible blessing! Thank you Miss Shannon.

~ My daughter and I used a buy one get one free coupon as Tropical Smoothie Cafe through the drive-thru.

~ I spent about $8 at Goodwill and bought Amy a skirt and me a new burgundy shirt. I had been looking for a burgundy shirt for me.

~ I sewed even more tinkle wipes—this time by hand again. I think I probably have enough for all us girls now. ~smile~ I call them tinkle wipes or tinkle cloths since we don't use them for messy things. ~wink~

~ Strangers came to the door with three bags of groceries from Aldi. All things I would have bought myself! Good healthy items. They said they were from Sharon. We could not track down the person who sent them. If you're reading this Sharon Thank you! Thank you God!

~ I finished my multi colored socks. The yarn was given to me. I don't know what brand it is. I also cannot remember which friend gave it to me. If it was you, please let me know!

~ I used the leftover yarn to make an earbud pouch for my daughter.

~ I had an extra bag of flour that I was able to give when my neighbor mentioned her need. God replaced it the next day that my husband went to the store. It wasn't a thrifty thing, but it felt good to give. We need to help each other any way we can right now.

~ Thrifty Real Estate Investment: we threw away two broken frames, a couple empty cardboard boxes, and gave away five bags of clothes, one box of clothes.

~ Bought 80/20 chuck at the butcher for $2.79 a pound

~ A friend brought us a package of toilet paper

~ I'm knitting an earbuds bag with leftover yarn from socks I made with yarn given to me.

~ I am reading The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch which I received for review.

~ My daugther didn't need her brakes fixed after all, so she saved a couple hundred bucks.

~ My husband did our adult kids' taxes and saved them money.

~ My husband found a bigger tableware container that works great. It was on clearance for $2.49.  It was a great investment in organization.

~ Amy planted seeds for a garden.

~ My husband and girls cleaned the yard up themselves and mowed.

~ My husband's old keyboard and mouse died, a friend just got new ones and gave him the old ones.

~ Staying home saves money!

 Do not give in to fear about circumstances. God has not given us a spirt of fear but power and of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

 We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Philipians 4:13

 This is the time to get in God's word and pray. 

 You may give share prayer requests with me in the comments or by email.

God is so good.

Praise God!

Keep calm and pray on,

Laura

Blessed to be a blessing

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Please share!

This post may have an affiliate link for Amazon. 

#thriftythingslately

#athriftyweek

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Shared at:
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Wednesday

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

So Important I Should Address It... But I Hesitate to Add More to The Internet... My Thoughts on Corona Virus

Hello everyone,

 I've not written about the Corona / Covid19 virus. It's at once so important that I feel like I should  address it, and so over talked about and written about that I don't want to add more to the internet about it.

 So, you all know the things you should do to protect yourselves. You've been told by everyone from the President to your mom and dad.  So, I don't really have anything to add to the prevention conversation.

 You've heard all the reports that are alarmist and that incite fear and fear based buying. I don't have anything to add there.

 You've all either seen empty toilet paper and cleaning aisles, or you've heard about them. I've already told you about sewing my own tinkle wipes and making super quick and cheap laundry detergent.

 You've been told to stay home to help level the curve, if you're sick, etc. We all know lots of things to do at home.

 So, what do I have to add?

 Fear not... Isaiah 41:10

 Do not worry... Philippians 4:6-7

 Be at peace... Philippians 4:7

 Trust in the LORD... Proverbs 3:5-6

 You are not alone... Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10

 Be strong and courageous... 1 Corinthians 16:13

 You can do all things... Philippians 4:13

 Jesus heals... Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24

 You can walk through the valley of death without fear... Psalm 23:4

 Control your thoughts... 2 Corinthians 10:5

 Think on these things... Philippians 4:8

 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." 

 Go ahead. Take the time to look up the verses. Use them to fight the battle in the spirit and in your mind. Lastly, remember that God is Jehovah Sabaoth... Lord of Hosts... He is fighting this battle for you. Pray dear ones. Pray.

 God bless you all and keep you safe in Jesus' name. 

 Sincerely, 
 Laura Lane

Shared at:
Homemaking Party

Thrifty Things Lately at Harvest Lane Cottage #150

Hello ladies, please read my note at the bottom of this post. 

I'm so glad you came by to visit me. I like to share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, frugal cooking, and my blessings from God. Keeping a record of the ways that God provides and the ways that I am resourceful truly builds my faith. I encourage you to keep a record, too.

~~~~~

♥♥♥

~~~~~

Thrifty Things Lately at Harvest Lane Cottage!

~~~~~

♥♥♥

~~~~~

~ Ham and beans and cornbread for supper then leftovers

~ I made 3 quarts of Super Cheap Super Quick Laundry Detergent.

~ I am knitting socks with yarn that was given to me. There was no tag, so I don't know the fiber content or the company. I am having fun with these colors.

~ I'm using the Fish Lips Kiss pattern for the heel which has resulted in perfectly fitting socks for me and for my husband. The pattern is only $1 on Ravelry.

~ I am saving so much time and avoiding impulse purchases by using Walmart's free pick up service! I encourage you to give it a try. Please use my referral link to sign up. It's free, and you get $10 off your first order, and I get $10 off my next order if you try it.

~ I signed up for Casey's convenience store rewards program and received a free slice of breakfast pizza.

~ When I bought drinks at the convenience store, I brought my own cup.

~ Mr. Lane and I went out to McDonalds after church, because we had to get right back to church to help with the Baldnobbers' concert. We each ordered the $2 double cheeseburger and fries and $1 iced tea. Lunch for 2 for $6 plus tax. Good in a pinch. ~smile~

~ I worked my part-time job. It's helping me add to our savings account, buy some necessities, and save for a wig. I've currently got my eye on Voltage by Raquel Welch in SS10 Shadow Shades Chestnut. I look forward to going to a local wig shop in a few weeks to try it on and see if I need the large or not. My hair just never grew back in correctly in the front after chemotherapy.

~ I mended some of my family's clothing.

~ I've packed my lunch each day that I work. It's been simple food:

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with grapes
• Egg salad sandwich and grapes
• Tuna salad sandwich and grapes or applesauce
• Simple salads
• I also carry water and sometimes iced tea from home.

~ My son changed the filters and oil in our cars saving us about fifty dollars.

~ My daughter and I enjoyed buy one get one free smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

~ I wore the skirts I made recently to work. I wore this one with a black sweater that I've had for maybe 15 years.

~ I made even more Super Cheap Super Quick Laundry Detergent. My cocoa recipe is in that Gooseberry Patch book.

~ After being unable to purchase toilet paper, I used some old t shirts to make reusable wipes for tinkling. It will make the paper I do have last longer.

 Sometimes, there are going to be times that we cannot buy what we want or need. Maybe it's because we do not have enough money, the money we have needs to be used for something else, or maybe the product we want is not available. This is the time when our resourcefulness and prayer will pull us through. We need to pray and think about what we do have and how we can use it to meet our needs. The more resourceful we are, the better we live. 

 Do not give in to fear about circumstances. God has not given us a spirt of fear but power and of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

 We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Philipians 4:13

 This is the time to get in God's word and pray. 

 You may give share prayer requests with me in the comments or by email.

God is so good.

Praise God!

Keep calm and pray on,

Laura

Blessed to be a blessing

Do you like my blog?
Please share!

This post may have an affiliate link for Amazon. 

#thriftythingslately

#athriftyweek

#harvestlanecottage

I Can't Believe It Happened in My Hometown

!!!!!

 No dramatic photos. Just complete amazement. I went to Dollar General tonight, in what I've thought of as my sensible hometown, and the toilet paper shelves were bare. Completely bare. I thought it was only happening in cities. Fortunately, I still have a few rolls left. Tomorrow, I'll be looking through my fabric and old t-shirts for fabric to make wipes. I've known about family cloth for years, but I've never done it. 

 I hope this is not a portent of things to come. I don't watch the news much, but every time I do, someone's panicking or causing panic about the Corona virus. I do wish that people would take this seriously but not panic. I'm not nearly as worried about the virus as I am about the hysteria that's surrounding it. Call me naive, but even as a cancer survivor, I will just practice good hygiene and wash my hands, wash my hands, wash my hands. I will also be careful around others who show symptoms of illness just like I would with other illnesses.

 So, tomorrow I will make cloth wipes for tinkling and pray for our country and our world.

 Bless you all, keep calm and pray.

 Laura