was given a huge skein of bright orange wool, so I balled it up, knit myself a skinny scarf and wrist warmers for the cool days coming, using my garter lace pattern...it's already cool in the evenings...but I'm still sitting in the garden as long as I can

Victorian Lace Cloth designed by 
Gloria Jean Gifford

using # 4 mm needles, cast on 39 sts.

knit 12 rows garter stitch

row 13:  k6, {k3, k2tog, yo, k4} x 3, k6

row 14:  k6, p 27, k6

row 15:  k6, {k2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k3} x 3, k6

row 16:  k6, p27, k6

row 17:  k6, {k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2} x 3, k6

row 18:  k6, p27, p6

row 19:  k6, {k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k1} x 3, k6

row 20:  k6, p27, k6

continue knitting rows 13 to 20 to desired length 

k12 rows garter stitch

Bind off

Garter Chevron Pattern

I love this...have used it for fifty years or more...

made pram covers, bonnets, hats, scarves, dishcloths

and hand towels, using this and some variations

Dishcloth c/o 39 sts using 4mm needles

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

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row   7                   K3, [*K2tog, K3, y/o, K1, y/o, K3, K2 tog*] x 3, K3

row   8                   K3, P33, K3

row   9                   K3, [*K2 tog, K3, y/o, K1, y/o, K3, K2tog*] x 3, K3

row 10                   K3, P33, K3

row 11                   K3, [*K2tog,  K3, y/o, K1, y/o, K3, K2tog*] x 3, K3

row 12                   K3, P33, K3

rows 13 to 18....knit

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continue to row 48 in this pattern /garter fashion

K6 rows garter stitch (rows 49 to 54)

cast off

A Different Weave

Cast on 36 stitches using 4mm needles

Begin with a lower border and end with an upper border

K 6 row

Row  7   K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

All even rows from 8 to 48   K3, P30, K3

Row  9   K3, *K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 11   K3,*K3, P3* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 13   K3,*K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

 Row  15  K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  17   K3, *K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 19   K3,*K3, P3* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 21   K3,*K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  23   K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  25   K3, *K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  27   K3,*K3, P3* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  29   K3,*K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  31   K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  33   K3, *K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 35   K3,*K3, P3* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 37   K3,*K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  39   K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  41   K3, *K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  43   K3,*K3, P3* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  45   K3,*K3, P1, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row  47   K3, *P4, K1, P1* repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3

Rows 49 to 54   Knit

Bind off

Glow in the dark flower pots...really neat idea

I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed with these diamonds

here's my design # 3

Garter Lace Diamond Cloth 3

Cast on 39 sts. using 4mm needles

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

  7)   K4, *y/o, ssk, K3, K2tog, y/o, K1* to last 3 sts, K3

       rows 18, and all even rows ,  K3, P33, K3

  9)   K5, *y/o, ssk, K1, K2tog, y/o, K3* to last 10 sts, y/o, ssk, k1, k2tog, y/o, K5

  11)   K6, *y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o, K5* to last 9 sts, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o,  K6

  13)   K5, *K2tog, y/o, K1, yo, ssk, K3* to last 10 sts, K2tog, y/o, K1, y/o, ssk, K5

  15)  K4, *K2tog, y/o, K3, y/o, ssk, K1 *to last 3 sts, K3

  17)  K3, K2tog, *y/o, K5, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso* to last 10 sts, y/o, K5, y/o, ssk, K3

Rows 7 to 18 is one pattern

Knit 2 more patterns

Knit 6 rows garter stitch.

Bind off

Garter Lace Diamond Cloth # 2

Cast on 39 sts using # 4 mm needles

Knit 16 rows garter stitch

  17)   K4, *y/o, ssk, K3, K2tog, y/o, K1* to last 3 sts, K3

       rows 18, and all even rows ,  K3, P33, K3

  19)   K5, *y/o, ssk, K1, K2tog, y/o, K3* to last 10 sts, y/o, ssk, k1, k2tog, y/o, K5

  21)   K6, *y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o, K5* to last 9 sts, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o,  K6

  23)   K5, *K2tog, y/o, K1, yo, ssk, K3* to last 10 sts, K2tog, y/o, K1, y/o, ssk, K5

  25)  K4, *K2tog, y/o, K3, y/o, ssk, K1 *to last 3 sts, K3

  27)  K3, K2tog, *y/o, K5, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso* to last 10 sts, y/o, K5, y/o, ssk, K3

  29)   K4, *y/o, ssk, K3, K2tog, y/o, K1* to last 3 sts, K3

  31)   K5, *y/o, ssk, K1, K2tog, y/o, K3* to last 10 sts, y/o, ssk, k1, k2tog, y/o, K5

  33)   K6, *y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o, K5* to last 9 sts, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o,  K6

  35)   K5, *K2tog, y/o, K1, yo, ssk, K3* to last 10 sts, K2tog, y/o, K1, y/o, ssk, K5

  37)  K4, *K2tog, y/o, K3, y/o, ssk, K1 *to last 3 sts, K3

  39)  K3, K2tog, *y/o, K5, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso* to last 10 sts, y/o, K5, y/o, ssk, K3

  40) K3, P33, K3

  Rows 41 to 56   Knit garter stitch

Bind off

***to make a scarf, just continue the lace diamonds to a desired length then border the 16 rows***

Garter and Diamond Lace Cloth

Cast on 39 sts, using 4mm needles

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

  7)   K4, *y/o, ssk, K3, K2tog, y/o, K1* to last 3 sts, K3

       rows 8, and all even rows  EXCEPT rows 14, 16, 18, K3, P33, K3

  9)   K5, *y/o, ssk, K1, K2tog, y/o, K3* to last 10 sts, y/o, ssk, k1, k2tog, y/o, K5

11)   K6, *y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o, K5* to last 9 sts, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso, y/o, K6

Rows 13 to 18, garter stitch

19)   K5, *K2tog, y/o, K1, yo, ssk, K3* to last 10 sts, K2tog, y/o, K1, y/o, ssk, K5

21)  K4, *K2tog, y/o, K3, y/o, ssk, K1 *to last 3 sts, K3

23)  K3, K2tog, *y/o, K5, y/o, sl 1, K2tog, psso* to last 10 sts, y/o, K5, y/o, ssk, K3

24) K3, P33, K3

These 24 rows make one complete pattern.

Knit one more complete pattern.

Rows 49-54, garter stitch

Bind off

I've designed a second cloth called Garter Lace Diamond Cloth # 2, which could also be adapted to make a scarf,

Mason Jar Repellants

Here's what you need:

4 Mason Jars (you can also recycle jelly jars, etc)

40 drops each – Cedarwood, Lavender, Lemon and Thieves essential oils

                (or use your own combination of oils but these are known to help to repel the buggies)

2 fresh lemons

2 fresh limes

8 sprigs fresh rosemary

water

Floating tea light candles

To Assemble these are just so easy.  I lined up my 4 mason jars and here’s what you do:

• Slice the lemons and the limes and set aside for a moment – I like to have two each just in case but you can possibly use one each
• Place two sprigs of rosemary  into each jar
• Fill each jar 3/4 full with water
• Add the essential oils of your choice  – 10 drops each per jar – and swirl slightly
• Place a slice each of lemon and lime into each jar
• Add more water if needed to raise the level to almost full
• Place a floating tea light candle on top
• Set outside, light and make some magic once you light them*
• Replace tea lights as needed – I recommend having some extras on hand!
• Discard fruit and liquid in jar after 2 – 3 days depending on your climate; rinse jars and start fresh as needed

Another cloth I designed using the Bluebell rib comprised of 5 stitches...
also easily converted to a scarf

Bluebell Rib Cloth

Cast on 39 stitches using 4mm needles

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

Pattern consists of six rows, as follows:

 7)   K3 *K3, P2* to last 3 sts, K3

 8)   K3 *P3, K2* to last 3 sts, K3

 9)   K3 *K3, P2* to last 3 sts, K3

10)   K3*P3, K2* to last 3 sts, K3

11)   K3 *y/o, sl 1, K2 tog , psso, y/o, P2* to last 3 sts., y/o,  K3

12)   K3 *P3, K2* to last 3 sts, K3

Continue to desired length

Knit 6 rows garter stitch.

Bind Off

Some great ideas using Lego that I saw on the Internet

Everyone loves pizza, and everyone loves fries, so it’s only natural that a combination of the two would be so mouthwatering! These pizza fries combine the great taste of your favourite pizza with the easy-to-eat shape of French fries. Start by spreading the bottom of a Pillsbury pie crust with 1/2 cup of Marinara sauce, then top with pepperoni, sausage, veggies, or whatever topping you enjoy. Then, add cheese, and top it with the other pie crust. Brush the top of the pie crust with olive oil and sprinkle on Parmesan and oregano.

Slice the “pie” into strips about 1/2″ wide, and then slice through the diameter of the “pie” perpendicular to the strips. Place the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve warm with some Marinara for dipping, and enjoy!

A great idea for a kitchen island in a small space

saw this on the 'net and thought...what a great idea

Paint pathway with Rust-Oleum Glow in the Dark Brush-on-Paint

Another Pretty Lace Cloth by Gloria Jean Gifford 2015-06-13

Cast on 39 stitches using # 4mm needles

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

 7         K3, P1, K1, *K1, yo K2, K2tog, K2tog TBL, K2, yo K1* x 3,  P1, K3

 8         K4, P 31, K4

 9         K3, P1, K1, *yo K2, K2tog, K2tog TBL, K2, yo K2* x 3, P1, K3

10        K4, P31, K4

The rows 7-10 are the pattern....repeat 10 times  (20 ridges, 40 rows)

Knit 6 rows garter stitch

Cast off

Weave in ends.

Diamond Trees Lace Dishcloth

Cast on 39 sts with #4 needles knit 6 rows garter stitch

Pattern:

  7        K3, *K3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, K2tog TBL, K3* x 3, K3

  8        and all even rows  K3, P33, K3

  9        K3, *K2, K 2tog, yo, K3, yo, K2tog TBL, K2* x 3, K3

11        K3, *K1,{ K2tog, yo,} x 2, K1, {yo, K2tog TBL} x2, K1,* x 3, K3

13        K3, *{K2tog, yo} x 2, K3, {yo, K2tog TBL} x 2, * x 3, K3

15        K3, *K1, {K2tog, yo} x 2, K1, {yo, K2tog TBL} x 2, K1, * x 3, K3

17        K3, *K2, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, K2tog TBL, K2* x 3, K3

19        K3, *k3, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, K2tog TBL, K3* x 3, K3

These 14 rows make up the pattern Continue to complete 3 patterns Knit 6 rows garter stitch Bind off

Large Eyelet Dishcloth

Cast on 38 sts. using #4 needles Knit 6 rows garter stitch 7) K3, *P2, K2 tog, yo x 2, sl 1, K1, psso* x 5, P2, K3 8) K3, K2, *P1, K into first yo, P into second yo, P1, K2* x 5, K3 9) K3, *P2, K4* x 5, P2, K3 10) K3, K2, *P4, K2,* x 5, K3 Knit 9 patterns Knit 6 rows garter stitch Bind off N. B. like this pattern; will reconfigure to knit a scarf

Title: Giff's Sweet and Sour Sauce from Mary Ross Description: This is nice with pork chops, and my friend Dolo uses it with chicken, also. Very nice and quick and easy to make. Ingredients: 2 c brown sugar 4 T flour 1 T ketchup 2 T soya sauce 1/4 c vinegar 1/4 c water Directions: Heat ingredients over low heat so mixture doesn't burn. Bake 8 pork chops @ 325 F for 45 mins. Pour sauce over cooked meat and serve with rice, grilled tomatoes, or your preference

Double Woven Stitch Cloth one of my favourites... can't you tell!!

Cast on 38 stitches using 4mm needles Rows 1-4: Knit across Row 5: k3, p32, k3 Row 6: k6, *sl 2 wyif, k2; rep from * to last 4 sts; k4 Row 7: k3, p32, k3 Row 8: k4, *sl 2 wyif, k2; rep from * to last 6 sts; sl 2 wyif, k4 Row 9: k3, p32, k3 Row 10-57: repeat rows 6-9 twelve (12) more times Row 58-60: knit across Bind off, and admire your beautiful creation! :o) Note: "sl 2 wyif" is worked like this: bring your yarn to the front, as if you were going to purl. Now slip the next 2 sts. from thee left needle to the right needle without working them, and bring your yarn to the back for the proper position for knitting the next 2 sts. This is what forms the horizontal bars all over the cloth, and what breaks up the colour blocks (known as pooling) you often get when knitting with variegated yarn.

friends of mine have done a ni ce job on their back garden

this is a stitch I liked , but mine isn't as neat as the one I downloaded...but the dishes don't care, do they Tile Stitch You need a stitch number multiple of 7 + 7 + 2 edge stitches. Repeat the pattern between the * as many times as you like. Instructions Row 1 & 3: edge st, p1, * k5, p2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k5, p1, edge st Row 2 & 4: edge st, purl across to last st, edge st Row 5, 7, 9, 11: edge st, k1, * p5, k2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, p5, k1, edge st Row 6, 8, 10, 12: edge st, purl across to last st, edge st Repeat rows 1 through 12. cast on 34 sts rows 1& 3 k4, k5, p2, k5, p2, k5, p2, k5, k4 rows 2 & 4 k4, p 26, k4 rows 5, 7, 9, 11 k across row rows 6, 8, 10,12 k4, k5, p2, k5, p2, k5, p2, k5, k4

Godmother's Edging Cast on 20 stitches knit one row now pattern as follows, to desired length {width} Row 1: sl. 1, k3, (yo, k2tog to last 2 sts) yo, k2 Row 2: knit Row 3: sl. 1, k6, (yo, k2tog to last 2 sts) yo, k2 Row 4: knit Row 5: sl. 1, k9, (yo, k2tog to last 2 sts) yo, k2 Row 6: knit Row 7: sl. 1, k12, (yo, k2tog to last 2 sts) yo, k2 Row 8: knit Row 9: sl. 1, k23 Row 10: cast off 4, knit 19 after reaching length desired...cast off

Basketweave scarf I designed...please feel free to share Gloria Jean Gifford

Giff’s Wristwarmers 1 pair 4mm (or larger if you want) Cast on 32 stitches ... you can make them longer or shorter by casting on 26 or 36 or whatever number. Row1: k to last 4 stitches, YO, k2tog,YO,k2 ** Rows 2 -9 Repeat row 1 [ stitch count will increase by 1 stitch per row ] Row 10: cast off 5 stitches, k to last 4 stitches, YO, k2tog, YO, k2 Row 11: repeat row 10 ** this establishes the pattern - repeat rows 2 - 11 Repeat from** to ** until you have 5 points on each side of the garter stitch strip or number necessary to fit around wrist ending with row 10 Cast off/ bind off instead of doing row 11.

Birch Tree Dishcloth designed by Gloria Jean Gifford Cast on 39 stitches with 4mm needles Row 1 (WS): *K1, P1 repeat from * to end, finishing with a knit stitch. (seed stitch) Row 2: Repeat row 1. Row 3: Repeat row 1. The above three rows are the border edge of the work. The following four rows make up the lace pattern which is repeated throughout the work. Row 4: *K1, P1, K1, *P1, K1, K2tog, yf, K1, yf, K2tog tbl, K1, P1 x 3, until last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1. Row 5: *K1, P1, K1, K1, P7, K1, x 3, until last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1. Row 6: *K1, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, yf, K3, yf, K2tog tbl, P1 x 3 until last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1. Row 7: *K1, P1, K1, K1, P7, K1, x 3, until last 3 sts, K1, P1, K1 Continue this for about 11 patterns To finish: Knit two rows seed stitch , then bind off.

love this pattern...will reconfigure to knit a scarf

MY new furry child

I am blessed with a new calico...Sassy...she'll be 4 on 1 Oct 2015...she's sweet, playful, and soooo curious...Love her already...she came to me on Thu 21st May 2015