A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Boot Cuffs and Christmas Ideas

It's going to take some doing to get myself going this morning. Another overcast, dreary day just when we thought that we were done with them for a while. You may remember that John is trying to get the garage finished, which figures in strongly. My first temptation on such a morning is to return to bed. This is all regional, I'm sure. If you live in a part of the country where you see a lot of sun, a gray day comes as a welcome change. Here, lately, the sun is a welcome change.



I've finished two pairs of boot cuffs. One for low boots, which can be a little smaller and one for tall boots, which must fit over the calf. They look pretty cute to me, though very straightforward. I think it would be easy for anyone to whip up her own pattern and crochet a set. I learned about them from Sarah and shared that a few posts back. What could be easier, though, than using the arms of an old sweater if you don't crochet or knit? Tip Nut has many listings for things to make with old sweaters *here*  and a free pattern for boot cuffs *here.* I'm trying to think of cute Christmas gifts...cute and cheap Christmas gifts.

Speaking of which, I learned of a terrific Christmas gift list via Suzanne...The 36th Avenue one. Everything is under $5 and they actually look like something! ☺ Kati, her blog is listed on yesterday's post, also has a list of frugal Christmas gifts that are very good.

This is my pile of stash from a run to Joann's on their excellent coupon offer. I am hoping to make a table runner with the green fabrics for a certain birthday girl and the yarn is what I used for the boot cuffs. I'm waiting for the girl and the boots to show up before I show them to you. Oh, don't bother purchasing what I thought were fat quarters...$12.99 for a yard of coordinating fabric is not being frugal!

Such a lame post with everyone Pinteresting these days. ;)

Have a terrific Wednesday...

34 comments:

  1. I snoozed until the last second, so warn and comfy was my bed, I didnt want to leave it! I too splurged on some JoAnn therapy this weekend. Columbus Day sales brought 50% off clearance fabrics and I got some great deals. Oh and I can never pass up .99 Simplicity patterns!

    We are going to have a very frugal Christmas this year and I want to craft a lot of homemade gifts. Its on my 30 before 30 list!

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  2. I too slept in, I think it's the cold mornings that makes one want to sleep. That is, after I had my five o clock awake time. So I learned something new visiting your own person pinterest site today...what a new idea, those boot cuffs. I might need to make some. thanks!

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  3. I do love a rainy day, but you're right...it's a matter of perspective and a long succession of them gets to be quite dreary. No wonder you're ready to duck back under the covers! It looks like you're making great use of those dreary days though, getting gifts ready to give.

    You might be interested in one of the 31 days series...31 days to a Stress Free Christmas. This lady has some great ideas for frugal gifts, and for planning for Christmas in general. (Link: http://my-art-full-life.blogspot.com/search/label/Homemaking)

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  4. Not everyone is Pinteresting!

    I have avoided being drawn into joining that site. In fact I dropped out of Facebook. I found that I spent too much time on the computer with Facebook and 2 other social media sites I am currently active on.

    So now I check email and my blogs (maybe once a week I check Walker Tracker and Ravelry) and then I shut down the computer. I have gain back some of my time and am happier for it.

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  5. I love your post. I have definitely had a shock to my system to arrive in the mountains to COLD temps and gray skies! I don't know when to wake up in the morning! lol And thanks for the link about the gift list. I'll go take a look! Hugs!

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  6. It has been cold and rainy and foggy here too. This morning it is foggy but the sun is suppose to shine today.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  7. Hey!!! -waving my hand here- I do NOT "do Pinterest" or whatever it is! I do not! So I am just peachy-keen-fine with a regular post.

    Ya' know... Regular old posting... We show some pics and we write some words, which give a peek into our life, to our Dear Readers.

    WHEN did JUST that, become OBSOLETE?!?

    -sigh- -moan- -whimper- -sob-

    "Auntie sezzzzzzzzz........"

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  8. As to weather, I'm in your region, Hon. Oh baby am I! And I am sick, sick, sick of rain and gray-ness and clouds...

    Each dark day, our chance for "Golden October" slips away. Slips away and slips away... To be followed by dark, gray, cloudy, rainy November. -sigh- It's enough to make one weep. -pout-

    Hooray for the gals who like this kind of weather. But I'm not one of them. And I am going right on pouting. Harrrrrumph....

    (As if it will do any good....)

    "Auntie"

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  9. Not a lame post at all...you've made me think this just might be a good day to begin thinking about Christmas gift giving. I usually get serious about that in August, but this year has been a bit different than most. Thank you so much for the motivation. You do inspire me!

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  10. Good morning! Your right about the weather. We are suppose to "maybe" get some clouds and possibly even a smidge of rain tomorrow and I am giddy. But I have a feeling it would be harder to always have gloom. I missed the sale at Joannes and I am still whining! Enjoy your day!

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  11. I've been wanting to make some boot cuffs! Wishing some sunshine your way.

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  12. Its been dreary here in South Carolina as well ... very unsouthern-like. (My new word of the day ;-) It looks like you are spending your time in a very productive manner. With all of your crafting projects going on I really feel the need to learn to do something new. All of your crocheting projects are really inspiring. I can't wait to see how the boot cuffs turned out!

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  13. Hello, cool mornings here, love that hot cup of coffee. Interesting boot cuffs, happy crafting. Blessings Francine.

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  14. It is a cloudy and cool day here too. I'm glad I took a drive yesterday to capture some of the fall beauty around here. Rain in the forecast tonight again. But, better than snow which is falling in many spots across Canada today!! At least you're doing something constructive by making Christmas gifts. Enjoy the day Vee. Hugs, Pam

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  15. I've "dabbeled" in pinterest, but that's about it, not attached. No facebook either, contrary to belief. But, I am passing this post on to #2 daughter who has taken up crochet. She will love affordable gift ideas! Have a delightful, albeit dreary day...you say!

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  16. We are very foggy here in the burbs of Seattle today. I'm thinking it would be nice to crawl back in bed. Ha! Not so fast...I have places to go and lists to complete. Have a wonderful Wednesday, Vee!!

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  17. Not lame at all. You gave me some good ideas for gifts. My daughter would like the boot cuffs and heaven knows I've got plenty of sweater arms in my stash.
    I slept in until 8:30 this morning.
    There was no welcoming sunshine, after all.

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  18. Dull here too but not cold for a change. Autumn does bring beautiful colour though.

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  19. Lame?? Never lame! Always real and informative! I am checking out those sites as soon as I can. It has been dreary here, too. Down comforter went on the bed Sunday night, sweater handy while watching the telly at night, but so farI have not had to turn on the heat. :) And that's a good thing. xo

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  20. You sound like you have the usual Pacific Northwest weather! We've actually hit a record for days without rain, but I think our luck is about to change with this weekend:-) We need the rain and especially all the people who have been in areas where fires are still uncontained. Those sites look great and I know, all too soon, Christmas will be upon us. XOXO

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  21. I'm supposed to be cleaning the house and here I sit in front of the computer trying to catch up on blog reading!
    A cool day here and mostly cloudy but the sun does make a showing every once in a while.

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  22. I really appreciated the link to the list of gifts under $5 and have sent a couple of ideas on to my daughter. she just introduced me to Pinterest on the weekend. I hope I don't spend too much time just looking but it might be fun to browse for inspiration on a day like today - with the white stuff on the ground. Hopefully it won't stay as we still have 100 acres to combine...turn the lights on inside and get busy crafting - you'll feel better in no time Vee! I love your new header!

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  23. Thanks for mentioning my series. I put the button higher up on my page so that it's easier for people to find it. :) That last picture is so pretty. Love the craft supplies. Looks like many Fall/winter evenings worth of fun.

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  24. So, I don't even know what boot cuffs are --- and I think I should know. Will you be posting a picture?

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  25. Lame!? I don't think so ma'am!

    I am thankful for the links to these Christmas ideas!

    Our days are just like yours lately - gloomy. But the sun has poked its head out now! Hurray!

    Deanna

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  26. The sun is shining here after a few gray days. I'll try to send some of it your way.
    I am anxious to see your boot cuffs. I think that is such a cute look. I was looking at the boots at Marshall's yesterday... wondering if I could find a pair for my middle aged feet that would look somewhat stylish, yet still be comfortable. Ha Ha! Don't think it's possible.
    Thanks for sharing the Christmas gift links. I will be checking them out.

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  27. I see that my cousin, PJ, beat me here today. Well, everyone did. Not that I was snoozing...nope. I went to breakfast with Warren. Loved it. Then went and picked up more jars and wax.
    So, I was up and at 'em early this morning. It was foggy and dark but then the sun came out and it is a perfectly delightful day!

    Your last photo is my very fav.

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  28. Lame? I think not. As you know...I have the boot cuffs bookmarked. And now I'mn off to visit Katie and Suzanne for more ideas.

    The sunshine is a little reluctant to show itself here today...with th morning fog still hanging over the valley. Hope your day has been great!

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  29. I would have stayed in my warm cocoon of a bed but had to walk the dog and get ready for an appointment.
    Today was my fall facial; one and a half hours of pampering with creams and scrubs. Unfortunately when I came home and looked in the mirror, I didn't look any different, especially not younger. LOL
    It's getting cooler here too, the weatherman said maybe some wet snow by tomorrow night.
    Stay warm!
    Judith

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  30. You never see boot cuffs much around here are they used to keep your boots dry in the snow we don't see snow at all.
    Merle....

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  31. I have a morning commute, no sleeping in for me. Love the boot cuff Idea. I can crochet some of those!

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  32. I'm always looking for ideas for things to make for gifts. I'll be checking out your links. Today was the first foggy morning and the sun did not peek through the clouds all day, so I'll soon be feeling like you, longing for sun.

    PS I'm working on a knitted cushion cover. I'm more of a process than a product knitter, so we'll see how soon it gets done.

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  33. I love the sweater tip for the boot cuffs! Now, I'm bummed with myself because I just gave away a bunch of old sweaters.

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  34. Hi Vee....I enjoyed your post.
    Boot cuffs sound like a good idea for cold wet and snowy areas. Have a good day...Barb x

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