By Hook

Jin Dui

2012-01-09T20:09:00.001-07:00

This has lots of names - a flower by any other name is just as sweet! :o) THIS is my most favorite sweet thing to eat! In this case it is a Chinese pastry made from rice flour, coated with sesame seeds, deep fried where the outside is crisp and the inside is chewy! Generally I get the kind that has the sweet lotus paste, but there are other pastes that are sweet, too. YUM!

WHEN was the last time I ate this, you ask???? About nine years ago! Every time I go to Portland or back to San Diego, it is on my list of things to eat but some how I get side tracked and never make it to the appropriate places to eat.

NOW I am going to see if there is some place that you can purchase these on-line and have them sent door to door - FAST.

They are also called Onde-Onde in Indonesia, Goma Dango in Japan, and Butsi in the Philippines. If you see one, buy it. You, too, will be transported to heaven.

New Year, New Life

2012-01-03T07:44:00.003-07:00

I am hoping that 2012 will be bringing new friends and new opportunities for enjoyment for us all. This past year seems to have flown by, yet during the year it was pain in slow motion.

I lost my husband in December to prostate cancer. He was a tall, strong, mountain of a man and when the cancer made him weaker and more dependent on me, he felt it was time to go, so he just did. He did not want to live in that condition another six months, being dependent and weak, and wanted to go home to see his family who passed before him.

One great gift he gave me is the sharing of his children and grandchildren so that I am now a grandmother to two beautiful little girls, and step mom to two wonderful kids. I prefer to say I am a mother by marriage. The circle of love continues. There may soon be another child on the way this year, making it three grandchildren! It is a lasting gift of love for which I will be ever grateful.

I find another gift he gave me is becoming part of a larger family of loved ones...his first wife Amy had several brothers and one sister, all of whom are my own now...and my husband came from an equally large family so I am able to be held up in love and peace and comfort during such a sad time in all our lives by each of them.

And last, but not least, are our animals. They are like our children & keep me on my toes every day. You just can't be lazing around when your doggies need to take a walk. What a blessing they are.

Life goes on, and we who live those lives have an obligation to go with it and do the best we can to "keep on keeping on".

May you all share a wonderful 2012 with your families and loved ones.

Dolls for Christmas

2011-11-17T09:35:00.002-07:00

Last year I purchased two American dolls for my granddaughters. As it turns out, they were really too young and did not appreciate them. The eldest is into Barbie Dolls, which are so CHEAP now that she has a dozen. All naked. All with ratty hair. :o) All well used and loved. She has a great time with them, they are just the right size to hold in her little hands, and I have seen her play for hours making up stories and using her imagination.

This year I thought I would make her a little crocheted doll that might give her the same pleasure. She is a tad older, but do not expect her to be treating this doll a whole lot better than her Barbies.

I have posted before about the creations on the ByHook/ByHand blogspot. I am in love with the little Kaitlyn, a little cat-eared pocket spirit. DARLING! So if you have a cat, you'd love one, too. If you have a friend that loves cats, that friend would love one! But more importantly, if you have a granddaughter or two, you can be sure those little girls would be in heaven to get their hands on something so cute and precious.

Can you actually resist this precious little doll?????? And the pattern is FREE. You can do it! Get it, make it, and watch little eyes light up this Christmas

I'm Shopping Again - HELP!

2011-11-12T11:45:00.003-07:00

I need a muzzle on my fingers. This internet has really put a dent in my pocketbook.

Having lived in Japan I feel an affinity to all things Japanese. I can still remember where we lived, although I was but a wee thing.

I can remember the sand piles in the middle of the road where they put the ammunition for some reason....to be picked up and moved, I think. I lived in Post War Tachikawa. This is a photo of my younger brother who was born in Japan. He is near one of those ominous sand piles.

The women were gentle and loving and ever so talented. My "nanny" was Aokisan and I loved her so very much. Mom said she probably would have kidnapped me as she felt an affinity of me like I did her. I wonder what every happened to her?

Now I like to collect Japanese crochet books. I have a few already, but a few just doesn't seem enough. Ms. Beverly found the site YesAsia for me. I just purchased several more books today....these aren't cheap, BUT there are always more patterns than you can shake a stick at! (To improperly end a phrase in a preposition).

I purchased four new books. This is one of them....full of shawls and shrugs:

Do you shop when you are happy, or like me when life throws you a curve ball? I find that spending my money on something which makes me feel as if I am in control, and that I can make some changes in my life tends to perk me up. At least as long as the browser if open!! And, too, when the items arrive. Then I have to find space, and some day go back and look at it.

THEN I feel really good when I end up passing it along to someone else who will use it. Isn't that just the way life goes!??

May your life be full of blessings!

They Are Finally Together

2011-10-24T21:17:00.001-06:00

THEY ARE FINALLY TOGETHER ....

Judy got married and had 13 children. Her husband, Ted, died of cancer. She married again and she and Bob had 7 more children. Bob was killed in a car accident. Judy again married, and she and John had five more children.

Judy finally diet, after having 25 children. Standing before there coffin, the preacher prayed for her. He thanked the Lord for this very loving woman and said, "Lord, they are finally together.

Ethel leaned over and quietly asker her best friend Margaret...

"Do you thing he means her first, second, or third husband?"

Margaret replied, "I think he means her legs, Ethel ... her legs."

Back to the real world.....Christmas is around the corner!

2011-10-19T15:03:00.001-06:00

Hey there....I'm starting to feel like hide and seek - sometimes I'm here, sometimes I'm gone - now you see me, now you don't!

Hubby is settling into a rhythm of chemo and meds, me being the nurse, so I think I can start picking up some of my own personal threads and get back to "normal" for a bit.

I have been working on potholders, as some of you know, and lately have been looking at the ones by Delights-Gems who is a prolific pattern maker. The thing is, she doesn't just make a square potholder with an edge, she makes AWESOME potholders and isn't shy about sharing them with everyone. They are crocheted (all as far as I can tell) and they are beautiful.

On Ravelry she is simply known as Delights. There is, however, nothing simple about her. So, if you are yearning to have something super special for a Christmas present or for yourself, this is the place to go. Although her patterns may not be as fast and quick as others, they are surely more rewarding and more interesting.

Only 72 days left before Christmas!!

BIG SCAM!!!

2011-10-03T17:33:00.001-06:00

I've been scammed. I can't believe it....the kind of thing that I warn people about happened to my husband and I. Had I answered the phone and heard what he said, then I would have known it wasn't my nephew, but he was talking to my husband first.

The problem is he SOUNDED like my nephew...who is a good guy who never gets in trouble. Well, if you ever get a call from a "relative" in trouble (especially if it is in Canada) tell them to go to h#&&. :o)

We are out $3,000 - it won't kill us, but it does hurt us. Hurts my pride worse than anything, and I am usually more careful.

So if you get any Canada number like this one (1-514-553-4182) it is a scam. Many of those numbers are, and especially if they call you from a number that is a Google number.

Now that I have it all figured out I know that the people in CA called through the Google number - that they were in jail in Oceanside with some of those special cell phones - and then used another similar type Google Canada number...can't trace it. Lost the money. Lost my pride, and during a time when we are underwater emotionally.

At least someone in Oceanside was able to get out of jail. GRRRRRRR.

Cute Crochet Patterns

2011-09-26T09:07:00.000-06:00

Skymagneta is from Malaysia. She has an extremely creative mind, a wicked crochet hook, and some fantastic patterns for small cute things.

I love, love, love her new sea turtle, but am also enamored with her mirrors. Check her out!

It is quite amazing what the creative mind can come up with!

Peace and good health be with you!

Dinner Tonight - Black Bean Salad

2011-09-25T18:21:00.001-06:00

I have been at gatherings where this little beauty has been served as a side dish, but tonight I served it as the main salad for hubby and I. Quite filling, and with some baked crackers it was just enough. Now we will be having a little Marie Calendar Berry/Cherry pie - shared of course. I always give him the larger part, though, as he is the one who needs to maintain or gain weight.

I downloaded the app onto my iPad for Whole Foods Market. It had quite the variety of recipes, and the neatest thing is that it has a food shopping list for you! I took the iPad with me, selected my dish for tonight, and then brought up the shopping list. It is sooooo cool!

Unlike my BFF, Bev, I am not a cook. I was once - but a Southern Cook, with a capital "S"! All things fried. :o) GOOD food, but not always healthy. Due to some upcoming health problems of my own, and knowing that I just have to stay on my feet to care for hubby in the coming year, I decided to start working toward eating heart healthy - translated to almost vegetarian! I'm doing fairly well for the most part. I have taken off six pounds (after putting on 20 trying to fatten up the hub) and that is really a blessing.

I have a problem in giving up milk for my coffee, nuts of any sort, and oils. However, I have cut down on everything quite a bit. I eat very little of anything with meats of any sort, but still allow some. I'm working toward getting to being a REAL vegan - or perhaps vegetarian. There is a difference, I have found out. My purpose isn't to do this for awhile, but to do this to change my life and get it pointed in the right direction. I'm almost at the age where I can't make changes, or the changes will be too late....gotta hit the ground running now, or not at all!

There are lots of books out there on the subject matter - and some great recipe books! So, if you are inclined to make a change in your life for the better start as fast as your life style will let you, but start. Keep carrots around to munch on. Lots of crunch, and if you purchase the baby ones, they are sweet - an added bonus to those of us who crave the sweets!

Love to you all, and wishing you and your loved ones a healthy life.

2011-09-24T13:48:00.000-06:00

Texting: Since more and more people my age are texting there appears

to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code). If you qualify for Senior Discounts this is the code for you.

ATD: At The Doctor's

BFF: Best Friend Fainted

BTW: Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM: Covered By Medicare

CGU: Can't get up

CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center

DWI: Driving While Incontinent

FWBB: Friend With Beta Blockers

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

FYI: Found Your Insulin

GHA: Got Heartburn Again

GGPBL: Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low!

GGLKI: Gotta Go - Laxative Kicking In

HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement

IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

LOL: Living On Lipitor

GGLWO: Gotta Go - Lawrence Welk's On

OMMR: On My Massage Recliner

OMSG: Oh My! Sorry - Gas.

ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up

TTYL: Talk To You Louder

WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?

WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil

What, ME crochet???

2011-09-22T15:58:00.000-06:00

I'm alive. Barely. Finished this design started by Beverooni of the sprained thumb. :o) It was designed by Mona Modica from Creative Yarn Source. It is her new Shilo sweater, made with Sinfonia, a mercerized cotton. Just love the color! She has a better photo on her web page of her finished product with a button. I opted to go without the button. It's a beautiful pattern!

Look who took over.....

2011-09-22T15:56:00.000-06:00

.....hubby's afghan!

Hubby and Dogs

2011-08-09T18:50:00.000-06:00

Two are ours and one is the daughters. She, Patsy, is not a lap dog so was not comfy while I took the photo and jumped off as quick as the click!

They are all becoming house dogs as they don't like being outside when it is so darn hot. Not as hot as Texas, though! Nor as humid as the south. Now THAT is miserable humid heat.

I finished a square for a comfort'ghan that is being made up for one of our Ravelry friends who is going through some hard times. It is a calming color scheme....the photo isn't great as I took it on my iPod.

The starfish facecloth that I "angeled" to a person that did not receive from her partner in a swap. It's made with Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton...and I do! My BFF Bev turned me on to their line of goods.

This is a long hot pad I made for the same person, but is from a different swap. Made it easier to go ahead and have the extra made for her when she got jilted in the other swap as I was already mailing her this. She said her fav colors were pink, blue and bright orange. Luckily I had all three in cotton! ;o) I actually liked the color combo - which is a strange one for me in general. Perhaps because it is only 3 colors. The flower pattern is by ColoradoMom on Ravelry if you are interested.

Back

Now speaking of comfort'ghan's - this one is a real winner!!! This was made for ME by a bunch of wonderful ladies in our Vanna's Choice group. They went to all the trouble of making my favorite rose pattern in my favorite colors! Isn't this just beautiful!!! I cry every time I sit with it....very very comforting feeling to have it wrapped around me. The pattern is Victorian Rose and just isn't an easy one to make. A tutorial was whipped up by Margaret so it would help all involved in making their square.

Now - what more could a weary heart ask for other than a reprieve????

I have it in my fav chair where I sit and watch TV in my bedroom. Hubby, who is hard of hearing, watches quite a bit of TV while he is trying to get use to his new cancer meds. I will escape to my quarters every now and again, curl up, and watch some happy shows...like House Hunters! ;o)

This is the beautiful border that Jamie did. She put the whole thing together and did more than a fabulous job. Her work is impeccable and a blessing to me in every way.

So from my house to yours, hope your a/c is working well, that you are resting, eating properly, and being good to all your loved ones. All of the above is important to your health and theirs.

Hugs!

Time flies again...

2011-07-23T11:09:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe just how often I am NOT posting. If we are not traveling to Portland for medical reasons, we are having company, or visiting friends in far away towns. I just don't seem to have time for myself these days.

Crocheting? WHAT is THAT? I have made a few small projects for swaps, but those I finished long before now. I knew time would be short with the travels, so finished ahead of time. Right now I don't seem to have energy for anything short of playing a game on my iPad.

We had our THIRD water break, so they put in a new line. Now I am worrying that they did not cut the far lines but just capped them. Will have to double check with the bossman to see what they did do. Sometimes the worker bees don't realize what is really needed. It was a capped line that started this whole thing of the hillside sliding down.

This is a photo of a dove which is not a) a natural inhabitant of North America, and b) rarely seen in the northern states, and c) even more rare in the North West area. We have two here now - a couple. It is a Eurasian Collared Dove. Nearly all white. The Ring-Necked Dove has more white and less grey. Pretty little devil, eh?

I may have posted this before. Hubby and one of our visitors this summer. The red-headed grandchild and her older sister, minus one tooth. :o) These two are really beautiful little girls, and part of that beauty is that they are extremely nice and generally well behaved. Says Grandma.

Last, but NOT least is a photo of your's truly and our nephew from Texas, here to visit the uncle and grandpa - who will be 95 in September. Handsome dude!

As I said in my Facebook posting, there is a beige cami under the black cami! At least you can see it sticking out from underneath as proof! Also, no cleavage, so you know it is covered up! Sure looks strange, though!

Maybe some crochet posting next week after our next trip to Portland...this time we are flying. So glad we have great house sitters who stay at a moments notice! They love being here with the dogs, so we are blessed.

Just a reminder to take care of your family, and love them to pieces every day. They won't always be around for you to kiss and make up........

If I Am Not Crocheting......

2011-06-22T08:48:00.003-06:00

.....I am putting together Dowdle puzzles! This one is called "Amish Quilts."

This is something to do when your brain is in overload and you can't concentrate on life. Great way to clear the cobwebs. I finished the "Seattle" puzzle prior to this, and now have opened the "Santa Barbara" puzzle.

I have been collecting the puzzles from the cities where I have a loved one, or where I lived, or there was a significant event. Also, I have some of his puzzles, like the one above, that are just fun puzzles. I finished a "Hot Air Balloon" earlier this year.

This is taking my mind off my vest pattern by Doris Chan in the Crochet! magazine. I'd load a photo of it here, except the photo loader is not working. I have tried it every which way I can...sorry. It is on the other blog, if you are interested and haven't seen it.

Turns out the pattern is way off, AND the errata provided by Doris was also not right. She told me in a link, "Please just put the project aside for now, if you can, and check back here for a link to the corrections. There's no way I can hold your hand through it."

Guess that says it all! ;o(

Hightide

2011-06-21T07:45:00.000-06:00

I found this in one of those linen booklet advertisements....I think it would be a perfect afghan crocheted in Vanna's Choice. You could even find patterns to replicate almost 100% of the patterns. This could be a feminine afghan in rosey colors, or purples, or you could man it up a tad more with darker colors!

This is going on my list of "to do's"!

Oops!

2011-06-21T07:42:00.000-06:00

I forgot to take a photo first to show Liz I whipped up the Devil's Food Cake mix she sent to me! It was quite pretty and tastes great! No frosting needed.....

I see that I have posted several blog items, but they were saved as drafts....so I'll just get them posted and then change my settings. Here I thought I was ahead, not behind, the game plan!

New Pattern's for Crocheted Squares

2011-06-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

I am sure that most of you have already heard about the booklet quite a few designer's put together for the benefit of Pam Gillette, of Knotty Generation - who is also a designer. All, as in 100%, of the proceeds go to benefit Pam as she is struggling with cancer treatment. I believe that she is finished with the chemo treatment now. Check out the photo, in the link above, of this luscious afghan.

Follow this link to purchase Pam's Comfort Cables Crochet Afghan patterns. There is an errata for those who might have purchased the booklet before 5/23/11, but if you get it now, the correction is already made.

As the site says:

"Including patterns from crochet designers such as Drew Emborsky, Diane Moyer, Karen Ratto-Whooley, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, Tracie Barrett, Dee Stanziano, Lisa Gentry, Margaret Hubert, Tammy Hildebrand, Angela Best, Kim Kotary, Mary Beth Temple, Jill Hanratty, Kristin Omdahl, Vashti Braha, Ellen Gormley, Marty Miller, Robyn Chachula, Amy O’Neill Houck, Annie Modesitt, Bendy Carter, Doris Chan, and Mary Jane Hall."

Little Cuties in "L"

2011-05-31T16:39:00.000-06:00

I participate in a Letter Swap. This is where you take the persons first name and use that as the basis for the pattern you choose. My person was Liz, so I had to find "L" patterns.

So for my first pattern, I chose something with Large as part of the title, and the second pattern had Little as part of the title. The Large was smaller than the Little. :o)

First, the Large - it is a Large White, or better known as a cabbage butterfly.

Then there is the Little - it's a Little Lime from the same book, 75 Birds, Butterflies and Beautiful Beasties to Knit and Crochet, by Lesley Stanfield

Then I made a Strawberry Potholder - but had to call it a Lacy Strawberry Potholder to get it in the right "L" category! This is from an old Annie's Attic pattern leaflet #851 called Crocheted Potholders 3, by Leisure Arts. The design is by Kay Fisher Meadors. There is a cool grape cluster potholder in there that I want to try.

The yarn is much brighter and prettier than it shows in these photos.

The last gift was a lovely set of patterns of Lacy Shawls to Knit.

Whew! Made it!

Heart to Heart....

2011-05-24T07:34:00.000-06:00

I have been into potholders a lot lately. I found a lovely pattern to make for fun and frolic, and it turned out to be a tad more difficult to put together than I thought it should. The pattern maker is Scandinavian (Carola Wijma) and the translation into English is a little off for the normal way of our doing crochet. However, she does have a beautiful graph that is of help. The Ravelry download is called Grandma's Heart.

There are so many gorgeous projects you can make with this pattern, but I wanted another potholder for my DSIL that was bright and fun.

Do you remember ever seeing one of those plant holders you put on the wall that is shaped like a heart? Rather like sconces. I think if you had a ratty container that is small this would be the perfect cover up to use, sans loop, and have it coordinate with the colors in your room. I'd think the container would have to be something you can hang easily, then pin this around to the wall or around the container.

Carola has some little purses made and they are just darling! Perfect for a little one to carry when wearing her favorite fancy dress!

Red Laser App for iPhone/iPad/iPod

2011-04-30T19:02:00.001-06:00

For anyone who is looking for an App that will scan the bar codes and compare prices, my DSS's app was just released and updated and is on the iTunes App Store for free.

It is called Red Laser, and even works with the 4th generation iPod & iPad2 - just not as great because the camera is not as good as the iPhone....but works nonetheless!

My DSS worked on the app and works for the company that released the app, so download it and check it out! I'd be interested to hear any feed back.

Good shopping!

Apple iTunes Store App

Uptown/Downtown Afghan

2011-04-29T17:57:00.000-06:00

Don't think I have posted this here - if I have, sorry. Am nursing a cold and just want to get something up. This is the swap that inspired the Qualia Square.

Gave this to my niece as a comfort 'ghan. I love the colors - so dramatic!

The Qualia Square

2011-04-13T10:50:00.001-06:00

During the last swap on Ravelry I made up a square. The Qualia Square. I wanted to have it tested as I had some problem with a row and had to fudge it a bit, so two people volunteered to help me with it.

So, two months later neither one has come through, even with a tad of prodding. So, I think I am going to post it here and if anyone out there would be so kind as to test it for me I would appreciate it so very much. Funny that you think the very ones you can count on, you can't. :o(

This is not written for someone who cannot crochet well, or who needs intricate directions. These are basically my notes....not formulated into good crochet instructions.

Also, I did make some corrections but they are not noted here. I wanted to see if you all would make the same corrections.

Qualia Square

Chain 4 - join (start with a darker color for background)

Row 1: 16 dc in loop (16)

Row 2: 2 dc in ea stitc (32); change colors

Row 3: sc, [fptr in stitch in Row 1; sc in NEXT stitch]* (in this row none of the stitches from the previous row will be skipped, all will have a sc in them - the fptr is a 'stand alone' stitch) repeat * around. (32 sc, 16 fptr = 48)

Row 4: sc in each stitch around (48); change to a bright color

Row 5: Crab Stitch in each stitch around in FLO (front loop only) (48); change back to same color as row 4.

Row 6: This whole row will be in the BLO (back loop only) behind the Crab Stitch: (48)

(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, 1tr in next stitch); skip two stitches (back loops)*hdc in next 2 stitches; sc in next 3 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches; skip two stitches, {1tr, 2dc, ch2, 2dc, 1tr} in next stitch, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * around to beginning. Finish by doing 1tr in the very first stitch used to complete the corner. (52); change colors

Row 7: One dc in each stitch around; Corners 2dc, ch2, 2dc each. (68) change to a bright color

Row 8: Crab stitch around in the FLO - in using each stitch and each chain stitch you end up with 19 crab stitches on each side with 19 BL available on the backside for Row 9. (76); change back to same color as row 6; change colors

Row 9: Repeat Row 7 in BLO. In doing this you will have one loop to use as a corner stitch for the 2dc, ch2, 2dc, 17 stitches per side not counting the corner stitch. When you are finished you end up with 21 stitches per side and the corner loops.....if I have the count right.

This seems to be the row that messes me up for the next row of the V like stitches............FPTR stitches.

change colors

Row 10: Repeat Row 7 (104); change colors

Row 11: *[2sc, ch1, 2sc in corner ch2; sc in next 2 stitches (be sure to count the first stitch correctly); FPTR in 3rd dc in Row 9, (always skipping st behind tr), sc in next 3 stitches; FPTR in same dc as previous FPTR, sc in next 3 stitches; FPTR in 7th dc from previous FPTR; sc next 3 stitches; FPTR in same stitch; sc next 3 stitches; FPTR in 7th dc from previous FPTR; sc in next 3 stitches; FPTR in same as dc as last FPTR; sc in next 3 stitches] … repeat from * around ending with the last sc; change colors to same as Row 10.

Row 12: dc around with 3dc in each corner.

The Next Afghan Joining

2011-04-12T17:08:00.000-06:00

This afghan is one of the newer ones from last year. I still have others from 2009! However, this goes to my SIL, who became a G'ma this year, so want to give her something special. Sort of like a prayer shawl because she is so far away from her beautiful granddaughter. That has got to be hard.

I had started bordering in a coral color, but it was too bright so ripped it out. I wanted to try to soften the bright colors, so am using beige...even though it looks a tad pinkish here, it isn't.

After all the squares are bordered, and put togehter, I am going to use all the main colors and do a row of each, then top it off with just one of the colors as the wider border.

WHICH color is the question.

I am a Senior Citizen (sent from the hubster)

2011-04-11T10:04:00.013-06:00

It was NOT the senior citizens who took:

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!

And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts!

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I'm the life of the party...... even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps.... with a hammer.

I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg.

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Spread the laughter

Share the cheer

Let's be happy

While we're

Here's a Bit of Spring for You

2011-04-09T22:18:00.000-06:00

From My Yard

A time to rest

2011-04-08T21:13:00.001-06:00

Wow, what a week. UPS and DOWNS can both take their toll on the mind, body, and spirit. Today was the body.

Ever have one of those days when you wanted to just go to bed? Well, today was one for me. And it was my own fault.

After a hectic week of taking care of my DFIL with the broken hip, I sat up late last night and had TWO bowls of ice cream. Now, for most people that might not be a big deal, but for me it is disastrous. I am lactose intolerant. VERY lactose intolerant - and I did not take my pills. The ice cream started talking to me about 1:30 a.m. and each and every half hour after that.

Needless to say I was unable to sleep very much at all, so today I have been dragging myself around. THEN the electricity went out, and the ice cream was still talking to me. So, again, for most people that would not be a big deal, BUT - we are on our own water system and have a pump that runs on electricity so without it you can't flush the toilet. :o( No electricity. No pump. No flushing. Ugh.

At least I felt better than THIS!

☟

Whatever was wrong only lasted a few hours (and we do have four bathrooms!) so eventually all was well. I also took an hours nap which really helped.

Crochet? Well, actually yes - I managed to nearly finish the border on an afghan, weave in some ends on a potholder, and find several patterns I'm interested in making. Not too much, but enough to get me through the day.

So, how was YOUR day?

One Thing After Another....

2011-03-30T15:45:00.003-06:00

...to steal a bit of a phrase from my BFF.

This past week has been hectic. My DFIL (the father of my husband's first wife) fell and broke his hip. He is 94 and a rare bird to say the least. Very bright and articulate, and most times quite a grumpy fellow. His daughter passed away in June of 2002 and his wife passed away in September that same year. He is fairly angry that he, the ornery one in the family, is still here when the rest of his family members, sans four of his children, are already waiting on the other side for him.

Well, I figured he was a goner for sure but he came through the hip replacement with flying colors. As long as he is on drugs he seems to be a pretty happy and gregarious fellow, too!

This incident has taken its toll on him, but hubby and I have visited him every day to the point of wearing out - so now he and I are trading off every other day. We take him goodies, or items he needs, pick up his mail and deliver it, intervene when necessary, etc. - and at least he isn't into long visits so we are able to have time in the day for ourselves.

Don't get me wrong. I am delighted to be able to see him heal, to be able to make him smile, and to bring whatever love and brightness I can into his life. It is just that it has been time consuming and I haven't attended to as much as I would like.

We just had his oldest son and his now only daughter visit us a week or so ago, so I am thankful they were able to be with him when he was healthier and could get out and about. He did fall again when he decided he could get out of bed on his own, but thankfully he did not hurt himself and seems to realize THAT isn't a good idea right now.

So - when you have a moment say a prayer for Dick that he will be at peace with his world, will heal quickly, and go back to his abode contently. I do love him so. My dad passed away when he was 51 and I turned 18. My mom, who would have been the same age as Dick, passed away when I was 41 (many, many moons ago). Having Dick around has been a real blessing to share his thoughts and memories of the years my parents would have shared with him in space and time.

Count your blessings.....

Yet another month goes by - here's a Spider for you!

2011-03-18T16:59:00.001-06:00

I started working on this spider last year to send to Liz, a friend on Ravelry. It is made with an F hook and very tight stitches - and I did not notice that the spider was HUGE when I started the pattern. This is one of Gudrun Kulich's wonderful fantasy type patterns. She has a very large and spectacular selection of all sorts of dragons and other interesting Fairy Tale characters (Amigurumi Artist). Intricate, thoughtful, and provocative patterns - all for free. All large. ;o) Her latest patterns are really awesome.

The body of the Mexican Red Knee Spider is 17 inches in circumference, and from top to bottom, beginning circle to the finished part, it is 9 inches. All without the rest of the body parts. When I started to finish off the body I realized there had not been any note to stuff it! So, here I am punching through all the stuffing through a tiny hole ! Not the easiest job, but doable. Just make sure when you get her pattern that you read it and make note of where you might want to start the stuffing process.

Gudrun's pattern is very precise as to the body parts - it isn't a pattern that you can whip through as I am finding out. However, it is a satisfying, albeit LONG, pattern process. I hope to have a great deal more finished in the next few weeks.

Has anyone tried one of her amigurumi characters?

Oh my - I missed a whole month!

2011-02-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

I just noted the date on the last blog....just before New Years! I missed wishing everyone happy Valentine's! Glad I remembered to change the theme to St. Patrick's or I would have never realized just how slack I have become.

I promise, I have lots of GOOD excuses.

I think a lot of you have been on Bev's site (One Yarn After Another) and noted that she is doing knooking upon occasion. Well, she has me interested, so I am going to pursue this idea once I get a booklet from Rhonda's store on Etsy, Off The Hook Art. I have tried it on my own, and although I know how to knit (but don't) I cannot understand how this works. I have tried. I'm a dunce.

However, I SHALL overcome. I have a dream.........amigurumi by knooking. :o)

Another very lovely site.....

2010-12-27T11:50:00.001-07:00

I was checking out sites and ran across yet another one that many of you may already know about. I'm a tad slow on such things.

This is Sara London at her wordpress blog. Her colors remind me a lot of Lucy. She has some awesome patterns. She is writing a book - as are all great designers these days it seems. When I looked through her photos I noted a pattern for a granny square top that one of my buddies at Ravelry had posted from a pattern on there....so she is around, and I haven't been paying attention!

Take a look at her site. The colors could cheer you up quicker than a holiday drink! ;o) Below is one of her badges - if you do click on it on my site, it won't do anything! Just had to grab something colorful from there!

My Happy Corner

2010-12-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

It is always good to have flowers on dreary days ... I so love the Christmas Cactus. It's very delicate and colorful, and cheers up even the cloudiest day.

Wishing you and yours a very joyful and blessed New Year!

Monster Crochet blog

2010-11-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

Whilst digging through crochet blogs I found this rather delightful tidbit of a blog - well, much more than a tidbit, but still quite delightful. Monster Crochet.

She designed this really lovely shawl which is quite a spectacular undertaking. I hope you enjoy checking out this blog and seeing what strange things lie within! ;o)

Patterns for Free

2010-11-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered a new source for patterns! And why didn't I think of them before? BOYE! Seems they are hooked up with Wrights and Simplicity, to just name two. So I would recommend that you take a gander.

I found this very awesome beret called Blueberry Beret, and it looks almost as it if it's knitted. VERY pretty!

What do you think? This looks like a keeper to me!

2010-11-06T14:58:00.000-06:00

I am becoming an amigurumi junkie! I have again run across an exciting web page full of patterns. These, however, are not free - but they are wonderful. I believe these to be similar to the ones on the previous post.

I especially like the ostrich, Olga........

If you get a chance, visit the web site Delicious Crochet and see what Paula has to offer. So many CUTE patterns!

Now off I go to finish a couple of projects.

An Astounding Web Site

2010-10-31T14:31:00.000-06:00

There are many web sites out there that have amazing people designing projects for us all, some more amazing than others. Well, this is one of the MOST amazing designers I have ever seen! If you take a look at her site, go back to the beginning and see her original designs and then see how she has grown into making intricate and delightful creatures.

Now this site isn't for the faint of heart! Well, in the sense if you wish to make something she designs, that is. The newest patterns are extremely delightful!

Please stop by and visit Amigurumi Artist and spend some time viewing the most wonderful collections of amigurumi pets and pests you have ever seen!

My Traveling Scarf Returns Home!

2010-10-25T16:28:00.000-06:00

This beautiful scarf has returned home from making it around the whole continent! I asked each person to write about their mom as I dedicated the scarf and journal to my mother, and theirs.

I had to take photos of it in sections as it is so nice and large - warm and soft and fuzzy, and BEAUTIFUL!!

....also, below is a photo of what came out of my goodie gift bag! Yay!

Top photo - bottom to top: My square, Margaret's, Rebecca's, and Paula's on top.

Second photo - bottom up: Becky's, Dawnn's, Liz's, and Karen's

Third photo - bottom up: Jessica's, Peggy's and Tanya's!

....and last, but not least, my gifts - beautiful postcards from all around, teas, chocolate, not pads, magnets, and a lovely wash cloth! Wow! THANKS!

The most wonderful part of this is what each person wrote in my journal about their mother. I cried so much I could not read it all in one sitting! One thing I have learned - mothers everywhere are dedicated to loving their children and raising them right, even when they have to give up things for themselves to make it right for the kids.

How lucky we are to have mothers who loves us and teach us respect, love, and working hard to attain our goals!

For Lessie

2010-10-21T14:57:00.000-06:00

In our Itsy Bitsy Kitchen swap, I made Lessie a Leopard Spot potholder. Somehow it looks a bit more like a spot on a cow to me! ;o) On the other side I used a variegated yarn to, again, try to replicate spots on a big cat. As I had a Tiger button, I went ahead and put it on one side in the middle as the "top" as you only need one side on a potholder against a pot.

Then I sewed a ribbon on the bottom of a hand towel, and at the top I made a looped holder with the Tiger button to keep it in place....matching the potholder. I put in another towel in brown, and gave her all the left over ribbon, yarn and buttons in case she wanted to make something more.

Then I added little gifts that had "spots" to go with the theme, as well as a knit magazine. Here is her photo with the goodies, and below that the kitty playing with one of the balls! ;o)

Hell's Canyon, Idaho

2010-10-18T17:09:00.001-06:00

My husband and I took my BFF from Savannah to the Hell's Canyon Recreational Site along the Snake River. Then on the way home we traveled up the Kleinschmidt Grade, which is a one lane switchback up the side of the mountain, to travel into Council.
It was not what I would call fun - an experience perhaps, but NOT fun....except to be with my BFF and hubby.

Beautiful scenery.

Food!

2010-09-21T20:58:00.000-06:00

I received my new Southern Living magazine today, which was a pleasure to read. Lots of Fall goodies, beautiful Fall colors, and FOOD!

One of the most wonderful finds was a new blog to me - perhaps some of you have seen it...it's called Southern Plate and the writer/cook is Christy Jordan of Alabama. I have gone a bit through the site and it is quite wonderful! The photo below is of her dessert pizza called Apple Doozie. Even if you don't cook, she's a wonderful read!

This looks soooooooooooooooooooo yummy! I wonder what the calorie content is?????

"The Ranch"

2010-09-17T16:12:00.001-06:00

Every so often I mention that hubby has gone to "The Ranch" - but it really isn't a ranch. It is 5 acres out of 540 that we sold near Council, ID. We kept the five as it was in an area where you can see forever - we are in Idaho and a great deal of what you see is in Oregon (the furtherest mountain ranges).

In between the beige/brown mountains and the ones that look blue is the Hell's Canyon recreation site, and the Snake River which divides the two states.

We have a nice size trailer (we like to call it an RV as it sounds so much more refined!) there, and it has been there almost a year now. Hubby spent one night there, and I haven't spent any! We are still trying to get the electricity worked out, so I hope before the Fall turns too cold and wet I will have the chance to take the dogs up there and spend a weekend relaxing, crocheting, and listening to the birds!

Coffee, Tea - you name it!

2010-09-08T19:56:00.000-06:00

So, after reading lots of posts about the Keurig coffee pot, I broke down and bought one at Costco. The one I bought is the Platinum Brewing System, but it isn't sold under that name. It's very nice, easy to use, and has lots of the original kinks worked out that you often see in the complaint section....well, hopefully it will last! Only have had it for a week or two.

Costco gives you bunches and bunches of coffee, along with the extra filter you can use to make coffee with your own ground coffee - whether fresh or from a can.

If you like FRESH coffee in the morning, and strong, this is for you. I have yet to find coffee, other than my brand, that is the medium Columbian roast, or anything that is half & half, so I only have one of theirs and one of mine. Too much REAL coffee makes me stay up all hours (playing WORDS with Friends with my BFF) and/or makes my heart race. Neither is good...well, playing WORDS is! ;o) I have started using the larger cup size so that the strength is at least diluted somewhat.

The downside - hubby doesn't bring me coffee in the morning while I'm still in bed! He started it because I like really fresh coffee - cold or hot - and now I can get it right when I get up. No waiting. Poor me - no longer spoiled.

Tut tut, as my mom would say!

Little Useful Christmas Gifts

2010-09-06T17:27:00.000-06:00

My BFF mentioned Christmas and a dilemma this year as to what to make. I had been thinking of the idea of making fancy pot holders this year. My brother went nuts over the double one I made two years ago, so made him another one this past year. He loves them as they aren't too big, very strong and thick, and he can use them as hot pads when he brings his dish out in a fancy container. I've given him the two, so think I will do a couple in a theme - like a Christmas or Thanksgiving - that type of thing.

Another thing I was thinking about was what my mom brought back from our living in Japan. They were glass covers - so when you have a coke (or in her case bourbon and coke!) the water weeping from the glass doesn't get the table tops wet....and had matching coasters. I think using a better cotton that is color fast for those would be good....is there such a thing???

Don't you like little useful things? Items that are quick, and can be bright and cheery and used sort of like an accent to the kitchen until they get dirty! ;o)

Fast and fun - can't beat that for Christmas presents made by you, sealed with a kiss!

Exercises for People over 50

2010-09-04T21:34:00.000-06:00

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

Knit one, Crochet two.....

2010-08-31T14:06:00.000-06:00

I found a lovely sweater that I started knitting around 1974.....and never finished. I have carried it from hither and yon thinking that one day I would actually finish the bottom ribbing, sew up the sleeves, and then do the neckline.

Haven't.

Yet.

Size 10 or medium. Right now I'm an XL on top & tum tum & medium around the hiney - but with this it is the TOP that matters most. I shall fit into it - I shall, I shall, I shall! Next year.

With it is the tote from McCall's Patterns which is also 40+ years old and in great shape! :o) I love totes! I have tooooooooooooooooo many! Do you have totes? I can't make up my mind as to which one I love the most, but I do love them all......

.....and measuring tapes,

.....and tapestry needles,

.....and yarn,

.....and buttons (how does THAT figure???),

.....and patterns and magazines,

.....and something else - I love, love, love manly tools that are made for women! Hah!

I finally had hubby pull out all my tools with which I came when we married (and which he confiscated) so I can keep them in my closet. I have two Dremel's, a Cat sander and a Mouse sander (isn't THAT cute!), and a drill that went dead. Will replace that one.

I had a socket set, but he couldn't find it so will replace that, too. I need a fairly versitle tool set. Something in pink, eh? Then he'd keep his hands off!

I have a hammer and wrench he has stowed away, as well as my big screwdriver that you can flip out the Phillips side, turn it around, and it then makes a regular one. Love it - BUT - as it is older and losing the magnetic quality, I might as well replace that one, too, don't cha think!??

I'm winding down the swapping for this year except the Amigurumi toys. Love them! I have 3 more months of those to do, and then I'm done. In between I will concentrate of making something for me, making some patterns, and putting those 12 afghans together....and perhaps some Christmas presents.

What are YOU going to do for Christmas???

Saturday Night and I'm Out of Gas.....

2010-08-21T20:21:00.000-06:00

Today hasn't been particularly busy, nor has the week. It's just that I stayed up late, got up early, and actually "went into town." That means I have to drive a whole five miles one way. Lazy me! Today there was a luncheon hosted by our new pastor's wife, and she fixed it all herself! She engaged hubby to help her serve, and it was awesome. I really enjoyed the company and the getting out - but ate too much. I cracked down on myself the rest of the day to keep the calorie count down - the chocolate cake for dessert, however, put me over the whole calorie thing for the day. SOOOOO worth it! ;o)

I've been playing Scrabble with my BFF quite a lot. Hopefully she doesn't tire of it as I think it is helping to keep my brain alive! I'm a bit addicted, I must admit. I have an iPad and she has an iPhone and we play "Words With Friends" - very nifty neat. If you have a chance to download it I highly recommend the app.

I have it hot off the press from my DSS that there are rumors now in the professional realm that the new iPhone will be out in January, most likely through Verizon, but not quite a done deal yet. I'm waiting ... tap, tap, tap ...

Today I received an awesome gift from Lizavietta on Ravelry. She was an Angel, along with three others, in my Notions Bag Swap...so you can see that I really lucked out by being stung! Hah! I'm so glad that I have often volunteered to do this for others as it really makes a difference in their feelings and ours, and I feel so honored to be gifted such wonderful handmade, well loved, items.

Isn't this BEAUTIFUL! Scrumptious yarn!

And it has TWO pockets......

Tomorrow hubby is taking leave to drive up to our RV on "the ranch" to check it out on an overnighter! Hooray! This will just the second time that I get to spend the night by myself and just veg around the house - playing Scrabble with my BFF Bev most of the evening! Not that THAT is much different, but not cooking will be!

I have an elephant (body debuted on my other blog) nearly done to show you all - stay tuned for updates! ;o) SOOOOOOO CUTE!

Another week in my world.....

2010-08-15T21:39:00.001-06:00

Well, this has been an eventful week....made lots of squares, most all from Priscilla Hewitt's patterns....finished bordering several of the sections to my Granny (Nanny) McPhee afghan, which will be huge and lovely! I'm going to post photos of the various sections on Wednesday, although they aren't put together.

I did a tutorial on Ravelry in the Vanna's Choice Fan Club for the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), and if this link works, start with post 382. It takes a bit to load as there are so many photos.

I posted the second installment on my other crochet site for color changes. Takes toooooo long to post in Ravelry. It is a fast and dirty tutorial, so if you have any questions, feel free to post them there.

My oldest brother sent me a photo of his "baby" Russell (the cat) who has taken over the afghan I made him in the Muddy Waters swap in the VC Fan Club (VCFC from here on out!). Thought I'd share the happy cat!

I also was fortunate to spy a new amigurumi pattern for free! I cannot believe my good fortune....a sea horse! It is gorgeous and I intend to make that beauty soon. If she still have her last page up on her site, look to the bottom right of this blog and see Sonya's web page - Curly Girl. She's from Georgia - my favorite state! If you haven't already, check her out as she has great patterns for free, and for sale!!!

Speaking of Georgia, have you seen Curb Appeal on the HGTV? It's only 1/2 hour, and is really fun to watch (less if you tape it!). All takes place in and around Atlanta, so you KNOW I have to watch! I think that Designed to Sell is often done there, too, as I see some of the same people on there. So much better than the murder and mayhem I see on the TV shows these days.

Until next time!

My Nephew Is Getting Married!

2010-08-10T12:46:00.000-06:00

Bill is my hubby's first wife's nephew....and now mine, too! Lucky me! He is with the Border Patrol far from home, but doing well. As a matter of fact, so well that he has found himself madly in love with a gorgeous doll! They met where she works, and now will be married by the end of this month.

Aren't they just the cutest! They visited his parents in Colorado before the wedding so more family members could meet her. Seems like a lovely girl, and I wish them all the best!

Congratulations Bill and Blanca!

Provencal Afghan for Niece Lynne

2010-07-24T13:40:00.002-06:00

This post should probably be on my other site as I didn't make up the pattern for this goodie, and I am trying to keep those things separated (so hard to do!), but I did make two of the squares, one my own design. However, I loved the bright and happiness of it that I thought I'd share in both places.

I love the border which brings it all together. The only things missing are some additional leaves that I want to put around the flowers. Only one square came with leaves and I think it really does make the afghan look better, so I started to put them on....have quite a ways to go, though. Thought everyone might like a 'look-see' ahead of the end game.

Lynne really needs some happiness and smiles and love - she has had a bad year. Hopefully she will get plenty of good vibes when she sees this afghan. :o)

My new Caribbean Squares & Patterns

2010-07-11T21:20:00.003-06:00

These are my two new patterns for the Caribbean swap in Ravelry. I call the top one in green and cream The Chevron Square and the bottom one is my 5DC Granny.

These are both take offs of the original granny squares and are easy, easy, easy...and you can change the colors to change the looks. Of course, I do all my color changes in Air Crochet, and join with the invisible join rather than a slip stitch, but you don't have to. I'm giving the old fashion instructions.

Chevron- 9" square: ch 4, join

Row 1: Ch3, 2dc in circle, ch2; 3dc in circle, ch2. Repeat from * two more times, join. Change colors (If you don't Air Crochet, you may join the 2nd color by sc to a corner and ch2 or 3 according to how you join - 2 for an invisible join, 3 for a slip stitch) 12 dc

Row 2: 3dc, ch2, 3dc in each corner space. 24 dc.

Each row hereafter is the same - all corners have 3dc, ch2, 3dc. All of the others are treble crochets which reach down to the row below in the middle stitch. This elongates the stitch to join the same color, and also keeps it at even with the dc's in the corner. Each row you change colors so that the row you are on will reach into the same color stitches two rows below, working over the row right below.

If this is confusing let me know. You can make this as big or as little as you want. I ended with a last row of hdc. (also please pardon my not weaving in the ends on this one!)

The second square is just a basic Granny Square, but using 5DC (clusters) instead of 3dcs....it gives it a more sturdy feel and a rather rounder look to the stitches in the corner.

On the 5th row I do 2dc, ch2, 2dc in the corner, then one dc in each of the next 4 stitches - then do one dc in the next stitch, holding the last 2 stitches on the hook, do another dc in the between the next 2dc (between clusters), again keeping the last two stitches on the hook, then do it again one more time in the first dc of the next cluster, pulling the last yo through all loops on the hook. In using a different color this gives it a "chicken foot" look to it....I am decreasing two stitches this way to keep the square from getting wavy. Each side will have 3 of these decreases.

I just finished off the square with another row of dc and the last row in hdc to reach 9".

What do you think???????

ETA: One of the members of Ravelry told me that one of Patricia Hewitt's squares, Maze Granny, looks a lot like this one. I will post a link later - but her's uses a front post treble, so isn't as flat or as wide of a stitch so it is a different look...here 'granny' shows behind the posts while mine doesn't. Sure is pretty, though!

Here is another version in different colors and 12" instead of the 9"....

On our way to a snack bar......

2010-07-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

So husband told me he would take me out "to eat" - well sort of. We knew it would be snacks, but it wasn't enough of the right food for me as I am being serious on my diet. The Kiwi and celery sticks did not fill me up one bit. Now have to find something under 200 calories to eat.

We went to a fund raiser and it was $20 to have your photo taken with the Idaho governor, Butch Otter, and his wife Lori - I told him he was a cheap date. :o) Clinton gets $10,000 a photo! Hubby is 6'2" so they are all about the same size...except Lori has 3 or 4 inch heels on.

I look like a munchkin! ;o)

Bev's Charity Square and a Day Lily

2010-07-01T10:18:00.004-06:00

This is a Day Lily from White Flower Farm in Conneticut - I didn't get permission to use the photo, so I hope they won't mind. It reminded me of the square I just finished for Bev for her Safe Haven afghans. I wouldn't mind have a whole slew of these - both the flowers and the squares! The colors in the square are all VC Baby colors from Lion Brand. One nice thing about this line of yarn is that the colors are all meant to blend well with one another, and generally do.

Hope you are having a bright, sunny day both in weather and in your heart!

ETA: The pattern is a Gerbera Daisy posted at Crochet Mary Ellen's Home on the Web. Not that hard, but a little twisty while making it. Hang in there, it comes out beautiful!

Charity Square......

2010-06-30T09:24:00.001-06:00

I have finished the square to send to Bev...photo to come later...and am now embarking on another project the hubby thought up for me....don't ya love it! As if I didn't have enough to do already (still cleaning from company and getting ready for more company this weekend). However, something that needs to be done - spraying weeds with the four-wheeler. Our drive up the hill has these awful sand type burrs that are coming up early, as well as the puncture vine that has also developed early. Must be due to the rain...so I'm going to commit murder on those little devils!

I visited a wonderful little shop in Boise called Knit-Wits which has been around for many years. It was owned by a grandmother, mother, and now the daughter. Lovely! She had a wonderful scarf that she crocheted with an old pattern so as soon as the pressure lets up I plan on trying that same pattern. It is almost 3-D and looks quite like it is knit. Can't wait to do this, but REALLY have to buckle down and finish up the other obligations.

Ending on a cute note, I caught my dog Maggie sticking her tongue out! ;o)

White Bird, Idaho

2010-06-21T22:29:00.001-06:00

On a recent trip up to Canada (thus the absence from here) I took this photo of White Bird...more of the town is to the right. To the left, and out of view, is White Bird Grade which is a road going up the side of a mountain with many, many hairpin turns. This is a really beautiful part of Idaho and where the trees start to show up more and more after leaving the high dessert of Southern Idaho. Actually, the prettiest places were near Julietta, Moscow, and up the 95. Beautiful hills, trees, and farm land.

The bottom photo is of the real White Bird Grade before the new highway road was put in (it is to the left of the photo, but you can't see it!) - notice the zig zag lines! It's a real road!

Now back to reality....working on crochet and keeping track of my daily company for the next 3 weeks! ;o)

Sometimes things just don't work.....

2010-06-07T08:46:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days? Weeks? Months?

Well, this has been one of those months for me. I am not sure if it is the stress of dealing with my husbands cancer issue daily, my own minor health problems, or doing too much and stretching myself thin. I remember last year I was able to be in 6 swaps at once with no problem, and finish early. This time I feel stretched at 3.....and I'm forgetting to make squares that I promised people. That makes me feel awful, especially as one of those wonderful people is my BFF.

I started a project - the mood one - and misplaced it. Forgot about it. Looked for it. Yesterday I finally found it stuck in a bag with doll "stuff" - and I'm so behind on it. My original moods were pretty cloudy, so am glad even with the stress that I'm looking forward to bright yellows!

I had decided a few days ago that I needed to adjust my "crochet corner" and get it better organized. I am one of those who, when in a hurry, tosses something aside in a bag to get it out of sight. THAT is how my things get lost. Then the yarn starts meeting other yarn and they look like they are trying to have yarn babies! For goodness sake....so I have spent the better part of this weekend winding skeins, re-organizing drawers of yarn, and also purchased another storage unit with drawers for books. It is a bit harder to use than having them in a magazine rack where you can see the binding and name, BUT they are neater looking and I can see most of them through the see-through drawers.

I have my new all-in-one cart organized, too....and have found the best way to utilize it to the fullest. This is the cart that I have a Patent Pending for the design. Right now my BFF has one, and I have one being tested by a lovely lady named Donna Hammell who is known for her Tunisian patterns and crocheting skill. I'm excited to be finally getting to where I can start having them made and sold!! Yay! One thing for sure - even though I designed them for Tunisian graphing, the cart is perfect for organizing yarn and various items for crochet. I'm told it will work for knitting, but still have to have one more person check that out for me! ;o)

On a different note - I have to share. So, here are the granddaughters with their parents .... the whole family is beautiful! THIS cheers me up tremendously!

FINALLY - The Rockland Throw

2010-05-10T19:37:00.001-06:00

I am about finished with the weaving in of the ends, but just have to show this beauty to you all. This is for my SIL Carol who lives in Michigan. It took me so long to do that her winter type weather is nearly over and more than likely she won't be needing it until the coming winter. It was made with love and adoration for her love and acceptance of me into the family. You see, I married the man who was married to her SIL. Carol's husband was the eldest brother to Amy - who passed away in 2002 of bone cancer. From all I know of Amy she was a wonderful, delightful person who was a friend to many. To be able to come into a family of such a fabulous lady and be accepted so readily is amazing. Carol helped that come about, as did all of Amy's brothers and sister, and her father Dick. I am truly blessed to know them and be a part of their lives, however small that part is.

So, just as a token of my feelings I made this for her. I have another one I am putting together for Amy's youngest sister, Pam, and one for each of her brothers. They have all given me warmth and I wish to return the favor! ;o)

I loved doing this pattern for the beauty and ease, but have found that I am so use to swaps that doing the same pattern over and over and over again (19 hex's) I get bored easily! Bad girl! I think the colors in the second photo are more true.

I added two rows to the join to give it a little extra depth...it is still smaller than I thought it would be, so more of a lap 'ghan, but still very lovely. You can find it here ... Rockland Throw by Doris Chan.

Happy Crocheting!

More Cuteness Than A Person Can Stand!

2010-04-08T09:12:00.001-06:00

Well, I should stay off the Blog Circuit. I'm having too much fun looking at other designs and being jealous and wondering why in the world I don't have that type of design savy OR that type of skill! I think I waste more time wishin' and hopin' than doin' and workin'!

Today I ran across yet another site that has my heart beating SO FAST! Her name is Beth, and I am in awe. Her web site "By Hook, By Hand" is fabulous! If you love Amigurumi, you will love what she produces. And her patterns are to die for. Take a look!

These just a few - check her out and see what I mean!

SWEET KITTY PILLOW

2010-04-07T15:23:00.001-06:00

I finished the Sweet Kitty afghan (pattern and photo of my afghan) for my SIL, but had a small gauge square left over. It was smaller than the rest of the squares for the afghan, so could not use it. On hearing that there was a sweet cute little girl in Minnesota that was thrilled each time she saw the kitties on the computer, I felt the best home for this little puppy - er, I mean kitty - was with her.

Now please realize that this is the un-stuffed pillow as Mommy is going to need to do that part, and the ends are not woven in. Once the pillow form is in there it won't look so cockeyed as I had to pin the back to the front for the photo. Note the pins on the back. I doubled the yarn on the back and used the Brick and the Burgundy to give the backside a completely different look.

I hope the little darling will love getting it as much as I loved finishing it for her! I am hoping to put her name under the Kitty so the pillow will be that much more special for her!

Now, on to finishing my BFF's scarf after picking up the skein I needed - hate running out of color in the midst of a project. Grrrrrrrrrr.

2010-03-30T13:21:00.002-06:00

Easter is around the corner - and I'm NOT ready! I just realized it is this coming Sunday. Wasn't it just yesterday when it was a month away?

I have already purchased two SMALL little baskets for my granddaughter's. One for a doll, one for the 2 year old. I have goodies to put in the baskets, but only little goodies.

Seems to me that I should get on the stick and add to the small pile, but I'm at a loss as to what to do.

I think that I might make a little rabbit for each girl, or one rabbit and one something else. Then MAIL!

Irka has the cutest chick to egg back to chick on her blog that is a freebie. It would be cute for the older girl (and as the little two year old is going on 16, she might actually be able to understand the concept). Check it out. The link will take you to the blog that has all the Amigurumi animals that she makes. The dogs are just darling!!

And here is the chicken, without the egg! CUTE!

So are you ready for Easter? What are you doing special? Other than church and visiting the FIL, I think I'll sit in my chair, relax and contemplate Peeps and dark chocolate, and memories of my childhood when times were blissful and full of hope.

Happy Easter and blessings to everyone!

My St. Patricks Day Surprise from Liz!

2010-03-28T20:02:00.000-06:00

Hay y'all! Long time no see! I'm finally getting back to posting. Unfortunately this post is just about ME! I want to share my wonderful gift from Lizavietta on Ravelry from the Itsy Bitsy Swap group.

Everything in this package is just sooooo special! As you can see she sent the Vanna's Easy to Crochet Critters (I use VC all the time!!!) and there are lots of cuties in there! Also, two Glamour skeins in the silver - so luscious! Just for me alone! I won't share, I won't!!

Leaning on the yarn is a green knit scarf which is soft as a baby's butt! ;o) It must have some angora in there, or something like that, and she did a fantastic job! It's just more than beautiful! Hanging on the scarf is a heart decoration that Liz made. I had to look at it twice as it looked like it was made at a jewelry store! See how intricate it is....I was decorating cookies the other day and could not make ANYTHING look decent. I just can't imagine how she did this so well. Just beautiful!

The other is a cowl and is just scrumptious! I am not positive of the content, but looks to be the new Vanna heather in a charcoal color. The buttons are soooo perfect for such a gorgeous cowl!

On top of pattern book are hanging six sets of earrings/or/stitch markers! There are two of each one, and just absolutely darling! I know she made these herself. The first one you can't see that well, but the disk is a kitty face that moves....both sides of it, er, I mean THEM as there are two.

Last, but definitely not least, is the one and only kitty face that is yowling! I had to show you both faces of this kitty! He is soooo, sooooooo, soooooooooooooooo darling!
Thanks Liz!! Too wonderful!

Dolly Donations for Charity

2010-02-27T22:28:00.002-07:00

Speaking of charities, they just seem to keep popping up!

Now someone has posted a note that there is a "Dolly Donations" charity which is making and asking to be made, a few hundred dolls....right now ethnic ones to go to Haiti. They have patterns and tips on the site. I have a sewing machine so might could sew something up. Some of the dolls sent in are just awesome! I hope I do this right as want to link you to the site via the photos....we shall see.

So, if you are out of charities, you could be joining this one on and off this year and ship out a doll or two. I'm beginning to think that we crafters are going to save the world one dolly, one square, one heart at a time.

Dolly Donations

Charity Daisy Square

2010-02-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

The square on the right is the one that I sent to Krystal for her charity square. Her web site is here and if you get her pattern then you send her a square so she can put them all together (she has made about six or seven in one year) and donate to one of her charities listed in her blog.

The one on the left is going to have a mate in pink and I'm making a pillow for my granddaughter with it. One of the squares in her Pinkalicious Afghan is made with this pattern and she loves it.

Can't help but want to spoil the little ones

2010-02-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have found a cowl that I can crochet and it's really really nice! Lion Brand put this new pattern up on it's site, and I love it! PLUS it is made in Vanna's Choice which is the one yarn you can count on my having lots of stashed away!

You can find this pattern here, and hope you love it as much as I do!!

Secret Valentine Swap

2010-02-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Lucky me! This is my haul on the Valentine swap! Erin was kind enough to make me a wonderful cowl and a double sided scalloped potholder! It matches my kitchen! In addition, she is helping to feed my crochet addiction with more yarn and scissors, my chocolate & sugar addictions with candy hearts and Dove's dark chocolate hearts, and finally my jigsaw addiction with two jigsaw puzzles!

There are a lovely set of note cards, two packs of note paper - one with a pen! (The very same kind of note paper & pen I keep in the car to leave notes on those cars where the parent leaves their young kids alone in the car while they shop, or the pets when it's over 80 degrees, or take two parking spaces!!! THANKS for helping that addiction, too!).

Last, but definitely not least, is a calendar with magnet and shopping list, some fancy tissues which I always need, and a oil/bamboo Rain scented air freshener for my bathroom/kitchen/you-name-it!

The photos of the potholder show both sides, and you can get a better look at the cowl in that close-up shot. See! I'm very lucky!

THANK ERIN!

The Last Two Misty Squares

2010-02-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Finally - I have finished the squares. The top square is for Peggy and is called Puffs and Posts from one of my books. The second square is one of the Priscilla Hewitt squares from Ravelry called Carousel. You have to pay attention when doing it, but it sure is a lovely square! Mine is a bit off because I missed a stitch early on, and as it was really about done when I caught it, I just adjusted the stitches to match what I had. It still looks nice, so am going to send it on, mistake and all! This one is for Erin to match the purple and linen dusty square I did earlier on in the Nordic Star - also a Priscilla Hewitt pattern.

I just love her stuff! Finally decided to buy some of her patterns since I use so many for free. Now I'll have some new squares to use!

2010-02-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just added a new blog to my list....I found her through going over lots of other blogs....our usual practice, right? Click here, read there, check this out, try that...pretty soon you find yourself in Australia or Mexico reading about the most awesome people.

Well, I have done just that - I found a lady in England that loves granny squares. I mean LOVES them. She is nearly all granny....nearly. She is bright and perky and awesome...and finds the most interesting patterns. Not that she has them up for free, but you know how easy it is to copy a granny pattern, and so she looks over the world and comes up with some super looking items.

Check her out in her attic!

Nearly Done with Misty

2010-02-10T10:29:00.002-07:00

So here are my latest two creations for the Misty Swap. The top one is Square #82 again from "101 Granny Squares" book by Darla Simms. Peggy liked the one I did before, so made her one.

I had assigned her another square that was the "Centered Square" by Jan Eaton, I think...???...but I didn't love the square and finally pulled it from the running. It was blue and purple and green. Ugh.

So the granddaughter received it along with the purple bobble square. For those who need to know, a 12" square is a PERFECT size for an afghan for a Barbie doll! Grandma was a hit with the babes, and the swappers get two better squares so everyone will be (or is) happy!

The bottom square is for Margaret. She wanted one color, and although I didn't have a problem in making something in Seaspray one color only, I was having a difficult time making something again - did the bobbles in purple and didn't like it. Started one in Denim Misty and didn't like that. Finally settled on the Rose Misty and am happier with it.
This square is the Fisherman's Ring in the middle by Patricia Hewitt, and then I continued using the Hot Pepper cross stitch sides before finishing off with dc. This square reminds me of peppermint! I guess I should call it my Peppermint Patty square, except that it is a take off on other designers work!

Two more squares - with bobbles!

2010-01-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

The bottom purple bobble is nothing special. In fact, I am so non-plussed with it may just use it as the middle of a small baby afghan and give it to the hospital rather than send it to a friend as an exchange. For this swap it doesn't really spin my heart....ya know?

BUT - I really do like the blue and green square. I did not do the changes in color called for in the pattern which is called Framed Flower. I have one that LindaH sent to me in a swap and she did the color changes called for which turned out quite beautiful. I, however, only wanted the two colors so did the bobbles and edging with the Seaspray. The square looks so very different in the two colors - see LindaH's in the white/grey/blue below the top photo. Quite a difference color changing makes!

Square #82 in Misty

2010-01-26T19:54:00.002-07:00

I finished this square yesterday...it is one of my favorite. The middle is a swirl of front post stitches, so I thought it would be cool to carry out the theme on the last few rows. I sc on the row and then made the front post stitches every sixth or seventh stitch.

It does seem to give it a very spiffy look, I think! This is Square #82 in 101 Crochet Squares, and I think I'll make another one!

FREE PATTERNS!!!

2010-01-22T12:09:00.002-07:00

I found the Garnstudio site a few years back accidentally, but fell in love right off the bat. I made some of the baby things and they were absolutely outstanding and very well received as gifts. See! These two are from Drops, and the booties are made up in their alpaca yarn which is virtually WONDERFUL!

I just received the link to their new line of patterns and as usual they are all FREE. Most are knit patterns, and gorgeous they are. However, they do have crochet patterns written in the American translation so easy to follow. Right now they have a flag under those patterns that are available. They will be brighter flags if they are ready, dim if the pattern isn't up. This is the first time I have seen so many waist coats and vests in crochet that are wonderfully designed in crochet!

If you are blessed by the hand of our Lord, and can knit, then I envy you the joy you will find amongst these pages of luscious patterns. If you, like I, are a crocheter then you will enjoy looking and calculating how to translate some of these into our type of craft - but you will also find enough to satisfy your cravings for something new and different!

Seaspray Mist Square

2010-01-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

This square is called Puffs and Posts which is in the "50 Fabulous Crochet Squares" book. It is one of the few post-stitch squares I have made that doesn't pull in the middle/sides. I think it is because she uses longer post stitches than I have seen in other patterns.

Can't remember what the edge/border was like in the pattern, but I did a hc in the back loop only to give it a little texture at the end. I't a pretty square, and easy to do! My kind of square! Made in Vanna's Choice in Seaspray!

Artsy Fartsy

2010-01-13T15:47:00.001-07:00

The contest in Vanna's Choice Fan Club is for the square. Not just for the craftsmanship, but also for the nifty neat way you take a photo of the square! ;o) So, I'm posting these - and then will steal these photos and put on Ravelry. Easier than trying to upload them.

The bobble is from Jan Eaton's book 200 Crochet Blocks called Zigzag Bobbles. To bring it up to 12" I added a row in each Tangerine Misty stripe, and on the middle block I added another row of bobbles making it into a arrow. I changed the top row to go in the opposite direction of the bottom row so that all bobbles were pointing in one direction.

The square with the blue in it is just a conglomeration of several squares - not one in particular. The cross stitches come from Jean Leinhauser's Hot Pepper square. I was looking for texture as well as something a little solid.

CROCHET DAD'S WHEEL STITCH

2010-01-12T16:09:00.001-07:00

I met a gentleman, Gene, on Ravelry who lives very close to where I use to live in California. He crochets to stay calm! He does some marvelous work, and has patterns and hats galore. Even has an Etsy shop, and has been honing his skills regularly.

On his web site, CrochetDad's Blog, he has a tutorial for what he calls the Wheel Stitch Block. It is an awesome block and I am going to make one for the Misty Swap. I love it, and it looks pretty easy, yet very artful!

Check it out! Wheel Stitch Tutorial

Socks and Mitts!

2009-12-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

So here are the most wonderful socks (still have them on!!) and mittens from Margaret (Mugginsquilts on Ravelry) that she made for me. Aren't they just beautiful!!! The socks fit perfectly - not too tight anywhere! And the mittens are nice and warm. I already went out into the 18 degree morning and through the Frisbie for the Border Collie (you can see here tail-end at the bottom of the photo) and my hands never did get cold! Hooray for mittens and roving! My winter coat is black, so they are a perfect match. Thanks Mugsy!

Are you a Runner or Naughty Knotter?

2009-12-18T22:52:00.002-07:00

...or perhaps you are a Weaver?

The hardest thing for me to learn was to weave in my ends. I remember my nephew's afghan that looked like ribbons weaving in and out with a black background...I had ends every five rows and the strips were ten stitches wide....so I had a million. I went around tying things down, weaving in one inch, etc., and it was a mess. A real mess. You know, I could not drag that out of my nephew's hands....I offered to make him another one when I realized just how goofy the weaving really was and he told me no, that it was made with love by the hands of his Auntie, and there was no way he would give it up or want another one. Made me cry.

Doesn't negate the fact that the ends were STILL a mess....although made for a softer landing for Auntie, believe me.

So, what do you do? I have learned to weave, and weave well. I harkened back to my embroidery days, the one needlework that my mother taught me. I weave back into the yarn, using about 1" going one way, 1 1/2" coming back, and then going back 1" where it ends in the middle of the weave. That way it is tight. I tug it on each pass so that it is tight - but hold the fabric so it doesn't bunch or pull. All the books have something on weaving in the ends. In garments they generally say to weave diagonally...so if you do a lot of garments, please leave a long tail so you can work it in correctly. Contrary to popular thought, it is better to have more than you need and cut it off than to think you have just the right amount and find out you cut it too short.

When making afghan squares I make sure that I start and stop by a corner. Nothing better than a corner where you have a nice little area to hide your yarn! If you read the pattern in advance (each row) you can tell what the pattern calls for repeat wise. That way you can start in the corner area (and if you use my Air Crochet the joins won't show a ch3!) and no one will be the wiser. Some patterns call for you to slip stitch over to a corner after finishing your row...but if you start in the corner you also don't have to add those extra bunchy stitches. One particular designer has nearly all of her patterns slip stitching to a corner & then starting the next row. After reviewing her patterns there seems to be no good reason for it, so I would start the rows in the corner each time and they came out just fine.

If you are a Naughty Knotter, QUIT!!!! It isn't professional looking and it is distracting to your work. It can also look like you have added a stitch as it makes a gaping area in the work. No need to tie off your work - just do an invisible join, and weave in the ends as above.

If you are a Runner, QUIT!!!!! It comes out 90% of the time. Has to be woven back in by you or the recipient. What if the recipient isn't handy in needlework? It just hangs out.

Weaving is so much better! More secure and therefore protects your handiwork. Don't you put a lot of love and effort on what you make? Why would you do that and then use an inferior finishing technique? Finish it with the same love you put into all those stitches. Practice finishing it so that no one can tell where you did finish it off - you will feel so proud of your work and proud to give it away or sell it.

A job worth doing is worth doing well.......

My Other Passion

2009-12-05T19:21:00.001-07:00

I love jigsaw puzzles! I LOVE THEM! I have only had one I could not put together, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact it was one someone gave me and I didn't like it all that well anyway. A Thomas Kincaid which seemed to be all the same color!

This one was a gift from my baby DSIL. They visited a couple of months ago and she helped start it. Unfortunately, they left before it was finished. It only took me a couple of weeks to get it done, but I kept it up for a couple of weeks after that.

I sent it to another DSIL as she loves them as much as I do. She sent me a doozy one time, and it took me ages to finish! She, however, was able to finish the one that I couldn't in just a couple of weeks or less. BAH.

I am in the process of making her an afghan in blues and greens in Vanna's Choice. I forgot to ask her if she wanted light color or dark colors, but at least clarified she doesn't like wool. I decided to buy yarn that looks a lot like the Caribbean Ocean....beautiful lighter blues and greens with a touch of teal. Hopefully she will like it.

I did finish my Hexagon afghan and posted it on my other site. It didn't sell at the bazaar so am touching it up a tad with another border - in Eggplant, to match some of the colors in the afghan. Might give it to my DSD as she seemed to like it a lot. I'll post a photo of it when I am finished with the whole border.

Happy yarning!

Fisherman's Ring

2009-11-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

These two squares are for the Three Course Meal swap - so aptly named because of the yarn. Lamb, Chocolate, and Cranberry. Beige is also part of the group. The top one is in Beige and Cranberry and the bottom one is in Lamb, Cranberry, and Chocolate.

This pattern is from Priscilla Hewitts web site. I am providing a link, but please be aware that it opens a PDF file that has 17 free patterns. Generally the only thing you see in the download is the cover page, but after you download and open it in Adobe Reader you will see each pattern. You can save each file separately, or the whole of the portfolio. I you want to see more of her pattern links quickly, just go to the web address in your browser bar and delete all the info to the right of the word "net."

The first square, made in mostly Beige, I used an H hook, but it seemed to me that the pattern wasn't as sharp and defined as the photo she had posted. I then tried the second square with the recommended G hook, and to me it looks about the same, just tighter. The square is a little bit thinner, but a tiny bit stiffer, too. I am going to make another one in an I hook and see how I like it then.

Once you get the hang of it, it goes quickly. Just remember to watch out on the last stitch in each row, as they are a tad different. I went merrily along thinking I knew what I was doing and when it said to crochet around the dc post, I did not have a dc!

Just to let you know, these are much prettier in person than in the photos! And as an aside, I think the fisherman's ring is something that a Priest, or the Pope wears. A ring for the finger, not a ring in a rope. I'll have to look that up to be sure!

Newest completed Squares

2009-11-08T18:57:00.001-07:00

The top square for the Autumn swap is for Margaret - she isn't IN the Autumn swap, but we are doing a friendship exchange. It is the Velvet and Lace pattern by Hewitt....just this minute forgot her first name! Her name always reminds me of the actress.

The second square is for the Muddy Waters swap and is a pattern from 101 Crochet Squares by Jean Leinhauser. It comes out a bit wobbly after the flower is formed, but the rest of the rows seem to make it behave for the most part.

I think I'm going to use the Velvet and Lace pattern for my SIL's afghan in blues and greens. I think it will look a lot like a stained glass window.

For Mugsy

2009-10-11T16:31:00.000-06:00

For Mugsy - this is the hex from Caron's site - by Doris Chan, called the Rockland Throw.

Tote & one handle

2009-10-10T12:46:00.000-06:00

Continuing with the tote, here I have finished one handle for the tote. It is 70 stitches long. I first did a foundation chain, that pesky little thing that is hard to remember to do, and hard to remember HOW to do! Then I single crocheted around it. The buttons are for decoration only, but I think they look really great. The last thing I will do, besides weaving in ends, is to single crochet or crab stitch an edge around the opening and handles to tie it all together. I purchased some material, but am undecided as to what I will do about lining it. Most likely will, with a couple of pockets. We shall see.

What do you think so far?

Inga's Tote

2009-10-08T06:50:00.001-06:00

Actually this is called: Inga's Haekelbeutel

I assume that means tote....???

This is a learning process. This particular pattern is free on the web...here It's a pdf download, and in case it doesn't work you can access the Ravelry site which is below. If you click on the word English, not the link to the free pattern, the pdf file will pop up into another window.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ingas-haekelbeutel

So it calls for 16 squares...I made 12. Several people who made it seemed to think it was too large, so I opted for a smaller version just in case. I found that using Vanna's Choice, size I hook, the 12 squares were sufficient. As you can see each one has four rows only....I was trying to get the look of a rainbow, but it didn't come out that way. When I put them in a row, I put every other square a different color...and then putting it all the way together, sewing it up into the pouch/tote, it put all the same colors together! Hah! Next time I am going to make each row the same color and see how that works out. I bought some cool buttons and have one handle finished. Should have it ready before the end of the week. It was going to be for a gift, but am liking it so much that I just may keep it. Yes!!

Do your thing and try this out. Check out the Ravelry page and see some AWESOME totes...I mean haekelbeutel's........happy crocheting!

One More Hex Finished - 12 more to go!

2009-09-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

This is one for Jaime.

Cat and her Kawasaki Voyager IIV

2009-09-08T21:29:00.000-06:00

Photo of me with the San Diego Touring Society in Borrego Springs, CA at the park. We had just stopped for lunch at a restaurant that was "famous" for their buffalo burgers. Might be one reason I am slowing turning vegetarian! Dry and tasteless to me. Sold the bike in 2003.

Fall is Coming!

2009-09-04T16:09:00.001-06:00

Fall is coming - can you feel it? It's just around the corner - 18 days to be exact, and the very first day of Autumn 2009 will arrive!

The summer has been cool compared to last, and last summer was cool compared to the one before. The winter that followed each was also colder and longer, so I am anticipating a long cold winter with lots of snow staying on the ground. Thus, I am preparing to sew together all the afghan squares I have received in the Vanna's Choice Fan Club group swap this year.

In a previous post I showed off the two afghans I made for the grandchildren. Now I am working on one which was made in more Christmas colors in rather Victorian themes.

This is going to be one large, heavy, luxurious blanket! And it's going to me MINE! I also have one from the Winter Wonderland colors that 'may' stay home, and one in the Dusty colors that I love. I may have to give that one up, but maybe not!

The one below will be going to my SIL when it is finished. Hopefully by Christmas! It has taken me lots of time to finish as it is one of those time consuming projects that just keeps eating up more time that I have to spare (and get other crocheting done!). When it's completed it will be a joy to give away! ;o) That said, it really is a blessing to make something for such a lovely lady who is cat crazy, too!

Kitties!

Same Square-Different Backgrounds-Different Lighting

2009-08-15T22:28:00.002-06:00

This is a Hexagon for one of my swaps. I was trying to take a photo that would show how pretty it is, but could not get the color right. I believe the top one is the closest, but none is quite right!

Jelly Fish

2009-08-11T10:01:00.004-06:00

Will visiting the kids and grandkids in Portland I saw something that my DSD made. The knit Jelly Fish on the left. It really is darling! Not made in Vanna's Choice, but darling nonetheless. The one on the right was purchased - and cute, too. I love the way they gathered the iridescent ribbon - looks pretty right on!

The pattern for the knit Jelly Fish came from one of the only knit books that she could find on Amigurumi. Perhaps a Christmas hunt for more from me, huh??!???!!!

The Granddaughter's Afghans

2009-08-10T09:35:00.001-06:00

The first photo is of Amy Jo under her Pinkalicious blanket. She was so thrilled to have such a huge one. It was just a tad shorter than her bed, but each time I visit I have vowed to bring a couple skeins of yarn to edge it (it took nearly one whole skein to go around once). So in no time the afghan will be a nice cover, and she won't "grow out of it."

The middle photo is of the girls playing peek-a-boo through the blanket!

Last photo is of hubby Sid, Alice & her afghan. I edged it in several rows of the Dusty Purple as that is one of the colors their mom loves. Alice was ambivalent about the blanket, but really thrilled with the attention Grandpa was giving her!

2 More Rose/Pinks

2009-08-04T20:11:00.002-06:00

The first square is Circle of Friends which I love. The second one is a made up square - sort of. I was basing it on Circle of Friends and the Diamond Square previous done in this swap. It came out looking like a star rather than a square of bobbles! I then had to fill in the middle of the four V shaped dips! When I made it to 12" I had to stop, even though it tilted inward slightly. It will attach to other squares and will square-out nicely, even though it looks a little wonky now.

The Last Two Dusty Swap Squares

2009-07-16T22:59:00.001-06:00

The top one is Rosy Wreath, but only to the first row of green...I changed the stitches in the next row of pink. The other one is called Embossed Floral, I think. It's the same as one I had already finished, but for some reason needed one additional row. Hopefully the other one isn't less than 12" as I already sent it!

Two more to go for the Dusty Swap!

2009-07-12T19:11:00.001-06:00

Two down, two to go!

Squares I've made so far for the VC Dusty Swap -

2009-07-09T17:18:00.001-06:00

Vanna's Choice projects

2009-06-22T19:57:00.003-06:00

The afghan was finished while on our trip to see Mt. Rushmore. The middle square was one I had made for the White swap, but didn't use it. so just continued to put rows around it. By the time I finish (I have one more row of Lamb and then I'll put about 3 or 4 rows of Purple), I think I'll call it my Ice Cream afghan. Looks to be made with French Vanilla, Chocolate, & Strawberry ice creams, with marshmallow, caramel, and blueberry syrup!

The Waldo's puzzle (middle) is one I received & adore, and the other is one I'm sending to Jaime for her angel square.

Angel & Exchange Squares

2009-06-20T10:12:00.001-06:00

Toffee Square is my Angel Square for Califlamingo and the Pink Square is for the Pinkalicious Swap. It is made in Tunisian Knit stitch and 3 rows of Cables - it's for Karen. The photo was taken while it is wet-blocking, but that made it look flat. I may just wash it and use a softner to get it to fluff back up before mailing out.

Two more squares to send

2009-06-14T08:13:00.002-06:00

Square for Karen on top, square that was suppose to be for Jaime on the bottom. It doesn't look better in person...I have no idea how it came out to a pretty square in the book. Saw one mistake on the last corner going around, but cannot see how I made such a mess of one square following directions. The one it the book doesn't look pulled apart or stretched in any way. I did see that what appears to be 3 little sc on the top of each of the fp stitches on the last row (101 Crochet Squares) that are not in the directions. Perhaps I'll try it again and see if I can get the wonky out of it and make the sides comes up to par. Also, it is possible that the maker of the square did not do a regular post stitch all the way into the post but rather a modified one under the loop instead. I'll have to make a few more to see. I think this would be a good one for Jaime's SIL's manly afghan - in other colors - IF it is fixable.

Table

2009-06-11T11:26:00.001-06:00

One of my Ravelry cohorts thought the photos were being taken on a granite table top. I'm taking these photos to show it is really a slab of an old tree with lots of some sort
of liquid acrylic poured through it.

The thing is heavier than you can imagine and hard to move. It is an african tree (I forget the name off hand) that has thorns on it. The tree gets gaping holes in it as it grows old (where bats then live), so to make it solid it had to have the acrylic pour. The thorns were shaved down so that it could be a table. It had belonged to a friend who passed away and left it to me. I love it so very much.

Pinkalicious Square to send; Va Va Victorian Square received!

2009-06-11T11:18:00.001-06:00

Two more squares to send.

2009-06-10T12:32:00.001-06:00

The top one is in Tunisian
knit stitch with a dc border.

The second one is my made
up design. I kind of like it!
The thing is there are LOTS
of the same designs out there!
I am not innovative.... ;o(

Three Received Squares...a Baby Waldo!

2009-06-09T09:48:00.001-06:00

For my Pinkalicious afghan for Alice

2009-06-07T20:18:00.003-06:00

Alice has a bit of red in her hair, so I'm adding more green and
yellow to the afghan for her. I'm doing one for Amy Jo, but the main
colors will be lavender and various purples for her.

Va Va Victorian Squares

2009-06-06T20:09:00.001-06:00

The first one is from Jaime to me...a beautiful Waldo's Puzzle.

The second one is a "replacement" square to Jaime-the one I made originally had a wrong color in it! It is called Victorian Doily, a square in the book "50 Fabulous Crochet Squares" but I changed it after the flower and then the first round. Too much like a granny square.