Barbaras Hooks, Eyes and Needles

Earthquake? Here in Oklahoma?

2011-11-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

Holy Crap !!! Hubby and I were just heading to bed tonight.... when this very loud rumble felt like it was right under our house. The windows began to rattle. I thought that a huge water pipe must have broken. Hubby thought it was a tornado coming down, and told me to get to the safe room. It probably only lasted about 25-30 seconds, but I am just not in the mood..... Hope you all are well and safe tonight. I may be up a while catching up on my prayers:)

Glasses and Fleece Glass Cases for Haiti

2011-10-26T20:39:00.001-05:00

I have been down for a bit with a bad reaction to an anti-biotic, so blogging has been at the

back of my schedule. Sorry all. Now I need to play catch-up reading everyone's blogs. There should be like an annual recipe book of all the shared recipes from bloggers for each year.

Not sure if any of you follow a food blog - insidebrucrewlife, but recently she has been

collecting glasses to take with her on a mission to Haiti. I had been cutting out hundreds of

sleep beanie hats out of fleece, and there was always this strip of material left that came

out right down the middle. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what I could do with that

piece, and I so hate to waste material.

We had already started buying reading glasses for Inside BruCrew to take on her mission,

and hubby asked me how I wanted to pack them safely for the trip. It just hit, that I could cut

the fleece and line them with cotton scraps. (Of course I was forgetting, the ironing,

pinning, sewing, pinking and turning all of these).

I think we made well over 300 of these glass cases. I think this might be a great project with reading glasses, for the shelters? Though poor hubby had to help do the pinking on them. Both of our hands had these huge dents. I do really hope her mission goes well. If anyone needs a pattern for these, for your own missions, just let me know.

Baby Granny Afghans

2011-09-20T20:06:00.000-05:00

I am still busy cutting fabric, for 2 major projects. (pics coming later, my dining room is a

total disaster, with piles everywhere, and I really hate to have anyone see it like that. My

hands are starting to bother me a bit. Seems like I always worry about carpel when I knit or

crochet, but I never thought cutting fabric would hurt so much.

I found this cute and easy free pattern up on the Red Heart Web Site. HERE. While you

are up there make sure you sign in for one of their 75 years sweepstakes. It's a trip and a

basket of yarn.. Two of my very favorite things.

I have always complained about never winning anything, but not anymore. I was like the

BIGGEST winner over at Bev's. If you haven't visited Bev's then you really must give her

blog a visit. Her Tunisian, crochet and knitting are superb and you can count on her jokes

always cracking me up !! Back in June I won her give-away, a $25 gift certificate to shop

at FiberOptica, the most luscious yarn shop on Etsy. Beautiful hand painted colors. I chose

a skein of Hand Painted Sock Yarn - in Rockin' Rose, a gorgeous color. I wanted to do a

shawl, so I ordered a second skein just in case. You can never run out when it's something

special like hand painted yarn.

A Curious Affair With The Postman

2011-09-15T13:31:00.001-05:00

I should have known something strange was up today when I heard our postman honking,

and honking his horn. Here in the country they only honk their horn if there is something

important like a certified letter that needs a signature. I wasn't about to shut down alarms

and such and walk down to the gate, just for some business crap of hubbies.

On our stretch of road our postman has to travel down to the end of our road and then has

to return back past our house to get to one of the main roads. Today, he stopped again on

his return trip and just sat their honking again.

I must admit I was getting a bit peeved, but I managed to get to the gate, just after he had

pulled off and was traveling back into the city. Now I was really ticked, when I looked down

and sort of hidden just inside the gate was a package. Hmm?

We get little pink package slips here in the country, of when to pick packages up, not actual

packages. How very curious?

It was a very plain brown package. Ah a big brown package from one very special young

lady. If you haven't met Miss Pammy Sue, then you should and you can find her, most days

here. Don't leave now! Not until I show you just what was inside this package. Even the

postman must have realized how very special it was.

When I opened it I found the most beautiful pillow you can imagine.. Thank you Pammy, you

are such a dear. It is absolutely perfect !!! I love it so very much. So soft... and the colors...

I had to throw the new bedspread on in the Master bedroom, just to see it in all it's glory!!

Perfect.... One special 'Pammy Pillow'. Ha Ha!! Now that you have seen her gorgeous

crochet work , you can go see lots more over at Scotty's Place.

Starburst Down, Hexagon to Go

2011-09-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

Crocheting rounds to each center, then re-pinning to a different color yarn, actually made this project (well actually 2 projects) go pretty fast.

The layout was actually the hardest part for me, with 2 squares just alike, I had to be careful not to get them close together. Having tons of safety pins left over from my quilting days, really helped. I pinned the longest strips first, and pinned a paper number to each row. Then because I don't have any short-term memory, I drew a map, and finally pictured the layout.

The border on the starburst is more solid stitches. I wanted more of a frame, then a border. I am still sewing the hexagon afghan together.

I am still in the cutting phase of my sewing projects, so no pics just yet.

Gathering Yarn -- and a Bit of Sewing

2011-09-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Gathering Yarn --

I started out a while back by gathering one skein of each color in my stash, all that was

worsted weight. I came up with the following:

Caron® One Pound: Azure
Caron® One Pound: Cape Cod Blue
Caron® One Pound: Claret -
Caron® One Pound: Country Rose
Caron® One Pound: Deep Violet
Caron® One Pound: Gold
Caron® One Pound: Lace
Caron® One Pound: Leaf Green
Caron® One Pound: Nutmeg
Caron® One Pound: Peach
Caron® One Pound: Purple
Caron® One Pound: Rose

ILTY 050 Cranberry
ILTY 080 Royal
ILTY 090 Navy
ILTY 102 Soft Pink
ILTY 130 Dark Olive
ILTY 140 Mid Green
ILTY 150 Toasted Almond
ILTY 160 Brown
ILTY 170 Dark Raspberry
ILTY 180 Forest
ILTY 190 Light Gray
ILTY 200 Grey Mist
ILTY 230 Light Peach
ILTY 280 Periwinkle
ILTY 310 Peacock
ILTY 320 Sea Blue
ILTY 340 Buttercup
ILTY 350 Hot Rose
ILTY         Dark Teal
ILTY 789 Pistache
ILTY 290 Orchid

RHC 0338 Teddy Bear
RHC 0360 Wood Brown
RHC 0737 Pink

RHSS 0254 Pumpkin
RHSS 0256 Carrot
RHSS 0319 Cherry Red
RHSS 0320 Cornmeal
RHSS 0321 Gold
RHSS 0322 Pale Yellow
RHSS 0324 Brt Yellow
RHSS 0327 Light Coral
RHSS 0334 Buff
RHSS 0336 Warm Brown
RHSS 0341 Light Grey
RHSS 0356 Amethyst
RHSS 0358 Lavender
RHSS 0360 Cafe
RHSS 0366 Mint
RHSS 0368 Paddy Green
RHSS 0373 Petal Pink
RHSS 0374 Country Rose
RHSS 0375 Raspberry
RHSS 0376 Burgundy
RHSS 0378 Claret
RHSS 0380 Windsor Blue
RHSS 0381 Lt Blue
RHSS 0382 Country Blue
RHSS 0385 Royal
RHSS 0387 Soft Navy
RHSS 0388 Teal
RHSS            Dark Teal
RHSS 0389 Hunter Green
RHSS 0390 Hot Red
RHSS 0400 Grey Heather
RHSS 0505 Aruba Sea
RHSS 0512 Turqua
RHSS 0530 Orchid
RHSS 0579 Pale Plum
RHSS 0624 Tea Leaf
RHSS 0633 Dark Sage
RHSS 0656 Real Teal
RHSS 0661 Frosty Green
RHSS 0668 Honeydew
RHSS 0672 Spring Green
RHSS 0718 Shocking Pink
RHSS 0722 Pretty ‘n Pink
RHSS 0724 Baby Pink
RHSS 0774 Light Raspberry
RHSS 0814 Robin Blue
RHSS 0885 Delft Blue
RHSS 0886 Blue

TLC          Taupe
TLC 2368 Dark Brown
TLC 2673 Medium Thyme

Then I started out making 4 centers from each color yarn... 2 for a hexagon afghan and 2 for a starburst afghan, that I had seen over at Crochetville forum..

I then pinned 2 centers to each skein of yarn in it's box, making sure each skein had a set of centers pinned to it before, I started crocheting the first row.

I have a sewing project that I am working on right now so I have taken a break from crocheting and knitting. It's a charity, and even though I said I won't get involved with anymore internet charities..... well, this one is more of a hands on.... details tomorrow...

Spring Fling Blanket

2011-09-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

A while ago I saw this afghan pattern here at Scotty's Place quite a while ago, where Miss Pammy had done it in such lovely soft colors. I really needed an afghan that could go anywhere and be thrown right onto the ground. Be it a picnic, or an early morning soccer game, I knew this afghan would be washed and washed almost every weekend.

The Spring Fling Afghan is made with Red Heart Super Saver, in Spring Green. The original pattern which you can find here has a plain center. It was too plain for me so I just used a yarn needle and embroidered a center ring of stitches, to give it more color.

These are some beautiful tomatillos, that I had to buy at the grocery store for my Salsa. We planted the purple variety in our garden, but they didn't do as good as the old fashioned green ones.

'Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving', has a recipe for Tomatillo Salsa on page 82. It uses both vinegar and lime juice (probably the new regulations on changing the ph). Needless to say this recipe isn't very good, not at all good with Tostitos. But for some strange reason it is soooo good when it is cooked. We have tried it on chicken (slow cooked), fish (pan-fried)....

This is good Old Catfish fried on a layer of sweet onion, with the Tomatillo Salsa spooned on top. Hubby and grand sons, loved this one, with its absolutely wonderful flavors.

Crochet Diaper Cover & Hat for the Bearghan

2011-09-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

Just using up the excess yarn from, the bearghan project... The diaper cover is an old pattern, but any diaper cover pattern will do.... check out Crochet Central if you need one.

I simply added the same bear face to the tush area.

Now the hat was one of those failed experiments. I had wanted it to look like the tail end of the bear. So when baby crawled, Oh well you get it... Finally I gave up threw on some eyes, and we now have perhaps if you squint your eyes.... A Potato?

Oh well no looking back and on to other projects

The Crochet Bearghan

2011-08-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

I made this cute baby's afghan last month, but sorry, just finally getting around to showing

you. Do you remember this pattern? It's been around forever. The first version I remember

seeing was done out of fleece, with crocheted parts.

This pattern is totally fun. Of course a few small changes were made along the way. I

made it rounder than the original, by using a half-granny square and sort of fitting it to the

beyond the edge. Changes were made the facial features, and head. Add as many rows to

each square to up the size of the entire afghan, so it will wrap around baby. A border goes

from ear to ear, changing colors as needed.

This is good old Red Heart Super Saver. I like using this yarn for charity items, because

you just know a baby's blanket is going to at some time of it's life get thrown into a washer

and dryer. This yarn may not be fancy, and is sort of looked down on..... but it sure does

hold up.....

You can find the patterns

Here :

Here:

Garden Shade

2011-08-30T20:05:00.001-05:00

I am so tired of this heat. Today they said it was only 99 degrees but I swear it was 120....

If it wasn't for the crepe myrtles, and the magic lilies, there wouldn't be much in bloom. The

Autumn sedums flower heads are evening burning brown in the summer heat. Not much

fall color, I suppose.

This weekend is the Cherokee National Holiday and our town will be filled to the brim. It's a

good weekend to just curl up in the house and crochet. Did I tell you I really, really dislike

crowds? I look at the lovely pictures of everyone on vacation. I'm thinking I really need

one. I am honestly thinking of taking one without hubby this year. Hmmm Has anyone out

there done that? Just curious....

Owl Hats for Little Ones

2011-08-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

I Love these little owl hats that I have seen all over the internet... then I came across a freebie for the pattern from a very generous designer, wholewheat. This pattern is for little ones, from 12 to 24 months. I used good old RHSS and an I hook. I have one that I am hooking with an H hook, just to see the difference.

You can find the pattern here

Afghan Finished at Last !!

2011-08-24T16:43:00.002-05:00

This is the heaviest afghan, I think I have ever made. This Pretty picture square was fun to make. I sort of wish now that I had done a more random layout. It definitely should keep my grand daughter nice and warm this winter. Ha!

I did a very simple border, this thing didn't need anything fancy. It says it's 108 degrees outside, so I took inside pictures. When it cools down some I will play catch-up and take them outside.

Pattern is here

This afghan ended up being 80 x 60 inches. My squares were 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches and there were 96 of them. my border was a simple 3 rows of dc and 1 final of sc.

Now off to work on my Hexagon afghan...

What do you think? A Bit to Bright?

2011-08-23T07:41:00.000-05:00

My grand daughter Lindsey has just moved from her dorm into her very first apartment. Needless to say it is totally an off-white with drab beige carpet. I thought she definitely needs some color in her life. Ha ! Here is my version of 'this pretty picture' afghan. I have it joined, now just working on the border.....

Yes still preserving. We have already made our jams, White Peach Jam, Peach Cobbler Jam, Peach & Pineapple Jam, and of course good old peach preserves. Today I have a kitchen filled with wonderful fragrant peaches today.... not canning them though (too much sugar). I will be freezing them for winter eating.

Still Canning & Freezing.....

2011-08-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

I am freezing tons of Green Pepper strips to have this winter. I diced all the first ones, now strips, next they may just go in whole.

My cherry tomatoes are getting oven-dried and then just tossed in a freezer zip-lock, into the freezer. I read on someones blog, that they cut theirs in half. I am trying that on this batch. Usually I just throw them in whole.

I am still working on putting squares together. Nothing exciting in the crochet department. Its still too hot outside to try and get photos. I am ready for fall.

Did I Tell You?

2011-08-19T17:05:00.000-05:00

Yep Hobby Lobby is having a clearance sale of so many yarns.... I also grabbed a couple of books too from Annie's Attic, filled with hats and scarfs.

I totally filled the dining room table, with my haul. Even found some Paton's Bamboo Silk in the bunch.

This is our poor vegetable garden trying to stay alive, in 100+ heat here in Oklahoma. Watering has kept most plants alive, but production is low. Our Okra is starting to come on strong, we finally got a taste of our mini-watermelon, that are the sweetest I have ever tasted....

Well Back to canning.....

May is Stroke Awareness Month

2011-05-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

May is Stroke Awareness Month

There are many different kinds of stroke. One of the most lethal is Brainstem Stroke. Ninety percent of brainstem strokers die in the first month. Congrats to all our members who have made it!

This was taken this week from my StrokeNet, newsletter.

They say women are more likely to stroke then men, and if you are black, your chances almost double. I have come along way since I had a Brain-stem Stroke (Bleed). People always ask me, How did you know it was happening, what are the signs?

One night in May, I woke up with the most bitter taste in my mouth, the kind that no matter how many times you spit, or rinsed your mouth out, the taste was still there. I walked in and turned on my computer thinking that if I sat up awhile the bitter taste would go away.

The computer never got past the Windows screen, when the nausea hit me hard, double vision set in, I was having trouble breathing and I couldn't quite feel my right side. Then, I suddenly felt extremely calm, almost euphoric and knew I just wanted to lay down, it was such a peaceful feeling, and then I became extremely tired. Just as suddenly, something must have kicked in and I think I went into survival mode. Yelling for my husband as loud as I could muster, it came out like I was speaking in tongue.

My husband is a very heavy sleeper and was in the master bedroom at the end of the house. Somehow he heard me. He came out and I tried to tell him what was happening to me. He started dressing immediately, but time went into slow motion and I yelled at him again 9-1-1, don't ask me what came out but he called and the ambulance was there before he finished dressing.

The young EMT's, gosh looked so very young, they but the Blood Pressure Cuff on me and suddenly I saw them look at each other. The young man went to our phone and called the hospital. I couldn't tell what he was saying, but he returned to the BP cuff and went back into the kitchen. When he came out he said to the young lady, just pack her up and let's get her there. Later I found out my blood pressure had risen to 387/285.

The rest of the story... you know how there is always a twist at the end.... I had been prescribed, just a couple months prior to this, High Blood Pressure Medicine... That night it sat in my cupboard, unopened.. Silly huh? But people had told me not to take it, I would never get off it, I would gain weight, I would feel run down and tired.... Just watch your salt intake..... exercise more....

For Stroke Awareness month I just ask for you to know your numbers and take your blood pressure medicine if needed. Forget the Magazine myths that float out there, forget those helpful friends....listen to your doctor, before your life makes changes, that you can never imagine...

Knitted Fish Tawashi's

2011-05-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

Sunshine was back today, perhaps things will dry out so I can get back in the garden.

These are little knitted fish tawashi's from a Japanese pattern book, the pattern have been

translated and you can find the pattern here.

They are a quick and fun project. I think I am going to make some for gifts, just trying to

think of what else could go into the gift basket with them.

These are our fish in the backyard pond not wanting to come close to the surface, with it

still being a bit chilly.

I Wish Those Dang Texans Would Keep Their Rain

2011-05-02T18:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, It just keeps raining and raining and yes it's all blowing up from Texas.... It's so cold that I am wearing a hoodie in the house. I just know all my little seedlings and plants are drowning. I can't bear to look out the back windows. TV Sucks.... Rain Sucks.... I need a hot cup of tea...or a drink, or pie... I like pie....

The Last of the Spring Flowers

2011-05-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

These are the last of our spring flowers in bloom along the front garden, that I took last week. It's sad to see spring ending, but then again it felt like it was in the thirties today, so spring might not be entirely over yet. Such a quiet day, I just stayed inside and just browsed the blogs...

It's Supposed to be 75 degrees Tomorrow

2011-03-31T20:22:00.000-05:00

I am so tired of this cold dreary weather. Tomorrow it's suppose to be sunny and warm, so off to till some good old manure into the vegetable beds. It seems odd this year, but a lot of my seeds aren't germinating. One wonders if they are selling old seeds, it sure is frustrating.

Theses pictures are the from our front yard, a few blooms popping out here and there, even the lilac is blooming this year, I suppose because of the cooler weather. I have been busy crocheting some baby blankets for charity. I think I will go with local charities this year. Sometimes you just aren't quite sure of those like from Crochetville forum. I feel funny when there is no answer, no pictures, and the person gathering the things, just disappears. Oh well I am probably becoming a cynic. :)

A Wall of Seedlings

2011-03-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

Spring is almost here in Oklahoma. It's been well over a year since our home invasion, and oh, how my life and attitude has changed. The police actually said this was their first call in a decade to this quiet neighborhood, now sadly this entire neighborhood's has changed, everyone is more watchful. I doubt there is a single household that hasn't put in some kind of an alarm system. The young man that was robbed the week after our incident, was so traumatized that he decided he couldn't stand to live on his own anymore and moved in with his grandparents until he finishes university.

In our job we simply have to travel, and stay out for long periods of time. So dealing with house-sitters, lawn care service, motion lights, anything to make it look like someone lives here all the time, takes so much time, that it has me drained.I have made a stand this spring, that it's time I stayed home for a bit. It's almost time to plant the vegetable garden. I have started tons of veggies and a few flowers, you can see them lined up on bakers trays, stretched along the french doors in my dining room.

Strawberry plants ( the best Lowe's had to offer, yuk!) are doing well in the Clima-Grow. The lizard isn't real, but I was hoping he would be enough to keep out any insects that make it through.

Idaho's Fossil Beds

2009-09-01T13:49:00.000-05:00

We thought this was going to be a terrific side trip. After you get there though you get to read the sign, and look off into the distance to see the ridge, where all the fossils were found.

Yep that's it, so much for Idaho's fossil beds.

Colorado Hotels Pet Rabbits

2009-08-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

We awoke at our motel just outside of Denver Colorado to the cutest batch of rabbits. They certainly weren't shy of strangers.

Wyoming Desolate But Great Bufflo Burgers

2009-08-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

Wyoming started out green and lovely, though the farther west it also became that dreaded brown, dried up landscape.

I love rocks, especially out of place rocks, like this one tottering in a field.

A short trip off the main road on a disty hill sits The Ames Monument. Its rough to get up close and to get back down. There is a plaque with the full story, if you don't know who the 2 brothers Oliver and Oakes from Massachusetts were.

A quick stop at Turtle Rock to watch some mountain climbers work their way to the top. Great picnic areas if you take your lunch.

This is the famous Terry Bison Ranch. When they tell you their Buffalo burgers have won tons of awards, believe them. Hubby and I like ours rare, the best way to eat Buffalo.

Market Bags for the Garden

2009-08-21T19:25:00.000-05:00

These are a couple of Market Bags I did for my little brother and my nephew. They have a very sucessful garden on the top of a Mountain in Tennessee. He constantly sends me pictures of piles of vegetable goodies. I wish we had had time to put in some vegetables this year.
I used simple Red Heart Saver, figuring that these will probably only last a couple of seasons, but can also be washed in the washing machine. These should hold more produce then you would want to carry.
the pattern is here:

and the water bottle case is from The Elusive Loos blog. I made different handles and really lengthened them, since my little brother tops out at 6'5".
this favorite pattern is found here.

Visiting Antelope Island in Utah

2009-08-19T13:14:00.000-05:00

We wouldn't have known about this hidden treasure, except for a local waitress that said, Don't miss it. You travel by a thin, narrow road that is filled with birds, feasting on the brine shrimp. They are the only thing that survives in the high salt content.

Even though we didn't hike far, the Antelope willing posed for the camera near the road toward the ranch. You have several beaches, where you can swim, or should I say float, since with the 5 times the salt as in the ocean, even I can float.

Every where you look the still water reflects the surrounding mountains. I am surprised I didn't see local artists lined up along the roadside.

Closer view if the birds along the roadside.

Finally came the buffalo. Some traveled alone, and other herds of them stood on the beaches, by the water and looked like they were standing on snow. They came within 10 feet of the truck, more curious then anything.

This side-trip is definitely worth the half day if you drive, or full day if you plan to hike, where I am told there are Mountain Goats, we have this park marked to go back to when we have more time. Oh and did I mention there is now a restaraunt that serves some pretty good buffalo burgers too.

It's So Hard Reading Posts, Let Alone Writing

2009-08-15T12:57:00.003-05:00

Work has taken off, even with the economy supposedly still falling. Traveling takes up a big portion of our time. This last store was in the state of Washington, which was 2,225 miles from our house. We of course stop and see things on our way there and back.

The trip there was pretty bland, seeing mostly browns. From Oklahoma we went through, Kansas, Colorado, ate Buffalo Burgers in Wyoming, visited Antelope Island in Utah, the wonderful Shoshone Falls in Idaho, shot through eastern Oregon and went forever through the Eastern part of Washington. ( Totally boring trip through that part of Washington.)

We had a 45 minute drive to the construction site from Everett, this was a shot I took on our way to work one morning. Luckily we finally moved to another motel closer to the job site, a very nice Best Western, with those thick comforters. That also increased our work days to 14 hours.

I took tons of yarn, but didn't start or finish a single project. Guess it was the stress of the job. Western Washington is filled with some of the rudest people I have have ever met in my life. Though I must admit all but 2 of the people were men. So it could just be possibly the men up there don't like women telling them what to do. Geesh, I need a vacation.

This was Shoshone Falls. Lovely isn't it?

and We were blessed with a rainbow.....

Try Comfort Crochet Make a Flowers Shawl

2009-07-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Try Comfort Crochet Make a Flowers Shawl

A dear blogger friend has gotten me hooked on crocheted shawls. I never thought I was a shawl person, but I find myself reaching for one quite often. Just a little something to throw around my shoulders, when I want to retire to my bed and sit back cushioned with tons of pillows, to quietly watch a Jane Austen movie. I love them all, all British Dramas. Perhaps I lived in another time, because I am always drawn back to the same movies over and over again.

This Flower Shawl from the Caron Website http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss17_flowers_shawl.html

has already left my possession. My daughter-in-law saw it and immediately fell in love with it. Off to Arkansas it went, perhaps to throw around her shoulders as she watches her favorite movies.

I made this from 5 skeins of #2715 Seashell Simply Soft. It was extremely easy and the fringe was fun to do.

If you love shawls or have never tried one, you must visit Pammy's Blog, Scotty's Place. Or if you just want a shawl and don't crochet, then visit her at her Etsy shop, where she may have a few of her gorgeous shawls for sale.

Playing Catch-Up Keeping with July??

2009-07-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blog recently. I had a really bad case of Strep throat, and not being able to take any anti-biotics it just seemed to hang on forever.What little crocheting and knitting I did do was centered around the 4th of July. Below are some of the things I made.
The first afghan is Beth's Star Afghan, I added small star motifs to the points. You can find her pattern here.

Next was tons of gift bags for the 8th Annual Blow My Fort Up Contest. Some of these are just for the little neighborhood kids that don't actually participate with destroying each others Fort. The pattern takes less than a skein of Worsted Weight 4 ply. The water bottle are from a terrific pattern here at The Elusive Loos. I made long handles and short ones both, making the handle separetely and ones where I just kept going.

The Gift Bags are actually market bags from Krystal at Crochetville. The pattern is here.

The final afghan was trying to deal with Red Hearts stars and Stripes variegated. Everything I made looked terrible, so I kept starting projects then spending the rest of the evening tearing them out. I finally settled on an afghan pattern called Gentle Waves. Mixed with just the Hot Red and Blue it looked okay. You can't add white, because the variegated has more of a cream in it.
This afghan is found here:

or in pdf file here

Banana Bread My Favorite Recipe

2009-06-17T07:52:00.000-05:00

Banana Bread My Favorite Recipe

This is the recipe I always go back to, time and again. It is written on one of my recipe cards, so I am assuming that it is my recipe, pre-stroke. Double the recipe, because this loaf freezes well. I also use this recipe to make minature loafs to tuck into my Christmas cookie baskets.

1 Stick Margarine, melted
1 c. Sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
4 Large mashed bananas
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
Nuts are optional. 1/2 cup pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Melt your margarine in a large bowl. Mix sugar into your melted margarine. Add eggs, one at a time and whisk until blended.
Add mashed bananas, beating well. If you are going to add pecans, dredge them in a cup of your flour and add. Add salt, cinnamon, and soda along with flour. Blend until just mixed.

Pour into your loaf pan, that has been sprayed with Pam.

Bake at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes. Use a toothpick or a metal cake tester. Make sure they come out clean in the dead center.

Spicy Ground Turkey Chili

2009-06-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

Spicy Ground Turkey Chili

When beef prices got so high, we started switching our ground beef recipes to ground turkey. When my
doctor became amazed at my good cholesterol levels, we continued to use the ground turkey. This is a
simple one-pan chili that can be served alone, or over Frito's with cheese or my new favorite is over
ramen noodle soup noodles, drained, omitting the little spice package that comes with it. Again you can
add cheese on top or not.
If you ever accidental get your chili too hot for your taste, just add unsweetened chocolate and it will take
some of the heat away.

Ingredients:
2 Large Onions, chopped
Olive Oil for seasoning your pan for the onions
2 1-pound packages of frozen ground turkey
8 tsp Chili powder
2 tsp beef bouillon
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tsp Tony Chachere's More Spice Seasoning ( Optional)
3 Cans Chili Beans ( you can use vegetarian beans if you would prefer, no flavor change)
1 Can Tomato Sauce

Coarsely chop your onions, pour olive oil in the bottom of your pot and start heating it. When its nice and
hot, add your chopped onions and let them cook until they are translucent, but not brown.
In a bowl, open your ground turkey, and add your spices to the center of the meat. Using the back of a
spoon work the spices into the meat. Add the meat to pot, at med-high when your onions are done. Brown
your meat. The browner the meat gets the more flavor, without going to the extent of burning.
Add your tomato sauce, and allow it to heat. Add your canned beans, one can at a time, again allowing
each one to heat, stirring occasionally.
Taste test to check your spices. My hubby would probably add 4 more Tbs. of Chili powder at this time if I
would let him. He adds it at the table to his own taste.
Adjust your spices, just don't add salt until serving. ( Salt is so very bad for you and I swear it's addictive.)
Let simmer for at least 1/2 hour - 1 hour.
This only gets better the next day, and freezes beautifully. I use the plastic freezer tubs, which is just right
for 2. They even travel with us in the cooler (frozen) so we can enjoy a home cooked meal while on the
road.

Pumpkin Bars

2009-06-04T19:18:00.000-05:00

I know these remind everyone of autumn get together but I tend to use pumpkin all year-long. This is an old recipe off the raisin boxes. I remember when raisins were rock solid coming out of the box.
I have added my changes to the recipe on the side. I like more raisins, and like a thicker, cream cheesier frosting.

Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon ( I always add 2 tsp, because its so good for you.)
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cloves
1 cup vegetable oil
1 16oz can (2 cups pumpkin) ( the last pumpkin I bought was only 15 oz. )
4 eggs
1/3 cup chopped nuts ( I omit these)
1/2 cups raisins ( I add 1 to 2 cups softened raisins)
Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar ( I add 4 cups)
1/3 cups margarine or butter ( I add 1/2 cup)
1 (3 oz) pkg cream cheese softened ( I add an 8 oz pkg, so I can taste the cream cheese)
1 Tbs. Milk ( I add a little at a time until spreading consistency)
1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 1 15x10x1 inch baking pan.

Put your raisins in a microwave safe bowl and cover with water. Heat for 3 minutes and let set in water until you are ready to add.

Combine all your ingredients in your mixing bowl, except for nuts and raisins., beat at low speed until your ingredients are moistened. Increase your speed to medium for 2 minutes.

Drain you raisins, well. On low speed add your nuts and raisins until just blended.

Pour into your greased & floured pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Frosting: Combine your butter, cheese, milk and vanilla and beat until light. Add your powdered sugar, ( again I double mine). Beat on high until smooth and creamy.

Frost when cooled. Cut into bars. Store into refrigerator.
Yield is 48 bars.

If you are using a 9x13x2 inch pan, bake for 45 - 50 minutes.

Pink Worsted Seraphina Shawl

2009-06-03T07:50:00.000-05:00

I needed something for the new grand baby's mother to curl up in when she breastfeeds during the night. She is always cold, so when we took up the rocking chair that everyone of our grandchildren has been rocked in, I realized she needed something for over her shoulders. I still need to block it before it gets sent off in the mail. I think I might try a pair of Luna's lovely slippers in pink to match.

3 Skeins of Hobby Lobby 4 Ply Worsted in #100 Pink

Size K Crochet Hook

Trying New Flavors of Cake Balls

2009-06-01T17:02:00.000-05:00

I am addicted to making cake balls. I had graduations, birthdays and thought I will just make everyone different flavors. Then I got nervous, What if one turned out better than the others, so I made mixed pans. I took those throw away 9x13 inch aluminum cake pans with the lids, and filled one for each kid.
The flavors I mixed were:

Vanilla Cake Mix,( with 1/2 cup peanut butter added while mixing), Milk Chocolate Frosting and Chocolate Almond Bark

Party Rainbow Chip Cake Mix, Cream Cheese Rich & Creamy Frosting, and Vanilla Almond Bark

Lemon Cake Mix, Lemon Supreme Creamy Frosting, and Wiltons Yellow Candy Wafers

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, Milk Chocolate Frosting, and Chocolate Almond Bark

The Party Rainbow Cake Balls went first at the graduation.
You can find the recipe here

Blossom-Beaded Scrunchie

2009-06-01T05:32:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready to make up some little girls purses for charity, and wanted a few things to tuck into them, so I thought I would design up a few scrunchies. This is the first.

Blossom-Beaded Scrunchie

Size G Hook

4 ply Worsted Weight Acrylic ( Use Your Scraps with this one)

Goody Elastic Ouchless Band

String 12 Pony beads onto your yarn.

Attach your yarn to a Goody Elastic Ouchless Band.

Rnd 1: ch1, 24 sc in your elastic ring. join.

Rnd 2: ch 5, slide a bead up again your last ch, ch 5 more Skip sc, sl st into next sc. * (ch 5, slide a bead up again your last ch, ch 5 more Skip sc, sl st into next sc) rep from *.

Rnd 3: Sl st into the first skipped sc on Rnd 2. ( stay to the front of your bead petals). 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in same stitch. You are making a shell in the one sc. * (Sl st into the next skipped sc, make a shell ( 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in this sc.) Rep from * until you have 12 petals. Join to first sc.

Weave in ends. Now make another for your favorite charity.

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket Tutorial - Part 1

2009-05-31T13:53:00.000-05:00

PART 1

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket Tutorial

So many of you have been writing me needing a bit of help with this pattern. It is poorly written and gave me some trouble too. The first afghan was made using Bernat Softee Baby ( which I Love for baby, but in this tutorial, I wanted you to see the stitches clearly so In This example I used:
Less than ½ skein of Lion Brand Pound of Love in # 157 Pastel Yellow and 2 Strands of Hobby Lobby's Baby Bee, Sweet Delight Pomp in #2106 Sweetpea Held Together.
You use 2 Colors: MC = your main color
A = your contrasting color

Step 1: Chain 5 and join into a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch3 ( Will count as one of your dc here and from now on), 19dc in ring. Join to the top of beginning ch3. (20dc)

Rnd 2: Ch1, 1 sc in same space as last sl st. *Skip next sc (3dc, Ch3, 3dc) in next sc – shell made. Skip next sc, 1 sc in next sc. Repeat from * around omitting sc at end of last rep. Join to first sc.

You should have 5 points. Count them now, and adjust this round.

Rnd 3: Sl st in the next 2 dc. Ch3 (counts as a dc) , 1 dcin next dc. *Shell in next ch-3 sp. 1 dc in next 2 dc. Skip next dc, sc and dc. ** 1 dc in next 2 dc. Repeat from * around ending at the **. Join Color A to the top of ch 3.

Rnd 4: With Color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 3 dc. *Ch1, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp. Drop the loop from hook. Insert hook into first of 5 dc and pull dropped loop through – Bobble made. Ch3. Bobble in same ch-3 sp. Ch1, 1 dc in next 4 dc ** Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc. Rep from * around ending at **. Join MC to top of ch3.

Note: After your second bobble, one of your dc will try and hide itself under the bobble. Make sure you have 4.

Rnd 5: With MC, sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 dc *1 dc in next ch-1 sp. 1 dc in next bobble. Shell in next ch-3 sp. 1 dc in next bobble. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp. 1 dc in next 3 dc. ** Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 3 dc. Rep from * around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 8 dc on each side of your point. (8 dc, ch 3, 8 dc, skip 2)

Go On to Page 2

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket Tutorial - Part 2

2009-05-31T13:46:00.000-05:00

PART 2

Rnd 6: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 6 dc. * Shell in next ch-3 sp. 1 dc in next 7 dc. ** Skip next 2 dc, 1dc in nect 7 dc. Rep from ** around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 10 dc on each side of your point. (10 dc, ch 3, 10 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 7: Sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 8 dc. *Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 9 dc. **Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 9 dc. Rep from * around ending at **. Join color A to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 12 dc on each side of your point. (12 dc, ch 3, 12 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 8: With color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 10 dc. *Ch 1. (Bobble, ch 3, Bobble) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 1 dc in next 11 dc. **Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 11 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join MC to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 11 dc on each side of your point. (11 dc, ch 1, Bobble, ch 3, Bobble, 11 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 9: With MC, sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 9 dc. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in top of next bubble. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 2 dc on top of next bubble. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 1 dc in next 10 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 11 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 16 dc on each side of your point. (16 dc, ch 3, 16 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 10: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 14 dc. *Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 15 dc. ** Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 15 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 18 dc on each side of your point. (18 dc, ch 3, 18 dc, skip 2)

Go Back to Part 1

Go To Part 3

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket Tutorial - Part 3

2009-05-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

PART 3

Rnd 11: Sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 16 dc. *Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 17 dc. ** Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 17 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join color A to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 20 dc on each side of your point. (20 dc, ch 3, 20 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 12: With color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 18 dc. *Ch 1. (Bobble, ch 3, Bobble) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 1 dc in next 19 dc. **Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 19 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join MC to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 19 dc on each side of your point. (19 dc, ch 1, Bobble, ch 3, Bobble, 19 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 13: With MC, sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 17 dc. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in top of next bubble. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 2 dc on top of next bubble. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 1 dc in next 18 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 18 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 24 dc on each side of your point. (24 dc, ch 3, 24 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 14: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 22 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 23 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 23 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 26 dc on each side of your point. (26 dc, ch 3, 26 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 15: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 24 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 25 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 25 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join color A to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 28 dc on each side of your point. (28 dc, ch 3, 28 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 16: With color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 26 dc. *Ch 1. (Bobble, ch 3, Bobble) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 1 dc in next 27 dc. **Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 27 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join MC to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 27 dc on each side of your point. (27 dc, ch 1, Bobble, ch 3, Bobble, ch 1, , 27 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 17: With MC, sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 25 dc. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in top of next bubble. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 2 dc on top of next bubble. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 1 dc in next 26 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 26 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 32 dc on each side of your point. (32 dc, ch 3, 32 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 18: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 30 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 31 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 31 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 34 dc on each side of your point. (34 dc, ch 3, 34 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 19: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 32 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 33 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 33 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join color A to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 36 dc on each side of your point. (36 dc, ch 3, 36 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 20: With color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 34 dc. *Ch 1. (Bobble, ch 3, Bobble) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 1 dc in next 35 dc. **Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 35 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join MC to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 35 dc on each side of your point. (35 dc, ch 1, Bobble, ch 3, Bobble, ch 1, 35 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 21: With MC, sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 33 dc. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in top of next bubble. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 2 dc on top of next bubble. 1 dc in next ch-1 sp, 1 dc in next 34 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 34 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 40 dc on each side of your point. (40 dc, ch 3, 40 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 22: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 38 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 33 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 33 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 42 dc on each side of your point. (42 dc, ch 3, 42 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 23: sl st in next dc. Ch 3, 1 dc in next 40 dc. Shell in next ch-3 sp, 1 dc in next 41 dc.**. Skip next 2 dc. 1 dc in next 41 dc. Rep from *around ending at **. Join color A to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 44 dc on each side of your point. (44 dc, ch 3, 44 dc, skip 2)

Rnd 24: With color A, sl st in next dc. Ch3, 1 dc in next 39 dc. *Ch 1. (Bobble, ch 3, Bobble) in next ch-3 sp. Ch 1, 1 dc in next 43 dc. **Skip next 2 dc, 1 dc in next 40 dc. Rep from * around, ending at **. Join MC to top of ch 3.

Note: Make sure you have 43 dc on each side of your point. (43 dc, ch 1, Bobble, ch 3, Bobble, ch 1, 43 dc, skip 2)

Continue in this manner ( working 1 rnd in Color A with Bobbles at the ch-3 Points) and 3 rnds in MC until your blanket measures approximately 20 inches from center to tip of one point, ending on rnd worked with A.

Fasten off.

Ready For Edging.

Edging: (RS) Join MC in any ch-3 sp. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp. *Skip next bobble, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp. (Skip next dc, 1 sc in next dc. Skip next dc. 5 dc in next dc) 16 times. Skip next dc. 1 sc in sp between last dc and next dc. (5 dc in next dc. Skip next dc. 1 sc in next dc. Skip next dc ) 16 times, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp. Skip next bobble. 1 sc in next ch-3. Rep from * around, omitting sc at end of last rep.

Join.

Fasten Off.

Note: I had 11 shells down the side, skip 1 dc, 1 sc in the sp, skip next dc, (5 dc in next dc, skip next dc) rep 11 times. Sc in ch-3 sp. Ch 1. 5 dc in next ch-1 sp. If your count has become muddled, just determine your scallop count on the first one, and make all points match. Please note, there is no scallop at the end of the points.

Back to Part 2

Mock Croc & Peek-a-boo Baby Sandals

2009-05-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

Mock Croc Baby Sandals Pattern
These turned out so cute. I had just bought a pattern from Etsy when I found this one for free. I need to try the boughten pattern. I haven't put buttons on yet. I bought some cute ones from Walmarts.

You can get the mock croc pattern here

The adorable Peek-a-boo Sandals are also made in Worsted Weight Yarn. She has a bunch of sizes too, from 3.5 inch soles to 5 inches. This pair I made using a G Hook.

You can get this pattern here

Meet My New Darling Grand-daughter Camryn

2009-05-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

Meet My New Darling Grand-daughter Camryn

I was gifted from my oldest son and his wife, with this lovely jewel last week. She is Camryn Jayelle, weighing in at 5 lbs 5 ozs, and a total of 18 inches. She is so sweet natured, she doesn't cry yet, just an adorable squeak. Here's my hubby holding her at her sister's graduation party. She totally ignored the teenagers and was quite happy to be held by all the adults.
The teenagers had taken a new course at their school, called Life-course. They are presented with a lovely electronic baby that is programmed to react just like a real baby. They are graded on how well they parent this vinyl baby. Needless to say every girl at the graduation party knew exactly what to do in any sort of emergency with a child. I wish we had had those classes back in my day.
The downside, was that there wasn't a single girl there that wanted to have children any time soon. I am afraid we might have an entire generation waiting until after they are thirty to start a family.

Green Seraphina Shawl Finished

2009-05-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

Green Seraphina Shawl

Close-up of the center stitches.

This shawl I tried using the smaller size K Hook. In this picture you can see the difference. It was still made
with JoAnn's Sensations Rainbow Boucle. I do love that yarn. I think I am going to make a bunch of these
shawls up for gifting to friends that are hospitalized.

I am working on one made in Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn, for my Daughter-in-Law, who gets chilled,
breast-feeding late at night.

Boston Creme Pie Cupcakes

2009-05-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Boston Creme Pie Cupcakes

The Mommy's Kitchen Cooking Blog never fail me when I need something special. These are for my oldest sons birthday. He has always adored Boston Creme Pie, so I tried the cupcakes so the would travel better. They were wonderful. One tip, if you buy the Wilton Squeeze Bottles to fill these, cut the tip down to open it up father. You can see what happens when to much pressure and too much filling. Also the filling makes enough for 2 batches.

I used the quickie canned frosting too. Quick and Easy.

You can find the recipe here.

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 1

2009-05-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

PART 1

Making a Baby's Diaper Cake Tutorial

1 Serving Round Platter, ( I got this one at the Dollar Tree)

1 Small Stuffed Toy to be your Topper1 Plastic Baby Bottle

1 Lg Package Baby Disposable Diapers

1 Stem Flowers1 Roll

1 - 1 1/2 inch Satiny Ribbon ( no see through type)

1 Roll 1 1/2 - 2 inch French Wired Ribbon

Rubber Bands including 2 Large Ones

Glue Gun

Lots of Goodies to tuck and tie onto your Cake

1. To start gather up your glue gun, 1 large package diapers ( this one has 56 jumbo newborns) your serving dish, ( I got this one at Dollar Tree, it was about 11-12 inches diameter.) Either a cardboard core, or I prefer to use a swimming noodle. Cut your noodle (One will make about 4). This makes a very sturdy cake that can even be mailed.

2. Make sure your glue gun is hot, and get your platter and cut noodle.

3. Hot Glue your noodle or cardboard to the center of your serving dish. Make Sure you are Centered.

4. Roll your diapers, starting from the short side and the open edge.

Continue to Part 2

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 2

2009-05-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

Part 2

5. Rolled Diaper.

6. Roll your entire package of diapers the same way.

7. Take Your Plastic Baby Bottle, the Tall Kind. (Again Dollar Store)

8. Put 8 of your rolled diapers around the bottle.

9. Put a rubber band around the entire group and bottle. You can sort of see how we are building this one.

Back to Part 1

Continue to Part 3

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 3

2009-05-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

PART 3

10. You will need 2 of the larger thin rubber bands.

11. Put one of the larger bands over the center pole, see pic.

12. First Layer, Start putting diapers around your center,

13. Add your diapers by tucking them in the rubber band to hold.

14. Keep Adding diapers until you pretty much fill the base of your platter.

Back to Part 2

Continue to Part 4

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 4

2009-05-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

PART 4

15. Make sure to turn all the edges into the center cake.

16. Second Layer, put your second rubber band on the pole and again start adding diapers, I try and match the bottom layer.

17. You may need to cut down your yellow noodle so the bottle tucks about 2 inches into the second layer.

18. Again make sure all diaper edges face in and that the rubber bands are in the same area so a ribbon will cover them.

19. Use Baby Spoons between layers, not only as a nice surprise,

Back to Part 3

Continue to Part 5

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 5

2009-05-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

PART 5

20. but to give you cake extra strength.

21. Pick a 1 - 1 1/2 inch, non see-through ribbon.

22. Pre Measure your ribbon to go around each layer. Cut. Carefully glue ribbon to itself not to the diapers.

23. Glue ribbons around each Layer.

24. Pick a small Cake Topper. (This was another Dollar Store Find.)

Back to Part 4

Continue to Part 6

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 6

2009-05-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

PART 6

25. Attach your stuffed toy around the bottle, using rubber bands to attach arms together and even legs. You want it on good and tight, especially if you are going to mail it.

26. Gather up all the little baby goodies you have bought to decorate the cake. I try to stay with a theme. Tie small ribbons that are long enough to tie the goodies to the main ribbon, or around the top of a diaper. I generally buy a couple Dollar Tree Bibs to put on the back. You can just attach them around a diaper on the top tier. They will cover the back, and it will take less goodies to make the cake look full.

27. You can buy the Dollar Store little washcloths, and put a tight rubberband around the center. tuck one end in-between the diapers. The rolled end looks like roses.

28. Next Cut all your flowers off your big Stem, using wire-cutters. Leave about a 4-5 inch stem on each one. Push the green leaves up close to the top.

29. Add Your Flowers like you would on a real cake. Filling in blank areas.

Back to Part 5

Continue to Part 7

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part 7

2009-05-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

PART 7

30. Make a simple bow with your wired ribbon, by just cutting about 12 inches of ribbon, folding it from each end so it crosses. Use florist wire to wrap tightly around the center.. Leave about a 4-5 inch twisted wire so you can tuck it between diapers..

31. Leave about a 4-5 inch twisted wire so you can tuck it between diapers.. Place Your bows around the cake, again filling in empty spots.

32. If you are sending the cake or taking your cake as a gift to a shower, it looks lovely with a Basket Shrink Wrap over it. I Used the 30" tall x 30" wide one, from Walmarts. I didn't shrink any of it.

33. Diaper Cake Finished

Back to Part 6

Continue to Part 8

How to Make a Diaper Cake For Baby's Shower - Part

2009-05-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

PART 8

34. Here it is from the side.

35. Here it is from the back, note the bibs.

36. Perfect centerpiece, perfect gift. Any Questions, just let me know.

The End

If you need any clarifications, just let me know.

Back to Part 7

Seraphina Shawl in Black Sensations Rainbow Boucle

2009-05-24T11:15:00.000-05:00

Seraphina Shawl in Black Sensations Rainbow Boucle

My very first, which definitely won't be my last. This first one was made using the full 11oz. skein. I love this
yarn, even though I was a bit nervous after hearing others complaining about it. The pattern became easy if
you just follow the chart, and don't read the directions.

This was made with Black Sensations Rainbow Boucle and and N Hook. I have already begun one in
Green Sensations Rainbow Boucle with a K hook.
The finished measurements to the black Seraphina Shawl is: from neck to bottom tip is approx 26 inches
and from side tip to side tip is almost 6 feet.

You can find the pattern here.

Baby Ripple Afghan

2009-05-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

Baby Ripple Afghan

This was so easy, as most ripples are. I ended up using Red Heart yarns to match the colors of the baby's room. Emily chose most of her baby items from Targets. I made this afghan a little longer as a floor changing pad. I like the way red Heart Worsted washes compared to all the others.

The colors and rows I used were:
5 rows of 0360 Cafe Brown

3 rows of 0718 Shocking Pink

2 rows of 0661 Frosty Green

1 row of Baby Pink

8 rows of 0316 Soft White.

I started with a chain of 142 and used a "I" Hook.

You can get the pattern here

Starting my Seraphina Shawl with Pammy Sue

2009-05-20T16:46:00.001-05:00

Starting my Seraphina Shawl with Pammy Sue

I am so excited, Pammy Sue over at Scottys Place has started making the most gorgeous shawl in JoAnn's Rainbow Sensations Boucle in Dark Blue. We don't have a JoAnn's, but luckily we were in Webb City, Missouri for the weekend, and not only did JoAnn's have it, it was on SALE !!!

I bought 5 Skeins:
Black - Rainbow Boucle
Green Print - Rainbow Boucle
Pink/Grey - Rainbow Boucle
Berry Print - Rainbow Boucle
Red Print - Rainbow Boucle

I am starting out with the Black, since my granddaughter will be playing in the symphony at college this fall and she has to wear a lot of black. I wish now I had bought at least 2 of one color so I could try the afghan pattern on the label.

If you want to start this lovely shawl with everybody, See Pammy Sue here.

Savannah's Famous Pirate House Onions Au Gratin

2009-05-17T19:45:00.000-05:00

Those terrific shriners are selling their classic Vidalia Sweet Onions again. Just once a year these special guys hit the streets with a trailor load of Vidalias. This is one of our favorite recipes for Videlias, taken from an old Folsom Farms Cookbook.

Ingredients:
5 cups Videlia onions, chopped, cooked & drained
5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbs Butter

Chop onions, put in a saucepan and cover with water. Cook until just tender.

Melt butter in the bottom of your 2 quart casserole dish.

Drain onions and mix with 4 cups of Cheddar cheese and remaining ingredients.

Pour into your 2-Quart casserole; Sprinkle with your final cup of cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

We served this wonderful side dish with a smoked pork loin from our back porch electric smoker. If you haven't bought yourself or hubby one yet, it's a perfect gift.

2009 May KAL - Daisy Dishcloth

2009-05-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

2009 May KAL - Daisy DishclothI love knitting these dishcloths. I need to start doing some plain white ones so I can bleach my countertops. They are very simple, if you are new to knitting.

You can join here.

Raindrops in the Pond

2009-05-13T19:35:00.001-05:00

It's hard to garden this year in between the raindrops. My flowers are loving the extra moisture, but then again so are the weeds. (sigh)
This is our backyard pond that is home to 20 rescued feeders from the local pet shop. Some are up to 6 inches long. They are very lucky fish, for when we are on the road, they are fed by Colton, our neighbors son.

Cooking A Delicious Beef Tongue

2009-05-12T11:08:00.000-05:00

Delicious Beef Tongue

Ingredients:
1 Large Beef Tongue ( Size to Fit your pot)
1 Large Onion3 Bay Leaves
1 tsp. Thyme Leaves, or ground if that's what you have.

Choose a good size tongue at your local meat market. If you have a large family cook several in your large stock pot. If it is frozen make sure you allow it to defrost totally.

Wash your tongue after removing it from its package, and put it in your large pot, making sure the water will cover your chosen tongue.

Add a quartered onion, and all the spices. Fill your pan with water making sure to cover tongue with water.

Cover and Cook on your stove-top at medium heat until it's at a good boil, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 4 to 5 hours. Your time won't change whether you are cooking 1 or 10 tongues. You may need to add hot water if the water gets low. This usually only happens if you are using a large stock-pot with a loose lid.

You know when your tongue is done when a large piercing fork slides in and out easily and there is no color to the juices from piercing holes.

Turn off your stove-top heat and allow tongue to stand for 15 minutes. CAREFULLY remove tongue to a large plate. I use the large piercing fork to hold the tongue in place and use a sharp knife to start peeling the heavy skin. It peels easily while the tongue is hot. Just becareful because it can have pockets of boiling water trapped under the skin.

You can eat the tongue hot as a main course, or my children and grandkids favorite is cold tongue sandwiches.
Experience Life !

Hibiscus for Mom Dishcloth

2009-05-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

This was designed for my mother who passed years ago. My brain-stem stroke took away all the memories of her, so I must share my brothers memories.

Materials Needed:

1 Skein Deep Burgundy Cotton Yarn ( This yarn came out of a Lily Big 3 Skein Pack from Hobby Lobby)
Size 7 Needles
Yarn Needle for weaving in loose ends.

Cast on 40 stitches

Row 1 - 5 - knit
Row 6 - K3, P34, K3
Row 7 - Knit
Row 8 - K3, P34, K3
Row 9 - K18, P3, K8, P2, K9
Row 10 - K3, P5, K5, P4, K5, P15, K3
Row 11 - K18, P6, K2, P6, K8
Row 12 - K3, P5, K7, P1, K6, P3, K1, P1, K3, P7, K3
Row 13 - K7, P4, K2, P1, K1, P1, K2, P1, K1, P12, K8
Row 14 - K3, P5, K11, P2, K3, P4, K1, P3, K1, P4, K3
Row 15 - K8, P1, K6, P3, K4, P6, K1, P4, K7
Row 16 - K3, P4, K5, P1, K5, P4, K3, P3, K2, P1, K1, P5, K3
Row 17 - K8, P1, K3, P1, K3, P3, K3, P5, K1, P6, K6
Row 18 - K3, P3, K7, P1, K3, P4, K3, P1, K2, P3, K1, P6, K3
Row 19 - K9, P1, K5, P5, K3, P3, K1, P6, K7
Row 20 - K3, P4, K6, P1, K3, P3, K5, P5, K1, P6, K3
Row 21 - K10, P1, K3, P3, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P6, K8
Row 22 - K3, P5, K6, P1, K1, P1, K4, P1, K4, P3, K1, P7, K3
Row 23 - K10, P1, K2, P6, K2, P3, K1, P8, K7
Row 24 - K3, P3, K8, P1, K3, P1, K12, P6, K3
Row 25 - K8, P1, K4, P13, K2, P6, K6
Row 26 - K3, P3, K4, P2, K2, P1, K2, P1, K1, P2, K6, P4, K1, P5, K3
Row 27 - K7, P1, K4, P6, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P3, K6
Row 28 - K3, P2, K3, P1, K4, P1, K4, P1, K3, P1, K5, P5, K1, P3, K3
Row 29 - K6, P1, K5, P4, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P8, K5
Row 30 - K3, P2, K8, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K8, P1, K4, P1, K1, P3, K3
Row 31 - K5, P1, K7, P7, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P7, K5
Row 32 - K3, P2, K7, P1, K3, P1, K2, P1, K6, P8, K1, P2, K3
Row 33 - K6, P2, K7, P5, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P6, K6
Row 34 - K3, P3, K10, P1, K8, P7, K1, P4, K3
Row 35 - K8, P1, K5, P1, K1, P16, K1, P1, K6
Row 36 - K3, P3, K1, P1, K14, P4, K1, P3, K1, P6, K3
Row 37 - K10, P3, K7, P11, K2, P1, K6
Row 38 - K3, P3, K1, P3, K10, P17, K3
Row 39 - K21, P7, K2, P1, K3, P1, K5
Row 40 - K3, P2, K1, P3, K1, P4, K5, P18, K3
Row 41 - K22, P4, K4, P1, K2, P1, K6
Row 42 - K3, P3, K1, P1, K1, P5, K4, P19, K3
Row 43 - K25, P1, K5, P1, K2, P1, K5
Row 44 - K3, P2, K1, P2, K1, P5, K1, P22, K3
Row 45 - K25, P1, K5, P1, K2, P1, K5
Row 46 - K3, P3, K1, P6, K1, P6, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 47 - K5, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, P1, K7, P2, K4, P1, K6
Row 48 - K3, P3, K1, P3, K1, P9, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P2, K3
Row 49 - K5, P2, K1, P2,) K1,( P1, K1, P1, )K1, (P2, K1, P2, K10, P2, K1, P1, K6
Row 50 - K3, P3, K2, P12, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 51 - K32, P2, K6
Row 52 - K3, P3, K1, P30, K3Row 53 - knit
Row 54 - K3, P34, K3
Row 55 - 60 - knit

Bind Off. Weave in Ends.

Sweaters For Baby

2009-05-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting some of my hotel projects, for our soon-to-be granddaughter.
The Little baby diaper shirt is from Lyn's Designs, Danette's Diaper Set, and fits a 0-3 month old baby. I used an F hook and 1 Skein of Baby Bee, Lambkins Baby Boucle, 3000 Froggy, and 1 skein of white Bernat's Baby Coordinates. You can find this sweet pattern here.

The cute little white, braided headband is another of Lyn's designs, found here.

The frilly little white hat will definitely become one of my favorites. It's a Wormie design and you can find it here.

The Infant Teal Hat is Barb's Seamless Crocheted Baby Hat. This easy pattern is here.

The Large flower on the froggy hat is a Nikki Brown design and works for so many projects. You can find her pattern here.

The small flowers on the sweaters is a simple ch3, dbl ch, ch3 flower but turned out just the right size.

Not sure my daughter-in-law will like these, she is a home ec teacher, but doesn't like things that are hand made. hmmm... Oh well lots of new babies coming in this town.

Lace Border Blanket

2009-05-07T14:40:00.000-05:00

Last year II had bought a bunch of Baby Bee, Lambkins Baby Boucle, 3000 Froggy on closeout at a local Hobby Lobby. I found this freebie pattern in the yarn aisle and chose this yarn to make the Mississippi trip with me. It went very fast and was so easy, I used a G hook.

Then I started getting nervous when I was running out of yarn, and knew I needed something to co-ordinate with this color blanket, so I played it safe and decided to put the lacey border edging on in, White Bernat's Baby Coordinates.

This lovely Lace Border Blanket is a freebie crochet pattern from Bernat. The blanket turned out a very nice large size, using just 5 skeins of the Froggy.

Pattern

2009-05-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

If you can't find the pattern image I have a copy scanned here.

The Pattern is here.

Mississippi in the Rear-View Mirror

2009-04-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

Last night we finally got to see the Holiday Inn's film of our robbery. We had to watch the
film, starting from Easter Sunday, which was kind of cool since we always park in the same
spot, Hubby and I were the main characters in our own little video and KFC's bucket of chicken held the co-starring role.

Finally, it was April 18th, after almost an hour of watching softly falling rain, broken only
by flashes of lightning that reflected off the black of our truck, when suddenly, we all froze
as we watched a small pinkish-cream colored car pull right in from the main road and pulled in
to park right beside our truck. It was so quiet I could hear a heartbeat, but just wasn't sure
if it was mine.

Then as if one, we all spotted him. An average, but somewhat skinny black man appeared, his
head just over the tonto cover. He was wearing a white baseball hat, but looked up at us all
like he was watching us, through the same camera lens. I felt a bit queasy as I could see him
working on something on his side of our truck. Even though we were all prepared, everyone in
the office jumped as the tonto cover on our truck popped open with such ease. You could almost
feel his adrenaline as he leaped over the back tailgate and feverishly began grabbing our
tools.

Just as quickly he was out of our truck and he disappeared out of view, behind the truck. Again
his head popped up over the back end of the truck into plain view. He starts pushing with all
his weight to get the tonto cover back down into place. The very same corner he had pryed up,
he left a gift for the local police of, one perfect set of fingerprints and a jewel of a full
palm print.

Then just as quick as he had arrived, he was back into his car and pulling out onto the
sparsely trafficed main road. It was over, you could hear everyone sigh in relief........
before that sigh had escaped though, it was interupted by a groan of disapointment, or was it
gasp of almost triumph....

There was my dear Hubby coming right out the hotel door, right in front of the truck. Carrying
his bag of ice for the cooler, Like time-work it was exactly 6 AM.....

Less then 2 minutes after the thief had left....... Kind of creepy, huh?

As of today there have been 5 more trucks robbed at this Holiday Inn. Their manager, Denise had to actually learn how to use the rewind button. Now lets see if she can learn to record for the police. I didn't recognize the guy, but on Saturday one of the locals that we had hired stopped by the store and when I told him they had finger prints and everything was on camera, we haven't seen him since. Hubby still has his paycheck in the truck. Not enough though, to help cover any
tools.

I may be very happy to see Mississippi in our rear-view mirror.............

Mom's Diagonal Knit Dishcloth

2009-04-21T18:56:00.000-05:00

Mom's Diagonal Knit Dishcloth

You have probably seen versions of this old pattern a thousand times. Whether it's a dishcloth or a baby blanket, it's probably one of your first knitting patterns. I love these dishcloths knitted in variegated yarns. This variegated matches the hot blue, hot green and yellow from Lily's Peaches & Cream.

This is the pattern my mom always used:

1 small Skien of 4 ply Cotton Yarn

Size 9 knitting needles

Cast On 4 Stitches

Row 1: knit acrossRow 2: K2, YO, K across to end
Repeat Row 2 until you have 53 stitches on your needles.

Now you can start decreasing :

K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K across to end.

Repeat this row until you have 4 stitches left on your needle.

Bind off. Weave in your tails.

I have never had to block this pattern.

When Things Go So Very Wrong

2009-04-19T10:03:00.000-05:00

Normally I don't like to write about bad things, I always try and just move past them. But this time its so different, Night before last we were robbed. We lost thousands of dollars of tools, from our truck. We were parked at our Holiday Inn, right under 4 lights, right beside a main road here in Greenville, Mississippi, with cameras pointed right on our truck.

Three police cars were here within 2 minutes of our call. They took some great fingerprints off the truck, (whoever did it didn't wear gloves). This should be an open and shut case, right? Well it appears that the investment company that owns this Holiday Inn Express and the Econ0Lodge next door, put in a great camera system, over 2 years ago, but then failed to teach anyone to actually rewind it, to see anything it has ever recorded.

Now 2 days later, we are being told that there may be one woman that does know how, but she hasn't answered any of the emails, nor her cell phone.

I feel a bit better, another truck was robbed at near the same time, from this same Holiday Inn, that can't afford security guards...... This man lost over $5,000 in tools and was from Ohio.. It's sad when people steal, its sad to see we live in a world of pirates.... A horrible pox on the thieves of the world......

Fudge Supreme Cake Balls

2009-04-15T20:33:00.000-05:00

These little mouthfuls are so delicious. I found the basic recipe at Allrecipes, but it didn't have clear instructions.

1 box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix ( prepared as directed on the package)

1 Can Duncan Hines Creamy Homestyle Dark Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1 1/2 packages Plymouth Pantry Make Your Own Almond Bark Chocolate Flavored Coating ( I found this at Walmarts

Candy Sprinkle (optional)

Bake your cake according to package directions. Let cake cool. I was in a hurry so I put mine in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Some people say to chill at this point but I didn't need to. I used my small cookie scoop and popped a scoop into my palms and rolled into a firm ball. One batch filled 1 and 1/2 cookie sheets. Put the cookie sheet with your cake balls into the freezer. I put one batch in for 30 minutes and the next batch in for 45 minutes. It didn't make much difference.

I used a fork to duck my cake balls, tapping it on my measuring cup to catch the drips. Put these on wax paper by flipping your fork, and using it to seal the top.

The Cake Balls set up very quickly, I think they are much better the next day. I notice a few crumbs getting into the coating, but the red looked very pretty. For the holidays I would probably drizzle some melted white chocolate over the tops.

Alphabet Dishcloths

2009-04-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

Rhonda White is a very generous lady, She has offered the entire alphabet and numbers on dishcloths for free. I am making all my grandchildren their names... I have the first three letters of 3 done.........

You can get her patterns here

Football Facecloth - Dishcloth from BunnyStamping

2009-04-10T18:54:00.000-05:00

Football Facecloth - Dishcloth from BunnyStamping

I made this for one of my grandsons that plays football for his high school team in Kansas. I used Lilys Sugar'n Cream in Warm Brown. I need to make several more of these for other grandsons. Except River, who is a die-hard soccer player. I can't find a soccer ball pattern so I guess I will need to design my own.

Get this cute pattern here

Red Velvet Cake Balls

2009-04-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

Little Bites of heaven. I found the recipe at allrecipes, with no instructions. The comments helped me get these together. I am going to try these with Wiltons White chocolate next time. Just to see the different flavor.

1 box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Red Velvet Cake Mix ( prepared as directed on the package)

1 Can Duncan Hines Creamy Homestyle Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 packages Plymouth Pantry Make Your Own Almond Bark Vanilla Flavored Coating

Candy Sprinkle (optional)

Bake your cake according to package directions. Let cake cool. I was in a hurry so I put mine in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Crumble your cake directly from the cake pan to a large bowl. I used a fork and just shredded it, into the bowl.
Add your frosting and mix well. You don't need a mixer, just use the same fork and it will blend easily.
Some people say to chill at this point but I didn't need to. I used my small cookie scoop and popped a scoop into my palms and rolled into a firm ball. One batch filled 1 and 1/2 cookie sheets. Put the cookie sheet with your cake balls into the freezer. I put one batch in for 30 minutes and the next batch in for 45 minutes. It didn't make much difference.

Melt your Coating in the microwave on defrost for 2 minutes, then stir and return for another 2 minutes on defrost. Stir again until all chucks are melted. I used a 2 Cup measuring cup with 6 Squares in it. It took 3 batches to cover all the balls.
I used a fork to duck my cake balls, tapping it on my measuring cup to catch the drips. Put these on wax paper by flipping your fork, and using it to seal the top. Sprinkle quickly if you want sprinkles.
The Cake Balls set up very quickly, I think they are much better the next day. I notice a few crumbs getting into the coating, but the red looked very pretty. For the holidays I would probably drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops.

Giraffe Cocoon Crochet

2009-04-05T18:50:00.000-05:00

Giraffe Cocoon Crochet

I bought this pattern from Sandy's Cape Cod Originals. It uses Worsted weight yarn. I used I Love This Yarn! from Hobby Lobby for the gold ( #156 Sungold) and I used Caron Simply Soft ( #9750 Chocolate) for the trim. I didn'y like her spots so I made mine more like flowers, since this is for a little girl.

The Mary Janes are a free Pattern Designed by Abigail Goss. It's super quick from Worsted Weight Yarn, so matched perfectly.

You can find the pattern here.

2009 March Mid-Month KAL - Windwill

2009-04-04T18:52:00.000-05:00

2009 March Mid-Month KAL - Windwill

Another terrific pattern from Yahoo group, Monthly Dishcloth. I love looking at all the differnt variegated yarns that the members used. This yarn came from one of those big kits at Hobby Lobby with 3 Large Skeins. This pattern was surprisingly easy.

You can join this group here

Soccer Ball FaceCloth - Dishcloth

2009-04-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

Soccer Ball FaceCloth - Dishcloth

Sample Uses:

Lily Sugar 'n Cream 4 ply Cotton Yarn - Hot Blue
Knitting Needles Size 7

Cast on 40 Stitches

Row: 1 -5 knit
Row 6: K3, P34, K3
Row 7: Knit
Row 8: K3, P15, K6, P13, K3
Row 9: K14, P3, K5, P3, K15
Row 10: K3, P10, K2, P9, K3, P10, K3
Row 11: K12, P4, K10, P2, K12
Row 12: K3, P8, K2, P11, K5, P8, K3
Row 13: K10, P7, K10, P3, K10
Row 14: K3, P7, K4, P9, K8, P6, K3
Row 15: K9, P9, K8, P5, K9
Row 16: K3, P5, K7, P5, K12, P5, K3
Row 17: K8, P9, K3, P3, K1, P8, K8
Row 18: K3, P4, K11, P5, K10, P4, K3
Row 19: K7, P9, K8, P9, K7
Row 20: K3, P4, K9, P8, K7, P2, K1, P3, K3
Row 21: K6, P1, K2, P6, K9, P10, K6
Row 22: K3, P3, K1, P1, K7, P10, K6, P2, K1, P3, K3
Row 23: K6, P1, K2, P1, K4, P1, K10, P6, K2, P1, K6
Row 24 : K3, P3, K1, P2, K6, P9, K2, P4, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 25: K5, P1, K2, P2, K5, P1, K9, P6, K3, P1, K5
Row 26: K3, P2, K1, P3, K1, P4, K2, P8, K1, P6, K1, P2, K1, P2, K3
Row 27: K5, P1, K2, P1, K6, P1, K7, P2, K5, P1, K3, P1, K5
Row 28: K3, P2, K1, P3, K1, P6, K1, P5, K3, P7, K1, P1, K1, P2, K3
Row 29: K5, P1, K1, P1, K7, P5, K2, P2, K6, P1, K3, P1, K5
Row 30: K3, P2, K1, P2, K1, P8, K8, P7, K1, P1, K1, P2, K3
Row 31: K5, P3, K7, P7, K9, P1, K2, P1, K5
Row 32: K3, P2, K1, P2, K1, P9, K8, P5, K4, P2, K3
Row 33: K5, P4, K5, P8, K9, P1, K2, P1, K5
Row 34: K3, P2, K5, P8, K8, P5, K4, P2, K3
Row 35: K5, P5, K2, P11, K7, P5, K5
Row 36: K3, P3, K5, P6, K18, P2, K3
Row 37: K5, P7, K2, P9, K6, P5, K6
Row 38: K3, P3, K6, P5, K8, P5, K4, P3, K3
Row 39: K6, P4, K6, P9, K2, P7, K6
Row 40: K3, P3, K11, P2, K5, P6, K4, P3, K3
Row 41: K6, P4, K7, P3, K6, P7, K7
Row 42: K3, P4, K6, P8, K2, P8, K2, P4, K3
Row 43: K7, P2, K8, P2, K8, P6, K7
Row 44: K3, P5, K5, P9, K1, P8, K1, P5, K3
Row 45: K8, P2, K7, P1, K9, P2, K1, P2, K8
Row 46: K3, P6, K1, P2, K1, P9, K1, P6, K2, P6, K3
Row 47: K9, P2, K6, P1, K9, P1, K1, P2, K9
Row 48: K3, P7, K4, P8, K2, P4, K2, P7, K3
Row 49: K11, P2, K1, P5, K7, P3, K11
Row 50: K3, P9, K3, P5, K8, P9, K3
Row 51: K13, P7, K3, P4, K13
Row 52: K3, P12, K11, P11, K3
Row 53: K16, P7, K17
Row 54: K3, P34, K3
Row 55: knit
Row 56 - 60: knit

Bind off.
Weave in Ends and block if you wish.

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket

2009-04-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

Crochet Superstar Baby Blanket

I finished this quick Baby's afghan in just a couple days. The pattern is poorly written, but if you have made a couple Round Ripples you should be safe. There is no Rnd 8. I used Bernat Softee, with 2 balls of #30301 Baby Pink Marl and 1 ball of #02000 White. It is a free paper pattern at their store.

If you can't find it I have it here.

and the second side here.
From point to point mine ended up being about 25 inches. I used a Size G hook, and had enough of the white yarn left to do another afghan.

I wrote a tutorial hoping this will help.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

2009 January Mid-Month KAL - Cheyenna Dishcloth

2009-03-29T18:46:00.000-05:00

2009 January Mid-Month KAL - Cheyenna Dishcloth
I am going to have to block all my new dishcloths when I get home. My daughter-in-law has fallen in love with them.
We are hoping to leave the Brown water of Greenville, Mississippi behind this Friday and head over to Dallas, then finally home to see our accountant. He's not going to be happy with our bookkeeping this year. With the taxes out of the way, it looks like we will be heading back here.Hopefully the Mesquitos won't be out by then.
I am finally starting to understand the Mississippi Delta language, it can be very difficult unless someone speaks slowly. Trust me you don't want to take what the waitress is saying even if you think you understand. I have found it best to point to what you want on the menu.

2009 January KAL - Ice Skate Dishcloth

2009-03-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

2009 January KAL - Ice Skate Dishcloth
I am playing catch-up with the Yahoo Group Monthly DishCloths. I have one more to go, then I think I will drop back to 2008 selections.

You can join here.

Look What We Found

2009-03-25T17:27:00.000-05:00

Isn't he just the cutest. It appears he spent the winter upstairs in the banana tree. All snuggly from the cold and ice. He just appeared one morning sitting there at the base of the plant as sweet as can be.

Do you believe in Spells & Magic? Prince Charmings? Would you take a chance and actually kiss a Frog?

March 2009 Pot of Gold Dishcloth KAL

2009-03-22T18:34:00.000-05:00

March 2009 Pot of Gold Dishcloth KAL
I love knitting with this Yahoo group, you get to see the pattern develop before your eyes.

You can join here.

Little Duckie Bibs

2009-03-18T17:26:00.000-05:00

I thought this was such an adorable pattern, from Crochet World Magazine, April 2004, Volume 27 No. 2, Pages 20-21.

It is made using 4 ply Cotton yarn. I used both Peaches & Creme and Lily's. The pattern called for the two yellows, and when I was done I wasn't sure, so I tried another one in the traditional yellow and orange.
Very easy pattern.

Traveling with your Crochet & Knitting Projects

2009-03-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

I have found it is best to travel with a small amount of yarn.

That way you can plan your stops by scanning for nearby Hobby Lobbys or Michaels....

This one just happens to be in Amarillo, Texas and would you know after a break in the drive shopping for yarn sales,

right across the street is a super bakery, with the best sandwiches. The rye bread for the ruebens is a work of art.
We have never been stopped and checked at state lines for bringing 4 ply yarn across.

Of course I usually carry a DQ blizzard just in case. This is a luscious, choco-cherry one that was their Valentines Day Special.

Squirrel Gut Dip

2009-03-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

The name just sounds terrible, but it was a delicious recipe given to me by our local, Buck Master, and I think he was just trying to gross me out. This is a quick, (only 5 ingredients) dip that you can make a day or two ahead.
Ingredients:
1 pound tube of Sausage, either hot or mild1 Medium Onion (finely chopped)1 16 oz. container Sour Cream1 8 oz. bar of Cream Cheese (room temperature)1 16 oz can of Ro-Tel (tomatoes & green chilis) original
In a large bowl, pour your can of Ro-Tel, add your finely chopped onions, sour cream and cream cheese. Mix these up with just a spoon to get the lumps out.
In your frying pan brown your sauage until nice and brown and crumbly. Add this while still hot to your bowl of other ingredients, and stir.
Refrigerate at least 8 hours to blend the flavors. Serve with a heavy chip, we usually grab a bag of Ruffles.

Baked Potato Soup

2009-03-04T13:07:00.000-06:00

It was so chilly yesterday that I thought while the twins were playing at a reasonable noise level, I would try and duplicate a soup we had in California. It was a wonderful Baked Potato Soup from the local Safeway store and seemed to be all sold out by early afternoon. This is my version, probably without the additives..... both are so good........

Ingredients:

5 pounds of potatoes, you can use Baking potatoes, but if your on a budget just grab a bag on sale.

Bake these, or if in a hurry just microwave them to tender, let them cool, peel and cube.

1 cup real butter

1 cup of flour

8 cups of milk

1 Bunch of Green onions, use anywhere from 8 to the entire bunch if you like onions

1 nice Ham Steak, cut into tiny cubes. Here you can judge how much you want to add. I used the entire Ham Steak.

2 cups Shredded mild Cheddar Cheese

1 16oz container sour cream

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Pepper

Do your potatoes first and have them cubed and ready to go, because from there, this is a quick meal. I grabbed my large stockpot since I was estimating.

In the bottom of your pot melt your butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and using your whisk, stir until it is smooth and just starting to bubble. Gradually stir in your milk, stirring until the milks starts to thicken.

Now add your potatoes, ham and onions, stir well to coat and let your soup just reach a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add the rest of your ingredients, and simmer until your cheese has melted. You can serve immediately, with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top......

Next time I think I will increase my milk to 9 or 10 cups and serve with a nice crusty bread, to dip.

Tropical Treat Cake

2009-03-04T13:04:00.001-06:00

Made this lovely Tropical Treat Cake, and found out neither myself or my husband likes the bitter orange flavor in this cake from those dear, Mennonite Girls Can Cook Blog. I think I will try it again without the orange peel, because we both like the texture and the idea of a cake that can be served without icing.
You need to try this one, with or without the orange peel.. the recipe is here..........

2009 February KAL Dishcloth

2009-03-03T12:09:00.000-06:00

Finally blocked my 2009 February KAL Dishcloth.
This is from Yahoo Group MonthlyDishcloths. A really fun group to join.

You can join here

Carmel Apple Pudding

2009-03-03T11:56:00.000-06:00

Another comfort food recipe from those darling, Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog. We topped it off with a small scoop of ice cream. It was so delicious as are all of their recipes I have tried.

Find the recipe here

Chocolate Cobbler

2009-02-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

I found this wonderful recipe for Chocolate Cobbler over at Scotty's Place. It was so quick to mix up for a rushed-supper's desert. Served up with sugar-free ice cream........ This is one of those comfort foods, that can't be made with Splenda.

You'll find the recipe here, and while you're there say Hi to Pammy Sue.......

Banana Cake

2009-02-12T14:32:00.001-06:00

If you haven't visited, the Mennonite Girls Can Cook Blog, you are missing out on some terrific recipes. I
tried the Banana Cake just last week. My only changes to their recipe were, I only had 2 bananas instead
of 3 and I poured the Carmel sauce over the top of the cake as soon as it came out of the oven.
The cake just got better and moister the next day and the day after that.... I'm afraid it was all gone by then.........

Here is the recipe

Baby's T is for Turtle Washcloth

2009-02-10T11:52:00.000-06:00

Well I am once again packing. This time they say for 7 weeks, but it always seem to run over. I have to pack an entire suitcase of yarns, patterns, hooks along with hard hats, steel toed boots and band-aids. Since we will be at the site for at least 12 hours a day, most of my crocheting and knitting are on the drive out and back. I don't even know how many miles it is to California..............

Baby's T is for Turtle Washcloth

This is my design for a small washcloth for baby, it blocked to a 7 inch square. It has the letter T on it but you can easily leave that part off. I gave it a tickle eye, just double knot a piece of worsted cotton (I used Dark Brown) leave a tail. Thread a tapestry needle and pull the knot through the washcloth where you want the eye. Make sure you go through the yarn and not a hole. Once through, tie another not as close to the fabric as you can, repeat. Now cut both sides to just barely above the knot ( aka the tickle part).

Peaches & Creme 1 Skein Baby Green

Size 7 knitting needles

Rnd 1-4: knit

Rnd 5: K3, P24, K3

Rnd 6: knit

Rnd 7: K3, P24, K3

Rnd 8: K11, P2, K8, P2, K7

Rnd 9: K3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P8, K3

Rnd 10: K11, P3, K7, P3, K6

Rnd 11: K3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P8, K3

Rnd 12: K12, P2, K7, P3, K6

Rnd 13: K3, P4, K2, P2, K4, P1, K2, P9, K3

Rnd 14: K12, P8, K1, P2, K7

Rnd 15: K3, P4, K12, P8, K3

Rnd 16: K5, P1, K2, P15, K7

Rnd 17: K3, P3, K20, P1, K3

Rnd 18: K4, P22, K4

Rnd 19: K3, P1, K22, P1, K3

Rnd 20: K4, P1, K1, P2, K1, P16, K5

Rnd 21: K3, P3, K14, P2, K2, P1, K1, P1, K3

Rnd 22: K5, P3, K3, P12, K7

Rnd 23: K3, P4, K12, P4, K1, P3, K3

Rnd 24: K12, P10, K8

Rnd 25: K3, P5, K10, P9, K3

Rnd 26: K12, P10, K8

Rnd 27: K3, P5, K10, P9, K3

Rnd 28: K12, P10, K8

Rnd 29: K3, P6, K8, P5, K1, P4, K3

Rnd 30: K7, P1, K5, P8, K9

Rnd 31: K3, P6, K7, P6, K1, P4, K3

Rnd 32: K7, P1, K7, P5, K10

Rnd 33: K3, P19, K1, P4, K3

Rnd 34: K5, P5, K20

Rnd 35: K3, P17, K5, P2, K3

Rnd 36: knit

Rnd 37-40: knit

Bind Off, Weave in Ends.
Block if a gift.

Let me know if you find any errors, thank you
You can find other versions of this chart here. Border less, more detail, no T etc.

Oklahoma Ice Storm of 2009

2009-02-04T08:33:00.001-06:00

We have been hit with a major, destructive ice storm, I have never seen anything like it, so much ice,
covering literally everything. They say we got 2 inches of ice, but I seriously thing it was more. We have one
of the largest Sycamore Trees in Oklahoma, in our garden. I was so scared it was going to come crashing
down onto our house. Its limbs did some damage to our roof, and filled the children's garden with limbs,
but other then the limb damage it seems fine.

We were Listening to the trees explode around the neighborhood, watching out the back, when the
neighbors tree let out a shutter, throwing ice everywhere, then falling right on their car, sending a second
spray of glass from the car windows exploding.
My son & his family had to drive in from Arkansas, to stay with us. After 2 days without power, broken
waterlines and not an empty hotel room for over 100 miles, they made the slow journey to our house. It was
really a nice visit, in our busy lives it's usually only a short visit.

Most of our neighbors are still without power, mainly up on the mountains, and the rural areas, even the
schools are still closed with no electricity. Now though the neighborhood is filled with strangers, knocking
on doors, asking if we want to hire them for the clean-up. I hate strangers, I hate knocks on the door, Now I
even set the alarms during the day. I wonder if this is what happens to everyone after a disaster?
Today we have to run out and check all the damage to our rentals, . More pics are here

Yarn Calculator

2009-01-27T05:44:00.000-06:00

Need to Know how Much Yarn It Will Take For A Project, try this site:

http://www.thecrochetside.com/content/tips/project_yardage_calc.html

Posting Your Original Patterns on Forums

2009-01-27T04:53:00.000-06:00

This is for patterns, or for those of you that just want to post pictures of your completed items.

I use www.photobucket.com for all my forum pictures.
I use www.flickr.com for posting patterns, yarns, finished projects to Raverly

Both are free.

Re-size your picture to 300 x 300-400 that is what the ville likes. Upload your picture to Photobucket.

Hold your cursor over the picture you want to put on the forum. A small menu will appear. At the very bottom of that menu, click on ' link options' .
That opens a pop-up window ( if it doesn't open then check the yellow strip on your browser. Click on that and allow pop-ups from photobucket).

Now on that pop-up you have all the options. Go to boards and forums. The second box gives you a small picture that is click-able. I love that one.

Click in that box and you will see it has already copied to your computer. I open notepad and paste into that. Do that to all the pictures you will want to use.

Now open your new topic on the Ville, I paste my pattern in first and the where you want your pictures just copy and paste from your notepad.

I save this notepad in case I want to add the pattern to other crochet sites

Now at the Ville, you contact an administrator and tell them you have added an original pattern. They will check it out, then they will pm you back that they have given you a contributors icon, it will say PAT.

Hope this helps

Any other questions just ask

Barbara

Butterfly Facial Scrubbie Gift Set

2009-01-23T19:07:00.000-06:00

Optional Lid for Variegated Basket, Not attached.
Round 1: ch 2, 12 dc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st to first dc.Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join with sl st to first dc. (24 dc)Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, *(1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat from *, join with sl st to first dc. (36dc)Round 4: ch 2, hdc in same st, *(1 hdc in next dc, 2 hdc in next dc) repeat from *, join with sl st to first hdc. Fasten Off. Weave ends in.
Make A Second one, don't cut the yarn.

There is a better explanation of the butterfly in the previous post.

Hook E

With Black yarn: ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in the next 5 chs, 5 sc in final ch. fasten off. Use your tapestry needle to weave black yarn tails to position where antenna would be. See picture.
Attach butterfly color 2 stitches from the tail. See pic...
Wings right side: ch 3, hdc, sc, 1 dc in next sc, 2 trc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, sc, fasten off. I weave ends in at this time.
Wings left side: ch 3, hdc, sc, 1 dc in next sc, 2 trc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, sc, fasten off. I weave ends in at this time.
attach CC, to sc, sc in each st until you reach the last stitch. Put 4 sc in the last ch3. ch 1, sc into black tail on the backside, ch 1, 4 sc in ch3, sc along the other side of the wing. fasten off. Using a tapestry needle weave the yarn to the underneath center. Sew your little butterfly to the center of the lid that still has the yarn attached.

Change back to G hook, sc around lids , join with sl st. fasten off, weave in ends.
Hold the two lids wrong side together,

Facial Scrubbie Gift Set Butterfly Pattern

2009-01-23T18:57:00.000-06:00

Hook E
With Black yarn: ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in the next 5 ch, 5 sc in final ch. fasten off. Use your tapestry needle to weave black yarn tails
to position where antenna would be. See picture.
Attach butterfly color 2 stitches from the tail. See first picture...

Wings right side: ch 3, hdc, sc, 1 dc in next sc, 2 trc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, sc, fasten off. I weave ends in at this time.

Wings left side: ch 3, hdc, sc, 1 dc in next sc, 2 trc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, sc, fasten off. I weave ends in at this time.

attach CC, to sc, sc in each st until you reach the last stitch. Put 4 sc in the last ch3. ch 1, sc into black tail on the backside, ch 1, 4 sc in ch3, sc
along the other side of the wing. fasten off. Using a tapestry needle weave the yarn to the underneath center. Sew your little butterfly to the center
of the lid that still has the yarn attached.

Change back to G hook, sc around lids , join with sl st. fasten off, weave in ends.
Hold the two lids wrong side together,

Pink & Yellow Facial Scrubbie Set

2009-01-23T18:53:00.000-06:00

This is another color combo of the clamshell gift set and shows one without the lid, just a basket to hold the scrubbies.

Clamshell Facial Scrubbie Gift Set

2009-01-23T18:48:00.000-06:00

Clamshell Facial Scrubbie Gift Set
This one holds 9 scrubbies/coasters. Perfect to take as a thoughtful gift for someone in the hospital, a teacher, a co-worker. Works up quickly. I make large face cloths first and then use the left over yarn to make the scrubbies
Materials:Lily Sugar'n Cream Hot Green
Lily Sugar'n Cream Hot Blue
Lily Sugar'n Cream Black
Hook Size H
Hook Size F for the Button

The Case Pattern:
Round 1: ch 2, 12 dc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st to first dc.
Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join with sl st to first dc. (24 dc)
Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join with sl st to first dc. (48 dc)
Round 4: ch 1, ( BACK LOOPS ONLY) *(sc in next 7 sc, dec 1) repeat from *, sc in last 2 sc, join with sl st to first dc. (48)
Round 5: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each sc around, join with sl st to first dc. (48 dc).
Round 6: ch 3, *(fpdc in next dc, bpdc in next dc) repeat from *, join with sl st to first dc.
Round 7: repeat row 7
Stop here if you only need to hold 8 or 9 scrubbies, repeat Rnd 6 if you want more room for 12 scrubbies.
contrast trim
rnd 8: ch 1, sc in each st around, change to trim color, join with sl st to first sc. (48 sc) Change colors as you join.
rnd 9: ch 1, sc in each st around, change to second trim color, join with sl st to first sc. (48 sc) Change colors as you join.
rnd 10: ch 1, sc in each st around, change to main color, join with sl st to first sc. (48 sc) Change colors as you join.
Finish off. Weave in Ends.
When making the case for scrubbie pattern 2, in Large and number 3 , add a row of (sc, next st, 2 sc next st) around. Join with a sl st to first sc. This goes between rnd 3 and 4 on the base.
Optional Lid
Round 1: ch 2, 12 dc in 2nd ch from hook, join with sl st to first dc.
Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join with sl st to first dc. (24 dc)
Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, *(1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) repeat from *, join with sl st to first dc. (36dc)
Round 4: ch 1, *(2 sc, 2 sc in next dc), repeat from * around. Join with sl st to first sc. Ch 5, join to next sc making small loop to shut case.
Weave in ends.
Find joining column, count 5 stitches to the right of joining stitch. Attach main color, fold lid in half and mark back center with a safety pin. Count
out 5 stitches to the right. Whip stitch your lid to the base, I do it over about 10 stitches, you can do more or less.
Last is the button, choose either contrasting color, I switch to a smaller hook, on this cotton I will use an F hook.
rnd 1: ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join
rnd 2: ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to join
Make sure you don't have that hole in the center, gather and close it if you do. I use the center yarn and weave it to the outside, where I gather the edge, a running stitch if you sew. Pull this tight and knot with your outside yarn. Weave the short yarn back in your button and cut off.
Use the long outside yarn to sew your button to match where your loop hits on the side of you base.

Under Scrubbies on the right I have my free patterns, and some links to free coaster patterns that would work for facial scubbies

Facial Scrubbie Patterns

2009-01-23T18:34:00.000-06:00

Scrubbie 1 Pattern: Yellow ones
Size H Hook
rnd 1: ch 2, dc 12 into 2nd ch from hook.
rnd 2: ch 2, hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 hdc)
rnd 3: ch 3, dc in same stitch, *(1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) repeat from *. Join with sl st. (36 dc)
rnd 4: ch 4, sc in next st. *(ch 4, sc in next st, sk next sc) repeat from * , join with sl st to base of first ch 4.
End. Weave in loose ends.
This Needs A Larger Basket.
Smaller Version:
Size G Hook
rnd 1: ch 2, dc 12 into 2nd ch from hook.
rnd 2: ch 2, hdc in same stitch, 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 hdc)
rnd 3: ch 2, hdc in same stitch, *(1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat from *. Join with sl st. (36 hdc)
rnd 4: ch 4, sc in next st. *(ch 4, sc in next st, sk next sc) repeat from * , join with sl st to base of first ch 4.
End. Weave in loose ends.

Scrubbie 2 Pattern: Pink ones
Size G or H hook
rnd 1: ch 3, dc 12 into 2nd ch from hook.
rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)
rnd 3: ch 3, 2 dc in same stitch, sc in next dc *( 3 dc in next dc, sc in next dc) repeat from * Sl st to the base of ch 3 to join.
End off. Weave in your loose ends.

Scrubbie 3 Pattern: Blue with green trim.
This is a hair larger, for those manly hands :). Perfect for teenage boys that need to thoroughly cleanse their faces.
rnd 1: ch 3, dc 12 into 2nd ch from hook.
rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)
rnd 3: ch 2, hdc in same stitch, Hdc in next st, *( 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st, Attach CC (Contrasting color). Join with sl st to ch2.
rnd 4: ch 1, sc in same st. *( sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat from *. Join to first sc, fasten off. Weave in ends.
When making the case for scrubbie pattern 2, Large and number 3 , add a row of (sc, next st, 2 sc next st) around. Join with a sl st to first sc. This goes between rnd 3 and 4 on the base.

These are some links for coasters, that could be used as facial scrubbies:

Coaster Links

http://www.ehow.com/how_2355236_crochet-th-july-coaster.html

http://chezcrochet.com/page53.html

http://auroralcrochet.ms11.net/free/apriljewels.html

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/HomeDec/SB149-005+Coasters.htm

http://www.geocities.com/crochettalk/party2.html

http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/coasters/f108005pentcoast.pdf

http://betouched.netfirms.com/coaster.html

http://www.crochetnmore.com/bobblecoaster.htm

http://www.spatulagraphics.com/krochet/patterns/picotcstr.html

http://www.crochetnmore.com/platecoaster.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Alyssa5000/cosplender.html

http://www.orble.com/free-pool-ball-coaster-crochet-pattern/

http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/how-to-crochet-a-poolside-coaster

http://lauraslefthook.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/crochet-flower-coaster-pattern/

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/HomeDec/WR1054+Country+Christmas.htm http://crochetcute.blogspot.com/2008/10/free-pattern-crocheted-poppy-flower.html

http://kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/coas009.html

http://www.cm-crafts.com/PumpkinCoaster.htm

http://www.crochetnmore.com/eastereggcoaster.htm

http://jahodnett.tripod.com/id14.html http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/july5.html

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/9344/roundcoaster.html

http://www.kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/coas001.html

http://www.crochetnmore.com/scallopedcoaster.htm

http://chezcrochet.com/page65.html

http://www.crochetnmore.com/suncoaster.htm

http://www.crochetnmore.com/sunshinecoaster.htm

http://www.squidoo.com/freelemon-limecoastercrochetpattern

http://www.kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/coas003.html

http://www.squidoo.com/freewatermeloncoastercrochetpattern

Diaper Cakes For Recent Showers

2009-01-22T14:40:00.001-06:00

I love making these diaper cakes, you can pretty well spend as much as you like. And they all look so adorable. I actually find the stuffed animal I like first then buy everything to match. The musical "Jesus Loves Me" bear has most of it's goodies attached to the outside. While the Green trimmed elephant has all of it's goodies hidden in cavities left in diaper circle, ( There are like 40 some items inside). You simple roll appropriate sized toss-away diapers into cylinders and I rubberband. Use a new baby bottle as your center for the top layer. It sticks out from the diapers and allows you to wrap your stuffed animal around it, and rubber band the arms, or both the arms and legs.

When I make my next one I think I will have to take some pictures of the actual assembly, so the 3 tiered diaper cake makes it to the shower. Of course I use a clear basket Bag ( the kind you use the blow-dryer on) to finish off, rubber band the top and add a big bow.

I have see these covered with receiving blankets, but I haven't tried one yet. I have an up and coming wedding so I think I will try making one out of towels for one of Emily's showers.

Diaper Cakes For Recent Showers

2009-01-22T14:40:00.000-06:00

I have see these covered with receiving blankets, but I haven't tried one yet. I have an up and coming wedding so I think I will try making one out of towels for one of Emily's showers.

New Recipes In the Mail

2009-01-22T14:36:00.000-06:00

Rabbit Chunky Finger Puppets

2009-01-21T12:51:00.000-06:00

I found this pattern in an old magazine, McCall's Design Ideas Christmas Knit & Crochet, Vol 18. The cute little rollie pollie finger puppets are stuffed. There were seventeen kinds in the article; humpty dumpty, puppy dog, mouse, snowman, clown head, Santa, this rabbit, frog head, elephant head, teddy bear, octopus, jack-o-lantern, little yellow chick, pink piggy, owl, panda bear head, black spider with legs.

The little ones in my life seem to enjoy fitting things into other things, so I thought the egg cartons would be fun.

Unusual crochet finger hole.

Caron Yarn Mill Ends for Christmas How Cool Is That?

2009-01-06T19:33:00.000-06:00

My very first Mill Ends. My husband got me 3 large boxes for Christmas. Here they are just spread out on
my dining room table. Mostly Simply Soft, so I am very happy. I will write a complete list of what I received tomorrow. I can't wait to line up those WIPS.

Here is the list of what some little elf at Caron's filled my boxes with, I am sooo Happy.

Simply Soft Quick

0010 Soft Blue – 1 pound

0005 Navy – 1 pound

0016 Black – 1 pound

One Pound
589 Cream - 3 pounds

539 Cape Cod Blue - 2 pounds

549 Sunflower - 1 pound

504 Peach - 1 pound

511 Taupe - 2 pounds

501 White - 2 pounds

535 Country Rose - 2 pounds

547 Deep Violet - 1 pound

566 Leaf Green - 3 pounds

556 Baby Rainbow Ombre - 3 pounds

603 Natural Tones - 3 pounds

Simply Soft Paints

0002 Rose Garden - 2 pounds

Simply Soft
2624 Lt. Country Blue - 6 pounds

2664 Orchid - 2 pounds

9729 Red - 2 pounds

9723 Raspberry - 1 pound

2601 White - 4 pounds

2626 Country Blue - 1 pound

2680 Black - 1 pound

2622 Plum Wine - 1 pound

2722 Chocolate - 1 pound

2613 Soft Yellow - 1 pound

2602 Off White - 1 pound

9622 Plum Wine - 1 pound

Simply Soft Brites

9605 Mango - 1 pound

9610 Grape - 2 pounds

Simply Soft Heathers

9507 Deep Teal Heather - 1 pound

The final group I can't find at Carons site. It is a beautiful soft taupe, looking like the one under eco yarn, but more than likely a discontinued yarn. I am tickled that they gave me enough to really do something with, 7 pounds worth. It is lovely, could have been a heather?

An Adorable Little Shop 'Knit1Bead2'

2009-01-06T19:21:00.001-06:00

While on our travels through Arizona we happened on a lovely town of Jerome. "America's Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town in America".
Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Our first lucky strike was a rock and gem shop downtown, where we found several pieces for our collection.
We were directed from there to the higher level to dine at the Haunted Hamburger. We sat at the very end table on the deck outside which has a wonderful view of Jerome and the valley below. I indulged in the giant Haunted Chicken burger, and found it excellent. If you read the cardboard standup thing at the table, it talks of ghostly apparitions, the only apparition in that restaurant was our waitress.
On the way down the steps from the restaurant I happened to glance to the left and there was a lovely little shop called Knit1Bead2. An amazing collection of yarns and beads. I browsed forever, and ended up with a few purchases. They have a website: http://www.knit1bead2.com/
All in all a wonderful excursion through Arizona.