Topsy-Turvy Doll, Still a WIP

Here are a couple of pics to give you an update on my status with the doll I am making.

In case you missed it in a previous post about this project, this is a pattern from Gourmet Crochet. It is called Topsy-Turvy Doll.  I have a few "goofs" so far. I underestimated the amount of variegated yarn I had on hand so I had to be a bit creative with that.  The variegated yarn ended up being a finer gauge. Also on the variegated portion of the project, I was supposed to crochet some of the rows in the blo but I didn't so I wasn't able to do the ruffles like in the picture. The variegated was what I was going to make the adult doll but now because of the yarn situation I may make that the baby and make a pink collar with a white edge to tie in the hodgepodge of yarns I'm using. If you look at the pattern on Gourmet Crochet you'll see what I mean. Anyway, I like the way the skirt on the pink side flares out--reminds me of a ball gown and yes, I did do quite a bit of improvisation on that too. I'm curious to see how she's going to turn out.  The weekend is almost here and I hope y'all have a great one.

My Blog Won an Award

Clara of Clara's Crochet Room bestowed upon my blog a "Stylish Blogger Award." I'm tickled pink about this. Thank you Clara.

According to the rules, I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself that you might not know. Here we go:

1. I'm 54 and wishing I had grandchildren but no sign of that happening. Son #1 and his wife can't have children and son #2 isn't married and says he doesn't want any because kids cost too much money.

2. My chihuahuas, Opi and Nellie Belle, are my babies. Well, maybe you knew about this.

3. I blog to meet new friends and maybe reconnect with old ones. Actually, I blog for myself too and if others like what I put in my blog that's icing on the cake.

4. I am so hooked on the game Cafe World on Face Book that I have burned my real supper because I was too busy with my online cooking. :(

5. I'm thinking about writing a novel--if I can stay off of the Internet long enough. One of my college professors was so impressed with my thesis that she suggested I enlarge it as a book. Unfortunately for me, someone else wrote on the same topic. So, maybe a fictionalized version might work.

6. I don't mind washing clothes. I'll do it all day long and fold them too. I really loathe putting them away. Sometimes I get spacey though and leave clothes in the washer too long and have to rewash them.

7. Last month, I received my first check from adsense. Wooo Hoooo--took me 14 months for enough readers using the google search box on my blog and clicking on google ads. I was so thrilled.


Now I have to pick some blogs to pass this award on to. I'm picking some different-type blogs that I hope you will enjoy reading.

Some impressive blogs in no particular order:


1. Loom Dude Because his blog has me anxious to finish up some ufos so I can take out the knifty knitters again.

2. Posh Pooch Designs Because she has some awesome free patterns for chihuahua accessories.

3. The Old Jarhead Because he posts articles on current events that show various sides of the issues.

4. Ramblin' Southern Woman Because she's down-to-earth and a nice person with similar tastes in crochet projects.

5. USS Houston CA-30 When I was in college, I wrote my thesis on this ship and her crew. They were sunk during WWII and the crew were held as POWs for the duration of the war. I was impressed by the few survivors I was fortunate to meet and I believe their story needs to be remembered.

6. Butterfly Loom--Another crafty thing I want to do after I finish some ufos. Very good video tutorials for butterfly looming.

7. About Amish--I find this interesting to read because there is a large Amish community close to us. Very detailed information about the Amish from an educated source.

I did not choose Clara's blog only because she just received this award and passed it on to me. Her blog is fantastic and a favorite of mine so please drop in and visit her. I'll be sending out notifications to my selections pdq so if you're in the list know that I will be sending you a notice to pick up your award. Hugs to all of you.

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It's All about Plants

Did any of you grow sweet potato vines when you were a youngster? I did and the other day a friend and I were reminiscing about it. Yesterday when I was at Meijers, I picked up 1 sweet potato to grow one again. I read online that they have the appearance of philodendrons. I was surfing around the Internet looking for suggestions on how to do it and I found this super great site by the University of Illinois called the Great Plant Escape. It is for kids and it's a learning adventure all about plants--sort of a mystery, learning game. I enjoyed clicking through and trying to see how much I remembered from my science classes in days of yore.

I did start a sweet potato vine. Maybe it will even get a vine one of these days.  Here it is:

Y'all have a great week.

Search Amazon.com for organic gardening

First There Was One and Now a Pair

First there was one:

And now a pair:

Here's where you can see the post on the first one I made and there is a link there for the pattern.


Search Amazon.com for doily patterns

Guess What??? The Scammers Called Again

"Card Services" called again. These people are the ones who steal peoples' identities and credit card numbers. I've posted about them many times in the past and reported them to the "Do Not Call List/Registry" every time I receive calls from them. Everytime I get a human on the phone I tell them to not call me again and take my name off their list. For some reason I wasn't able to get a human today. That's ok, the telephone wires might have melted if I was able to give them a piece of my mind again. Anyway, watch out for this number from "caller" 567-248-4400. The numbers that show up on my caller id are different most times.  Here are a couple links where others have had problems with them.
:
http://complaintwire.org/Complaint.aspx/2bbZRCIlqABEXAjLRU6S8Q

http://honeypot.net/scam-calls-card-services

In the past, I've found that the scammers "steal" phone numbers and this may be the case with today's call. See here and here for information on this number.

Here's a video from one news show's report about them, sorry, embedding isn't allowed so you have to go here.

OK, I'm finished here now and I've already filed my report as I was multitasking here. Hope y'all have a good day.

Remember, if "Card Services" calls, they are identity thieves and do NOT give them your credit card number and do NOT give them your Social Security Number.

Progress on Topsy-Turvy Doll

Just thought I'd post pictures on my topsy-turvy doll. It's slow going; but then the first time I make a project always seems to take longer. Problems I've had so far is that the pattern and I don't agree on what is the front loop and what is the back loop so I've had to do some creative adaptations instead of frogging. So, here's the pictures:

This will be the baby doll side. 

This is the other doll side--skirt is done.

My friend told me that this was a "ying-yang doll." :)

Photoworks Shutting Down

I had forgotten that I had stored some photos on Photoworks. I had an email that I almost deleted as junk info-ing me that they were shutting down so I could transfer my photos over to Shutterfly for free and store for free there too. I thought that I would let y'all know about this in case you had some photos on Photoworks. Have a great week everyone!

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (28 March 2011)

Here's a cute baby bunting. You may have to be a member to access the pattern but it is a reliable, legitimate site (Bernat) so go ahead and register. Definitely a cute item for a baby.

Search Amazon.com for baby bunting patterns

Free E-Book Cook Book

Just wanted to post this link so you can get your free cookbook for some copycat recipes for a few chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Paneras. Their version of Olive Garden's Black Tie Mousse Cake sounds delicious!

Famous Restaurant Recipes: Copycat Versions Of America's Favorite Restaurant Dishes

Look at this Crazy Weather--

It's been windy outside today and then suddenly there is this pinging noise. I looked outside and it's hailing like crazy! Here's a few pics:

I Decided on a Crochet Project

After hemming and hawing and going through patterns online, patterns on my computer and patterns in my stash, I finally decided on a project. I did decided to go ahead with the Topsy Turvy Doll from Gourmet Crochet. I dug up some odds and ends of left-over yarns to use so this is a small stash buster project. I did decided to use a smaller hook (E) for the doll because 1--I'm a loose crocheter and 2--I want to be sure I don't run out of one of my yarns in the middle of the project. I'm pretty sure that I have enough except the variegated that I'm going to use on the dress. Fingers are crossed.  I only finished one of the doll's heads. So, this is my work-in-progress aka WIP for Wednesday. If you click on the button at the bottom under the picture you can see what some others are up to.

What to Do...?

I'm looking at the ufos sitting by my corner of the couch and I don't want to work on any of them. I've been looking online at crochet patterns and looking at my stash of patterns. Nothing appeals to me right now. I want to do something though. Guess I'll flip through some more pages of a few of my pattern books and maybe something will appeal. I know I should work on a ufo, even if I weave in the ends on the dishcloth that has been sitting here for sometime. I pulled out my pattern from Gourmet Crochet for their Topsy-Turvy Doll, maybe that's my next project. Stay tuned....

Search Amazon.com for crochet doll pattern

This Was a Quick Project

On Mondays, I put a link to a free pattern. This weeks pattern was for a doily out of ww yarn. I had some ww cotton here from Hobby Lobby so I thought I'd give it a whirl. In just a little over an hour, I was finished. I really like this pattern and I think I'm going to make more. Thanks for stopping in.

Search Amazon.com for doily patterns

More Slippers

Here's a pair of ladies slippers that I just finished. It was so nice to be able to sit on the patio and make them. Spring is in the air!

Do You Have a Pet Peeve?

I have a pet peeve and I was just reading something on another blog related to this. I am deaf in my left ear and hard of hearing in my right. Often when I have a conversation with someone I don't know very well or just met, I will have to ask them to repeat what they said or I will restate what I think they said. It is important to me what people said to me not only for my sake but also because I value what they have to say. The peeve part comes in when I've asked people to repeat what they've said and explain that I'm hard of hearing and I've been told many, many times "that's ok" or "never mind." I DO mind. I don't like to be outside of the loop and I'm not stupid (I had an IQ test once so I know there is a bit of active gray matter up stairs). My suggestions are that during conversations, look at the person you are speaking to. I think most of us were taught that this was good manners when we were youngsters. Speak plainly--don't mumble or speak softly. If there is a lot of background noise, go to a quieter area for conversation. Don't roll your eyes or get an exasperated look on your face when asked to repeat what you said--that is so very demeaning to the hard of hearing person.  Most of this is just good manners and not only a consideration for a hard of hearing person. Don't feel sorry for a hard of hearing person because there are some advantages--I'm able to sleep through my husband's freight-train-like snoring! Take care y'all and have a nice week. :)

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (21 March 2011)

Here's a cute doily made from yarn for those of you (like me) who like doilies but find the thread hard to work with.

Search Amazon.com for doily pattern

Added New Link for Another Round Afghan Pattern

There is a pretty new free pattern for a round ripple afghan at JR Crochet Designs. It is a beautiful variation on the round ripple. Why don't you go on over to her place and check it out... Under the header for my blog is a link to a page full of links to free patterns for round afghans. I have added this pattern and it is listed under today's date. Have fun and I hope that if you make of of these afghans you will either blog about it or send a link to me so that I can go see your pictures. I love the round afghans and can't get enough of looking at them and seeing how others adapt the patterns and use different color combinations. Have fun y'all...

What Do You Look for in a Blog?

When I read blogs and intend to follow them, I look at several things. The first thing is subject matter--does it interest me? Does the writer talk down to the readers or is she even friendly? Is the blog just a "store front" for etsy or other sales venue? Let me explain what I mean.

Subject matter--that should be pretty much self explanatory. The vast majority of the blogs I read are about crocheting. The authors post pictures of their finished projects and usually post what patterns the project was made with. I also enjoy blogs that are about being thrifty--within reason--I may make my own laundry soap but I'm not going to grow my own coffee beans :).

Authors who talk down to their readers. I don't mind if you mention that you have certain talents or educational background. Just don't be a bragger--it is boring to hear someone go on and on about how great they are. Be friendly with how you present yourself and also realize that your way of doing something isn't the only way.

There have been a few blogs that I've read a few times but decided not to continue with because the majority of the posts were illustrations of what was for sale on etsy, ebay or other online store. No matter how cute your blog is, I'm not going to be a "regular" there. You may be saying, "but Sharon Marie, you have adsense ads and Amazon ads on your blog." Yes, that is true but if you notice, I am not selling anything in my posts.

I had been following a couple decorating blogs. They were all about "my house, me, me, me" and I stopped following them. I enjoy reading about your adventures in decorating and commiserating with you over the difficulty in selecting paint colors but when it appears to be a bragging book about what you have then I'm not interested, sorry... Don't care to read blogs that are largely used to promote businesses or products. If I want to read ads, I'll google whatever it is that I'm looking for.

Also appreciate bloggers who ask my opinion. There is no way that I can leave comments for every post I read but I certainly do read the posts on the blogs I follow and often I leave comments when the poster asks a question of the reader--if I have some ideas about the subject matter.

Nothing has happened recently and I'm not upset with anyone or any blog. I just thought it might be interesting to post what I look at before I decided to follow a blog. I follow over 200 blogs (many haven't posted in months so I'm not reading all of them everyday) and I wanted to open a discussion to see what others look for in blogs they follow. So what do you think? What are your ideas? Maybe this discussion can help us improve our blogs... Hope y'all are having a grand weekend. Hugs...

ps--I know that I have to work on being "friendlier" here. I have "people" issues that I'm working on and I do appreciate all of you who visit me here.

Ta Da! Afghan Is Finally Finished :)

I'm happy and pleased as punch that this afghan is finished. I made the squares almost a year ago but didn't crochet them together until now. I also improvised with enlarging it and the edging as I was working on it--it all came down to what yarn was available in my stash. There isn't a pattern for this--just make traditional granny squares in your choice of colors and sizes. Here's the pictures:

Still Working on the Afghan...

Yep, it's the same picture as the last time I wrote a post about this ghan--I don't want to spoil the grand reveal. Anywho, here's the update on my status with it. I decided since I had a lot of black yarn left, I would make 5 granny-ish rounds around the entire thing. I frogged a bit and got started. Well, I ended up with only enough black to do 3 rounds so I went on an archeological dig at the stash site and came up with some odds and end balls of gray and a reddish (maroon/burgundy/wine/claret) color. I ended up making 7 extra rounds and I'm working on the last 2 sides of the edging. I have a few ends to weave in too and then it will be done. I'm really happy that I wove the ends on the squares in as I made them otherwise this may have become a ufo again! Stay tuned...it won't be long now! Y'all have a great weekend!

Search Amazon.com for learn crochet

The Finish Is in Sight!

I have all my squares sewn together and I'm about a 1/3 of the way done making an edging on the afghan I'm finally assembling. I decided to enlarge it a bit so it's taking a tiny bit longer to finish but I think it will be worth it. Here's a sneak-peek:

Search Amazon.com for granny squares

Saint Paddy's Day Greetings!

An Irish saying for my friends and others:

May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.

Happy Saint Paddy's Day!!!

Hint, Hint...

I've been told that it is hard to buy presents for me. Let me tell you, that just isn't so! I'm a crocheter and as anyone who has a fiber addiction knows, yarn is always a welcome gift. Perhaps a few skeins/hanks/balls of a special yarn would be appreciated. Hey, even better, I have 3 yarns that are a staple in my stash and are always welcome. They're all Caron yarns in the 1 pound size. I try to keep white, off-white and black on hand. The dark blue is almost a staple too. Michaels has them as does Meijers or check out Amazon too. So you see, I'm not a difficult person to buy for. Perhaps you might like to pick out a more colorful yarn in the one pound size--GREAT! There is also a chance that whoever buys me yarn will get something made from it so you see, it's a win-win situation. Y'all have a great day.... :)

A UFO Has Become a WIP

You  may remember the squares in the following picture from last spring. One phase of the census job I was doing then was to be available in the basement of our city hall to hand out census forms to people who may have lost or not received any. Usually, no one came in so I crocheted all these squares and promptly put them aside until now. Soon, they will become an afghan! I laid them out on the bed in out guest room again and I am crocheting them together. I plan to add an edging and then voila I'll have a small afghan or throw for the chair in our living room! The yarn is all odds and ends from other projects in burgundies, grays and black.

I just added the wip Wednesday button to this post because I haven't anything else to share at the moment! Have a great day everyone. :)

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (14 March 2011)

Here's an interesting take on a throw made from squares. With the weather warming up, it is time to work on smaller projects or projects made out of smaller parts.

I'm a Bit Irate Today...

Do any of you have a wireless router at home?  I have a linksys router. I was irritated a couple years ago when I got it because after purchasing it, I could not get it to recognize any wireless devices. So, I called the company and for an additional $10 they were able to help me. Now, when my son comes over, he is unable to connect to Internet here. Good mom that I am, :) I let him use our laptop so no biggie. Last night, I replaced our deceased printer with a wireless one. Now, I cannot get it to work wirelessly. When I call linksys, they want $32.99 to reset the router and that does included 1 year support. They really like to milk their customers. I decided to just use the printer with wires and shop around for a different brand router from a company with better customer service. Do any of you have suggestions? My computer runs Vista if that makes a difference.

Hooded Scarf--A WIP

This project was going to be a "To-Go" project but I can't remember why I changed my mind and took something else with me when I went on a trip recently. Anyway, this is going to be a hooded scarf when it is finished. I saw pictures of the pattern on ravelry.com and found the pattern here. The recommended yarn is Lion Brand Homespun but the Yarn Bee yarn, Riot Eyelash, that I used has a similar gauge. I'm a little bit superstitious about posting pictures of wips in case the wips become ufos :(. This is also a stash-buster project for me because the yarn came from my stash. I love this color and the yarn has a little pizazz to it. This may go in my gift drawer--I'm not quite sure yet. I'm starting to ramble on here so here's the pics:

The main part of the scarf is done. I need to make the hood portion. This pattern is a bit different from other hooded scarves I've seen. Most of the ones I've seen before you make a scarf and put a seam up a portion of the back to make the hood. This one has a hood made separately and then sewn on. Thanks for visiting--y'all come again...

How True...

This morning I was reading some of my favorite blogs and this one had a great cartoon posted that I'm sharing with you. This blog always has relevant articles to read about politicians and the state of our country. Check it out.

A New Link Added for a Dog Dress

I found the cutest pattern today on Sew Doggy Style's blog. On the link page (listed under my blog's header) it is listed as Bib Dress. This is a sewing, not crochet project. Hope everyone is having a great week. It's cold and rainy here. Bah!

Updated List of Links for Round Afghan Patterns (09 March 2011)

I found another free pattern for a round afghan today. Don't know how I missed this since I had already linked another one from this site. Hmmm, guess it's better late than never. Under my blog's header, you can find the link to the page for the links to free round afghan patterns. Patterns are listed by the date I posted them. Hope you enjoy!

ps--if you find any broken links or patterns that I may have missed, let me know and I'll edit my page.

Found a Chance to Win a Great Crochet Book

Go here for a chance to win this book.

If you don't win it, you can always buy your own copy from Amazon. :) Go to --> Cuddly Crochet: Adorable Toys, Hats, and More to order yours.

Bargains--

When I was in Florida, my uncle took me to several thrift stores and flea markets. He knows how much I love them! I was fortunate to find sheets for my bed, a California King Size, for only $20. One set was 800 count and the other was 850. I got dh a couple ball caps with the Navy logo on them for only $2 each. My biggest excitement came from the crochet patterns I was able to grab at bargain-basement prices.

These were only 75 cents each:

Don't know if I'll make these but it is great to look at the pictures.

Few hats and baby things in here that I might make.

Regular Price:

Paid regular price for this at a book store. I have NEVER found
any of Drew's books at a store before.

50 cent items:

There is a cute long-sleeved version of the green sweater that I've been drooling over.

Only 25 cents for these:

One booth had crochet hooks with wooden handles similar to the Bates bamboo hooks. They were only $5. I was going to get a G-hook but they were all out. I thought the price was well worth it. 

Don't you just love a good bargain? I better get busy around here. Birthday or not there are chores to do. :)