It's a Pencil, It's a Scarf...

I saw a scarf made from this pattern a looong time ago and it just made it to the top of the list for a quick crochet fix. I ended up winging it and not following the pattern. I wish that all patterns would tell you it the chain 3 did or did not count as first dc. I also made the "eraser" and the "metal band" different widths too. Overall, I'm pleased with how it turned out.

It's great here today. The weather is a bit cooler and we actually turned off the a/c and opened the windows and doors. The garden didn't do too well this year because of the heat. DH watered the heck out of it but it still seemed to "cook" most of the garden. I'm still getting some tomatoes but that's about all.

I've been delaying starting my wearable project. For one thing, I didn't realize how much yarn that a sweater took. I then started looking at vests and that's where I'm at now. I'll figure something out very soon.

Take care y'all...

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Win 3 Skeins of Red Heart Classic Yarn

Go here to win 3 skeins of Red Heart Classic Yarn. It is a worsted weight in a pretty green color. So go and get your entries in! Good luck and hopefully one of the bloggers I know will win!

Summer Sky Baby Ripple

I finished this last night. The pattern is a freebie from here. This blanket goes with the one in the next picture (you may remember it ) for my cousin's twins due in a couple months.

I started and ended with 5 rows of color A (blue/green). 2 rows of color B (multi/cream) between colors A and C. Color C ripples are 3 rows (yellow/pink). I listed the first colors as "boys/girls." I enjoyed making this blanket. It just takes a bit longer since it is all single crochets.

Moving on to my first real wearable...

More ripple patterns

What to Do???

I only have a few ends to weave in on the baby blanket I'm making. After sizing up my stash the other day (instead of downsizing like I promised myself) I'm self-debating about my next project. I've been considering making a sweater for me. Yes, a WEARABLE and for ME!!! I have another afghan I want to make for a friend but it's on hold for now. This pale green yarn with some flecks in it is just begging to be made into a sweater for me. I haven't made anything for myself in a long time so maybe it is about time to do that. Here's a couple patterns I'm debating over and let me know if you have made either of these--

 Robyn Chachula, “Ridge Swing Cardigan,” Interweave Crochet, FALL 2008, 14-17

New Crochet Basics 12 Designs for Beginners (Little Rock: Leisure Arts, n.d.), 14,27-28.

A beautiful woman appeals to the eye;

a good woman appeals to the heart.

One is a jewel; the other, a treasure.

--Napoleon Bonapart

How to Blow the Budget

It is possible to blow the budget by stopping in at Walmart and seeing that there is some activity going on over by the yarn. Many skeins have a discounted price sticker and if you happen to scan it under a price checker an even more discounted price shows up! I went pretty CRAZY! Here's the skein price for what I got:

• Pound of Love $4.50
• Red Heart Super Saver $1.50
• Caron Simply Soft for $2.00
• Red Heart SS without labels $1.00

I couldn't resist! I do believe that I am going to make something for myself out of some of this yarn. Maybe I'll even tackle a simple sweater! Stay tuned 'cause you never know what this flaky lady will be up to next!

  

Prayer for Americans

I saw this on facebook and I thought it well worth sharing.

Little Baby Birds

Hubby told me to look at the picture he took with my camera. All I saw was a bird nest with some funny looking triangles in it. After downloading it to the computer, lo and behold it was a couple baby birds.

Of course I had to go see them for myself. Their mother had built their nest in a snowball bush in the backyard. This bush is right next to the patio where we frequently sit during the afternoons.  I am always amazed at how close to humans some birds will build their nests. I had to take my own picture and I caught this hungry looking baby.

..."Welcome, sweet bird!" I fondly cried,

No danger need'st thou fear,

Secure with me thou may'st abide,

Till warmer suns appear.

--Charlotte Richardson

   

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (06 August 2012)

As I was chatting on the phone with my good friend, I was surfing the net looking for a pattern link to post for today. Now this friend makes killer tacos and when I saw this pattern  I knew I had to post this. Of course, she told me she had to have one too so this is close to the top of my to-do list now. Have a great week everyone!

My friend is not perfect--no more than I am--so we suit each other admirably.--Alexander Smith

Found Pattern that Includes My Name

One of My Rose of Sharon Shrubs

Just for the heck of it, I looked up patterns that had my first name in the pattern title. I found a pretty doily named Rose of  Sharon free and the same pattern for sale at numerous places on the web. I found a beautiful quilt pattern called Rose of Sharon here and it's another freebie. Makes me wish that I was talented enough to make something similar. Have you found any patterns with your name?

We have not made ourselves, we are the gift of the living God to one another.--Duell Bethany

Rose of Sharon Shrubs

Bernat Premium Yarn Giveaway

Head on over to AllFreeCrochet for your chance to win some Bernat Premium yarn in a beautiful aqua color.

Good luck everyone. I hope someone I know in blogland wins one of these frequent giveaways on AllFreeCrochet!

Some days, it is enough encouragement jut to watch the clouds break up and disappear, leaving behind a blue patch of sky and bright sunshine that is so warm upon my face. It's a glimpse of divinity; a kiss from heaven.--author unknown

Job Interview

I had an interview with the Census Bureau yesterday. I was surprised when they called me because I thought the census was completed. Actually, what is going on now is surveys. Did you ever hear news reports that say something like, "According to the Census Bureau, Americans are receiving less in their paychecks?" Those questions are from surveys compiled AFTER the big-every-10-year-census. What I like about this job is that once in a while there might be travel involved. If I get the job, I'll have to go to training in either Charlotte, NC or Philadelphia, PA. Either place would be okay with me. On my off time I might have a chance to see an old friend from my navy days in Philly or if I go to Charlotte I'd hope for a chance to visit the library since some of my ancestors lived in that area in the early 1700s and I'd like to see what kind of dirt I could dig up on them. Anyway, the money isn't great since I'd only be working 25 hours a month but I could do a small grocery shopping for dh and me and have a few dollars for yarn. I'm really hoping I get this job, I was the only veteran there so with my 10 extra points as a disabled veteran, and a good interview (I think) I have a good chance. If it's meant to be I'll get the job if not, maybe something else will come up.

WIP Wednesday (01 Aug 2012)

Baby blanket is about 1/2 way done.

Pattern is from here.

 

Tami's Amis WIP Wednesday

Work In Progress Wednesday sponsored by Ambassador Crochet.

Edited to add link to pattern.

More Playpens for Babies

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (30 July 2012)

Here's a pattern to crochet a doll's bridal gown. This pattern is written for several sizes. This brings back memories of when I was a little girl and bride dolls were very popular. I hope you enjoy this.

If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.

author unknown

Shop for More Bride Dolls

Picture for Today

DANGER!!! I've been THINKING!!!

There are times, when I find myself thinking about things I've seen or heard and I wonder how others think about about those things too. Recently, a few family members of my mom's generation have started to have health issues. One of the relatives I'm not very close to but I have very fond memories of from childhood. The other is an uncle I am extremely close to. He's more like a big brother than an uncle because he's only about 11 or 12 years older than I am. In a roundabout way, what I want to say is that I still address my relatives with their titles such as "Aunt Nan" and "Uncle Bert" (not real names but think about what famous children's books those names are from). I know that many people don't do that as adults but what do you think?

I have a few friends on facebook that are the now grown children of friends from my youth. I see their "wild side" on facebook and can only shake my head. I "unfriended" one individual the other day because of graphic vulgarity and "smuttiness." I know that I had my "wild child" days as a young person but back then, virtually the entire world wasn't exposed to my  antics via social media--what a relief that is! Anyway, There are a few points here that I want to make. Point #1--The information that is posted NEVER goes away even when you delete it. Someone, somewhere has the knowledge to pull up embarrassing information and redistribute it. Point #2--Parents, monitor what your children are doing on social media sites. I've seen young teens and preteens posting sexually provocative things online and the language some of them use embarrasses me and I'm a navy veteran! I have a young girl as a friend. She is the step-daughter of a friend of a friend. She has over 800 friends on facebook. Over 800 friends, really???  Point #3--There are registered sex offenders on facebook even though it is against the rules. They use aliases to register an account. Please, if your children have a social media account monitor what your child/teen is doing there. Point #4--If someone posts a cute picture but it originated from a site with a vulgar name, I will copy the picture to my computer and then repost it without the vulgar reference to the originator and they will not get visitors from me. This is my soap box ranting on social media sites for today.

Anyway, that's what has been swirling around in my head today. Thanks for listening to "Sharon's Soap Box Rant for the Day" ! ;)

For a hint about the names from children's literature I used see here.

Quick Look at My New Project

I'm making a baby blanket. This is for one of the twins that my cousin is awaiting the birth of. He's having a boy and a girl. I've already made a "girlie" blanket and now I'm on to one for the baby boy. Here's a quick look:

Blue, yellow and a variegated yarn

Close up view

You might remember this one I made for the baby girl.

Gotta go get son. He needs a ride to come over for laundry day. I'm going to take him to Michaels with me so I can have him use one of their coupons for me.

Take care everyone and have a great day!

ps--If anyone is interested in the pattern, this is the one I'm using.

WIP--OOPS, It's a Finished Project Wednesday Today!

I finished 2 things last night. The first is the afghan I had put aside for a little while. I only needed to weave in the ends but we know that those can sometimes be project "stallers." A super-duper good friend commissioned me to make this so she could gift it. I need to finish a little "something-something" and then this will go in the mail. Anywho, here's the finished 'ghan:

The pattern is a freebie from the Red Heart site. You can see it here.

And there is another pair of baby booties I finished last night. The pattern came from the June 2010 edition of Crochet World. The pattern is also available at e-Patterns. You can find it on this page.  Here's the picture--

Looks like I have a fondness for purple. Actually, they're different brands and the booties are made of "leftovers" from some slippers I made myself earlier this year.

Hope y'all are keeping your cool. We're in a heat wave again and it is predicted that we'll be having record breaking temperatures today.

Thanks for stopping in. Hugs to all...

Bitty Baby Booties

Here's a pair of baby booties that I made for a quick project. The pattern is from Crochet World ("Winner's Circle: Easy Baby Booties."Crochet World, June 2010: 6-7.) The pattern is a bit confusing but then a "ta-da" moment strikes and it is simple as pie. These slippers are made out of the "old" dazzleaire yarn from Caron. This yarn is supposed to be worsted weight but it seems a bit thicker and has a nice fuzziness/softness too.

When I recollect the treasure of friendship that has been bestowed upon me, I withdraw all charges against life. If much has been denied me, much, very much has been given me. So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.

 -- Helen Keller

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (23 July 2012)

This pattern is a bit different from what I usually post because it requires a bit of fabric and sewing. I thought this was cute, and not too difficult and I like it so that's why I'm posting it. :) It is a summery dress with a crocheted yoke. The main part of the dress is a fabric tube so it won't be too hard to  make. Enjoy folks!

When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. (Romans 12:15 TLB)

More Sewing Machines

Quick Crochet Fix and Some Questions Answered.

It's time for a quick project to get a swift sense of accomplishment after working on a few larger projects. I'm making a pair of crochet baby booties. I've already used this pattern and had good luck with it. The post I made about it last year is here. I was recently asked a few questions about it so I decided to post what I hope are good answers to some questions as I make another pair. The pattern is copyrighted so I can't post it here in it's entirety (drat) so I hope I'm not causing more confusion. :)


For this pair, I'm using some old Caron Dazzleaire yarn out of my stash of partial skeins.


Question referring to the start of the ribbed cuff after making the main portion of the bootie: "...it starts with a foundation chain of 9 chs. But what purpose does it serve? Where is it attached, if at all? It doesn't say. Until now it's like a single tail that just hangs there.


Here's where I've finished row 8 of the upper foot (do not fasten off unless you want the cuff a different color):

After finishing the upper foot, you will have your choice of the plain cuff or the ribbed cuff. I am doing the ribbed cuff.


Starting the ribbed cuff for 1 color bootie:

Starting the ribbed cuff for 2 colors:

• Join 2nd color at the center back
• Ch 9

From now on, I'm just going to show the white bootie because it is the same for both pairs.


"why don't Rows 2 and 3 of the cuff go all the way around? I have 20 sts all around, but it says to just sc in 8 sts then turn, sc in 8 sts then turn etc. When/how do I get to the other side?"

There is some confusion in how this pattern is written. Since you are slip stitching into the main part of the bootie at the end of every other row, you should be at the other side after finishing 20 rows.

You'll be working the 7 single crochets in this chain that is attached to the main part of the bootie. 


Then you will slip stitch into the next 2 dc that are in the last row of the main part of the bootie.


Next you will turn, and (in the back loops) 8 sc aross the single crochets you just made in the chains


Look at the pattern and you will see that you will work in a similar pattern until the end (I had 20 rows).


Here's a picture of mine up to this point:

Last question: The last sentence says to "Sew last row of Ribbed Cuff to opposite side of foundation ch." But which side is the opposite? Until now, the foundation ch has 2 sides because it remains unattached!


The foundation row is the one the crochet hook is pointing toward.


Stay tuned for finished booties...

Pattern info is: "Winner's Circle: Easy Baby Booties."Crochet World, June 2010: 6-7.

Finished Baby Bright Baby Blanket

I finished making what I'm calling "Baby Bright Baby Blanket." I was originally going to go around with another set of squares but this one turned out to be a nice size for a baby.

I used some DK yarn from my stash and some baby yarns that I bought to make this. I need to do a quick wash on delicate and a light blocking and it will be done 100%.

I used 3 styles of squares--traditional granny squares, closed/solid granny squares and one style that is a combination of both that you can see in the center.

It's pretty nice here but we're in for a heat wave next week again. I've been canning and freezing some foods lately. The other day the big pot of tomato sauce cooked down and yielded 3 pints and 3 quarts so a total of a gallon and a quart. The quart sized containers are a nice size to make spaghetti for dh and me.

Today I have some broccoli to freeze. Tonight I'll be working on 2 projects--a pair of baby booties and weaving the ends in on an afghan I made.

Hope y'all are having a nice weekend and later gator!

Jewelry Clearance

I Forgot to Show You--

How full my pot of tomato sauce is. This is how much sauce there was before I started cooking it down. This pot is my big canning pot so if you've ever seen one of those you know that it is a very big pot.

Susie Homemaker Day--

I'm making more tomato sauce today. MIL got a hold of a box of tomatoes she brought over and I had a pile from the garden so it was time to break out the food processor and the canning jars and get to work.

This year we either planted our tomatoes too close together or overdosed them on Miracle Grow (cheap equivalent not the name brand). The plants are a regular jungle.

Drat! Tomato cages are falling over!

I received a special gift in the mail from my friend Jackie. She made me 2 bracelets and sent a book of inspirational quotes. The bracelets are based on the popular Pandora bracelets. Thank you Jackie!

In closing, I'm going to include the quote for today from this book.

Something deep in all of us yearns for God's beauty and we can find it no matter where we are.  Sue Monk Kidd


Charms to Make Your Own Pandora-like Bracelets

Recycled Silk Sari Yarn Giveaway!!!

This At the Bahamas yarn was made by underprivileged women in a co-op in India. They make their living by sewing together remnants of sari silk fabric and making them into yarn. By buying this yarn you are helping  these women sustain their families and end the cycle of poverty. Since these fabric scraps would normally be thrown away this up-cycled yarn is also environmentally friendly. Who knew that something as simple as yarn would be making the world a better place?

To find out how you can win 2 skeins of this delightful yarn please visit here. 

Good luck everyone! Hope one of my blogger friends wins....

WIP Wednesday (18 July 2012)

Not much done this week--only a few more squares.

After the purple squares, I'm going to go with a round of squares in greens. The greens that are here are for the corners. Once those are done and everything is sewn together, I plan on going around the entire thing one or two times in off white.

I'm sharing this at:

I've Been Thinking...

I want to make something out of  the African Flower Hexagon. I'm thinking of making an afghan out of them but a big butt here-- I really, really need to finish some ufos before I start anything else.  I need to weave the ends in on the last afghan I made and finish up the baby blanket I'm working on. I'm not spending too much time crocheting lately because this heat is getting to me. If I spend much time outside I don't have the motivation to do much more than a granny square or 2.

I've also been irritated/sad/disgusted with some things I've seen on a social site recently. There have been some postings that make fun of God, not religion(s) but God. When I wrote "not nice" some one else posted that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I wonder what these people are thinking????

Yesterday I went to a military burial. It was the first one I've been to since the law was changed in 2008 that now allows veterans in civilian clothing to salute during taps and the national anthem. I was proud to salute when taps was playing. It felt more respectful and fitting to salute a fellow veteran.

I've been rambling here so I think I'll get out of here and do something constructive.

Take care...

More Crochet Flower Patterns