Making Husband Happy...

When we migrated to Florida for the winter, I went to Dollar Tree and bought microfiber dishtowels and dishcloths. I must confess, I am spoiled when it comes to doing dishes because husband does them. He had a big case of dislike for the microfiber towels and dishcloths because they just didn't seem to dry or wash the dishes very well. I replaced the towels and I've been making new dishcloths. Here are a few that I've recently made.

Pattern for above 2 dishcloths

For the red, white and blue dishcloth, I used an H hook instead of a G hook. Also, I made 2 rounds for the edging instead of 1. Plan next time is to use G hook and do 2 edging rounds and that should make this closer in size to other dishcloths.

Pattern

Pattern

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (26 January 2015)

Slippers are one of my favorite things to make and here is a pattern that is on my short list. Valentine Day is almost here and these slippers with hearts would make a great gift.

Take care my friends,
Sharon

 

New Style of Slippers Made

I used a new-to-me pattern for a pair of slippers. I like these slippers because being made from a single strand of worsted weight yarn, they are nicer for warmer weather. I think I could have used a smaller hook except with my big feet they are a bit hard to pull over the heel as it is. I will play around with this pattern and make them again. I'm going to look for a similar pattern with a more defined heel. This pattern is from the book Crochet for Caring and Sharing. The projects in this book revolve around the theme of breast cancer awareness. My slippers were made out of a partial skein of left-over yarn, hence the reason they're not pink. Here's the picture from the book--

Here's mine--

Hope y'all are having a nice day. Take care and I'll be seeing you again here in blogland.

Hugs,
Sharon

Hat for a Junior Elf

I'm still making hats for next Christmas. I feel so motivated.  This hat is for a young child. This pattern is very easy. The only variation I did was to make a pompom instead of a crocheted "ball" to put on the peak of the hat. I hope I get to see a picture of youngster wearing this hat next holiday season.  Here it is--

Pattern

I found a new pattern for slipper socks that I want to try. These are a bit more "light-weight." I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something different. I finished a scarf last night except for weaving in the ends. There are a lot of them since there are stripes involved. Hope to have that ready to show you in a day or 2. 

That's all for now folks.

Hugs,

Sharon

Christmas Crochet Patterns Pro (How To Crochet Christmas Patterns, Hats, Gifts & Ornaments Video Guide)

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (19 January 2015)

Today's link is to a book of vintage potholder patterns. There are some cute one's in this book. My favorite one has an ear of corn on it. Here's the link.

Have fun with these.

Hugs,
Sharon




All sorts of potholders

Getting Ready for Christmas 2015

The 2 Santa hats I made for last Christmas went over so well that I had requests for more. I was requested to make one in green for one of the elves in California at the North Pole.  This is a fun pattern to make--it's easy and for me, it takes a little over an evening watching television to make one start-to-finish. It's great to have such an early head start on projects for next Christmas.

Pattern

There will now be one elf staying warm next winter. 

That's all folks. Hope y'all are doing okay. Take care my friends.

Hugs,

Sharon

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (12 January 2015)

Here's a pattern for a border on a basic shawl that is pretty and looks very special. Chilliness in the house this time of year makes shawls very practical. If you hot flash like I do, then a shawl is an easy and practical "on-and-off item" to own.  You might try this border on a baby blanket or afghan too.

Hat and Scarf Are Finished

These items were a love and hate project to make. I loved the softness of the Homespun Yarn by Lion. The yarn is so smooth and soft but unfortunately it splits, snags, is hard to see and I'm always worried that it will unravel. I loved the colors I used but was a little shaky about the matching issue but now that the scarf and hat are finished, I think they look nice. I will be headed into colder weather for about a week and I need something to help keep me warm and this should fit the bill.

Here's the hat; the pattern is called Lovely Lady Slouch Hat.

The scarf pattern is Just Another Chevron Scarf. I used a heavier weight yarn and a smaller hook (J) to make this. The colors I used are lagoon and forest--nice rich colors.

This is it for now. Take care and stay warm everyone!

Hugs,

Sharon

Lion Brand Yarn Holiday Homespun Yarn

Shades of Brown Hat and Scarf

I finished these about a week ago except for getting a button for the scarf. I enjoy both of these patterns very much and I'm happy to share the links with you. I like a nice pair of leather gloves for winter warmth and this set needs a nice pair of dark brown gloves to match.

Rubylene Hat

One Ball Ripple Scarf

I have no where to take pictures here. I moved my current project off my recliner to put the scarf and hat on and now I see the yarn hanging in one of these pictures.  One of these days I'll get it together.

Y'all stay warm.

Hugs,

Sharon

Coasters--Bright and Cheery

Good afternoon everyone!

Just getting a little laundry done and sipping on a cup of hot decaf coffee; I just love a cup on chilly winter days.

I want to show you my latest, finished project. I made another set of 4 coasters. Husband likes to have drinks such as water and Crystal Light on the night stand at night. Me, I get peeved at the rings and mess on the furniture from these drinks. These coasters will help protect the furniture and keep my temper chilled. If you notice, these coasters aren't lacy and that is added protection. Here's a peek--

Pattern

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (05 January 2015)

The holidays are over and life has slowed down for you. You feel the urge to crochet something but not a time consuming project. Hey, you know a young lady who received a doll for Christmas and she's in need of clothes and accessories. Here's a pattern that includes how-to information on making a few, quick accessories for an 18" doll. Included are instructions on how to crochet a hat, vest and purse. Check it out here.

Hope life has settled down for you and that this new year is looking bright. Take care my friends.

Hugs,
Sharon





18" dolls

Wrapping Up the Year of Crochet

Here's my crochet in review for 2014. I made this with the free slide show maker that comes with the free picasa software, but when I tried to add audio, the sound was distorted. I went looking for another way to make a slide show and I found this freeware program called Free Slideshow Maker. It's a no-frills way to make a slideshow. I couldn't figure out how to reorganize the order my pictures showed.  It did allow me to put in an audio portion of royalty free music clip I found at  Incompetech. Anyway, I'll stop my complaining and get on with the show--



I see that I need to be more patient about taking pictures. I should wait until I have good natural light. to avoid the harsh light "spots" in some pictures from overhead lights and the washed out look when the lighting is too dark.

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year.

Hugs,
Sharon

Three Pairs of Slippers and a Hat

Just a quick post to show you my latest projects. I'll get the boring part out of the way first--you know, the slippers I seem to have a compulsion to make.

Pattern

The first 2 pairs are for a man and the third pair I modified the woman's size because I wasn't sure if I had enough yarn to finish a pair. Here's how I modified them:

• Where it says "Back: ch 11"  I chained 4
• Then I continued as the pattern said on 31 stitches
• Dec Row 1: Sc in each of next 13) sc, dec over next 2 sts as follows: draw up a loop in each of the next 2 sts: 3 loops on hook, YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook, work 1 sc, dec as before over next 2 sts, sc in each of next 13) sc, ch 1, turn. 
• Dec Row 2: Sc in each of next 12 sc, dec over next 2 sts, work 1)sc, dec, sc in each of next 12 c, ch 1, turn.
• Dec Row 3: Sc in each of next 11 Sc, dec, work 1)Sc, dec, sc in each of next 11 sc; ch 1, turn. 

That's all there is to it.

The other project I've recently completed is a slouchy hat for a woman. I love the yarn I used. I have no idea of what type it is because I got it at Goodwill and the only label on it was $2. The pattern is Lovely Lady Slouchy Hat. I did it one night as we watched television after dinner. I had to frog the edging and redo it with a larger hook (N) because it was way too tight. I crochet loosely so this was a surprise to me. With this happening to me with 2 separate hat patterns this month, I'm beginning to think I have a fat head.

I sure wish I brought my styrofoam heads with me to model the hats I've made. I think it gives a better "real life" look at hats.

That's all for now.

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (29 December 2014)

Today's pattern is for a pineapple scarf. Instructions are for fingering, sport or worsted weight yarn. Check it out here.

Hugs to all,
Sharon






Pineapple Crochet Patterns

Christmas Greetings

Sending out wishes for happiness, good health 

and peace for all. God bless everyone.

Love,

Sharon

Replacement Green Hat Finished

After my bad luck with the hat I posted about yesterday, I surfed the Internet and found a different pattern to make. I made the hat pattern called Rubylene that is on Ravelry. This pattern is easy to make and the directions are clear. I used the yarn I frogged from the first green hat and the Rubylene hat used about half the ball I had salvaged. Here's the hat--

It's almost time for Santa to make his around the world trip with gifts for all the good children. You can track him on the Google Santa Tracker.

In case I don't get back on here before Christmas, I'm wishing each and everyone of you a happy and blessed Christmas.

Hugs,
Sharon

Green Hat Finished

The other night I finished a hat--

Pattern

 to go with this scarf--

Pattern

I decided to not put a flower on the hat. I really, really liked it until I tried it  on. No way could I wear it. It is very, very tight. The brim is too large and obstructs vision although the brim probably could be turned up for a different look. My crochet stitches are loose so I was surprised at the tight fit. This hat will be frogged and become a new project. I do like the looks of this hat and the great way the pattern was written. I may try this hat again with a larger hook and take off a row or 2 on the brim.

It's almost Christmas so I hope everyone has caught up with their holiday chores and are enjoying the season with family and friends.

Hugs to all,

Sharon

Note:

If you were here earlier, you may have noticed a problem with the pictures displaying. I have fixed this now (fingers crossed). Thanks for your patience.--S.

Sewing Machine Sales at Amazon

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (22 December 2014)

Finally, you are caught up with making and buying holiday gifts. But wait a minute, there isn't a gift for Furbaby! OH NO! Never fear, in a night or 2 you can make a sweater for your furry one.

• Sweater 1
• Sweater 2 for chihuahua-sized dog.

Here's 1 pattern that is good for slippers for men, women and children. Yes, I know this pattern is the same that I've crocheted a gazillion pairs of slippers from. I love this pattern and I think everyone else should too (giggle, giggle).

And last but not least, slipper socks for a baby.

You should be about finished with holiday preparations (other than cooking Christmas dinner) so prop your feet up and have a cup of eggnog in your choice of regular or unleaded.  Now RELAX!

Hugs to all and to all a good night!

Sharon

Downloadable Christmas Music

Coasters Made for Last Minute Christmas Gift

I made these coasters as a last minute Christmas gift. I used 1 1/2 thingies of cotton yarn and ended up with 8 coasters.

Pattern

I already had a Christmas present for the person I'm giving these to, I just saw a need for some coasters on glass topped tables in his living room and I was between projects. Hope he likes them.

I'm done with Christmas shopping. I finished up yesterday. I went to Lowes and was able to get it done. No one was in the store and cashiers were standing in the aisle by the registers letting people know that there was no waiting to check out. Compare this to Walmart--the parking lot was jammed full of cars; no telling what it was like inside. It is so nice to have gift shopping finished. Today I'm going to the grocery store to get some last minute goodies for our holiday meal and then I'm done except for the cooking.

Take care everyone.
Hugs to all...

Sharon

Selection of coasters

Little Christmas Tree--

Here's a little Christmas tree for a special person. It was fun making this although a bit tedious sewing all the "ornaments" on. The thread spool I used was from an assortment of thread I bought at a thrift store. The thread sticker said that it originally cost 18 cents. I also twisted a novelty Christmas necklace around it to give it some lights. Here it is--

Pattern

I am just about finished with my Christmas shopping. Sent something off to son last week. Just need to get 2 gifts and then I'm done. Hubby and I decided not to do much for gifts this year since we are spending money fixing up our "Camp No Mo Sno" here in Florida.

Sending you all happy thoughts, wishes and hopes for a blessed holiday.

Hugs,

Sharon