My Best Friend Calls Me Martha

Happy Turkey Day, Everyone!!!

2009-11-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for each and every one of you!

Crobaktus

2009-11-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have a new pattern!!!

And it's free for all you Ravelers! Just go here and download the PDF!

I'm so happy with it. It's super simple, mindless fun... I see many of these in my future! I can't wait to make one in a heavier weight yarn! Here's a blurb from the Rav page...

This is my crochet version of the awesome Lacy Baktus pattern. It’s very easy (only uses sc, and hdc stitches!) and takes no time at all. Mine only took a week, with lots of breaks, and was made with lace weight yarn, so imagine how fast a DK version would be!

Pattern is written in such a way that you can use any yarn/hook combo. Just as a reference for you all, mine took 375-400 yards of handspun SW BFL at 18 wpi.

Enjoy, friends!!!

Oh, hi...

2009-10-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have a spinning wheel!
A spinning wheel that I stained PINK! I heart it so much... It's a double treadle Roadbug made by an awesome little company from Vermont, The Merlin Tree.

My first yarn is pink, too...

FLUFFfiber Merino, 4 oz in This Bouquet... I got about 300 yards of 10-11 wpi (about dk/worsted weight) yarn! That's soooo awesome!!! It's not very even, some over plyed areas, some under... but I really love it. It has character, right?

This is a very nice, relaxing addiction :) I think I'm going to knit a pair of Toasties with it, and then maybe a One Day Beret, if I can squeak out that much yardage, lol...

Oh, Thor wanted to say, "Hi!" :)

How Thor Thinks I Should Crochet

2009-10-13T14:05:00.001-07:00

silly kitty!

New Scarf Pattern Available!

2009-10-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

I present... the Castle Walls Scarf!

This beautiful scarf can be made either thick and toasty or light and lacy. Either one results in a stunning accessory. The name came to me while blocking… the circular holes staggered on top of one another reminded me of a stone castle wall.

The fingering weight version of this scarf only takes 1 skein of Knit Picks Palette yarn! Can you think of anything better than a gorgeous wool scarf for only $1.99?!?!?

An easy pattern, this scarf only uses sc, dc and chains! A great option for the beginning crocheter, but the mix of stitches won’t bore the more experienced fiber artist!

Buy it on Ravelry by clicking or in my etsy shop by clicking the link in my sidebar to the right... I really love this scarf, I hope you do, too!

And, thanks for all the suggestions about the blanky... I'm finishing the first one up for the in-laws and will make another for the hubby. Good news is that I have a few more weeks to finish the one for the in-laws... Phew!

I Have a Dilema

2009-09-24T13:04:00.001-07:00

Ok, so a few months ago I saw this beautiful vintage table cloth, with these tiny little thread motifs that reminded me of lotus flowers. I immediately thought, "Make it bigger! Worsted weight yarn and COLOR!" So I tweaked the design in my head, came up with something rather pretty and decided it would be the perfect 5th year wedding anniversary present for my bro/sis-in-law. I started making it up and, much to my surprise, hubby actually really likes it! Like, really likes it enough that I think he'd love to have one for himself, and would be a great 3rd year wedding anniversary gift for him... I think the boys like it, too!

So, now what do I do? Make 2 exactly the same? Make another in slightly different colors to give to hubby? Or keep this one and make something different for the in-laws (mind you, it needs to be complete in 3 weekends)?

I'm so confused!

Ok, maybe I'm getting good at this...

2009-09-15T20:07:00.001-07:00

Two things... Knitting!

The first of two Bella's Mittens... Pattern is AWESOME! Made for my cousin's 15th birthday. She loved them (even though there's only one for her left hand so far, lol).

And second... Kool-Aid dying!

The Ravelry Group "What a Kool Way to Dye" has a DAL (dye-a-long) this month and you are supposed to use a painting as your inspiration. I've loved Alphonse Mucha's work forever, so I used one of his prints, La Primevere, as my inspiration. Pretty good match, huh? The roving started out as mill end roving from Sheep Shed Studios and I hand dyed it with Kool-Aid, and Crystal Lightish single serve packets. I LOVE IT! Now to spin it up and figure out what in the heck to make with it!

Ok, so I'm late...

2009-08-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

But, I have a hat. And not just any hat... A knitted hat! Woo! I love it, I love it, I love it!

It's the Chunky Slouch Cap pattern that you can download on Ravlery for free by clicking on the link... Mine didn't turn out so slouchy, more beanie style, but it's ok, it's still super pretty! I doubled my handspun with some Lion Brand Wool-Ease that I had in my stash to make the bulky weight and cast on 48 st instead of 40. I think my gauge is really too small on this tho, cause I have a pretty small head :) I also only did 4 rows of the ribbing instead of 8 because I was worried about running out of yarn. I didn't, so I probably could have done the full 8 rows and my 75-80 yards of handspun would have been perfect. Oh well, maybe next time!

Oh, and I promised a picture of my yarn all wound into a ball, didn't I?

Totally overspun (see all the little kinks?) but hey, it was my first try, right? It still turned out gorgeous, and of course this picture doesn't do it justice at all! I have another braid of roving from FLUFFfibers and can't wait to spin it up, but first, I have an anniversay present to finish (for my bro/sis-in-law, 5 years in September!)...

My Own Handspun... Parto Uno

2009-08-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession... Pretty, pretty, soft, soft, soft, GORGEOUS unspun roving! Looky...

I bought it from Coley's Etsy shop, FLUFFfibers. This stuff is soooo fantastic! I purchased another colorway first, but then saw this one in her "Sold" items and begged for a recreation... It was done in like a day... I swear, SO FAST!

Anyways, here's an in-progress pic... I think this is the most interesting part of hand spinning, when you draft the fiber before spinning. I split my braid of roving in 7-8 sections first and then each section had to be drafted. (If you're interested, visit youtube and search for drop spindle. There are tons of instructions.) This picture shows the predrafted fiber on the right and the drafted, even fluffier fiber on the left.

And here's my finished, approximately 80 yards, single ply yarn. Soaking before going outside to dry in the hot Central CA sun...

Tomorrow (hopefully) I'll show you the finished product, all wound up in a pretty ball! And, if I can't help myself, which I'm sure could happen, maybe something made with it! I'm thinking this hat, maybe?

I'm Back... Mikey's B-Day... A New Hat Pattern!

2009-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been gone sooo long... I've got the summers.

The I don't want to do anything but hang out with my husband/family/friends summers... The I really have to work (???) summers... The eating lots of ice cream summers... The enjoying my cruise (WOO!) summers... The crocheting new hats summers... The my kitten is sleeping on my hand while I'm trying to type/read/do anything summers :)

Life has been good here, and I hope yours has been good while I was gone!

Here's a new hat pattern! Made in XXXXXXL (lol) for the big little brother and Normal Person Size for Little Little Brother. It's up on Ravelry and Etsy (see my sidebar!). I have another few hat ideas in my head, so check in in the next week or so and hopefully I'll have them up here, too!

And, would you believe me if I said that this was for my 17 year old brother?

Another version of the new hat pattern was inside, along with some funny t-shirts...

Happy B-Day Mikey Doo!

lol

2009-06-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

That feels about right as of lately :)

Happy Mom's Day!!!

2009-05-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

“Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.”
-Kate Douglas Wiggin

I really do have the best mom in the whole world! Look what she made me for my birthday...

The babushka is actually a POCKET! How cool is that??? Loves it :)

Anyways, sorry for the delay about my zebra bag... It's up for sale on Ravelry and Etsy (see my side bar)! I have another idea churning in my head for a shawl, so stay tuned for that. Plus I have some mother's day things (yes, I'm late!) that I'm working on and I'll show you those when I finish!

All you moms out there... HAPPY MOM'S DAY!

Sneaky Peaky...

2009-04-27T10:41:00.001-07:00

D&B, eat your heart out :)

2009-04-15T18:48:00.001-07:00

I think this is my favorite bag to date!!! The pattern will be up on Ravelry/Etsy shortly! It measures about 14"x17"x4.5" and has a 26" strap.

It took me 3 tries to get the bottom right, or this would have been done last week :) Now, I want to make up a zebra print one!

And, cause they're so darn cute, some new pictures of my kitties...

Our New Babies!!!

2009-04-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Julius and Thor! Aren't they sweet boys???

We went to the pet store last night to JUST LOOK, but then we saw these guys. They're brothers that started as 3, but one was adopted yesterday morning. I couldn't bare the thought of these guys being separated, so we brought them both home! They're so sweet, but their favorite spot so far is under the couch :) Hopefully they'll get comfortable quick so we can watch them play!

It's Someone's Birthday!!!

2009-04-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Charlie!!! We bought some cupcakes to celebrate, but you weren't here to help us eat them :( No worries, tho! I promise to buy you one when you get here. They were REALLY, REALLY good, see I couldn't even help taking a bite before I remembered to take a picture!

I hope you like your gifts! Me and Momma put our heads together to make you something. Can you guess who did the marvelous sewing job? I have a secret, tho. This one's really mine, yours looked so cool, I had to ask for one, too!!! Momma is THE BEST EVER!!! You can see more pictures on her blog today. I think she might be selling one, too!!! (For my crochet friends out there... THIS THING IS GREAT!!!)

And here's a closeup of what I made... some fimo covered crochet hooks, all for you!

I liked them so much that I had to make me some, too! Sounds familiar, huh?

I'm really happy with them! If you enjoy using yours, I'll make you some more in other sizes...

Ok, for some progress on the D&B bag... It's sooo close, I have the front, back, sides and ALMOST the bottom done. Once I finish that last piece, I need to join all of those together, and then I have an idea for the top/handles. Maybe I'll be able to finish this weekend...

I can't wait!!!

A New Project

2009-03-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've been drooling over THESE for a few months now, but didn't feel like shelling out the even $60 for a fake one, so you know what happens next...

Stay tuned!!!

Beautiful Weekend

2009-03-22T21:11:00.001-07:00

My husband, the dork :) Click HERE to go to my Flickr page to see all of my snaps (from a castle in California to zebras grazing by the highway to an awesome nursery that we always go to). Had such a great time that I'm a little depressed to be back home, but we all promised that we'd go back soon...

Feels so good...

2009-03-16T12:41:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this always feel so fulfilling?

Until you realize that you're probably going to need 2 more of these 7 ounce skeins to finish your project. Think I can finish by Friday?

Here's some progress...

Looks pretty good, but now I'm looking at all those ends that need to be woven in :( And of course, there's a diet coke in the background :) She always has to make a cameo in my pics!

***edited to add***
I made this recipe tonight and it's soooo good!!! Sorry, no pictures, tho...

Thai Peanut Pasta with Shirataki Noodles

4 chicken thighs, sliced into ¼” pieces

2 cloves garlic

1 tbsp ginger

1 red bell pepper, sliced

½ tsp curry paste

½ cup creamy peanut butter (or use crunchy, whatever floats your boat)

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp fish sauce

¼ cup hot water

½ can of coconut cream

1 large and 1 small package of shirataki noodles (24 oz total)

Stir-fry chicken thighs in olive oil. Add garlic and ginger, then bell peppers. Add curry paste, peanut butter, soy, fish sauce and water. Stir until peanut butter is melted, then add the coconut cream. Add the noodles (after rinsing/drying them) and let simmer 10-15 minutes (you don't have to do this part, I'm just making sure the chicken is REALLY cooked cause I'm anal like that).

Enjoy!

Guess What Guys?!?!?

2009-03-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have a new Sister-In-Law!!!

Guess what's even cooler than that??? She CROCHETS!!!

And the coolest? She has a blog! Go check her out and give a big blog-land welcome!!!

Pretty Things

2009-03-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Look what Momma brought me from an estate sale the other day...

A new Moon & Stars canister and compote! Aren't they GORGEOUS??? I'll have to take a picture of my other pieces with my Old Country Roses china... You wouldn't think they would even remotely go together, but it looks so pretty in my china cabinet!

In crochet news...

The top left (and white background in every other pic) is going to be a plain a-line skirt that I'm designing. The top right is going to be another Diamond Ridges for the big litto bro, and the navy blue medallions are going to be a part of this lacy summer sweater idea that I have... Mwahaha, she'll stay a semi-mystery for now :P

A Meme... Kinda

2009-03-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Ellen's blog and thought it looked fun, so here's mine!

1. Favorite Food: Ice Cream
2. Hometown: Fresno, CA
3. Favorite color: Yellow
4. Celebrity Crush: So many, my biggest tho... Mr. Clooney
5. Favorite Drink: Diet Coke
6. Dream Vacation: Santorini
7. Favorite Dessert: Coconut Cake
8. What I Want to Be When I Grow Up: A good Mommy
9. Name: Christy
10. What/Who I Love Most in the World: Hubby!
11. One Word that Describes Me: Domestic
12. My Username: mybfcallsmemartha (as in, Stewart) :)

Fun, huh?

Photo Credits

1. ice cream, 2. Tower Theater, 3. Girasoles para los amigos / Sunflowers for the friends, 4. Nespresso Drinker, 5. enjoy diet coke - w, 6. Another summer night falls over Oia, 7. Creamy Coconut Cake, 8. Baby Hedgehog & His Mommy Crochet Pattern 2, 9. Christy's in Velarde, 10. hubby, 11. Love, Love, Love, 12. Red

I'm so excited guys!!!!

2009-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

I recently read Rima's post about Miracle Noodles. This is what the Miracle Noodle site says...

Why Is The Miracle Noodle So Healthy?

The answer to this questions lies in understanding the role of fiber in our diets. Our noodle is made mainly of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber acts to slow digestion. By doing this, it allows for the slower absorption of glucose and is the reason behind its beneficial effects in diabetes.

The soluble fiber found in the Miracle Noodle slows digestion and prolongs the sensation of fullness and is an essential part of any weight loss program. You also absorb more nutrients in the foods you eat with The Miracle Noodle due to the slowing of digestion.

I'll admit, I was VERY skeptical. But, I had some money in my PayPal account and figured, what the heck, I'll try them...

I warn you now, there are lots of !!!!! in this post :)

Well, Mommy, you can eat noodles again!!! They were delicious! Looky...
I made Thai Coconut Soup with chicken, brocolli and red peppers. I'll give you the recipe in a minute, but first I wanna tell you about these noodles. They're made completely of plant fiber so they have NO calories, NO fat, and NO carbs! I guess that's why they're called Miracle Noodles :) Click Here and it'll take you to their site. You can buy them there and they ship them to your home (I got mine in about a week). The texture isn't anything like what I was expecting. They're kinda chewy, in a good way... like al dente pasta. And really substantial, you feel like you're really eating pasta! I was expecting something like cellophane noodles, but I was wrong!

Anyways, here's the recipe I used tonight...
2 packages of angel hair miracle noodles
1 can coconut cream, halved (or coconut milk)
2 cups of water
1 tsp red curry paste
1 package Tom Ko paste (I bought it at the local Asian Market)
2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 red peppers, sliced
2 small heads brocolli, cut into small florets
1 tsp fish sauce
Pinch of Splenda
1 lime

***I did an extra step. this afternoon, I rinsed the noodles really well under hot water for like 5 minutes in a collander. Then, after reading some advice about these guys tasting a little fishy (and they SMELLED fishy when I first opened them) I soaked them in cold water with the juice of 1 lime and some rice vinager until I was ready to make dinner. Probably 2 hours. I don't know if this is the reason that they didn't taste like they smelled or not, but there wasn't even a trace of yuckiness!***

Combine half of the coconut cream, Tom Ko paste, water and curry paste and bring to a boil in a pressure cooker. Add the chicken, bring up to low pressure with the lid on and cook for 15 minutes. While that's cooking, drain the noodles and dry them REALLY well. I dumped them onto a kitchen towel and patted them down well with the other side of the towel. The reason is, the more dry they are, they more they'll soak up whatever sauce you put them in. Ok, so after 15 minutes, release the pressure, fork the chicken to break it up into pieces. Add the veggies, noodles, fish sauce, splenda and the rest of the coconut cream. Simmer it for a few minutes, and then eat it! Oh yeah, and you can squeeze some lime juice on top if you want.

So, I gave us both a bowl (and I cooked some lumpia in a frying pan with Pam instead of frying them). I'm a slow eater, so by the time I had slurped up 1/2 the bowl I was ABSOLUTELY STUFFED! I'm not kidding guys, totally, tummy grabbing full. Hubby ate his bowl (he's a quick eater) and I told him to wait 10 minutes to see if he was still hungry by then, and he didn't want anymore either! So this recipe makes 4 REALLY big servings. I didn't even finish mine :)

I can't wait to buy the other kinds. Can you say rice pudding with the orzo size??? Mmmm!!!

A New Bag... Done!!!

2009-02-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

I'm so happy with this thing I can hardly stand it! Why does wool take so long to dry??? I wanna use it now!!!

Before...

And, after...

And, her pretty shot :)

This pattern is so fun... It's Inga's Haekelbeutel, and if you click on the link it'll take you to the pattern. I've made one before, but took a short-cut and it didn't really work. This time I decided to make the pattern with all 16 squares and felt it because it was so darn big last time. This time it didn't turn out as large, but I wanted to felt it anyways. It's the perfect size for a run to the gym, or a fast trip to the store. I was always a little confused on how the bottom of the bag looked flat. It's actually not flat at all... see???

It's got lots of shape to it, which means it can hold more than a flat bag! Yep, I'm totally in love :) I also took some advice and made modified handles according to Paula on Ravelry. Hers seemed much more sturdy, and since I'm planning on really using this bag, I thought they were a great idea!

Oh yeah, and I got that thing in the mail that I was telling you guys about... I'll have a post about it soon!

A New Bag

2009-02-20T20:11:00.000-08:00

I started this before we left for Anaheim and am trying to stay focused enough to finish it. Just have to finish up 5 rounds on 3 separate squares and then seam it up, felt it and add some handles (haven't decided if I'm crocheting them or getting pre-fab ones). Here's some in progress pics... Can you tell what it's gonna be?

It's funny, because I started this before I got the new issue of Crochet Today and there's a hexagon bag in there that are exactly the same colors... Weird, I must've been feeling the hot color mojo :)

Oh yeah, and I ♥ Cascade 220 Wool!!!

My Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

Orange County Yarn Shops!!! Hubby had a conference in Anaheim this past weekend and I decided that I would brave LA traffic and go yarn hunting... Boy did I have FUN!!!

I started at a local arts and crafts store called Tall Mouse in Yorba Linda. I decided to go there because I heard that they sold Cascade 220 wool for only $7 a skein. Here's my loot from that stop...
3 skeins of Cascade 220 in a great hot pink color (at $6.99 a skein!!!), a yard of some pretty flannel that I plan on making into a receiving blanket for the best friend's SIL (more on that later, I have something very, very cool to show you when I get it in the mail), 4 skeins of each color, green and gold, of Vanna's Choice which was on sale for $2 a skein and a half yard of some fabric that I plan on lining this version of a Fat Bottom Bag with in the near future.

Next stop, Velona Needlecraft which I was quite excited about. Imagine this times, oh, about 100!
That's just one aisle of about 20. This place is amazing guys. Like a humongo fiber orgy (excuse my crudeness, but that's the only way I can think to explain it!!!). Floor to ceiling bins just stuffed with yarn. Try to pull something out and something else usually falls from on top of it. I, frankly, really enjoyed myself. The owner of the shop was very friendly and helpful, even though some others have had a different experience. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely make another trip! Here's my loot from this shop (the 3 skeins on the left)...

My first Noro purchase. Ooo, I can't wait to make myself a GORGEOUS scarf!!! The black is a single ply worsted by Lamb's Pride. I think I became overwhelmed as this is all I left Velona's with!

The other 3 skeins were purchased at The Sheared Sheep in Costa Mesa, and truthfully, I went here specifically because the Malabrigo site said that they carried their yarns. The shop was small, quaint, and cute... but the yarn selection was pretty small, and they didn't have any malabrigo :( The lady working at the counter was very nice and there were a bunch of ladies in there knitting, tho. I think if I lived close by, I'd probably love to shop there, but there wasn't much to browse. There were a few ladies that were picking up special orders, so I'm sure the owner is great about ordering something if she doesn't carry it. I'm going to make a baby cardigan out of those 3 skeins for Hubby's friend's sister's little one.

Ok, last, but definitely not least... My favorite... LisCat in Long Beach!!! This shop was fantastic!!! I really enjoyed the layout, their stock of yarns, the cool projects they had hanging about the shop... everything really. Here's the last bunch of loot.

More Cascade 220 in a turquoise colorway and a Cascade wool that I'd never heard of called Nikki, it's quite like Malabrigo, but with GIGANTOR color changes, I mean jeez... the first 1/4 of the skein was almost completely orange! I bought that to make a scarflette for my Mom-In-Law's birthday. I also got some small samples of this stuff called Soak to give away with hand-wash only items that I make as gifts (it's this awesome stuff that is basically a rinse free detergent that not only cleans your yarny goodness but makes it smell heavenly, too). They had the cool bookmarker sized instructions for free, so I took 3 of those, also. Here's what that Nikki has already turned into...

GORGEOUS, if I do say so myself (sorry the pics look so washed out, it's rainy here today). The colors of the skein of yarn are much more true than these two finished object pics are. It's nice and bright and fun, just like my MIL. I'll have a pattern for this up soon! Might need to buy some Malabrigo to make more of these!!!

And, just for fun, a pic of Hubby and me waiting for a table at Cheesecake Factory for our V-Day date...

Hope you all had a great weekend!!!

And the winner is...

2009-02-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Congrats!!! The pattern is on the way... I hope you enjoy it!!!

Bottoms and More Pictures

2009-02-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

I don't feel like my pictures from yesterday's post do this adorable cardigan justice. I think I just got so excited to show you guys that I took them at night on my blackish coffee table. Now I'm excited again, but was smart and went into my kitchen where there's lots of light to take the new pictures... See the bottoms I added to the set today?!?!?

I think they're so cute! I might make a new set in the opposite colors... I'm not sure yet. Anyways, here's their closeups...

The bottoms are from the pattern here... I'm not sure if I did it correctly, but it worked out pretty cute!

So STINKING cute!!!

2009-02-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

Holy cow you guys! I'm soooo in love with this new pattern.

It's Rima's first written pattern, and I think it's fantabulous. You can click here to find it on Ravelry or on the link at the top of this post to go to her blog where she has the pattern up, also.

Now, to make some bottoms to match!

A Beret for Grandma

2009-01-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally found a beret pattern that not only worked, but was ADORABLE, FAST, & REALLY EASY!!! Yeah!!! It's a free pattern from the lion brand web-site (you can click on the link above to be re-directed). Don't let the horrid pic over there scare you, tho... Looky here! The before (as modeled by my dining room chair)... For you Ravelers out there, you can click here for my project details (yarn, hook size, etc.).

And after (as modeled by the birthday girl herself)...

And an artsy (hah!) collage of pics from different angles so you can get the gist of how this thing looks...

Fun, fun, fun!!!

Oh Gosh...

2009-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

Oh no...

Oh mercy...

*Sigh*...

If you've just landed from Mars and don't read The Pioneer Woman Cooks, please do. It's an absolutely fabulous blog. I've made her mashed potatoes for 2 years in a row now at Thanksgiving to rave reviews. The little beauty above is her Yogurt-Marmalade Cake. I used lemon marmalade instead of orange, but I have a feeling I'm going to be making this recipe over and over again and won't have the lemon. I'm sure orange will be just as good. It's like a lemon pound cake, but not that bad for you! There's only 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 cup of sugar (if you substitute half the sugar with splenda like I did) in the whole thing. The low-fat yogurt in the batter makes the cake moist and a little tangy. Delish!!!!

In crochet news, I joined the 2009 Block a Month CAL. The idea being that you crochet 1 12" block a month and by the end of the year you'll have a great afghan! Here's my first block...

I've also been working on a bday gift for Granny. I made this pattern last night, but it didn't turn out like I wanted at all. I used the hook specified, but it basically turned into a big beanie instead of a cute slouchy hat. It'll go to the little-big bro with a big head and lots of hair :) It should fit him perfectly!

Oh well, onto another project! Hopefully it'll turn out better!

History

2009-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

God Bless America!!!

One World-One Heart Event!

2009-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

My momma clued me into this wonderful event (go on over to her blog, she's giving away something great!). Basically, this lovely lady, Lisa Sifka, sets up a bajillion blog links to people all over the world. It's a fantastic way to meet new blog friends and see some crafty goodness all over the world! If you'd like to know more about this great event, you can clIck the icon above. It'll take you directly to her site and you can read all about it.

So, part of this event is that I am to host a give-away, so I've decided to send one of you lucky peoples a crochet pattern for my Valentine's Fortune Cookies. Yeah! As those of you know who read my blog often, I'm a crocheter and sell some of my original patterns on Etsy and on Ravelry. I love sharing my projects with all of you!

Anyways, to win, you must post a comment on this post only (not any before or after this one). The give-away will end on February 12th, so you have lots of time! Good Luck!!!

So Excited!

2009-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

About this pattern!

I lllllllooooooooooovvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!! Hey, is my nose really that pointy? Haha, funny story time guys...

When I first met my hubby, maybe a week in or so, we were sitting on the couch and he was looking rather intently at my face, well, more like my nose. Then he says, "You have such a cute nose. I mean, I'm sure it was cute before you had the work done on it, but it's really cute now!" I was like, "Huh???" So, long story short. He'd had a dream that I'd gotten a nose job as my graduation from high-school present and really believed that it happened. That's the only thing we can figure, cause I've never had any work done! How crazy is that??? Hehehehehe!!! Still makes me laugh!!!

Anyways, back to the pattern. I tested it for KAshmore on Ravelry. Drool! That's all I can say! It's so fun and fast! I'll definitely be making more, as this one's going to the hat devouring brother and I want one for me! Even though it's like 70 degrees here right now. Atleast it feels like it is!

*Update to add*
He likes it! The most bomb-a** hat ever :)

Coming Along!

2009-01-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here's progress on the ripple...

That's all the colors, now I just need to repeat them 2 more times...

And a soon to be new pattern!

I've been crocheting like crazy. I don't even have pictures of the 2 sweaters I've started for friend's birthdays that are coming up. Plus I need to figure out what to make granny for hers... Maybe these?

Isn't that a great pattern? The link above will take you to the ravelry page where it's a free download from Maria Thorgren-Hansson!!!

Happy 2009!!!

2009-01-01T13:07:00.001-08:00

I'm hoping my super cute new wallet will bring me lots of wisdom *wink, wink* in the coming year...

Isn't he super cute? Made especially for me by Papavier on Etsy... I like how the stitching isn't quite perfect, just like me :)

I wish all of you a Happy & Creative New Year!!!

Here are my last project of '08 (a scarf for the best-friend's bf's mom) and first project of '09 (yes, I've finally been bitten by the ripple bug) for me and hubby!

My Mistake

2008-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

I made a mistake, a big mistake, people. I bought some malabrigo yarn. I might have to join some kind of group... malabrigos anonymous, or something. Have you seen this yarn, touched this yarn??? OMG! So pretty, so soft, so fun to work with!!! Here's what happens when I buy malabrigo...

And, her close-up...
And her really close-up...

The pattern is up on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop. I want to wear her all the time... while I'm cooking, watching football, showering (or maybe that's a bad idea). I'll be buying more of this yarn, lots more! And making lots of these scarflettes, as one hank of the malabrigo makes one soft, scooshy scarflette. So happy :)

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

From us, to you!!!

Happy Birthday Momma!!!

2008-12-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's momma's bday today. We celebrated with taco soup and low-carb cheesecake.

She really is the best momma ever! My brothers and I wouldn't be who we are today without her love and guidance. We couldn't ask for anything more! She helped us through some very tough times that I didn't even realize the tough of until I was older. She is the strongest most selfless person I know. LOVE YOU!!!

In crochet news... Here was one of her gifts...

It was a doily pattern worked with worsted weight yarn and a size J hook. It turned out about 4" across and very pretty. I'd like to make the next one in wool so that I can block it out a bit bigger. Maybe in Cascade 220 wool???

You know what this means...

2008-12-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

Yep... that was a homemade tamale. From the masa to the meat to the sauce... all 100% homemade.

I need to go buy a freezer so I can make a billion of them... They were that good.

More details to come :o)

Christmas Tree Lane with My New Scarf

2008-12-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Aren't we pretty? hahahaha, atleast the one on the right is... I think my hair doesn't like the fog much! Anyways, the pineapple scarf is finished and GORGEOUS if I do say so myself... Here's her close-up!

I'll be writing up the pattern in the near future, along with a few more I'm working on. I need to get going on Christmas crocheting, tho!!!

Our Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

Fudge Recipe

2008-11-20T21:01:00.001-08:00

I think I've shared this with you guys before, but incase you missed it last year... THE EASIEST FUDGE RECIPE EVER!!!

Ingredients:
1 Bag Chocolate Chips (whichever flavor you'd like)
1 Tub Pre-Made Frosting (yep, the Betty Crocker or Pillsbury Doughboy kind)

Directions:
Dump the ingredients into a small saucepan and heat until bubbling. Bubble for about a minute and then pour in either an 8x8 baking pan, or *my favorite* the little tin pie pans that are about 4" across. Each batch will fill 3-4 of those puppies depending on how thick you like your fudge to be. Cool and try not to just eat it with a spoon!

Told you it was the easiest ever! My favorite is peanut butter chips with vanila frosting. YUM!!! This year, I think I'm going to try white chocolate with vanila frosting with a little mint extract with crushed candy canes on top. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Now for shameless plugging... If you've come from my mom's blog, go check out my hand-crocheted spa-cloths in my Etsy shop. The are soooo super soft, and make your skin feel the same way :) I think they're the perfect gift. Just add a bottle of your favorite body soap or facial cleanser and any woman would swoon!

Or a Christmas Dishcloth Set! Once you've used a crocheted dishcloth, you'll never go back to terrycloth or paper towels or even sponges!!! I like to add a set of Williams Sonoma Dishsoap and Hand Lotion to these for great housewarming/hostess gifts!

All of my cloths are made of 100% cotton and can be machine washed and dried! Good for your skin and good for the Earth!

Inspiration

2008-11-19T12:30:00.001-08:00

A friend requested... I fell in L.O.V.E... And one day later, here's the result!

I call her... O Pequeno Cachecol, or The Little Scarf. She was inspired by Ali and her request that I recreate this one... a knit Anthropologie version. It turned out very elegant, and it only takes between 60-70 grams of yarn. A much nicer price tag than the original!

This is a very simple project, only using 3 kinds of stitches and can easily be made in one night. It does need some light blocking to get the points to lay flat, but I even "block" acrylic yarn by lightly ironing it, so there's no need for only natural fibers!

You can purchase the pattern either on Ravelry or my Etsy shop!

The Pineapple Project

2008-11-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Remember the yarn I promised to brag about? Well I liked it so much that I forgot to take a pic of it while it was still a skein! Now it looks like this...
I have two strips (each 1 skein), 6 pineapples long and am waiting for more yarn from Ebay to finish it. Isn't it glorious???

The specs on the yarn are... Lamb's Pride Bulky (a fantastically soft wool/mohair single ply yarn) in the Prairie Goldenrod color. I'm using a normal pineapple pattern with some shells on the side. This will probably be a for sale pattern when I figure out how to connect them in the middle. More details coming soon!

I have 2 more skeins of this in worsted weight and in the Ocean Waves colorway, but haven't decided what to do with it yet. When I figure something out, I'll share it, too!

All that work...

2008-11-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

And I didn't even sell one set of dishcloths!!! Can you believe that???

I don't think people believed me that you can wash dishes or yourself with them. Every time I tried to explain what they were, the responses were, "REALLY???" with astonished looks.

So, if you are in the need for some very pretty (if I do say so myself), very eco-friendly, very useful hand crochet dishcloths/facecloths/face scrubbies (which are perfect for taking your makeup off), visit my etsy shop... I have a ton of sets up for sale! Here's a sample...

Otherwise, my weekend was great. Hubby and I got away to Monterey for our second wedding anniversary (which is on the 17th). The weather was gorgeous (tho cold) and we had a very fun, relaxing time! Hubby even took me to a yarn store in Pacific Grove and let me buy some gorgeous yarn. Lamb's Pride in goldenrod and ocean waves, I'll show those off later :)

We Did It!

2008-11-04T21:37:00.001-08:00

Coming Along!

2008-10-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here's what all that cotton is turning into...

I have 2 more weeks to make more!

And a new pattern...

A pretty coffee cozy so that I stop killing the trees with the cardboard ones :) The pattern is for sale on my Etsy and on Ravelry!

I Can't Stop!

2008-10-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

It feels like I'm only half-way done with one project when another idea pops into my head.

Momma and I are planning on doing a Christmas Boutique at the beginning of November. I decided to make a BUNCH of dishcloths with my overflowing box of cotton yarn.

I've always loved handmade dishcloths, but always wanted some extra scrubby power. I’ve seen the patterns where you crochet around a store bought scrub pad, but knew there had to be a way to make them home made…

While browsing the craft store the other day, I came across the plastic craft lace that I, along with many other elementary schoolers, had made those lanyard key chains with. It was like one of those cartoon moments when the light bulb clicks on :)

I combined the plastic lace with regular 100% cotton yarn in the middle of a pretty, lacy 6-petal dishcloth.

One skein each (2 and 2.5 oz) of a solid color and an ombre color plus one small 10 yard package of plastic lace will make atleast 3 dishcloths!

If you enlarge the pic below, you can see little shiny parts in the middle... That's the lanyard lace!

Pretty cool, if I do say so myself!

I Know it's Only October

2008-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

But it's never too early to start Christmas projects, right?

So super easy to make and very cheap, too... Only 1 skein of Vanna's Choice yarn and pony beads!

I have so many ideas for these guys... earthy ones for my front room... fancy swarovski crystal ones for my in-laws... and don't tell momma, but maybe shabby chic, pink ones for her???

They'll be up in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry... I guess there really is only 70 days until Christmas... Get crocheting guys :)

My Gigantor Aran Bag

2008-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's finally done, and the pattern is written up! Yeah!!!

I really love this thing, but I don't think I'll be using it as a purse after all. It's, uh, kinda big :) It'll be perfect for weekends away, tho!

You can buy the pattern in my Etsy Shop, or from Ravelry ...

I'm going to have my momma line her for me (why is she a she? hmmm, just looks like a she!). Can't wait to see what it looks like with the pretty fabric on the inside. I think I'm going to design a smaller one, for everyday use. I just love it sooo much!

In other news, I have 2 people testing my Ernie Sweater (thanks guys!!!) and will put that up for sale as soon as I get feedback from them. I need to make my second one, so that's technically another test-round, too.

Anyways, I guess it's back to the drawing board... What else is next??? Hmmm... stay tuned :)

Charity Crochet

2008-10-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

I have been racking my brain trying to figure out a good pattern to sell for charity with the $$$ going to my local children's hospital. My little bro, as some of you know if you read my momma's blog, was born quite premature. He stayed at what was then called Valley Children's Hospital here in the central valley of California (for 3 months!). I try to send them a check every year in thanks of helping to get my brother healthy enough to come home. My family and I will forever be grateful!

Last weekend, my nephews visited and we sat and played and read books and laughed. Most of their books are Sesame Street stories (I must admit that I spoil them, and most have come from me... oh well!) mostly because they LOVE Elmo. They were so cute, turning every page to find Elmo and yelling, "EEELLLLMMOOOOOOO!!!" While reading with them, I remembered one of my favorite characters... Who does this remind you of?

Yep, Ernie!!! I have this pattern all typed up and am just looking for a few people who'd like to test it for me (I'm going to ask on Ravelry, but if you'd like to test it, leave me a comment!). It's for a size 24 months (to fit the boys!)...

When I get this guy tested, the profits from the sale will go to my favorite children's hospital. They need every penny they can get :)

New Pattern

2008-09-29T10:31:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to convince myself that it's Autumn... even though my weather forecast says 90 for days. Maybe adding fall decorations will trick me :)

I made up 3 different leaf patterns, and then crocheted each pattern in 4 colors. Then I decided that I didn't want it to always look the same. I wanted it to seem as if a tree had let it's leaves drift onto my tabletop. So, I used gold safety pins to pin them together in a random pattern. That way if I make more I can rearrange them, or maybe turn them into a garland...

You can find the pattern on my Ravlery, or my Etsy. But remember, you get a .50 discount for buying through Ravelry! If you click on the Ravelry link above, even if you're not a member, you should be able to purchase through them, it'll take you to the PayPal site and I think you just send me a payment and it'll let you download the pattern.

Fall Fever

2008-09-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it guys, I opened an Etsy shop. It's going to soon be full of my own, original design crochet patterns. I already have 5 up, including these two pretties...

I made the pumpkins first, and then while at dinner Friday night, hubby said, "How about a cornucopia?" I thought, "Yeah! Why didn't I think of that?" So while watching football today, I banged this thing out, took some pics, wrote up the pattern and added it to the shop. I've had 3 sales this week already of my pumpkins and Mikey's Beanie. I think that's pretty exciting!

I'm going to eventually sell patterns straight through Ravelry (I'm just waiting to be set up) and give a 50 cent discount for purchasing through them to help support such an amazing site. I wouldn't have accomplished any of this without it. Who knew there were so many crocheters out there?

I'm going to add a button to the side of my blog to take you to my Etsy shop in case you want to browse around. There will be much more coming soon! I have soooo many ideas!!!

Many Thanks

2008-09-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for your super sweet comments the other day. I'm going to keep praying until November that our country will make a turn for the better! You all are giving me some hope :)

Onward with crafty news!

I have 2 patterns available on Ravelry! Yeah! I have these up for free for now, but when my PayPal gets linked up with my checking account, I'm going to start charging a small fee (just a coupla bucks, I think). Hubby and I could always use a little extra money :)

The first pattern was the beanie that I showed you a few days ago, and the second, is this!

It's just a small bag that has a long strap (the kind that you loop over one shoulder and your head so that it can't fall off). I'm totally addicted to crocheted cables lately, so this is the product of that obsession. It only takes one 5 oz skein of RHSS yarn, so this puppy only cost $2.08 (what RH costs at my local wally world). You can't beat that!

If you aren't a member of Ravelry, leave me a comment with your email and I'll send you the PDF while I'm giving it away for free!

My Two Cents, Too

2008-09-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

My momma wrote a beautiful blog post. It made me cry, so I wanted to share my thoughts and link you up to hers.

The person I respect and admire most in this world is my mom. She taught my brothers and I to live by one rule more than any other, “Live your life with humility. Think about how it feels to be in other peoples' shoes.” My brothers and I were never spanked, instead we were sat and talked to. My mom would explain that what we had done hurt other people (my brothers, her, my dad, etc.) and that worked. I didn't like to be hurt, so why would I want to hurt other people? I think it turned out well, I was never in trouble at school, haven't even thought about touching drugs or a cigarette, have never been drunk in my life, have a good job, a wonderful husband, and a home I am proud to be working to pay for. I am not perfect, but I believe my husband and I try to live our lives the way God would like us to.

I know I am young, and I've only voted for president once, but that doesn't make me ignorant. My husband and I try to be as open politically when it comes to researching what we are voting for as possible. We watched both conventions, have researched both presidential nominees' positions on everything from health care, to the war, to gay rights. Lately we've watched re-runs of Oprah about how our education system is failing, “An Inconvenient Truth” about how we are failing our world, and Michael Moore's “Sicko”, about how we are failing our people. When did it become ok to turn our backs on and forget about those who have less than us because we, personally, may be doing alright?

Most conservatives label themselves as Christian. I am Catholic (which is the first form of Christianity), and the one theme that is threaded though out the bible that stands out to me more than anything else is that Jesus loves everybody. I also learned through my religion that God gave us free-will. I believe that this means that he gives us the choice to make our own decisions, and undoubtedly would allow any woman to make a choice about her own body, or any person to love whomever they fall in love with. Not only does He love us, except us for who we are and the sins we make, but he is unconditionally forgiving. God would want the same opportunities given to the crack addict's son as the CFO's daughter. Where do we miss these key things in America? How is our whole nation “casting the first stone” at same-sex couples, Muslims, pro-choice American's, illegal immigrants, the homeless?

I, unlike my husband, take politics personally. I wish I could place everything into a neat little box and not let it hurt me because they are not speaking directly at me. But I feel like I am failing all these people because I can't stop my country from doing so. I hurt when the McCain camp disrespects Obama for being a “community organizer” who wants to raise our taxes. First of all, if I myself, had to pay $10 (or heck, even $100) more in taxes a year to ensure that everyone in America could have a quality education up through college, premium health care, a roof over their heads and a job to make them feel proud and productive, I would do so in a heart beat. Obama won't raise my taxes though. My husband and I are middle/working-class American's (and no, that's not under $5 million a year, McCain). Our taxes would be cut(along with 95% of Americans), so maybe we'd be able to put some money into savings for our future children.

That's just one of most of Obama's policies that I agree with. I don't think I can name one of McCain or Palin's that I would vote for. If God gave us free-will, where is it anyone else's place to take it away by over-turning Roe v. Wade or only teaching abstinence in schools or by changing the constitution to discriminate against same sex couples? Oh, and who's to say God didn't put the intelligent men and woman on this earth to become scientists to help us cure fatal diseases? How dare any one man stop medical research that could have saved millions of people in the 8 years he has been in office.

When I watched Obama's speech at the convention, I felt like I was watching my generation's Martin Luther King Jr. (and I would say that if Obama where white, purple, green, or black). I felt hope and pride in my country for the first time in a long while. Maybe I can do something for my not-so-lucky American brothers and sisters by voting this November. Maybe I can make our nation a better place.

Another Beanie for Mikey

2008-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

So, this is what I spent some of my weekend doing.

Mikey wanted a brown beanie, remember? Then he said, "Can you make it look like this?" pointing at the book I've been using to get my cables for the aran bag. I thought, "Crappola, a whole hat of cables??? " My wrists hurt already :(

So, I got to thinking. What about a beanie with a cabled brim around the bottom? Yeah!

I made up a quick hdc beanie and went to my trusty book, picked out a simple 3 stitch cable, crocheted it to match the diameter of the hat, chain stitched it on, then slip stitched around the very bottom, and voila! A very spiffy hat, if I do say so myself (I want one, too!!!). I'm going to take the time to write up the pattern because I couldn't find anything like this on Ravelry, and if it's not on there, it's not anywhere :) Here's a few pics without goofy me in them...

Well, that one was too big (fits the other brother, thankfully) so I whipped this one up tonight for the one it was meant to go to :)

I now have the pattern for this written up, so if you'd like a copy, email me with you email address and I'll send you the PDF. I'm trying to get set-up in Ravelry to sell it there, if there's enough interest. Until then, I'll just email them out. Thanks!

:P

2008-08-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Why does the cold virus like me so much? I swear, it feels like I've been sick half this year. Atleast this time it was only 1 day of yuckies and we'll have to see how long it lingers.

In crochet news...

This is the fabric my momma and I picked out to line my aran bag. I'm so very close to finishing all the panels, but you know me, I sometimes have crochet ADD. So...

I've been trying to decide on a project for my nephews Christening (next summer). There are two of them, so I'm trying to plan ahead. I've loved the knitted tesselating fish blanket pattern forever but wince at the thought of knitting two blankets! To my lucky (and very ecstatic) surprise, I found a crochet version on Ravelry! YEAH! Here's the Ravelry link, and the blog link for Eboni's fantastic pattern. I think it meshes well with the whole Christian theme, (Ichthys). So, here's the beginnings of my blanket.

I'm soooo excited about this pattern. It's so fun and easy to do. Plus, you don't get bored because you're always looking forward to seeing what the next little fishie looks like next to his friends.

Now I need to re-concentrate on the aran bag, and then detour to a brown beanie for a bro, this was our texting convo the other day...

Bro: "do you know how much i love you <3?
Me: "yes, what do you want?"
Bro: "you know me so well. a brown beanie."
Me: "i'll see what i can do :P"
Bro: "you're the bestest sissy ever."
Me: "i know"

Have I mentioned that he's spoiled?

Aran Bag Updates

2008-08-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some in progress pics. I'm exactly half-done with the panels. I put them together to show you the front, and then the panel below that will be the sides. Now I have to decide how to join them and what kind of cell phone pocket I should make to put on the basket-weave side panels.

Oh, and the fabric was from fabrictales.com for those of you who asked :)

Another Bag

2008-08-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

The other day, momma sent me an email saying that I started a trend...

Hally Berry with a crocheted bag??? Hmmm... this calls for a new project. Of course, I don't want one that looks exactly like that, but an aran crocheted bag sounds irresistible to me.

Here's the beginnings of mine.

There's going to be another panel of the berry looking one on the other side of the braided one, and I'll mirror that on the back. I have other ideas, too (cabled side panels???). I'm really loving it! Plus it's yellow, who doesn't love yellow?

Lined with the below fabric... oh goodness... I think I'm drooling :)

Flower Scarf.... Check! Beanie to match.... Check!

2008-08-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Woo! 2 Finished projects. Makes me happy :)

The scarf went soooooo fast. I think in all only a few hours. The hat was just as quick. I used the pattern from here. It was very easy and I liked her suggestion of only chaining 1 to start a new round in hdc. My seam is much less noticeable than normal. I added a ch 3, sl st into next hdc around the last round of the pattern. I think now it matches the scarf well.

Hope my cousin likes them!

*8-13-08* I was tagged for a meme by Cindy.

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

Six unspectacular quirks of mine:

1. I have to have clean feet when I go to bed, even if that means just washing them in the bathtub if I don't have time to take a full shower. Dirty feet = bad sleep.
2. I have Portuguese thighs. Hubby and I joined a gym. That's all I have to say about that!
3. I work for 3.5-4 hours a day and get paid for 8. Isn't that fantastic?
4. I actually really love my in-laws. How often does that happen?
5. Ummm... I love watching ESPNews. Isn't hubby lucky?

I am going to tag:

Whoever wants to be tagged. I know it's a cop-out, but that's how it goes :)

I..... Can't..... Stop!!!

2008-08-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

I have 3 scarves in progress. Why does that happen? You just have to start something new... HAVE TO :)

The first one (reddish pinkish orangish yarn) I've shown you, but it's a progress. I can't decide if I like it single width or double. The pic above is where I was experimenting to see where I'd connect them if I did double width. I think I'm leaning towards single, tho. My sis-in-law (whom this is being made for) is very petite, so I think it'd be pretty and dainty, just like her, if I leave it single width.

The second was a scarf I started for my cousin's birthday. Then I thought that I might not want to give a 14 year old an alpaca wool scarf. I don't want it ending up in the washing machine and getting ruined (then she'd feel soooo guilty). It was funny, the other day I texted her to ask her her favorite color. Her mom called me back a bit later and said her daughter told her, "Mom! I don't know what to do! Christy texted me and she wants to know my favorite color, but you said I'm not allowed to text anybody!" I was laughing. What a good girl :) So, after that long story, I decided to use TLC Essentials in the Serene colorway, good ol' wash and wear acrylic, for hers (the 3rd pic) and make the wool one for me.

The patterns are from "111 Easy Edgings" from Leisure Arts. It's actually a crochet lace book, like you're supposed to use a tiny hook and thread. I use a bigger hook and bigger yarn, and I'm really happy with how they're turning out! They're also worked from top to bottom, so you don't have to ch a bajillion chs at first. It's a really great pattern book, and not expensive either. Great purchase.

This is what makes me happy...

2008-08-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

I finally got a few days off of work (I usually work weekends, too). Hubby took me to Pismo Beach for the day and I got to eat heaven in a bread bowl :) Then we met up with our friends in Morro Bay and relaxed on the beach. It was a very nice, very relaxing day.

We had a small scare today. My momma thought she might have appendicitis but it turns out it's colitis and diverticulitis which at least is cured with some antibiotics and not surgery, but very painful to go through none the less. She's feeling better and is trying to convince the doctor to send her home but she might need to stay overnight in the ER. They'll check her labs in the morning and then discharge her with some antibiotics. Any thoughts and prayers from our sweet blog friends are, as always, very appreciated!

Some pattern links and new projects...

2008-08-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

*Update 8-3-08* Momma finished it! You can go to her blog for more details.

Ok, new stuff first...

Momma asked for a bag made of robin's egg blue and red granny squares. This is what I came up with. I couldn't find a pattern that I liked, so I just made it up as I went. It's 5 granny squares crocheted into a circle with 3 rows of hdc on the top half. Then I crocheted the bottom separately and attached it with a slip stitch through the back loops only to the granny squares. If anyone's interested in the pattern, I can maybe turn my chicken scratch into something meaningful. Momma's going to line it and add quilted handles. I'll show you the finished product when she's done :)

Next, a future Christmas present...

I'm using pattern #31 from 111 Easy Edgings (by Leisure Arts) which is actually for crochet thread and a tiny hook. I'm using KnitPicks Palette in the Rasberry Heather (which is not very pink, but more red with a yellow goldish heathering in it) and an E hook. It's turning out so pretty and dainty and I think it'll be perfect for my sis-in-law.

Ok, and your pattern links for these pretties...

Ok, here are the pattern specs and links:

Flower Shaped Dishcloth
Yarn: Peaches and Cream in red ombre and red
Hook size H

Tulip Stitch Dishcloth
Yarn: Peaches and Cream red and yellow
Hook size H
*I changed this pattern so I could use and H hook by switching every ch 3 in the pattern to a ch 2*

Crochet Sponges
Yarn: Peaches and Cream red ombre and yellow ombre
Hook size H

That's it for now! Have a great weekend everybody!

House Warming Gift

2008-07-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I are going to dinner at a friends tonight. They just bought a new home, and I've figured out the perfect house warming gift (hopefully she doesn't read my blog before we head over!).

2 sets of dishcloths and the coolest handmade sponges! I didn't know you could crochet sponges! I added a couple of bottles of William's and Sonoma dishsoap and hand lotion in the meyer lemon and parsley scent. I'll get you ravel links and patterns when I come home tonight.

Crocheted Purse

2008-07-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Look what I made...

Isn't she pretty? She's lined and everything!

I found the pattern on Ravelry. It's called Inga'a Haekelbeutel and you can ravel it here.
I followed the pattern with the following changes, the squares are a little different (square target from 200 crochet blocks), I only did 3 rounds of squares instead of 4 (and it's plenty big!) and I improvised the handles. It's perfect :) I want to make more!

Happy Birthday Mikey!!!

2008-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's my little, little bro's birthday tomorrow, but we partied today. Here's some pics from the party.

He loved the monkey and the "RAD" scarf. I didn't know people still said rad :) I had to get creative to get it to lay flat since it's acrylic yarn and you can't really block it. So, I backed it with glitter felt. That made it look even more *Harry Potterish*. Here are a few in progress picks...

If you're a raveler, you can find it here. What a great day, we had much fun.

A Birthday Present

2008-07-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute? I made up my own pattern because I couldn't find one that I liked. I used a strand of red heart and a strand of fun fur held together to make him furry. He's cute, but man, was he a PAIN to make. That fun fur gets all tangled. I'm glad I decided to make him semi-small (about 7 inches tall) cause I think I would have pulled my hair out if I had to make him bigger. Tho, now that I think about it, maybe a bigger hook would be easier?

It's Done!!!

2008-07-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

Yeah!!! I think it turned out purdy!

Log Cabin Inspired Throw
Ravel it here.
1 skein each of Coffee, Cafe, Cornmeal and Aran (with a little extra Cornmeal and Cafe) Red Heart Super Saver Econo (7oz each)
Size J Hook

I think if I make this again I'd use 5 colors and that would be the perfect amount of yarn. This one's almost 4 feet across, but I ran out of yarn, so that's as big as it's getting. Plus I'd go one or two more sets of stripes and it'd be a little bigger.

Happy 4th!

2008-07-05T13:08:00.001-07:00

I know I'm late, but happy 4th of July! We had a bbq last night and had tons of fun, lots of food, and plenty of fireworks. I have one question, tho...

Why do things like this have to happen?

Those are my yummy cherry tomatoes, all over my kitchen floor a split second after I opened my refrigerator door. If that wasn't enough, I then spent 45 minutes making jalapeño poppers (cut the peppers in half, take out all the seeds and white pith, fill them with cream cheese and then wrap them in bacon) that I in turn caught on fire in our bbq grill. Atleast some of us like very, very, very charred food. My mom-in-law believes that if you burn something on accident and then eat it, you'll get some $$$. I ate 5 :)

Speaking of my mom-in-law, she brought me these...

They're from her garden. Aren't they GORGEOUS??? My in-laws live on a ranch and grow almonds and grapes, so she has lots of space to grow beautiful flowers and yummy veggies. I have a bag of home grown tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in my kitchen that I forgot to take a picture of, so you'll just have to take my word for it. Yummy!!!

The log-cabin throw is growing, I'm really liking it. Might wanna keep it :)

I was given the Arte Y Pico award from my momma, and I guess this is my most recent art. Thanks momma! I guess I don't really consider it art, but maybe it is. When I hear art, I think paints, canvases and pastels... Monet and Van Gogh... and people in berets :) I guess I could start wearing a beret? Hehe...

This is what hubby thinks...

2008-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Of my yarn piles. He makes one pile while he's cleaning :) I won't complain, because my hubby cleans, like, the whole house while I'm working. How could I complain? How many wives are lucky enough for that???

Anyways, we all got the stomach yuckies. I think it was from Taco Smell because hubby, me and my bro all ate the same thing and we all got sick. I'm finally feeling better today. I've been working on this recently.

You can ravel the pattern here, or get the pdf here. It's called the quilt inspired throw and reminds me of a log cabin quilt square. It's very simple and quick going. I did all of this in one sitting. When it's done, I'll give you guys all the details (yarn, hook, etc.). The hardest part was deciding where to put which colors because the original called for 8 different colors and I only wanted to use 4. The finished throw will be a wedding present to a friend of my brothers that I was pretty close to growing up. He and his fiance registered for just about everything (sheets, towels, etc.) in brown and yellow, so that's how I chose the colors. Now I have to get this and the little little bro's scarf done by the weekend of the 21st. Oui!

When it rains...

2008-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

It pours. My family's had some rough times lately. My momma had her last eye surgery on Friday, and thankfully, after all four, we don't think she's lost any of her vision. I think she's just being stubborn and trying to do things too quickly (like reading blogs :) ) and then gets a nasty headache. I put a lot of thanks on our blog friends. I know your prayers did good!

We found out on Friday that my biological dad had a massive heart attack. He's in critical but stable condition in the hospital, and I don't think he's going anywhere soon. There are a lot of machines and medicines keeping him going now. The MD basically kicked everyone out for the rest of the week so that he can rest and get his heart rate stable before they try taking him off of his balloon pump (helping relieve some of the pressure on every other heart beat). He had 4 stents placed in his aortic valve, and if they work when they take out the pump then they just have to monitor his stents. If he isn't doing ok when they take it out, they'll need to do a valve replacement. Anyways, we'll see what happens.

I haven't had the greatest relationship with him the last 10 years of my life. He left my momma and brothers and me when I was a Freshman in highschool and he was in and out (mostly out if I'm honest with myself) for most of these last 10 years. To be even more honest with myself, I had finally decided that my life was full and happy and I was loved by so many people that I wan't going to allow myself to be hurt by him anymore 6 months before my wedding. That didn't mean, however, that I forgot how much I loved and missed the man he was my whole childhood. Maybe (and I'm trying to not get my hopes up) if he makes it through this it will be a turning point in our lives. We'll see.

Now, for something fun... I don't remember if I ever introduced you guys to this project.
This is what I started with. Pretty place mats from World Market and Caron Simply Soft Yarn...
An here's where I am now...

It's going to be a table runner for my dining room table. The pattern is from a Japanese crochet book I bought awhile back ISBN#978-4-415-10365-5. The charts are really easy to follow and the patterns are so pretty. I really love how it's turning out. I think I'll back it with some red felt maybe? Whattcha guys think?

So Yummy and Healthy, Too!

2008-06-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hubby's in heaven. He says he can eat what I made for dinner tonight every night for the rest of his life and live happy. I've always known that he loves fish tacos, but I still haven't mastered cooking fish, and usually by the time I've cooked it I'm tired of smelling it and don't want to eat it. So, I had the brilliant idea of trying fish sticks. I know it sounds Okie, but I guess I am a little Okie, and I promise you, these are soooo yummy! Plus, if you have kidlets, they can have fish sticks with mac and cheese while the adults enjoy these.

Here's the recipe:

Boxed Fish Sticks of your choice (I used Van De Camps Crispy and Healthy Fish Fillets cause they're like 1/4 of the fat and calories of regular fish sticks)
Shredded Cabbage
Cilantro
Limes
Salsa of your choice (I love the trader joes one in the pic, spicy!)
Sour Cream
Tortillas (I like corn, but hubby likes flour)

Bake the fish sticks according to the package directions. In a small bowl mix 1/2 sour cream with 1/2 cup salsa. When the fish sticks are done, make your tacos/burritos. Add a coupla fish sticks, some cabbage and cilantro, a bit of the salsa sour cream and lime juice to your tortilla, roll and enjoy! I add more salsa, but that's up to you.

Oh, have you seen these?

I'm really not a sucker. Momma bought them first. See my perfectly crispy, green cabbage and cilantro in the first picture? Those have been in those green bags for 2 weeks and they look BRAND NEW. These are so worth the $10 bucks to me. I usually buy cilantro and it goes bad in 3-4 days, and this stuff has been sitting pretty in my fridge for 4 times that long! So cool!

Sneak Peek

2008-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I had to have a root canal on Tuesday. My teeth like to forget that they are only 24 years old. It's only June and my dental insurance (double coverage!)is depleted. Hubby and I had to pay $1800 out of pocket and now need to pray that I don't need anything else done until January when both of our policies start over. So, Momma and I decided to work together again. I'm crocheting the above cupcake pincushions to sell in her etsy shop. The beautiful roses on top are hand made by Momma. They're soooo pretty. You can go to her blog for more pictures. More coming soon!

Quick Update

2008-06-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Momma's doing pretty good. She says it hurts like a mofo, but she can still read. We played a few rounds of Apples to Apples (which if you've never played before, you seriously need to go to good old Target and pick the game up, soooo fun) and had a good time. She laughed so hard at some of her cards, I thought she might pee herself :) All's well in our home tonight. I think your prayers are working!

And for a pic, here's progress on the Little Bro Scarf...

Stupid computers

2008-06-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

have kept me from you sweet, sweet people. For those of you that read my blog, but not my mom's you can visit her (click on the link on my sidebar) and find out what's going on. She's a diabetic and for a few years when my dad left we had no insurance, so she went without medicine to pay the bills and buy food for my 2 brother's and me. That took an awful toll on her eyes. She had laser surgery last week which she said was NOT fun and hurt like a MoFo, and she has to go through that atleast 2 more times, maybe 3. She may or may not lose her peripheral vision, but we are feeling hopeful as her right eye (the one she had done last Friday) is doing fine, if not better than before the procedure. Her next appointment is tomorrow, and then my whole fam is coming over on Saturday for a bbq so she doesn't have to worry about feeding her possee (or however you spell that) that includes my step-daddy, granny and two bros. I'll update my blog that night (even if I have to use hubby's comp) to let you all know how she's doing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers you've sent my family's way. It means the world to us.

Miss Paula at Cathering of Friends~Miss Paula in Stitches made a tag for my mom to put up on our blogs. Isn't it pretty? I still can't get over the love sent our way by strangers. Thank you again!

Yep...

2008-05-29T18:14:00.001-07:00

You guys were right, a Harry Potter scarf!

It's going to a cousin for her 12th birthday. I know it's going to be summer, but I'm hoping she'll like it so much that she won't mind waiting 4 months to wear it :) It's crocheted in this supercool stitch that I've decided is my favorite striped crochet scarf stitch. Sc, chain 1, sc, chain 1 across... then sc in the chain one space, chain one across. It makes for fasst crochet and it's not toooooo dense, like regular sc is. Loves it :)

I'm also working on a secret project for my little bro for his birthday. It's not until the end of July, but it's knitting, so I'm starting now. Now you see it...

Now you don't!

Pretty spiffy! And, this was a present for my big little brother. A case for his "baby". A Mac Book.

I made a chart with a cross-stitch program and then crocheted the chart in sc. He thinks it's super cool :)

Anyways, I'm using hubby's computer right now. Mine died. We took it to PC Nerds today, and hopefully it'll be fixed beginning of next week. I didn't know that you weren't supposed to use your laptop while sitting it on a pillow. Hmmm, can you say over-heat? Keep your fingers crossed!

Guess what I'm making...

2008-05-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

I'm back!!!

2008-05-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, finally feeling completely human. WooHoo! Here's what's been going on...

Yeah! The granny blanket is finally done! I finished it up last night and gave it a wash this morning. I know people talk down on red heart yarn, but I swear, it's soooooo soft after you've washed it and then tumbled it with a dryer sheet! Momma and I made this as a collaboration. She made most of the solid squares, except the green ones, which I did along with the multi-colored flower-middled ones. I also joined them all together with the white. I think it turned out about 48" square. Isn't it purty?

Yesterday, the mail-man brought me a present!

How'd she know that I like, no, that's a lie... love Josh Groban??? This is actually the only CD that I don't have of his, and I'm so anxious to listen to it. There was also a gorgeous hand knit washcloth, yummy coffee, beautiful baby alpaca yarn in a great orange color, some biscotti and chocolate (there was actually another bag, but it was ripped open and doesn't look so picture pretty). Thanks so much Cetta!!!

Remember this picture?

That was while the concrete guys were pouring the concrete on our back patio. This is what it looks like now.

We got an awesome deal on the patio furniture from Wal-Mart. A table, 4 cushioned chairs, 2 folding chairs and an end table for $199! So we bought 2 :) And the umbrella is 11 feet wide and it's absolutely perfect. We were wondering what we were going to do for shade because we put two tables up next to each other, so we couldn't put the umbrellas in them like normal. But the one we found hangs from the side. I'm also turning into a gardner. Like my herbs? And here's the cute little cherub that watches over everything.

It was finished just in time for my birthday party (I can't believe that was a month ago already). Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes, and sorry I didn't feel well enough to thank you then!

We also spent mother's day on the newly finished patio. I wish we could celebrate mother's day every weekend. My momma deserves it! I know everyone says that they have the best mom in the whole world, but I really do. I hope that I'm half as strong, loving, creative, smart, etc., etc., etc. as she is! Love you momma!

WooooooooHooooooooo!!!

2008-05-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

Just a little cough...

2008-05-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

I'm finally feeling human. Still have a nagging cough, but now I think it's more allergies than anything. I'm stealing this pic from my mom's blog to show you one of the things I was working on while I was sick...

Aren't they cute??? You can buy the pattern, here. While I was making them I kept giggling. I couldn't wait to see how Momma would react when she saw them, and she did the same thing... **giggles** Happy Belated Mom's Day!!! Love you!!!

I'm still working on the granny blanket for my granny, I only have one strip to go, but can't make myself sit and do it. Especially now that hubby has the cold and all I really want to do is sit on the couch with him in my lap while I play with his hair. Poor baby! You know he's sick when he calls sick into work. The only 3 days he's ever taken off in the almost 4 years that I've known him were for his brother's and our weddings. Oui! Hopefully sleeping all day will make him feel better quicker!

Sniffle, Snuffle, Sneeze, Cough, Cough, Cough.....

2008-04-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ugh! I'm sick again! Thanks for all the very nice birthday wishes. I promise to tell you all about it when I'm feeling better.

Just pics

2008-04-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

yuck

2008-04-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

strep throat and cement and a baby blanket. stay posted...

Hmmm...

2008-04-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

I guess it wasn't as easy to figure out as I thought... What if I said she was a Baker Bunny??? Ok, I'll just tell you... She's wearing an apron and holding a spoon. Momma said it was easier to tell in person :)

Anyways, here's some progress on my granny's blanket...

It's turning out pretty good, not my favorite thing I've ever made, but it's growing on me... I decided to trim each square in white and attach them as I go. That's working out great, not nearly as many ends to weave in!

Anyways, we are supposed to talk about what we are working on this spring for my swap. I haven't switched anything up, still working on the same things I was working on last month (a laptop cover for my bro, the blanket above, an afghan for me, ummm... my swap partner goodies)... I don't really use wool yarns, so I haven't switched that up... I'm an acrylic kinda girl :) Wash and wear/use, baby!

A Bunny for Momma

2008-03-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

As soon as momma saw my friend's bunny, she wanted one... Can you tell what she's wearing/holding?

I hope it's obvious, I can tell, but hubby was a little skeptical. As for the little one with the flower, my friend loved her and insisted on taking her home. Now what am I going to make? Guess I'd better get back to work on my granny's blanket. It's not nearly as fun as all these little animals, tho :)

A Late Bunny

2008-03-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, let's see if I can explain this without confusing you :) The girlfriend of the friend that got my cute little lion (she named him Leopald, how cute is that???) asked for a bunny... This one was quick and easy, the pattern is here. The only thing I changed was stopping on round 1 of the head, going 3 rounds of 12 stitches and then starting at round 12 of the body and working backwards. If that's confusing, sorry, and if anyone wants further instructions, I'll try to be more specific. I just hate sewing on the heads because I can never get them on straight, so I basically made a neck and them started the body as one piece. And, I thought she needed a little color, so I added the flower. She still needs eyes and a mouth, but I think she looks kinda cute without? Waddya think? She's pretty small (that's a mini post-it cube next to her), so I might be keeping her and making a bigger one to give away. If I keep her, I'm going to make her a friend holding a carrot :)

Look at her cute puffy tail!!!

Oh, and see her friend? My little big bro got her for me when I started working at home. She's solar powered and her head moves back and forth all day long. She keeps me company :)

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Aren't my nephews adorable??? We spent the day with the in-laws and my momma and 2 bros came to celebrate, too. Had a great day with too much food and lots of fun. Hope you all had a terrific holiday!

Meet Bella the Elephant!

2008-03-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

She's soooo cute!!!

A New Animal and A Swap...

2008-03-18T22:24:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Ravelry and HAD to make one... All she needs is eyes and a flower for her hair (ears???) :)

Can't wait to finish her!!!

Now, I've stayed away from swaps for awhile just because of my budget, but can't resist this one... The Spring Fling Coffee Swap!!! Very excited... You can't even technically enter until the 20th, but they put up the questionnaire early, so here goes!

Coffee

1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground? Whole beans, please!

2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Usually like a bold, strong blend... Leaded or non? Definitely leaded, have never bought decaf and probably won't until I'm preggers.

3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? Probably a french roast.

4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? I like to tell myself it's for pleasure, but who am I kidding, without that first cup in the morning, you don't even want to talk to me :)

5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? I mostly enjoy flavored add ins to regular coffees...

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? Something in the middle, with enough sustenance to keep the coffee warm, but not so big that I throw off my coffee to creamer to sweet-n-low balance.

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! Sitting on my soon to be concreted patio with my family and friends. Oh, and the coffee... Strong with the aforementioned sweet-n-low and hazelnut coffeemate.

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? Healthy? At a coffee shop??? How could you pick something healthy with all those goodies staring at you? I like to pretend that because Starbuck's calls some of their baked goodies "reduced fat" that they are good for you :) I'd probably get a cinnamon swirl coffee cake or if it's the holiday season, a cranberry bliss bar... Those are TO DIE FOR! Oh yeah! Speaking of iPod... I'd be listening to John Mayer's Continuum... It's the best album I've heard in a long time, and I'm trying to talk one of my bros into learning Stop This Train... Such a pretty song!

Yarn

1. Do you knit or crochet? Well, I guess that you can say I "can" knit, but I prefer crochet. One day I'll make myself have the patience to learn to knit well.

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? Because of the tight budget of buying a new home, I haven't really been able to purchase expensive yarns, so I'll have to stick with my lion brand wool-ease and caron simply soft.

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? My cute little elephant, a blanket for granny, a laptop cover for big-little bro... Oui! More, too...

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash? I pretty much like every color except purple... Nothing against purple, just not my favorite. I guess if I had to pick colors I liked the most they would be pinks, reds, yellows... but then again I like blues, aquas and neutrals, too!

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest? I'm a boyle metal crochet hook kinda girl... As for knitting needles, I've enjoyed the clover bamboos.

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan? Don't have too much of anything... Maybe metal crochet hooks, but other than that, I'm open for any goodies!

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? Maybe the bamboo... I've been feeling that fiber lately, plus if a color catches my eye, forget it, it's over and in my cart.

Spring

1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? I almost feel ashamed of how warm and sunny our weather has been. Good ol' CalifornIA!

2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one? Spring flower, definitely daffodils. Regular flowers, hydrangeas and roses.

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? All the beautiful colors of the new plants and flowers.

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do your spend your day? In the perfect world, all my friends and family would be free to come over and have dinner on my already mentioned, soon to be patio.

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up? Heck yeah it impacts my mood! I like the winter, unlike a lot of people. Summer comes all too soon where I'm from, and once it starts to warm up I pray for a cool-down or spring storm...

Odds n Ends

1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles? Ummm... fabric? Does that count or is it still in the crafty genre? How about babushka dolls...

2. Are you allergic to anything? Not that I know of, however, I'm very sensitive to cigarette smoke.

3. Do you have pets? Nope.

4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in? I've done one other, and really enjoyed it. The Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap.

5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

This is an easy one...

My Momma's "She's Sew Pretty"
You have to go take a look at her new little baby quilt! Sooooooo cute!!!

Oiyi 's Crafts
Love her crafty things, and her adorable little girl, Melody.

I know it's kinda cheating, but The Granny Along is very addicting. It's very inspiring to see what everyone comes up with, plus it was one of the first things that got me into blogging.

Yes... The Cutest...

2008-03-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

And look at his cute tail!!!

Possibly, just possibly...

2008-03-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest thing I've ever made...

He (or she, depending on what my friend decides he/she is) will be a lion soon. I just have the other arm, 2 legs and a tail to make. Hubby's best friend's birthday is coming up, and I remembered how much she loved the boy's monkeys. She loves earthy tones, which suites the lion perfectly. I think eventually, I'd like to make a blanket from this yarn for her and her girlfriend for Christmas. The colors are so pretty. It's TLC Essentials High Plains. Pretty browns, tans, beiges and oranges. The pattern is from here, and the eyes (which I'm totally in love with) are from here. LOVE the pattern, it was very easy to follow, and I liked that I didn't have to sew the head to the body, it's crocheted all in one piece.

Here's his/her close-up :)

I also want to thank Jenn and Jacqui for the thoughtful "Candle of Blessing" they sent my way when granny was in the hospital. It was so good to know that I was in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all of you that left kind comments, again. It really did mean a lot. You can read about granny's progress on my momma's blog, over here.

And, my momma tagged me but I still haven't figured out what to do, so it'll wait until next time. Also, the granny squares from the last post are still being made, I'll give you an update on that soon, too.

Away Again...

2008-03-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy with life and personal issues that I haven't even felt like blogging. I think I'm finally out of my funk. Thanks for being so patient with me... I have a few tags and sweet things to talk about from a few friends (thanks momma and Jenn & Jacqui!) but I'll save a post especially for them. For now, here are some pics from this last week...

Some cupcakes (and the cool new cupcake tree from C&B) for bro-in-law's birthday and a joint project between momma and I. More details to come later.

An Early Valentine's Present.

2008-02-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Who has the bestest hubby ever? Me! I had to work all weekend, and hubby decided that I needed something to break the monotony. He said he wanted me to know that he appreciated all the hard extra work I'd been doing lately (so sweet!) and he'd just gotten a supplemental check from work... So... Guess what I got???

An iPod! The super cool 80 gig one. I have all my music and pics on it and it's not even a quarter full. I really love it, and it's so great to be able to listen to whatever I want with out having to reload music into my old, smaller 1 gig player.

The only thing we were worried about is scratches. The back is shiny silver metal, and fingerprints show like mo fos, so... I made Sassy (that's her name) a sweater!

Pretty cute, huh? There is a flap that goes over the front to protect the screen when it's in my purse, but I need to get a button, so I'll show you pics of that later. I'm going to write up the pattern to put on Ravelry since I couldn't find a crocheted one that I liked, and I know how many people out there have iPods.

As for an update on Granny, she's doing better. She's out of the hospital and in a rehab facility. We're not so happy about having her there, but we can't lift her at home, so it's a necessary evil. I keep telling her the faster she gets better, the faster she comes home, so we'll see. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. They're working!

Prayers

2008-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

I'd like you all to pray for my granny. She broke her hip on Sunday and the doctors are a bit worried about her heart. I am a firm believer in the healing power of prayer, so I'd greatly appreciate any that you would send her way. Thanks friends!!!

Changes

2008-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Notice anything different???

I bought safety eyes for the monkeys from this site. I feel much better that my silly nephews won't be able to eat these ones :) I also decided to try a different eye shape. Made a solid rectangleish shape and added the new eyes to that. Hubby even agrees, they look more like monkeys now!

Quick note!

2008-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Go visit my friend Oiyi and see her new, beautiful baby girl!

http://oiyi.blogspot.com/index.html

Finished Gift!

2008-01-23T16:12:00.001-08:00

I finished Granny's pillow and made a scarf to match.

As far as the pillow goes. I l.o.v.e. it!!! I think next time, it would be really pretty to find a florally fabric for the back of it instead of the crochet. We'll see!

The scarf pattern is called "One-Skein Scarf" and can be found here. It's pretty infamous in the crochet world. The thing worked up really quickly, but I find it a bit narrow, which is ok for my little granny, but if I make more i'm going to try to tweak them... Maybe, a bigger hook, and then if that's still too small, a bigger hook and 2 strands of yarn held together (or bulky yarn). I'll let you know the test results! Anyways, here's more pics!

Flower Pillow for Granny

2008-01-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your kind (and helpful, Carola!) comments about the boys blankets. After all that work, and a talk from hubby about not trying to do toooooo much, I've decided to put those blankets on the back burner. They just weren't special looking enough to me to give as a gift for their first birthday. They'll get the monkeys, tho!

A couple of you asked how I attached the fabric to the crochet part. All I did was lay the blanket on top of the fabric (which was on my floor, right-side down) and then tied it like a lap quilt, then I hemmed the edges with a sewing machine. It's really pretty simple if all your edges are straight. There are instructions (for quilts, but it's the same process), here.

Now... a new, quick project!

Can you tell what it's going to be????

How about now???

I am SOOOO IN LOVE with this pattern! It was written by Julie Armstrong Holetz at Crochet Me. You can get a free copy at their web-site, here. It's really supposed to be a purse, but I added a few rounds to both the flower part and the border, and I'm going to stuff it to make a pillow for my granny's birthday. Oh, and I didn't have any bulky yarn, so I just held 2 strands of worsted weight together. I have all kinds of ideas in my head! Can you imagine a whole blanket of all kinds of colors of these beautiful roses???

Blanket H*LL

2008-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

These big boy blankets are DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! I don't know why, but when I make these "big granny squares" the corners always end up being waaaayyyy longer than the middle of the sides of the blankets. So, I thought that when I tied the fabric onto the crocheted part, that I would stretch the crocheted part and everything would be hunky-dorey... Well, yeah, that didn't happen! It was all wavy and not laying flat at all, so I had to rip out the 2 hours worth of ties that I'd done and start over. Here's the progress...

I had to take desperate measures and I, gulp, ironed the acrylic yarn blanket. That's a big "no, no" supposedly, but I think it worked. I pinned it out into a rectangle and then placed a cloth over the thing and steamed the heck out of it with the weight of the iron touching the blanket. And now, the sides are alllllllll even. Yeah!

I've pinned the fabric to the edges now and just need to take it upstairs to hem them. Now that I know how much work this is, I'm not in the mood to do the other one! Which is not good, since I only have until Feb. 2 to get the second one done!

And, here are pics of the finished best friend blanket, since she has it now. I think she liked it ;) She said it kept her sooooooo warm, which is great, because she is ALWAYS cold!

I'm sooo in love with it. Now I wish I had time to make one for me!

And, one more thing. Here's what my brothers like to do with the boy's monkeys...