Okay, so it seems that this lace pattern is a mite trickier for many than I had expected. So, I'm going to try to make it a bit easier so that all you have to do is plug in the numbers, and voila! There ya go!
So, the fan begins with an open shell in its first row, no? Then, the next row of the fan is (dc, ch 1) in each dc and ch-1 space of the first row. The third row is (dc, ch 2) in each dc across the fan, then another row of (dc, ch-1) in each dc and ch-2 space. The fourth row is the foundation row for the shells, alternating between skipping dcs and placing scs in every 2nd ch-1 space. Clear as mud so far?
As the fan pattern repeats, the number of each fan should increase by one. The first fan is made at the beginning of the pattern. Then, the next time open shells are worked there are two fans; the next time, three, and so on. Each new fan is worked between two fans of the previous set. Between each fan are closed shells, which finish off the fans below.
The number of shells between fans diminish by one each row, until there is one shell left between fans. The following row should be a whole row of shells, then following that row would be a row that begins with either a half-shell or sc, then an open shell, and ends with an open shell and half-shell or sc (depending on which repeat you are working).
Between each shell (no matter the type) and fan, there will always be an sc placed in the 3rd dc of the next shell (except during the second set of fans, where there is a dc2tog, skipping the sc. This is the only exception).
As I have previously mentioned somewhere in a post on Ravelry in the CAL group, I don't believe in mistakes...That's one reason I despise counting with a passion, as I tend to "eyeball" it and make a guess as to placements. Someone in the group mentioned in her projects page that she's enjoying watching this shawl grow organically, and I think that's the whole point of this exercise. This shawl does seem to be organic, and if it seems "off-balance" on some rows, it will inevitably even itself out on the next repeat. Rest assured, it turns out to be symmetric ( *wink* to those of you who constantly need balance!) despite its apparent tendency to be asymmetric. That's the beauty of this pattern. I've enjoyed putting the whole thing together, and crunching the estimations (if I were to say numbers, it would imply that I'm doing row counts, which I don't do :-P ) has been a lot of fun.
A couple of the gals asked me about an edging, which may not be necessary around the body of the shawl, but may be quite necessary if using a fine yarn such as a lace-weight (turns out, I'm using a light fingering, which is bigger than lace. Since I'm not a spinner--yet--I had no idea. I apologize to those who knew better!! :-D ). You can simply work slip stitches across the top of the shawl, or work scs. I wouldn't use a shell edging due to the shells that are all throughout the body--it would prove to be a bit much.
My goal this week is to put all these notes of the last couple weeks--plus YellowDuckie's charts, if she'll let me--into one comprehensive .pdf, which would be downloadable from Ravelry (once I get set up for that), and I'll also post the link here on my blog, perhaps on a sidebar.
I hope this mini-tutorial helps. Basically, this pattern is more of a guideline, and you may do what you want with it. Think outside the box, per se, and be willing to broaden your horizons. Forget about stitch counts, row counts, etc., and if it looks a little wonky, so what? See if you can balance it out with another repeat if you have the yarn. Once I'm finished with my own shawl, I'll try to post pics of it so everyone can see what it may look like.
Well, I'm heading off now. We are going to attempt to attend the Rose Festival at the Park of Roses in Clintonville this afternoon. Might try to take pictures, but we'll see. We all know how great I am at posting pics here. *tongue in cheek* God bless!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Laceweight Mystery Shawl CAL, Parte Deux
Hehee...I'm excited! I finished the shawl pattern much earlier than planned, and I'm not going to tell anyone in the Ravelry group...Just gonna see if y'all happen to notice! *grin* Anyway, would you like the next set of instructions? Yes? GREAT!
Here ya go!
Begin repeating rows: (asterisks {*} should only be used on repeat rows, not during the first time these rows are worked)
Oh, yeah, here's the kicker...Can anyone guess what the following are?
1) The name of the stitch pattern used
2) The name of this shawl. ^_^
Yeah, I know. I'm evil. But, y'all love me, right?
Here ya go!
Begin repeating rows: (asterisks {*} should only be used on repeat rows, not during the first time these rows are worked)
Row 17: Sc in same st as turning ch, open shell in next sc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 4 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, *(sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 5 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc; rep from * to last fan segment, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) 4 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Basically, work the shells across in this row until you come between the finished fan segments, where you add an open shell.
Row 18: Sc in same st as turning ch, sk next 2 dc of 3-dc group, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, *(dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) 4 times; rep from * across to last fan segment, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times,dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last sc, ch 5, turn.
Row 19: Ch-5 counts as (dc, ch2). (Dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) twice, *(dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) 3 times; rep from * across to last fan segment, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) twice, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 9 times, dc in last sc. Ch 4, turn.
Row 20: (Dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) 9 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, *(dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell,(shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) twice; rep from * to last fan segment, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 9 times, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 1, turn.
Row 21: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, sk next dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 6 times, shell in next dc, ch 1, sk next dc, *sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, shell in next sc, sk next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc, shell in next dc, sk next dc) 5 times, sc in next dc, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell)twice, shell in next sc, sk next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc, shell in next dc, sk next dc) 5 times, sc in next ch-1 sp, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sk next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc, shell in next dc, sk next dc) 5 times, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in top of turning ch, ch 1, turn. In repeated rows, continue making shells across the row in the same manner, ending with the 3 dc in the turning ch, ch 1.
Oh, yeah, here's the kicker...Can anyone guess what the following are?
1) The name of the stitch pattern used
2) The name of this shawl. ^_^
Yeah, I know. I'm evil. But, y'all love me, right?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Okay, there are actually two more rows that I had typed up in this blog, but Blogger was starting to cry at the length of my last entry, so here are rows 15 and 16:
Row 15: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, sk next dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 5 times, shell in next dc, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1, sk 2 dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 6 times, sk next dc, 3 dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 16: Sc in same st as turning ch, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) 6 times, ch 1, sk next sc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 5 times, shell in next dc, sk next dc and sc, ch 1, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 5 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
At this point, the shawl should be about the size of a collar. Yes, there will be "ripples" in the fabric, as well as a scallop-y shape in the center of the neckline. Another set of curves should be starting.
Until next time...
Row 15: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, sk next dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 5 times, shell in next dc, ch 1, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1, sk 2 dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 6 times, sk next dc, 3 dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 16: Sc in same st as turning ch, (shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell) 6 times, ch 1, sk next sc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 5 times, shell in next dc, sk next dc and sc, ch 1, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 5 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
At this point, the shawl should be about the size of a collar. Yes, there will be "ripples" in the fabric, as well as a scallop-y shape in the center of the neckline. Another set of curves should be starting.
Until next time...
Mystery Shawl CAL :-D, Part I
Hehee...two blog entries in two days! How cool is that?! Anyway, there are some gals at the CLF on Ravelry who are literally itching to get their fingers going on this mystery shawl. So, let's get going!!
All you need (so far as I know) is the equivalent of 3 balls of Paton's Lacette (a laceweight yarn), which is a total of 705 yds./645 m., plus a G/4.25mm crochet hook (or, you can go larger if you want an even more lacy look).
Anyway, y'all ready?
Instructions:
Row 1: Ch 5, (dc, ch1) 3 times in 5th ch from hook, dc in same sp, ch 4, turn.
Row 2: Turning ch counts as (dc, ch 1). (Dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) across, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 5, turn.
Row 3: Ch-5 counts as (dc, ch 2). (Dc in next dc, ch 2) across, ending w/ dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 4, turn.
Row 4: Ch-4 counts as (dc, ch 1). (Dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) across, ending w/ dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, *sk next dc, 5 dc in next dc--shell made, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across, ending w/ sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6: 2 dc in same st as turning ch, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, [(dc, ch 1) 4 times, dc] in next sc--open shell made, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, open shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in same st as turning ch, sk 2 dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk 2 dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in top of 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 3, turn.
Row 8: (Dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, dc in sc, ch 3, turn.
Row 9: (Dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc2tog--skipping the sc in the middle--(dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next 2 dc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 10: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, sk next dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 11 times, ch 1, sc in last dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 11: 2 dc in same st as turning ch, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 7 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in next sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 12: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc in same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 5, turn.
Row 13: (Dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 9 times, dc in next dc, ch 4, turn.
Row 14: (Dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) 8 times, (dc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 9 times, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 1, turn.
All you need (so far as I know) is the equivalent of 3 balls of Paton's Lacette (a laceweight yarn), which is a total of 705 yds./645 m., plus a G/4.25mm crochet hook (or, you can go larger if you want an even more lacy look).
Anyway, y'all ready?
Instructions:
Row 1: Ch 5, (dc, ch1) 3 times in 5th ch from hook, dc in same sp, ch 4, turn.
Row 2: Turning ch counts as (dc, ch 1). (Dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) across, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 5, turn.
Row 3: Ch-5 counts as (dc, ch 2). (Dc in next dc, ch 2) across, ending w/ dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 4, turn.
Row 4: Ch-4 counts as (dc, ch 1). (Dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) across, ending w/ dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, *sk next dc, 5 dc in next dc--shell made, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across, ending w/ sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6: 2 dc in same st as turning ch, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, [(dc, ch 1) 4 times, dc] in next sc--open shell made, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, open shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 7: Sc in same st as turning ch, sk 2 dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk 2 dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in top of 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 3, turn.
Row 8: (Dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, dc in sc, ch 3, turn.
Row 9: (Dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc2tog--skipping the sc in the middle--(dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 8 times, dc in next 2 dc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 10: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, sk next dc, (shell in next dc, sk next dc, sc in next ch-1 sp, sk next dc) 11 times, ch 1, sc in last dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 11: 2 dc in same st as turning ch, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 7 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, 3 dc in next sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 12: Sc in same st as turning ch, ch 1, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, open shell in next sc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) 3 times, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc in same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch 5, turn.
Row 13: (Dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) 4 times, dc in next dc, (sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc) twice, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 9 times, dc in next dc, ch 4, turn.
Row 14: (Dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1) 8 times, (dc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd dc of next shell, sk next 2 dc of same shell, (dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1) 9 times, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 1, turn.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Yay! Second Update in a Week!! Woohoo!!
Hehee...I'm ecstatic because I finally remembered to come here to update a lot sooner than last time. Just in the past week, there's been a lot that has gone on, so I'll update what I can think of.
I have a friend who is working in India. I've been reading his blog, and he has a couple prayer requests. One is that his visa to India states he needs to be out of the country for a certain amount of time at the end of July or he loses his privileges of being in the country (at least, I think that's how it works). He was going to meet up with friends in China when they were to come and tour certain provinces, but in light of the political spectrum, Americans are having a difficult time meeting their now stricter regulations to obtain tourist visas. I guess it's also more expensive to travel to some of the other neighboring countries, and my friend is lacking funds. Please pray that he finds a way to not lose his visa. Which also brings me to his other request, and that is funding. I'm not sure if he's found a second job to help pay for things, but he has stated in one of his last entries that he could use some financial support. Please pray that funding comes to him, whether by conventional or unconventional means. If you know me (either on Ravelry or Crochetville or IRL) and would like to know more, please email or pm me and I can send you the link to his blog. He has some incredibly beautiful pictures of the Indian countryside and local festivals, and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
For those of you who have been following along this past year, I have continued to copy the Bible. I took a couple months' haitus toward the end of my pregnancy and during the first month or two after dd2 was born, but now I'm back at it. Unfortunately, like this blog, I only get to it when I can. I'm on chapter 21 of Proverbs, and when I need a break from it I've meandered to the New Testament and some of the shorter books of the Old. I don't remember what I posted before, but this is what I've accomplished thus far in my copying: the book of Ruth, the book of Esther, Song of Songs (aka, Song of Solomon), 2 John, Proverbs 1-20, and the Letter to the Colossians. I'm about half-way through Proverbs 21, and only have a few chapters left of Proverbs to go before I do another book. I need to start praying about what book to copy next.
Yay! I have my flute back! I got it back yesterday, and purchased a new silver polishing cloth to keep it shiny. I'm still working on the cover for the case, and I played with the latches while still in the store and yes, there is a lot more play in them than I originally thought. Good thing I tend to keep it in an attache case with my music and recorders, eh? While at the store, I browsed the sheet music and found some I might get later down the road. There was a collection of flute pieces by Telemann which would be lovely, as well as a Celtic collection, which, while it doesn't appear to be too technically difficult, could be stylistically challenging. Also, there was a fresh copy of the Bach sonatas I have, which I had purchased years ago while in college but is currently falling apart; I might give it a go and restore some of the pages with acid-free tape, or purchase another copy, since it was only $10.95. Oh yeah, a funny about while we were still in the store...We were the only customers there (they're usually hopping in the evenings and weekends), so the salesman turned on an electric keyboard so dd1 could explore it while I browsed the music. As I was returning to her, she accidentally hit the "Demo" button and the music started playing quite loudly. She screamed, and ran to me, crying. Of course, I was laughing so hard, but I had to explain to her it was just like her toy piano at home that her aunties had got for her birthday, which also has a demo button with lots of songs to be played. Once she understood this, she immediately stopped crying and started dancing. Oy. Life with a 2 1/2-year-old is never dull.
For those of you anxious about starting the laceweight mystery shawl, it's coming along quite nicely, though still more slowly than I had originally planned. I just told the CLF group on Ravelry yesterday that my aim is June 2nd, but I don't think I'm going to make that self-imposed deadline. However, for those of you who are also Irish lace lovers, I have issue a challenge to you. In a thrift store, I found a quilt-square pattern book, called Baltimore Bride's Quilt Square Patterns. Basically, the squares are designed for album or friendship quilts, with lots of floral themes. I was thinking that these squares would be perfect layouts for Irish lace. So, I took a handy-dandy spiral notebook and pen, and went through the squares, one by one, and wrote down what my interpretations were for each square in Irish lace. This book has 75 squares, but I only want to focus on one or two to see how they would turn out in I.L. My challenge for my Irish lace loving friends is to attempt the same, or something similar. Right now, I'm merely compiling the motifs, working them here and there, and collecting them in a small box to be placed into their squares at a future time. This is my long-term, on-going project, one which I hope is successful. If the first 2 squares turn out as well as I hope, they may become part of an heirloom for future generations. Once my dds (and other future children) learn to work in thread, they'll also begin their own Irish lace squares to be used in their own heirlooms for their hope chests. I haven't decided whether this will become a bedspread or object d'art, but it's an interesting idea I'm toying with right now.
Also on the home front, I have a massive project I'm undertaking. Dh planted a garden a few weeks back, and wants me to learn how to can the tomatoes that we grow. I thought, why not learn to can other things, as well? Upon researching the topic, I discovered that one can can tomatoes using the same methods one would can jams, jellies, and preserves. Cool. However, you have to use a completely different method to can other veggies, like green beans and such. While I can find all kinds of info on canning here on the 'net, it's a completely different thing to find someone locally who can show me how to do it. It's a skill I know I'd have to learn by doing, not by reading about it. Since I just decided a couple days ago to learn how to do it, I'm going to start with the members of my church and see if there's anyone who still knows the art of canning. In light of this, I started thinking about other skills that modernization has practically made obsolete. Necessary handwork (i.e., knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlework, etc.) is making a comeback, but it's not as "necessary". However, given the fact that rising costs are not so far on the horizon any longer, sewing and knitting one's own clothing may become "necessary" again. Modern conveniences have also made cooking from "scratch" simpler, but with added preservatives and chemicals. We no longer "need" to make our own soaps, but many folks enjoy it as a hobby or to supplement their incomes with specialty soaps. In fact, ironically, handwriting is almost a lost art, since we now use the internet and computers more. Schools have forgone penmanship for typing classes, and some kids don't even know what it's like to handwrite a paper. Yes, I know...You're thinking, but Tracey, you're typing right now. A little hypocritical, don't you think? Sort of, but this is a means of communicating to my online friends without any of us having to share addresses and still maintaining a modicum of privacy. What I'm talking about is that many kids (not all, but many) are learning to type instead of focusing on keeping their handwriting legible. Beautiful handwriting is becoming a lost art. Thank the Lord I taught myself calligraphy in middle school (yes, I'm a bit of a dork, I know). So, here's my memorandum: My longest term goals are to find the lost home arts and learn them to the best of my abilities. I plan to write about my adventures either on a second blog or in a book--you never know. This is going to be more "granola-ey" than I thought I would ever be, but hey, if it saves us money, that's cool.
So, here are my goals for the next few months:
God bless.
I have a friend who is working in India. I've been reading his blog, and he has a couple prayer requests. One is that his visa to India states he needs to be out of the country for a certain amount of time at the end of July or he loses his privileges of being in the country (at least, I think that's how it works). He was going to meet up with friends in China when they were to come and tour certain provinces, but in light of the political spectrum, Americans are having a difficult time meeting their now stricter regulations to obtain tourist visas. I guess it's also more expensive to travel to some of the other neighboring countries, and my friend is lacking funds. Please pray that he finds a way to not lose his visa. Which also brings me to his other request, and that is funding. I'm not sure if he's found a second job to help pay for things, but he has stated in one of his last entries that he could use some financial support. Please pray that funding comes to him, whether by conventional or unconventional means. If you know me (either on Ravelry or Crochetville or IRL) and would like to know more, please email or pm me and I can send you the link to his blog. He has some incredibly beautiful pictures of the Indian countryside and local festivals, and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
For those of you who have been following along this past year, I have continued to copy the Bible. I took a couple months' haitus toward the end of my pregnancy and during the first month or two after dd2 was born, but now I'm back at it. Unfortunately, like this blog, I only get to it when I can. I'm on chapter 21 of Proverbs, and when I need a break from it I've meandered to the New Testament and some of the shorter books of the Old. I don't remember what I posted before, but this is what I've accomplished thus far in my copying: the book of Ruth, the book of Esther, Song of Songs (aka, Song of Solomon), 2 John, Proverbs 1-20, and the Letter to the Colossians. I'm about half-way through Proverbs 21, and only have a few chapters left of Proverbs to go before I do another book. I need to start praying about what book to copy next.
Yay! I have my flute back! I got it back yesterday, and purchased a new silver polishing cloth to keep it shiny. I'm still working on the cover for the case, and I played with the latches while still in the store and yes, there is a lot more play in them than I originally thought. Good thing I tend to keep it in an attache case with my music and recorders, eh? While at the store, I browsed the sheet music and found some I might get later down the road. There was a collection of flute pieces by Telemann which would be lovely, as well as a Celtic collection, which, while it doesn't appear to be too technically difficult, could be stylistically challenging. Also, there was a fresh copy of the Bach sonatas I have, which I had purchased years ago while in college but is currently falling apart; I might give it a go and restore some of the pages with acid-free tape, or purchase another copy, since it was only $10.95. Oh yeah, a funny about while we were still in the store...We were the only customers there (they're usually hopping in the evenings and weekends), so the salesman turned on an electric keyboard so dd1 could explore it while I browsed the music. As I was returning to her, she accidentally hit the "Demo" button and the music started playing quite loudly. She screamed, and ran to me, crying. Of course, I was laughing so hard, but I had to explain to her it was just like her toy piano at home that her aunties had got for her birthday, which also has a demo button with lots of songs to be played. Once she understood this, she immediately stopped crying and started dancing. Oy. Life with a 2 1/2-year-old is never dull.
For those of you anxious about starting the laceweight mystery shawl, it's coming along quite nicely, though still more slowly than I had originally planned. I just told the CLF group on Ravelry yesterday that my aim is June 2nd, but I don't think I'm going to make that self-imposed deadline. However, for those of you who are also Irish lace lovers, I have issue a challenge to you. In a thrift store, I found a quilt-square pattern book, called Baltimore Bride's Quilt Square Patterns. Basically, the squares are designed for album or friendship quilts, with lots of floral themes. I was thinking that these squares would be perfect layouts for Irish lace. So, I took a handy-dandy spiral notebook and pen, and went through the squares, one by one, and wrote down what my interpretations were for each square in Irish lace. This book has 75 squares, but I only want to focus on one or two to see how they would turn out in I.L. My challenge for my Irish lace loving friends is to attempt the same, or something similar. Right now, I'm merely compiling the motifs, working them here and there, and collecting them in a small box to be placed into their squares at a future time. This is my long-term, on-going project, one which I hope is successful. If the first 2 squares turn out as well as I hope, they may become part of an heirloom for future generations. Once my dds (and other future children) learn to work in thread, they'll also begin their own Irish lace squares to be used in their own heirlooms for their hope chests. I haven't decided whether this will become a bedspread or object d'art, but it's an interesting idea I'm toying with right now.
Also on the home front, I have a massive project I'm undertaking. Dh planted a garden a few weeks back, and wants me to learn how to can the tomatoes that we grow. I thought, why not learn to can other things, as well? Upon researching the topic, I discovered that one can can tomatoes using the same methods one would can jams, jellies, and preserves. Cool. However, you have to use a completely different method to can other veggies, like green beans and such. While I can find all kinds of info on canning here on the 'net, it's a completely different thing to find someone locally who can show me how to do it. It's a skill I know I'd have to learn by doing, not by reading about it. Since I just decided a couple days ago to learn how to do it, I'm going to start with the members of my church and see if there's anyone who still knows the art of canning. In light of this, I started thinking about other skills that modernization has practically made obsolete. Necessary handwork (i.e., knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlework, etc.) is making a comeback, but it's not as "necessary". However, given the fact that rising costs are not so far on the horizon any longer, sewing and knitting one's own clothing may become "necessary" again. Modern conveniences have also made cooking from "scratch" simpler, but with added preservatives and chemicals. We no longer "need" to make our own soaps, but many folks enjoy it as a hobby or to supplement their incomes with specialty soaps. In fact, ironically, handwriting is almost a lost art, since we now use the internet and computers more. Schools have forgone penmanship for typing classes, and some kids don't even know what it's like to handwrite a paper. Yes, I know...You're thinking, but Tracey, you're typing right now. A little hypocritical, don't you think? Sort of, but this is a means of communicating to my online friends without any of us having to share addresses and still maintaining a modicum of privacy. What I'm talking about is that many kids (not all, but many) are learning to type instead of focusing on keeping their handwriting legible. Beautiful handwriting is becoming a lost art. Thank the Lord I taught myself calligraphy in middle school (yes, I'm a bit of a dork, I know). So, here's my memorandum: My longest term goals are to find the lost home arts and learn them to the best of my abilities. I plan to write about my adventures either on a second blog or in a book--you never know. This is going to be more "granola-ey" than I thought I would ever be, but hey, if it saves us money, that's cool.
So, here are my goals for the next few months:
- learn to make jams/jellies, and can them, as well as tomatoes and other tomato products
- develop a tomato sauce recipe to be used in future canning adventures, maybe for future sales down the line (we're talking it may be a couple years before I'm able to sell)
- make cloth diaper wipes. I discovered I could probably save us $170-ish just by making a few dozen flannel/terry wipes and use them instead of the chemical-covered ones. Also, it helps to prevent rashes if used with natural cleansing ingredients (read, water, essential oils, etc.)
- maybe start using cloth diapers? I dunno about this...might have to wait until we get a house so we can use a clothesline. Right now, lines are against our association by-laws, and there's more research to be done before I invest in either purchasing or making my own diapers.
- continue to make my own bread. Healthier, and soooo much yummier!
- continue to make my own laundry soap. I found a great recipe here online, and I'm trying out my first batch. I'll update to tell y'all how well it works.
- this fall, make my own soaps. This is just a maybe right now...we'll have to see what the autumn brings. It depends on where we're living, what we're doing, etc. I'd love to make my own, and save a lot of money, but it's a wait-and-see issue right now.
God bless.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I am so bad at this...
...but hey, those few of you who really do check in on me once in a while forgive me, right? Lol.
I've been pretty busy around here lately...I've been trying to get the condo cleaned up so we can make an attempt at selling it, but it's been rather challenging. Having two little ones who constantly need you at all hours of the day and night is really taking its toll on me. Don't get me started on our ever-increasing grocery bill, yet decreasing amount of food I'm able to bring home each trip.
At any rate, here's an update on what's going on in my crafting world...
...I'm knitting (yes, my CLF friends, I said it: I'm KNITTING) a cover for my flute case, which (sigh) is not even here. For my birthday, dh decided to have my flute overhauled, which the poor thing desperately needed. So, on Feb. 9 of this year, we took it in to get it done. We were told it might be finished by March 15, which would have been 5 weeks. Heheh. Wrong. It's May and it's still not done. Since I rarely get to play any more, it's not that big of a deal, but, hey, I've been getting the urge to break out my Bach and Hindemuth. It used to relax me even more than knitting and crocheting, so I'm really starting to miss it right now. Anyway, back to the cover. The repairman (who shall remain nameless because I know he does a great job; I don't want anyone to think otherwise) fiddled with it a bit before even examining the flute joints and informed me my latches were bad. Well, I've known that for a while, but just haven't sprung for a new case yet. The one I really want is in the $80 range, but I won't spring for that until/unless I get an upgrade to an open-hole (I'm still using my student model I've had since 5th grade. I used a loaner in college since it was mandatory to have an open-hole flute). I wouldn't mind getting a nice one that would work for about $25-30, but things always come up and the money ends up elsewhere. 'Sokay though. That's why I'm knitting a cover for it. It's in a 2x2 rib, and I'm still trying to think of a good way to close it because the handle gets in the way. Might just make a tab/button arrangment through the handle, but what about the rest of the thing to keep the latches from coming undone? I dunno know yet.
I'm working on a laceweight mystery shawl pattern in crochet. That's right. Crochet. There's been a huge discussion on the CLF about the lack of laceweight shawl patterns available to the general public. I've decided to make mine free of charge. The Mystery Shawl CAL will begin here, on my blog, on or around June 1st. If you'd like to join me in this, all you need is some laceweight yarn (probably no more than about 750 yds., I'm guessing, since I don't have the pattern finished yet O_0) and a G/4.25mm crochet hook. Oh, and the link to this blog. I will post a few rows here and there every week, which should give me the incentive to come here more often ;-). The only hint I can give right now about it is that it will be semi-circular-ish in shape...er, I think...I'm still working out the math.
I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas. Well, I've been thinking about Christmas since last Christmas. Lol. With the arrival of our 2nd daughter a week prior to last Christmas, the gifts we were able to give were fairly sparse, at best. This year, I aim to make it up to everyone. Since I'm not a fan of cheesiness or kitsch, or tp covers or bed dolls, (not that there's anything wrong with any of these things, they just don't happen to be my thing, ya know?) I aim toward innovative things that can be made with the hook and a fiber. However since some of my family members actually look in on here, mum's the word on the gifts (guess y'all will have to wait until Christmas Eve to find out, and you know who you are!! :-D). The only hint I can give is that I'm going to put my own twist on Irish lace. And just what does that mean, Tracey? Wait 'til December, and you'll see! ^_^
Oh! I almost completely forgot! And I would definitely slam my head against the wall if I didn't mention this news in this post! One of my patterns is actually getting published! For real! I still can't believe it! The Crochet Liberation Front on Ravelry is having a book published sometime this summer and my Peekaboo Playtime Chemise was accepted!! Woohoo!! I do need to give credit to some folks who helped me out with it...my dear friend Linda, who helped me make a papier mache dress form (with me as the mold). My testers from Crochetville (I had a few, and I do need to go back to check to see who all did it, and I don't want to leave anyone out, so I'll come back and edit this post with all of your names at once! :-) ), SkyDramini (Julie) who worked up a model within a week and her poor wrist was hurting. Thanks for the awesome pics, btw! And for Laurie, our fearless leader, who is working night and day formatting, cutting, editing, and pasting the whole book together. You are awesome. I hope you all know that, right? When I received Laurie's message saying my pattern was accepted, I was ecstatic. I literally danced around the living room for an hour, and pranced around here for days while calling everyone I knew that would care. Any way, I have a couple sneak peeks of the Peekaboo Playtime Chemise (not the ones that will be in the book, btw) if ya wanna see...Wait, I'll have to upload them later since I don't have my own shots on this computer (I have Julie's, but I don't have permission to use them on anything other than the book, so I'll post my own shots tomorrow).
I'm sure there's more to post, but I'm exhausted. Dd1 decided to wake up dd2 at 7:30 this am after dd2 had me up at 2:30 am to feed her, and between the 2 of them, I couldn't get my nap in today (then again, do I ever? :-) ). I'll be back again tomorrow, I promise--er, today? At any rate, after I have a few hours of sleep, fed the girls, gone to the store for food, and the park for a play date. Ugh. Maybe I should just wait until Saturday. Sounds like tomorrow's gonna be worse than today was.
I've been pretty busy around here lately...I've been trying to get the condo cleaned up so we can make an attempt at selling it, but it's been rather challenging. Having two little ones who constantly need you at all hours of the day and night is really taking its toll on me. Don't get me started on our ever-increasing grocery bill, yet decreasing amount of food I'm able to bring home each trip.
At any rate, here's an update on what's going on in my crafting world...
...I'm knitting (yes, my CLF friends, I said it: I'm KNITTING) a cover for my flute case, which (sigh) is not even here. For my birthday, dh decided to have my flute overhauled, which the poor thing desperately needed. So, on Feb. 9 of this year, we took it in to get it done. We were told it might be finished by March 15, which would have been 5 weeks. Heheh. Wrong. It's May and it's still not done. Since I rarely get to play any more, it's not that big of a deal, but, hey, I've been getting the urge to break out my Bach and Hindemuth. It used to relax me even more than knitting and crocheting, so I'm really starting to miss it right now. Anyway, back to the cover. The repairman (who shall remain nameless because I know he does a great job; I don't want anyone to think otherwise) fiddled with it a bit before even examining the flute joints and informed me my latches were bad. Well, I've known that for a while, but just haven't sprung for a new case yet. The one I really want is in the $80 range, but I won't spring for that until/unless I get an upgrade to an open-hole (I'm still using my student model I've had since 5th grade. I used a loaner in college since it was mandatory to have an open-hole flute). I wouldn't mind getting a nice one that would work for about $25-30, but things always come up and the money ends up elsewhere. 'Sokay though. That's why I'm knitting a cover for it. It's in a 2x2 rib, and I'm still trying to think of a good way to close it because the handle gets in the way. Might just make a tab/button arrangment through the handle, but what about the rest of the thing to keep the latches from coming undone? I dunno know yet.
I'm working on a laceweight mystery shawl pattern in crochet. That's right. Crochet. There's been a huge discussion on the CLF about the lack of laceweight shawl patterns available to the general public. I've decided to make mine free of charge. The Mystery Shawl CAL will begin here, on my blog, on or around June 1st. If you'd like to join me in this, all you need is some laceweight yarn (probably no more than about 750 yds., I'm guessing, since I don't have the pattern finished yet O_0) and a G/4.25mm crochet hook. Oh, and the link to this blog. I will post a few rows here and there every week, which should give me the incentive to come here more often ;-). The only hint I can give right now about it is that it will be semi-circular-ish in shape...er, I think...I'm still working out the math.
I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas. Well, I've been thinking about Christmas since last Christmas. Lol. With the arrival of our 2nd daughter a week prior to last Christmas, the gifts we were able to give were fairly sparse, at best. This year, I aim to make it up to everyone. Since I'm not a fan of cheesiness or kitsch, or tp covers or bed dolls, (not that there's anything wrong with any of these things, they just don't happen to be my thing, ya know?) I aim toward innovative things that can be made with the hook and a fiber. However since some of my family members actually look in on here, mum's the word on the gifts (guess y'all will have to wait until Christmas Eve to find out, and you know who you are!! :-D). The only hint I can give is that I'm going to put my own twist on Irish lace. And just what does that mean, Tracey? Wait 'til December, and you'll see! ^_^
Oh! I almost completely forgot! And I would definitely slam my head against the wall if I didn't mention this news in this post! One of my patterns is actually getting published! For real! I still can't believe it! The Crochet Liberation Front on Ravelry is having a book published sometime this summer and my Peekaboo Playtime Chemise was accepted!! Woohoo!! I do need to give credit to some folks who helped me out with it...my dear friend Linda, who helped me make a papier mache dress form (with me as the mold). My testers from Crochetville (I had a few, and I do need to go back to check to see who all did it, and I don't want to leave anyone out, so I'll come back and edit this post with all of your names at once! :-) ), SkyDramini (Julie) who worked up a model within a week and her poor wrist was hurting. Thanks for the awesome pics, btw! And for Laurie, our fearless leader, who is working night and day formatting, cutting, editing, and pasting the whole book together. You are awesome. I hope you all know that, right? When I received Laurie's message saying my pattern was accepted, I was ecstatic. I literally danced around the living room for an hour, and pranced around here for days while calling everyone I knew that would care. Any way, I have a couple sneak peeks of the Peekaboo Playtime Chemise (not the ones that will be in the book, btw) if ya wanna see...Wait, I'll have to upload them later since I don't have my own shots on this computer (I have Julie's, but I don't have permission to use them on anything other than the book, so I'll post my own shots tomorrow).
I'm sure there's more to post, but I'm exhausted. Dd1 decided to wake up dd2 at 7:30 this am after dd2 had me up at 2:30 am to feed her, and between the 2 of them, I couldn't get my nap in today (then again, do I ever? :-) ). I'll be back again tomorrow, I promise--er, today? At any rate, after I have a few hours of sleep, fed the girls, gone to the store for food, and the park for a play date. Ugh. Maybe I should just wait until Saturday. Sounds like tomorrow's gonna be worse than today was.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Doubly Sweet Baby Blanket
As I promised on Ravelry and Crochetville, here is the pattern for my Doubly Sweet Baby Blanket. Unfortunately, I don't have pics yet, but I hope to soon.
This blanket was inspired by an afghan my great-grandmother made as a wedding gift to my parents some 34 years ago. It is pale blue on one side, and navy on the other, and edged in navy. It took my a couple years to figure out how it was done (then again, I wasn't trying very hard) and once I figured it out, it was like a "Duh!" moment! The pattern below is for a baby-sized blanket, but can also be made much larger (like my parents' blanket, which fits a full-size bed) simply by making a longer foundation chain. Of course, the larger blanket will need a lot more yarn. ;-)
Materials:
With MC, ch 102 (or if doing the swatch, to about 18" plus 2)
Row 1: Dc in top loop of 4th ch from hook and in ea ch across. Pull loop up and use pin to keep last st from falling out. Do not turn. W/ CC, start at 1st dc and join w/ sl st to opposite free loop of ch, leaving back ridge of ch free. Ch 3, dc in next ch and across to end, ch 3, turn. At this point the two colors are not joined at the top and will try to fold outward and away from each other.
Row 2: Continuing with CC, dc through inside loop of MC plus both loops of CC (MC will be facing you at this point w/ CC facing away from you). Continue in same manner across to end of row. ch 3, place stitch holder. Do not turn. Remove holder from MC, ch 3, dc in free loops across to end of row, ch 3, turn.
Row 3: W/ MC, dc in inside loop of CC--which should now be facing you--and through both loops of MC in next dc and ea dc across, ch 3, place st holder. Remove st holder from CC, dc in free loops in next dc and ea dc across. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until blanket is size desired. Finish off CC and weave in ends through CC side.
Edging:
Rnd. 1: Ch 1, sc in ea st around through all four loops on top of blanket, working 3 sc in ea corner, alternating 2-3 scs down the sides of the dc posts of ea row working through posts of both dcs of front and back of blanket, and work in remaining free back ridge of original foundation chain on bottom. Join w/ sl st, ch 4, turn.
Rnd. 2: (Sk next sc, dc in next sc, ch 1) around. In center sc of corners work (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc). Join w/ sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4 at beg of rnd., ch 1.
Rnd. 3: Sl st in next ch1 sp, 2 sc in ea ch-1 sp around, working a ch-3 on either side off center dc in ea corner. Finish off, weave in end.
Rnd. 4: W/ CC, join w/ sl st in any sc of previous rnd. Ch 1, sc in next sc and ea sc around. In ch-3 sps, work (sc, ch3, sc). Join w/ sl st, finish off, weave in end.
Rnd. 5: W/ MC, join w/ sl st in any sc from previous rnd. Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, working 5 scs in ch3 sp of corners. Join w/ sl st, ch 1.
Rnd. 6: Continuing w/ MC work reverse sc in ea sc around. Join, finish off, weave in end.
To finish blanket, weave satin ribbon through Rnd 2 of edging. Sew ends or tie into a bow.
If you're making a larger blanket, and don't want to do the edging above, simply work in rounds of single crochet, or pick an edging you would prefer.
Happy hooking!!
This blanket was inspired by an afghan my great-grandmother made as a wedding gift to my parents some 34 years ago. It is pale blue on one side, and navy on the other, and edged in navy. It took my a couple years to figure out how it was done (then again, I wasn't trying very hard) and once I figured it out, it was like a "Duh!" moment! The pattern below is for a baby-sized blanket, but can also be made much larger (like my parents' blanket, which fits a full-size bed) simply by making a longer foundation chain. Of course, the larger blanket will need a lot more yarn. ;-)
Materials:
- Lion Brand's Pound of Love--2 skeins, 2 colors of choice (or mount equivalent of)
- Size K/6.5mm crochet hook
- About 5 yds. 3/4"-1" wide satin ribbon in coordinating color
- 2 safety pins, optional, or other item to "hold" sts in place
With MC, ch 102 (or if doing the swatch, to about 18" plus 2)
Row 1: Dc in top loop of 4th ch from hook and in ea ch across. Pull loop up and use pin to keep last st from falling out. Do not turn. W/ CC, start at 1st dc and join w/ sl st to opposite free loop of ch, leaving back ridge of ch free. Ch 3, dc in next ch and across to end, ch 3, turn. At this point the two colors are not joined at the top and will try to fold outward and away from each other.
Row 2: Continuing with CC, dc through inside loop of MC plus both loops of CC (MC will be facing you at this point w/ CC facing away from you). Continue in same manner across to end of row. ch 3, place stitch holder. Do not turn. Remove holder from MC, ch 3, dc in free loops across to end of row, ch 3, turn.
Row 3: W/ MC, dc in inside loop of CC--which should now be facing you--and through both loops of MC in next dc and ea dc across, ch 3, place st holder. Remove st holder from CC, dc in free loops in next dc and ea dc across. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until blanket is size desired. Finish off CC and weave in ends through CC side.
Edging:
Rnd. 1: Ch 1, sc in ea st around through all four loops on top of blanket, working 3 sc in ea corner, alternating 2-3 scs down the sides of the dc posts of ea row working through posts of both dcs of front and back of blanket, and work in remaining free back ridge of original foundation chain on bottom. Join w/ sl st, ch 4, turn.
Rnd. 2: (Sk next sc, dc in next sc, ch 1) around. In center sc of corners work (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc). Join w/ sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4 at beg of rnd., ch 1.
Rnd. 3: Sl st in next ch1 sp, 2 sc in ea ch-1 sp around, working a ch-3 on either side off center dc in ea corner. Finish off, weave in end.
Rnd. 4: W/ CC, join w/ sl st in any sc of previous rnd. Ch 1, sc in next sc and ea sc around. In ch-3 sps, work (sc, ch3, sc). Join w/ sl st, finish off, weave in end.
Rnd. 5: W/ MC, join w/ sl st in any sc from previous rnd. Ch 1, sc in ea sc around, working 5 scs in ch3 sp of corners. Join w/ sl st, ch 1.
Rnd. 6: Continuing w/ MC work reverse sc in ea sc around. Join, finish off, weave in end.
To finish blanket, weave satin ribbon through Rnd 2 of edging. Sew ends or tie into a bow.
If you're making a larger blanket, and don't want to do the edging above, simply work in rounds of single crochet, or pick an edging you would prefer.
Happy hooking!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Woohoo!!
Yay! It's that time again at Crochetville!! The Spring Secret Pals Swap began this past Friday and will end in April. Can you tell I'm excited? I have a great Known Secret Pal (KSP) who is pretty dern cool. I can't tell you much about her just in case she happens to stumble across my blog. However, I can tell you that I'm going shopping today for a very special project for her. I just hope I can get it done in time! *grin*
My Unknown Secret Pal (UKSP) has already sent me a couple really sweet emails, plus a pretty cool e-card. She says she has a yarn stash the size of a small store. Hmmmm...I wonder what that must look like? Is it like this? If so, I'm insanely envious! Lol. She said she has a special project in mind for me...I wonder what it is? Anyhow, I look forward to hearing again from "Mrs. Crochet." :-)
On Friday, I went to Big Lots and they had 6 skeins of Patons Brilliant in Sparkling Rose for only $1!! What a steal!! I of course grabbed all 6 and brought them home (well, after paying for them of course! ;-) ). I searched on Ravelry for just the perfect pattern. I decided to make the Luna Moth Shawl found on Elann's website. I'm using size 6 straight knitting needles, and discovered that I'm also going to need a circular as well. *sigh* Oh well, that just means that while I'm out shopping for my KSP, I can pick up an inexpensive one at JoAnn's (where I'm going, anyway).
I've also been researching interchangeable knitting needles. I've discovered that the Boye set I was considering has a lot of bad reviews...Not only that, but it doesn't come with the smaller sizes. Neither does the Denise set (I hate plastic, anyway!) or the KPOptions or Harmony, which pretty much covers most of the interchangeables. I think I'm going to save up and get the Harmony set down the road, and purchase the smaller needle tips separately to go along with it. I really enjoy lace knitting, so the smaller pieces are important. Not only that, but with two little ones in the house, the smaller needles will help make lots of socks and hats. I can't use the Options or sets similar to it, nor can I use any Addis (unless they're bamboo) because of the whole nickel thing. It stinks, because the Options set is less expensive and it looks cool. Oh well. Maybe one day I'll just make my own. (Don't put it past me, because I just might! Lol.)
Well, time to get cracking on the shopping. I have to get the little ones ready so that the baby can eat when we return. I hope not to be out too long. Yeah, right! Rofl. I know myself too well! :-D
My Unknown Secret Pal (UKSP) has already sent me a couple really sweet emails, plus a pretty cool e-card. She says she has a yarn stash the size of a small store. Hmmmm...I wonder what that must look like? Is it like this? If so, I'm insanely envious! Lol. She said she has a special project in mind for me...I wonder what it is? Anyhow, I look forward to hearing again from "Mrs. Crochet." :-)
On Friday, I went to Big Lots and they had 6 skeins of Patons Brilliant in Sparkling Rose for only $1!! What a steal!! I of course grabbed all 6 and brought them home (well, after paying for them of course! ;-) ). I searched on Ravelry for just the perfect pattern. I decided to make the Luna Moth Shawl found on Elann's website. I'm using size 6 straight knitting needles, and discovered that I'm also going to need a circular as well. *sigh* Oh well, that just means that while I'm out shopping for my KSP, I can pick up an inexpensive one at JoAnn's (where I'm going, anyway).
I've also been researching interchangeable knitting needles. I've discovered that the Boye set I was considering has a lot of bad reviews...Not only that, but it doesn't come with the smaller sizes. Neither does the Denise set (I hate plastic, anyway!) or the KPOptions or Harmony, which pretty much covers most of the interchangeables. I think I'm going to save up and get the Harmony set down the road, and purchase the smaller needle tips separately to go along with it. I really enjoy lace knitting, so the smaller pieces are important. Not only that, but with two little ones in the house, the smaller needles will help make lots of socks and hats. I can't use the Options or sets similar to it, nor can I use any Addis (unless they're bamboo) because of the whole nickel thing. It stinks, because the Options set is less expensive and it looks cool. Oh well. Maybe one day I'll just make my own. (Don't put it past me, because I just might! Lol.)
Well, time to get cracking on the shopping. I have to get the little ones ready so that the baby can eat when we return. I hope not to be out too long. Yeah, right! Rofl. I know myself too well! :-D
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Okay. So I totally suck at updating my blog. I keep telling myself that I need to do so more often, but I just never get around to it. Ugh. Anyways, I'm here now so I'll share what's been going on in my world.
DD2 was born on Dec. 18, 2007 at 3:41 am. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep that night, or that morning. ;-) Since then, I've been kept on my toes between her and DD1, trying to give the both of them the attention they need and deserve.
In the meantime, I haven't had much time for needle work. I made a Halcyon Shawl (found at Crochetme.com) in October to take with me to the hospital, and I love it! I used Bernat Super Value in various colors, as well as their Denim Style. I'll post a pic later.
I also made a bunch of slippers for my mom's side of the family for Christmas; I only got half of them done before the baby was born, and I couldn't finish them before Christmas, so I finished more afterwards when I had time (which means, no, they're still not done! :-P ). MOost were made in Lion Brand's Jiffy, and they were so soft and warm, that I'm going to have to make myself and the girls a couple pairs.
The Anona Christening dress pattern is finished!! My personal prototype isn't, however, one of my testers finished hers last week, and once I talk to her and ask for permission to link to her photos, I might be able to share what it looks like. I'm excited!!
I've taken to knitting more lately. No, I haven't forgotten my first love, Crochet, as I have a few projects going on there, too. My newest WIP is Clapotis, found on Knitty.com. I started one in a light fuzzy variegated mohair on size 2 needles, and it was going well, too. However, things got busy, and now I forget where I was in the pattern. Ugh. Now I have to go through the fuzz and figure it out. I know I was in the 1st repeat of Section 2, but I don't remember where. *scratches head* Anywho, I started another this morning using--gasp!--Coats' Royale Crochet thread in Pumpkin on size 6 needles. It doesn't look bad, either. Orange isn't my first choice, but I was going through what's left of my stash (I'll explain later!) and all I have left suitable for this project is thread. Oy. so what's a girl to do? Use it!! Heehee...Oh!! And I'm so proud of myself!! I finally--after 3 years of trying--figured out how to use dpns! I'm making a hat. It was originally for the baby, but it's now too big for her so it's going to dd1. I'm using an unknown white acryllic worsted (my wool is gone or I'd have used that). I also started a sock for DD1, and hopefully it turns out well.
Crochet-wise, I'm working on a huge afghan for a friend using a boucle yarn from JoAnn's, Etc. Love the colors, hate the yarn. If you mess up, it's very difficult to frog. Yikes! I had to start all over and I have to frog about 8 rows of this stuff--not pretty at all. I'm also working on 2 baby afghans for 2 of dh's co-workers. One is due in March, and we're not sure when the other is due. Each baby is also going to get a pair of booties to match its blanket, and I have one bootie done of one pair, and I'm about halfway done with its mate. These are for the baby of the couple who want to keeps its gender a surprise. The booties are being made in Royale's Ocean with a white trim. Very cute!! The blanket is going to be double-sided, with white on one side and green on the other using a technique my great-grandmother used to make a blanket for my parents' wedding gift. The other blanket will be yellow and white, but I'm waiting to hear from dh to see what that baby's gender is before I decide what booties to make.
Oh! Last week, I had the neatest idea for another lingerie project! This one is going to involve Irish lace. Since I haven't lost baby weight yet, I'm so glad I made my dress form last spring to use as a model for placement. This will be another custom-fit piece, and I'm sure that those who enjoyed my Peek-A-Boo Playtime Chemise will love this one--well, when I have it done. I haven't even started on it yet, not even a drawn-out schematic! I have to do a little "research" (ahem!) on sizes so it's going to take some time. Unfortunately, I can't get started on this until my friend's afghan is finished--well, I could probably keep balls of thread and hooks in my purse for those waiting times at the doc's, lines at the grocery store, post office, etc. Hmmm...I'll see what I can work out! Heeheee... Tell me what you think of the idea of lingerie made in Irish lace! I'd love to hear from you, positive or negative.
Well I must go. It's time to feed the baby! Hopefully I can update again soon!
DD2 was born on Dec. 18, 2007 at 3:41 am. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep that night, or that morning. ;-) Since then, I've been kept on my toes between her and DD1, trying to give the both of them the attention they need and deserve.
In the meantime, I haven't had much time for needle work. I made a Halcyon Shawl (found at Crochetme.com) in October to take with me to the hospital, and I love it! I used Bernat Super Value in various colors, as well as their Denim Style. I'll post a pic later.
I also made a bunch of slippers for my mom's side of the family for Christmas; I only got half of them done before the baby was born, and I couldn't finish them before Christmas, so I finished more afterwards when I had time (which means, no, they're still not done! :-P ). MOost were made in Lion Brand's Jiffy, and they were so soft and warm, that I'm going to have to make myself and the girls a couple pairs.
The Anona Christening dress pattern is finished!! My personal prototype isn't, however, one of my testers finished hers last week, and once I talk to her and ask for permission to link to her photos, I might be able to share what it looks like. I'm excited!!
I've taken to knitting more lately. No, I haven't forgotten my first love, Crochet, as I have a few projects going on there, too. My newest WIP is Clapotis, found on Knitty.com. I started one in a light fuzzy variegated mohair on size 2 needles, and it was going well, too. However, things got busy, and now I forget where I was in the pattern. Ugh. Now I have to go through the fuzz and figure it out. I know I was in the 1st repeat of Section 2, but I don't remember where. *scratches head* Anywho, I started another this morning using--gasp!--Coats' Royale Crochet thread in Pumpkin on size 6 needles. It doesn't look bad, either. Orange isn't my first choice, but I was going through what's left of my stash (I'll explain later!) and all I have left suitable for this project is thread. Oy. so what's a girl to do? Use it!! Heehee...Oh!! And I'm so proud of myself!! I finally--after 3 years of trying--figured out how to use dpns! I'm making a hat. It was originally for the baby, but it's now too big for her so it's going to dd1. I'm using an unknown white acryllic worsted (my wool is gone or I'd have used that). I also started a sock for DD1, and hopefully it turns out well.
Crochet-wise, I'm working on a huge afghan for a friend using a boucle yarn from JoAnn's, Etc. Love the colors, hate the yarn. If you mess up, it's very difficult to frog. Yikes! I had to start all over and I have to frog about 8 rows of this stuff--not pretty at all. I'm also working on 2 baby afghans for 2 of dh's co-workers. One is due in March, and we're not sure when the other is due. Each baby is also going to get a pair of booties to match its blanket, and I have one bootie done of one pair, and I'm about halfway done with its mate. These are for the baby of the couple who want to keeps its gender a surprise. The booties are being made in Royale's Ocean with a white trim. Very cute!! The blanket is going to be double-sided, with white on one side and green on the other using a technique my great-grandmother used to make a blanket for my parents' wedding gift. The other blanket will be yellow and white, but I'm waiting to hear from dh to see what that baby's gender is before I decide what booties to make.
Oh! Last week, I had the neatest idea for another lingerie project! This one is going to involve Irish lace. Since I haven't lost baby weight yet, I'm so glad I made my dress form last spring to use as a model for placement. This will be another custom-fit piece, and I'm sure that those who enjoyed my Peek-A-Boo Playtime Chemise will love this one--well, when I have it done. I haven't even started on it yet, not even a drawn-out schematic! I have to do a little "research" (ahem!) on sizes so it's going to take some time. Unfortunately, I can't get started on this until my friend's afghan is finished--well, I could probably keep balls of thread and hooks in my purse for those waiting times at the doc's, lines at the grocery store, post office, etc. Hmmm...I'll see what I can work out! Heeheee... Tell me what you think of the idea of lingerie made in Irish lace! I'd love to hear from you, positive or negative.
Well I must go. It's time to feed the baby! Hopefully I can update again soon!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy!
I definitely have a "bump" now, since I'm almost 6.5 months pregnant (Friday). We found out we are having another little girl, so Tegwin's quickly going to have to learn to share. Lol. My appetite is increasing, and up until this month, I hadn't really gained any weight, but when I went to my OB appt. yesterday, I had gained 6 lbs.! Ack! No wonder nothing fits any more!
Crochet-wise, I've also been quite busy. I started my mom's Christmas present, but I can't say what it is since she might read this, and I started a bed spread for Tegwin for when she's a little older. I have one block done, and I've almost finished the second, so I'll be connecting the two shortly and perhaps posting a picture of them together. My latest Christening dress design is FINISHED!!--well, excepting a few details on the bodice, but otherwise... :-) I'm very excited about this piece, but it's taking forever to finish working it up because it's a sack dress, worked bottom-up, in size 10 crochet thread, using a No. 9 steel hook. The skirt is in the pineapple stitch pattern, and the bodice is designed out of serpentine lace (just have to work on fastenings, sleeves, and the collar to finish it). Unfortunately, I do have to purchase more thread to finish it, which will have to wait until Friday on my monthly trip to Hobby Lobby. Within the MONTH I will be asking for testers on my forums to see if anyone's willing to tackle this extensive project. If someone were to purchase the actual finished dress, I'd ask for no less than $150, because of the amount of time I've put into the thing. If they're looking for just the pattern, I'm probably going to ask for about $5-7, due to the complexity of the pattern and the length of time it's taken me to design it. This pattern will be available for testing as of October 1st, and available for sale--hopefully--by New Year's or Valentine's Day (depending on the speeds of my testers ;-) ). A bonnet and bootie set will follow, hopefully by the time testing commences (I have a neat idea for the bonnet/cap, but am still working on the booties). I can't wait to share with the world this design! By far, it's my favorite. I just don't know if I can make this dress again, no matter how beautifully it's turning out to be!
I have decided to start knitting (gasp!) a baby blanket for the new little one. I was discussing this with an online friend (ExtremeKnitter), and I decided to knit the center in garter stitch (easy enough, I suppose), then crochet a pretty border around the edge to help it keep its shape. Hopefully, I can find another skein or two in the same colorway (pink, blue, and brown tweed) so I can finish it. I have two rows done (yuck! acryllic on plastic needles!), and it's going very slowly, but turning out nicely. Hopefully soon I can post a pic of my progress once it's a bit bigger. I was able to crochet 2 blankets for Tegwin, so i hope to be able to make at least two for this little one.
Well, I must go and take care of some business around the house before Tegwin wakes up from her nap. I hope my next update won't be too far behind!
Crochet-wise, I've also been quite busy. I started my mom's Christmas present, but I can't say what it is since she might read this, and I started a bed spread for Tegwin for when she's a little older. I have one block done, and I've almost finished the second, so I'll be connecting the two shortly and perhaps posting a picture of them together. My latest Christening dress design is FINISHED!!--well, excepting a few details on the bodice, but otherwise... :-) I'm very excited about this piece, but it's taking forever to finish working it up because it's a sack dress, worked bottom-up, in size 10 crochet thread, using a No. 9 steel hook. The skirt is in the pineapple stitch pattern, and the bodice is designed out of serpentine lace (just have to work on fastenings, sleeves, and the collar to finish it). Unfortunately, I do have to purchase more thread to finish it, which will have to wait until Friday on my monthly trip to Hobby Lobby. Within the MONTH I will be asking for testers on my forums to see if anyone's willing to tackle this extensive project. If someone were to purchase the actual finished dress, I'd ask for no less than $150, because of the amount of time I've put into the thing. If they're looking for just the pattern, I'm probably going to ask for about $5-7, due to the complexity of the pattern and the length of time it's taken me to design it. This pattern will be available for testing as of October 1st, and available for sale--hopefully--by New Year's or Valentine's Day (depending on the speeds of my testers ;-) ). A bonnet and bootie set will follow, hopefully by the time testing commences (I have a neat idea for the bonnet/cap, but am still working on the booties). I can't wait to share with the world this design! By far, it's my favorite. I just don't know if I can make this dress again, no matter how beautifully it's turning out to be!
I have decided to start knitting (gasp!) a baby blanket for the new little one. I was discussing this with an online friend (ExtremeKnitter), and I decided to knit the center in garter stitch (easy enough, I suppose), then crochet a pretty border around the edge to help it keep its shape. Hopefully, I can find another skein or two in the same colorway (pink, blue, and brown tweed) so I can finish it. I have two rows done (yuck! acryllic on plastic needles!), and it's going very slowly, but turning out nicely. Hopefully soon I can post a pic of my progress once it's a bit bigger. I was able to crochet 2 blankets for Tegwin, so i hope to be able to make at least two for this little one.
Well, I must go and take care of some business around the house before Tegwin wakes up from her nap. I hope my next update won't be too far behind!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
These past few weeks have been fun. I can now feel the baby moving a lot more, and see it bumping up from the inside--I had forgotten how much I missed that feeling! On Thursday, we find out what gender this little critter is, and I am really looking forward to it!
Last Saturday, dh bought a pre-seasoned cast iron set for me--a skillet and a dutch oven. I've only used the skillet so far, and I LOVE it!! It's also much healthier to use than stainless steel or non-stick pans.
I think dd may have been bitten by the fiber bug, like her mommy. When I'm not crocheting, I set down my project(s) in a place where I think she can't get to them--she shortly proves me wrong, and grabs the hook and begins twisting it, making a jumbled mess out of my work! :-) *sigh* I can't wait until she's 4 years old, when I can teach her how to use a knitting knoddy.
My Bible-copying has progressed considerably. So far, I've copied: Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, 2 John, and I'm currently on Chapter 8 of Proverbs. This is such slow, tedious work, but it's very satisfying when I reach my goal of a chapter each day. When I tell folks about it, they look at me like I'm weird, or something. I'm just trying to encourage others to do the same, at their own pace. A chapter a day is not an unreasonable goal, nor is even half a chapter per day. I just want to be able to set a good example for my children, since they're also going to be charged with doing this for their homework once they're 12 or so (or at least during the school year that they turn 12).
Over the past few weeks, I've found some tools to help keep me organized while I copy. I have a binder with plastic dividers which I purchased from the Dollar Tree (THUD), and I always keep a couple black-ink pens and a pad of perforated spiral notebook paper with it. Since I didn't have my own KJV bible but an NIV, I bought an inexpensive one for about $5 at Meijer (also, THUD). I keep all these things together as I work, and stack them together when I'm doing other things.
Last Saturday, dh bought a pre-seasoned cast iron set for me--a skillet and a dutch oven. I've only used the skillet so far, and I LOVE it!! It's also much healthier to use than stainless steel or non-stick pans.
I think dd may have been bitten by the fiber bug, like her mommy. When I'm not crocheting, I set down my project(s) in a place where I think she can't get to them--she shortly proves me wrong, and grabs the hook and begins twisting it, making a jumbled mess out of my work! :-) *sigh* I can't wait until she's 4 years old, when I can teach her how to use a knitting knoddy.
My Bible-copying has progressed considerably. So far, I've copied: Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, 2 John, and I'm currently on Chapter 8 of Proverbs. This is such slow, tedious work, but it's very satisfying when I reach my goal of a chapter each day. When I tell folks about it, they look at me like I'm weird, or something. I'm just trying to encourage others to do the same, at their own pace. A chapter a day is not an unreasonable goal, nor is even half a chapter per day. I just want to be able to set a good example for my children, since they're also going to be charged with doing this for their homework once they're 12 or so (or at least during the school year that they turn 12).
Over the past few weeks, I've found some tools to help keep me organized while I copy. I have a binder with plastic dividers which I purchased from the Dollar Tree (THUD), and I always keep a couple black-ink pens and a pad of perforated spiral notebook paper with it. Since I didn't have my own KJV bible but an NIV, I bought an inexpensive one for about $5 at Meijer (also, THUD). I keep all these things together as I work, and stack them together when I'm doing other things.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Progress Update
Belly starting to show quite a bit...I don't think I was this big until I was about 5.5-6 months along with Tegwin. That's okay, though. ;-) It's all worth it. Energy levels still rising, walking more, can't tell if I'm still imagining the flutters from the outside or if it's gas. Never could tell with Tegwin, either, until she really started kicking. The tiny flutters do feel like gas bubbles, so I don't know whether it truly is the baby or if I'm going to--ahem, you know.
A second tester has finished her chemise. Again, rave reviews from another happy hubby. Yay! When I read her post in my google group, I was ecstatic. Today I am going to write to all my chemise testers to tell them to go ahead and post pics of their finished work on Crochetville (see sidebar for link). I want/need to see the reactions of others before I take it to the next step. Hopefully, I can finish mine and hang it on the dress form my friend, Linda, and I made. (I had forgotten about my "double" when I previously posted. *embarrassed grin*)
As far as my writing the bible goes, I haven't exactly stuck to the plan I originally laid out. I googled "Bible reading plans", and picked one that is a .pdf which is a 3-year plan. It has each chapter laid out individually (except Psalm 119, which is broken up about 44-48 verses/day for about 4-5 days), with little boxes right next to each one. I printed out this plan, and when I finish a chapter, I fill in the box. It's working quite well so far. It has been taking about 30-60 minutes to write just one chapter, but it also depends on the time of day (if it's naptime for Munchkin, I get it done in record time!) and what's going on--how many interruptions I get during the time I write. When B's home during the day (weekends), I try to get it done in the morning and have the rest of the day to clean, play w/ Teggy, whatever. If not, it's naptime.
So far, I have the first two chapters of Genesis done. Needless to say, I'm easily daunted by the amount of work required to accomplish this task, no matter how much time I've allotted to do so. After I printed up the reading plan, I took a look and examined what some of the "easier"--meaning, shorter--books might be. Mind you, I did not start with a single-chapter book/letter. I began with Ruth, then 2 John (a single-chapter ;-) ), now I'm on the 8th Chapter of Esther. Basically, I've been focusing on what marriage truly is, and how to be a good wife (yes, I know all about Proverbs 31, but I'll be getting to Proverbs after I finish Song of Solomon/Songs, which is going to be right after Esther).
Cool part is, since I've been doing this, I've been focusing on getting one more new task done around the house. I have purchased and potted a cinnamon basil plant (mmm! My favorite! Spicy, yet a bit tangy like regular sweet or Italian basil). I've been able to remember to do more of the things B has asked me to do (trust me, it used to be a long list, and that list is continuing to grow shorter--at least, it feels like it). I feel more "on top" of things lately, and I really think God is working through me with this. I'm keeping up with doing the laundry (though I still need to work on putting it away *rolls eyes*), washing the dishes and running the dishwasher, making bread, making the beds, watching the grocery budget (not buying pre-processed "junk", but actually buying natural "staples" like the typical milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and produce, and the only times I go into the center aisles is to get baking goods like flour and sugar, paper products, frozen veggies, things like that).
We've also started to eat a bit healthier, too. I've been trying to make wheat bread--unfortunately, it turns out to be either wheat goo or wheat crumbs in the bread machine. I might have to just start making it by hand so I get the correct consistency. B loves my veggie bread--I take a white bread base and add diced tomato, green bell pepper (which, God love him, B calls 'mango'), and freshly-shredded Swiss cheese. I make the dough in the machine, and I kneed a little amount of flour into it (it's very sticky, otherwise), form it into a round loaf and bake it for 40 minutes. Mmm!! Yummy! I made this loaf on Tuesday night, hoping it would at least last until the weekend. Nope...B finished it off last night. *sigh* The perfect compliment to the chef, I guess. This bread is wonderful if sliced, and each slice cut in half, then added with a couple thin slices of roast beef. Pop into the microwave about 15 seconds, and oh, my goodness! So divine! Y'all should try it!
Well, gotta go. Munchkin is about finished with her breakfast, so it's time to get her dressed for the day. God bless!
A second tester has finished her chemise. Again, rave reviews from another happy hubby. Yay! When I read her post in my google group, I was ecstatic. Today I am going to write to all my chemise testers to tell them to go ahead and post pics of their finished work on Crochetville (see sidebar for link). I want/need to see the reactions of others before I take it to the next step. Hopefully, I can finish mine and hang it on the dress form my friend, Linda, and I made. (I had forgotten about my "double" when I previously posted. *embarrassed grin*)
As far as my writing the bible goes, I haven't exactly stuck to the plan I originally laid out. I googled "Bible reading plans", and picked one that is a .pdf which is a 3-year plan. It has each chapter laid out individually (except Psalm 119, which is broken up about 44-48 verses/day for about 4-5 days), with little boxes right next to each one. I printed out this plan, and when I finish a chapter, I fill in the box. It's working quite well so far. It has been taking about 30-60 minutes to write just one chapter, but it also depends on the time of day (if it's naptime for Munchkin, I get it done in record time!) and what's going on--how many interruptions I get during the time I write. When B's home during the day (weekends), I try to get it done in the morning and have the rest of the day to clean, play w/ Teggy, whatever. If not, it's naptime.
So far, I have the first two chapters of Genesis done. Needless to say, I'm easily daunted by the amount of work required to accomplish this task, no matter how much time I've allotted to do so. After I printed up the reading plan, I took a look and examined what some of the "easier"--meaning, shorter--books might be. Mind you, I did not start with a single-chapter book/letter. I began with Ruth, then 2 John (a single-chapter ;-) ), now I'm on the 8th Chapter of Esther. Basically, I've been focusing on what marriage truly is, and how to be a good wife (yes, I know all about Proverbs 31, but I'll be getting to Proverbs after I finish Song of Solomon/Songs, which is going to be right after Esther).
Cool part is, since I've been doing this, I've been focusing on getting one more new task done around the house. I have purchased and potted a cinnamon basil plant (mmm! My favorite! Spicy, yet a bit tangy like regular sweet or Italian basil). I've been able to remember to do more of the things B has asked me to do (trust me, it used to be a long list, and that list is continuing to grow shorter--at least, it feels like it). I feel more "on top" of things lately, and I really think God is working through me with this. I'm keeping up with doing the laundry (though I still need to work on putting it away *rolls eyes*), washing the dishes and running the dishwasher, making bread, making the beds, watching the grocery budget (not buying pre-processed "junk", but actually buying natural "staples" like the typical milk, eggs, cheese, meat, and produce, and the only times I go into the center aisles is to get baking goods like flour and sugar, paper products, frozen veggies, things like that).
We've also started to eat a bit healthier, too. I've been trying to make wheat bread--unfortunately, it turns out to be either wheat goo or wheat crumbs in the bread machine. I might have to just start making it by hand so I get the correct consistency. B loves my veggie bread--I take a white bread base and add diced tomato, green bell pepper (which, God love him, B calls 'mango'), and freshly-shredded Swiss cheese. I make the dough in the machine, and I kneed a little amount of flour into it (it's very sticky, otherwise), form it into a round loaf and bake it for 40 minutes. Mmm!! Yummy! I made this loaf on Tuesday night, hoping it would at least last until the weekend. Nope...B finished it off last night. *sigh* The perfect compliment to the chef, I guess. This bread is wonderful if sliced, and each slice cut in half, then added with a couple thin slices of roast beef. Pop into the microwave about 15 seconds, and oh, my goodness! So divine! Y'all should try it!
Well, gotta go. Munchkin is about finished with her breakfast, so it's time to get her dressed for the day. God bless!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Whew! It's been a while!!
Well, it's been since February that I last posted. I'm sorry for not doing so sooner, as I have great news!! Brandon and I are awaiting our 2nd child, who is due to arrive right around December 21st of this year. I'm just starting my 2nd trimester, and I'm feeling great. My energy levels are beginning to pick up, I'm feeling tiny flutters in my abdomen, and the nauseated feeling is finally gone!! Woo-hoo!!
For those of you who are finding out about this for the first time, I just wanted to let you know that I had to wait until after the first ultrasound. Some of you I have tried to telephone, but as I never received a call back, I couldn't arrange to meet up with you and tell you in person, nor did I wish to tell you via e-mail. So, blogging was the next option. I hope you all will forgive me.
There has also been a lot of other great things happening in the past few months. My first lingerie/clothing design is almost ready to be posted on my site, tracey.mccorkle.googlepages.com. It's still in the testing stages, but it's almost done. It's a very cute chemise/camisole, which is designed for a custom-fit (the crocheter takes the measurements and makes it accordingly). It can be left unlined for a wonderful chemise (I already have praise from one tester whose hubby just loved it! *grin*), or it can be lined to be worn over a pair of jeans alone, or under a nice, tailored blazer. I'd show y'all a pic, but I don't have my sample done due to the new--ahem--"developments", and it won't fit. *sigh*
Brandon and I attended the CHEO convention this past Friday and Saturday. Jonathan Lindvall was one of the keynote speakers, and he gave us a very interesting challenge. When his children became 12 and 13 (the same age Jewish children are considered to be "of age"), he gave each of them a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. When his oldest daughter was 12, they threw a Christian Bat Mitzvah, and charged her with the responsibility of handwriting the Bible. This was something, he thought, which would be a nice gift for her to give to her future husband on their wedding day. Hmmm...So, I felt compelled to do the same. I would like to have my copy finished by the time Tegwin reaches the age of 12, so that I can set an example for her, and challenge her to do the same. At this point, I have 10.5 years to accomplish this task. I haven't asked Brandon if he plans to write a copy, himself, but I'm borrowing his KJV (my reading bible is an NIV Study) to copy down. I have the 1st chapter of Genesis finished, and when I've completed Genesis, I'll move on to Matthew, then to Exodus, then back to Mark, etc. Is anyone with me? I know it's a huge undertaking, but I'm going to plan things out so I can aim for 1 chapter per night, so many books per year, so that my goal can be accomplished by the time-line I've set. Please let me know if you decide to do this so we can all pray together that we can accomplish our goals. You don't have to begin with Genesis. You can start wherever you're currently reading, or with the next book you begin. This can be used as your Quiet Time/Bible study, because as you are reading and copying things down, the words get stuck in your head, and you'll meditate on them longer. Also, you'll memorize scripture you never knew you could.
Well, I need to go. It's after midnight, and Tegwin will have me up early in the morning. God bless!
For those of you who are finding out about this for the first time, I just wanted to let you know that I had to wait until after the first ultrasound. Some of you I have tried to telephone, but as I never received a call back, I couldn't arrange to meet up with you and tell you in person, nor did I wish to tell you via e-mail. So, blogging was the next option. I hope you all will forgive me.
There has also been a lot of other great things happening in the past few months. My first lingerie/clothing design is almost ready to be posted on my site, tracey.mccorkle.googlepages.com. It's still in the testing stages, but it's almost done. It's a very cute chemise/camisole, which is designed for a custom-fit (the crocheter takes the measurements and makes it accordingly). It can be left unlined for a wonderful chemise (I already have praise from one tester whose hubby just loved it! *grin*), or it can be lined to be worn over a pair of jeans alone, or under a nice, tailored blazer. I'd show y'all a pic, but I don't have my sample done due to the new--ahem--"developments", and it won't fit. *sigh*
Brandon and I attended the CHEO convention this past Friday and Saturday. Jonathan Lindvall was one of the keynote speakers, and he gave us a very interesting challenge. When his children became 12 and 13 (the same age Jewish children are considered to be "of age"), he gave each of them a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. When his oldest daughter was 12, they threw a Christian Bat Mitzvah, and charged her with the responsibility of handwriting the Bible. This was something, he thought, which would be a nice gift for her to give to her future husband on their wedding day. Hmmm...So, I felt compelled to do the same. I would like to have my copy finished by the time Tegwin reaches the age of 12, so that I can set an example for her, and challenge her to do the same. At this point, I have 10.5 years to accomplish this task. I haven't asked Brandon if he plans to write a copy, himself, but I'm borrowing his KJV (my reading bible is an NIV Study) to copy down. I have the 1st chapter of Genesis finished, and when I've completed Genesis, I'll move on to Matthew, then to Exodus, then back to Mark, etc. Is anyone with me? I know it's a huge undertaking, but I'm going to plan things out so I can aim for 1 chapter per night, so many books per year, so that my goal can be accomplished by the time-line I've set. Please let me know if you decide to do this so we can all pray together that we can accomplish our goals. You don't have to begin with Genesis. You can start wherever you're currently reading, or with the next book you begin. This can be used as your Quiet Time/Bible study, because as you are reading and copying things down, the words get stuck in your head, and you'll meditate on them longer. Also, you'll memorize scripture you never knew you could.
Well, I need to go. It's after midnight, and Tegwin will have me up early in the morning. God bless!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Death in the Bathroom....Foul Play Suspected
Last night, right after my hubby came upstairs to go to bed, we heard this thumping crash downstairs. He went back down, took a look around, and didn't see anything. He came back up and went to bed. This morning, while he was getting ready for work and I was packing his lunch for him, I opened the door to the downstairs bathroom and turned on the light. This is what I saw:
An autopsy revealed that the poor little snowlady had taken a fall from the top of the toilet tank where she had been standing and perished on the bathroom floor. She died immediately on the spot, due to blunt force trauma to, well, her entire rotund body. The "blood spatter" analysis was inconclusive, and her death was ruled as a possible suicide. I, myself, didn't buy the story. After the authorities left, I took a second look around.
I'm not sure, but I really don't think it was a suicide attempt on Snowlady's part...The Snowman on the other side of the tank looks just a little too happy, to me...In fact, Snowlady's hat is still on the tank!! If it were a suicide attempt, wouldn't it have landed on the floor with her?
Just to give you a little bit to chew on.
An autopsy revealed that the poor little snowlady had taken a fall from the top of the toilet tank where she had been standing and perished on the bathroom floor. She died immediately on the spot, due to blunt force trauma to, well, her entire rotund body. The "blood spatter" analysis was inconclusive, and her death was ruled as a possible suicide. I, myself, didn't buy the story. After the authorities left, I took a second look around.
I'm not sure, but I really don't think it was a suicide attempt on Snowlady's part...The Snowman on the other side of the tank looks just a little too happy, to me...In fact, Snowlady's hat is still on the tank!! If it were a suicide attempt, wouldn't it have landed on the floor with her?
Just to give you a little bit to chew on.
Friday, January 12, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Okay, so it's, like, the end of the 2nd week of January already, but still, it's my first post of the year. I'm sorry it's taken so long!!! We've been busy here with the holidays, church, and I've also been madly hooking away (crocheting, that is! *wink*). I've finished off the Sock Monkey Hats, and now I need to make and finish just one more and make a scarf to go with it for a friend's daughter...that's what I'm working on this weekend.
Also on my hook this week are the two sweaters for my Sisters-in-law, a table runner for my dining room table (adapted from a pattern at Celt's site), a secret project for my aunt which she asked me to design (shhh!! don't tell anyone!!), some doilies for a CAL at Crochetville (my goal is to make all 18 from PK's "Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies"), a yellow thread dress for my bff who's expecting a girl!! (Yay, Meron!! Gotta know some name ideas soon! ), among a myriad other things. I'm also trying to get a head start on this year's Christmas gifts, like some dishcloths, bath cloths, etc., some really nifty scarves I found at Garnstudios.com, and I also want to design some matching mittens for the scarf-recipients. . . Among other things, I also want to join the Secret Pal Exchange at the 'Ville next month, so I'm working on some special gifts to send to whomever I'm assigned, as well as some random RAOK's I'm delighted to fulfill...
One major goal this year is to start a ministry at my church to 1) teach people to crochet, and 2) make things from newly-discovered talents for charity and for those who need a little extra comfort. I'm hoping that a prayer shawl ministry springs up out of this, and I might be able to get some donations of yarn and hooks for the people participating...the yarn needed can be expensive. Still working with the church leadership on this one...in fact, that reminds me, gotta call Brenda...
The Sock Monkey Hat challenge at the 'Ville is still going strong!! I originally set the deadline as Christmas Eve, but folks are still coming up with ideas...Come check it out if you can...
Some more ideas I'm working on...and still playing with in my head...
Well, readers, I should go. Today is going to be a busy one, and dd and I have to get on the ball and go. Hope to hear from you!
Also on my hook this week are the two sweaters for my Sisters-in-law, a table runner for my dining room table (adapted from a pattern at Celt's site), a secret project for my aunt which she asked me to design (shhh!! don't tell anyone!!), some doilies for a CAL at Crochetville (my goal is to make all 18 from PK's "Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies"), a yellow thread dress for my bff who's expecting a girl!! (Yay, Meron!! Gotta know some name ideas soon! ), among a myriad other things. I'm also trying to get a head start on this year's Christmas gifts, like some dishcloths, bath cloths, etc., some really nifty scarves I found at Garnstudios.com, and I also want to design some matching mittens for the scarf-recipients. . . Among other things, I also want to join the Secret Pal Exchange at the 'Ville next month, so I'm working on some special gifts to send to whomever I'm assigned, as well as some random RAOK's I'm delighted to fulfill...
One major goal this year is to start a ministry at my church to 1) teach people to crochet, and 2) make things from newly-discovered talents for charity and for those who need a little extra comfort. I'm hoping that a prayer shawl ministry springs up out of this, and I might be able to get some donations of yarn and hooks for the people participating...the yarn needed can be expensive. Still working with the church leadership on this one...in fact, that reminds me, gotta call Brenda...
The Sock Monkey Hat challenge at the 'Ville is still going strong!! I originally set the deadline as Christmas Eve, but folks are still coming up with ideas...Come check it out if you can...
Some more ideas I'm working on...and still playing with in my head...
- Irish Crochet fairy wings for the Renaissance Festival coming this fall...wondering if yarn would be better, and a giant butterfly motif would be good...(If anyone has any ideas on how I can make this happen, please let me know--the wings either need to stand out as in real life, or I can just make them into a shawl...)
- mittens and a sweater to match the Sock Monkey Crochet-Along...*wiggles eyebrows*
- modifications to my aunt's idea...
- exploring more with the felting/fulling process...
- learning how to spin...I have some raw huacaya alpaca fleece in several different colors (brown, white, gray, mottled, lilac, maybe some black), and I'd like to learn how to make my own yarn and save some cash...maybe earn a little extra, too...
Well, readers, I should go. Today is going to be a busy one, and dd and I have to get on the ball and go. Hope to hear from you!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Busy, busy, busy!
Things have been quite busy around here. Last week, our dd had her first birthday, and we had her party on Saturday and my MIL and FIL's house. Strange kid, didn't like the paper or the boxes...she actually went straight for the toys inside! Lol. We had pizza for dinner, and she ate 1 1/2 pieces all by herself. Then, when we went for the cupcakes, she just wanted the frosting. She took her fingers and scraped off the frosting and put it in her mouth! She didn't even want to eat the cupcake itself! *sigh*
Of my hook this week have been: Several snowflakes. I've been making them for friends and family, and my pile keeps getting bigger and bigger. I've also been working on my challenge to Shelleden at the 'Ville, making Sock Monkey Hats whenever I'm not working on something else. I also need to keep working on my SILs' Christmas gifts...I'd say what they are, but you never know when they might be reading!! Shhhhhh.....!
So far, for the challenge, I have a pirate sock monkey, a ponytail monkey, a preemie monkey, a regular sock monkey, and in my head I have a few more... I'd say what my ideas are, but the recipients of these hats might be reading, and I don't want to give them away just yet! ;-) I also have a matching scarf that I've been trying to work on with the scraps that won't make a complete hat, so I hope that it comes out okay.
Oh yeah! It finally snowed here today!! My friend, Meron, would have loved to have seen it! We got about 1/2-3/4", and it stopped around 10:00, which was when dd and I finished eating breakfast. Since she has never played in the snow before, her daddy wanted me to take her out in it, just to see what she does. Well, I get her shoes on, and she's okay. I put on her mittens (she'd never worn them before) and she starts screaming because her hands disappeared! Then I put her in her coat--which she hates because it's still just a little too big for her, but it's the warmest thing she has right now--and that made her scream even harder. So, I don my own coat, grabbed my keys, put on my shoes, and opened the door, which made her quiet down. We go outside, and she starts walking toward the grass, only to fall down into slush. By now, I feel really bad for her and as if I'm the meanest mommy in the world by making her do this! She started to scream again, and tried to crawl, her coat making it very difficult. I sighed, picked her up, and tried to set her on her feet. She wanted none of that! So, we went to check the mail, and then came back inside. Again, my kid's weird! *sigh*
Of my hook this week have been: Several snowflakes. I've been making them for friends and family, and my pile keeps getting bigger and bigger. I've also been working on my challenge to Shelleden at the 'Ville, making Sock Monkey Hats whenever I'm not working on something else. I also need to keep working on my SILs' Christmas gifts...I'd say what they are, but you never know when they might be reading!! Shhhhhh.....!
So far, for the challenge, I have a pirate sock monkey, a ponytail monkey, a preemie monkey, a regular sock monkey, and in my head I have a few more... I'd say what my ideas are, but the recipients of these hats might be reading, and I don't want to give them away just yet! ;-) I also have a matching scarf that I've been trying to work on with the scraps that won't make a complete hat, so I hope that it comes out okay.
Oh yeah! It finally snowed here today!! My friend, Meron, would have loved to have seen it! We got about 1/2-3/4", and it stopped around 10:00, which was when dd and I finished eating breakfast. Since she has never played in the snow before, her daddy wanted me to take her out in it, just to see what she does. Well, I get her shoes on, and she's okay. I put on her mittens (she'd never worn them before) and she starts screaming because her hands disappeared! Then I put her in her coat--which she hates because it's still just a little too big for her, but it's the warmest thing she has right now--and that made her scream even harder. So, I don my own coat, grabbed my keys, put on my shoes, and opened the door, which made her quiet down. We go outside, and she starts walking toward the grass, only to fall down into slush. By now, I feel really bad for her and as if I'm the meanest mommy in the world by making her do this! She started to scream again, and tried to crawl, her coat making it very difficult. I sighed, picked her up, and tried to set her on her feet. She wanted none of that! So, we went to check the mail, and then came back inside. Again, my kid's weird! *sigh*
Monday, November 27, 2006
Bittersweet weekend...
Thanksgiving went by without a hitch. The table was beautifully set, the house cleaned and scrubbed, and the food was delicious. We had family surrounding our dining room table, and we had a nice visit afterward.
Friday, we received some terrible news. . .Brandon's grandmother--who was just here the day before, helping me cook and then clean all the dishes (the dishes had to be hand-washed)--had blacked out and fallen down her basement stairs while carrying her vacuum cleaner. Turns out, she had anemia (no one knew, not even she!) and it caused a brain aneurysm, making her black out. Her fall caused severe neck damage, and she never regained consciousness (as far as I know). A few hours later, she was gone. It was such a shock, since she was the healthiest out of all of our (mine and Brandon's) grandparents combined. The uncertainty we have now is, who will continue to take care of Clair, her husband? Right now, her sister is taking care of him. We are to drive to Bellefontaine tomorrow by 1 to be with family for the viewing times, and then again on Wednesday for the funeral.
In the midst of all this, minutes after receiving the first telephone call, I received a call from one of my dearest friends...she's expecting! Yay! A new baby to spoil! (Her name is withheld because not everyone knows yet...If you think you know who it is, try guessing again because I have several friends who might possibly fit the bill!!)
Needless to say, Friday was one of mixed emotions. I've been helping Brandon adjust to his grandmother's passing, and I've had to really restrain myself from truly bouncing off the wall over my friend's good news.
Despite all this excitement, I've been working on various gifts for the next few weeks. I finished my FIL's afghan for his birthday (yippee!), which he's been waiting on for a while now. I started both of my SILs' Christmas gifts, and began several sock monkey hats for my cousins and various friends for Christmas. Also on my to-do list are snowflakes, dishcloths, and another afghan for a friend who purchased the yarn. I keep praying that I get everything done and fast!!
I borrowed some Gooseberry Patch books from the library, and one of them had a great idea for recycling felted wool sweaters--you know, those sweaters that seem to shrink every time you wash them, only for you to discover they were wool and should have been hand-washed? Turns out, you felt them even more, turn them inside out, and cut out a stocking shape, using the neck of the sweater as the cuff of the stocking. You sew the sides together, turn right-side-out, and embellish as you desire. I think cabled ones would look wonderful! I think I just might use this idea for next Christmas, gathering up wool sweaters from thrift stores over the year and felting them for stockings. Hmmmm...
Well, I need to go. Since Brandon's off for bereavement leave, we're going shopping to find him some appropriate clothing for the next 2 days--his suit no longer fits!
Friday, we received some terrible news. . .Brandon's grandmother--who was just here the day before, helping me cook and then clean all the dishes (the dishes had to be hand-washed)--had blacked out and fallen down her basement stairs while carrying her vacuum cleaner. Turns out, she had anemia (no one knew, not even she!) and it caused a brain aneurysm, making her black out. Her fall caused severe neck damage, and she never regained consciousness (as far as I know). A few hours later, she was gone. It was such a shock, since she was the healthiest out of all of our (mine and Brandon's) grandparents combined. The uncertainty we have now is, who will continue to take care of Clair, her husband? Right now, her sister is taking care of him. We are to drive to Bellefontaine tomorrow by 1 to be with family for the viewing times, and then again on Wednesday for the funeral.
In the midst of all this, minutes after receiving the first telephone call, I received a call from one of my dearest friends...she's expecting! Yay! A new baby to spoil! (Her name is withheld because not everyone knows yet...If you think you know who it is, try guessing again because I have several friends who might possibly fit the bill!!)
Needless to say, Friday was one of mixed emotions. I've been helping Brandon adjust to his grandmother's passing, and I've had to really restrain myself from truly bouncing off the wall over my friend's good news.
Despite all this excitement, I've been working on various gifts for the next few weeks. I finished my FIL's afghan for his birthday (yippee!), which he's been waiting on for a while now. I started both of my SILs' Christmas gifts, and began several sock monkey hats for my cousins and various friends for Christmas. Also on my to-do list are snowflakes, dishcloths, and another afghan for a friend who purchased the yarn. I keep praying that I get everything done and fast!!
I borrowed some Gooseberry Patch books from the library, and one of them had a great idea for recycling felted wool sweaters--you know, those sweaters that seem to shrink every time you wash them, only for you to discover they were wool and should have been hand-washed? Turns out, you felt them even more, turn them inside out, and cut out a stocking shape, using the neck of the sweater as the cuff of the stocking. You sew the sides together, turn right-side-out, and embellish as you desire. I think cabled ones would look wonderful! I think I just might use this idea for next Christmas, gathering up wool sweaters from thrift stores over the year and felting them for stockings. Hmmmm...
Well, I need to go. Since Brandon's off for bereavement leave, we're going shopping to find him some appropriate clothing for the next 2 days--his suit no longer fits!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Broccoli Bobble Bag Pattern
Okay, I decided to post the pattern here, so it goes along with the pics of the bag in my previous post. A couple of my friends and I were looking at it during the OSU Buckeyes vs Michigan game, and decided it looks like an upside-down broccoli spear, and since we like VeggieTales, I thought, why not? Hence, the name. Remember, since this will be felted, it will be HUGE as it is being worked up. I believe mine was about 2 1/2-3' long and about 4-6" wide.
You will need:
- 100% wool yarn--I used maybe 3 skeins of Bear Brand "Town 'n' Country" 2-ply which came in 2-pk 1.5-oz. skeins, and the other color came from a cone of Peruvian wool. I had purchased them from a thrift store on separated occasions, so some of them were used. I think different color mixes would make a great felted bag!
- US Size P hook
- Washing machine w/ hot wash/cold rinse cycle
- Cotton pillow case (not flannel, because it will pill)
- 3 yds. 1"-wide gross-grain ribbon
Ch 42.
Rnd 1: 2dc in 3rd ch from hook, and dc across, 3dc in last ch, dc across on other side of foundation ch, join to top of turning ch. Ch 3, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Dc around. Join in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 3.
Rnd 3: Dc in next 3 sts, *work a 4-dc bobble [(yo, insert hook, yo, pull hook through, yo, pull hook through first two loops) 4 times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook--3-dc bobbles will have one less] in next 2 dc, dc in next 4 dc. Rep from * across to where the the piece begins to curve around to the back. There should be 7 groups of 2 4 dc bobbles. Dc around to beginning of round. Join, ch 3.
Rnd 4: Dc in next 3 sts, work a 4-dc bobble in top of next 2 bobbles, dc in next 4 sts, (work 4-dc bobbles in top of next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 4 times, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 dc, dc in next 4 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 dc, (dc in next 8 dc, dc2tog) to end of rnd. Join, ch 3.
Rnd 5: Dc in next dc, dc2tog, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles) 4 times, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (dc in next 6 dc, dc2tog) to end of rnd. Join, ch 3.
Rnd 6: Dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (sk next dc, dc in next dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles) 4 times, sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next two bobbles, (dc in next 5 dc, dc2tog) around to end. Join, ch 3.
Rnd 7: Dc 2 tog, work 3-dc bobbles in bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next dc, (work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc) 5 times, dc in next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, dc across to end. Join, ch 3.
Rnd 8: Dc in next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, work 3-dc bobbles across to dc, sk next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, dc across to end. Join, ch 2.
Rnd 9: Work 3-hdc bobbles [(yo, insert hook, yo, pull through) 3 times, yo, pull through all loops on hook] across to dc section, hdc across to end. Join, ch 2.
Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 9, only w/ 2-hdc bobbles. Join, ch 1.
Rnd 11: Sc around. Join, ch 4.
Rnd 12: Sk 1 sc, dc in next sc, (ch 1, sk next sc, dc in next st) around. Join, ch 1.
Rnd 13: Sc in ea ch-1 sp and ea dc around. Join, fasten off.
By now, the bag should be about 2 1/2-3" across. Place your bag into a cotton (not flannel, as it will pill) pillow case, and place in your washing machine. Do not put anything else in there with it, as I found out the hard way! (I'm still picking of the thousands of little 'fuzzies'!) Throw a little laundry soap in (I just used my Tide), and set your machine on the longest setting with a Hot Wash/Cold Rinse. Once it's finished, you just take it out, and lay it on a flat surface to dry. You may even try hanging it on a plastic coat hanger, and hanging it for a day on your shower rod.
Cut your ribbon into three equal pieces. Weave one of the pieces through the eyelets of the bag and tie it in a bow. Take a second piece of ribbon and tie it around the post of one of the eyelets, with the tail leading downward, and tie the other end to the opposite end of the same side of the bag. Repeat this step with the third piece of ribbon. If you like, you can just weave the first ribbon through the eyelets and sew the tails to the inside of the bag and attach a pretty pin to the outside. Line your bag, if you desire, and you can even add a zipper (this will be easier to do if you line your bag at the same time!). Voila! Enjoy your new toy!
Friday, November 17, 2006
My Latest Creation!!
I started this last night at bible study (I can't just sit still...My hands have to be doing something, and I was praying with every stitch!). I plan to give it as a Christmas gift. It's my first felted project, and I will have the pattern typed up soon. I really like this bag so much, that I'm going to have to make one for myself when I get the time!! (I really have too many WIPs to work on at the moment!!
I used 100% wool yarn that I bought at a thrift store, working with two shades of green at the same time with a P hook. After I finished it, I felted it and let it dry flat (there really wasn't any other way to do it). I wove the fuchsia gross-grain ribbon through some beading at the top, and also used the same type of ribbon for handles. When I make my own, I might use a different color of ribbon, if I can find some in the color I'm imagining (I'm thinking a chocolate brown grossgrain, in a 1" width).
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wow! Two Posts In One Week!!
I haven't done this since my first couple weeks of writing this blog!! I must laugh at myself, though, because even though I am a SAHM, I would have thought I'd have more time to blog...*smacks forehead* What was I thinking?!?! I'm running after my 11-month-old, cleaning, cooking, crocheting, etc.
I started on the tunic for the bishop christening gown...Not sure yet what to call it, though...The sketch I drew looks quite pretty (although I'm no sketch-artist) and the squares are coming along quite nicely. I found two compatible pineapple squares at Celt's Vintage Crochet, which, when worked in #10 thread, come out to 3" and 6", respectively. They line up fairly well, too. Needless to say, I was rather excited about the match. Once the tunic is finished, I'm going to have to ask my mom to show me how to make a decent pattern with an existing garment. As I said before in a previous post, I found a couple vintage bishop-style dresses at a yard sale. The dresses are short (probably come to the knees or just above on a 1-yr-old), so I need to make the pattern quite a bit longer. The dress has smocking on the top, so maybe I could design a simple crocheted bodice? I don't know...We'll have to see. Perhaps soon I can work up a simple pattern for testing, but I don't know how that works since they're someone else's squares I'm using. Maybe I can just make the garments myself and sell them that way, or give credit in a short bibliography either at the beginning or the end of the pattern. I hope my dh has a program here on our pc that will allow me to "draw" the schematics for the dress...that or do some fancy rigging and repeat the squares in order that someone could duplicate the pattern as well in case I need assistance in making more for sales.
I hope sales pick up soon...I had to remove my Garcelle dresses from Rue de Lily in Powell because Karyn needed more room in the shop for her Christmas items. I want to sell dresses and also sell the pattern, but I need to research some more in order to establish a lulu or an etsy account. I've had encouragement from Drew the Crochet Dude to work with lulu.com because the publishing is easy and they don't charge much...I also probably need to get a ProPay or PayPal account so I can collect fees for the patterns, but I'm not sure I want to do that...Right now, I think I'd rather just have people send me the money via snail-mail, so I may just stick with that for the time being.
I started on the tunic for the bishop christening gown...Not sure yet what to call it, though...The sketch I drew looks quite pretty (although I'm no sketch-artist) and the squares are coming along quite nicely. I found two compatible pineapple squares at Celt's Vintage Crochet, which, when worked in #10 thread, come out to 3" and 6", respectively. They line up fairly well, too. Needless to say, I was rather excited about the match. Once the tunic is finished, I'm going to have to ask my mom to show me how to make a decent pattern with an existing garment. As I said before in a previous post, I found a couple vintage bishop-style dresses at a yard sale. The dresses are short (probably come to the knees or just above on a 1-yr-old), so I need to make the pattern quite a bit longer. The dress has smocking on the top, so maybe I could design a simple crocheted bodice? I don't know...We'll have to see. Perhaps soon I can work up a simple pattern for testing, but I don't know how that works since they're someone else's squares I'm using. Maybe I can just make the garments myself and sell them that way, or give credit in a short bibliography either at the beginning or the end of the pattern. I hope my dh has a program here on our pc that will allow me to "draw" the schematics for the dress...that or do some fancy rigging and repeat the squares in order that someone could duplicate the pattern as well in case I need assistance in making more for sales.
I hope sales pick up soon...I had to remove my Garcelle dresses from Rue de Lily in Powell because Karyn needed more room in the shop for her Christmas items. I want to sell dresses and also sell the pattern, but I need to research some more in order to establish a lulu or an etsy account. I've had encouragement from Drew the Crochet Dude to work with lulu.com because the publishing is easy and they don't charge much...I also probably need to get a ProPay or PayPal account so I can collect fees for the patterns, but I'm not sure I want to do that...Right now, I think I'd rather just have people send me the money via snail-mail, so I may just stick with that for the time being.
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