Out to dinner....

Well, tonight we went out to dinner with my son and his gal pal. My son had told us about this place that he thought my sweetie and I would like cause he knows how much we like cabin type places. Well, this place was cabin like but in a totally different way. It was really cool. This first picture shows the view from our booth.
There is stuff everywhere. It's like you don't have enough time to look at it all. Posters, beaded curtains, twinkle lights, you name it.
They also had this cool looking lamp...nothing I'd have in my house, but it was so unusual that we just had to take a pic.
This odd bride was hanging from the ceiling when you walked in....it really was the first thing you saw because she was so big. I'm sure there is a story behind it as, from what I understand, there is for most of the items in this family owned restaurant.
This cute piano player, who probably was at least 80 years old, sat there in his suit and tie playing the piano...we heard someone playing a coronet also, but I didn't see him/her.
Now you know of course, I had to throw in pictures of my son and his gal pal as well as my sweetie and me.


We had a very nice dinner and good conversation. It seems as though ever since my son got out of High School and into college, we have so much more fun with him. He actually asks us to go places with them. Like last week when we went to the movies; in his younger days, he wouldn't have sat next to us...like it was really uncool. Now he does...he actually wants to. It's like when those teenage years come, you have to watch them from a distance and try to guide them without them knowing but at the same time be right behind them ready to be there if, as Dr. Phil says, they need a soft place to fall. It's one of the hardest parts that I've experienced in my son growing up. They want you, but they don't want you...they hate you but they love you. It's really crazy. But I'm see him growing up and maturing somewhat and becoming his own person, ready to face the world. I sorta think that God just loans us our children.....we'll help them grow and guide them then send them on their way to start their own lives. Having an only child, I don't want him tied to my apron strings....I want him to have his own life, his own family, his own world as my mom did with us. We've given him the tools, showed him how to use them...now we want him to build a life. And most of all....we want him to be happy!!! We want him to follow his heart and his soul in finding what and who makes him happy and go with it....just be happy.
Ok, child rearing 101 is over...off to the rest of the evening. Enjoy yours...and till tomorrow....tootle-lu!

Just a mag review....

Not that much to say today so I thought I would do a little magazine review. It happened that two days and many dollars later, I got my little Ford Escort back from the mechanic. Well, I must say it was extremely dirty so I decided to go to the car wash. After sitting in a row of five cars (this is were you need to have a crochet/knitting project always in the car somewhere) I got my car cleaned. Now I wanted to see if it was running up to par, so I decided to take it for a spin to the book/magazine store. Okay...okay...so I was looking for a particular magazine and being as I was cooped up in the house for two days,(aside from work) at the mercy of my son who had his car, (actually mine, but I'm supposed to say it's his), I was itching to get to any store. So I came across this particular magazine by Vogue, called Knit Simple. It's theSpring/Summer issue.

What caught my eye was that it had crochet on the front and it's a knitting magazine. So of course I made myself comfortable on the floor of the book store and skimmed through it. I liked it enough to buy it. When I checked it out at home, it did have a bit of crochet in it which were the flowers on the front of the magazine. They also gave a little tutorial on crocheting in a back section and a really nice knitting one with supplies you need, etc...

Now what I liked about the magazine is that it has these little informational sections....sorta like little knitting tidbits, book reviews, new products, etc.

I'm not one for magazines that have nothing but the patterns, unless of course there are alot of patterns I want. There are patterns in it, from knitted sweaters for kids to adults, as well as some cool vests, the crocheted flowers and lots of ideas on where to use them, and a really neat knitted afghan made with 12 individual squares to represent each month. This I would bet you could make following the same pattern using the afghan stitch in crochet, with a couple of tweaks. I haven't read it all yet, but it looks interesting, especially if you're new to knitting or restarting after a long long absence, such as myself.
So, that's my blog for today...not much, but hey, most of you were probably out enjoying this beautiful spring weather anyway, as was I.
I want to finish a particular crocheted purse that will be felted....I can't wait to try my first felting. Hopefully this weekend I'll do some pics from crocheted purse, to washer, to felted purse...to finished product. Sorta like we're doing it together...hey, you'll get to see the inside of my washer....try to hold in your excitement. So, till tomorrow and the beginning of the weekend.....(OH YEAH)......don't let the "blog" hit ya in the butt on the way out!!!! Tootles!

I SHALL WEAR......

When I am an old woman
I shall wear purple,
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and
summer gloves. And satin sandals, and say we've
no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement
when I'm tired. And gobble up samples in shops and
press alarm bells. And run my stick along public
railings. And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain. And pick
flowers in other people's gardens.

And learn to spit...
But, maybe I ought to practice a little now? So
people who know me are not too shocked or surprised
when suddenly I am old and start to wear
purple.

- Jenny Joseph

And with that said, I shall begin with my purple slippers that have been on my percentage bars for quite awhile. The pattern for this is on my favorite patterns at the sidebar under Quick Slippers. I love these slippers. They are so easy to make and very comfortable and warm to wear. I think I could have 100 of them in every color and be perfectly content to wear nothing but these....for the cold weather of course. These ones have a cute trim made from yarn that I had received in my box of "winnings" from the contest on The Cats in my Craft Basket blog. It is a soft yarn called "(something) Bee" from Hobby Lobby and the color is "Frosting". We don't have a Hobby Lobby in my area but I'm sure any fun furry soft yarn will do....let your imagination go wild...add beads, fringe...whatever!

Now keeping in the purple theme...I was so excited to see little tiny buds on my purple lilac tree. So, of course, I ran out with the camera and took a picture.

My dog, Katie, as you can see in the background, looked at me as though I was losing my mind. But those first buds after a long winter are such a welcome site. I think my favorite thing is, after a long days rain or a couple of days, you go outside, and everything suddenly looks so green. It's like magically, overnight, someone came along and just painted everything...the greens are so bright....and the smells of that first warm spring day are absolutely incredible. I love living in Pennsylvania....I see the hills right outside my Kitchen window and the changing seasons on them...it's beautiful!!!!

So, I think....that when I am an old woman, I shall wear purple.....and live in Pennsylvania!!! Till tomorrow and one day closer to that first warm green spring day......

A quick and easy project..

Hi all...I found this quick and easy crochet project that I took on for my Project Linus blankets. Our chapter noted that though the baby blankets were wonderful, they were in need of blankets for older children. Our Project Linus newsletter also gives ideas for blankets and one was this quick and easy crochet trim for a fleece blanket.




It's two yards of fleece and about one skein of Red Heart worsted weight yarn. Now the pattern suggested that you get an awl and poke holes in the fleece about 1/2 inch apart and maybe a little less than that from the outside edge. Another suggestion, which I tried to do, was to hammer a nail into a piece of board and then just push the material down on it. Well, there I am pushing this nail into the material, my hand starting to hurt everytime it hit the board, at which time I opted to put on a pair of gloves. My sweetie-man said, "What are you doing?" When I explained, he said, "Why aren't you just using a hole punch?" I said,"That won't work....that 's for paper...this is material." He said, "Try it...humor me!" By golly gee whiz, if that didn't work like a charm. A nice 1/8 inch hole punch punched that material slicker than....slick! I whipped right through those punches and was on my way to crocheting. I used an F hook and did 2 single crochets in each hole. The second round is really up to your discretion. I did 1 single crochet, skipped a stitch, 5 double crochet in the next stitch, skipped a stitch, then back to 1 single crochet and so forth all the way around. It sorta ruffled a bit, but it turned out cute. Now I did see some really fancy baby blankets done on the web (just google crocheted fleece blankets) and the edgings were really elaborate. Mine is simple and it will be great for an older child...big and warm.
So, that's about it for tonight...Iwas messing on my blog today and took up most of my evening trying to teach myself more HTML tricks. I'm learning. So, off to sleep.....till tomorrow...happy crocheting and/or knitting!!!

Book reviews...

Hey...got some books in the mail today. I was waiting for them then all of a sudden they all came in on one day. So I'm going to give a little book review here.
The first one is the Crochet for Barbie.....

Okay call me crazy, but there is just something that draws me to that doll. My sister is the same way....must be something from our childhood. I actually think I wouldn't mind making the doll clothes and selling them. Well, anyway, I found this book on amazon at a pretty good price used so I bought it. The outfits in it are pretty cool....alot made with pearl cotton or Knit-Cro Sheen. Some of the yarns I've never heard of but I'm sure one shot on Google and I'd find them. The outfits are pretty up to date too. There's hats, ponchos, little purses, gowns, casual wear, Barbie afghans and pillows, outfits for Ken, even one for her dog. There are alot of cute sweaters and scarves and outfits for various seasons (a pumpkin sweater for instance). 75 in all. I think the crochet is done very well....by that I mean it matches the size of Barbie versus being too bulky for her. It's worth checking it out if you are into making small doll clothes.
The book next to that, Ready, Set, Knit...was one that I saw on someone's blog and for the life of me cannot remember whose it was. I'm sure it was someone on my favorite blog list. Seeing that I'm wanting to start to knit again, I thought it was worth a look-see on Amazon. Nice book with lots of detailed pictures and some cute patterns. Good price used.
Now these next books were a trial from House of White Birches.

If I don't like them, I can return them postage free. My only problem with these, were that, for me, the patterns sorta reminded me of the 1970's. But someone else may love it. Trying it out for free...what the heck. But I'll be honest with you, I'll probably send it back. It came with the Quick and Easy Scrap Projects which I would pretty much give the same review....a little 70's for me. Don't get me wrong, some cute bookmarks and stuff, but I'm honestly trying to find new and updated looking stuff. I was a little disappointed in both. It may be what you are looking for....so I'm sure if you Google "House of White Birches" you'll find it.....may be too new for Amazon, but give it a try.
From everyone's comments on my cat, I guess cats all have their hangups.....A couple people suggested a 12-step program, which I thought was hilarious....but a good thought. I haven't even begun to tell you about my dog who likewise cannot hold his "licker"...except her drug of choice is the livingroom rug, walls, doors, and the inside of her doghouse. (not to mention SHE humps one particular pillow on the couch when no one is around) Where do I find these animals anyway...gotta love 'em.
Well, with that....I'm off to crochet land. Enjoy your evening and don't forget to get your daily dose of humor at THE FUNNY PEPPERS! (Hey, check out Candel In TheWind too.....she made a cute sock monkey and has some cute stories to tell!) Till tomorrow...

A family secret....

Well, it's finally happened. We have to face the inevitable in our home. We've tried to deny it...tried to ignore the warning signs, but it's just gone on for way too long. We don't know if it's genetic or possibly something we have subjected him too when he was small. It's a sad situation and we feel that we may have to have some type of intervention.....but, yes.....our.....our
okay...I'll just come right out and say it....OUR CAT CANNOT HOLD HIS "LICKER"!

Whew....that wasn't easy. Yes, our cat is a LICKER...he's addicted to plastic. He licks it in the morning...in the afternoon...he sneaks into the garbage can at night and pulls out any plastic bags he can find. Yesterday, he hit rock bottom when he threw up on the window sill after "binge licking."
He's even gone so far as to pull out the little wrapped packages of hygiene products from the bathroom just to lick the plastic. He cries at the bathroom thinking that I'm throwing them away without his knowing. I'm guilty of contributing to his addiction, I admit....I'm an enabler! Is there a Dr Phil for cats and their owners?
I just wanted to get that out in the open before you think I'm who I'm not.....yes....I admit...I have an addicted cat! Now you know it.....
Okay...with that out craziness out of the way.....I'm going to bed.....that was too stressful for me.....so, till tomorrow......don't let the cat get your tongue....(he-he) Tootles! P.S. Thanks for all the nice compliments on my pics yesterday...you guys are great!

Project Spectrum update

Ok, seeing as I hadn't posted too many pictures for Project Spectrum, I thought I would devote this blog post to it. I think Project Spectrum was such a cool idea. I mean, there is no timeline to finish or anything you really need to do other than be more aware of the colors in our world. What a great idea...hats off to Lolly of Lolly Knitting Around of comming up with it. I'm already thinking about next month's colors. And that is what it is all about...being more aware.
My first picture is of the most beautiful roses I had ever seen that were sent to me for Valentines Day 2005 when my sweetie couldn't be with me that day.

The picture is a little blurry and doesn't do them justice, but I thought they were absolutely gorgeous. I managed to dry them right in my office and they still are hanging there as beautiful as ever.
My second red, is a santa hat.

Actually it's a toilet tissue cover for my bathroom that I made for Christmas. The reason this is so special is that I took at pattern of another kind of toilet tissue cover (I think it was one for the 4th of July) and made it my own. I don't normally if ever do that. Usually I need to have that pattern right in front of me. It was a small project but it gave me a little confidence in designing something on my own. (if you knew me and my NEED for patterns, you would understand this was a real feat for me!)
This next picture is a rag quilt I made out of flannel for my son's gal-pal's 16th birthday last year.

I did it because I really think she is special and I really don't know anyone whose favorite color is red. So I just red-i-fied it...I don't think that is a word. It was very warm and very snuggly and she loved it.
Next is a picture of Adagio Tea.

Now, I am a die-hard coffee drinker. I do like tea once in awhile, but I put cream and sugar in it as my parents did for us when we were growing up. Rarely, if ever, do I drink it without...usually only with a bad head cold. Now everyone had these Adagio Tea buttons on their blogs. It was sorta like the signature drink for people who love yarn...what the heck, I would try it. It's only sold online (see my button for it) and it is by far (when made correctly and not overbrewed) the best tea I have ever ever tasted. I use honey in it and religiously drink a cup everyday now. I am "hooked-lined-and sinkered" on this stuff. No cream...no sugar....just honey!!! Smooth and not a bitter drop in it....WOW! The first time I made it, I thought it was so pretty...is that crazy? So I took a picture of it. (Don't worry...I still love my coffee)

Last is a picture of a quilt that has nothing whatsoever to do with Project Spectrum, but I promised Amy from The Calico Cat (a new blog I read) that I would post this.

My niece, whom I love dearly, married the man of her dreams, last year. I wanted to do something that would blow their minds, so I made this wedding ring quilt. It took me a year, and had some crazy amount of pieces. I did the entire thing by hand, pieced and quilted, and I included some memorable pieces of material in it from things I made from her childhood as well as material symbolizing things that her and her new husband enjoyed. I also included material from an old dress my mom (who lives in heaven now) used to wear quite alot around the house. Needless to say, it was a tremendous project for me. Lots of tears when the family read the letter I put with it. I haven't been quilting as long as I've been crocheting and I'm a self-taught quilter...but, once again, I had a pattern and sometimes that's all I need. I always say, I can reproduce anything....but don't make me think it up myself. I admire so many of you out there who can pick up a skein of yarn and come up with these beautiful projects and patterns all from your head. Now I think THAT is talent!!!!
Well, so much for tonight.....Cops and America's Most Wanted, along with a crochet project or two are on my agenda for the night...sitting next to my sweetie-man of course. Enjoy your evening and don't forget to get your daily dose of humor in THE FUNNY PEPPERS (remember...best viewed in Netscape or FireFox). Hasta manana, mi amigos (didn't know I could speak Spanish, did ya...I can't really) Tootles!

Let's recycle...

Okay...we're going to try something different. I was reading Brandy's blog at Crochet Nut and she was crocheting with rag strips and it brought to mind something I've heard of and always want to try........

That's right....plastic grocery bags. I think this is so cool. I immediately thought, "heck, I got a ton of those." Well, it turns out I don't have nearly as many as I thought believe it or not....but I can come up with something. I know, I know..you're saying...didn't you just start a purse yesterday. Yeah, I did and I'm working on it. As far as this goes with the plastic bags, I have to cut these and put them together and then put them in ball....so it sorta like something I'll do on the side just for the fun of it. (along with all the other stuff on the side I'm doing) Just for your reference, here are three links to crocheting with plastic bags that I think you might enjoy:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35668.asp

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/round%20plastic%20bag%20tote.html

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Plastic%20Bag%20tote.html

The last two sites I think have really cute bags. I'm sure you could knit with the same plastic bags. I've never seen knitting tho. I've also seen rugs crocheted too. I imagine you could you use any kind of plastic. Sometimes you can get those cheap kitchen bags in different colors. Let me know if you've ever tried it. Don't worry...I'm still working on my felted bag....that is most important....that and my shawl swap project.

Oh, well, I also got my postcard swap recipient today in email. I'm anxious to see what I can come up with in yellow and oranges. This will definately be fun....I usually go to a craft store near us called Pat Catan (anyone have those) and I'll be looking around there tomorrow for some ideas, in addition to buying a skein of yarn or two that I don't need...he-he!
Well, not much more to say tonight....gonna go read some other blogs on my bloglines....I feel like life is passing me by when I don't read them everyday and I am behind!
So, till tomorrow... and the beginning of the weekend...oh yeah!!!! Tootles!

Poopy is over...

Okay...I'm back to reality...and feeling great. My poopy mood is over. First off, I got this cool book in the mail today, 200 Crochet Blocks.

I'm a big fan of Amazon.com. I saw this book somewhere and got it used off of Amazon for less than the book store cost with shipping. 200 crochet blocks...that's alot! Haven't checked them all out yet, but it seems to have every possible block you could make. I look at it as 200 different patterns...so needless to say, I'm happy.
And I started a new project. Don't moan...I had to. The purse I am using had a leaky pen in it and so I have to make another....right? Anyway, it gives me an excuse to try my first felted project. Dawn's Well-Traveled Bag that I've been dying to try.
Got the yarn from Knit Picks (that place is cheap) and I'm on my way. I will finish this one...guaranteed. I fell in love with this bag the first time I saw it. Here's the start...looks huge...but that will change I'm sure. I'll let you see the end results.

In the middle of that pic is my Mini Kacha Kacha.....or row counter.

I'm terrible with numbers...I wasn't in line when God was giving out memory for numbers.(must have been crocheting somewhere) This really helps. At least I can remember to click it everytime I finish a row. (don't laugh..wait till you get 9 months away from 50!)
So, just wanted to show you some stuff. I spent so much time on the computer yesterday, I really want to crochet tonight...and by golly I will!
So, you all take care....don't forget to read THE FUNNY PEPPERS (best viewed in Netscape or Firefox) and enjoy your evening!!! And remember......tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

No pictures...only a post!

Okay, first of all, I want to thank all you wonderful bloggers who read my blog for the kind comments. I tried to leave a comment back to thank you on your blogs....(note to Turtle Heart: my comment wouldn't stay on your blog for some reason...but thanks) If I missed you....thank you! You guys are the best!!!
Second...I have no pics to post because I'm going to send you to the blog "candel in the wind." Why? Because my dear friend Courtney (whom I've adopted as my internet little sister) wanted a new background. Well, I've only changed my background and that wasn' t real hard because they gave you the code and you put it in and BINGO, everything fell into place. Well, just like a real "little sister", Courtney wanted something different....and as I love a challenge, I just had to figure it out. It was quite different to say the least with downloads and a few different files with html codes. And being as I really never did this before January, I'm pretty damn pleased with the results. Whether Court will like it, I don't know. It still needs a few tweaks (love that word) here and there but it worked. The best part about it was that I learned so much in the past 3 hours (almost midnight now)! My brain is fried but happy!!!! I really really love a challenge. Once at work, they needed someone to type out a Power Point presentation. My boss asked me if I ever did it. I said nope...but I'd be more than happy to give it a shot. Damn if that power point presentation didn't make the front page of the newspapers....ok, the picture of the guy giving the presentation was on the front page, but he was pointing at the presentation I did on the computer. Cool, eh? Boy did I learn alot on that one. When I got my job, I had to take a test beforehand. When I was done, the lady said, "well, your low point is the computer." (go figure) Well, in the past seven years, I taught myself (along with the help of my sweetie and little from my son) a ton. People come to ME and ask questions...and I never had a lick of computer training. But that is how it is with most stuff I do. I work better alone...never liked to work in groups. Probably everyone has something that they've done like that...self taught. I think it's great when you can do that. Whether it's a new craft, a new recipe,.....teaching yourself something and succeeding is a real "high". It's sorta like running a "brain marathon" and coming in first place. Ya know, if everyone tried to learn one little thing everyday....well, just think about it! So, check out "candel in the wind" and tell me what you think...good and bad. It's not perfect by no means...but it's sorta cool and leaves alot of room to add on. So until tomorrow....don't forget to read The Funny Peppers for your dose of humor and release those endorphins...till the 'morrow...later gator!

A little wordy....

Okay...I was going to vent here a little but I decided that it's really not my style. Well, yea it is but I do it quickly and sometimes I get a little wordy...so I don't know if I should really go there. Okay, I will...but only for a moment. I want to keep my blog upbeat...ya know...but sometimes I let my thoughts get the best of me and forget exactly why I'm writing. I started my blog to share patterns and ideas with people who enjoy what I do. But sometimes I venture where I shouldn't and see people's blogs who are bigger than mine, have a huge following...I'm talking HUGE!!! And then that green-eyed monster pops up and I feel like a failure. It's sorta like, you love your house and feel so comfy in it and worked so hard to get it the way it is until you go to someone else's house or another well-off neighborhood, then all of sudden you come back to your house and it doesn't look so nice or feel so comfy anymore. We've all done that...and then the feeling passes and you're back to loving your own house again. I liked my blog....I was proud of my blog....till I saw another with tons of comments and then I came back to mine and said to myself..."boring!" But it really isn't....I'm happy and I want to share my happiness, my patterns, my crafty thoughts, my corniness, (is that a word?) my comfy home and those who live here, just as other bloggers want to. I should mind my own blog and the purpose of it.....sharing something I love. Everyone has there reasons for blogging and I shouldn't try to change mine so I can get more comments....that would be nuts cause then you wouldn't know the real me. So with that thought in mind...I shall continue the best I know how. If anyone wants to read it...fine.....if not...fine too. I'm going to write about my love of crafts and patterns and crochet....I can't be anything I'm not, nor should I try to be. (I'ld still love to know the secret to a huge following)
Okay, now that I vented that thought....I told you I can get wordy...I can literally beat a subject to death.....literally! I didn't spank my son when he was little....nor did I ground him....but boy could I talk and talk and talk......if he did something that upset me, all I had to say was, "we'll talk later" and he was a wreck. I didn't yell....I just talked ALOT! He'd come back in the house five minutes later and say, "Could we 'talk' now and get it over with?" He was so cute!!! Now he's BIG cute and a damn good kid if I do say so myself and when he's upset....he talks...and talks (sometimes at midnight, unfortunately)....gosh, wonder where he got that from....it all comes back around.
Now, I want to show you a book I got in the mail. It's one from the Crone-Findlay Collection called Spool Knitting Treasures. It's really nice.

This is something the kids would enjoy too on a rainy afternoon. She makes these dolls from the small 4 or 6 peg spool knitters and just uses yarn scraps and such. And get this, there are even directions to make a hand made spool knitter with stuff that you are sure to have in the house. Great instructions too...I can't wait to get started. So check it out....her button is on my sidebar also.
Well, it's off to American Idol tonight.....down to 11 contestants...who gets the boot this week!!!
Thanks for listening to me...I really feel better now. So, as the farmer said as he fell off the cart....."I'M GONNA HIT THE ROAD NOW!" Till Tomorrow....Tootles!

HOP INTO SPRING!!!!

HAPPY SPRING!!! Okay, so we're getting a couple of inches of snow tomorrow, but I did hear the birds chirping loud and clear this morning....so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...and it's beautiful!!!
With that thought in mind, I want to share a special pattern with you. It's one that I wanted to share at the right moment...and what better moment than now. Introducing the adorable "Milk Jug Bunnies:

Aren't they cute!! I've made many of these in the past. I got the pattern from an old Workbasket Magazine (remember those) but recently found it again on a site called
Gramma's Easter Site. She calls them "squeeze bunnies". They are made from milk jugs and yarn scraps. The more you make the more you'll want to make if only to see the different colors. And with all the new yarns, the possibilities are endless. I would suggest that you make at least one with worsted weight yarn before attempting any other kind of yarn so you can see where the stitches are. The middle white bunny is made from a soft fun fur. I only did two stitches when using fun fur in each hole versus the three called for when using worsted weight yarn. Crocheting in the plastic does give your wrist a workout, but it's worth it when you see how cute they are. Then you fill them with all sorts of Easter goodies and the kids love 'em. (adults too) Let me know how you like them and get those pics on your blogs.
So start saving those milk jugs. And remember to get your daily dose of humor at
THE FUNNY PEPPERS. One more thing, I think I mentioned this before, but it's worth mentioning again. If you are viewing THE FUNNY PEPPERS in Internet Explorer you will only get half the experience. For some reason, over half the stuff on his site doesn't show up and it literally looks like nothing. I am a fan of IE (internet explorer) but Mozilla Foxfire is nice to have as a backup. Download it...takes two seconds and just have a shortcut on your desktop for when IE is giving you trouble. Who knows, you might like it better than IE. THE FUNNY PEPPERS is really nice on Mozilla Foxfire with lots of links and games....definately worth a "look-see" (and not just because he's my sweetie-man either...he did a nice job on the site) Netscape also works well....well with that bit of info... Till tomorrow!

A Prophet Soul...

Saw this on a few people's blogs today and you know what a sucker I am for quizzes:

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone. Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people. Sometimes this faith can lead to disappoinment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way. You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings. A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning. You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Post your results on your blog and/or leave me a comment so I know the results...looking for a Bright Soul and Dreaming Soul!

Enjoy your Sunday....and the LAST DAY OF WINTER....OH YEAH!

It's all about the Endorphins...again!

Okay, I know that you are tired of hearing about this...but I'm really concerned about the many bloggers I read who are stressed. Most of you are around 20 years younger than me and it pains me to think that you are going to live out the next 20 years this way. I managed to find a picture of me before.....before Crochet...before Yarn....before any type of needlework that truly meant something to me....Before...dare I say it again....ENDORPHINS!!!! Check it out:


I was stressed....believe it or not. I was as stressed as you. But now my life is different....now that I know how to release those endorphins by crocheting my little heart out I have turned into this:

Now my sweetie helped to relieve some of my stress but that's me today...stress free and happy.....and you can be too. Release those endorphins....let go of your inhibitions....why heck...CROCHET NAKED!!! (okay, maybe I'm going a little too far)
Wouldn't that make a hell of a title for a book...THE NAKED CROCHETER! (we could all like take pictures of ourselves naked with yarn covering us in certain spots and have a calendar and...ok, bad idea)
Okay, now back to reality....I just wanted to make you laugh a little...don't you feel better now....(psst...you've released some endorphins...mmmm...nice, eh!) Anyway, in truth the second picture is me with my Project Linus completions of which I've pictured in the past...the pink and white one is the Olympic one. It really is a good feeling to give back a little.
Well, today I reorganized my craft area a little and bought this great yarn bin a JoAnn Fabrics. I get into these moods where I just want to reorganize and clean out (I'm not a duster or a sweeper much but I am a "redder upper" as we say in Pittsburgh) Ya know...everything in it's place and a place for everything....tho it can have an inch of dust on it. So I'm pretty happy with that cause now I know where everything is and what needs to be completed. My Sweetie was working on his blog today and you have to check it out. He's added his ever famous guacamole recipe and some links to games and such plus some funny jokes....he is loving doing this. Now if you use Internet Explorer for some reason his blog is wacky colors. If you use Mozilla Foxfire or Netscape it's normal....he explains in his second post. Anyway, you gotta check him out. His link is The Funny Peppers...go ahead and let yourself release more of those endorphins.
Well, my sweetie-man is making beer can chicken....mmm, mmm, mmmm. Hey, it's not difficult and Walmart has the stands for $2.00 to $3.00. Easy and little mess...I wish I could send you the delicious aroma of it cooking. Oh, well, till tomorrow....chill....I said so!!!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

The infamous Goose and Duck have come today in their very green attire to wish all of our blogger friends a St. Patrick's Day full of corned beef and green beer.

Their outfits were created from the Annie's Attic Goose and Gander Parade Crochet ensemble. Check out http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/detail.html?prod_id=6023 for the details on this catalog that gives you something for every month of the year to dress that goose of yours. And what a buy at only $2.99. Easy too!

Well, that's about it for today....Erin go Braugh (or go without one...what the heck) Till tomorrow...

Short and sweet....

Don't konk me on the noggin'
'Cause I had no time for bloggin'
My sweetie came home joggin'
And our windows now are foggin'

(get the picture?)
See ya all tomorrow!!!

New blogger alert!

We have a new blogger in our world....please check out my dear dear friend (I wish I could adopt her as my little Sister) Courtney and her blog www.candelinthewind.blogspot.com
No...she didn't misspell candle....(the real "candle" was already taken). Anyway, please give her a nice welcome...she promises to blog often and show pics....she'll be adding things to her blog and doing some tweeking here and there...please help this new little fledgling along...she's a sweetie-pie! (psst...leave her a comment or two and maybe add her on your "blogs to read" list. She is a member of Crochetville also.
(okay, Courtney....I'll email my address for the $100...just kidding!!!)

Okay the next agenda item...have you ever heard of "kick the cat" syndrome? I live by it...it keeps me from getting annoyed at everyone who yells at me or talks nasty to me on the phone...or just about anyone who tries to get under my skin. 9 times out of 10, when someone, anyone, is upset about anything and they cannot voice it directly to that person, it has to come out somehow...excuse me....but it's like when you're sick to your stomach (it's gonna come out one way or another most of the time...get the picture?) I truly believe that when someone jumps on me about something...something else is bothering them...not me...I am the cat....the one who is going to get "kicked" so that that person can feel better...sorta like slamming a door when you are mad. Well, yesterday, I was the proverbial "cat" TWICE...I won't tell you the sad details...but for some reason two people whom I dearly love....one who had a long hard day at work and the other just didn't feel well due to allergies...decided to KICK ME!!!! (yeah, me...go figure!) They actually both apologized but not without me holding back tears a couple of times (getting near that time of the month too).
So you know what I turned to....ENDORPHINS!! That's right....those happy little neurotransmitters that are released in your brain when you are doing things you enjoy immensely...(google it). aka Runner's High.
And, the only way to do that, was to crochet myself silly.....and guess what?...I completed a UFO....that's right, one of the projects on my percentage bars is gone because...ta-da....here it is:



And, damn, if I didn't feel like a million bucks afterwards. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons. Or, better yet, if you read my comment from the "Pittsburgh Pepperhead" (aka "my sweetie...don't forget to check his blog out)....I sorta was like that donkey...piled with dirt but I just kept on climbing out. This particular afghan is the Peppermint Puff afghan that will be going to Project Linus. I took a pic without a flash because the colors were more apparent. I hope you can see it well. It's really soft. It's done with Red Heart Baby Clouds..a multi color one (pink lemonade, etc...). You can't really see the sideways pattern on it but it's nice and warm due to the bulky yarn.

So, for all you bloggers who are sick of Winter...getting depressed by the cold temperatures....don't kick a cat...CROCHET...KNIT....do what you LOVE!!! Increase those ENDORPHINS! And remember....I told ya so! Till tomorrow!

Right side or left side....

I am basically a right brained person according to this....check this out! (had this sent to me...I made a few notes of course)

This is bizarre-after you find the guy-it's so obvious. Once you find him-it's embarrassing, and you think, Why didn't I see him immediately?




Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffe beans in 3 seconds, (which I did believe it or not) your right half of your brain is better developed than most people. (go figure cause I always think of myself as the typical dumb blonde....). If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, your right half of the brain is developed normally If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes (switch to decaf...just kidding), the advise is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!! And, yes, the man is really there!

Cool, eh? Okay, then once I found this out I had to go to a website to learn more (must be that right brain working) Check this out for a cool quick quiz:
http://www.web-us.com/brain/braindominance.htm
BUT this quiz said I use my left brain more.....now what's that about? That must mean I'm a GENIUS!!!!.....GO FIGURE!
Okay, now that you know a little more about yourself, ( and me ) so go back to your needlework. (and for those of you who saw a bunch of little men and only one coffee bean.....sorry, I'm not that certified to help you!)

Also, I've been behind on reading my comments...I'm sorry....I love you all and as I want to please everyone (there goes that left brain again) what would be the best way to answer everyone....you guys blog more than me, so give me some hints...or if I have any questions for you. Is is better to answer on your blog, my blog, my comments, or just email you? What's a blogger to do? (remember...you are my teachers....I am the student)
As for my new background on my blog, I went to http://blogger-templates.blogspot.com/ said a short prayer to my blog angel, saved my entire blog template in my documents on my computer, then just looked to see what it was that I needed to replace. I kept comparing my old blog with the new html code that the site gave me. I did it sorta hit and miss style but I knew that with the backup of my entire template, I could always go back to what I had. Now I am postive there is a MUCH easier way to do that....I am so new at this, I just kept studying and trying to figure out how things worked (left brain or is that right brain).
Also, thank you for all the wonderful comments on my pictures and stuff. You guys are great. Okay...tomorrow....full details on my gyny appointment...just kidding....I may tell you about my theory on how not to have a long wait in the waiting room though....hasta manana!

Storms a comin...

Well, I really don't have too much to say tonight. Storms are heading our way and will definately drop the temperature to the point that we are back to snow flurries or showers tomorrow. So, I figured, just in case the power goes out, (which it usually just blinks if anything) I better post something.
Thanks to some helpful suggestions, I've signed up to bloglines which is great cause it saves me more time to crochet and post on my blog. So thanks to Sue for mentioning it to me and in turn one of my favorite readers (among many) the ever popular "crochet mom" (and her cute velcro monkeys) has said that she would sign up also.
Now, I think I'm going to crochet....actually I really really really need to finish a number of unfinished projects.....and if so many bloggers did not mention that they too have many unfinished projects....I would have long ago joined "CA" (crocheters and/or crafters anonymous...did I spell that right?) But instead...I figure I'm normal. (yeah, right!)
Okay, that's it for tonight...oh crap, just remembered I have to go fold a load of laundry first.....BIG UGH, especially the socks!!!! Well, till tomorrow....stay cool!

My Sunday Project

Okay, it's rainy and dreary outside so what better time than a Sunday afternoon to work on small projects. The first project was to mat a picture for a friend of mine with a mat cutter I bought but never used. That was sorta easy. (I know how to use it now) The second was with wood. I wanted a knitting loom that was smaller than the 12 peg ones and I couldn't find any on the internet or in stores. So, I decided to make one out of wood. With the help of my sweetie who picked out what I might be able to use, I came up with this:

What this is is the top of a small round wooden box which I cut a hole in with my scroll saw then drilled holes for the pegs. I did a bit of wood burning on the sides and top, stained it and then varnished it. Now whether it will work is another story...I'll let you know.
I do have to tell you about the slick wood burning tool I used on this. It's called Hot Marks:



It has all these tips that you can use to burn into anything from wood to paper as well as cutting stencils. It's actually sold as a tool for scrapbookers but I'm sure you creative folks in the postcard swaps would have a blast with this. Check out www.walnuthollow.com for more info. I believe I got mine online from JoAnn Fabrics who may also have them in their stores as well as other craft stores....may be in the scrapbooking section though. (not too expensive) It's alot of fun but it is HOT! Definately not for the little ones (I have a burn on my thumb to prove it!).
Check it out.
Well, that's it for now....Oh, before I forget, a question for Sue...what are bloglines and how could they help me in seeing who has posted in my Favorite Blogs. (Or anyone else who wants to answer for that matter). I love to read everyone's blog but it would be easier and quicker if I knew when they had a new post.
Okay...off to the needle and yarn...till tomorrow! And remember...wherever you go, there you are! Tootles!

Here comes the Bride..

As I promised, it's wedding day at the Folk 'n Fancy blog. Ok, here's the scoop. A long time ago, in a land, far far away,...shortly after I was married (and before my son was born)...I crocheted...ALOT! I have a niece whose was at the time very little (and is now a beautiful newlywed) and I used to make all sorts of things for her. I must have crocheted some Barbie clothes for her also, but I decided to attempt something that I always remember wanting when I was little and that something was a Barbie wedding gown. So, I crocheted one. It was beautiful if I do say so myself. I actually did alot of it on a vacation from Pennsylvania to Florida. Well, during various moves and happenings in my live (namely my divorce) it sorta got messed up, then misplaced, etc... Last week I was determined to find this beautiful work of art that I honestly don't know if I could do now because of the teeny tiny work involved (I was in my twenties then...now I'm close to the big 50!). I did find her but she was pretty messy...her gown was really yellow with some nasty stains and her hair was dusty...ugh! Well, I cleaned her up, washed the gown in a solution of dish liquid and mild bleach and now I can present her to you.
So, ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, the beautiful, the lovely, the lady who doesn't look a day over 50 (tho in reality she is)....BRIDAL BARBIE AND HER FABULOUS CROCHETED WEDDING GOWN (done by none other than "moi").....

Check out the detail of the tiny pearl beads I sewed (I can barely see them now thanks to aging eyes) I also sewed pearl beads down the back at the opening, on the scallops at the bottom, around the lace veil, and (if you look closely) going down the lower sleeve. I almost feel like this was done by someone else as it was so long ago....I truly don't know if I could do it now.

Okay, the book that it came from was the 1984 McCall Fashion Doll Wedding. If anyone would like the directions, I would be more than happy to mail you a copy of the directions for this particular gown...being I'm so new at this, I may be able to email them also; it's just that I don't know how well my scanner will do.(if you have any ideas, let me know) This book is probably out of print, but I'm giving you a picture of it anyway below. It has other bridesmaids gowns and such also. (both knitted and crocheted)


It was alot of work and unless you are up to the challenge, don't bother. I really don't think it was that difficult...just time consuming.

I gotta tell ya though, if you google "crocheted Barbie clothes" there are alot of sites with free patterns...some even have a wedding gown.

Well, that's it for wedding day....enjoy your evening and your Saturday...I know I will!!! Till tomorrow...."May I pronounce you...HOOK and YARN....you may now begin to CROCHET!

DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL....!

It's still me....new face...different blog!!! How do ya like it??? I was nervous about doing it...I thought long and hard...but then I said, "heck, I'm not getting any younger; why the hell (I even said Hell) not?" I studied it long and concentrated on the changes...would I look right...would everyone approve....would my family still love me (I sound like I'm getting major botox!) Anyway, I did it and with alot of tweeking it worked. I love the look. But you say," why?...why change?" I can answer that in one simple word...okay two..."DAIRY QUEEN"! That's right...Dairy Queen! The Dairy Queen by my house is officially open and that means that SPRING is just around the corner....not to mention I saw a robin, a bunch of those annoying little gnats, a dead fly in my dog's water (it must have been flying a few minutes before!), and geese flying northward! The temperatures got into the sixties....and I'm very close to doing that yearly Pittsburgh ritual...namely, driving with the windows of my car down and the heater running! (and dare I mention, wearing shorts with a sweatshirt!) Ah....it's SPRING!!!! (or something close to it) So, naturally, I felt like a bit of house cleaning, or rather blog cleaning and now that I know a little bit more of what I'm doing, I might just do it a little more often!
Okay, next subject....I bought this book of patterns called, "Our Lady Of The Hours." It and it's creator were featured in a recent issue of "Crochet Fantasy" (which is a very nice mag by the way....much better than it used to be) Anyway, I put a link on my sidebar for her so you can check it out. (Crone-Findlay Creations) She does this whimsical spool knitting with dolls which are adorable as well as small crochet items and dolls. I actually just ordered another of her books about the spool knitting dolls. It reminds me of free form crochet in a way....with a little bit of "meditation" thrown in...and God knows, we all could use a little of that! Anyway, I'll post what I create, but do check her out. Her books are very nicely bound also.
Well, I'm tired of working on this computer tonight and I think I've more than made up for missing yesterday as certain people complained (you know who you are...ah, um!) Anyway, check back tomorrow...I think tomorrow just may be "Wedding Day" at the Folk 'n Fancy Blog....not mine....Barbie's! (think about it!) Tootly-do!

Not to worry...

Ok...so I didn't blog yesterday. I had good reason. I was about to blog and then I needed something out of a magazine and spent over an hour looking for it. When I finally gave up, I found what I was looking for but was too tired by then. So I went to sleep. (plus my sweetie came home early....okay!!!!???) Well, will probably blog a bit later so check me out...back to the old grind! Tootles!

Time for a little test. Sorta like those "ink blot" tests. Tell me, what you think this picture looks like?


Well, I thought it looked like some nice soft yarn in lovely shades of pink and purple. I said, "mmm, this would make a nice background for my computer." So, at work, that's what I did. Now don't you know that people (whose names I shall not mention) said that this picture looked like someone's BUTT!!! Do you believe that? A BUTT...of all things! So needless to say, I changed my desktop wallpaper to look like this....


I saw no butts in this, nothing offensive, nothing gross....okay, okay...maybe I did see a little bit of a Butt in the other picture...but, shhhh...that's just between you and me...got it! Seriously though...we all did have alot of fun with that picture....but we always do at work! If you want a yarn wallpaper, just go to: http://www.deskpicture.com/DPs/Miscellaneous/yarn_2.html If you want the BUTT wallpaper just go to: http://www.folkcatart.com/Wallpaper/Wallpapers.htm
Okey, dokey...till tomorrow...oh, before I forget, check out my new flickr badge in the sidebar...some pics of the most fabulous, romantic, dream vacation I every had that we took last year.....Barbados with my sweetie....enjoy!

Okay...one more quiz...

I just love these....I'm a CARNATION....that's pretty close. (This one is from Dogwood Dreams blog---see my sidebar!)


You are a Carnation:

You are friendly, energetic, cheerful, and bubbly.

You love being around people. Outgoing and

talkative, you rarely meet a stranger. Others

feel at ease around you because of your

playful nature.

Symbolism: In Victorian times carnations were given

to show fascination with another. They also

symbolize friendship and whimsicalness.


Which Flower are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

AND WHAT FLOWER ARE YOU....?

Just a quicky...

Reflections in the Mirror (check out her blog on sidebar) always has great quizzes. Took one today. I guess I'm just a standard font. What are you?


Fixedsys - You are the person people go to when

they are having trouble with their computer.

Geeky but reliable.


What Font Are You? (Standard Fonts)
brought to you by Quizilla

Talk to ya all later....

Look what I got!!!!!!!!

It's Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up in one!!!! Check out what I got in the mail today......




It's my contest winnings from Amy at Cats in My Craft Basket (check out my favorite blogs). This was even more than I thought it was and it's even nicer than the pictures show. The yarn colors are fabulous and so soft. We don't have a Hobby Lobby in Pittsburgh (that I know of) so the patterns were great and I AM a purse-aholic so I'm anxious to start that. Being in the Stole/Shawl Swap in Crochetville, I may be using one of these yarns. Thank you so so much Amy, you had a great contest and you pick fantabulous prizes!
Ok, second thing I want to talk about is a new blog that I have posted in my favorite blogs. It's called "The Funny Peppers". It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with crochet or knitting or crafts of any kind.....BUT, you gotta check it out. It's pretty new right now and it's written by my sweetie-man who loves to write crazy stories. He writes alot for a site call The Spoof" which is just a bunch of made up stories that usually twist around current stories. He decided to list alot of the ones he has written. So click on his blog (do it for me) check it out, and read a story or two....they are sure to put a smile on your face. And don't be afraid to leave a comment...you are sure to make his day! (you know how much YOU love comments on YOUR blog!)
Well, that's about it for now.... gonna chill a bit and crochet of course! Thanks for reading...

AMIGURUMI WHAT?

Okay, I did my first amigurumi. I got a bunch of patterns, then sorta put them together and came up with an Amigurumi Sock Monkey. What do ya think?


I was pretty happy with him except I think I stuffed him a little too much in the belly. I'm not one to go out on my own with patterns, so this was highly unusual for me. Tho I noticed that the older I get, the more creative I get. (I'll be a genius at 100...mmmm) These amigurumi's are addicting...like I don't have three billion other projects going on. They are quick to work up for a break from the longer items. Makes me think that I really am capable of finishing something. The more I read blogs, the more I see that everyone has a billion projects going at one time....I feel so normal...whew!
As you can see, I've also joined Project Spectrum. I decided to put a picture of my diningroom table centerpiece I put together for Valentine's day but never changed yet. It's red and goes with the March theme.


You really do tend to look for red things to take pictures of. It really does make you notice colors more...weird, but fun! I think I'm going to enjoy this. I'm looking forward to the postcard swap with that also. I think I'm too late for March so I'll see what happens in April. Am anxious to start. I've met so many nice people online with blogging and in Crochetville. I just don't know that many people who enjoy what I do in regards to crafting....this is great!
Well, gonna do some crocheting then hit the hay. Till tomorrow and another day to craft....