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....

Check this out...

My son decided to do some cleaning.....this is what he came up with:


Now, keep in mind, my son (who is 18) keeps his room fairly neat for a teenager. He's like me where he doesn't like messes but it can have an inch of dust on it. (you know of course that dust is a protective covering for furniture). Anyway, all those bags, believe it or not, weren't from his room...these were from his closet....his CLOSET!!! NO WONDER HIS ROOM WAS SO NEAT....EVERYTHING WAS IN THE CLOSET....GO FIGURE!!!! These bags do not even include the stack of clothes that he didn't want anymore. First he'll try to sell them at a place called "playdoh's closet" for cash and if they give him any back he leaves it up to me where they go. So, needless to say there is a stack in that room at the end of the hall. I was afraid to look what was in all those bags, cause he tends to throw EVERYTHING out...I mean, in one box he didn't put in a bag there was money...he will throw everything out! I gotta tell ya tho, that room is spotless and you could literally live in the closet....really a good job. We got the garbage bags out so the hall is clear again but I ended up cleaning up another closet in the mean time and just couldn't stop. Then I started to find things that I thought I threw away, like patterns and yarn and stuff. Then I started looking for other things that I was determined to find and one thing led to another and I started my own pile of garbage bags. So all in all, I guess it was a good thing that he did that. I finally did get a chance to crochet a bit the results of which I will post tomorrow....its something small and cute...you'll like it!
Oh, and as for my 50th birthday...I did have a couple of comments in which the guess was correct....it's just a matter of whether I go through with it or not...hey I got 10 months to decide! Well, time for Cops on CourtTV...and a little crocheting of course....till tomorrow!

I love Saturdays...

Okay...I didn't do any crocheting today...but I love Saturdays! I slept in till 9:30 or so, and went out for a late breakfast with my sweetie and my son and his gal pal. Did a little shopping and bought some yarn. Got some patterns in the mail I was waiting for (will post in the next couple of days) and then took an afternoon nap....basically just chilled out. But I really don't lead a very stressful life (been there...done that) this was just a more "chilled" day!
I did have this idea today...it hit me when I was driving. Listen to this....this year I hit the big one...the big 50! But since I plan on living till 108, I'm really not even half way through with my life. Anyway, I wanted to do something special...something that would be memorable for me and a little bit rebel. Something that people would say, "why would you do that?" I can't tell you about it yet...but I have it in my mind. My birthday is not until December so I may change my mind...but I don't think I will. (no, I'm not jumping out of an airplane!) I did tell my family of my thoughts; my son said to go for it, my sweetie said he wouldn't do it, but if I wanted it then so be it basically. If you have some ideas on celebrating the big one, feel free to let me know....my idea isn't a definate....but I really do like it. Keep in mind, I have this tiny rebel streak in me....like the fact that my hair is past my waist is a little rebel for me....my son is afraid I'll have long gray hair one day....so I'll braid it and do one of those grandma wraps....sorta praire-like! I like to do things where people say, aren't you a little "old" for that....when in reality...it's what keeps me young! I love it! Okay, that's it for now....tootles!

This was way cool...

Okay, quick post cause I don't usually post this early but this was too cool. On the blog "what'ca been up too?" (see sidebar) this quiz was posted...I loved it...check it out!

You are Dishcloth Cotton.
You are a very hard worker, most at home when

you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly

born to clean. You are considered to be a

Plain Jane, but you are too practical to

notice.


What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Take it yourself...I really am a cotton dishcloth yarn.... except that should say "clean up" or as we say in Pittsburgh "Red-up"......that's me!!!

mmm..mmm.mmmm

Well, if you chose not to have hot dog soup for dinner, this is what you missed out on:




Oh, yeah and it was good and you are right, that is a little glass of White Zin with that....I do recommend a white wine rather than a red with hot dog soup. I also made, as you can see, a no bake Jello Oreo pie (my son and his gal pal love it). Let me know if you do try the hot dog soup and how you liked it.
Now, of course, I thought I would throw in a crochet tid-bit today also. I don't know if you have ever seen this done, but I was on this site of like 101 things to do with a 2 liter bottle and this happened to be one of them.


I don't know how well you can see it but all you do is cut the bottom of the bottle off, put in your yarn and just tape the bottom back with masking tape. Of course when you change yarns you will re-tape it again, but hey, it keeps the cat away and that's what I like it. Tho my cat has a tendency to lick plastic so I have a feeling he is going to do the same to the bottle....we'll see.
Well, that's it for tonight....I feel like crocheting a bit before turning in so stay warm...(if you would of had hot dog soup tonight, you would have definately been warm...he-he!) Ta-Ta

YOU ASKED FOR IT...

Ok, the above ingredients are all you need to make the one the only HOT DOG SOUP! Okay...are you ready.....take a deep breath....and here we go:

1. First you want to start boiling those hot dogs till they are done.

2. Peel your potatoes (by the way, potatoes are an optional ingredient, not necessary to make the soup). Cut the potatoes in nice bite size pieces and boil them till done. (not mushy)

3. While your dogs and potatoes are boiling, get yourself a nice big pot and dump in the cheddar cheese soup, bean with bacon soup, and baked beans. Fill two of the cans with hot water and dump that in the pot. Start cooking slowly mixing everything together till you get a nice smooth soup sorta thing. (don't boil)

4. Once your dogs are done, drain them and then while still warm, cut them into nice bite size pieces and put them in the soup also.

5. Once your potatoes are done, drain the water from them also, and dump them in the soup.

6. Stir everything together and heat till the temperature you like. (again, don't boil it) You just don't want it to burn and stick to the bottom. (unless someone else is doing the dishes)

7. Serve up in a bowl with a nice tossed salad and some warm bread and BINGO....you are done!

Well, that's it! I've given the world the recipe. (or at least the 10 people who read my blog)
That's it for now...gonna go crochet and watch American Idol. (maybe make some popcorn too!)
Oh, one more thing......with all those beans in the soup.....well, you get the picture! Toot...toot!

Check it out...

Well, well, well....look what finally arrived in the mail....three weeks after the SuperBowl...that's right, the infamous Yellow...oh, excuse me...JONQUIL yarn! Now, at last I can finish the Steeler Afghan and matching slippers. The problem is that I have so many other projects started that my hands really aren't into doing Steeler stuff right now....But, I'll see what I can do as my Sweetie really wants the afghan and slippers finished for him. I didn't get charged for the shipping as I said before and they also sent me a few patterns as you can see...so, I would order from them again if needed. Hey, I don't hold grudges.


Now, here is what I really want to talk about. How the heck do I get more hits on this blog...there has got to be a secret. I mean, I'm trying to write everyday....I'm even thinking about making up some patterns (though I've never done that before). Granted my pictures are not really exciting...but come on....I'm only averaging 20 hits per day and probably 1/4 of them are my own checking to see how many hits I'm getting. Maybe every great blogger has started out this way. I am trying to say "hello" to everyone on Crochetville so I can become a villager and join a swap (tho I'm not sure how that works, but it sounds fun). I've joined every web ring I can find....post comments on everyone's blog...heck, I even won a contest doing it...but, I can't get folks to visit me....please visit me....tell you friends to visit me.....tell your grandma to visit me.....READ ME!!!!!!!!! Okay, I feel better now that I've vented that. I do have one idea that may send me over the top though....I'm not anxious to reveal it....but, I think it's my last hope....that's right....a recipe....I just may have to give my top secret recipe for......for........are you ready.....(and I may post pics also)....HOT DOG SOUP!!! There I said it....I've tempted you with it....call all your friends cause tomorrow....I will post....my recipe (actually my "ex's" recipe) for HOT DOG SOUP!!!! Hope you can sleep tonight in anticipation....but I really think this is going to send me over the top with hits! Till tomorrow..... Lucy

I'm injured...

Would you believe I got an Olympic injury? Don't worry, it's not serious. The day after I stayed up late to finish my afghan, the back of my left hand was sore a bit. Nothing serious cause I pulled out more crochet and started again with another project. What a trooper I am. I just pulled out the old elastic fingerless craft glove and kept on crocheting.
I was going to post some pics of something (can't tell ya) but my computer does not wish to cooperate with me so you have to listen to me ramble on. I'm trying to get a bit of a following on my blog by posting daily or putting something interesting on it, but the computer does not always listen to me...grrrrr! (and could care less how many people visit me)
One thing, though not interesting, is that I have to drive a rental car all week cause one of our cars has a slight transmission problem (really, when you use the word "transmission" it usually is not slight....who am I trying to kid) Any way, the rental guy picked me up to get the car this morning. Needless to say, because it was earlier than usual, I got to work earlier than usual. This surprised a few people cause I never ever ever get to work on time...I try but I'm always a few minutes late. I try to make up for it by leaving a couple of minutes later at the end of the day...but who's really watching. So, I guess I just have to live by the rule that I have posted in my office (and in the last place I worked) which is "It sure makes for a long day when you get to work on time." I told my boss when he saw me come in early, "don't get used to this." Oh, we have alot of fun in our office, so we can joke back and forth like that...it's cool!
Ok, my second story, was the one about the second free steak from the weekend. I'll make a long story short, but at the restaurant we went to on Saturday, my sweetie again, for whatever reason, didn't get the right steak. They tried to correct it sorta half-fast, but it just wasn't the right steak. So, he ate it anyway. Within a few minutes, without asking for the manager, the manager comes over and says the steak is on them. Truly, this has never happened to us let alone two nights in a row. My sister took us to lunch on Sunday afternoon, and I gotta tell ya, I prayed that the meals were good and everyone got what they ordered. We did, for the most part, and if we didn't, I wasn't going to let anyone complain. I was afraid the restaurants in our area wouldn't let us in anymore.
Okay, so the stories weren't too exciting but at least I wrote something today. It's snowing outside now and we are supposed to get a couple of inches overnight. So, I think I'm going to pull out some crochet then hit the hay. Hopefully, I'll be able to post something a little more interesting tomorrow....don't give up on me! Tootles!

TA-DA.....

I did it!!!!! The Olympic Peppermit Puff Afghan is completed with 2 1/2 hours of olympic time to go. It really was more of a challenge to finish than I thought. Having a cold and staying home from work helped (when I wasn't sneezing) as well as watching a movie with my family last night till midnight (everyone fell asleep but me). I finished the last half of a row this morning. It was a challenge mostly because I really do jump from project to project...I rarely stay on one thing. I may finish the projects but I never really worked on one and one thing only for so long a period....so in a way, I sorta deserve that gold medal that I will be posting on my blog later today or tomorrow. I hope Team Afghan does the job too.
The pic below is me in mid-crochet....check out the squirt bottle next to me....(don't ask!) Anyway I did do it and I'm happy. Now I can work on a couple of small things that I've been itching to get my hands on. Oh, by the way, my afghan will be donated to Project Linus (see sidebar). Check out a Project Linus near you.
Later on, or tomorrow, I'll have to tell you about the SECOND free steak we got yesterday evening when my sister took us out to dinner....as before, we didn't ask for it, they just gave it to us....I'm afraid to go out to eat anymore cause restaurants are going to start refusing us cause they are losing money. Anyway, gotta go get presentable...enjoy your Sunday! Later! (check me out below...)

I'm better...

Well, I'm better...thank you for all of your good wishes....it was only a goofy head cold so I'm just a little stuffy now, which I can deal with. I gotta tell ya this funny story, tho. We recently were lucky enough to have this big mall built about 5 minutes from us (Pittsburgh Mills) with alot of surrounding new development (walmart, sams, lowes, and alot of new restuarants). Well, my sweetie has been wanting to go the the Longhorn Restaurant really bad. We finally went even tho we had to wait an hour to get seated. We finally got our meal, his was the biggest steak thingy they had....(and the most expensive, I thought) 20 oz of meat. Well, they gave him the wrong steak (only a 15 oz...he's on the Atkins diet and 5 oz. means alot to him) Anyway, he told them nicely, blah, blah, and we got the correct steak, no problem..everyone's happy! Well, then the waitress and manager came over and told us the steak was free cause of the mistake. That was $22.00 they took off of our bill. Was that nice or what? Needless to say, we ordered dessert and walked out of there soooooooooooooooooooooo stuffed! So, check it out if you have one near you, ordered the biggest steak they have, and hope they make a mistake!!!
Ok, another story....remember that gold yarn I've been waiting and waiting for to finish my steeler afghan? Well, I called Caron again to find out where it is since I called before and straightened out the credit card mistake I made. Well, the guy who answered said he doesn't know what happened, but he kept apologizing, and I was as sweet as pie saying it was okay don't worry, we all make mistakes (I can really lay it on thick when I want to) and guess what?.......free shipping and priority mail for ME! Saved $5.00 cause of their mistake! Is this my lucky week or what!!!! So hopefully I'll get it next week.
Check out my pics too...I got my Idiots Guide to Crocheting and Knitting used through Amazon...cheap! I wanted to take a pic of it so my man said, "hey, take it with me holding it." So I did.....Now all you ladies, show this pic to your sweetie and tell him, "isn't that sweet...a man who is interested in crochet and knitting." Hey, maybe it will help to get you a few crochet/knit bucks. Just don't show him the second picture, which is what my sweetie REALLY wanted to do this afternoon!!!!

Still sick...

Stayed home from work today....me and Victor Vaporizer. Thought I would make it yesterday but then my nose went completely wacky and I was sneezing and had that horrible tickling in my nasal passages (wooooo...I sound like a doctor). In the middle of the night I started coughing so I decided to give it one more day. I fell back asleep after calling off work and slept till noon. My son went to the drug store before he going to class this morning and got me this stuff called Sudafed Shower Soothers. They are fairly new (and expensive). They are like giant alka selzers for the shower but when the water hits it they melt into eucalyptis (spelled wrong) vapor stuff. I could have stayed in that shower longer with that...it was nice! I'm gonna use it again tomorrow before work. And it did help a bit. I'm trying to keep this crap from getting into my chest. Hopefully staying home today will do that with the vaporizer and stuff. I'm the one that complains when people come to work sick...that's a pet peeve of mine....especially when you have sick days as we do. If you are sick....rest....take care of yourself...respect others by not spreading your germs.....you are no martyr to me, believe me. I know there are places where people don't have sick days and can't afford to miss....but if you can, do it. Okay, I've vented. I'm gonna chill for a bit now....till later.

I feel crappy...

Okay...it caught me...the cold won! I stayed home from work today and spent most of it it bed....just me, a box of kleenex, and Victor Vaporizer (hey, we've spent all night together, I thought he deserved a name). The best part was when my son came home and yelled, "hey, is dinner ready." I sent him to Taco Bell! Well, gonna lay down again....I never know how I'm gonna feel in the morning with these head colds, so it's up in the air if I'm at work tomorrow. It's funny cause my body feels fine....it's my head I'd like to screw off!!!! Till later...ahhhhh chooooo!

Cold Season is here!

Ok...Being as I'm on the onset of my first cold of the season, before I start sneezing my head off so much so that I cannot see the computer screen, I thought I'ld give you all this great idea I have. As you can see, I've taken pictures of some quick slippers that I made. (I have a new area on my sidebar by the way with some of my favorite patterns to link to which will be added to) Anyway,the purple ones are mine and I've embellished them (that's a big word) with fun fur. The red ones belong to my sweetie, who obviously has bigger feet than me, and they are supposed to look like jalapeno peppers (don't ask!). They are very warm and great to wear in bed to keep your tootsie's warm (in my sweetie's case...HOT...get it?...peppers...hot?). They also wash up well...tho, if you look close on mine, there are a couple of cat hairs. My idea was, if you have this friend who is sick with a cold, you make up a pair of these slippers (they really do work up quick), put them in a basket with some chicken soup (in a can of course), and whatever else goodies (vicks vaporub, cough drops, kleenex with lotion, etc...)and if she crochets you can add the pattern and maybe a good crochet mag....take it on over to her to brighten her (or his) day. Hey, I don't have brainstorms like this often, so just go with me here. Anyways, it's a cute idea.
Well, that's it for now...I'm gonna go eat something...then relax in bed with the vaporizer, crochet a bit, and hopefully I'll feel better in the morning.
Catch ya later...Lucy

That ain't too bad...

Ok...so I took the test on another blog....I just had to know...(secretly tho, I plan on living to 108.....shhhhhh, don't tell anyone...especially my son!) Check it out:

ahhhhhh....chooooo....

Thank you! Okay, I don't have a cold yet but it's trying to catch me and I'm running as fast as I can. My throat has been scratchy so I immediatly started putting this stuff called Zicam around the nostrils of my nose...hey it's worth a shot. I'd blame all the sick bloggers blogs that I've been reading (seems everyone had a cold) but my son had one last week and ....well, you know the rest. Really, if they can send a man to the moon (or a place that looks like one) then why can't they make something like luminol (stuff that the police spray to find blood spatters in crime scenes...(hey, I watch Court TV too) and call it lumi-cold.....then one someone in the house has a cold....you spray this stuff and BINGO you know where all the snots are and you avoid them. Ok....bad idea!
Anyway, I had to work today, but I think that everyone thought we were off so we didn't get many calls today in the office. My sweetie was off and he was nice enough to go to Walmart and get me the crochet hook I misplaced last night for my Olympic project. What a guy! (At least I wasn't sending him out to buy feminine protection....."price check...aisle 4....Kotex"!) I'm sure that now that I have a H crochet hook, I'll find the one I misplaced....maybe the cat took it cause he was pissed that I put the yarn in my box with a hole it in (See Sunday's blog)
I also stopped at the book store yesterday and found a Crochet Fantasy mag.....I haven't see that mag in years. I remember it from a long time ago and it was more doilies and tablecloths if my memory serves me correctly. Anyway, it really is nice....it looks different from what I remember it...colorful and very understandable. Check it out. There website isn't much of anything tho, yet.
Well, getting ready to crochet for the Olympics and watch WifeSwap and the Bachelor (I'm gonna make me a button that says, "addicted to reality TV...and crochet".) So, check me out tomorrow for the continuing saga of "The Cat Who Hid My Crochet Hook"....thanks for reading......ahhhhhh....chooooooo! (thank you!) Lucy

Is this cool or what?

Hey, is this cool or what? Probably everyone is say, "whaaaat....we've been doin' that for years." Yeah, but I haven't! I'm so excited. Bought this bin yesterday at Big Lots for like $5.o0...actually I don't know the purpose of it...(I think it's for kids to be able to get their toys out of a bin or something...my hand certainly doesn't fit in it!) but, I thought it would make a great yarn bin...cool, eh? They came in different sizes, but I chose the middle size. I got it mainly for animal protection...and ease in lugging yarn around to different parts of the house. It works too, cause my cat didn't attack my yarn as much....I guess a string wasn't as inviting as a whole skein!
I didn't blog the last couple of days cause on Friday we sorta celebrated Valentine's day since we weren't together on the 14th. We were going to try out a new restaurant in the area but it was over an hour wait.....I don't think so....we'll wait till the hoopla dies down. So we went to Chili's. The rest of the evening was spent just snugglin and cuddlin'. (I really didn't feel like blogging if you know what I'm talkin' about!)
Yesterday, we shopped till we dropped. My sweetie was great....took me to Pat Catan's, a great cheap craft store here (really big) and probably bought more than I did (which I pointed out, of course). Ya know those glass block things that were popular over the holidays...the ones where everyone was trying to figure out how to drill a hole in to get the lights in?...well they come in plastic now with the holes already in them....so he bought two. He's done some really nice wine bottles with lights so this will be nice. I of course spent my time there in the yarn section....more of what I bought there in the next few days (I gotta have something to talk about next week!)
CHECK OUT...my percentage bars also that I put in on the blog...I'm so excited! (you'll learn it doesn't take much for me!) They were so much easier than anticipated. The more I work with HTML the more I'm understanding. Today....PERCENTAGE BARS....TOMORROW....THE WORLD..........
Well, that's about it for now.......till tomorrow...Lucy

I WON!!!!!!!

That's right...I won the "Cats in my Craft Basket" contest sponsored by Amy (Check out my buttons to the left and visit her blog) I'm so excited...all I had to do was post comments every day in her blog and then my name went into the basket for a crochet goodie basket....oh yeah! I love getting craft anything....especially yarn now that I'm doing quite a bit of crocheting. There are so many beautiful colors and textures now that I just want to try all of them. Thank you, Amy!
Speaking of yarn, I had to do a couple rows of frogging today...yep....my olympic piece was starting to curve a bit...so I frogged. Rip-it...Rip-it....Rip...it.
When I tell people about frogging sometime they think I'm joking...but we in the craft world know that there really is such a thing. It got me to thinking about how, if we had alot of time on our hands, could probably come up with a language all our own that would save us alot of unnecessary arguing with our "roomies" on how much money we spend on yarn and the like. For instance, say you were on the phone with your best craft friend and you were dying to tell her (him) about the great deal you got on a recent yarn purchase, BUT, your sweetie was in the room....it might go something like this in a "craft" language:

"Hello?....Susie?.....Sweetie, could you put Mommy on the phone.............Susie, listen to this. I went to the park (craft store) today and the weather (sales) was tremendous. There was a beautiful lake (yarn sale) and I just had to partake (buy) of the refreshing and welcoming waters (I really wanted this yarn even tho I don't need it). I took off my shoes (took out the credit card that wasn't maxed out) and dipped my feet into the tranquil serenity (bought a crap load of yarn). I felt so much better and relaxed. (luckily hubby doesn't know that I also went back in to buy more with the electric bill money). You must join me sometime at the park (craft store) so we may relax together (can you go to the store with me and buy more yarn). Well, Susie, my sweetie (husband) is calling me for dinner. We'll talk soon (be ready with money Saturday morning at 10 am sharp)."

You head back to the Kitchen for dinner, hubby says, " I thought you were going shopping today". And you reply, "Oh, honey, I spend way to much of your hard-earned money, I decided to relax at the park and think about how much I love you." Then hubby replies, " That is so thoughtful of you....here's $50....go treat yourself."

Enough said! So the bottom line here is...why stop with "frogging"....let's make a whole new language....just for us!!!!! Anyone up for the challenge...it could possibly double your stash!

That's it for now....oh, lest I forget....Happy Birthday to Jerome (the BUS) Bettis who turns 34 today! (just in case he reads my blog) Enjoy...Lucy

My Olympic piece....

Above...a closeup of the Peppermint Puff Afghan

The piece about halfway through the main part.

Well, there it be....the olympic afghan.....it really doesn't look like such a challenge but once the border is put on which is about 9 rows wide, it really is cute. I chose it for two reasons. One is the puff stitch I never did and two....I change projects so quick. This I knew I would have to keep up with or else it wouldn't be done in time. I do tend to jump from project to project. That's why I really want to put a percentage bar on my blog just to see how many crazy projects I have going at one time. I was tempted to start something else new today...but I said..."NO"....I must compete for TEAM AFGHAN.....I must challenge myself.....focus...focus....then I ate a piece of chocolate and felt better....just kidding....it was banana split pudding (only 80 calories per serving). Well, back to my rows....and American Idol! Later, Gator! Lucy

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Well....there they are!!! Ta-da!! Crocheted spaghetti earrings. I got alot of compliments on them only cause they are so strange. It was fun wearing them. I tried to post a picture of one on my ear but I did it from my cell phone and blogger didn't like it! Oh, well, you get the idea anyway.
I'm having a nice Valentines Day only because my sweetie sent me the loveliest flowers with a butterfly of course...my favorite thing! I tried to put those on my blog but being from my cell phone it didn't like that either. Oh, well...they are lovely.
That's it for now...enjoy your Hearts and Flowers Day...later!
Lucy

SPAGHETTIOOOO!

Did I spell that right? Anyway, the title says it all. I've accomplished the crochet spaghetti trick...and believe me it was a trick. It took a few tries but I managed to figure out the trick to the spaghetti not breaking. Cook 'em long and cook 'em well. Also, crochet them wet....really wet and cold. So far so good....I'm about to get them on the fish hook earrings. I really think this was a one time shot....like, ah, I'm not going into business making spaghetti earrings! I'll post pics tomorrow one way or the other!
And, before I forget, the mystery of the yellow yarn has been solved....there was a little snafu with my credit card...actually I thought I fixed it when I ordered my yarn but I guess you can't go back once you type in a wrong number...so, needless to say I should be receiving my box of gold or shall I say "Jonquil" by the end of the week.
Well, back to the Olympics (crochet, of course) and my s'ghetti earrings! Later...
Lucy

No snow....

Well, I didn't forget to blog, it's just that blogger wasn't letting me in till today. What...do I have cooties? I think not! Anyway, we didn't get the promised snow....it stayed south and all we got was a lousy inch or two. But...I did get alot done on my Olympic project and that's a good thing. It is a little challenging for me, but I'm doing it. I was going to post a picture of me crocheting with a towel around my neck and my fiance squirting Gatorade in my mouth, but we didn't have any Gatorade...go figure. I did go out on Friday night and find two crochet mags one of which contained the pattern for the crochet spaghetti earrings that I read about in Crochetville. You KNOW that I just have to try it. I'm going to make them and wear them on Valentines' Day...my office will get such a kick out of it! Hopefully I can do it. I will definately post pics of that. They are really easy to make too. I'll have to learn how to link up some patterns for my blog. Didn't do much this weekend...I felt really poopy this morning, sorta like a part of my brain wouldn't wake up....so after sleeping almost ten hours, we went to breakfast and I came home and slept another two....feel great now! Now, it's almost dinner and the "beer can chicken" is in the oven cooked by none other than Chef ED, my personal weekend Chef and Fiance(yep, you read that right-recipe unpon request!) and I'm ready to crochet!!! So till the 'morrow....Happy Crafting, Lucy

I GOT A BLOG BUTTON!!!!!

I vowed not to go to sleep tonight unless I made this button. The words are a little smaller than I wanted, but it's there for the taking.....please take one and put in on your blog....I worked harder on this than anything I have ever done! I have a sink full of dishes and garbage that needs readied for the morning and laundry piled up and crochet that needs done.....but....but.... I GOT A BLOG BUTTON.........YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEE! To be honest with you I don't know if I could ever make another...this was really hit and miss! Next project.....PERCENTAGE BARS!!!!!!!

Here's the scoop...

For those of you who are interested, here is the link to the crochet multi-colored afghan of which I showed a picture awhile back...remember...the one I did for Project Linus....its www.projectlinus.org Just click on the pattern links on the side and you will find a list of patterns both crochet and knit. (some quilt too) That one in particular was the "crochet baby blanket." I used the Paton Quick and Cozy bought at Jo Ann Fabrics , where else? Now the one I'm working on now...(check out above pic) is the "sideways shell" (I think that is the name. )It is sooooooo soft but the yarn is a little bit of a pain but not enough to not make it. Hope this helps all of you (especially Crochet Mom!) Enjoy...email me with any questions or just leave comments. Tootles....It's time for some crocheting and reality TV!!!!

I'M SETTLED DOWN...

Wel, all the excitement of the Super Bowl is calming down. The big parade in Pittsburgh was today...WOW, that was something. There are no fans like Steeler Fans!
Unfortunately, there was no box of gold yarn at my door today to finish my Steeler afghan so I've started a baby afghan for Project Linus. I've also joined Crochetville. Now that's a friendly place. I can talk to people who talk my language...CRAFTS!!!! That is so great! You sorta just leave messages and get messages back from literally around the world...it's really cool. I don't know too many people who craft....okay make that only one die-hard crafter and she lives in Houston! So it's sorta nice to talk to others who have a love of crafts and crochet as I do. I'll post some pics of my new project linus afghan. I also want to add buttons and links to others blogs and just ........so much! And....ta-da....I'm in the crochet Olympics so I'll be starting that project on Saturday....or Friday depending on my time. I'll just have to take it one day at a time I guess. I'm just so excited to have some real craft buddies! I also want to post pics of my family as well as my four-legged family....but for now....I'm gonna go crochet! Later, gator!

ONE FOR THE THUMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

THE INFAMOUS UNFINISHED STEELER AFGHAN! LIFE SIZE STICKERS OF BIG BEN AND JEROME BY THE TV
STEELER GEESE...WHAT ELSE?
THE HANDSOME CHEF SAMPLING HIS FARE!
STEELER BANNER OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
KATIE THE STEELER DOG!
A STEELER BUFFET (ONLY PART OF IT THOUGH!)

Ok...the game is about to begin.....keep in mind that if I don't blog for a few days, its not that I fell off the face of the earth....it's just that I'm in mourning if the Steelers lose! Then again, when we made breakfast this morning, we broke to eggs open that had double yolks in them.....Good Luck? Well, we will know in a couple of hours!! GO STEELERS!!!!! ONE FOR THE THUMB!

"CUTE AS A BUTTON"

Well, it's one day closer to the Super Bowl and things are really heating up in the Pittsburgh area. Nothing but Steeler coverage in Detroit...it is absolutely crazy and so much fun! I'm still waiting for my gold yarn to come in today so that I can finish up the last couple of rows of my Steeler afghan. Even if it isn't completely done, I'm still going to drape it over the couch for the game.
We have sold so many Steeler buttons....then again I could probably paint anything black and gold and it would sell! We got up early to make more since a co-worker and friend of mine sold a bunch at her work and called me last night to let me know how many I sold. She said she could bring more into work if we have more.....so I just had to take a picture of the cutest guy I know making buttons this morning.....what a guy!!!! Look for more coverage of "how to have a Super Bowl" party for 4 (possibly 6) tomorrow (and hopefully my finished Steeler afghan)! GO STEELERS!

I found a clock!!

Thanks to some really nice bloggers (crafters are the best!) I was able to find my clock....yeah! I'm getting the hang of this. Ed, my sweetie, has offered to help me too as well as my son and some great emails from really nice bloggers! I love you all!!!!!! I still would really like a butterfly template. I'm excited. Now all I have to do is get someone to read this darn thing...it will happen. I don't know very many crafters who are into it as much as I am so when I find someone who crochets or crafts, it really is great! I plan to showcase my projects as well as a little about my life....granted I'm just a secretary in a little town outside of Pittsburgh, but I have a good ear and I love to give my take on things....sorta like Dr. Phil but with more hair.
Well, I'm gonna try and find more junk to put in my blog....feel free to leave comments so I know I exist!!!! Tootles!

Sunday chillin'

Well, it's Sunday afternoon (one day closer to the Super Bowl) and Ed and I are just chillin'. (Ed's my sweetie). He's making buttons to sell for the Super Bowl with his "Badge-a-Minit". I'll have to post some of the results. They look really cool. I was working on my Steeler Afghan. Would you believe we searched everywhere yesterday for the yellow yarn that I ran out of and couldn't find it. I made a phone call today to another Jo Ann's and they were out. This town is just crazy when it comes to black and gold. When we went to the local craft store we couldn't even get in the parking lot with all the people buying decorations for their Steeler parties, I guess. Now this is a craft store that on the norm has only about 2 cars in it, one of which is the worker inside. Anyway, I ended up ordering the darn stuff online since Ed said he really would like the afghan to be "twin-bed" size. It really is turning out cool. All this Super Bowl stuff in January certainly makes for a fun month that usually is depressing and dreary.
The other thing we did yesterday was deliver my first three afghans for Project Linus. I have posted the pics above. One is a picture of the tag I designed to put on the back of my afghans and quilts. I'm hoping to make three a month...that's my goal anyway. I'm going to try and make a link for Project Linus so everyone knows what it is and maybe will think about checking into it. It's a great way to give back.
That's it for now...have to go web searching for a pork chop recipe for the Chef Ed....Go Steelers!!