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Showing posts from 2014

What a Great Buy - Again!

Here is a link to a kit (patterns and yarn) for a headband and boot cuffs!  For under $3!  Check it out! http://crochetenvy.com/simple-waves-headband-boot-cuffs-kit/

Score! A Great Walmart Find!

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I went out yesterday - day after Christmas - to take advantage of half-off Christmas items.  I needed gift bags, having used the last of them this year, and unable to save too many that were recyclable.  My dad was the original recycler, and I remember when we were kids we had to be so careful unwrapping gifts, because Dad even folded up the used wrapping paper and we used it again the next year.  LOL!  You just had to be sure to cross out the previous recipient's name so that the gift went to the right person. Anyway - the item I scored?  I found solid white foam balls in the clearance aisle.  Similar to these: The good part is that they already have ornament toppers and ribbon hangers attached.  I use these to crochet puppy and teddy bear ornaments.   The best part is that they were only 24 cents a piece!  I bought nearly a hundred.  Yes, that's a lot of crocheting ahead of me.  I plan to give as Christmas gifts next year. Here is a photo of one of the ornamen

A Question for Parents and Grandparents Out There

My son and daughter-in-law recently had a new baby boy.  This makes 2 lovely boys for them. Both parents are working, although my DIL is currently on maternity leave.  She will be going back to work at the end of  next month. I am going to be watching the baby 3 days a week in lieu of their having to use a daycare worker, and they will be paying me (less than they would pay a daycare worker for those three days - I insisted on that).  I was curious to see if there are a lot of grandmothers like me who accept payment for watching their grandchildren.  There is a lot of negative feedback toward grandparents who accept payment. I love my grandsons dearly and often watch them for their mom and dad at no charge when they are running errands, needing time away for dinner or dates, or I just stop by to visit and play with the baby to give mom or dad a break to nap, watch tv or do household things if they want to.  My older grandson loves to spend the night at least once a week.  I don&#

Precious Baby

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My new grandson Nathan - wonder what he's dreaming? His big brother is crazy about him and a big help at home.

New Grandson!

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Pictures of my newest grandson, Nathan, born three weeks early in October.  He's had a bit of a rough start and currently has a cold.  He had a short stay in the hospital for a respiratory condition, but he's home again and once this cold clears up, it should be smooth sailing.  I am thrilled to have two grandsons now and his big brother is absolutely in love with him!

Finally - a Post!

It's been a long time since I posted anything.  I've been trying to get my life in order here.  I finally have some checks coming in and things are looking a lot better.  I do have news.  I will have another grandson, expected in November.  I can't wait!  I did purchase some yarn to make a ripple blanket for him, in the colors his mom chose.  Turquoise and gray.  I will post a photo when I have more of the blanket completed.  I added a white stripe in between the turquoise and gray to set them off.  I like it so far. My husband had knee replacement surgery and I've been helping him out with day to day care.  He is able to do more and more on his own, so I can relax a little more.  I got him hooked on word search puzzles - something to keep him occupied while he's off his feet.  Ha!  He can't put the book down! The best thing about not working anymore is that I can spend more time with my grandson.  I love him so much, and he makes me laugh!  He's all s

Wednesday Afternoon - Lunch From The Garden

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We planted a small garden this year.  Today for lunch, I had cucumbers and tomatoes and they were delicious!  I also have potatoes, carrots and honeydew melons planted. I'm also working on a blanket with an unusual stitch.  It's called the Puffy Spike stitch.  I'm making it in green and creamy yellow and I will donate it to a hospital when I'm finished. Life is good.

Retirement

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Life is sweet right now.  Retiring from work, and I'm enjoying spending my days with my grandson and having time to do what I want when I want to do it.  I've been crocheting.  Here is a photo of an afghan I did to be donated. It's not finished in this photo, but it's done now.  I love the pattern.  It's called the Vintage Fan Ripple afghan, pattern found on Ravelry for free.

Justin's Pre-School Graduation Day

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My grandson graduated from pre-school today.  I always used to think that "graduation" from pre-school and kindergarten was a little over-the-top.  But the teachers planned such a sweet little ceremony for the parents and grandparents to enjoy.  And in a way, the children were "graduating" into a new stage of their childhood.  They are on their way to a bigger school, with exposure not just to their small group of 19 children, but they'll be in a school with hundreds of children from kindergarten through fourth grade. I was especially touched that no child left after the ceremony without hugs from each of their teachers.  I think it was for the teachers' sakes as much as for the children.  The day was called "Goodbye Day".   I was teary-eyed.

Donation 'Ghan

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6 days until my life changes drastically.  Hopefully, for the better.  While I'm trying new medications to help me, I've been trying to keep my mind and hands busy to keep the racing thoughts, the doubts and anxiety and the palpitations away.  Here is an afghan I hooked to use as a donation to St. Mary Medical Center. I've been investigating the idea of doing more charity work, and they have a program called Healing Environments.  One of their groups consists of off-site crafters.  They are searching for people to make lapghan sized afghans or quilts, shawls, caps and other items for people who are receiving chemotherapy, dialysis, or are hospitalized for long periods of time, and especially for hospice patients.  This will be my first donation for that group.  It's called the Vintage Fan Ripple and the pattern is free on Ravelry.  I'm happy with the way it turned out. Your kind thoughts and prayers for my work situation would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Baby Jackets for Hospital Donations

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Baby Jackets I'm making for hospital donations.  I'm having a lot of fun making these.  They are keeping my hands busy and my mind focused so that I am feeling a little calmer lately. Recommend this pattern!

Got Kittens?

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We did - found them on our back porch.  Mama cat ran away when our dog discovered them hiding under the stored lawn furniture on the porch.  Mama had moved 2 of them to the table top to keep them out of the way of the dog, but the third was on the ground.  Our dog didn't hurt them - just barked at them.  Three little babies.  The fourth kitten of the litter was turned over to a neighbor when it was found sitting under the downspout during a pouring rainstorm.  It was soaked to the skin.  Later mama cat moved two of the babies to a new location but never returned for the third.  I don't think she can count.  So the third abandoned kitten was turned over to the same neighbor who is bottle feeding both of them.  Thankfully they both will have forever homes when they are weaned.  And if we can catch the remaining two kittens, they will have homes too.  Everyone wants them!

The Oldies But Goodies...

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I wish some of the pattern publishers would reissue some of their patterns that have gone out of print.  Specifically, Annie's Attic.  I love the Barbie furniture patterns and you have to pay an arm and a leg for them on eBay.  I'd love to have them on hand to make furniture for grandkids.  Below is a photo of a set I made years ago for a charity auction:

Sunflower Dishcloth and Coasters Patterns

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sunflower hot pad/dishcloth and coasters set

For the Scuba Diver

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My husband is a scuba diver and I made this cup cozy in the colors of the Nitrox diving flag.  I listed the pattern for sale on my Etsy shop.  Not sure how much demand there is for scuba diving stuff, but the gang at the scuba shop he goes to will love it, I'm sure.

Infant Hat

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I worked up this infant hat for a hospital donation.  The colors don't show very well in the photo, but the hat is a pleasant yellow, and the flower pale pink with a yellow center.  I fashioned it like a cloche style hat with the brim turned up on one side. 

Pattern Needed For Christening Gown or Outfit

Does anyone know if there is a pattern for such an item to be made with worsted weight yarn?  I would love to make something for our next grandchild.  We don't know yet if it's going to be a boy or girl, so I'm in the process of looking for patterns for both. If you know of anything - for purchase or for free - please comment and let me know.  Thanks!

Working Towards a Goal

I am about two-thirds of the way through my current on-line psychology class.  I wish I had done this a long time ago. I'm working toward an associates degree.  I have two grown children and decided to get a degree, for my own personal reasons.  At this point in my life, I have no need of a degree for a resume or any other reason, other than personal satisfaction. The class is very interesting.  Soon, I'll need to choose a summer course.  It may take me ten years, but I'm going to get that two year degree!  LOL!

Finished the Custom Blanket

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All finished!  I like the color combination. 

New Baby Blanket

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Here's a baby blanket I'm working on - special request.  It's working out nicely and it's in my favorite pattern - the Sweetheart Ripple.  I just love the reversibility and the look of the hearts.  I hope to have it finished this weekend.

Hoping to Start a New Crochet Project

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I picked up 5-6 skeins of this yarn  - in a lovely green shade - for a spring/summer project.  Possibly a shawl.  I'm looking for the right project.  Has anyone tried this yarn?  Have any links to free crochet patterns for a suitable dressy looking shawl?  With the metallic sheen (I can't describe it - I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it) I am looking for something suitable for a dressy occasion.  If you know of any patterns, please let me know.  I am a Ravelry member (icrochet247) so if they are on ravelry, I will be able to access them.  Thanks for your help.

Happy 2014!

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I've made only one resolution this year - to drink more water.  It's healthy. And it's a start to maybe doing healthier things this year as well. I am wishing everyone a happy and healthy and prosperous 2014! Wanted to share my attempt at knitting.  I've been without my crochet mojo for a bit, so the knitting needles are getting a warmup.  Really prefer crocheting so I hope I get back in the mood soon.    Sharing also a photo of the beautiful wreath my nephew's wife made for us.  I love it!  It's made from burlap, believe it or not.