Hello Friends!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and while we may be smack dab in the middle of summer Mother Nature is finally cutting us a break!  When it's hot out I tend to lean towards small thread projects to keep me busy.  Lately I've been focused on pincushions.  When I came across this little gem in the April 2013 issue of Crochet World I knew I had to make it.

The original pattern is for a tape measure holder/pincushion.  Of course I didn't have the same kind of tape so I needed to find something to use in it's place.  At first I thought about just stuffing the bottom, and then I remembered the little jar in my sewing box that I'd been keeping stray buttons in.

As it turns out it was just about the same size as the tape and minimal modifications were needed to make it work.  I figured if I made the pincushion into a jar topper the bottom could be used to hold notions like a needle threader, safety pins, small spools of thread and even the stray buttons, making it into a handy sewing kit perfect for those little mending jobs.

I followed the pattern through Rnd 8 of the Hat Bottom which is just a basic circle.  I added one more round (following the established pattern) so that the circle was the same size as the top of the jar.  Then I worked a round of sc in the  front loops only.  This give you the edge and you can start working down the sides.  I worked 4 rounds of dc in both loops until it covered the top. I finished with a round of sc worked into the front loops to form a small lip.

For the hat I followed the pattern again through Rnd 8, adding one more round just like I did for the base.  This way I knew that when I sewed them together I'd have the same number of stitches on both pieces (54, I think).  I did make one more modification.  I used a different flower than the one indicated.  I'm a fan of the traditional crochet roses so that's what I made using 3 different shades of pink. 

It's a fairly easy project - the magazine says "Confident Beginner" and I'd agree.  Even with the modifications it only took a few sittings.  I almost forgot.  I used a bit of fabric glue to secure the pincushion to the jar top. That way when it stays put when you open and close the jar.  I'm quite pleased with the whole thing.  It's quite charming and will certainly make a lovely gift. 

Well folks that's all for now!  Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends!

Last week one of the projects that I showed you was the totally groovy peace sign granny square from Petals to Picots.  My mission was to turn it into a pincushion for lovely young lady named Phoenix who volunteers at our library.  As you can see it was a terrific success and I'm overjoyed with the results.  It's a simple project that came together in just a few hours.  I made mine using Sugar 'n Cream Cotton in Sunshine, Hot Green and Psychedelic and a G hook.

Here's how:

1.    Using the granny square pattern, make just the peace sign.  For the base make a basic circle working in continuous rounds moving the stitch marker after each round. 

2.    When it's the same size as the peace sign work one round into the front loops only.  That forms the little edge and allows you to start working up.  Work 4 more continuous rounds making it about an inch and a half tall. Don't finish off.  To give it a bit more structure using the peace sign as a template, cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly in the bottom. 

        To make the cushion, using the cardboard circle as a guide, cut 2 pieces of fabric about a 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch larger than the cardboard.

3.    Put the wrong sides of the fabric together and using a basting stitch sew around the circle.  Leave 1/4 inch seam allowance and an 1 1/2 - 2 inch opening.  Leave the needle and thread attached.

4.    Turn the circle right side out and stuff with fiber fill.  Over stuff so it's nice and firm and puffy.  Fold the edges of the opening in and stitch closed.

5.    Plump up your cushion and stuff it into the base.  It should fit snugly.  You could stop right here and have yourself a great little pincushion.  In fact, that's exactly what we're going to be making at the next YA craft class at the library!

6.    To finish, attach the peace sign to the base by single crocheting through the back loops of the base and the front loops of the peace sign.  Fasten off and weave in the end.

Well that it'll do it for me today.  I have all kinds of projects to share with you so please stop back and visit again.  Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me,
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Hi there!

I don't know if it's hot where you are, but in north central Massachusetts the mercury has blasted through the top of the thermometer and the humidity is residing consistently in the "tropical" zone.  As far as I'm concerned this weather is inappropriate for anything except exotic plants and certain members of the animal kingdom.  Humans (especially this one) not included!

At our house we have one air conditioner.  It's centrally located in the dining/living room and we gather around it in hopes of maintaining some margin of sanity.  So far so good, yet I question how long we (my family and the A/C) can hold out!

The one thing that the heat has not stopped me from doing is starting new projects.  It must be some sort of condition that I suffer from that causes me to thrive on juggling multiple tasks .  It's not just in the crochet world, but in the book world too, as I always have at least two novels and one audio book going as well as the reviews that are in the works.  It used to worry me, now I just go with it!  Eventually things get done, and those that don't must not have been that interesting anyway.

Turns out I never did get to that Yarn Along post.  I will tell you that the book, The Sisters Brothers is a quirky delight.  It's a western set in the 1800's and the main characters are outlaws.  But truly they are the most endearing hired guns you're likely to ever encounter!  Good reading if you like off-beat humor and unconventional sentence structure.

There is one more project that I've been toiling with this week - Hats. Specifically for the My Mountain project (more on that soon!) I'm working on some designs that combine my favorite granny square and doily components with traditional cloche styles.  I finished one that's good, just not perfect - yet... but don't you worry, I'll be sure to show you what I come up with!

So that's what's in my project bag today.  How about you?  What do you like to work on when the temperature hits broil? I'd love to hear how you stay cool.  I was also wondering how many of you work on multiple projects simultaneously.  And if you do, what's your secret for getting them finished?!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Even though it's Thursday, I'll be linking up with some of my favorite Wednesday blogs!  Scroll down the sidebar to see who I'll be visiting with.
Until next time friends,
Stay cool, be blessed and stitch & read with love!

The idea of “DIY” is definitely in vogue, bringing an upswing in popularity of knitting and crocheting, and there’s no sign interest will wane anytime soon, says lifelong craftswoman Betty Hechtman.

“Pinterest and Etsy are two of the hottest websites online today, and they’re brimming with hand-knitted items, from socks and scarves to purses and pretty much anything that can be made from yarn,” says Hechtman, author of “Yarn to Go,” (www.BettyHechtman.com), the first in a new cozy mystery series scheduled for publication in July by Berkley Prime Crime Books.   

“The hand-knitted caps and sweaters that might have embarrassed us as kids are now a hip expression of artistry,” she says. “Young adults appreciate originality and craftsmanship, and they’re an innovative bunch. They’re doing amazing things with yarn!”

Surprisingly, she notes, crocheting is even more popular than knitting. It’s No. 3 on the top 10 U.S. crafts list compiled by the Craft and Hobby Association, with 17.4 million devotees. Knitting comes in at No. 9 with 13 million needle fans.

“What’s interesting is people say they’re drawn to yarn crafts because of the creativity,” Hechtman says, citing a Craft Yarn Council survey of more than 5,000 knitters. “But once they get into it, they say they realize it also helps with stress.”

 That’s just one of the unexpected benefits of time spent knitting and crocheting. Hechtman cites four more:

• Knitting (and crochet) actually produce beneficial physical changes! Spend enough time with your needles or a hook and yarn, and you can strengthen your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and change your brain chemistry to reduce stress hormones and increase the natural “happy” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. These findings were reported last year at an “academic study day” in England on the therapeutic benefits of knitting.

• It won’t leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Having trouble sleeping? Instead of reaching for a pill, pick up a yarn project an hour or so before bedtime. The calming repetition of knitting or crocheting slows restless, racing thoughts and helps us transition from busy day to quiet, restful night.

• Keep your hands out of trouble. Are you trying to quit smoking and don’t know what to do with yourself? How about biting your nails? Have you become obsessed with checking your social media? Crocheting or knitting keeps hands busy – and out of trouble – while you’re traveling, waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting at your kid’s soccer game. And, unlike smoking, nail-biting and wasting time on Facebook, the result of knitting and crocheting is a positive one. 

• Make new friends. An internet survey of 3,500 knitters found 90 percent made new friends through the craft. One of the beautiful aspects of yarn work is that you can do it alone or in a group. In fact, the opportunities to socialize seem to be driving the strong interest from young adults, who meet at bars, Starbucks and office lunchrooms for a good stitch session, according to the yarn council. People who are alone much of the time are more prone to depression and other mental health issues, getting together for a knit with friends is good for you!

About Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman is the author of “Yarn to Go,” the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet  mystery series. The eighth book, “For Better or Worsted,” comes out in November.  She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children’s culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago.

 I'd like to thank Betty for letting me share her article with you, and Ginny at News and Experts for getting in touch with me and sending an advance copy of Betty's new book.  There are a few titles ahead of it on my ever growing list, but I'll get to it before too long! Look for the review in next month or so. 
In the mean time,  get your hooks and needles going and enjoy that blissful feeling that comes from creating beautiful things with yarn (or creating things with beautiful yarn!)

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Hey Everybody!

Lets face it. Controlling ends is a challenge.  No matter if they're split ends, loose ends or yarn ends.  The one thing that they all have in common (other than needing to be tamed and their overall messiness) is if you're willing to spend the money, someone has developed a product that is guaranteed to keep your ends in line. 

Even your yarn ends.

Now I'm all for free enterprise, but we live on a budget and spending money on frivolous conveniences is frowned upon. Hair gel, by the way, is neither frivilous nor a convenience when you have very long, very curly hair.  Especially when it's been in the 80s and 90s for weeks and the relative humidity flirts with 100% daily.  Sorry, where was I?? Oh right, saving money.  Anyway, I was flipping through a yarn catalog that the nice mailman brought me, not looking for anything in particular when I came across Yarn Wraps.   Smart idea.  For $4.99 plus shipping I can buy 3.  Closer inspection reveals that this particular brand are really no more than pieces of stretchy nylon fabric stitched into tubes. Huh.  I can do that.

I'd like to say that I was so motivated to get organized and save us money that I set to making my own yarn wraps that moment.  That's not what happened.  Instead I stored the idea away.  You could say I pinned it to the big board of things I want to do someday that lives in my brain.

A couple of months later I was doing a lot of thread work.  And even though I store the balls of thread in a big bin, when I'm using them I usually just toss them in a basket.  It was getting pretty messy so I decided it was time to make some wraps.  My first idea was to dig out a pair of pantyhose.  They would work perfectly. I hesitated though, because as far as I'm concerned they are an evil invention and I avoid wearing them at all costs.  No good can come from squeezing my Rubenesque figure into those sausage casings. In the end, I cast that idea aside since I don't even like handling them.  Something about the feel of that material just gives me the heeby jeebies.  Then I remembered the cotton/spandex leggings that were packed away to go to Goodwill.  Why not give them a try? In no time at all I had a pile of free and easy wraps ready to keep my thread from becoming a tangled, unusable mess!  I also considered using old gym sock (tube socks), or the arms from a cotton/spandex shirt.   If you don't share my pantyhose phobia I'd say they're the best choice, but if it's tubular and stretchy it probably will do the job.

I was able to keep the organizational momentum moving forward when my hubby came home with this adorable set of shelves later that week.  It turns out one of our neighbors was moving and put this treasure out with the trash!!  For ages I'd been telling him that I want shelves next to my chair in the living room to hold my ever growing collection of WIPs, yarn and books.  I'll admit that "Little Girls Room" doesn't exactly fit with the rest of our decor, but it's sturdy and clean and since we're pretty eclectic in general it's working out just fine.

So there you have it!  Any easy way to keep your yarn or thread from coming undone without spending a dime or having to touch the horrid pantyhose!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Hi everyone!

It seems like ages since I've blogged a simple little post.  I tend to get carried away and want to show you every detail of each project!  So in the spirit of keeping it simple, here are a few pictures for you.  I crocheted these adorable little baby hats for my co-worker. There aren't many (okay any) babies in my circle (until now), and I had no idea how much fun it is to make these itty bitty creations.  I'm a bit of a magazine and pattern book fanatic, but I usually skim over the baby items.  Not any more!  Now I find myself oohing and aahing over tiny sweaters, snugly blankets, little booties and stuffed animals! I want to make them all!  Alas, I know that baby doesn't actually need 5 blankies and multiple pairs of booties that look adorable, but won't stay on those little feet. So far I've made a littlestuffed kitty, these hats and a lap/stroller blanket.  

I have one last gift on my hook.  It's a cocoon in camo yarn to match the hat.  The new mom and dad are huge fans of Duck Dynasty (you know, the reality show about the crazy, bearded hillbillies that make duck calls!) I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to their favorite program by decking out the newest member of the family in camouflage.  I'm not sure how much use they'll get out of the cocoon.  If nothing else, it will make for some good pictures!  They (the cocoons) seem to be tremendously popular, with patterns showing up everywhere.  I imagine that baby might like the swaddled feeling, but it seems to me a blanket is just as effective when folded around the little one burrito style.  Anyway, I'm sure they'll get a kick out of it and I'm happy to have a little one to lavish my handmade goodies upon!

If you're interested in making the set yourself, you'll find the pattern in the December 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine.  It's the Cuddle Bug Bunting Set by Dianne Gochenour.

That'll do it for now! Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!