Greetings Friends! and Welcome.  It's a cold and rainy day in New England, but my spirit is lofty as I have been surrounded by the "Psychedelic Sunshine" from a batch of mini grannies.  Last week I told you (here) about my plans to embellish a set of bath towels for a Christmas present.  I wasn't so sure about the yarn, but since I'm still in the 'prototype' phase I set about making squares. 

I was quite surprised as I worked the bright variegated yarn into classic 2 round grannies.  The resulting fabric has a crazy-mottled-tyedyed kind of look. Paired with the yellow it makes happy sunny squares. I'm not sure if they're right for my intended recipient, but they'll do perfectly as I figure out how many I need, which style to to use, and how to attach them to the towels.

No matter which colors I choose I think a custom bath set is going to make an awesome gift.  It's an economical project and you can whip up a bunch of squares in a couple of evenings. What could be better??

While we're talking about grannies, I want to send a big thank-you to Karen who designs great grannies and writes an awesome blog called Colour in a Simple Life.  Recently Karen had an unfortunate blogging experience.  Someone stole and published not only her pattern, but the tutorial that went along with it and passed it off as their own work! (You can read about it here.)  Understandably angry and frustrated Karen nearly stopped blogging all together.  Instead, she made the decision to make her patterns/tutorials only available for sale through her etsy shop. While I completely support her decision, as a fan of her work I was sadden that one bad person ruined it for the rest of us.  Why would someone believe that it was okay to do that? Thankfully Karen has dealt with the situation and continues to create and write about her wonderful designs.  And in a show of true grace, she gave her most recent tutorial as a thank-you gift to those of us who took a moment to offer her our support through comments on her blog.  What a nice surprise! So thanks, Karen.  I'll be trying out your design this weekend.  And who knows, it just might end up on a set of bath towels!!

Friday is such a fabulous day in blog-land.  I'll be joining in with these lovely ladies and of course all the others who have things to share. Then I'll be taking advantage of the weekend and heading out to visit friends  both old and new. There's so much to see and be inspired by. I hope you'll join me!

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!

This weekend I started a new project.  The Marlo Coat (MC).  And I realized it's a bit like falling in love - or at least like having a crush.  Let me explain.  It started when I got the the Sept/Oct issue of Crochet! Today magazine.  Flipping through I spotted MC.  I was drawn to the neckline and the simplicity of the pattern. But I was already committed to Juliana and Eleanor so I pushed it to the back of my mind. Every once in a while I'd pick up the magazine.  I took my measurements to determine my size and figured out if I would have enough yarn (I did)! I imagined what I would look like wearing my new sweater this winter (wonderful of course!).  Then I finished Juliana!  I was free to start something new!  Eleanor wouldn't mind.  She's my traveling project and get's to go new places all the time. I was so excited.  I rushed to my pattern and grabbed my stash of yarn.  Introductions were made by way of swatching.  I knew that I needed to find the right hook size and make sure I liked working the pattern before I made a real commitment.  After an evening with 3 different hooks I finally found the perfect size.  To my delight the pattern was easy to commit to memory and produced an fantastic looking fabric! I knew that it was meant to be and I set to work on the back panel that very evening.  Now MC is all I can think about!  I spend every free moment working those stitches and watching it grow!  It's only been a few days, and just like the beginning of any new love I'm giddy and talk to everyone about MC.  I plan for when I can get away and we can be together.  I know that things are moving quickly, and I really should be careful - but I can't help myself! So for right now I'm just going to bask in the happy feelings and keep my fingers crossed that it's the real thing and MC doesn't let me down!!

Working at the library I meet a lot of different and interesting people.  I have regulars who I see often and can easily recommend a book to, and occasional visitors whose interest are as varied as the choices of yarn available on line.  The books that we choose to read are personal.  And during the time that you posses a book from the library it becomes a part of you.  For that reason, people have a tendency to use items that are closely related to whatever is going on in their life as bookmarks.  Often, these items are forgotten and returned when the book is finished. That's why we have an special spot for "Things Left in Books" at our library! 

You would think that folks would be more careful, but they're not! Most of the things that we come across are fairly mundane - a receipt from the grocery store, an appointment or business card and of course regular old book marks.  But there are lots of pictures too.  And birthday and anniversary cards.  We've found bills for auto insurance and copies of pay stubs.  But the most interesting are the letters.  People don't write letters often anymore, but over time we've seen some surprising stuff! Recently I came across a letter dated 1982 from friends who hadn't seen each other in some time. There was the usual reminiscing, but the line that caught me off guard was this one, "Have you told your fiance that you are a witch yet?" Wow!

Anyone who deals with books, from librarians to used book sellers, is likely to come across some crazy things. That's what prompted Michael Popek to write Forgotten Bookmarks - A Bookseller's Collection of Odd Things Lost Between the Pages.  In this charming little book, Popek shares his favorites from 30 years in the book business.  There are heartwarming love poems, recipes and advertisements (to name a few). Some are modern, most are antique and they're all fun to look at!  My favorite? A handmade invitation to a sorority Halloween dance from 1910 where they invitees are warned to "be prepared to meet your doom!" They're required to dress precisely according to 7 points including "have your hair curled in 12 curls" and "wear your 'jeweled' dog collar"!! Also they must be prepared to sing "Oh Where Oh Where has my Little Dog Gone?"  A final warning of "woe betide you if even one point is neglected!" and the skull and cross bones atop the page promise an evening of blood curdling terror!

Popek's book is a great peak inside the forgotten private lives of readers, and his blog offers a look at his latest discoveries.  Perhaps because of my own experiences I find it more interesting than others might, but it's charming none the less.  Click over for a look, and don't forget to check your books before you bring them back to the library!

Today I'll be linking up with the wonderful blogs.  There are always so many interesting things to learn about and be inspired by.  I'm sure you'll find something you just have to try!

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

One great advantage to joining late is you have the benefit of all the modifications and helpful hints that those who started before you share! Right away I took advantage of a suggested modification.  I decided to go with the circular design instead of following the directions and getting a more ovular shape.

I was off to a great start.  And then summer came on full blast!  It was hazy, hot and humid day after day. Even with the air conditioning I had a hard time getting any work done on Juliana. I wasn't discouraged.  I kept her in a basket by my chair and every once in a while I'd pull her out and work a few stitches.  By the end of July I had finished the main body and the mesh section.  It's about this time that I was contemplating adding beads to the finished edge.  I've never done crochet bead work, and this pattern really lends itself to this kind of accent.  I even went so far as to ask your opinion on color (blue won).

I don't think I even picked her up in August!  It was just too darn hot.  With September came the promise of fall.  I always find myself energized after Labor Day.  It reminds me of "back to school" and all the excitement the new year holds.  The cooler mornings motivated me to get this project finished.  The final rows went quickly.  I knew that the beads would look terrific, but I decided not to do them.  As much as I enjoyed this pattern, I'd had enough and I'm ready to move on to something new.

I am really pleased with the way my Juliana Wrap came out.  It's larger than I anticipated - and than the pattern implies.  I used a sport weight yarn.  I image if I used something smaller it would have turned out more like the picture.  I brought her to work yesterday and my lovely co-worker Kelsey was kind enough to model for me.  (Thanks Kelsey!!)  This is her in front of the large print books.  The round table was the perfect size to hold Juliana! Just look at how even the stitches are and how defined the work is - all without blocking!  I used acrylic yarn.  I know that there are those of you who can't imagine it, but I think this is a perfect place for it.  It drapes easily and since you can just toss it in the washer the bright winter white will stay crisp and clean!

This morning I added the final finishing touch - the tassels.  I wasn't sure about them at first (they're just pinned on here).  Once I tried them out I decided they should stay.  They hang nicely and really seem to help keep it in place when you throw it over your shoulder.

And so that ends the tale of the Crocheted Juliana Wrap.  It took a little longer than it should have.  Foul weather hindered the progress and the desire to finish trumped the longing to try something new.   I'm not sure where she'll go from here, a present perhaps? We'll see.  As for me, I'll be linking up with these wonderful blogs and heading out in search of my next project!

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!

Welcome Friends!
So glad you stopped by.  Recently I realized that (once again) I am spending too much time on the computer. Which means I don't have enough time or energy left in the day to work on the projects that I want to write about!  Since the goal is for this to be a craft and book blog it seems appropriate (and necessary!) that I spend more time crafting and reading, and less time flitting about on the internet!! I'm sure you know exactly what I mean!  How many times have you sat down just to check your messages and ended up 20 sites away looking at Pinterest or reading about cute baby animals?? It happens to me all the time! So I'm trying to discipline myself and limit how long I'm in front of the monitor each day.  Hopefully it will result in more progress and more compelling posts.  Honestly how many times do you want to see the same unfinished wrap no matter how lovely the yarn is?

Today I thought I'd share my idea for a Christmas present. Right now I'm in the planning/trial/practice phase. Here's what I'm thinking... I'll embellish a  set of bath towels with granny squares or flowers, or maybe granny squares and flowers.  I came across the idea in Granny Square Love by Sarah London.  I think she did hand towels with a line of small squares across the bottom.  They were so cute! It struck me as a great gift for the person who has everything and needs nothing!

I picked up the yarn and a test towel yesterday.  My choices were limited, which left me with  "Psychedelic" (that's what it's called - from Peaches and Creme) and "Sunshine". I'm not feeling a groovy kind of love for the yarn yet, but maybe once I turn it into something it'll turn me on! I thought I'd try out a few different patterns and sizes to see what looks best.  If it comes out anything like Sarah's I should end up with a pretty hip gift - can you dig it daddy-o??  Stay turned for a preview coming soon!!

On the book front, I just started an interesting new novel called the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. A co-worker suggested it. She said it was really well done and even made her cry! I trust her judgement implicitly so I started straight away.  I'm about 75 pages in and finding it quite enjoyable (no tears yet!).  Harold is a simple English chap who finds himself having the most interesting adventure of his life as a result of the only impulsive decision he ever made! I can't wait to find out where he ends up next!

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich
Bantam Publishing
June 19, 2012, 320 Pages

Wicked Business is book two in the new Lizzy & Diesel “Wicked” series from Janet Evanovich.  Lizzy is a pastry chef.  Actually, she makes cupcakes at Dazzles Bakery in Salem, MA.  Finally she is putting her life in order. And with the exception of Diesel and his monkey Carl things couldn’t be better. Diesel is her on again/off again partner.  He’s extremely good looking and smells like Christmas cookies.  Their partnership is a bit of a mystery. Diesel is a bit of a mystery.  He has special powers. He can find people and things and there isn’t a lock he can’t open. He’s also (almost) immortal.  I think you can kill him, but it’s quite hard to do. Lizzy as it turns out has “abilities beyond the ordinary” too.  Hers seem to be along the line of being able to tell if people or things are enchanted.  That may not be the right word, it’s more like she can tell if they have special energy. Diesel works for an organization that has assigned him to find and protect the stones of SALIGIA.  They are old and mystical and are thought to represent the seven deadly sins. If you combine them all together they will unleash mayhem – the equivalent of hell on earth.  Diesels’ cousin Wulf (short for Gerwulf Grimore) and his medieval minion Hatchet are their main rivals.

Rumor has it that the stones of SALIGIA have surfaced in Salem.  In particular the Luxuria Stone which is said to be infused with the power of lust.  The murder of Harvard professor Gilbert Reedy sends Lizzy and Diesel on a quest to find the stone.  Hopefully before it falls into the hands of Wulf or the devotee of lawlessness and chaos know as Anarchy.

Now that you have a little background on the series and this book, let me tell what I think.  I have been a fan of Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum books since that series started.  Truthfully though, after 18 adventures I’ve grown tired of Stephanie. Lizzy reminds me of all the reasons that I became a fan of Janet’s so many years ago.  I love this story line. A bit of magic and mystery, dark menacing villains and a riotous cast of characters create a diverse ensemble.  Lizzy is a funny, quirky woman.  She’s smart and sassy, but not cocky. She’s not exactly sure what’s happening around her, but she’s a trooper and she’s willing to do what she can to stop the total destruction of the planet.

The book moves quickly right from the start and there’s lots of action to keep you interested. It had been a while since I read Wicked Appetite (book one) and I forgot how much I enjoyed it.  Book two did not disappoint. There’s great chemistry between the characters, and while I feel an occasional shadow of Pluminess it’s not enough to turn me off. I also like that this series has a finite number (7). I’d hate to see a good thing go bad just because the formula works. Even too much of a good thing can be bad for you – like cup cakes…

If you’re a fan of Janet’s then you’re probably already on the list for this one.  If you’ve never read her and are looking for a quick, light entertaining read than by all means go for it.  You could read this as a stand alone, but I suggest starting with number one.  Chances are once you start, you’ll be hooked!

On Wednesday I love linking up with my friends at these awesome blogs.  I guarantee that you'll find something that catches your eye and inspires you!  There are so many creative folks at there, and I'm thrilled to be part of the gang!  I hope you'll click on a link and see where it takes you!

That will do it for me this time.  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!

Well, I tried to come up with an inspirational post.  Something to wow you with, but honestly I've got nothing.  That's not really true.  I have lots of ideas:

I could tell you about my 10 favorite yarny blogs,
or share my banana bread recipe (I already took the pictures!).
I could tell you about  the book group I'm running this year.
If I spent the time taking pictures I could show you the awesome stitch markers John and I have been making.
Then there are the lace ornaments I want to make for Christmas.
And the great gift idea I have for my mother-in-law.
Plus I have an apron that I want to embellish with granny squares, but haven't.
And of course I have WIPS. Plenty of those.

Unfortunately, I don't want to do any of those things.

You see, I'm very close to finishing Juliana and Eleanor. And I have just a bit more work to complete the pansy project so I can write the next installment of the Granny Square Project.

And when I get this close to the end I start thinking about the beginning - as in what will I be beginning next??  I have LOTS of yarn that I want to make things with.

I'm sure that there are plenty of you out there who know where I'm coming from.  I call it my crochet ADD and let it go at that! I know that I will never have just one project happening at a time.  And I know that when the end is near I have to buckle down and just get it done - otherwise all I do is increase my WIP stash. And it does feel so good to actually put those finishing stitches on.

So for this moment I'll just indulge myself with a little fantasy crochet and call it "planning".  Planning is good right??

In addition to my fiber offerings, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done it, why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is!
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Focus"

It is that time of the morning, before the birds are even awake.
The moon still shines huge in the sky and the grass is wet with dew.
It is the time when I am so completely alone that even with my eyes closed
I focus.

I see the day for what it is. For what it has the potential to be.
I am the most perceptive and free in the deep dark - before dawn is even a thought.
I know that the day is waiting.  With all kinds of opportunity and adventure.
But in my quiet place, my peaceful place, it is me and my creator.
Where I give thanks for so many blessings.
Ask for strength to do my best this day.
Ask for wisdom in my words and for the chance to be a blessing to someone else.

I close my eyes
and focus
on the glory that will come with dawn.
_

That does it for me today my friends,
Thanks for much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings! I'm so glad you're here!  The response to my granny square patterns has been awesome.  I know that a few folks have given them a try (or will be) and I can't wait to see how they turn out.  You know it's one thing to make the square but it's a whole different ball game when you try to turn what you did into a pattern for someone else to follow!  It's hard work!

And speaking of hard work as you can see I've been filling my days with pansies and classic squares. Well, the pansies are hiding! There's a little project coming together, but I'm not quite ready to tell/show you what it is!  Soon enough it will make it's debut in the next installment of the GSP.

The other night I did pick up Juliana (that's her in white). I didn't realize it, but I only have a row and a half of sc and then 2 rows of edging to finish her up! She really is lovely and will make quite a statement. I had planned on doing beads on the last row, but I think I'll just go ahead and put the tassels on that the pattern calls for and get to wearing her!  Eleanor (in those great fall colors) has been my carry along project.  The progress is slow and steady.  I know that she will be smashing when she's finished and I imagine we'll have plenty of good times this winter!

Just for kicks I thought I'd give you a glimpse into the space where my magic happens!!  This crazy messy area is my workspace.  It is directly in front of my big comfy chair.  It looks a little out of hand, but there is something so satisfying about having all my stuff around me.  I do my computer work at the dining room table (that's covered with books, and paper and colored pencils and camera equipment!), and I take pictures on our closed in porch (it's 2 walls of windows so the light is terrific!).  John calls these three spaces my "stations".  The truth is, I've pretty much taken over the house. And I have no intention of giving it back! Really,  I'm super lucky to have a supportive husband who doesn't mind eating his dinner surrounded by my projects! But he draws the line at having his picture taken while he's doing it!

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
All Souls Trilogy - Book 2
July 10, 2012
Viking Adult, 592 pages

In A Discovery of Witches we are introduced to Diana, a reluctant (untrained) witch and Oxford scholar and Matthew a geneticist vampire.  Together they are searching for a sacred manuscript called Ashmole 782 that is said to hold the secrets of the creation for all creatures - and just may be the only way to save them from extinction.

In Shadow of Night they have traveled back in time to 1590 and Elizabethan England.  Here they believe they can search for the manuscript in relative safety and find a teacher who can help Diana master her powers.

These books are so different from what I normally read, but I am completely enchanted with them! A friend convinced me to read the first one and I was captivated.  There is a blend of history and fact that makes the entire story seem plausible.  I also really like Diana.  She is a smart, strong woman who manages to face the unanswered questions surrounding her past with just the right blend of grace and trepidation. Matthew is complex and mysterious - as any vampire who has lived several hundred years would be, yet he manages to be compassionate and understanding especially where Diana is concerned.

In this book the author has done a great job (again) of blending real characters (William Shakespeare and Walter Raleigh plus Queen Elizabeth!) into the every day lives of the couple.  It was interesting,  the way that life was depicted. And I enjoyed watch Diana grow into a confident witch and "modern" woman.  The story and the search for Ashomle 782 did detour a bit, and occasionally I found myself wondering how a certain event fit into the big picture. Happily though in the final third of the book there's lots of action and I found most of my questions answered.  Of course, not all of them - or there would be no need for book 3! 

It's funny, but the older that I get the more varied my tastes have become, and I'm quite pleased to have discovered this series! I don't think that I'll actively be seeking witches and vampires on a regular basis, but I certainly won't be so quick to dismiss them.  So far this has proved to be an entertaining and engaging series.  There's history and action, a love story, family secrets, time travel, mysterious powers and the quest to save the world. Really what else could you ask for??

After that serious dose of otherworldly goodness I started Janet Evanovich's Wicked Business. I had forgotten that this series has it's own take on special powers and magic.  But they're hardly in the same category.  Anyway, I'm already more than half way through which means its a quick read.  I'll tell you more about it after I finish.

In the meantime, I'll be linking up with these wonderful blogs.  Each one offers something unique and I love exploring the sites and taking in the talent.  Have a look, I'm sure you'll find something that tickles your fancy!

Thanks so much for stopping in and spending a bit of your day with me.
It's been great having you here.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Skill:        Advanced Beginner
Yarn:        Peaches & Cream Cotton in Candy (A), White (B) and Bright Pink (C)
Hook:        US H/8 - 5.00 MM
Finished Size:    5 3/4" x 5 3/4" (unblocked)
Stitches Used:    ch, sc, dc, dc2tog, dc3tog, sl st (all stitches are US terms)

Special Stitches:
Dc2tog:  Yo, insert in next st/sp, yo, draw up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook (2 loops remain on hook), yo, draw up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops remain), yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook to complete cluster.

Dc3tog:  Yo, insert in next st/sp, yo, draw up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook (2 loops remain on hook), yo, draw up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops remain), yo, draw up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook (4 loops remain), yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook to complete cluster.

With A,  ch 6, join with sl st in first ch to make ring.

Rnd 1:    With A, ch 1, 8 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2:    With A, ch 3, dc2tog in first sc (count as dc3tog), (ch 1, dc3tog in nxt sc) 7 times, ch 1, sl st in top of first cluster to join. Fasten off A.

Rnd 3:    Join B in any ch 1 sp, ch 3 (count as dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) in each ch 1 sp around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. Fasten off B.

Rnd 4:    Join B in any ch 2 sp, ch 3 (count as dc), 4 dc in same sp, ch 1, *5dc in nxt ch 2 sp, ch 3**, 5 dc in nxt ch 2 sp, ch 1, rep from * 2 times and from * to ** once more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. Fasten off B.

Rnd 5:    Join C in any ch 3 sp, ch 3 (count as dc), (1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, *ch 2, 1 sc in 3rd dc of 5 dc group, ch 2, 1 sc in nxt ch 1 sp, ch 2, 1 sc in 3rd dc of 5 dc group, ch 2**, (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in nxt ch 3 sp, rep from * 2 times and from * to ** once more, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3.

Rnd 6:   With C, ch 1 starting in same st, *1 sc in each of nxt 2 dc, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in nxt ch 2 sp, 1 sc in each of nxt 2 dc, [2 sc in nxt ch 2 sp, 1 sc in nxt sc] 3 times, 2 sc in nxt ch 2 sp, rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 7:    With C, ch 1, stating in same st, [1 sc in each sc, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in each ch 2 sp] around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off C.

Weave in ends.  Block if desired.

I am so excited to share these new patterns with you!  The response has been fantastic and I can't wait for one of you to give them a test run and let me know how it goes.  I took notes as I was working, and hopefully did a fair job of transferring them into a pattern that you can work with. If something isn't right, or you have a suggestion that makes it easier to understand, please let me know. Pattern writing is tricky and I can always benefit from another set of eyes!!

I took the weekend off of the computer to concentrate on my hook work, and I'm thrilled with the progress that I made. Both with writing new patterns and on the next installment of the Granny Square Project - which really go together.

Here is a sneak peak at my craft journal and some of the notes that went into coming up with the pansy design that is the feature of my next project.  The classic granny is a sample of the accent squares that accompany the pansies. 

It's setting up to be a productive week.  This morning brought the crisp tingle of fall, and the prospect of wrapping myself in a new shawl and finally being able to enjoy the cardigan I finished at the beginning of summer has me energized and ready to go!

I'm including today's post as part of the fun on Come Blog-a-long and A Year of Projects. It's not the next "official" installment of the GSP, but it was definitely inspired by it and in my book that counts!! Click on over and see what good stuff my bloggy buddies have been up to!

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!

Skill:        Advanced Beginner
Yarn:        Peaches & Cream Cotton in Bright Pink (A) and White (B)
Hook:        US H/8 - 5.00 MM
Finished Size:    5 3/4" x 5 3/4" (unblocked)
Stitches Used:    ch, sc, dc, tr, sl st, pc, dtr (all stitches are US terms)

Special Stitches:
Pop-Corn (pc): Make 5 dc in designated st/sp, remove hook (drop loop), insert hook (front to back) in top of first dc made, pick up dropped loop and draw it through, ch 1 to secure.

Double Treble Crochet (dtr): Yo (3 times), insert hook in designated st/sp, yo and pull up a loop, (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) 4 times.

Treble Crochet (tr): Yo (2 times), insert hook in designated st/sp, yo and pull up a loop, (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) 2 times.

With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1:    With A, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2:    With A, ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in same st, remove hook (drop stitch), insert hooK in top of ch 3, pick up dropped loop and draw through, ch 1 to secure first pc, ch 1, *pc in next sc, ch 1*,  repeat * to * 4 more times (6 pc total), join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Fasten off A.

Rnd 3:    With B, join in any ch 1 sp, ch 5 (2 dtr, ch 3, 3 dtr) in same sp, (3dtr, ch 3, 3 dtr) in each ch 1 sp around, join with sl st to top of beg ch 5. Fasten off B.

Rnd 4:    With A, join in any ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 tr in same sp (half corner made), *ch 2, sk next 3 dtr, 1 dc in sp between last skipped and next dtr, ch 2, sk next 3 dtr, (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in next ch 3 sp (corner made), ch 2, sk next 3 dtr, 1 dc in sp between last skipped and next dtr, ch 2, sk next 3 dtr, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, sk next 3 dtr, 1 dc in sp between last skipped and next dtr, ch 2, sk next 3 dtr*, (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr) in next ch 3 sp, repeat from * to * once, 3 tr in same ch 3 sp as beg half corner, ch 3, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3 to finish corner.

Rnd 5:    With A, ch 1, work 1 sc in each st, 2 sc in each ch 2 sp, (2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in each corner ch 3 sp around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off A.

Weave in ends, block if desired.

In addition to my fiber offerings, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done it, why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is!
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Graceful"

Beauty, elegance in form, manner or movement also in speech.
The hereon sweeping across the sky following the river in search of food.
The swimmer gliding smoothly from one end of the pool and back again.
The movie stars of the 40's dancing and swirling into each others arms and around the stage.
The line of dress or swing of a jacket.
Jackie Kennedy, Ginger Rogers and Audry Hepburn.
Making a difficult situation just a bit easier.
Delivering sad news in a way that makes you feel not so sad.
Answering a personal question without really revealing anything personal, and still making the person that asked feel ok.
An amazing quality that we should all aspire to have in body and in mind.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!  I'm quite proud of my first square and excited to share the pattern with you.  Now please remember - this is my first attempt at writing out what I actually did! I proofread it twice, but it is completely possible that there may be an error (or two!). I did my best to use the appropriate format and abbreviations.  Fingers crossed I'm not too far off the mark!  Should  you decide to give it a try, please let me know how it goes. I'd love to see your pictures and of course to know if I need to make any corrections!

The pansies continue to bloom, and I'm working on the next installment of the Granny Square Project.  Is designing squares destine to be part of my future or are there already enough to choose from? Be sure to tune in and find out!!

This week I'll be joining these wonderful ladies and their very creative link parties. Each week I am amazed at the unique and fabulous work that is happening.  I'm so happy to be part of this community and to have all of you to inspire and motivate me!

This week I'm also joining in with Tricia and her Stash Bash. Click over for a peek! (She's just about ready to bring a new life into our world. Warm wishes & prayers for health and safety for mama and babe.)

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

I am enamored with flowers.  Pansies mainly. They have long been one of my favorite blossoms, and so I decided to see what kind of interpretation I could design.  A natural pansy is a bit unbalanced with big and little petals.  My plan is to incorporate them into squares, and since I'm still a novice it makes more sense to work with uniform sizes. I'm feeling pretty satisfied with where things are so far.  The technique for moving from flower to square was a challenge for me.  I want the background to resemble a classic granny, so I needed to add on chains in the right location and configuration that I can work off of to make the square. With a few more adjustments I should have my "Classic Granny Pansy" ready for it's unveiling.

Along with the pansy, I'm working on a pop-corn-picot flower.  Again I plan to use the classic granny as the background.  I'm sure I can find a pattern for these, but I'm trying to build my design skills.  That means I'm stitching and ripping and stitching some more until I'm happy with the result! I have one finished that gets the big thumbs up, and another that is nearly there!  Look for the big reveal on Friday.

I still have other projects on the hooks. Eleanor and Juliana are patiently waiting for my flower fetish to wilt.  But for right now, I'm really enjoying all the new things that I'm learning and being able to share my experiences with you.  I had no idea when I started the Granny Square Project that it was going to grow into something so wonderful.  I figured I'd make a few squares and be done.  I guess not.  Now I understand why people are so devoted to this technique or method of crochet. It's fun, satisfying and only limited by your imagination.

Since it's Wednesday I bet you're surprised that I didn't included a book picture!  Actually, I'm just about finished with Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  There has been much anticipation for this book as her debut last year with A Discovery of Witches was enormously successful. Was it worth the wait? I'll let you know what I think when I'm finished!! 

Well friends, that does it for me today. I'll be linking up with these terrific blogs, and spending some time visiting and seeing what amazing things are going on.  I hope you'll join me.

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