Greetings Friends!  Welcome to the weekend!  What do you have in store?  Here in the US we have  long weekend.  (Queue patriotic music now!) We're celebrating  Veterans Day on Monday "to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good". Although I don't come from a military family I am thankful to all of these brave folks.

What do you think of this pile of thready goodness? I am so excited by all these colors and all the projects just waiting to be discovered!  Why so many you ask?  Well there's a reason of course!  I've had this idea to make book marks for the holidays in the back of my head for ages.  But I only had a few basic colors, and I wanted them to be fun and bright and happy.  Last month I decided to see what I could find.  I checked all my regular web sites and while the selections were large, each ball was between $2.39 and $4.59 for 300 yds.  Not much if you only want a few, but I wanted lots!! Finally I checked Amazon.com.  That's where I found this company selling 175 yd. balls for $1.69. I realize that per yard it's slightly more, but I like that the balls are smaller - since I'm going for variety here and really how much thread do you use to make a bookmark? 

Now that I have all of this fabulous thread I need to figure out what to do with it...

There are some lovely bookmark patterns out there, and I'm sure I'll be trying a few.  But I wanted to design something on my own.  My summer spent making granny squares seemed to be all the the inspiration that I needed.  Image the color combinations I could come up with!  After all I have 14 different colors to choose from!  This got me thinking... Just how many possibilities are there?  Now I'm good (enough) at math, but this was beyond my ability.  And then I remembered my blogging friend Angeliki (she's a physics major from Greece) who had helped me with this type of question once before.  I sent here a quick note on Facebook.

But my dear friend was not satisfied just giving me a simple answer.  No, instead she wrote a program that finally shows us the secret to

That's right!  All you have to do is download a file, plug in the number of colors you're using and it will tell you how many different combinations there are!  But it doesn't just give you the number, it generates a list of the possibilities so if you are so inclined to make them all you can print the list and cross them off one by one!  She's included the links and instructions on her blog.  I hope that you'll give it a try, and please be sure to leave a comment to let her know how it goes.

Now that I have the colors covered I need to try some different patterns.  To start with I used a classic granny with the granny stripe border. Next I'm going to pick some of my favorites from this summer and try putting them together with the classic.  I brought home a copy of Around the Corner: Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman that has 150 designs to choose from.  With all of these choices I'm confident that I'll have some stunning bookmarks to show you!  I guess you know what I'll be doing this (long) weekend!!

I have often told you how warmed I am by the support and kindness that I have experienced through my blog.  This is yet another example of the overwhelming goodness and willingness to help that makes me feel blessed to be part of such an amazing community.  Thanks Angeliki, and all of you who make blogging so much fun!

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 "Quiet"

You would think this would be an easy one for me, working at the library shouldn't quiet be part of my every day?  Nope.  Not at our library.  You won't find any shushing going on here.  Oh we don't let it get out of hand, but talking is not forbidden.  After all we are a community center.  We are a gathering place for all ages.  We encourage communication and building relationships.  Answering questions and sharing information.  And none of that came be done without a little noise.

But there is a difference between silence and quiet isn't there?  Quiet can bring calm and peacefulness, whereas the sounds of silence can scream harshly at you.  I can't imagine not having noise about me.  Not loud or hard noises, but the activity of life kind of noises.

And when I want quiet I look inside.  Because that is where it is most important to me.  That I can find a peaceful place to settle into and be undisturbed by the noises that surround me.

Today I'll be sharing my post on these terrific blogs.  Drop by and add your project to the party and see what everyone else has been up to this week.

Greetings and Salutations Friends!  This week has been all about my awesome Slouching Towards Tassels Cap by Denise at Voie de Vie.  It seems that it was with me no matter what I was doing:  making stitch markers with John; participating in the JAL for Accessories: Autumne 2012 (Denise's new ebook where you'll find this pattern); hunkered down to wait out hurricane Sandy (with a good book, homemade spicy Hermits and a cup of chamomile); or looking for journaling inspiration.  We were inseparable, and even though I only worked on it a little bit each evening it took less than a week to finish.

I wish that the lighting had been better for my ta-dah pictures so you could see just how great it looks.  Red is difficult to photograph, and these shots don't show you how rich the color is.  2 big "cakes" of this mystery wool were given to me last year, and I've been waiting to find a project for them.  I think this one is perfect.  I'm drawn to the tassels which I think give the cap a playful look that is fun in a grown up sort of way.  Don't get me wrong, I love pom-poms, but sometimes you need something that you can wear with your "good" coat on those cold winter days! 

I always like to make coordinating pieces when I can, and since I have plenty of yarn left I set to work on a pair of mitts.  The fingerless kind that have the little hood attached so you can keep warm while you're walking, but still grab your keys or use your phone when you need to.  I've tried to explain them to my husband, but he remains convinced that topless mittens are just plain silly!  It must just be a guy thing, because all my girlfriends love them!

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 "Roots"

I once had a very wise teacher.  She would talk and tell me things that at the time didn't seem to have much to do with the subject at hand.  But later, when I was alone doing the dishes, or talking with my husband I would remember what she had said.  And I would think about it.  And then I would ponder some more.  And without even realizing it an idea had formed, a problem was solved, a decision was made. 

And when I share my revelation with her she tells me that she is a gardener.  With the land and with the mind she plants seeds.  Small and seeming insignificant.  And then it is up to me to grow them.  I nurture them and they grown.  They strengthen and develop roots.  And they will reach deeply into the core.  To provide me with sustenance.  For the body and for the spirit.  My wise teacher never pushed anything on me.  She offered me seeds, and left the rest up to me.

Today I'll be sharing my post with this lovely group of ladies.  Each has a terrific link party that will surely introduce you to all kinds of creative goodness!  Please stop by, and feel free to add your latest 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!

Greetings Friends!  The weekend is upon us and I'm thrilled to have two projects to share with you!  Recently  I asked for your help picking my next project.  I was surprised when the voting ended in a tie.  Making an executive decision (because here is the only place I have that power) I decided on the Little Wing Shawlette.  Mainly because I wanted to use the Amazing yarn that I bought months ago.  Happily it feels as if this pattern by Andee Graves from Two Hands Healing was written just for this yarn! Another pleasant discovery was having enough yarn left over to make a matching set of wrist warmers.  I made them using one of my favorite patterns - Chevron Lace Wrist Warmers by Karen at Colour in a Simple Life. 
Together these pieces make the perfect autumn ensemble, and I love the way they so easily coordinate with my favorite denim jacket.

When I started Crochet Nirvana it was mainly a way for me to chronicle my work.  I had no idea that it would connect me to so many talented people.  I also didn't know that there is such a large community of crafters and how accessible, helpful and supportive they are.  Before I started blogging, I got the majority of my patterns from books and magazines.  Occasionally I would use the internet and print something from Crochet Pattern Central (as was the case with my wrist warmers).  The designers who wrote these patterns were strangers to me and the idea of actually communicating with them was just silly!  Oh how things have changed! Now I know that designers are out there and they want to hear from us!  They want to help if we get stuck and see what we made with their pattern when we're done! They have blogs, Facebook, and Ravelry pages.  Some are fortunate enough to do it full time, and others have jobs that have nothing to do with yarn.  It turns out they're a lot like me!

How does this relate to today's post? Well, let me tell you. Before I begin any project I always go to Ravelry and see what other people who have made the item have to say.  In fact if there are too many negative comments I won't even bother!  I also check out the materials used, because I never seem to have the yarn that's called for. If it looks like most people have been successful I give it a go.  Such was the case with Little Wing.  Several folks commented about the foundation. I gave it a try as written, but when it didn't work I used a regular Fsc like they suggested and it worked perfectly. Problem averted!  Next I ran into trouble at Row 2.  I couldn't figure out how to make the transition for the point.  I looked at other people's notes and pictures and while some had mentioned having trouble, no one told me how they fixed it.  I was thinking I might have to find another pattern.  Instead I decided to contact the designer - Andee. It was late, I was frustrated, and I fear my message was long and rambling.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  The next day with a fresh coffee and fresh perspective I tried Row 2 again.  Success!! And what else? A response from Andee who was more than willing to help me out.  How cool is that? I made a beautiful wrap, and I made a new friend!

But what about Karen and the wrist warmers?  Like I said, I originally printed her pattern off the internet, and  I had no idea that I would ever run into her again. Then one day on Facebook someone shared a picture of a happy, bright square that caught my eye. I followed the link and ended up at Karen's blog.  Reading through (because it's well done and she has fabulous pictures!) I was totally surprised when I saw the pattern for my very favorite wrist warmers on her sidebar.  What a small world!  I started following Karen, and of course had to let her know how I had found her and how much I loved the pattern.  I was even fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of her Granny's Gone Dotty pattern.  Again I say,  how cool is that?

We hear so many negative things about the internet and social networking.  As the mother of a teenager I am always fearful of who my son will come in contact with and what kinds of things he might see while browsing the web.  But then there is the other side.  Where we have access to the inspiring work of thousands of people.   Where we offer encouragement and teach each other the things we know.  Where a stranger is willing to help when asked.  Where a gift is offered as thanks for a kind word.  Where we can laugh, learn, create and share in a community we've created.  Sitting at the dining room table in fuzzy slippers and messy hair I have found my (crochet) Nirvana. 

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 "Voice"

The human voice is as diverse as a finger print, but so much easier to recognize. It doesn't even have to be a particularly interesting or unique voice for me to know who it belongs to with out seeing them.  At work people often call to renew their books.  I'm always surprised by how distinct their voices are and how many I recognize with out even thinking about it.
I never thought that my voice was very unique.  But once many years ago the phone rang.  I answered. "Hello?"  The person asked for someone - Jim, John, Joe -  someone who didn't live at my house.  "Sorry" I said, "wrong number".  And then they said, "Robin?  Is that you?  This is Cindy, remember we met a few months ago at my brother- in-laws house?  I knew I recognized your voice!!"
What?? Are you kidding?
We live in a small town, and the likely hood of calling someone that you know does exist, but it's a pretty slim margin.   This was in the days way before cell phones when we all had the same exchange and you only had to dial 5 numbers to connect your call (really dating myself here!)
Anyway, after that call I knew the voice that I had thought was plain and ordinary really was unique after all!

Greetings Friends! Welcome to the Friday edition of Crochet Nirvana. I've been waiting to share this project with you, hoping that I'd have another blissfully sunny day to photograph the rest of these guys. Don't you just love this shot of the river?? Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other ideas and gray skies and steady rain prevail.  Luckily I brought this fellow along for a walk  last weekend.  It was a perfect autumn day with a nip that made a sweater necessary and the scent of fallen leaves in the air.  I was with my teenage son, Seth and while he usually  humors me, my crochet obsession and my desire to take action shots of my yarn creations, he can be easily embarrassed if not down-right mortified by my behavior. While we were in the woods he was patient as I posed the owl in shot after shot.  He drew the line when I ventured onto the front lawn of a local real estate office (on Main Street)  to take advantage of their lovely pumpkin display.  He swiftly walked away  while admonishing me for trespassing and generally making a spectacle of myself!  I assured him they wouldn't mind and kept on snapping. In the end, he survived and I got a fun picture!

These too cute owls are intended to be coasters, but I'm considering using them as decorations (either just about the house or for the Christmas tree).  You can find the pattern and other details on my Ravelry project page.
I don't know about you, but I usually have a hard time sewing things like eyes and beaks on to the body with yarn.  It always leaves the backside looking messy and unfinished.  In the past I've used regular quilting thread to attach elements.  This takes a bit longer but I end up with a neater backside.  For these owls I'm going to try stitching on a fabric backing. My plan is to prepare the fabric like you would for an applique (with a template, basting, pressing,  and hoping!) then sew it to the crocheted piece. It may be more trouble than it's worth, we'll see.  My other thought was to crochet another owl using  one color and sew that to the back with yarn.  I think that would be too thick for an ornament, but might be perfect for a coaster.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions you have to give these cuties the finished look they deserve!

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 "Look"

What do you choose to surround yourself with?  The objects that we live with everyday are things that bring us comfort, have a purpose, meet a need or maybe just make us smile.  What do you see when you look around right where you are?
I see lots of crochet projects in bright colors that make me happy.  I see books, books and more books, they make me feel secure and comfortable and always bring me joy.  I see a plant - it's more like a tree now.  I've had for more than 20 years.  It's been with me longer than my husband and my son and I don't even know what kind it is! I see colored pencils and wicker baskets,writing paper, my journal, chap stick, the checkbook and calculator.  The sewing machine is waiting and ready to use should I have the urge to sew something.  Here is a bookmark that my best friend in high school gave me for my 17th birthday.  Funny that the bookmark remains, but I haven't seen the friend in at least 20 years.
All of these things I see everyday, I know that they're here when I want or need them.  But how often do you really look at the trinkets that make up your space?

While doing my five minutes of writing the UPS man delivered two packages.  Now I see two unopened boxes in my space that should contain yarn and thread in brilliant colors that I will use to decorate my weekend!!  Before I get to that I'll be joining my bloggy friends for these awesome link parties.  I hope you'll come along and check out the amazing projects with me!

Here's another happy surprise I have to share with you!  While creating today's links I learned that my Making Crochet Pumpkins post is being featured this week on Petals to Picots! Here's a heartfelt thank-you to Kara and all of you who came to visit. What a fantastic way to start the weekend!

Greetings and welcome to my pumpkin patch!  Autumn is my favorite season for so many reasons. Apple picking, the special way the air smells while walking through the woods, Halloween, sweater weather, craft fairs, candy, scary movies, costumes and of course pumpkins!  Whether it's carving a jack-o-lantern, making pie, toasting the seeds or crocheting one of these little beauties pumpkins are fun. I think of them as an ambassador for the holidays.  We see them first as one of the final crops from the summer growing season. We use them for decorations in October and then turn them into pies that grace our tables at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.  By the time the new year comes we've had our fill, but rest assured we'll be excited to see them come autumn next year!

I was looking to make some harvest themed decorations to use at the library as well as at home.  I came across this simple (free) pattern. These little lovelies are a snap to work up and actually are somewhat addicting! I've left mine plain, but Dawn over on her blog Fiddlesticks shows what can be done with a little embroidery thread, a few buttons and some imagination. She has several ideas for terrific ways to bring the harvest home. I know she's inspired me!  To get you motivated here's a look out how easy it is to make your own mini pumpkin.

I found another free mini pumpkin pattern on Petals to Picots (one of my new Friday link parties).  Kara works her's in the round.  I haven't tried it yet, but it's on my list for the weekend!  What do you think of our kitty?  She has to be part of everything!  And since she was determined to oversee my progress and my photography I had to include her in my story! 

Have you heard the news?  Today is I Love Yarn Day!  Not that we don't love yarn every day! Here is a chance for us to let everyone know just how important yarn is to us and our crafty lives.

I'm doing my part by posting here today, and by spending as much time as I can crocheting (pumpkins of course!)

On their website and Facebook page you'll find places to share your activities and see what other yarn lovers are up to today.  Here are some other suggestions from their site:

Whether you knit, crochet, craft or just adore fiber, October 12th is the day to affirm your passion for yarn. Show it off, tag with it, carry it, gather with friends. Declare your LOVE! Get involved.

• Create an I Love Day Yarn badge
• Teach someone to knit or crochet
• Do something for charity
• Wear a knitted or crocheted item
• Give a gift of yarn
• Take your yarn to work day
• Host a yarn-a-bration party
• Knit, crochet and craft in public

This is the perfect excuse for spending the day with your favorite yarn! Enjoy yourself and create something that makes you happy!

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 "Race"

There are so many things that I want to do.  I often feel like there isn't enough time in the day to get it all done.  And so I find myself hurrying through instead of taking my time and enjoying myself.  I have to pull back and remember that life is a journey not a destination (thank you Stephen Tyler and Aerosmith for instilling that bit of wisdom in me so long ago!).  Anyway, I forget that I don't have to get it all done right now.  Especially when it comes to crochet and crafting.  This is my hobby.  It's a passion, but it's a hobby.  And the reason that I do it is to relax and enjoy myself.  Of course for the pleasure of creating and having wonderful handmade gifts to give, but it's about the act of doing - or at least it should be.

So when I start getting anxious and find that I am racing to the end, I step back.  I breath into the moment.  I say the mantra that has been mine for years: Be Here Now.

Five minutes doesn't last for long!  Like last week I was tempted to keep going, but the exercise is five minutes period.  So this week when the timer went off I stopped (after I jumped because it scarred the beep out of me!).

And so this brings us to the end.  I had a lot to share today.  I hope that something here caught your eye!  For more eye catching fun, check out these other blogs.  Each one has something unique to offer and I'm sure you'll find plenty to ooh and aah over! Enjoy your weekend ~ no matter what you're doing!

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 "Welcome"

What would you think if a few days after you moved into your new home a complete stranger showed up at the door with a casserole and an invitation to meet the 'rest of the ladies' for coffee the following afternoon?  Would you be suspicious and wonder what she really wanted or would you accept both the time saving diner and the invitation?  In 2012 the likelihood of that happening is incredibly slim.  But in the 1950s, in suburban American you would have just met the Welcome Wagon!  That's right.  A group of women from the ladies auxiliary who would make it their business to welcome you and your family to the neighborhood.  It was more than the convenience of a heat-an-eat meal, it was the opportunity to get to know you new neighbors.  They would tell you things like which teahcer you want little Jimmy to have and where to get the best cut of meat.  They'd let you know which dry cleaner will get your shirts the brightest white and which beauty parlor to avoid.  There would be invitations to the PTA and maybe the garden club.
And you wouldn't be suspicious at all.
Community activity and support were once common place.  Reaching out to strangers wasn't scary or intimidating.  People wanted to help each other.  When did that change?  I don't think it's because we're mean and uncaring.  We've just changed the way we interact.
It's a new world that we're living in.  And while I won't be knocking on my new neighbors door anytime soon, I'm glad to welcome all of you to my piece of cyber-space (the cyberhood?).  I'm happy you came to visit my blog, and invite you to check out what's happening on Facebook and Pinterest.  We can share a cup of coffee and I'll tell you all about my latest project.  I'll come over to see your place and encourage you when you get stuck. I'll cheer for your success and help you out in anyway  I can.  The best thing about being part of an online community and having our interaction take place on the internet? You never know when my house is messy or I'm writing in my pajamas!

Well friends, that does it for me!  It's a long weekend in the states and that means more time with the hook and yarn!  It also means I'll have a chance to catch up on my blog reading.  I hope you'll join me as I stop by to visit these creative blogs and their link parties.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending part of your day with me.
Please don't forget to click on your choice for my next project!

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!

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!

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..

Usually I include my five minutes at the end of my regular Friday Show & Tell post.  This week I'm hard at work on Part IV of The Granny Square Project and hope to have it up by the end of the day.  However, I really enjoy participating in this exercise and didn't want to miss the chance to stretch my writing muscles. So if you stopped by expecting tales of crochet and yarn never fear they're on the way.  In the mean time, thank you for allowing me to indulge my inner writer.

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

Fall is in the air.  I caught a glimpse of it this morning even though the weather channel tells me it will be 90 today.  As soon as that crisp tang begins, images of my back to school days play through the life movie in my head.

I always loved the new school year.  It was a chance to reinvent myself. To try on a new persona.  Punk rocker, cheerleader, rebel, honor student I worked my way through all of them.  See growing up I moved - a lot.  And that meant 11 schools in 12 years!  Army brat? Nope - a child of divorced parents who were also struggling to find their way.  As a result, every new school was a chance to try on a new me.  You know how it is when you're a teenager.  You want to fit in, but still be unique.  You want to be part of the right crowd.  Every year a got a chance to try.

And I embraced it.  I looked forward to the opportunity to meet new people and introduce them to a brand new version of me.  There were times that it was hard.  And I'm envious of my husband who lived in the same house all his life and is still friends with people he went to kindergarten with.  But for me change was all I knew, and somehow I made it work.

And now, as the long summer day's come to an end I can feel the promise in the air, and I look forward to the changes that life has in store for me.

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

Greetings and salutations friends! I'm so glad you're stopping by today.  As you can see, Granny has taken over as I've been busy preparing for the next installment of the Project.  In Part IV my focus is more on finished squares so that means lots of happy hooking this weekend!

I'm truly overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the amazing amount of encouragement, support and positive feedback that I have received for this series. I'm having a fantastic time learning new things and sharing them with you.  Thank you so much for  reading and commenting. Knowing that you're there each week keeps me motivated and inspires me to do the best work I can.

The square that you see here is known simply as Flower Garden Square VI from The Granny Square Book.  Join me next week for Part IV and I'll tell you all about it and the other lovelies that are growing in Granny's Garden!

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 "Join"

Putting together.  Attaching.  Creating a whole out of parts.  These are all ways to describe “join”. With all of my recent work with the granny square I’m thinking about different methods for joining them. The whip stitch, a chain stitch, a mattress stitch or perhaps the invisible join?? Always options for creating a connection.

And now I think of all the pieces of my life that have been pieced together to make me who I am today. And of my friends and family and how I am connected to each of them in a way that is similar, yet different.

We are the sum of our parts. Some of our connections are strong while others are fragile and fraying. I know that I am more because of each one of these bonds. I am a beautiful, multi-colored, vibrant granny square blanket. Each square is an experience, a moment or milestone. And I am joined together with yarn made of hope, faith and love.

So there you have it. I know "time flies" is a bit cliche but it doesn't stop it from being true! Today before it escapes completely I'll be linking up with these wonderful bloggers, and stopping by to see what kind of fun everyone has been up to.  I hope you'll join me.

This week I'm also joining in with Tricia and her Stash Bash. Click over for a peek!

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!