Greetings Friends!

This is one of my favorite projects, and I know you're going to like it too! I'm all about finding new ways to use what I have around the house. I'm not really a hoarder, but I hang on to a lot of things that I think might have potential - someday. This earring holder is a perfect example of turning forgotten items into something special.

For a long time I had the idea about making some sort of holder for all of the earrings that I have.using a picture frame. Writing an article for the Craftsy Blog about different ways that you can display your crochet work gave me a chance to do some experimenting. I tried wrapping string around cardboard and sliding it in a frame, but it didn't have the look I wanted. Eventually I stumbled across a piece of crochet lace. It actually is one of my early pieces of thread work that I had abandoned. A mistake in the border made it unusable for it's original purpose - a pillow top. But, when I held the lace together with one of the old frames I knew I was on to something. The glass was missing and the finish flaking off, but it had an undeniable charm.

It really was easy to put together. I found a piece of fabric (actually an old skirt) that matched the lace. I wrapped it around a piece of cardboard I cut to fit inside the frame. Then I stretched the lace over the fabric and laid it inside the frame. It fit nice and snuggly. 

The front looked perfect, but the back was a big mess. No one will ever see it, but things like that really bother me! I secured everything with packing tape. Then I cut a piece of cardboard from a cereal box to cover the back. I used craft adhesive (a super strong epoxy like glue) to attach the cardboard to the frame. I clamped it all together and let it dry overnight.

Now I have a lovely place to display all of my earrings. 

One of my favorite things about making jewelry is having pieces that match or complement pretty much everything in my wardrobe! My shabby chic lace holder now proudly sits on top of my bureau making all my earrings easy to see. Now the hard part is deciding what pair I want to wear!


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

Do you have trouble deciding on big projects? Once you decide do you second guess your decision?  I have wildly grand ambitions, and I know what I like when I see someone else’s work, yet somehow I get lost when I'm trying to do my own thing. My blanket project is the perfect example of this condition.  I have been in love with the Groovyghan since the first time I saw it, but when it came time for me to make my own I just couldn't do it. (You can read about in Tale of the Groovyghan.)

Realizing I need a new plan I did what I always do and hit the books. 100 Colorful Ripple Stitches to Crochet seemed to hold the answer - or at least offered a place to start!   It’s almost overwhelming looking through all those designs.  The smallest change to a stitch pattern can alter the entire look.  Introduce color and you add another layer of options to the project!  Talk about confusing!! I have a box of 9 bright colors of yarn - how am I ever going to decide what pattern to use?!

Before committing to an entire blanket I wanted to make sure that I 1) enjoyed working the pattern and 2) was happy with the density and body of the fabric. After narrowing it down to these three choices I decided on Roman Blinds.  Using just one color I made a good sized swatch. It passed the first test. I could imagine spending hours with it. The second test was a moderate success. It was a little stiff, but looked like it would be nice and warm.

Next I had to decide what to do with all those colors.  Creating a striping pattern is not easy! It takes a lot of effort to come up with a design that is visually appealing. Again the options are vast! The only thing I knew for sure was I didn't want to repeat colors in the same order. When I was writing the Granny Square Project I came across the Random Stripe Generator.  It's free and super cool.  You select the colors that you're using, enter the total number of rows and viola the program generates an image and a list. If you want to see another option, just refresh the page. It lets you see how colors work together and how incredibly different something can look depending on what color goes where.  I really encourage you to check it out. Even if you don't need it now, it's a terrific resource that will come in handy someday - plus it's fun to play with!  Of course you know it took forever for me to decide on the perfect sequence!  I started with 10, narrowed it down to 3 and finally made my choice. Yeah, it's that way for everything!

Alright, now I've got the stitch pattern and the color pattern. I'm ready to make myself the most awesome blanket ever! I worked 3 rows and knew I made a mistake. I am not in love. Not only am I having reservations about the colors and the drape of the fabric, I don't know how I'm going to put a border on the ripple without it being a major pain - and I really want a border! What am I going to do?!? Honestly I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever turn all this yarn into a blanket.  I know it has the potential to be spectacular, but I can't quite get it together.  

I'm not ready to give up. I poked around on the internet seeing what Pinterest and Ravelry had to offer. I kept gravitating to granny squares and granny stripes. Since I know that I will never complete a full sized blanket of squares I decided that maybe I should try a basic straight granny stripe. I spent so much time deciding on the random color pattern maybe the simplicity of this classic design is what I need.  With 9 bright hues a complicated stitch pattern might get lost and the whole thing could easily end up looking like "eeeww" instead of "aaaahhh"!

The decision made (again!) I devoted quite a few hours to getting started. The crochet work is truly effortless making it excellent for night time and when I'm concentrating on important things like what is going to happen next on Sons of Anarchy!  Of course after just a few rows I started to second guess (again!) my decisions about the color pattern and working singles rows of color instead of 2 rows of each for a stripier stripe. Aargh!!

This is my problem.  This indecision that thwarts my progress on big projects. It is one of the reasons that I stick with the small stuff.  I struggle to have faith in my choices and the patience to let things come together.  I think it's my inner child.  That part of me that wants to be done NOW! This is when I have to remind myself why I crochet. I like making things with yarn, and it is as much about doing as it is about the finished product. Maybe even more.

Writing today's post has helped me to remember some other important things about crochet. Things  like:

• It's okay to change your mind.
• If you are going to take on a big project be sure that working on it makes you happy.  Don't commit to hundreds of rows of Back Post Double Crochet if the stitch still feels awkward - even after you get the hang of it!
• Relax and enjoy the time spent making.
• Don't be so critical!!  Whatever this turns out to be it's going to be great because: 
  a) you did it!
  b) you love the colors!
  c) you love the yarn!
  d) there is no wrong when you're making art (yes, I think crochet is art)!

Of course it's an entirely different story if you're working under contract or have to meet someone elses guidelines!  But if you're not, don't let the fun and joy of your favorite activity get lost!

I'm ready. I've finished 23 rows. I don't know what it will look like when it's done, but that's okay. It will be as unique as I am and just as warm and snuggly!

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!

Howdy Folks!

Working on multiple projects simultaneously makes me happy.  It keeps me from getting bored.  Plus it generally ensures that I have something that I want to work on handy.  Mostly these days I've been doing a lot of knitting.  The one problem that I have with knitting is that I can't do it when I'm tired.  Well I can, but I'm prone to making mistakes.  And fixing mistakes in knitting is way harder than it is in crochet. I've learned that it's better to set it aside than try to squeeze out one more row.

This is the Reflections Doily.  I found the pattern in the June 2013 issue of Crochet World magazine.  It struck my fancy because I had recently purchased a ball of Aunt Lydia's crochet thread in Monet.  It's not often that I actually have the exact yarn (or thread) that a pattern calls for on hand.  Being a fan of crochet lace and doilies in general it seemed like destiny.

I started with a flourish, but quickly  lost motivation.  If memory serves, and history repeats - I got bored.  The majority of this project is a simple V-stitch (dc, ch 3, dc).  And so, like many other projects it was stashed on a shelf and pretty much forgotten. For months it languished, until last week.  I needed something that I could pick up and put down without a lot of hassle.  Turns out that this is just that kind of project.  It also fits well in my travel bag.  We'll see how long I stick with it!  For right now though it's my "in between" project and any progress I make is a good thing!!

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!

Additional fuel for my short attention span is my love of books.  Pattern books to be specific.  Not only do I receive terrific titles in the mail for review, but working at the library I can not resist browsing the catalog and borrowing anything - make that everything - that strikes my fancy! That's where I came across this quick and interesting project. In One-Skein Wonders; 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites I found Knitted Coasters with Charms.  I thought that it would be a great way to combine John's beading with my knitting.

This is just a peek at one of the many projects that's been keeping me busy.  I've been doing a whole lot of crafting, and not very much blogging.  Time to get back in swing!  I used to wonder what I was going to write about, not any more! I've got plenty of finished projects, works in progress plus don't forget the books to review and giveaway.  I think you're going to be seeing a lot of 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!

Greetings!

Throughout the summer I've been dabbling with different thread projects.  Keeping them short and sweet helps to ensure that I'll stay interested and actually follow through to the end!  I was working on the review of the book 100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet which meant that I tried out several of the patterns.  I made some with worsted cotton and more with cotton thread.  It didn't take long for a collection to develop.  They were just too pretty to leave in a basket, so I bought a bunch of plain white washcloths and hand towels to embellish.  Stitching one square to each washcloth worked beautifully (you can see how I did it in this post).

I wanted to try something different with the towels.  Flipping through my library of books and magazines I came across a pattern for lace edging that was perfect -  the Dolly Dish Towels in the Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Crochet Today.

It was just a coincidence that I had the same color thread they used on hand. The soft cotton towel was supple enough to work the foundation row without pre-poking any holes, and once that was done the design rapidly took shape. Perhaps the toughest part was making sure that I had the right multiple of stitches evenly spaced along the bottom of my towel. After finishing this quick and easy project I understand why lace edging is such a classic embellishment.  In times past if you wanted something fancy you had to make it yourself, unless you were wealthy enough to pay someone to make it for you.  Adding lace to household linens makes them look good and was probably excellent practice for more intricate pieces like wedding dresses, veils and christening gowns.  While I don't see any of those in my future, my towel and washcloths make a lovely addition to our bathroom.  My husband says they're too nice to use, but I say they're too nice not to!  

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!

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!

It was truly a moment of unexpected inspiration.  I was looking for the right materials to make a display rack for my earrings.  Since John has gotten bitten by the beading bug I have earrings and bracelets to match every outfit in my wardrobe - and then some. Believe me I am not complaining, but they need a proper home instead of laying all over my dresser waiting for kitty to decide they would make great toys.  My plan is to take a picture frame, pull out the glass and cover the back with fabric or a decorative paper.  Then I'll run rows of yarn across giving me a nice place to hang all the little gems.

Yesterday I was rooting around and I found a frame.  Since most of the fabric that I have is scraps and small squares I rummaged through the closet looking for volunteers.  If you're like me you have plenty of clothes in the closet that you haven't worn in 10 or even 20 years and most likely will never wear again (can anyone say miniskirt?? how about leather miniskirt??!).  I grabbed a few likely candidates and headed to the dining room table.  That's when the doily caught my eye.  It's actually the first one I ever made and it's been hanging out on the table (under stacks of books, mostly out of sight).  I was considering using it as part of the earring hanger project when it dawned on me that it's round body fit perfectly in that square frame.  And holy cow, wouldn't that just look pretty smart hanging above the table where I do most of my writing?!

I quickly abandon the earring project and got busy creating my own framed work of art!  All it took was  a roll of heavy duty packing tape, my scissors, a ruler, some vinegar and water to clean the glass, a piece of cardboard to cover the messy edges and a label to record the details.  In less than an hour my masterpiece was hanging proudly.

It's so exciting when a project just springs to life like this one did.  Of course I've seen and admired framed crochet pieces.  And I've even thought what a great idea it is, but I never actually set about doing it.

Sometimes when I think to hard on something, I think all the fun right out of it.  It's easy for me to get consumed with the planning and trying to make sure that I have just the right ingredients to make it come out perfectly. 

This however was purely a spur of the moment event, and I know that I couldn't have planned it any better!


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!

For these I didn't bother to add a SC border, and since I didn't have matching lilac thread I used the crochet thread.  I cut a piece to length and pulled it apart so I could use just one of the plies.  It worked like a charm!

Well folks, I hope that today's tutorial has been helpful and that you might even be inspired to give this type of applique a try.  You can use this technique on so many different things.  On blue jeans, and denim jackets, shirt collars and pockets, pillow cases and sheets, curtains, tote bags - if you can imagine it, you can do it!

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!

After looking over the pattern I realized that it would be a snap to covert to crochet. Isn't it something what a difference a year makes?  How cool that I would be able to make these available to anyone who wants to make them!! Now no one has to be left out!  As it happens, they are very easy to make no matter which technique you use.  I made both of these and the egg in one evening.  The ribbing on the knit version is snugger (is that a word?) so, to make the crochet ribbing tighter I ran a basting stitch around the bottom and pulled it in a little.  Problem solved!

Embellishing them was fun too.  At first I wasn't sure what to do.  Since I don't have chickens the picture that came to mind was Fog Horn Leg Horn (we're big Looney Tunes fans here!) Anyway, I found this fuzzy, furry yarn (which I've could never figure out what to do with), and sort of stitched it in loops. I think the effect is great!  I'm not crazy about the beaks though.  In fact the knit chick had a "beak job" because the original one made her look like some sort of prehistoric monster chick, okay I'm overreacting a bit but it did look funny.  Next time I might try a piece of felt instead. You really can let your imagination run wild or go for the simple look and make them in your favorite colors.  No matter what you do, I'm sure that they will look terrific.

I love that they sit atop the eggs.  For me that's why I found them so endearing.  I'm not sure what it is about little "surprises" like that make me say, "aaawwwhh", but I can't help myself!  They're a perfect fit for the crochet eggs, or you can fill a plastic egg with candy for a super sweet treat. 

I'm including a downloadable PDF of the crochet pattern that you might find useful as well as the egg pattern.  I didn't bother to write out the knit pattern.  I was able to follow the diagram, and I'm sure you can too.  With any of them, please let me know if you have questions.  I'm new to pattern writing, and apologize in advance for any mistakes or confusing instructions!

Well my friends that's all for today.  Have fun with your creations!  I'd love to see pictures of your lil' chickies.  You can post them on my Facebook page and we can all "aaawwwhh" them together.
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!

Greetings Friends!
I hope that this first day of the vernal equinox finds you with a spring in your step! It's cold and blustery in New England with the remnants of the most recent snow storm visible at every turn.  I'm optimistic though that the sun will soon shine brilliantly and before long it will only be a memory (the snow, not the sun!).  Enough of the weather chat and onto the eggs.  What about them you ask?  Well, this morning I realized that while I had been thinking about Easter and the Resurrection I hadn't given much thought to the other side of Easter.  With the bunny,  jelly beans, chocolate and of course eggs.  Since our son is a teenager the days of pastel baskets, shinny cellophane grass and copious amounts of candy for breakfast are (sadly) behind us.  I wanted to do something though, so I decided to crochet myself an egg.  I also thought it would be fun to share the pattern with the knitting/crochet group who meet at the library on Wednesdays.  And if I'm going to share with them, of course I'm going to share with you!

It's quite easy and took about half an hour to finish.  Without further ado here you go:

Gauge isn’t important so feel free to use whatever you have handy. 
For this extra-large egg I used:
F/5 – 3.75 (US) hook
Bits of worsted acrylic from the stash
Left over fiber fill for the stuffing, but most anything soft will work (cotton balls, bits of yarn etc.)

Stitches and Stuff:
Single Crochet (sc)
Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog) – Insert hook in stitch and pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook).  Yarn over, and pull through all 3 loops. One stitch decreased.

Eggs are worked in continuous rounds – do not join.  Use a marker at beginning of the round and move it up as each round is completed.

To Make the Egg:
With color of your choice – ch 2.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in first ch. Place marker in 1st st to mark beg of rnd; move marker up as rnd is completed.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: *2 sc in nxt sc, sc in next 2 sc; repeat from * around. (24 sc)

Rnd 5 – 12: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 13: *Sc2tog, sc in nxt 4 sc; repeat from * around (20 sc). 

Pull tail from starting chain into the egg, and begin stuffing. Continue stuffing as you go until it’s firm and holds its eggy shape.

Rnd 14: *Sc2tog, sc in nxt 3 sc; repeat from * around. (16 sc)

Rnd 15: *Sc2tog, sc in nxt 2 sc; repeat from * around. (12 sc)

Rnd 16: *Sc2tog, sc in next sc; repeat from * around (8 sc). Keep stuffing!

Rnd 17: (Sc2tog) around. (4 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.  Weave the tail through the stitches on top to close the opening. Knot the end and the weave into the egg to hide.
If you make stripes, make sure to pull the ends into the egg before stuffing (it’s easier that way!)

There you are!  A great way to use up some stash scraps.  Imagine how cool they'll look in variegated yarns.  I was also thinking that you could embroider designs on then too.

I created a PDF if you want to download it for later.

Well friends, that's all for now!
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!

PS: There's still time to enter the book raffles.  Check the links on the side bar if you haven't already!!