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!

Greetings!The warm weather has arrived in New England, and that means it's time for me to break out the ankle socks. (Do any of you call them Peds?  I always have, but I'm not sure if that's a brand name, a regional thing, or just old fashioned).  Anyway, I'm a sneaker girl. Don't get me wrong, I love shoes: heels, sandals, boots you name it.  I've just learned that no matter how cute they look in the store, I won't wear them. Ever. I didn't figure this out overnight!  It's been a long, expensive lesson.  I'm finally willing to admit that comfort is way more important to me than fashion.
But that doesn't mean that I have to forgo style!  That's where the little lace socks come in.  You see, not only do I always wear sneakers, but in order to keep my feet the happiest they can be I usually wear white cotton socks.   Kind of plain and boring I know...  I've looked for alternatives, but never with great success.  And then it struck me!  Why not add a little lace to the socks I have?!  It can't be that hard, and then I can make them as colorful and frilly as I want.  Brilliant!

So I headed for the sock basket, found a matching pair, and got to it.

This is a very flexible and forgiving project.  Rather than give you an exact, stitch my stitch pattern, think of this as a guide. Here's what I did:
I knew that the fan pattern I wanted to use works in multiples of 4 plus 1.
Using my favorite steel hook (no pre-poking holes required!), I attached the thread at the back of the sock and did a round of sc.  I stretched the ribbing open and put one stitch between each rib.  How much you stretch and how close together you put your stitches is up to you.  Just remember if you don't stretch before stitching the sock won't fit, and to count the number of stitches you put in the first sock, so you can make the second one the same! Seems like common sense doesn't it? Alas. I speak from experience (head slap)!
Next, I did a round of (ch5, skip 3, sc) to make a base for the fans.  Then I did 5dc in each ch5 around.
That's it!  Next time I do these little fans I'll make the base smaller (ch4) and the fan bigger (ch7).  I think that will give it a fuller look. And I'll make sure to count my stitches!

I was looking through my magazine collection and there are so many edging patterns that you can adapt to your socks.  And with all the amazing colors of thread that are available you can create one of a kind designs that will make everyone take notice!  My next pair will be pink, purple and green I think, or maybe I'll do little flowers hanging off a vine.... No matter what, I know my feet are going to be happy!!

I wore my lacy little socks yesterday and they're perfect!  So I ask you, who needs a closet full of shoes that make your feet hurt, when with a little thread your comfy white socks will turn your sneakers into the cutest shoes ever!

That's all for today!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings!
So I've been knitting for about a month now, and I have to say that I'm really lovin' it.  My husband is calling me a traitor because I haven't picked up a crochet hook since I started.  What can I say? It's so awesome to cast those stitches on and watch the fabric that develops.  And for some reason the idea of designing my own projects seems natural with the knitting, something that I never really felt about crochet.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let me tell you about my first project.

I've been on a hand/wrist warmer kick this winter and it seemed like the right size project to begin with.  Jean W. (the library's knitting queen) gave me a pattern for fingerless gloves that she's made many times.  They are worked in the round, but she told me I could do them flat and adjusted the pattern for me.  They are a cable ribbing pattern which looks like a "mock" cable. It seemed a bit adventurous for a first project, but I figured what the heck!  Plus I was flattered that she had such confidence in me! 

I used the the easy thumb cast on and set to work on the first row. It was really hard. And sloppy. And I'm pretty sure it didn't follow the pattern.  After several tries I  sort of got the hang of it. It was tough going though and I don't think it was looking like it was supposed to.  I decided that a different pattern might be in order.  It must have been fate because the following day one of our knitting regulars (who just happened to be working on a cute little wrist warmer at the last meeting) came into the library.  She didn't have the pattern with her, but told me if I searched Emerald Green Handwarmers I'd find it.  Sure enough, she was right.

That night I set out to make a dusty rose version.  Something clicked.  The planets aligned and by the end of the evening I was more than half way through the first one.  Honestly it was a thing of beauty!  As I worked each row my confidence grew and I felt more and more comfortable with the needles.  After a few more sessions I had completed my first knitting project ever!

I wanted to make another pair, but I get bored easily. (Sad I know, but at least I'm realistic about it!) One of the books that I have in my collection is called the Complete Book of Knitting.  Among other things, it has page after page of stitch patterns in it.  Since I was feeling comfortable with the knit and purl, I decided that I could substitute one of the simpler patterns for the section that is worked in the double moss stitch.  It took a little bit of calculating and a little bit of hope, but I went for it and look!! It worked! This is the "small check" pattern and I think it looks terrific.  If you thought I was happy after the first pair you should have seem me when I finished the personalized pair!  My husband (bless him) even listed attentively and with (I think) real interest as I explained to him what I had achieved!

Here's the thing about me and knitting.  For some reason I am able to visualize stitches and elements coming together to make changes - or even to make something from scratch.  That never happened to me with crochet.  Even though I have the big stitch dictionary I never thought about substituting one into an existing pattern.  Strange isn't it?  It's like the light bulb went on, or the door opened (or some other inspirational quote) and I can imagine creating designs of my very own.  Of course I realize that I have a long way to go.  I'm encouraged though that my brain is thinking that way.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up crochet.  I'm  keeping myself open to the plethora of possibilities that exist.  I love learning new things and flexing those synapses to keep me motivated and intrigued.  I've all ready been entertaining the idea of a project that contains both knitting and crochet!!

Next up is knitting on double pointed needles.  A daunting proposition for sure.  Every book that I've read, and everyone in the knitting group assures me that it is much easier than it appears.  Surely that can't all be wrong??  I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.  And also a big thanks to everyone who entered the book giveaway.  Karen W. was so excited to win.  She told me this was the first time she ever won anything!!  March is going to be a busy month.  There's the knitting and crocheting and the book reviews too.  Plus, it's my first blog-iversary and I have more giveaways planned. I hope you'll join the fun!

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

Greetings Friends!
Let me just say that it is mighty cold in Massachusetts.  The eye watering, face burning, toe numbing cold that grips us every winter.  Our ability to endure must be coded into our DNA, because otherwise I fear after a week like this we would flee en masse leaving behind all but our most cherished valuables (yarn and books!) in search of a more hospitable climate!

For months I've been focused on making things that keep you warm, like hats, mittens, and sweaters. As awesome (and important!) as they are I think we can use a splash of spring,  and that's what this flowery jar topper reminds me of.

This is the Flower Jewelry Keeper from the August 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine.  I think the idea of crocheting a decorative topper for any type of jar is very clever, and I can imagine making them in a variety of different flowers, designs and yarns. 

The pattern calls for a wide mouth half-pint canning jar.  I didn't have one of those, but I did have this cutie languishing on the door of the refrigerator with a smidge of orange marmalade in it that no one was ever going to eat.  After a hot soapy bath it was ready to be repurposed!

Finish by making the petals.  My version looks identical to the one in the magazine, but is simpler because I skipped the part where you make a second circle, stitch them together and stuff it with fiber fill.  They also secure the crocheted topper to the lid with hot glue.  Since I ended up with a nice snug fit I didn't bother.

The bright cotton makes a color saturated flower that is a welcome reminder of spring and the warmth it promises.  I'm using my jar to hold a pile of stitch markers.  With this technique you could decorate jars for the kitchen, bath, office, or studio - any room that needs organizing would benefit from one or even a set of coordinating storage containers.  It's a great way to do something creative with all those uniquely shaped jars that would otherwise be destine for the recycle bin.  Plus, it's a project you can easily finish in one sitting which I always find appealing!  You can be sure that there are lots of toppers in my future!

And finally today I want to tell you about the giveaway that I'm hosting on Robin Reads & Writes.  Just in time for Valentine's Day I'm giving away an advance reader copy of Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas, and a heart shaped thread bookmark made by yours truly.  Pop over and have a look at the review.  I really enjoyed the book, and hope the lucky winner feels the same.  After all, what could be better than a bit of romance and magic to round out your Valentine plans?

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

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 my friends and welcome!  As I'm writing on this early October morning the sun has yet to rise, and what the day has in store is yet to be revealed. I'm certain of one thing.  Fall has arrived in New England and with it the splendor of colors so rich and intense they simply take my breath away! The changing leaves are harbingers of the cold weather that will soon embrace us.  What better way to prepare for the winter than by making a new wool hat in a deep rich autumn red?

But how to pick a pattern? Last week I was fortunate to receive a "hot off the press" copy of the new e-Book, Accessories: Autumne 2012 from Denise at Voie de Vie. The Slouching Towards Tassels Cap caught my eye and seems like an excellent choice. An added bonus is a JAL over at Denise's group on Ravelry.  Happiness all around!!

As you can see, I've only just begun.  My observations so far: I like that the ribbing is worked flat and then joined (it makes the fpdc and bpdc much easier!); and I haven't worked with a "rough" wool like this for a while.  I forgot how different it is from the "smooth" finishes I've been spending so much time with. It's not a bad thing, it just takes a different type of action to pull loops through.

The soft peachy piece is the Marlo Cardigan that I started a few weeks (okay a month) ago.  I'm a few inches from finished with the back panel.  It's a beautiful fabric and I think it's going to be a nice sweater.  Fit is my real concern.  My experience is so limited with garments, that I really don't know what to do other than measure and follow the pattern.  We'll see.

John has been putting in some time making stitch markers this week.  That's what the bit of sparkle on the red yarn is.  He's refined his technique and they're coming out very nicely.  Right now we're continuing to build quality stock.  Our hope is to do a bit of the craft fair circuit next year as well as to open an Etsy shop. But that's a story for another day!

Wednesday is book day, and you know how much I love books!  This month I'm celebrating the Halloween season by reading (and listening to) titles of a spooky, supernatural nature!  I just finished the book that's reviewed today and am poised to begin Crewel (Crewel World) by Gennifer Albin.  This is YA title that was suggested to me by my coworker (the other Robin at our small library!) because of it's ties to weaving and fibers being worked together to form something new and different.  It's quite a way outside of my normal reading choices, but seems appropriate and in keeping with my October theme.  Time will tell, and I'll be sure to let you know!

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Thomas Dunne Books
January 18, 2011; 320 Pages

"My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawkesmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years.  Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins...."

In the spring of 1628 young Bess Hawkesmith learns that decisions made in desperation carry consequences that last a life-time, even if that means forever.  The plague has taken the lives of her father, brother and sister.  When Bess falls ill her mother does the only thing she can to save her daughter.  She turns to the warlock Gideon Masters, and makes a deal that will cost her her life. Once known as a talented healer she is accused of witchcraft by townsfolk who refuse to believe that Bess' miraculous recovery was the result of her skills alone.  Unable to deny the accusation she meets her fate on the Hanging Tree, but not before making Bess promise that she will seek protection from the only one with the power to save her - Gideon.  Under his guidance  Bess learns to master the Craft, awakening powers she didn't know she had while also making her immortal.  When the people of town turn their aggressions on Bess she realizes that she must escape - from the Hanging Tree and from Gideon and a his dangerous black magic.  She couldn't know that he will persue her through time, determined to possess her and the power they could produce together.

In present day England Elizabeth finds herself settled into a quite life. Alone she tends her gardens, and sells herbs and oils at the local market. Her solitary life is abruptly disrupted when a teenage girl called Tegan begins hanging around.  Against her instincts Elizabeth takes pleasure in her company and her perceptive nature.   Soon she begins teaching the ways of the hedge witch.  Tegan is an eager pupil, and Elizabeth uses tales of long ago to school her in what it's like to be a witch, and how she came to be who she is today.  But what of Gideon? Has he finally given up or is he just patiently waiting for an opportunity to capture Elizabeth and make her his own??

It seemed fitting to read a book about witches this Halloween.  I was drawn into this story right off the bat, although I did struggle a bit with the prologue.  I filled it away with the hopes that it would make sense by end (it did, mostly...).  There was an easy flow between the past and present as I got to know Elizabeth and Tegan.  The stories from the past were interesting little vignettes that were unique on their own, but fit together to create a picture of who present day Elizabeth really is.  There is a fair amount of "magic speak" that was foreign to me.  Even thought I didn't understand the exact language (or words) I was able to glean enough of their meaning from the context.  I suppose that's to be expected in a book about witches and magic.  There are scenes of pretty graphic violence and the descriptions of some of the evil elements and even Gideon himself are quite vivid, resulting in some intense imagery.   I can imagine the special effects for a movie version would be very frightening indeed!

I moved quickly through the book and in no time found myself nearing the end.  I had in mind how I thought things might turn out, and I saw the potential for a variety of scenarios.  And while I won't tell you how it all ended, I will tell you that I was disappointed.  I felt gypped.  It almost seems like Ms. Brackston just wanted to be done, and went with the most cliche ending while of course leaving plenty of threads that could be picked up in a sequel.

In summary I'd say it was a good book with some interesting bits of history mixed with a few different relationships, dappled with magic and wrapped up with a predictable bow.  Not bad for a seasonal selection, but I won't be going out of my way to read book two should it appear!

Wednesdays are a busy day for sharing projects and making new friends!  I'll be linking up with this lovely group of ladies.  Each one has something uniquely wonderful to offer.  I hope that you'll stop in for a visit, and feel free to join the fun!

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!

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!