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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

- Luther Burbank, American Botanist 1849-1926

A simple question. Yet for some reason I have struggled with understanding the difference. Since I've been working on making granny squares with flowers in them it seemed like it was time to find the answer. The internet offered me page after page of patterns for squares, hexagons, circles, flowers, leaves and more. It showed me options for Irish crochet and Japanese crochet. I was catching on, but still needed more. I left the computer behind and hit the books.  My old reliable dictionary told me a motif is a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper (or a crocheted fabric!). The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches finally brought it all together for me.  A granny square is a type or style of motif. A flower is a motif. A flower in a square is a granny square motif!! All granny squares are motifs, but not all motifs are granny squares.  Motifs can be used on their own, as embellishments or appliques, or joined together to create a fabric. The planets have aligned and the angels are signing. I understand!!

Now that I'm comfortable with the correct terminology, lets take a look at what's been going on here at Crochet Nirvana and The Granny Square Project.  So far I have journeyed back in time for a little history. I have experimented with the traditional pattern, and I have expanded my knowledge of basic color theory.  For this installment I decided to explore some of the ways to create flowers.

Granny squares are incredibly versatile.  Because they are worked in the round they easily  lend themselves to creating images that resemble flowers.  In a solid color the design is subdued, but clearly visible. When you start adding color, they jump right out at you.  I love that you can use bold and vivid colors as effectively as those that represent what the flower "really" looks like.  When I first started on this segment I was trying to use the colors in the pattern, but quickly realized that it was more fun to mix and match from the stash.  There were surprises along the way.  Like teal and orange - they're complimentary on the wheel but to me  it just seemed wrong, until I tried it!

All of the squares are made with Herrschner's Worsted Acrylic and my trusty H hook.  The patterns are all from The Granny Square Book which is proving to be a reliable and rich resource for me.  I like that they all have a chart to compliment the written instructions.  Using both has helped build my confidence in working from a diagram, something I've shied away from.  The only shortcoming I've found is that there are no dimensions on any of the squares.  I realize that hook and yarn size make a difference, but it would be nice to know based on the materials that were used.  As it turns out I have many different sized grannies.  I was hoping to make a sampler blanket with them, but that seems unlikely.  Unless any of you have a suggestion.  Please don't be shy - tips and pattern ideas are always welcome!!

This bunch of flowers were interesting and educational.  I was surprised by how easy it is to create three dimensional designs.  For the most part, you use basic stitches like sc, dc, tr and chains.  Working them into "clusters" or "groups" produces petals that are puffy, pointy or loopy!  In Square VII the unique petals are created by wrapping the yarn over the hook 10 times and pulling through a loop to make the bullion stitch.  I was intimidated  at first, but I persevered. It was awesome to watch the flowers bloom!

I've found that I can crochet all kinds of things when I take my time.  If I over think, or try to anticipate what's next I mess up.  Sometimes the instructions are confusing and don't make sense.  When that happens I don't let it stop me from trying.  I remind myself to have faith and only work one stitch at a time.  Usually that does the trick and as the stitches come together the pattern becomes clear.

- William Shakespear, Romeo and Juliet

Roses have been in existence for 32 million years, and have been used for many reasons throughout history.  In Victorian times the language of flowers (floriography), was a means of communication using various flowers and floral arrangements  to send coded messages.  This allowed people to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. They were most commonly communicated through "Tussie-mussies"'  or small, round bouquets of herbs and flowers with ­symbolic meanings.

In crochet, roses are perhaps the most popular flower motif.  And like their organic namesake there are numerous varieties available.  We don't think of them as having the same kind of meaning, but giving a gift of a blanket covered in blossoms would  surely show your love and affection for the recipient!

I chose these three patterns because they each utilize a different technique.  I think the Irish Rose looks the most realistic.  I was frustrated with my inability to make the square straight.  I'm certain that I followed the pattern exactly (stitches were counted repeatedly!), but it just doesn't seem right.  I imagine with a different fiber and blocking the situation could be rectified, but there must be another solution.  I've had this happen with other squares.  Does anyone know why? I'd love to be hear your tricks for making squares square.  The Rose of Sharon was a snap to make.  I didn't realize I was such a fan of the popcorn stitch, but it turns out I am! This would make an excellent pot holder/hot plate if done in wool or something that doesn't melt!  The Picot Rose is John's favorite. Not because it looks like a rose (it doesn't!) but  because of the colors. This one was also a treat to make.  The long corner stitches were a mistake, but if I didn't tell you I bet you wouldn't have known!!

For the past two weeks I have been happily stitching away growing a wonderful garden of granny square flowers.  With every one that I finished I felt the satisfaction of creating a piece of crochet art.  As I was selecting colors I tried to examine all my options, and use new combinations.  Some I loved and others not so much, but I was willing to take chances regardless of the result. I moved outside my comfort zone.

This installment has had a tremendously positive impact on my stitching skills.  I understand more about how they work individually and when you group them together.  Crochet (and I imagine knitting) is a craft driven by math. We count stitches, elements are worked in multiples, even the way pattens are written resembles an algebraic equation. And when you think about it all motifs are geometric in design.  Math like this makes sense to me.  It's orderly.

With my improved understanding and confidence I have been inspired to try something new.  I'm going to design my own granny square flower.  Until this week I was completely content to let someone else tell me what to do. But this is different.  Not only can I see what I want to make, but I know what to do (I think!) to make it happen. I'm so excited!  I can't wait to get started - and to share the whole thing with you next time!!

The Granny Square Project is a series chronicling my exploration into the world of granny squares that I'm doing as a member of the Come Blog-A-Long group on Ravelry.   We’re all working on different things as part of A Year of Projects and come together once a week to share our stories.  Please stop by to learn more about YoP and to see what everyone has been up to.

If you’re interested in reading the other installment in the series I’ve placed buttons on my sidebar for easy browsing.



Thank you so much for stopping by and taking a stroll through Granny's garden with me. I'm having a fantastic time with this and I hope you are too!  In addition to sharing with my friends at YoP I'll be linking up with these other wonderful bloggers.  Be sure to stop by to see some amazing talent!

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

Do you have a suggestion for what I can do with all my different sized squares?  What about a tip on how to make an unruly square - square? or Maybe you have a hint for a first time motif designer?! 
Don't be shy! I love hearing from you!

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!

Greetings! Thanks so much for stopping by. I've been hard at work on Sweet Eleanor and learning about color for the next installment of the Granny Square Project. As much as I'm enjoying myself, yesterday I found my mind wondering, thinking about the next "big thing".  I blame the mailman since he's the one that brought me the latest issue of Crochet Today! I always get antsy to start something new when any of my magazines arrive.  I decided to appease my desire by whipping up this little cow pencil topper (from the February 2012 issue of Crochet World). I actually think it looks more like Snoopy, don't you? No matter, it was quick and fun and gave me a chance to do something different without a commitment.  Kind of like speed dating. (Not that I know anything about that, I'm just saying...) With that out of my system I'm ready to focus on my color research and,  if the weather cooperates, maybe do some work on Julianna.

Everyday on my way to work I walk by this unlikely outcropping of beauty that appeared near the drive through of our bank.  It seems that these flowers were determined to find their way into the world.  Seeds from last year's container must have landed in a crack in the blacktop giving them their start. 

I can't help but be inspired by their perseverance and adaptability.  Others must be intrigued as well because they have remained untouched.  And on one particularly hot day I noticed that the lawn service had given them water along with the other flowers!

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 "Stretch"

I remember him from my childhood.  The super elastic plastic man – Stretch Armstrong.  You could pull him and twist him and without complaint he returned to his original muscular stance.

I don’t have that ability to move my body like that, but I do try to expand the limits of my mind as often as possible. There was a time when that may have implied psychedelic exploration, but that’s not where I’m at today.  Today I am open to learning as many new things as I possibly can. I want to experience as much as I can and then some. I want to press the limits of my brain capacity.

Seeking the unknown, my willingness to absorb as much as I can has become a big part of my life as an adult. It’s this desire to seek just a little bit more, to go a little bit further than I have in the past that makes life so interesting.  And then as I come back I am the same, yet something more.

Friday is a great day for browsing on the internet. I'll be linking up these wonderful bloggers and sharing today's fiber offering. There are so many creative people to meet and new things to be inspired by - I hope you'll take a look.

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!

I am not a winner. Lady luck does not shine graciously upon me. I can't even remember the last time I won anything. And while I avoid gambling like the plague (no scratch tickets for me!) I do enjoy casting my name into the pot when it comes to entering blog give aways. I don't go out of the way to find them, but if one of my regular reads happens to be running a contest I'll gladly leave my comment and take a chance.  Once I've moved on to the next blog, it slips my mind and I don't give it a second thought.

Imagine my surprise when Danielle from A Stash Addict dropped me a line to let me know I'd won her recent give away! How cool is that?! I've been reading her blog for some time and coveting the brilliant hand dyed colors she produces in her studio. Danielle further rewarded me by posting my prize straight away. It arrived within a week from West Susex, UK to Massachusetts, USA! I've had mail sent from the same state take longer to reach me!

It was so exciting to open the plain gray package and find this beautiful  100g / 400m skein of sport/sock weight super washed BFL in a rich teal. According to the product description "the Bluefaced Leicester breed is unique to the UK and produces stunning lustre wool; this is because there are only a few surface scales on the fibre." A coordinating button and stitch marker were an added bonus.  Now I need to find a project worthy of such special prize. After all, because of this yarn I'm a winner!

Granny fever is sweeping the nation! Okay, maybe not the nation, but it has taken over my corner of the world. I could not be happier with the response to the Granny Square Project.  Reveling in the enthusiasm, I'm anxious to keep up the momentum. I was only going to use yarn from my stash, after all that is where granny got her start.  But my colors seemed lack luster and didn't have the variety I was looking for.  I found Herrschners was having a sale and I was able to buy this rainbow of colors for $12.70!! A special email  promotion gave me a discount plus free shipping and I was unable to resist!

I did dabble a bit with some cotton I had for washcloths (the brightest colors in my stash before the new order arrived!).  The big square on the bottom is my version of the Granny Corner Dishcloth. I added a few rounds as I like my cloths a bit more generous. It was a good way to get my hooking into the granny groove.

This weekend I'll be dividing my time between Granny and Sweet Eleanor.  Can you imagine all the color combinations my new yarn has to offer? My first "project" is a study of the basic granny pattern and how small stitch variations create big changes. I can't wait to see what happens!

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 "Connect"

Writing a craft blog has allowed me to connect with the most diverse group of people.  Although I knew that the internet was a conduit to the world, I had no idea that I would interact regularly with women from England, Australia, Greece, Korea and South Africa.

This exploration has created connections that I never imagined. I have met so many wonderful, funny, smart creative people.  And we share and encourage and support each other.  Often these connections that occur while sitting in front of my computer are more personal than the relationships I have with people that live in my community.

I am amazed at the different ways we connect. We blog and tweet and share status updates.  We pin things to our boards.  We participate in group activities like CALs where we cheer each other on and help each other with the intricacies of complex patterns.  The possibilities seem endless when new ways to connect are just a click away!

Well my friends, another week has come and gone.  As I consider all that has happened I can't help but smile. The "new temporary" library is officially open, and it's working out better than we could have hoped! I have plenty of yarn, plenty of projects, a well stocked pantry and an encouraging (tolerant!) family. The air conditioner is humming along and the Olympics are on the TV. What more could I ask for? I guess I really am a winner! 

Today I'll be linking in with these wonderfully creative blogs. Before I settle down with my yarn I'll be seeing what you've been up to this week. I hope you'll visit along with me.

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

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, I'm so glad you're here! In an effort to keep cool this summer I've been making thread crochet bookmarks using a pattern called Graceful Gothic Cross. It's fairly easy (you need to be comfortable with joining thread as each point is worked individually off the center square) and works up quickly. They're lovely in any color and I'm planning on giving them away this holiday season.

In anticipation of making Christmas ornaments and decorations,  I decided it was time to experiment with stiffening lace.  There are a variety of ways to turn your lace from flimsy to firm.  Options include: purchasing spray or liquid starch (the kind for laundry); buying a product like Stiffen Stuff or Stiffen Quick (on line or at the craft store); boiling sugar and water together to make a sticky sweet home stiffener; or another homemade option mix together plain old white glue and water, from the tap, no cooking required. Of course you know which one I picked!

I gathered together all of the white glue I could find. I also came across a big bottle of Magic Mend Liquid Plastic Adhesive. What?! It's used for repairing book bindings. We don't use it anymore at work so I brought it home (2 months ago?) thinking I might be able to do something with it. I checked it out on line since  it does have warnings on the label and I didn't want my lace to disintegrate. No problem. It's PVC free, won't discolor the book pages, is archive quality and dries clear and flexible. Very cool.

Before I got started I covered my work area with an old table cloth.  I cut the bottoms off old orange juice containers to make disposable bowls. I covered a piece of cardboard with tin foil and wax paper to make a disposable blocking board and I had my pins ready.  I also had my mixing utensils handy and paper towels laid out. Age and experience has taught me that I will make a mess, and it's better to be prepared than have to clean unnecessarily!

I started with the white glue. I used 1 part glue to 3 parts hot water. They blended easily and the mixture was very thin. I thought about adding more glue, but I decided to see what happens with this ratio. I laid the bookmark in and let it soak for 3 or 4 minutes.

I blotted the excess moisture with paper towels and pinned it into shape. It was easy to work with. It didn't stick to my fingers and I wasn't worried about it drying out on me before I was done pinning.

Next up is the Magic Mend, which smells just like white glue and isn't offensive at all despite the warning label!  I used 1 part MM and 2 parts warm water. It blended easily and produced a much thicker mixture. I followed the same steps as the first bookmark.  It was much sticker than the glue, and a little harder to work with. I felt it getting tacky and starting to harden by the time I was done pinning.

Once they were secured in the proper shape, I set them in the air conditioning to dry. 8 hours later they were done.

This is the au naturale bookmark, which is lovely but flimsy. And the stiffened bookmarks, which stand firmly on their own.  I was worried that the white glue solution was too weak, but for a first try it's just fine. Next time I'll use less water, and see what happens. I'm pleased with the Magic Mend. It's very sturdy, but not brittle. I think it's a good option for use in the future. Both mixtures did darken the thread slightly, and stiffening brings out and defines the stitches very nicely.

I love learning new things and sharing my experiences with you! Now that I've done this I have no reason to avoid projects that require stiffening. I also like that I was able to use things that I have on hand. I know not everyone has Magic Mend, but I bet you have a bottle of two of white glue hanging around!

Well friends, another busy week is drawing to a close, and isn't it amazing how much we've done?  I'll be linking up with these creative bloggers and sharing my accomplishments. I sure hope you'll come with me and see what everyone else is up to!

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

Thanks so much for stopping by. I had a great time, and I hope you did too!
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!