Hello Friends!

Is it snowing where you are? Here in north central Massachusetts we are in the middle of the second big storm of the new year (a blizzardette you might call it). Of course snow days mean plenty of time for making. That's why I want to share this sweet little heart pattern with you. Made in just four rounds, you can crochet a whole pile of them in one snowy afternoon.

The original pattern was posted a few years agoin this post. I found that no matter how many times I made it, I would loose my place in the pattern. To make it easier, I edited the instructions so they are written out stitch by stitch and line by line. Now it is much more user friendly!

These hearts motifs are incredibly versatile and can be made with any yarn / hook combination. I've used worsted wool to make coasters, sewn two together to make sachets, and even made them out of thread and glued them to cardstock to make very special valentines! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Give it a try and have some fun! I'd love to see what you come up with. Be sure and share your creations with me on Facebook or Instagram.

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!

Welcome my little lovelies!

I've got a Halloween present for you! That's right, it's a free pattern for this ghoulishly gorgeous Granny Skull Square!  Last year when I posted the pattern and photo tutorial for the skull motif I had no idea how popular it was going to be.  Without any question it is by far the most visited post on my blog.  Who knew there were so many fans of macabre crochet!  I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that much. In stores there are skulls on everything from little girl clothes to shower curtains and kitchen accessories!

The feedback for the skull motif has been tremendously positive (thanks so much!). Other than a little confusion about making the eyes (work those stitches around the chain - not into it!) the question that I am most frequently asked is, "do you have a square pattern?" Now I can happily answer Yes - I sure do!

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or any of those other social media worlds, you know that it took a few tries to create a pattern that was good enough for you guys.  I feel pretty confident that this one will do the trick.  I wanted to make sure it was a universal size that will work with traditional granny squares.  That way you can have more options for mixing and matching your designs.

So there you have it! Just click on the button below for a downloadable PDF. The pattern will also be available (for free!) on Ravelry and I'll include a link in my sidebar.  If you have any questions or something about the pattern is confusing, please let me know.  I did the editing myself and mistakes are certainly possible!

I hope that you enjoy the Granny Skull. I'd love to see your finished squares.  Please feel free to share them on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram (I'm RobinBrz).  You can also use the hashtags #crochetskull, #crochetnirvana, #robinbrz.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greeting Friends!

It's October already!  Wow!  For so many reasons this is my favorite time of year.  New England foliage and the brisk, refreshing weather rank at the top of the list, but so do the bounty of holidays: Halloween, Day of the Dead, I Love Yarn Day, and my birthday!  I try to come up with an October project that embraces all of these favorite things.  Last year I filled our house with little pumpkins. (Check out the post, and the link to the super easy pattern!) 

This year's inspiration comes with a story.  Last year I signed up for an account with Stumble Upon. As instructed, I selected several categories I was interested in (crochet, knitting, photography, nature etc.).  Like Pinterest, these were the topics that I would see when visiting their website.  I did a bit of stumbling (that's what they call it), and promptly forgot about it.  Because really, how many social networks can I be a member of ?  Anyway, I must have signed up for emailed "highlights" because about once a month I'll get a message with links to what's hot in my categories.  Usually I just glance, but recently something caught my eye.  It was a skull scarf and a series of pictures showing how to make the skull.  Cool.  This is something I'm willing to stumble over to!

After 15 frustrating minutes of trying to remember which version of my username and password I used I finally made it to the page.  As it turns out, it was just a jpeg - with no link to the website or person who contributed it.  But that's okay, because I just wanted to print the picture and try making the skull.  Printing proved another challenge and required saving the image to my desktop and printing from there.  I'm not so thrilled with my stumbling experience, but I am glad they delivered the skull picture to my inbox.

I made the skull according to the pattern.  It came out okay, but as I was making it I was thinking of all the things that I would do differently next time.  After a few hours of trial and error I came up with my version of the skull - and this is what I am sharing with you today. Because next to pumpkins, what can be better in October than skulls!?!  However, I realize that if it hadn't been for the creative person who posted their skull scarf on the internet, I wouldn't be sharing my version with you today. 

The original picture has a watermark on it for a face book group: ClubeDasCrochedeiras.  After much searching, I was able to locate them and the original picture!  It appears that the group is Portuguese.  While I wasn't able to figure out exactly who posted the pattern, I was able to reach out to the group and say thank you.  I know that there are only so many ways that you can make a skull motif, and that nobody would have ever known if  I just posted my  version without this story.  But I know, and even though I could have come up with the pattern on my own by looking a pictures on the internet, someone in Portugal gave me a good foundation and made it a whole lot easier, and for that I am thankful!

And so my dear friends, here in my version of the skull motif.  I've been having a great time making them.  Once you've done a few they're super quick.  Like all motifs there are lots of ways you can use them.  Link them together like our Portuguese friends to make a scarf, use them as coasters, hang them in your window as spooky decorations or just make them because they're fun.  No matter what you do with them - Enjoy!!

The Pattern

I used worsted weight cotton and an f/5 - 3.75mm hook for the white skull.  I've made several and prefer this combination.  The finished size is about 3 3/4" x 5". The cotton has nice structure for this kind of motif.  However, use whatever you have on hand.  Skulls are a great stash buster!!  The first one I made was a little messy, by the fourth one I had the pattern memorized and they came out neat and even!

Step 1: Ch 14, sl st in beg ch to form loop.

Step 2: Ch 14 (again), sl st in 14th ch from hook to form another loop.  Now you should have 2 loops that look like the number 8 or a pair of glasses.

Step 3: Work 18 sc evenly around the first loop, then work 18 sc evenly around the second loop.

Step 4: Using the yarn tail left at the end of the starting chain, wrap it snugly around the space between the eyes 3 or 4 times.  Secure the end by pulling it through the loop you make while wrapping.  This gives your skull a nice finished look.

Now you’ll be working in rows to create the Top of the Skull above the eyes (the forehead!)

Set Up Row: Sl st in the next 7 sts.  This will get you from between the eyes to the top edge so you can start working in rows.

Row 1: Ch 1, turn. 14 sc across top of eyes.

Row 2: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 12 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 3: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 10 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 4: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, 8 sc across, leave last sc unworked.

Row 5: Turn (don’t ch 1), sc in each sc across. (8 sc)

Stop here and use stitch marker to hold your place. Cut yarn leaving about 36 – 48 inches.  After finishing the lower portion of the skull you’re going to come back to the marker and use the extra  long yarn tail to create the border around the skull.  You can fasten off after Row 5 and the reattach the yarn for the border, but if you do it this way there are fewer knots and tails to weave in.

Bottom of the Skull (the nose and teeth)

Turn the skull upside down.  Find the center under the eyes, count 7 stitches right and join the yarn in that stitch.

Row 1: Sc in same st as join and in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip 6 stitches, sc in next 4 sc. (8sc, ch4 sp)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 4sc, 4sc in ch 4 sp, 4 sc. (12 sc)

Row 3: Turn (don’t ch 1), skip 1st sc, sl st in next 2 sc, ch 4 (counts as 1 tr ch), tr ch in next 5 sc, leave last 3 sc unworked. (1 unworked, 2 sl st, 6 tr ch, 3 unworked = 12 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each tr ch across , sc in top of ch 4. (6 sc)

Fasten off.

Border around the Skull

Go back to the top of the skull where you left off (at the stitch marker). Ch 1, then evenly sc all the way around the skull. Work 2 sc into the corners at the cheeks and bottom of the jaw for smoother transitions. (52 sc)

Finish off with the invisible join or with a sl st into the starting ch.

Weave in the ends, and lightly block to the correct shape. Enjoy!!

But first I decided that I should probably know just a little bit more about the tradition.  I'm happy to report that the skulls are used as a way to recognize and remember loved ones who have passed on.  Day of the Dead is celebrated in central and southern Mexico on November 1 & 2.   The indigenous people  believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them. The sugar skulls, which are often adorned with the name of the deceased, are part of the alters that families prepare in anticipation of their loved ones visit.  If you'd liked to read more about this interesting tradition visit MexicanSugarSkulls.com.

Working with thread can seem intimidating.  I know the first time I picked up a tiny steel hook and #10 cotton thread I thought isn’t thread for sewing?! I felt out of my element.  There were a few rough moments, I won’t kid you, but with a little perseverance I discovered the magic feeling you get when bits of thread suddenly come together into a recognizable work of art that you created!

As an avid reader, bookmarks always seem in short supply at our house.  How better to combine my two passions than by designing a pattern for thread crochet bookmarks!

For the thread newbies out there I’ve taken lots of pictures to show you how it’s done.  If you’re very new to crochet, and have never made a granny square before I do recommend that you make a few with worsted weight yarn and an H hook before you try the thread.  As long as you’re comfortable with basic crochet techniques, and know the standard stitches than you should have no problem entering the wonderful world of thread.

1.     Don't be afraid! I know the hook and thread seem impossibly small, but give it a chance.
2.     All projects look messy and are hard to hold/work during the first few rows or rounds.  Keep going and it         will come together.
3.     Always work in good light and when you're not tired.
4.     Many patterns for yarn can be adapted to thread, and doilies are always in fashion.
5.     Take the time to use an invisible join instead of a slip stitch to join rounds.
6.     Use standing stitches to start rows/rounds instead of starting chains.
7.     Learn the join-as-you-go technique for motifs and grannies.
8.     Weave in ends as you go.
9.     If your hook is too thin to hold comfortably try wrapping the end with scrap yarn for an easy custom                handle.
10.   Blocking and stiffening your finished project are worth the time.

Rnd 3:  Join C in any ch2 corner sp. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same ch2 sp, ch1. * 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch2 corner sp, ch1. Repeat from * 3 times. 3dc in last ch1 sp, ch1.  Join with sl st to starting ch3.  Fasten off.

Joining Rnd 3:  Join C in any ch2 corner sp. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same ch2 sp, ch1. 3dc in ch1 sp, ch1.
(now we start the joining edge) 3dc in ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1, sc to join in any ch2 corner of finished square, 3dc back in same ch2 corner sp of working square. Sc to join in first ch1 sp of finished square. 3dc in ch1 sp of working square, Sc to join in next ch1 sp of finished square. 3dc in ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1, sc to join in next ch2 corner sp of finished square, 3dc back in same ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1. (join is finished) 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1. (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch2 corner sp, ch1, 3dc in last ch1 sp, ch1. Join with sl st in top of starting ch3. Fasten off.

Attach remaining squares in the same fashion.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.  Be sure to check back for the final installment in my working with thread mini-series. I'll show you how to stiffen your bookmark and other thread projects using plain old white glue.  For your convenience I've included a downloadable copy of the pattern, just click on the link below and enjoy!

Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

Today I've got something really cool to tell you about.  If you ever visit me on any of the social networks you may have already seen this hat, and have heard me talking about My Mountain.  So what is My Mountain? It’s a little hard to explain, but I’ll give it a try… The concept started as a promotion in Europe where the Schachenmayr Yarn Company asked people what gives you that exhilarating feeling of accomplishment, or the adrenaline rush like you’ve just slalomed down a black diamond trail or summited a world class peak.  Now they're reaching out to North America to see how we challenge ourselves and what makes us feel like we're on top of the world. Well, I’m not much for mountain sports,  but there are a few things that make me want to throw my arms in the air and let out a big whoop of joy!

Right now my greatest mountain moments come from creating original crochet designs. It's something that I'm just getting into, and the process of going from idea to sketch then watching as it comes to life with the yarn and hook is just awesome.  The final thrill comes from putting the whole thing together on paper so I can share it with you.  How cool is it then, that as part of the promotion the folks at Schachenmayr Yarns and Westminster Fiber are having a My Mountain hat design contest. By submitting a design using their yarns you can be eligible to win some really awesome prizes.  As if that weren't enough, by emailing [email protected]  they'll even send you the yarn for free! I don't know when the cut off for the yarn request is, but your finished hat pictures need to be submitted (also by emailing Linda) by August 30.

Using the yarn that they sent me I came up with this 1920's / Gatsby inspired design.  If you know the book then you know that Daisy was bold and sassy.  I think she would have rocked this hat, so in her honor it's called Daisy's Cloche.  In addition to this beautiful violet colorway, they also sent me their new specialty Lumio yarn that has threads that reflect when you take a flash picture.  I've made a hat similar to Daisy's that I'm just about finished with.  I figure it they were kind enough to send the yarn then I'm going to use it to make some cool hats for their contest!

I'm not sure how the winners are going to be picked, and while winning is always nice, the truth is that participating in the promotion has been a great experience.  The yarn that they sent is squishy, soft and so pretty.  Plus it's really given me the confidence to come up with my own designs.  Lately I've been doing a lot of work with thread, and I don't usually use super bulky yarn so it was a real challenge to move outside my comfort zone and try something new.  My initial thought was what on earth am I going to do?! I started brainstorming and incorporating some of my favorite thread elements (like the flowers!) and before too long the cloche was born.  Along with the designing, it's also given me a reason to work on my pattern writing skills.  I think the presentation of the pattern is really important.  One of my biggest pet peeves is bloggers who share their designs, but don't have downloadable PDFs.  I never work from patterns on my laptop, and I don't have a tablet.  That means in order to print I have to copy and paste into a Word document.  It's not hard, but the formatting is always off and honestly unless the item is really special I usually don't bother.  With that in mind, I'm working on a layout that I can use for all of the patterns I share here.  My goal is to  design something that I want to use - with a little background, clear pictures and of course accurate instructions! 

If you're interested in making Daisy's Cloche for yourself or for a gift (the holidays are coming!) just click on the link below and you're in business.  Because you're using such thick yarn the whole project comes together really quickly making this a great pattern to keep on hand for when you're looking for a fast project that looks harder than it is!  Since I did edit the pattern myself you may come across something that doesn't make sense.  First, accept my apologies and then let me know about it so I can fix it!

Good luck to my fellow entrants - I hope you have as much fun as I did creating your designs.  Thanks to the folks at Westminster Fibers for reaching out, sending the yarn and encouraging us to embrace life, conquer our mountains and live each moment to the fullest! 

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!!

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."
     ~ Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Perfection.  We strive towards it.  We practice to achieve it.  In matters of the heart it is often elusive.  But in crochet, all things are possible.  And so I set out to crochet a perfect heart.

There are patterns that make them in the round and those that work them in rows.  Some came close, but nothing gave me exactly what I was looking for.  I knew that creating a perfectly symmetrical heart was a matter of diligence, patience, and little geometry.  I learned a lot from all the different versions I made. Using the elements that worked the best from other patterns and through lots  of trial and error this beauty came to life! 

I made my thread hearts into bookmarks, and I included the instructions here so you can make them too.  If  they're not your style there are lots of other things you can do.  Thread hearts can be attached to a card with ribbon and given as a lovely Valentine.  Sew them onto a shirt, hat, jacket or pants pocket.  Sew 2 together and stuff for fluffy hearts.  Add a little cat nip to make a treat for you favorite kitty.  Attach one (or more) to a hair clip, barrette, or head band.  Hearts made with worsted weight yarn and an H hook are the perfect size for a coaster.  Add personalization by stitching you and your love's initials with embroidery floss.  Embellish them with terms of endearment (like the Sweetheart's Conversation Heart candies). Or just make them because they're fun and easy!

The heart in the pattern is made with #10 cotton thread and a #4/1.75 mm steel hook.  It measures about 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.  The large heart in the picture above is made with worsted weight acrylic and an H/5.00 mm hook.  It measures about 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches.  You can make them with whatever yarn or thread and hook makes you happy.

No matter what you do with your heart, I hope it fills you with gladness and brings you a smile!

It's easy to loose your place when working rounds 3 and 4 so I created a PDF that you can download.  I point the corner of a sticky note at each step/stitch and move it to the next after working it.  Then if I  have to put my work down I know where to start!

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

Greetings Friends!

It's snowing in Massachusetts so it seems appropriate that today's post is about things that keep you warm!  Do you remember this picture from back in November?  After ripping the mitten apart several times for various reasons (like: it was too small in the cuff, too wide in the palm, too spacious in the thumb, too pointy at the top, the finger opening was off center, etc, etc, etc...) I finally had a mitten that I was happy with.  Well, after I took off the daisy button and replaced it with one in plain white.  Of course by the time I was done I was so tired of working on the mitten that I set it aside in lieu of something different. 

As the weather became consistently cooler it was time to give my mitten the mate it had patiently been waiting for.  I found my marked up December 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine still open to the Texting Mittens.   This is first time that I actually made multiple changes to a pattern to make it fit better. I've done things like add rows to make something longer, or used a magic ring instead of joining a chain into a loop. But never anything like this.  I've always been afraid that making one change would through things off later in the pattern. This time though I just went for it.  I figured the worst that would happen is I'd rip it out and try again. Which I did many, many times before I got it right! Thankfully I was wise enough to take ample notes of the changes.  One of the most important lessons I've learned  is to ALWAYS write down everything in detail.  No matter how much I like to think that I'll remember what I did, the truth is I have no hope whatsoever of that happening.  I can't even remember what hook I used, let alone how many stitches I deleted or added! I was able to decipher my scribbles and diagrams and in relative short order I had a (matching) pair of mitts!  I was so excited to wear them for the first time along with my coordinating Tassel Hat (from Voie de Vie's Accessories: Autumne 2012 Collection).

Does this sound familiar?  If it does, I really encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and just go for it.  Eventually you're sure to come up with changes that suit your needs.  And even if you don't imagine all that you'll learn about what not to do!!

Did you notice that there is only one purple mitten in the picture?  Are you wondering where the other one is?  It's the same old story.  I spent so much time finishing the red one and then on the pattern mods and making sure it works that by the time I finished testing it out I was tired of making these mittens and moved onto something new!!  Of course now it is in the basket next to the chair taunting me.  Telling me I have no excuse and that I really should be able to whip it out in an evening or two.  Will I listen and finally get it done, I'm sure I will.  I just don't guarantee that there will still be snow on the ground when I do!!

Well my 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!

By the way, just in case you're interested here is a downloadable PDF file detailing my modifications.  If you happen to give it a try please let me know.  I'd love to hear how it goes.  I'd also like to hear about how you handle modifications.  Do you stick to the pattern or do you try different things and make it custom?  Were you always brave or were you a fraidy cat like me?