Getting Behind

Still working on projects for Christmas. And I just taught myself how to knit. I don't have any knitting needles though. One of the little projects I was doing had the pattern for a tiny knit scarf, so I decided to use the wrong ends of two H hooks. Knitting is fun!

I know, I probably just made knitters cringe in horror, but don't worry, I plan on getting myself some knitting needles very soon. :)

I have a job interview today, so I might have less time to spend on my crafts if all goes well at the interview. But less time for crafting evens out with more money to spend on yarn, and supplies. :D

I've completed 3 small projects for my nephews. Still have my niece, another nephew, and my son to finish up. Plus two other nieces if I can find the time. I've got a lot to do!

Fuzzy Kitty - Free Pattern

Made up this pattern for my daughter, because she wanted a kitty cat, and the yarn I wanted to use wasn't compatible with any pattern I found already available, so I made it up as I went along. I jotted down notes so I could share the pattern. ;)

Materials:
Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft Illusion Super Bulky
Hook: I/9 (5.50mm)
Safety Eyes/Nose (or button, or floss to embroider)
Fiberfill or other stuffing

HEAD
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc around (18)
Rnd 4: 1 sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc around (24)
Rnd 5: 1 sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc around (30)
Rnd 6-11: sc in each sc around
Rnd 12: 1 sc in next 3 sc, dec around (24)
Rnd 13: 1 sc in next 2 sc, dec around (18)
Rnd 14: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (12)
At this point, attach eyes/nose, add facial features. Stuff head
Rnd 15-16: sc in each sc around
Continue for BODY
Rnd 17: 1 sc in next sc, 2sc in next sc around (18)
Rnd 18: 1 sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next sc around (24)
Rnd 19-23: sc in each sc around
Rnd 24: 1 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc around (28)
Rnd 25-26: sc in each sc around
Rnd 27: 1 sc in next 5 sc, dec around (24)
Rnd 28: 1 sc in next 2 sc, dec around (18)
Rnd 29: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (12)
Stuff body
Rnd 30: dec around (6)
Stuff body, close opening.

LEGS & ARMS (make 4)
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8)
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc around (12)
Rnd 4-5: sc in each sc around
Rnd 6: 1 sc in next sc, dec around (8)
Stuff paw
Rnd 7-18: sc in each sc around

TAIL
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8)
Rnd 3-24: sc in each sc around

EARS (make 2)
Ch 5
Sc in 2nd ch from hook
(hdc, dc, tr) in next ch
(dc, hdc) in next ch
(sc, sl st) in last ch
Pull yarn through on last sl st, cut long tail for joining ear to head.

Assembly:
Attach arms, legs, and tail in same manner.
Press open edges at top together and sew through both thicknesses to attach to body.
Attach ears to head, leaving a slight curve at bottom of ear.

Book Tote with Free Pattern

Book Tote with Free Pattern

Materials: Red Heart Super Saver Solids - 1 7oz skein of Frosty Green (F) and 1 7oz skein of Medium Thyme (M)

Hook Size: G

Gauge: 5sc = 1" and 6 rnds = 1"

Finished Size: 14" wide, 5 1/4" deep, 10" tall with 16" strap to center point from top edge of bag.

Optional: Cardboard cut to 14" x 5 1/4"

Abbreviations: 

rnd = round

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

BLO = back loops only

FO = Fasten off (usually join with slip stitch to next stitch, pull up a tail and cut, then weave tail into work)

Bag Pattern

Wtih M, ch 61

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook

Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch-1, turn

Rep row 2 for a total of 22 rows, but work 2sc in last st of last row. DO NOT TURN but begin working in rnds.

Rnd 1: sc across short end (20 sc) with 2sc in last st. Continue working sc in each sc across long edge, with 2sc in last sc for corner. sc across short end. Do Not Join.

Rnd 2: Working in BLO for this round only, sc in each sc around

Rnd 3 - 12: sc in each sc around

Rnd 13: Change color to F, sc in each sc around

Rnd 14 - 22: sc in each sc around

Rnd 23: (Do not chain), but begin working hdc in each sc around

Rnd 24: hdc in each hdc around

Rnd 25: (Do not chain), but begin working dc in each hdc around

Rnd 26 - 32: dc in each dc around

Rnd 33: hdc in each dc around

Rnd 34: hdc in each hdc around

Rnd 35: sc in each hdc around

Rnd 36 - 40: sc in each sc around

Rnd 41: Change color to M, sc in each sc around

Rnd 42: sc in each sc around, FO, weave in ends

Straps pattern:

With M, ch 441, or until about 58" long

Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, ch-1, turn

Row 2: sc in each sc across, ch-3, turn

Row 3: dc in each sc across, ch-1, turn

Row 4: sc in each sc across, ch-1, turn

Row 5: sc in each sc across, FO

Finishing:

Join long strap together at short ends to make a large circle, being careful not to twist.

Place seam at bottom of bag about 15 st from short edge of bottom. Stitch strap into place along bottom and up sides of bag.

With this side attached, find the center point on the opposite side of the "strap circle" and attach to opposite side of the bottom of the bag, the same as the first side of the strap. (see photos for placement clarification).

Optional: Cut a thick piece of cardboard to the same measurements of the bottom of the bag and place inside bottom of bag for more strength to bottom.

If you encounter any problems with this pattern, please let me know.
This pattern should be able to be easily adjusted for a larger or smaller bag, and with longer or shorter straps. Feel free to play with it to make a bag of your own liking.

Happy Halloween!

So hubby had to work, and got home too late to go with us, so I arranged to meet up with some friend and family to go together. First we went to the parade in town. There were some very good costumes out there!

After the parade, we met up and piled on the hayride and went around the neighborhood to all the houses.
When all was said and done, my kids had raked in over 6 lbs of candy.

Storm passing through

So I woke up this morning, and went to log on the internet, check my email, facebook, etc, etc. And all of a sudden, I notice that the wind outside is blowing really strong. Wow, we might finally be getting some rain. So I check our local news channel on the web, and find out we are under a Tornado Watch.

Okay, I don't know about you, but I am absolutely TERRIFIED of storms. So here I am, sitting at the computer with 3 tabs on showing different weather aspects, pacing around the house looking out of every window, watching the radar and trying to calculate when the main body of the storm is going to hit us... I realize that I tend to go a little overboard when storms pass through. Turns out, all we got out of it was some strong wind gusts, and tiny sprinkling of rain. No Lightning. No Tornadoes. Here my stomach is tied in KNOTS, and nothing happens. My husband laughs at me for being paranoid.... my sister (who I call on the phone), giggles at my paranoia while trying to show some sympathy.

I'm thinking the holiday trip will be cancelled. My sister won't be coming down for Thanksgiving after all, because we won't have a house if a tornado rips through it. I'll have to call my mom to see if she can come home early because the house is gone.

LOL. Yeah, I'm one of those people. But so far so good. Looks like it is clearing out. Good thing, too, because we plan on driving to Jackson today, which is a good 2 hours away, in a car that has bald tires, and a bad wobble. So I'm not looking forward to that. :p

So needless to say, my house didn't blow away, the holiday trip won't be cancelled, and I don't have to call my mom home from the boat...

Still, I don't like storms, never have, and most likely never will. Unless I'm in a securely fortified stone/brick bunker that has no chance of ever being uprooted by wind/rain or other natural disasters. And seeing as how we can't afford anything like that... Yeah, I just pray that it's not storming the day I finally die. Because that would suck.

"Nutty Buddies" Amigurumi Acorns with Oak Leaf

I found a pattern for some cute amigurumi acorns by June Gilbank. (Original pattern here: http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/amigurumi-acorn/)
My husband said they would look better with a leaf to go with them, so I came up with my own pattern. Check earlier blog posts for the Oak Leaf pattern.
I'm making 7 sets of these as gifts for Christmas, and I have 3 done, 4 more to go. All I need to do to finish the last 4 at this point, is sewing on eyes, mouth, attaching the "cap", and putting it all together. So it shouldn't take long to finish these up.

Bookmark for nephew

I made this bookmark for my nephew, based off the "Boo" Bookmark by Lee Mathewson. You can find the original pattern here: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/huggems/boobookmark.html

I changed the "open" filet to closed, and the "closed" to open, because I liked the look of it better, and also because I don't like all the open spots. I'm still thinking about blocking this one, and making it stiffer to be better as a bookmark, but again, this is for a tweenager ;)

Oak Leaf with Free Pattern

I came up with this pattern after a few failed attempts, when I couldn't find a pattern for a leaf that I liked.
I like the curl that runs through it, instead of it being just a flat leaf.
As always, I tend to use whatever yarn I have on hand, and these don't use much at all. I made these using a G Hook.

Gauge: Not important.
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
lp = loop
sl st = slip stitch
tc = treble crochet
Piece will curl as you
work, try to hold it flat to make sure you can see what you are doing.

Oak Leaf Ch 20, turn  
Row 1: Starting in second st from hook, sc in next 4 st, ch 2, then work 2 tc in next st, Ch 2, sc in next 2 st, ch 2, work 2 tc in next st, ch 2, sc in next 2 st, ch 2, work 2 tc in next 2 st, ch 2, sc in next 2 st, sl st in last 5 st, ch 1
Row 2: Working in opposite side of foundation chain, work 1 sc in each st across (19 st), ch 1, turn
Row 3: repeat row 1. FO, weave in ends or use to tie to another piece.


If you like this pattern, want to try it yourself, or have problems with it, please leave a comment.

Pumpkin Pouches - with Free Pattern

I made these at the request of my sister, Angelia. I think they turned out rather well, and they also gave me some ideas for other patterns I want to try. These are very simple drawstring bags, and I'm sharing the pattern here. Keep in mind, that I tend to work with basic Red Heart yarn bought at Wal-Mart, and I like working with the G hook. But these patterns are very forgivable, so just grab your favorite yarn and hook, because the gauge really isn't important here.

Note: piece is worked in rounds, no joining.
This pattern should be easily adjusted if you want a smaller or larger bag.

Pumpkin Pouch Begin with a "magic ring", adjustable ring. Ch 1
Rnd 1: sc 6 times into ring.	(6 st)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around.	(12 st)
Rnd 3: 2 sc in each sc around.	(24 st)
Rnd 4: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat between * 12 times.	(36 st)
Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 8 st, 2 sc in next st* repeat between * 4 times.	(40 st)
Rnd 6-23: sc in each sc around.	(40 st)
Rnd 24: *1 sc in next 4 st, ch 1, sk st* repeat between * 8 times.	(40 st)
Rnd 25 & 26: sc in each st around. FO and weave in ends.	(40 st)

Drawstring:
ch 65 or about 15 inches long.
If you like this pattern, want to try it, or have questions, please let me know.

Painting the Kitchen

So I've decided that I want to redo my kitchen from a pink/blue/tan country flower type decor, to one more to my liking. Keeping in mind that the countertops are a pale blue, I had to work that into my new theme.

So I decided to go with this country bear that I have some potholders and towels for.

So the tan cabinets and blue countertops that are currently in the kitchen will work well with this new theme. However, there is some red in there that I wanted to bring out. So I decided to paint the "backsplash" a nice dark red color. Here's hoping it will turn out ok.

The following pictures are of the same corner of the kitchen, of different stages of my painting project today.

Here is the previous wallpaper that was in the kitchen. It was a light cream background with the pink and blue flowers all over it. Fine for my mother, but not so much for me.

Here is the same corner, after I moved things out of the way and peeled the paper off. It was contact paper, which is different from normal paper, being sticky on the back out of the wrapper. It pulled off fairly easily.
Next I went around with a steel scrubber and roughened up the paint that was there, trying to smooth it out. Then I went over it with a wet cloth to remove the dust I'd created. Next I took masking tape and taped off around the kitchen above and below where I wanted to paint.

First coat of paint, second coat of paint, outlet covers replaced. I think it turned out great!

Goal: 7 Christmas Gifts completed before Thanksgiving

Status: 4.5/7
So I have 3 "Nutty Buddies" to make, 2 are crocheted, just need eyes and velcro. I'll finish that up today. I have the picture cross-stitched and framed for my sister, one finished project for my niece (I won't mention what it is, in case she happens to read this over her mother's shoulder) :p
I have half of my nephew's gift done. It's a 2-piece gift, and one of the pieces is completed.
Then I have the other half to complete, 1 more Nutty Buddies to make, and 1 gift for my dear brother-in-law. And the reason these need to be ready before Thanksgiving? Because they are coming down to visit from Michigan, and I plan on saving myself some postage. LOL. Aren't I the penny-pincher? :p

So I'd love to show off the framed cross-stitch, but I don't want my sister to see it. So after Christmas, I'll have all the pictures posted up. I'm really excited about getting all these projects completed.

Then of course, I have more to make after those, but those are the ones I need to get finished by the time they come down.
I'll have the gift for my other sister, plus 3 more of the Nutty Buddies, maybe 4 if I'm feeling real froggy about it ;)
Then 2 more nephews to make gifts for, plus my own 2 children. Then there's hubby. I'm thinking I'll either make him something to wear, or save some money up and buy him a GPS.

Getting ready for a big county-wide yard sale this next weekend, Oct 2nd. Hoping it doesn't rain because they won't reschedule, and there are no refunds. Seems a bit odd to me to have neither, but oh well. We'll have a spot on the courthouse square for the sale, so it's a prime location. And then the following weekend is the big Civil War Days at the park close to where I live, so again, another prime yard-sale time/location. We'll hold our leftovers from the first one to have the next one. And then it's off to the Mission House with everything that doesn't sell. The main point of the yard sale is to get rid of our junk. The money we make is just a bonus. :)

I guess that's about it for updates right now. See you next time :)

Love new curtains

So I was shopping the other day and came upon some curtains on clearance. These are the same type of curtains that are hanging in my bedroom, which I love. I couldn't pass them up, as I'd already commented that I wanted that kind of curtains in my living room. So I got them.
Here's how they look. Keep in mind that ugly border will be coming down eventually.

 

Here are what my old curtains looked like:

Crafty Ideas

So I'm already started on making Christmas gifts this year. And yes, I said "making". I am crocheting, and doing counted cross-stitch. My sisters and I agreed that since we are all flat broke, buying yarn/thread for making gifts is much cheaper than buying gifts. Plus, the fact that they are hand made just makes them more special :)

So, I'll put up a couple pics of what I'm making. Now, keep in mind that I'm not the world's greatest at crochet, considering I've barely any experience.

For one of my nieces, I'm making a bunny. I found the pattern for it online free here:
http://www.rheatheylia.com/index.php?page=patterns&id=3

Here's my pic of the completed bunny I made.

The pattern called for just one color of thread to be used, but I started with a partially used roll of yarn (leftover from one of my mother's projects in days long gone), and got worried that I was going to run out before I could finish. So I just decided to use a different color for the ears. I believe it turned out rather striking :) I found some buttons to use for the face. I think the little white heart for the nose is too cute.

I will be making another one of these for my daughter, but using a fuzzier yarn. It will probably turn out cute, I hope, but I've never used that kind of yarn before, and have been warned that it doesn't work as easy as worsted weight yarn like I used on the above bunny. Oh well, my daughter is only 3, and she isn't picky ;)

I have ideas for my nephews, and am working on my own design for a bag for my sister. I'm also putting ideas together to create a unique cross-stitch picture for my other sister. I'm hoping they will be well-pleased. Keep an eye out for the completed projects to be posted here.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, Saturday was my adopted niece's birthday. She turned 12. I took her with me to Wal-Mart and let her pick out a $10 gift. It was more than I could afford really, but I wanted to do something for her ;) Also she got to spend the night with me, and I baked her a cake and decorated it for her.

Sunday, I met a few of my cousins at the State Park just a few miles from here, and we had a nice cook-out there. Randall even came with me :) Well, he actually headed out with our son a few minutes before I did, but he stayed and ate with us.

Monday, Randall's brother had a cook-out, so we went over there for that. Then came home, and had an early night.

So today it's back to normal finally. Kids are back in school.

I decided to go ahead and rearrange my living room. After coming to the startling realization that I absolutely hated everything about my living room, I tried to think of what I could do to make me like it better. Because I hated it so much, I rarely sat to watch tv with hubby, and I didn't like going in there to clean, either.

So at this moment, the room is almost finished (other than paint and slipcovers) except for the tv. The hole I drilled to move the satellite cable wasn't big enough, so the stupid battery has to be recharged for the third time to drill a third hole to make the hole I already have there a bit bigger. Sad, isn't it? So the kids are happily playing without TV for now. Good thing they don't depend on it for entertainment. :p

So I guess when I get it all done, I'll try to get a couple pics of it posted. Can't wait to get that horribly ugly border down and paint the walls and trim. Also need to find a cheap slipcover for that couch, if possible. Although until I can change out that horrid blue carpet, there's not much sense in covering up a blue couch. LOL.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Thirty

Day 30- Who are you?

Well, now that's not a simple question.

I'm a 33 year old stay at home mother, with ambitions to redecorate my house. I juggle family meals, household cleaning, and childcare with pleasing my husband, taking care of the dogs, and playing on the computer.
I'm very addicted to the computer, and spend way too much time on it :p
Which is probably why it's so hard to lose weight!

I have a dry sense of humor, that not every one gets, but that's okay. I am me, and there's no one else I'd rather be.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Nine

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned?

I've learned that I still have to be reminded to remember to blog daily :p

I've learned that I am not happy with my current weight, and can't believe that I don't have more pictures of myself, my family, and my friends. I've learned that I don't have that many friends.

I've also learned that I like to laugh at myself. Better than crying, I guess :p

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Eight

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

The first pic was taken about a year ago, I think. I'd just cut my hair for the first time ever by going to a professional. I loved the way it turned out, but of course, I didn't keep it maintained, and now it's about grown out again to the same as always. Time to get it cut again. As far as weight, nothing's really changed. I might be a size smaller, but I think I'm the same size in both these pics.

As far as things in my life... well, we've all gotten a year older, and wiser (hopefully). I do intend to work harder at losing weight, cleaning the house, etc. My house has looked pretty good for longer than it usually does at a time. Thanks to the new TotH and BotH challenges with my sister ;) Thanks, Becca!!

Here's hoping that if I post a pic of me a year from now, I will have dropped at least one size or more in clothing, been able to keep my house clean the entire time, and been able to complete a few projects I have in mind.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Seven

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

That's an easy one. I was on facebook, and saw where a friend had linked her tumblr posts, and she was in the middle of doing one of these 30 day challenges. As I read back through her posts, I thought it was a neat idea, and wanted to do one myself.

Also, it's a good way to get me in the habit of posting everyday. Instead of letting months and months go by without a single post to update my blog.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Six

Day 26- What you think about your friends?

I think it is hard for me to have a really good friend. I have some great acquaintances. I have some awesome sisters. I have wonderful cousins.
Anyone I ever get close to, I end up finding a problem with them. Either they are back-stabbers, have an extremely annoying habit, or leech off me to the point of costing me quite a bit of money.
Seems like you can't trust anyone anymore. So I'm very grateful to my sisters. They are the best friends in the world that anyone could wish for. Someone to laugh over silly things with, get sympathy for big or small problems, grumble about someone's odd behaviour, or whatever is needed. Usually a quick phone call can cheer me up when I'm feeling depressed. Jump online and see them online too brings a goofy grin to my face. I don't know what I would do without my sisters, and I just hope that they know I love them.

Learn About Me Challenge - Day Twenty-Five

Day 25- What I would find in your bag?

Right now in my purse is:
My wallet, with no paper money, some coins, some receipts, the checkbook, some insurance cards for the kids, debit card, a credit card for Fashion Bug (which I've never used), Shoe Carnival BOGO card, Walmart gift card (that I think is empty, but is reloadable for 3 cents off a gallon of gas), drivers license, and an expired proof of insurance. (don't worry, the current one is in the vehicle) ;)

A flashlight, chapstick, and calculator. a couple of pens (can't be without those), a few paint chip cards, and that's it.
Pretty boring, huh?