Sunday, March 7, 2021

I'm Back..Again

 It seems I've been really good about taking a hiatus. So much happens in life and when a lot happens, I lose myself. I have been fine but, in losing myself, I mean that I lose my interests. I took a year off of crafting, again, but I am back and I'm allowing myself to have that time to myself, every day.


I created a new blog: Whisper Back. This one is just now started and will be about my journey with C-PTSD. If you are interested, please, check it out. It won't be all doom and gloom. C-PTSD is a condition that not alot is known about. It is similar to PTSD in some ways, but different in others and takes PTSD to a higher level. Whisper Back is meant to bring awareness and de-stigmitize mental health in general, but mainly PTSD and C-PTSD.


I will be creating more posts here, now that I am crafting again. I have big plans.


I also want to get back into pattern writing, again. I haven't written a new pattern in nearly two years. This is going to be good. We are going to have a great year with crafting and self-care!

Friday, August 17, 2018

Here's the Scoop

There seems to be a slight trend with me posting, right now. I make a post because I have a good day and I want to share that or because I feel like I have to. I'm not sure how many actually read my posts. I write these posts, often because I have something to share, whether that is me apologizing for being silent so long, posting a new recipe, posting a finished project...etc.

I have been silent for quite some time. In all honesty, this has been a rough year, mentally. I don't like to air my issues because I try to be uplifting to everyone else. I am getting help and I think I may make a separate blog for that journey.

I haven't really crafted much, this year. I have been in a depression that has been difficult for me to climb my own way out. This is why I sought help and talking to a therapist really is helping. I have been writing more poetry and I did make a couple paintings but as far as yarn goes, it has been a real struggle. I think the last project that I finished was the Lion blanket for my best friend. If I have not posted about that, I will soon.

As Christmas nears, I know that I need to get to crafting. Even if I don't craft, my goal is to post more on here. This blog wasn't meant to just be a crafting blog. I wanted to include all the things that I enjoy in life, even the smallest things. The way I see it, if even a small thing can bring some joy to me, why should I keep it to myself?  Joy is something that is meant to be shared with the world. So, my goal is to make a post a week, here and I think I will be creating a blog that is meant to encourage those who struggle, just to let you know that you are not alone.

Thank you for sticking around.

What is a quote, thought, or verse that encourages you when you are feeling low?  Post it in the comments below!

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

This Mother's Day


With Mother's Day quickly arriving, I have realized that I am very blessed to have more than one mother in my life.

My mother, did the best that she could with what she had to work with. I have always, and will always be strong willed, independent and in the mindset that I am strong and I don't need anyone to care. I am glad to know that she does, even though I don't want anyone to.

I have a wonderful Step-mum who has shown me patience and unconditional love. When my parents divorced, I didn't want to know her because I felt like I was betraying my mother. She gave me as much time as I needed and welcomed me with open arms when I decided that there wasn't a single person in this world that would ever replace my mother. This woman waited four years for me to even talk to her and another year after that for me to accept her.

I know that some people can say that they have two mothers. It is sad how common divorce is, now days. So saying that I have three, when I count my Mother-in-law does not come as a surprise. I am finding this to be common as well. She has been a wonderful mother to her sons and daughter. She has had a hand in her son, my husband, being the wonderful man that he is today. She puts up with more than she has to and has stepped in to hug me through the tough times since my other mothers are not in close proximity. She showed me love, even when I was merely dating her son.

Now, some people have just the one mother, more have two while others have three.  I am, perhaps, the most blessed person in the planet to have a Bonus mom. I'm not sure if this means that someone thought I was so tough to handle that I needed more but I am thankful for them all. My Bonus-mom is my father's sister and has been, perhaps, the greatest influence in my life. She is the definition of strength. She has always been in my corner pushing me to get back in the ring of life and take back the title of champion.

Each of these four women have taught me many things: unconditional love, patience, and strength. Only one brought me into the world while they all have kept me here. I don't know where I would be without these beautiful souls. They may not always be close, in proximity but I know that if I ever needed anything they are all a phone call away and I never have to feel alone. I know that they all have not had an easy road with me. I was a child who did not want to be noticed, did not want to be loved, did not feel I deserved love. I am strong willed and have always been. Each of their roads have had many bumps but they handle those bumps with style, strength and so much grace.

I don't know what I did to deserve four beautiful, strong women but I thank God, every day for each of them.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

New Year, New Me

Anyone that knows me knows that I don't make new years resolutions. I set goals but I don't see a point in waiting for the new year. I can procrastinate but when I want to change something about myself or my habits, the time to start is right when I get the idea. Kudos to those who wait for the new year.

This past month has been busy with the flu and everyone around me getting sick. I have taken the month to really reflect on what I want for myself. These last couple of  years, I have really lost myself in the hustle and bustle of life. I woke up, went to work, got home, ate went to bed. Repeat. I set time aside for me, which was mostly me crafting for someone else. Don't get me wrong, I still love to craft and I love gifting more than anything in the world.

I spent my life trying to make everyone around me happy that I really just lost my own happiness. That isn't anyone's fault except mine. It is important to take time for yourself. You should take care of yourself. I have always told others that you need to make sure that you are taken care of before you take care of anyone else. What good are you to someone if you still have needs that are unmet?

Well, I didn't take my advice until just recently.

January was a month of reflection and setting goals. I want to concentrate on my health. I'm not in a bad way but there are things I want/need to improve.


  • Vitamins- I have been low an a good amount of my vitamins (D, B6, B12, A and another one that I can't remember). My iron is finally out of the red zone, but the rest still need a lot of help. So, I went and bought almost a year's supply (300) Women's Daily Multi-vitamins. I am on Day three of taking them. I don't feel much different but I'm sure I will soon.
  • Drink more water! These last few months I have mostly been drinking Dr. Pepper. It is my vice and although I still want to have some every now and then (because it is my vice) I need want to consume my weight, in ounces, of water, every day. Dr. Pepper should be a treat (like when the dear husband and I go out to eat)
  • Consume less sugar!  Outside of Dr. Pepper I don't really consume sugar. I have my thin mints that I get into after a long, really rough day at work but I'm more into the salty things than the sweet. Getting (almost) rid of Dr. Pepper will help with this. Also, the dear husband is diabetic so we have cut down a lot. 
  • Eat more fruits and veggies!  I am a fruit and veggie fiend. I got away from it because the dear husband is a carnivore through and through. He doesn't eat veggies or fruits, usually and I haven't been able to eat through an entire bag of apples before they go bad. We are working on this.
  • Exercise! I walk to work, every day. That is about 20 minutes of casual walking 5 days a week. Then I walk at work but it isn't enough. I want to get rid of my belly. Doc says it isn't anything out of the normal because your insides make it to where you won't have a completely flat belly. But, I need to get in more of a routine than just walking. So, today, I started the 30 Day Abs challenge. I also want to follow some dance work out videos because the Ab challenge is only about 5-10 minutes. 
I have played with the idea of joining a gym but my fear is that I don't know what half of the machines do or how to work them. Treadmills, I won't do, I get enough walking in and when the snow melts, I will try my hand at running. I'm thinking a couch to marathon type deal, that way I don't tear my meniscus again.  I would love to be able to run a 5k!

These are my goals and I am going to try and post updates, every week, jut to keep me accountable. 

Never fear, crafting things are on the way! We are not going to be doing just fitness. Also, with eating right, comes new recipes!

What are some of your favorite ways to stay fit?

I would love to hear what you think! Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Remember you are Beautiful and well loved.

Monday, January 29, 2018

It Has Been A While

Wow, I really slacked on the whole crafting/fooding/life blog thing, didn't I?

I really want to apologize for that a lot has happened in the last months. I got promoted to full time! Yay! My husband and I moved to a bigger place. Yay! I have crafted a lot and other things happened.

This is just a post to say that I am back and I am working on ideas, beyond just crafting, to make posts on here. This year, along with crafting, I am focusing on: my health, new recipes (for diabetics and just because), fitness and who knows what else!

I fell into a depression and lost interest in a lot of things but I have taken this last month to really focus on re-finding myself and getting back in those old, yet good, habits that I let go.

I do hope that you will join me on my wonderful journey in this adventure called "Life".

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved!
Leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you all, again!

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Goldberry Shawl

 Some of you may know that I am a fan of Tolkien's works. I am a huge fan of Lord of the Rings and you may have seen a couple of my custom made crochet hooks. If you haven't, you really should check those posts out!  This shawl, I had been wanting to make for a very long time. I wanted to make this before I even made my first shawl! It looked so elaborate that I felt overwhelmed but after making a couple shawls this seemed do-able.  This pattern was actually gifted to me by a member of my Random Acts of Kindness group.

It took me two months to make, but that was mostly due to my busy work schedule and the fact that I underestimated the amount of yarn I would be using. If you choose to do this pattern, two skeins of Carron's Simply Soft will not do it. I used close to 1000 yards, if not a little more because I wanted to add a couple of rows. What can I say? I like to bundle up in the cold months.

This Goldberry Shawl pattern is amazing! It follows the Hobbit's Journey using one of Tolkien's poems to guide the pattern and tell a story, more or less. It was such a beautiful idea and I am excited to make this shawl again. I know that by looking at it, you can't tell that it is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Maybe that is what drew me to it. I love Tolkien's works but I don't like to let everyone know just how much I admire the author and the movies.

If you like what you see and would like to make one yourself, the pattern is available to download for $5 USD. I firmly believe that it is well worth it.

What projects are you working on? Let me know in the comments below, I always love hearing from you.

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Hats Galore!

 So, this Fall and Winter, I stayed pretty busy with making hats. I found a slouch pattern that I am just in love with! You might be able to tell because five out of the six hats I made (two are not pictured), were made with the Holland's Slouch Hat pattern (This is a free pattern download). I was looking for a good slouch pattern and most of the ones that I had stumbled across were too short, and more like a beanie than a slouch.
 This pattern is so easy to work and the finished product is just the right amount of airy and closeness. It doesn't get too hot but it keeps you warm, at the same time. The first two hats, I made for myself. I fell in love with Red Heart's yarn in the Mirage colorway and I've been vieing for a hat in it.
 This hat is one I made for my husband, but it was not made using the Hollland's Slouch Hat pattern. I don't honestly remember if I used a pattern for it. He needed a winter hat, so he ended up with this one.

After seeing my first two hats, one of our good friends, Dustin, asked me if I could make him one. His hats are not pictured here because I wanted to get a picture of him in it but he couldn't sit still. I made one in grey and one in more of an olive green color. They are a little longer than the ones I made for myself.
This last one, I just finished, today. When Dustin went home for Christmas, his mom asked if I could make her one. She really liked his olive hat. This picture looks more grey but it was made using Lion Brand's Heartland yarn in the Joshua Tree colorway. It is a nice blend of olive and dark green.

What is your favorite hat pattern? Let me know in the comments below! I always love hearing from you.

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Spoiling Lily

This Fall, we learned that the couple who runs the open mic night on Wednesdays were having a baby. As soon as I found this out, I was ready to make things. It didn't quiet help that I had baby fever and was itching to make things with no one to make things for. It certainly solved my problem. They were having a little girl and she has since been born.

Here are some of the things that I made for Lily (the baby).
 I happened along a design for a Circle Baby Blanket. I just love the swirl! It was a quick work up but I didn't happen to write it down. It came along by accident but I am certainly happy with the results! I wasn't sure what to do for the edging, so I decided to use some really soft, fluffy yarn (Bernat Pipsqueak) for the border in single crochet.
 I also made a hat, though I'm not sure where the pattern for that is. When I find where I got it from, I will update with a link. I know that it is called Granny Beanie. Again, I used the super soft, fluffy baby yarn to border the hat. So cute!
 A pair of baby shoes, in a soft cream. I was going to add lady bug buttons but it didn't quite go with the theme that seemed to be taking place.
 My first attempt at baby clothes! This was a pattern that I found at JoAnn's. One of the free ones that you can take home. It was called "Flutterby Baby Vest". I have tried to find it online for you, but I haven't had any luck. Again, I'm sorry that I cannot provide a link to the pattern. But, your craft stores are wonderful places for free patterns!
And yet another accidental pattern, as well as one that I can't link to nor did I write down. These booties are too stink'n cute! I love the little fur toppers!

When we gave these to the mother, she told me that she was afraid that she wouldn't have anything like this to pass down to her kids. Her grandmother who would make stuff like this had passed away. I felt so blessed to be a blessing to her, her husband and little Lily.

What baby things do you like to make or see made?

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Minnie Tp and Another Washcloth

 Way back, in the beginning of May, I had started to design the partner to the Mickey Mouse Toilet Paper cover. My beautiful cousin got married this past Summer and I was told that her bathroom was done with a Mickey Mouse theme. I had a difficult time figuring out the skirt, but after several designs, I settled on a skirt made of Sashay yarn. It was easiest to ruffle.  I finished this design at the end of June, just before their wedding. The pattern is now up for sale at ($1 USD). You can also bundle with the Mickey Mouse TP cover pattern for a discounted price of $1.50 USD!
This Simple Stripes Dishcloth was made in early July for a June Dishcloth CAL. I used Lily's Sugar and Cream yarn and I love it! The pattern is a free crochet download!

What are some projects you are working on?

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Blowing Off the Dust

I know that it has been a long while since I have posted. Again, there are no excuses. Life got the better of me. I was sick for a while and I'm still not feeling 100%.  My doctor ran a bunch of tests and found that the cause of my sickness is due to my low White Blood Cell count. I go in for more tests and a recount in Feburary. If you are the praying kind, I would be grateful if you might think of me.

I did some crafting and those posts will be coming up, very soon.  This year I am going to try my best to keep up on the blog, again. I want to record the positive things and encourage you to do the same.

Speaking of positive things, one has already happened this year!  As some of you may know, my husband and I have been looking for a reliable vehicle for two years. We had an Izuzu Rodeo that came with many problems and when the suspencion bracket snapped, well...we let that one go. I have been walking or biking to work, most days. Which I'm not complaining, I enjoy my walks, but in the winter it can get very painful with my Raynauds. Last winter, we borrowed my mother-in-law's car, a lot. This year, we have tried to limit how much we borrow it or ask for rides. Meanwhile, we have been searching, test driving and nixing choices of vehicles. Last week, we happened by a little Ford Focus. It has minimal rust and under 150k miles!  My husband test drove it and it seems to be a reliable vehicle for around town, in our price range.  We went back, yesterday and bought it! We are going to pick it up this afternoon!

We are so excited! Two years without a vehicle is a long time to be patient. But I am happy that we waited for this opportunity.

What are some blessings that you have experienced lately?

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Washcloth and a Bandana

 This week has been super busy and I feel terrible because I've been trying to make two posts a week. My manager is on vacation this week so I've been getting more hours, which I can't complain. I have had finished projects, but I've just been lazy on posting.

This dish/washcloth was part of last weeks Mystery Crochet-A-Long (MCAL) and I didn't post it last week because it wasn't revealed until Friday and I didn't want to ruin the reveal. I really like it though. It is a FREE pattern to download and is called the Snapdragon Dishcloth by Willow Yarns Design Team. I think that it would make a beautiful afghan made of these squares but I do really love it. The camera doesn't really do the color justice. It is sort of a darker teal, it looks more green in the picture than it is.
Since I have finished the Wrapped in Love blanket (coupon code ILY4EVER, good through June 1, 2016) I have been searching for new projects that aren't blankets. I still have to work on my blanket for this year's Afghan Swap but I'm taking a small break on that one. I found a little pattern, and I apologize for not being able to link it to you, it is not available for download, for a pup's bandana I absolutely love this pattern and I wish I could share it with you. It was an older free pattern from a craft store and I'm not sure which one. There is a button to secure the bandana and the spaces around the collar make it adjustable. Sasha loved her bandana so much that she wouldn't let me take it off of her, all day. In this picture she was a little more interested in the squirrels than looking at the camera but I think it is a good shot. I will probably be making more of these bandanas for her, in the future.

That is all of the projects that I have finished, right now. 

What have you been working on?

Let me know in the comments below. Also, check out my other posts! I always enjoy hearing from you.

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Washcloths!

Hey, there! I hope that you are having a wonderful week. Now that I finished the "Wrapped in Love" blanket, I have been trying to find projects to do. I joined this group on Ravelry that hosts a KAL (Knit-a-long) and CAL (Crochet-a-long) washcloth every week, throughout the year. So far I have three cloths finished. One is a work in progress and I'm going to show you two of them today.

I am only showing you the first two because this week is a Mystery CAL, which means that we get the pattern in portions and it is revealed at the end. The reveal is tomorrow, so I don't want to spoil the surprise. It is really a beautiful cloth though. I will probably make more.

 This first cloth was actually taken from an afghan square. It is a free pattern to download, so you should check it out! I never thought to use afghan squares as cloths but now that the idea has been pressed in my brain, I will be making more in the future.
This second cloth is also a free pattern and is a corner to corner cloth. I love it because I had just finished the corner to corner blanket before this was posted.

Now, one of the very first things I realized is that there are 52 weeks in a year. I'm a little behind this year so I won't have so many cloths from this group but I love these cloths and will be making at least one a week. That being said, I had no idea what I would do with 52 cloths.

As it turns out, my Sister-by-law is going to be getting her own place within the year. She will be turning 18 and I'm not sure what things the company she is going through will provide for her. She has made such great progress in keeping herself together and we are both so proud of her. So, we are starting to get things around for her place because she doesn't have much of her own, right now. I thought that these cloths would be a great idea! Who doesn't love handmade washcloths? I just hope she uses them. I have had a couple people say that the cloths were too beautiful to use and so they sit on a shelf. In my personal oppinion, it isn't a dish/wash cloth unless you use it as one. But, to each their own.

Beyond the washcloths, I'm a little bit lost on what to make for her. I do plan on making her a throw/afghan but that's going to take some time. We are looking for sales on house things too but I want her to have more than just cloths that are homemade. 

What are some of your ideas? Let me know in the comments below! Also, check out some of my other posts. I always love hearing from you.

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Wrapped in Love (C2C) Finished!

And now...For the moment I have been waiting for...It is finished! Well, it doesn't have a border yet but the main part is finished and I don't always like adding borders to blankets. I will probably add one, but for the moment, it is fine.

I just published the pattern to my Ravelry Store. If you use the coupon code: ILY4EVER you can get this pattern for free, until the end of June 1 (my wedding anniversary).

This pattern was tough to write. Mostly because I made a graph (yes, it has a graph! For those of you who have my Boston Red Sox Blanket pattern, I'm going to work on graphing that one too) in Excell and spent at least three hours trying to figure out how to merge it to a word document. Now that I did that the first page is blank. Yes, the first page is blank but do not worry! You aren't missing out on any information! Apparently when I tried to have only the chart page landscaped, Word decided that adding a polar bear lost in a snow storm, would be a great idea. Lovely.

So, once I figure out how to do that, which I though I had it figured out and then I sent it to PDF...poor polar bear is still lost in a snow storm, I will post a pattern update.

This pattern is very dear to my heart. I minored in American Sign Language, in college and got to know some really cool people who use ASL. This sign is one of the ways that I can communicate to my husband (who is not deaf or hard of hearing) when we are in a room full of people, after I have a seizure or just because.

I think that this pattern does well with just two colors, but I'm wondering how it would look with either the background or the hand striped. It came out to be a 49"x46" blanket. So, big enough for a child or just as a couch throw.

Check out the pattern and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Also, check out some of my other patterns and posts!

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

My Toy-Yoda

I received a Star Wars Crochet Amigurmi kit for Christmas and didn't really touch it until recently. For some reason the tiny characters and the safety eyes seemed a bit overwhelming. Talk about making mountains out of mole-hills. These little things are so easy to make!

The kit came with enough stuff for a Storm Trooper and a Yoda.

Because I like color more than mostly white things, I decided to try my hand at the tiny Jedi master, Yoda.

Here's how it turned out:

The most difficult part was attaching the tiny sleeves (just barely big enough to go around the tip of my pinky) to the tunic/coat/thingy.

Safety eyes is seriously just a matter of finding the right place so it doesn't look like a fish and doesn't look cross-eyed either. Not that there is anything wrong with being cross-eyed...I mean, I did it to freak out my babysitter's when I was a kid. One of them actually refused to babysit us after that and the "I can pour my own hot chocolate" incident (which no one was harmed in). I was amused by the things that freaked her out. It was far more entertaining than going to bed.

Anyhow, this little dude is just the most adorable thing I have ever made. My dear husband has taken to it, and by that I mean, he has taken off with it. He also managed to make a friend mad at us by saying "We found a car...It's a toy-Yoda" while pulling out this innocent little thing. Poor guy.

Have you made any tiny critters? What seems like a daunting task, when it comes to crafting?

Let me know what you think, in the comments below. Also, check out some of my other blog posts!

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Happy Women's Day!

I know that it is "Mother's Day" and to all of the mothers out there, great job! You truly do make a difference and should consider yourself, very blessed. You do what others cannot and it is amazing! I know that the job doesn't pay and you are not always shown appreciation through out the year. Especially the new mothers with babies who do not know how to communicate and aren't old enough to give back. The single mothers, or mothers whose spouces are often gone, you shoulder your household and your children often do not see that.

Step mums, you are amazing in your own right! You accept children, who are not yours by blood, as your own. Often times, kids are partial to their birth parents and you need a lot of patience in waiting for them to come to you. I know, I have a wonderful step-mum but it wasn't until recently that I began including her in the Mother package. Just keep holding on. You are wonderful and do a spectacular service.

Mother figures, the children may not be yours but you care for them as if they were. You are a different strength and source of encouragement. I have an aunt who has been in my corner since day one. She is my personal cheer-leader, my voice of reason and my worry stone. In the rare times that I am so upset that I cannot think clearly, she has calmed me and helped me find the light. She has wonderful kids of her own and still finds time for me.

Then, there are those who want to be mothers but may not have them yet or cannot have them at all. I fall in this category. Mother's day is difficult for me, for many reasons. One of them is that my doctors have told me that I may never be able to actually have children of my own. All the stuff is there to get pregnant and carry a child. However, because my vitamins are so low, getting pregnant may just as well be signing my death certificate. Babies will take whatever they need and if I barely have enough for myself because my body isn't absorbing the vitamins like it should or goes through them too fast...well, apparently you can't survive long without any nutrition. I have been married for almost three years now, but I am not a mother, even though I want it so badly.  I have known others in similar situations. It is difficult but there are ways around it. We have all talked about adoption and eventually, my husband and I will be able to become parents.

If you don't have kids, this is still your day. Sure, you may not be a mother but that instinct is still there. Even if you never want to have kids, I won't judge. In fact, there is some need for women who don't want kids, in the career industry. How horrible of me to say, right? But get this: the women who have kids have obligations that trump work (no shaming here either). Those who don't, are the ones who step in so that you can enjoy your child's graduation, care for them when they are sick...etc. Women who don't want to have kids are amazing in their own way. I applaud every person who has kids or doesn't. You all rock!

So, happy Women's Day, to everyone!  To all the mothers, happy Mother's day!

Stay Strong!  Remember that you are beautiful and well loved, and not just on this day.

Special shout outs to:
Lisa (my mother), Debbie (my step-mum) and Aunt Amy (my life cheerleader)! You are amazing and I have been very blessed to have three women who care for me as much as you do.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Irish Sea Boot Cuffs

Back in March (yes, I'm still playing catch up), I decided to try my hand at crocheting some boot cuffs. I figured that I like the legwarmers that we sold, at my store and boot cuffs were just shorter versions of that. Right? Sure, whatever helps me sleep at night, I guess. I honestly have no idea the purpose of boot cuffs but they look cool and people wear them in the winter time.

I won a bid, on Ebay, for a Leisure Arts #75472, Boot Cuffs and Earwarmers, booklet. There is some great stuff in there! I actually look forward to making more sets for this coming winter. I flipped through the pages and fell in love with the Irish Sea Boot Cuff pattern.

It was an easy work up but they are too big for me, if I'm wearing ankle boots. They are also a bit too big if I'm wearing taller boots but, the boots keep it in place so I guess it works out. Again, I'm not sure the purpose of these. Maybe they are just to keep the snow out, in case you have to tread through knee high snow? Or maybe they are just a style thing. I have no idea but it was fun and easy to make.

Do you have any idea what these things are actually supposed to do? Let me know in the comments below! Also, check out some of my other posts!

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

"Hello, My Name is Inigo Montoya..."

A couple of weeks ago, my swap partner and I met at  Los Palaminos, the local, authentic Mexican place, to...well, swap our packages. I throuoghly enjoyed our visit and am so happy that I can now share with you the puns that hurt my dear husband, so much.

At the beginning of the swap, I found out that K really likes "The Princess Bride" both the movie and the book were on her list of favorites. I have been wanting to do themed packages this year, so I decided that was what I was going to do. The first month of the swap, I spent more time actually planning out the packages than making the package. Oops!

This first package, I thought it would be fitting if I went with the quote "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." because we were just meeting. So, I included some note cards that said "Hello" on the front, I made a basket out dark blue yarn...I was trying to go for "Indigo" yarn but my Local Craft Shops didn't have any in stock and I was running short on time, so I couldn't order it. Then my favorite part was the actual pun.

I asked K if she liked to dye things (oh, yeah, I went there!) and because she said that she had no interest, I decided to try my hand at tie dying a project bag for her.  "Prepare to dye" was what I was going for and it still makes me giggle, because I'm a child at heart and I enjoy a good pun. My dear husband, however just shakes his head at me. It took a couple of tries to figure it out because the dye came in bottles so there was no dipping involved. This confused me even more but I'm glad that I don't have a blue or green pan/bowl/bucket now. The first try, there was more white space than I wanted. Pretty much, just the corners were dyed. It was bad. So I dyed it again and it came out much better.

I'm not sure that I will try tie-dying, using bottles again. But, it was fun and I hope that K enjoys all of the little things that were in the package, beyond just the themed stuff. I am excited to work on the second package, which isn't due until August. Now that I have the planning done, I can spend more time on the packages.

Feel free to check out my other posts about the swaps! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

**The basket was made from the "Colorful Catchalls" pattern in the August 2015 issue of Crochet World Magazine

Friday, April 29, 2016

What two Needles Can Do

I realized, today, that I had not caught anyone up on anything craft wise. I apologize for that. Last week was pretty busy. We had store inventory that lasted until 2am and I hadn't caught up on sleep because some puppy wants out at 7a.m. on the dot, every day. Although I still feel sleep deprived I have had a day of rest so I feel much better.

I worked on a knitted sampler scarf and finished it April 11th:

 You can't really see the designs that well, in the picture.I think it may be the color of yarn I used. There were six "blocks" on the scarf. The ends were more plain. The middle squares were a heart, paw print, music note and (my favorite) a snowflake. I really liked this pattern (free download), because it was written for fourth graders which really dumbed down some of the things that confused me. I do wish that she had explained a little bit more on how to fasten off but it wasn't anything that a bit of Youtube or a friend couldn't help with. The scarf is a little short, like I said it was designed for fourth graders so it was probably meant for their size. I have been thinking of making more (for the practice) and donating the lot to some of the elementary schools around here for kids who forget their scarf or don't have one. Recess is no fun when it is too cold.
The next project that I have been working on is kind of sleeping right now. It is the Fireside Wristlets, also a free download. I like how they are turning out. I only have the one done, and the second is slowly coming together. I take it to work, so I can knit on my lunch. For some reason, the red is really difficult to knit with. It was the last color so maybe I got used to knitting and was knitting tighter? I don't know.

I'm still having troubles with knitting on circular needles. I don't know what is up with that and if I can't figure it out, I will be posting with pictures so you can see and maybe tell me what I'm doing wrong or give me any advice. I have tried watching youtube videos for this. My problem seems to be in getting the dern stitches to slide from the cord to the needle. Maybe my cord is too long?

What projects are working on? Have you tried anything new, lately?
Let me know in the comments below! Also, check out some of my other posts! I always love hearing from you.

Remember that you are beautiful and well loved.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Afghan Swap 2016: Package #1

 Today, my swap partner, Vwoman and I were able to meet at a local Mexican eatery "Los Palaminos" for lunch today. It was great to be able to meet her and her mum, and introduce her to Jerad as well. We had great food and great company, despite the cold weather.

As part of our visit, we swapped our packages. It was fun opening them and watching her open hers as well. In mine I received the beautiful shawl pictured above,

Three beautiful fingerless gloves. The pair on the right matches the shawl. I love all of these and will be strutting my stuff at work! These will help, even in the Summer time when the store has the Air Conditioning on and it gets too cold for my hands. I will be nice and cozy all year round!

Some colored pencils, an adult coloring book, a pattern for Reindeer mittens, and a recipe for Russian Tea and Date balls. I'm pretty sure that my Mimi (Dad's mum) made the Date Balls, but never shared the recipe. Which, of course had the grand kids coming around for more. They may have been figs, instead but they look very similar. I just know that whatever it was it was yummy and I can't wait to try out these recipes!

Some safety eyes for the toys and dolls that I plan to finish, buttons to add to my collection and two Dahlia bulbs (which Jerad was surprisingly excited about). We have been wanting to start a garden and these will be perfect for it. Now, we just have to wait for the frost to stop making appearances.

Lastly, a beautiful skein of Lion Brand Heartland yarn in the Bryce Canyon colorway. I am excited to find the perfect project for this yarn. I think I might actually have a second skein in my stash. Or my dark purple would look great with it. Hmm...I guess we know what I will be doing on my days off. Pouring over my library of patterns to find the perfect one.

Thank you, so much! I enjoyed our visit and I am enjoying everything you have made for and given me. I am excited to start the next package!

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved.
Feel free to leave comments below and check out some of my other posts! I always love hearing from you.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Two Sticks and Some String

I have decided that I'm going to try my hand at knitting, for the third time. I love crocheting but I can do anything that I have a pattern for and I have been writing patterns. I will continue my crocheting but I'm up for a...new, not-so-new challenge.

About a year ago, I went to the craft store and bought this "I taught myself Knitting" kit that came with a book. I didn't really look at it too much because I mainly wanted the needles. I worked on a make-up remover pad after getting frustrated with a scarf. Neither of which are in the book. Where those patterns are, I have no idea.

This book, scares the life out of me. To start, with the cover: The girl looks like she wants to kill me and laugh while she is doing it. If there hadn't been needles in the kit, I probably would not have bought it. She scares me.

Then, I open the book and starring at me is everything in three languages! Awesome. This certainly does not help soothe my worry about trying to make something nice out of, what looks to be, steel chop sticks and some yarn.

There is a scarf, some potholders and a...Poncho? Seriously? The poncho is the third pattern that they decide to put in a Beginner's book? I'm sorry. I'm still trying to decode K2 P2 M1...and you stick a PONCHO in the midst of that? Only a couple patterns from that are sweaters. You know, the thinks that have sleeves and holes for your head....those things. That is NOT a small project!

Granted, when I started crocheting, I went from one scarf to an afghan. But that was with one hook, not two needles! I didn't even start wearables until a year or so into crocheting. The idea that I'm going to make something that someone is going to wear, all day, is frightening especially when the reason why I stopped knitting was because I can't figure out how to pick up all of the stitches I drop without undoing the whole project!

So, here I sit, with two sticks (yes, I know they are needles) some string, and a book that I want to toss.

If you have any suggestions for a less intimidating book or pattern, please! I beg you, leave comments below. I've been searching Ravelry and found some patterns but I'm thinking they may be on the advanced side. I have size 6 and 8 needles.

Please remember that you are beautiful and well loved. Have a blessed day!