Tuesday Treasures

I love these little snow flakes.  Clara  Clara's Crochet Room  and Molly crocheting my best with my worsted have been crocheting up a storm ... snow storm that is.  They have been making snow.  I couldn't resist and had to jump in and add to the snow making.  So far one done in yarn, the other in size 3 thread and couldn't wait to put them here.  There will be more that's for sure.  Very easy, very quick and just so adorable.  Clara has the pattern site on her blog.

My other treasure doesn't have anything to do with crochet, but its a winner in my book.  I read the neatest tip the other day and just have to share.  I iron, don't really mind it, have always done it, I iron lots of things including tablecloths which are my least favorite.  Actually I think they are a royal pain in the neck.  Many of you may know this but if there's anyone out there besides me who didn't you will love this.  In taking out one of my Christmas red tablecloths, which was quite wrinkled, I was going to get the ironing board out when I remembered ... put the cloth in the dryer with a wet towel for 10 minutes.  So I did.  Wrinkle free and table ready.  Wowie, I was delighted!  (I had a round 70 inch cloth and used a dish towel.)  To me this is a definite treasure.  What a time saver.  Then, being so smart, I thought I would try one of those red store bought ribbons which I had just taken out, crumpled up ... now a perfect bow.  Looked better then brand new.  I am in heaven.    



Holiday - December Doily of The Month

Holiday Doily

Size 4 steel hook, size 10 crochet thread

Measures 11 1/2 inches

1. Chain 8, join. Chain 3, 11 double crochets in ring, join to top of beginning chain 3. (12 dc)

2. Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as joining, 2 dc in each stitch around, join to top of beginning chain 3. (24 dc)

3. Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as joining, *double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch* around, ending with 1 double crochet, join to top of beginning chain 3. (36 dc)

4. Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch, *double crochet in each of next 2 stitches, 2 double crochet in next stitch* around, join to top of beginning chain 3.

5. Repeat row 4.

6. Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch, *chain 3, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in next stitch* around, join to 1st single crochet.

7. Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 2 double crochet in same space, 3 double crochet in each space around, join to top of beginning chain 3.

8. Repeat row 6.

9. Repeat row 7.

10. Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch as joining, *chain 7, skip 7 stitches, single crochet in next single crochet* around, join to 1st single crochet.

11. Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 6 double crochets in same space, 7 double crochets in each space around.

Join to top of beginning chain 3.

12. Slip stitch to center of double crochet group (4th double crochet), chain 1, sc in stitch, *chain 5, single crochet in space created between double crochet groups, chain 5, single crochet in 4th double crochet* around, join to 1st single crochet.

13. Chain 3, double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet in joining, 2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet (shell made) in each single crochet around, join to top of beginning chain 3.

14. Slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 3, double crochet, 2 chain, 2 double crochet in same space,

2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet (shell) in each chain 2 space around, join to top of beginning chain 3.

15. Slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 1, single crochet in same space, *chain 7, single crochet in next chain 2 space* around, join to 1st single crochet.

16. Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 6 double crochet in same space, 7 double crochet in each space around, join to top of beginning chain 3.

17. Single crochet in space before joining, *chain 4, in 4th double crochet of group do [double crochet, treble crochet, picot (picot=chain 4, slip stitch in 1st chain), treble crochet, double crochet], chain 4, single crochet in space* around, join to 1st single crochet.

18. *Chain 1, single crochet in join, *chain 7, single crochet in picot, chain 7, single crochet in single crochet* around, join to 1st single crochet.

19. Slip stitch into space, chain 3, 4 double crochet in same space, *double crochet, treble crochet, double crochet in single crochet, 5 double crochet in each of next 2 spaces* around, join to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off, starch and block to dry.

Christmas Projects Finished ... almost

Two more items done ...

My December Doily of The Month is done, starched, blocked and dryed.  Now to type up the pattern.  Hope to get this done tonight and posted.

This is my rendition, so far, of the wreath from the previous post.  I have to say that as far as cost goes its quite a deal ... the wreath was $2.50 at Michaels ...love those sales!   But I'm not sure that it has the same pizazz.  Maybe a real wreath is an added plus.  I'll have to see how it looks on my way out this morning.  I may stop later today to get more of the green ornaments.

Have a marvelous day!

Good Sunday Morning

Its truly the Christmas season ... the journey of Advent is here, shoppers are busily making their way about the stores, holiday music is playing, houses are brightly lit at night.  It was wonderful to see the displays at several houses on the way home last night.  When the kids were small we would ride about on a night a week to see the sights.  Once in a while now we still do that, specifially to one certain house where the display now has crossed over into their neighbor's yard on either side.  It is magnificent ... three yards wide.  It draws quite a crowd every year.   

Today's after dinner jaunt will be to Michael's, (their greenery is 50% off) to get a wreath and hope to be able to create this wreath for our front door.  A dollar store visit a few days ago produced the color green ornaments you see on this wreath, already had the gold ones.  This will be the project of the week and if I'm really ambitious maybe later on tonight. 

Holiday Spirit To All

...and the hook lost.

Can you believe that there was no crocheting done today!  I really was going to try and work on my December Doily but got puttering with Christmas decorations and lost track of time ... here is a bit of the results.

See this angel, she really is beautiful.  I have had her for about 15 years.  One morning when I arrived at work I found this box, beautifully wrapped, sitting in the hallway at the door to my office.  This angel is what was inside.  There was a card addressed to me and a nice sentiment for a happy holiday but without a name.  It certainly was a lovely jesture and I always thought I knew who may have left her but she wouldn't say she did.  Each Christmas that I take her out I silently thank her giver for this treasure she gave me.

The snowmen have taken their place in bay window.  I saw in a magazine a large white cup and saucer with greens in it ... the cup and saucer was $195 ... I had these cups and dishes and stuck my dollar store trees in them ... far cry from
$195!

The lighted angel is new this year ... a gift from my son, a treasure.

That's just a peek ... will get better pictures another time.  Time for some rest, hopefully will finish tomorrow ... maybe the decorating and the doily.

The Day After Thanksgiving

Plans for early morning store hopping (mostly to browse, thinking it would be a hoot to be out early watching) didn't pan out, slept just a little bit too late.  Won't be able to get out there now till probably this afternoon.  Next best thing was to bring out the tree, actually the second tree, one has been up and decorated on the porch for over a week now.   The boxes of ornaments for this tree  made their way out a few days ago so it beyond time for the tree to be decorated.  Love these pre-lite trees although the top section is not lighting right now.  Dollar store stop to be made to pick up a small white light string.  I also need to pick up the large Christmas ornaments.  My neighbor put them on her outside lamp and they look stunning.  Such an inexpensive, festive addition to the lamppost. 

Sprinkles of Christmas are scattered through the house but I need to get going and get finished so I can sit back and enjoy.  Tonight will have turkey soup, another part of the day after Thanksgiving.

Happy black Friday 

To you and yours,

What's Doing Wednesday

For today I thought I would tell you about a small happening yesterday  ... as I was leaving a McDonald's I spotted something on the ground and drove by it, opened the car door and discovered a wallet on the ground.  My heart gave a jump as not too long ago my son had dropped his wallet after getting gas.  A kindly person had brought the wallet into the attendant and it was waiting for my son upon his return, nothing missing other then a few sane  moments as panic took over when he realized the missing wallet.  All I could think of was that this young man was feeling the same.

Longer story short, in the wallet I found the business card of this young man's dad, I called him, he called his son (its days like this that technology is so wonderful ... cell phones!) who returned to where I was waiting.  I gave him the wallet which he immediately opened, pulled out the $20 bill that was in there and handed it to me, which, of course, I refused.  He said "you saved my life" (a little more dramatic then needed to be but I certainly understood his relief ... had heard the same from my son).

And why am I telling you this?  Because, people are good, they really are.  My son never knew who picked up his wallet and turned it in.  But whoever you are, we thank you, more then you can know.  And this young man yesterday, he's 16 years old, and without a moment's hesitation he offered all that he had when he gave the $20 from his wallet.  I was so touched by his offering.

Ya know, sometimes it seems that there is awful stuff going on all around, and yes there is, but there's lot of good out there too.  In this week of Thanksgiving, I am thankful to be able to look around and see the good.

All things good to your day.

Tuesday Treasures

Taking Time

      even if just for a moment to reflect, maybe especially in the midst of not so good times.  Easy to say, harder to execute ... but in all things, let us give thanks.  Something I need to remember.

Here Come The Holidays

For me today marks the start of the holiday season, the beginning is Thanksgiving week.  Oh, its not as grand and busy as years past but I think this year will be a special one.  I did get some decorating done yesterday and plan on a whole lot more today so I can sit back at night and enjoy the twinkling of the lights, of course, while I'm crocheting.

I'm trying to decide what to make to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.  I had a wonderful sweet potatoe recipe which I somehow lost so I'm on the search to try to find it or one thats as good.  I'm sure one of my recipes sites will help me out here.

Along with decorating and recipe hunting I'm trying very hard to finish a few projects before starting a new one, but my next one will be the Oval Ripple Hooks, Yarns, Crafts & Gardening: ~ the oval ripple placemat~ designed by Debi from Hooks, Yarns, Crafts & Gardening.  The round ripple is one of my favorites and when I saw the oval ripple, well, I've had quite a time not just dropping everything and starting this immediately.  So far I'm holding out, but I can't promise that I can for much longer.  Isn't this a beauty?  Thanks to Debi for sharing such a wonderful pattern.

Well, off to make the coffee, morning prayers and a special phone call to make to a dear friend turning 60 today.  I made the 60 mark a few days ago, nice to have the company!

Welcome To The Holiday Season!

Easy Movin' Saturday

Its a slow, easy movin' Saturday, on the brink of Thanksgiving week.  Although we won't be having Thanksgiving here the turkey will come out of the freezer tomorrow and I'll cook for another day.  I just have to have that  holiday scent in the house.  My favorite part is the stuffing thats burns on the bottom of the pan and the turkey soup to be made afterwards.  Perfect for these chilly days and nights that we are now having.

Off to make another cup of coffee and tinker around the house ... cleaning, straightening and bringing out the holiday decorations. 

Blessings to your day.

Thursday Thoughts

Most of the shadows of this life

 are caused by our standing

in our own sunshine.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's Doing Wednesday

I discovered yesterday that my camera is broken, but I've found that I can order a new part and don't have to think about buying a new camera so that's good.  I love my camera, it was a Christmas present from my son last year and I love it.  I carry it with me, so I have to say right now I'm really missing it.  Already this morning I was seeing sights I would have snapped, but not today, no camera.

My baby round ripple is coming along, I have one more repeat of colors to do then this one will be sent to its new home and baby girl.  The size 4 steel crochet hook has started doing its thing again trying to come up with a December doily.  The Christmas afghan I started a while back has taken a back seat and probably won't make its debut this Christmas, but there's always next year.   I'm trying to decide if I should continue doing a free pattern of the month for next year.  One thing I am thinking of though is maybe looking into an Etsy store.

So that's what new from the middle of the week in my crocheting world.

Keep those hooks flying!  

Rainy Day Recipe

Its gloomy, rainy and I think a good day for a nice bowl of soup for supper.  Just found this recipe at All Recipes  Italian Sausage Soup II Recipe - Allrecipes.com and I think this fills the order of the day.  Easy enough to be tossed together when I get home late this afternoon and filling and warming.  Add a nice salad, crusty italian bread, maybe a chocolate pudding for dessert and I'll call it a done deal!


Italian Sausage Soup II

Rated:   Five Stars
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 stalk celery with leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 (14.5 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes
5 cups chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 cup uncooked pasta shells

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until evenly browned, and break into pieces. Stir in the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, basil, rosemary, red pepper, and sage. Continue cooking 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Mix in tomatoes, and cook until heated through. Stir in the broth and beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.

2. Stir pasta into soup, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

Nutrition Information
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Calories: 376 Amount Per Serving, Total Fat: 22.2g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 1349mg

Amount Per Serving
Total Carbs: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 5.9g
Protein: 15g

Addendum:  had the leftovers for lunch, it was even better the second day.  Its a keeper.

Have a good day.

Victorian Motif - free pattern

Six easy and simple crochet rows for a lovely motif.  I did starch and block one, another one I just shaped by pulling it into shape so it doesn't even have to be blocked or ironed.  I think you can see the difference in the pictures.  As much as I love the window ornament I think my favorite is the package embellishment (pictures below).  Thinking I will add some of these to my Christmas tree as well.   What ever way you choose,  I hope you will enjoy this as much as I do.

Small amount of crochet thread, size 4 steel hook

1. Chain 8, join. Chain 2, (counts as 1st half double crochet), 11 half double crochets in ring, join to top of beginning chain. (12 half double crochets)

2. Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch as join, 2 double crochet in each stitch around, join to top of beginning chain. (24 double crochets).

3. Chain 4, treble crochet in same stitch as join, *treble in next stitch, 2 treble crochets in next stitch* around, join to top of beginning chain. (36 treble crochets)

4. Chain 6, (counts as beginning chain 3 and 1 double crochet), *double crochet in next stitch, chain 3*, around, join to 3rd chain of beginning chain. (36 spaces)

5. Slip stitch into space, chain 1, single crochet in same space, *chain 9, skip one space, single crochet in next space* around, join to first single crochet.

6. Slip stitch into space, 11 single crochet in space, *11 double crochet in next space, 11 treble crochet in next space,* 11 double crochet in next space, 11 single crochets in each of next 6 spaces, repeat from * to *, then 11 single crochet in each of next 5 spaces, join to lst single crochet. Fasten off.





Sunday Morning

Sunday Blessings.  It promises to be a warm sun filled day, already it is so pretty out.  Coffee to be made, morning prayers to be said, dinner decision to be made. 

I'll be back later with a victorian motif I just designed. Very simple, just a few rows and I think a sweet little adornment.  Looks sweet hung in a window and would look equally sweet gracing a holiday package.  An added gift to the present itself.

Enjoy the day.

Fabulous Friday

Just finishing a cup of coffee, did a few house chores (very few), waiting for the dryer to go off, then out and running errands.  Its a nice day to be off, clear and crisp (bordering cold!) we've got abundant sunhine and no wind today.  Very nice!

Planning on having my second cup of coffee at a Barnes and Noble stop later this morning.  Peppermint Mocha!  My cold weather favorite.  Always puts me in a super mood.

Best to your day.

Happy Veterans Day

Today we celebrate “Veterans Day”,

a day set aside to honor all veterans,

past and present.

It is the day to say “Thank You”

to everyone who proudly

wore or wears the uniform

and served or presently serves

in any of the military branches.

God bless and protect.

Thursday Thoughts

When we forget ourselves,

we usually do something

that everyone else remembers.

Making a Great Gift Even Better

You just have to pop over to Clara's Crochet Room. 
http://clarascrochetroom.blogspot.com/2010/11/pink-lady-scarf-in-green-easy-crocheted.html

she made this lovely scarf and then ... she added this little wreath to it ... is this just too cute?  Its a tube wreath, she explains what she did in her post.  I think this is just so adorable and festive.  I think this is something I would like to put on packages, on the tree, any where I want a touch of the holiday spirit.  Actually, depending on coloring it could be for any time of year or occassion.

Oh, don't forget to take a look at her ribs scarf with pom poms ... its a keeper!

Thanks Clara !