I almost forgot!

I can't believe that I almost forgot about an awesome giveaway for y'all.  Seriously, that is what happens when you go on vacation for ten days and it's your first day back at work - your brain gets left somewhere else!!

So close to being done that I just can't stand it!!

Have you noticed that I've been doing more than just playing with yarn lately?  I've rekindled my love of embroidery!  I've got two kits and a new book coming in the post as we speak.  Oh yeah, I'm loving it - as evident by my Pinterest activity.

Well, guess what I have for y'all - a fabulous sampler book!!  Oh yes, it's magnificent.  So much so that my mama has attempted to "borrow" it twice now.  That project over there is what I've been working on lately.  It's going to be a Christmas ornament for Hobbit's teacher.  I'm going to add it to the wrapping decoration.  I'm sorry it's not completed - just have the red border to go - you see, I thought I had packed it when we were on vacation but it was left behind.  I was so worried that I had lost it at Disney so I was relieved when I found it in my big blue chair when we got home.

Cheryl Fall has created a collection of patterns that you will treasure for a lifetime.  The book is entitled Simply Samplers: Easy Techniques for Hand Embroidery and it is filled with beautiful ideas.  You'll want to make every one, I know I do!  I've put together a few collages - several of these are in line to be made as soon as I get the right cloth.  Speaking of which, there is a complete section devoted to Supplies, Notions, and even "How To" photo tutorials in the back of the book so saying "I don't know how" is no longer a valid reason as to why you aren't stitching too!!

That pillow up there, that's where my little ornament pattern come.  There are so many options for these fabulous samplers.

She breaks down the instructions so well, you will feel completely at ease taking on any of these stunning patterns.

These embroidery items just make me completely giddy and I can't wait to get started on them.  Next up, the "Smile and Be Happy" for my office space!

How would you like to get your hand on this book full of heirlooms waiting to be made?  The fabulous people at Stackpole Books have it set up so that you can - all you have to do is two little things... well, one really but other is fun and increases your chances of winning so why not!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I will be emailing the winner so be sure to have a valid form of contact (ie email or Ravelry ID). When I ask for your mailing address, please don't be shy. If you don't share then Stackpole Books can't send you your shiny new copy of this amazing book. Open to US residents only due to shipping restrictions.

Good luck, everyone!

Such a happy day!

It may be grey and gloomy outside but it's sunshine and roses at my house.  Firstly, I love grey overcast days.  Living in a state where the sun shines an average of 244 days a year, it's nice to have a change of pace.  Plus, these gorgeous grey days are always cooler so you know I'm loving it.

Second awesome thing today - October work schedules.  Yep, I'm excited over my work schedule because not only are my hours from 8 am until 4 pm, they are Monday through Friday.  That's right - I got the weekends off!!  I've not had scheduled weekends off for over a year so this is definite cause to celebrate.  I even wrote my boss and told her thank you.  I can actually sleep in, think of how joyous that is going to be!!

Thirdly, I'm making a celebratory supper tonight.  I've decided on a warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert - one must have her priorities straight.  My challenge is deciding between Cottage Pie or having a mealoaf with mash.  I think I may go Cottage Pie and use the crumble as leverage to get Hobbit to eat if she's being picky tonight.

Time to go enjoy the afternoon with some crafting.  Such a happy, happy day!

We're home

We got home last night from spending the week at Walt Disney World.  It was fabulous.  Granted, I was sick with a bad cold for most of it but we still had a wonderful relaxing family get away.  Here are a few pictures of all our fun...

Sunday night, after we unpacked the cabin, we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

We watched the new Frozen fireworks show.  It was really amazing.

So much color, it was breathtaking.

Monday morning, we went to the World Showcase in Epcot.

It was so peaceful and relaxing in the garden over at China.

We took our farewell ride on the Maelstrom too.

That night, we went swimming after we took a carriage ride around Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Tuesday morning was spent at the pool, but that night we went somewhere special.

We went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom!

We were able to walk on to everything because it was not crowded at all.

The rain held off long enough for the Headless Horseman to open the parade!

There were so many cool floats and characters running around.

Goofy, one of my all time favorites, rode a float that blew bubbles and smelled of cotton candy!

The Villains had their own band - they were awesome.

I was overjoyed to see Goob (aka The Bowler Hat Guy from Meet the Robinsons).

The rest of the week was just as magical.

I hope y'all had a fabulous week and now, it's time to start looking forward to Autumn and all the beauty we have in store!!

Wednesday Wound-Up

I've got a lot of super secret crafting going on at the moment that I can't share... isn't that always the way starting about now?  I promise to start making something that isn't super secret soon.  I love sharing my projects with y'all... so how about y'all share your projects with me instead this week.

What are you working on?

Tuesday Tunes

I hope you have a fabulous day.  I can't think of a better way to start it than by playing a super happy tune to get you through the day!

Give joy

Just some food for thought during a time when it seems that it needs to be shared most.

It seems like people are forgetting to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.  That the feeling of entitlement has grown to a level that is rather disgusting.  You can learn a lot about a person's character when they are faced with a moment of grace - they can either be gracious, or they can be greedy.

I spend a great deal of my life giving.  I give my time, my energies, myself.  I don't ask for anything in return.  I give because I love to do it.  Only a few times has the act of giving ever left a sour taste in my mouth - but generally, it was the recipient's who turned it that way.  They were thankless and greedy... and showing how ugly people can be when they forget to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.

When someone gives to you - either of themselves or even something tangible - always remember to be thankful.  It doesn't matter how big or small the act is, it's the simple act of giving that should be cherished.  Don't act entitled, greedy, or ugly when someone is doing something selfless for you.  Be mindful.  Be thoughtful.  Be thankful.

It's when we lose our sense of gratitude that we we become thankless and entitled.  Enrich your life and do something selfless for someone else today.  You just might surprise yourself at how wonderful it feels do things for others without having an ulterior motive... just give of yourself for the joy of giving.

Bringing joy to others... it will most certainly bring joy back to you.

Jingling ring-ting-tingling too

Here's the skirt I made a few years ago.

I have Christmas carols on constant repeat in my head.  It's not too soon if you're a crafter with a list of gifts to make that is as long as your arm.  To get myself in the mood, I play Christmas music while I craft... and it gives me an excellent reason to play Christmas music because I absolutely love them.

One of the things that I've been itching to make is a new tree skirt.  I made one a few years ago when I was a super new crocheter and it never fit right.  I want a do-over.  I am going to too... and better than that, I'm going to design it myself.

I'm thinking of several things so I'm not really sure which direction I'm going to go with it.  I've got visions of blues with white snowflakes at the hem... scrappy goodness making a rainbow of colors... traditional red, white, and green with a granny rippley effect.  I need to narrow down my scope and get started on it soon.

We're getting a bigger tree this year so I'm going to need a bigger skirt... yeah, that's the ticket.  We crafters are getting down to the wire, it's time to seriously get into present crafting mode - who's with me?!?

Procastination at its best.

I'm so hard core, this image isn't even from today... I took it over three years ago!

As much as I am a go-getter, I am a procrastinator too.  I will wait until the last minute to do some things because I work better under pressure.  Other things, I will jump on get done a million light years before I need to simply because I can... and usually, the level of procrastination is in direct proportion to the importance of the item needing to be completed.

I have always been this way, even as a kid in school.  I never miss a deadline and I am super organized with my time which allows me to be an excellent procrastinator.  I can schedule just enough time to allow me to fiddle around until the fire is lit and I go to town.

Today, I am the poster child for procrastination.  I want to do what needs to be done because I want to enjoy the fruits of my labors... I'm just not wanting to actually do it because I'm still battling a horrible cold.  I feel all icky and just want to lounge in my pajamas... but I can't.  I have to get going... so instead of actually getting going, I sit down and write blog posts.  Yep, that's how I roll.

Now I'm going to go eat a donut and contemplate my plan of attack.  I think I should be in full swing by lunch.  Especially considering I want to be done by supper, that should do it.

Procrastination at its finest... that's me.

Tuesday Tunes

Just a sweet song to get through the day. I hope your Tuesday is as full of sunshine and light as this little tune.  Press play and add a smile to your day.

Don't forget to enter the drawing for an awesome pattern book to add to your library.  Click here for the details.

Tunisian Crochet and a giveaway!

I am always up for trying new things so when the lovely people at Stackpole Books asked me if I wanted to take a look at the brand new book they have available, I couldn't say no.  It's entitled "Tunisian Crochet for Baby" by Sharon Hernes Silverman.  One look at the cover, and you'll fall in love with everything inside...

This book is filled to the brim with fabulous projects that are perfect for anyone tiny in your life.  These patterns are not just for the Tunisian whiz kids out there either - a novice like me can totally understand how make these beautiful pieces because she has taken the time to create a wonderful picture tutorial in the back for each of the stitches she uses so you won't get lost or frustrated.

So there is no excuses when it comes to creating a keepsake item for the next baby to come into your life.  Take a look at some of my favorite patterns that are tucked between the covers of this amazing book.  I wish I could show you all 23 patterns but I'll resign myself to just a handful...

Now, I hate to be the one to spring this on you but... there are only 14 more weekends until the holiday season is upon us.  Wouldn't these make lovely presents for the newest addition in your life?  I think so too - so here's how you can win a copy of this fabulous pattern book...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be announced on September 13th. Open to residents of the USA only due to shipping costs. I will contact the winner via email so be sure to have a valid point of contact - email or Ravelry account. The publisher will be shipping the book directly to you so I will need your mailing address to pass along to them. Good luck everyone and have a fabulous Monday!!

Sunday Snaps

I know I've been quiet this week but I promise, I've been busy - look at what all I finished!

This has been a crazy week.  The first week of a new month is always a bit wonky because the work schedule always changes.  On the upside, I had a conversation with my big boss and things will start to even out more and I am over the moon excited about it.  I'll know more once October gets here but it sounds like it is finally the perfect fit for my family.  It only took a year and a half but we got there.

I know I was quiet and I do apologize but I have things to share - my productive week was super productive on the crafting front!  Check it out...

1. We are going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party during our family vacation so I made Hobbit a treat bag to go with her princess costume!  It's all original and I won't be releasing it because I don't wish to infringe upon anyone's copyright.  I do have cryptic notes on my project page though so if you wander over that way, you might can figure it out.
2. I am plugging along on my little cross stitch that is going to part of a Christmas present for someone special.  It's turning out rather spiffy, don't you think?
3. Quidditch started on the 5th and I had to score a goal for Slytherin because a threepeat would be the bees knees.  I know Dolores Umbridge would love her own "locket" with kitties in it.
4. I released a super simple pattern for my Flower Lace Cowl that I truly love.  Hobbit's teacher apparently loves it too - she asked me to come in and teach the kids how to knit and crochet.
5. I was curious if some super bulky yarn would work well for a hat so I sat down and whipped one up.  It's amazingly warm and really cute.  I don't know that I will get much use out of it but if we ever have a cold day down here, I'm all set with this cutie.
6. I'm still plugging away on my shawl.  I have to admit, I am not a big fan of how they have it written out.  I've had to frog it twice in two different areas.  Granted, I am modifying it to make it bigger but still, my math is correct so we'll see how it turns out.  These little hiccups on the base may vanish when I get to the shell section.  I hope to have some serious time to work on it tomorrow when I'm off.

That's been my week.  All crafting has been courtesy of binge watching "Parenthood" since this is it's farewell season, I wanted to rewatch all of them prior to it starting.  I do love that show and I am so sad to see it go but I understand.  Six seasons is a lot for a show that was never at the top of the ratings - but they do have a dedicated cult following.  I hope to own in all on DVD once it's over.

I need to get ready for work - yeah, I work both weekend days (all day) this month so I'm not the happiest of campers but I know that things will be better soon so I'm doing what I was taught to do... suck it up and power through.  The final quarter of the year will definitely be golden.  I just know it!

How about a new pattern?

Flower Lace Cowl

I made up this pattern and I've had several requests for it so I figured that I would just write it out because it really is one of the most simple things I've ever done.

This lovely cowl looks really complex and fancy but it couldn't be more simple.

I made it for my daughter's teacher who was feeling poorly this past week.  It only took me about three hours to design and make it so it should take y'all a whole lot less!


You can download the pattern on Ravelry.  As always, I give this pattern freely to the crafting community - but please follow the copyright attached to all my patterns.  I hope you enjoy!