These presents made it out

I've been crafting for little people around here and I must say, I love it.  Nothing is more fun that making something tiny for someone tiny.  Who knows, that little thing just might be the item they hang on to forever.  So when two of my dear friends that I have known for the past 27 years welcomed precious little girls into the world, I had to get crafting.

Sweet little Abigail was originally getting a very large blanket but an unfortunate tea accident caused a change in plans.  Instead, I made her this little shawl and...

This little blanket buddy - all in the yarn that didn't end up a sweet, sticky mess.  Even though it wasn't what I originally planned for her, I do like how it all came out.

 

This was my latest endeavor and it went to sweet little Miss Rebecca who was a surprise answer to many prayers.  She has the most beautiful raven hair and all I could think about was how pretty she would look in these jewel tones.  I hope she loves them.

So see, I have been busy - made that pinafore during a day full of testing and waiting.  Great use of time and instead of focusing on the scary unknown, I focused on the sweet babies my friends have been blessed with - so thank you Miss Abigail and Miss Rebecca for bring a bit of peace to me. 

I may not have had the honor of meeting y'all yet but I love you both very much.

Just keep stitching

I finished my projects.  I'll share when they reach their new home.

This past week, I've not felt very well.  Y'all kinda knew that already but the thing that kept me sane with all the hurry up and waiting was my crafting.  Other people are sitting around me wreaking of cigarette smoke and fuming over the minutes that pass.  I simply make another stitch.

Fussing won't make time pass any faster.  Running in and out of the doctor's waiting room to go smoke won't shorten anything but their lives.  Glaring at the medical staff doesn't make them want to hurry along to help you.  Making snarky comments won't get you on with your day any faster... so why do they do it?  All the above does is put a person in a worse mood.

None of us like to be kept waiting but sometimes, it happens.  If I'm kept waiting because the doctor is spending unhurried quality time with a patient who needs him, I'm okay with that because it means when it's my time to be back there and I'm his main focus for the moment, I get the same unhurried quality of time as well.

I've got my projects so you, dear medical team who has been looking out for me, please take all the time that the patient before me needs because I know when it's my turn, it will be returned in kind.

This past week...

I completed five homework classes for Winter Term over at HPKCHC, and had both of my AS approved.

I made something to snuggle up with whenever I miss Peanut.

My OWL yarn finally arrived, although I've not yet had a chance to start anything with it... yet.

I designed a pretty sweet project bag that I'm rather proud of actually.

I also started a project to kill time while I hurry up and wait because if I didn't, I'd go insane.

It's been a super crazy week - it all started on Wednesday - and even though I'm not quite ready to share, mainly because I don't have much information just yet to share, I have kept myself busy during it all.

So while I may not have any answers, at least I have plenty to show for my time... that's the best way to look at it, better yet, it's how I am choosing to look at it.

A bit of crochet and a bit of cream

I finished my super huge Herbology homework assignment and it's so stinking snuggly!

 I finished that poncho I was working on with all the yarn my eldest daughter gifted me for Christmas.  I love it.  It is so soft and snuggly - it's perfect for the office.

I also wrote a note to Coffee Mate because I haven't had a good cup of coffee in over a week!  I don't know if they'll answer but I had to try because my daddy always says "You don't know if you don't ask... worst they can say is no".  Granted, the final message had to be shorted to 500 characters but this was the original elegant plea for my creamer - the final version, not so elegant...

I have been enjoying your Peppermint Mocha creamer faithfully for years and last year, I was delighted to be able to purchase it all year long.  This is my absolute favorite creamer.  I honestly don't like anything else in my coffee.

You can image my heartbreak when I learned that the grocery stores in the area are claiming there is an issue with their supplier - that possibly they won't be able to stock it.  I was calling to put in a standing order for a case of creamer every two weeks and now, it is looking like I won't be able to complete my request.

Please, I must have this delicious creamer for my coffee.  It's been well over a week since I've had a good cup of coffee - and I drink a pot in the morning and a pot at night... that's a lot of yucky coffee!  Is there any way that you will be able to bring the sunshine back into my life by allowing me to purchase my creamer?

One case.  Every other week... if it helps, I'll up my coffee intake and order a case a week.  Whatever it takes - I miss my Peppermint Mocha.  Please, please, please... don't make me suffer any longer.

Sincerely,

Amy ********
aka - Peppermint Mocha Mama (seriously, that's my blog - I love it that much!)

Hopefully they will answer my plea and I will be drinking delicious peppermint mocha coffee soon.  Fingers crossed and all the positive coffee energy in the world is directed towards this goal!

Yeah, I honestly do love this stuff that much.

Back on schedule!

Oh goodness, it was absolutely lovely having the bus stop at our driveway for pick up this morning.  We waited on our front porch, I had coffee and actually got to chat with the other mother on the street.  She seemed very nice.  It is going to be even better this afternoon, while I'm at work in the office, to see her get off the bus and come directly in.

Speaking of waiting outside - oh my bob, it's chilly out!  My poor nose is still thawing, it's that cold.  We have a wind chill advisory until 11 am because it is feeling like the teens to twenties outside right now.  The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day - just a very blustery and bitterly cold one.

I'm going to enjoy the quiet I have - which I admittedly missed during the holiday break - and I'm going crochet on my poncho to get it done for today.  I might even take off my favorite cast member sweatshirt and put it on instead... who knows.  Coffee, crafting and cheesy chick flicks - that's going to be my day before I head off to work.  I was already a good girl and the dishes are running as is the washer and dryer.

Hope y'all have a fabulous Tuesday!!

Just a bit random

It's coming out rather lovely for no pattern or plan.. on the 3rd skein already.

1. I seem to be having a challenge focusing today.  Not sure why but it's best to just go with the shiny things of the moment then get flustered by the lack of concentration.
2. Last day of Christmas break and I've got Hobbit catching up on all the things she would do "tomorrow, promise!"  Tomorrow has come and the list, she is long.
3. Might surprise her with Peanut Butter Chocolate chip cookies if she gets it done... or at least half done.
4. I really must get in the shower and then start the laundry... oh, and change the cat box!
5. I can't believe I let her give me the face that resulted in an actual purchased box of "Hamburger Helper".  We're having it tonight since it's her last day of break.
6. The bus stop tomorrow is officially at our driveway - so very excited for this bit of life to occur.  Makes the end of the day stress free for me since I have to work.  Nothing beats getting dropped off at your own driveway.
7. I am out of creamer and it appears as though I won't be able to get my Peppermint Mocha year round any longer.  This is a million times worse than when I quit smoking... I love my creamer!!
8. Must remind Pokey to pick me some type of creamer up from the store... maybe Tuscan sweet cream or the York peppermint patty one... something!
9. Hobbit is going to spend the next long weekend (weekend after next) with my folks and Pokey is taking me on a date day that Sunday!!
10. I have a list of things to do... must get cracking.  Having a bit of a random day and just deciding to go with it.  It's all for the best that way.  Once I'm done, I'm going to work on one of my latest crochet projects.  It's a pull over shrug since I get chilly at night - and it's freaking cold here at the moment.  Should be done tonight, then I can finish up the last present for the box that needs to go out later in the week.
11. I think I've figured out how to pay off my computer this week - and get a savings plan started for vacation weeks this year.  Should be interesting if I can make it stick... and I think I can because I warned Pokey I was doing it.  We're in the black as of late November and I want to keep us that way - haven't been in the black for almost two years!!
12. I really must get going - I have a list of things to do.  Might put the kettle on.  The day calls for a good cuppa or two.  First though, shower and cat box...

This past week I...

Not been without one of these - between swatching and Winter Term starting, I've been busy!

Watching Hobbit grow with her own crafting has been a ton of fun.

She turned in her homework for the month too - very proud little Gryffindor there.

She has even started a 'lace' scarf that I wrote out a simple pattern for in regular speak, not pattern words.

I turned in my Quidditch and released a brand new pattern...

I even created these mitts to keep my fingers warm but they are now on little Hobbit hands.

It's been a very busy week and I am most pleased that I have a file on my computer full of photographs for every day but New Year's Eve... it's nice to get back to taking a daily photograph.

I'm debating writing up that pattern for the mitts, not sure there is much interest... just because I'm addicted to the flower hexagon doesn't mean the world is.. then again...

New year, new pattern

This was the product of luck, determination and a fair bit of maths... the fact that it worked is amazing!

I designed this hat during the biggest snow storm of the year. It was named Hercules. Now, I don’t live where snow would ever think of falling, unfortunately, so I made my own. Winter is my most favorite season of all so to celebrate it and all it’s beauty, I made this beret. I think the crown looks like a perfect snowflake that will never melt, keeping the beauty of the season with me all year through.

I must love it to put my mug on here!

This Ravelry downloadable pattern is deceptively simple but the results are captivating beautiful. I chose to make mine in all white but I know it will be equally as fabulous in an array of colors. Perhaps by making the flower stand out and then alternating the rows in the chosen shades you can create some Springtime magic to carry you through the winter if you don’t share the same love of the season as I do.

However you choose to make it, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. Please, do me a favor though. While you are making this little beret, think warm and loving thoughts because no matter who you are making this hat for, the love woven in each stitch will surely shine through.

If you have any questions or run into any challenges, be sure to email – either at my normal account or through Ravelry – and I will help you figure things out.

Good luck and enjoy!

First planned project of 2014

This is the sample swatch for my upcoming OWL but I fell backwards into another project based off of the colors!

So I have gotten all my calculations in order for Our Bedspread and once I broke it down far enough, I realized it was totally doable!! Check it out -

107” x 120” for the size bedspread on my queen size bed.
6” for each African Flower Square with #4 yarn on 7.0mm hook
107” = 18 squares across
120” = 20 squares down
Total squares needed 360

6 months until anniversary
360/6 = 60 squares a month
30 days/60 squares = 2 squares a day

I am figuring that it might be best to make it 3 squares a day so I can cover short months and add an edging if I want. All yarn ordered should be in house by the 9th but I can totally get started on it with what I have here currently. I am going to alternate between the flower being blue and being purple - still debating on adding a white into the mix though the longer I sit on it, the less likely I am to do it since it might throw off my palette being that it’s such a bright white. Yeah, no white - just talked myself right out of it.

Pokey always fusses that I have never made him a sweater - take that Mister… you’re getting a queen sized blanket in all your favorite colors instead!!  What better way to bid farewell to a great crafting year than by ringing it in with a new epic project!

Enjoy ringing in the new year with one of my old favorites.

2014 - Promises to Try

It's that time of year again and I'm rather excited too.  I started writing these Promises to Try back in the winter of 2010 and each year I have set the bar a little higher than the last... and each year I do my best to rise to the challenge.  This year will be no different.  So without further ado, let's see what I've got planned for 2014!

1. With the exception of the car, pay off all outstanding debts.  I want to pay off everything we have financed.  I'd love to pay off the car too but it's just too big right now to consider.  I totally believe that if I budget things correctly, the furniture and the computer can be totally paid off this year.
2. Figure out how to do charted color work in crochet.  I attempted it a few weeks ago and my snowflake looked more like an ink blot test than anything else.  There is a trick to it that I have yet to master but I will figure it out this year and use the new skill to make myself something awesome.
3. Save at least 5% of our paychecks each pay period.  I know we can do it since we came so close to our goal last year.  Plus, our bills have gone down with our family downsizing to one car back in November and I've managed to lower our electric bill this past year by 60% so I think we can move up to the percentage plan for savings now.
4. Read 6 books this year.  I had a goal this past year of reading 12 books but it was unobtainable because I think it was slightly unrealistic, plus I went to back to work, but I did managed to complete 5 books so I'm going to push myself to make a little more time to read.
5. Find a work/chore/play balance in my life.  It's hard to do chores all morning, each lunch, and then go to work until midnight each night.  It feels as though I have no time to 'play' so I then got into a bad habit of tipping the scales in the opposite direction until I couldn't stand it and felt like no one was helping to pitch in which is just toxic in and of itself.  I will find a way to bring a better balance to things this year.  It will take a bit of trial and error, I'm sure, but the end result will be harmony.

I think those are some pretty awesome goals to strive for in 2014.  They give me just enough of a challenge that I will have to work for them but they aren't so outrageous that I will feel like a failure by March... and isn't that the key to making Promises to Try anyway?  This year, I'm going to do my best to keep a running tab of sorts to chart my progress.  I haven't decided if I'm going to do it weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly yet.  I like the idea of keeping myself accountable more often to help keep me focused and on track.

What about you - what promises are you going to make this year?

A year in projects

I thought it would be fun to see what all I have created this year so I have gone through each month and created a photo montage of all my FOs for the month.  I don't think I did too shabby this year...

January 2013

February 2013

March 2013

April 2013

May 2013

June 2013

July 2013

September 2013

October 2013

November 2013

December 2013

There are a few projects missing - like the blanket I was almost done with when two full glasses of sweet tea toppled over into my craft bag, or the Easter bunny I made my mama, and even the tablet cover I made for Hobbit... but over all, they're all present and accounted for - my year in projects.

Here's to a very crafty 2013 and an even craftier 2014!

Oooo... a year long project!

Picture from Mummy_Stacey's instagram feed

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Crochet Time, and she was talking about doing a 'mood blanket'.  Y'all know me, I had to find out what this critter was and see about joining in... oh my word!

Mummy_Stacey came up with this awesomeness and I think I'll hop on the wagon as well.  I think it is brilliant and I'm going to go with the square a day program, working it at five rounds a square and 7 squares across.  This will give me a blanket is 7 x 52 and perfect for the sofa.

The color aspect is going to be a bit tricky but I think I have it down.  I'm not a very difficult person and my moods aren't that wild.  I'm generally happy, blessed, content, upset or frustrated.  Those are it... now to associate colors with them is the tricky part.  They have to look good together, regardless of order.  I'm thinking happy will be rose color, blessed will be a mossy green, content will be white, upset will be greyish blue, and frustrated will be a chocolatey brown.  I think that will good - don't you?

If you want to join in, take a look at the links above and join in.  This is going to be an awesome way to look back at 2014... now, to find the yarn!

My "haul"

That's what my daddy said the other day when addressing all the presents.  He proclaimed that we all got "a nice haul" and I think he was right.  Yesterday I shared what all I gave but today, I wanted to share what all I received.

Look at all the lovely yarny goodness - and no, I did not saturate the color.  It's that bright!

Isn't it glorious!  Peanut gave me those Homespun skeins, the patterns and that awesome bag that is big enough to hold a blanket project. My mama made me the sweater and gave me the neon rainbow of yarn.  I am thinking that they need to be turned into a blanket but I'm not 100% certain yet.  All of the yarn is so very soft and my sweater is done in DK weight so it's perfect for any time of the year around here.

From my fabulous Pokey, I received some colored pencils to use with my charting graph paper based off a random comment I made when I couldn't find any the other week when I was making the Rorschach bag and a wonderful tablet that I can do everything I wished my eReader would do for the past three years.  It's absolutely perfect and I was glued to it all day yesterday.  Hobbit gave me season 3 of Downton Abbey so now I can have a marathon the weekend before season 4 starts airing!!  Lots of tearing up on my end over the thoughtful gifts that were given to me.

My Christmas was everything I could have ever dreamed of and more.  I hope that y'all had a blessed day with your loved ones too.  Did you get anything that made you cry tears of joy?

All those things I couldn't share before...

I can share now!  All homemade presents have been opened so I can share what all I've been working on these past few months.

My daddy knows... bow ties are cool!  I'm sure this is now a headband for Peanut or Mama but still, he got it.

He didn't put them on because had shoes on but I made him these slippers. He seemed happy to get them.

Mama and Peanut in their bows - and Mama with her hotpads that I made for her.  She loved them.

These are what they looked like - she thought the colors were wonderful and I know they'll get a lot of use.

Peanut in the lacy edged headband that I made for her.  It was just super lucky that she had on the this dress.

Because it went perfectly with Victorian Cape I made - pattern from 1904!

I told her about weaving the ribbon through that first row of white stitches and making a bow instead of using the broach.

Then we came home and waited for Santa to come visit us at our house.

Pokey loved his new Nook case - you can get the pattern here.

Hobbit got a smaller version for her new tablet that Santa brought for her.

She also got a new headband and a pretty snuggly purple capelet that she loved.

I even managed to get a 'non-squishy' shot of it so you can see.

Oh and don't worry about me - I got some awesome yarny goodness tossed my way as well...

1018 yards of awesome neon goodness... and 3 skeins of accidentally coordinating Homespun!

I hope that everyone has a very happy Christmas, full of love and laughter and yarny goodness.

May you be blessed today and all year through.

So close...

So I wanted to make this awesome bag with a round bottom for strength but square sides for structure...

I finally got it all worked out just perfectly but this was after several false starts over several days...

I might not get it done for tomorrow but at least I will have a killer new pattern to give to y'all in the new year!

A new friend and a thank you

I wasn't going to publish her but she was too cute not to share all y'all.

I was sitting here the other day, pleased as punch that all my Christmas crafting was completed. Then it hit me - a most wonderful idea of something that just was screaming to be made… so I did what any crafter does, I shopped my stash and sat down to work.

Four hours, three colors, two buttons and one idea… the end result was Owlivia, the Christmas Owl. There are plans for an entire parliament now but I will always remember that it all started with the sweetest one of all.  I am giving her to y'all as a Christmas 'thank you' this year.  It's available as a free download on Ravelry. 

We have had a lot of new friends join us over the past few months and that can only be due to you.  I don't market my blog because I am still amazed when others pop over to join me.  I have no delusions of grandeur when it comes to my tiny space in the internet - but I do love having company and I get such a giggle when y'all bring friends.  So thank you, so very much, for coming to spend a bit of time me.

This pattern is untested, though I have worked it several times. If you notice an error or have any questions, please let me know. I’ll be happy to help you work through it, step by step. When I first started my journey into crochet, I had the help of some lovely strangers so I make it a point to pay it forward to any new crafter I meet.

Merry Christmas, poppets... and thank you... for everything.