Week 47 Challenge

#43 Puff Stitch

63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan

Leisure Arts

Confession time. I don't particularly like puff stitches. They have their place and they look nice, but not "my thing". Also, since I'm not a fan of puff stitches, and since I ran out of yarn, I just attached another yarn to finish the square. 'Nuff said!

Projects in Progress

The body of my hoodie is completed. The ribbing on the bottom took forever, but is so easy. I can't wait to get this done.

My plan is to go to the Knit and Crochet Show in Minneapolis this summer. There is a chapter challenge for chemo caps, so I've stepped up the chemo cap project. So far I've made 19 caps.

What I am Reading

I'm still on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. That is a really big read. I consider myself an avid reader and can usually get through a book in about a week. I've been on this one for almost three weeks and still have about a quarter of the book to go. The Harry Potter books may have been written for younger people, but I can see how adults would enjoy. There's lots of action, lessons learned between right and wrong, images and imagination, and still human.

Other Stuff

My daffodils started to bloom last week when it was warm. Today winter is back. I'm glad I got pictures before the flowers froze.

Finally, here is a preview of what is going up on Etsy sometime this week.

Have a good week!

Week 46 Challenge

Happy Spring!

#36 Little Crowns

63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan

Leisure Arts

This week's block is added to my list of Least Favorite Blocks. That list is growing. I like picots as an edging, but not this way. I can't even see the picots!

Projects in Progress

This is the start of something for myself--the Blue Ridge Hoodie, design by Katie Himmelberg, Interweave Press--only mine is purple. This is very easy to make, but I do caution anyone making this to pay attention when working on the armholes. The directions are clear and if they are followed step-by-step (instead of taking short-cuts like I do), you will have no problems. I used inexpensive yarn from Hobby Lobby that is so very soft. The sweater will be perfect for taking the dogs for walks in the evening. I can't wait to get this completed.

Other than that, I have been making more chemo caps and making items for my Etsy shop

What I am Reading

I admit--I have become addicted to the Harry Potter books. It started out trying to find out what all the fuss was about, but these are really good books. I am about half-way through Year 5, The Order of the Phoenix.

Other Stuff

Meet Truvy Belle. She says "Hi". Truvy is very interested in cameras, crochet hooks, knitting needles, the sewing machine, and yarn. She has gotten a hold of some yarn, but she didn't harm it in any way. I guess she is like me and just wants to feel it. Truvy is a mix of Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie--too smart for her own good. This is her first week with us and she quickly became part of the family; we just have to remember that she is still a puppy and a rescue dog. She takes a lot of patience, but she learns fast and is eager to please us. Now if I could just break her of chewing on my shoes.

When crocheting or knitting, I like to listen to podcasts or books. This week I found an app for my iPhone. It's called Pandora. It takes your preference in music--either artist or genre--and generates a playlist. There is an option to purchase any album or song from iTunes. Since my taste in music varies, this is perfect. Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, I spent all day listening to Celtic music; yesterday it was classical, and today I just may listen to some light rock from the 1970s.

My thoughts and prayers to the Japanese people. I hope you and yours are safe.

Have a good week!

Week 45 Challenge

#13 Bushy Stitch,

63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make and Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts

I really like the texture on this stitch. This, too, would make a good scarf. One nice thing about this challenge is that I'm getting some ideas for stitch patterns to use on different things.

The scoodtens (hooded scarf and mittens) are all finished! WooHoo!

I made my first sale on Etsy! WooHoo!

We have adopted the sweetest dog. I'll have more information about her next week. Her foster mom is bringing her over this evening.

It's been a good week--can you tell?

Next week is Spring Break and I'm taking some vacation time AND the weather is supposed to be nice. WooHoo! I hope to start working on something for myself.

This is Sadie on a blanket I crocheted for her out of scrap yarn. She really seems to like it, especially since most of her day is spent sleeping. I'm sure our adopted puppy will keep her more awake. I think that since Amos has been gone, she gotten a little lazy. Truvy will take care of that.

Have a good week!

Week 44 Challenge

#42 Fan Trellis

63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts.

This stitch is not one of my favorites. Yes, it is easy to crochet; however it is too lacy for an afghan. It would be pretty for a lacy shawl or scarf--not something that will keep anyone warm.

I am still working on the hooded scarves and mittens orders. The last one is just about finished. WooHoo!! I do enjoy making them, but these people have no sense of color. I am so tired of working with black and gray. My next project is going to be a bright color.

There is not much else happening in my crochet and knitting world. The flowers are starting to peek through the ground. There's hope!

Quote for the Week:

I ran across this while reading To Kill a Mockingbird, by Lee Harper. It is so relevant to what is happening in our world today with all issues. The quote, today, has to do with people of all walks of life--race, religion, politics...

"...Jem, I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."

"Jem turned around and punched his pillow...That's what I thought, too...when I was your age. If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something."

Have a good week!