Week 58 Challenge

#4 Treble Crochet

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

Leisure Arts

Yes, I know that's not a crochet block. This week's block is just too ugly and boring to print, so here's a picture of Truvy, the lazy dog.

Treble crochet has its place, but as a block for a afghan, weeeelllll, it just doesn't fit. Treble Crochet clusters would have been nice.

Projects in Progress

Yes, I know that's not a knitted or crocheted project. I've been very busy with a big project that has a due date, so nothing was worked on this week except for the project. Instead, you have a picture of my hydrangea bush, which just started blooming.

What I Am Reading

I have managed to get a little reading done this week. We also watched the the movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1. The movie covered the part of the book that I have read so far. I have to say I was a little disappointed with the movie, but that is what happens when I read the book first then watch the movie. I know it's hard to cover everything in a short time span, but it seemed like some things were left out that could have been done without any extra movie time. Like the wedding. In the book Harry was disguised as a cousin of the Weasleys so that no one would know that Harry was there. Harry was not disguised in the movie. To me, that took away from the danger Harry was in if anyone reported a sighting of Harry Potter. Anywho, so much for that.

Other Stuff

I don't have any other stuff this week since I've been working exclusively on the project. So here is a picture of my hollyhocks, which have also just started to bloom.

My Etsy shop will have a little updating this week.

Have a good week!

Week 57 Challenge

#45 Crossed Ripple Stitch

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

Leisure Arts

This stitch has an interesting texture. It's a little lacy, but it's not lace. I can think of lots of ways to use this including and little cardi in cotton.

Projects in Progress

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

I made lots of snowflakes this week, but got behind in the starching. Above is a photo of the starched snowflakes. Below is the stack waiting to be starched.

I've run into a little problem with the starching. I ran out of what I was using and am now using a different brand. The first was a clear liquid; the starching was good except for the larger snowflakes. The stiffener I'm using now is like glue and I think it gets the snowflakes too stiff. Also my t-pins are starting to rust. Guess it's time to bite the bullet and buy more. I think I bought these well over 25 years ago and they cost $1.12. I wonder what they are now?

What I Am Reading

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is about half-way finished. I haven't seen the movie, so I'm having a hard time keeping people from telling me what is going to happen. The themes in this book are interesting. Purebloods and Muggleborns--sound familiar?

I've also found an interesting book: The Impossible Will Take a Little While: a Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, edited by Paul Rogat Loeb. This is a collection of essays all about, well, being good citizens. One essay started an good discussion at the dinner table. Marian Wright Edelman's essay, "Standing Up for Children", is about taking care of all our children as they are our future. Here is the quote that really got the discussion going and how it relates to the current cuts in education.

"...we have the responsibility to ensure all children what we now provide for some children. God did not make two classes of children and will hold us accountable for every one of them" (37).

Think about that.

Other Stuff

Now that summer is here, there isn't much time for everything I would like to do. One would think that with the longer days, there would be more time.

Don't forget to visit my Esty store. I'll be making some updates soon.

Have a good week!

Week 56 Challenge

#12 Open Ridge Stitch

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

Leisure Arts

I'm not too sure how I feel about this one. How would I use it?

Projects in Progress

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

More snowflakes.

I really need to get started on something new for Etsy.

What I am Reading

Lord of the Flies is finished. This week's quote is at the end of the book when the boys are rescued. "Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart..." It makes you wonder. Would all this have happened if adults had been stranded? Maybe it would. If you like a book without happy endings, this one is for you.

I've started the final Harry Potter book. More on that next week.

Other Stuff

There isn't much to report this week. Most of the evenings were spent hiding in the basement and praying no tornadoes came our way. We were lucky--many were not.

Today is also Memorial Day Weekend, a time to remember all who have given their lives in the service of our country. I personally, have not been effected by war, but I know many have lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and good friends. Blessings to them and their families.

Have a good week!

Week 55 Challenge

#30 Eyelet Lace

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

Leisure Arts

I call this a shell stitch. A very easy stitch for just about everything.

This is the last 9 weeks for the challenge. Eight more blocks and the edging. The downside of the as-you-go attaching of the blocks is that I don't get the chance to block the square before attaching. Well, I guess I could block then crochet the attach row. Next time.

Projects in Progress

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

Must make snowflakes...

Must make snowflakes...

We are the Borg...

Resistance is futile...

Must make snowflakes...

What I am Reading

Lord of the Flies. by William Golding so far is an interesting study on human nature set on an island and the survivors are very young to adolescent boys. There are those who are interested in playing and those who are interested in rescue, which results in a power struggle. There are still a few more chapters to read and struggle has hit a turning point. I'll have more next week.

This week's quote from Lord of the Flies is from third chapter: "He wanted to explain how people were never quite what you thought they were".

Other Stuff

This has been a busy time. The grandson has been spending a lot of time at our house every weekend after his Little League games. He likes the trail that goes past our house and the fact that he can ride a bike without worrying about getting run over by a car; he likes Truvy and she likes him (Truvy likes children and old people. She turns into a completely different dog--still sweet, but less rambunctious.); and I think he just likes hanging out with us old folks especially when a trip to Dairy Queen is involved.

Have a good week!

Week 54 Challenge

#29 Alternate Spike Single Crochet

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

Leisure Arts

The spike stitch is probably the most versatile stitch I can think of. Use a cotton yarn and you have a dishcloth; use a double thickness and you have a hot pad or potholder; use something lightweight and soft and you have an elegant, yet warm, scarf.

Next week starts the last nine-block column, then the edging. What shall I do next? I have a couple of ideas. One is to go back to something I did in earlier blogs and create something that ties in with a book I am reading. Another is to pick a book or magazine and work through every pattern. I've been scouring the used book stores and antique book stores, but nothing has jumped out at me yet. I've still got a few more weeks before I decide. In the meantime, suggestions are always welcomed.

Projects in Progress

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

I am getting a little tired of snowflakes. But I must push on. Knowing me as well as I do, I'm afraid that if I start another project--just to break up the monotony of snowflakes--I won't get back to the snowflakes until the week before gift giving time. So I'll continue (sigh!).

A little hint for snowflake starching: Fabric stiffener works fine, but for the larger snowflakes, I've used my doily starching methods--soak the fabric in a heavy starch and water mixture, then stretch out, pin, and let dry. It may take a little longer, but the process is worth it--you won't have limpy snowflakes.

For grins, I dumped all the completed chemo caps out on the dining room table. How many are there? I don't know. What's the goal? I don't know.

Working on chemo caps is a great stress reliever. There is no difficult stitch pattern to memorize, only the increases. I'll work on chemo caps when I get a lunch break and then I'm ready to tackle the afternoon's work head on. When I get home, I'll work on a chemo cap until I can relax. Once I relax and get in a rhythm, I can go to work on something a little more difficult--like snowflakes.

What I am Reading

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is finished. I think I am one of the very few people who cried over Dumbledore's funeral.

Next up is Lord of The Flies, by William Golding. I read this before in high school, so reading it as an adult should be interesting. As as adult, I am sure I'll have a very different perspective than I did as a teenager.

Other Stuff

I've given in to the allergy season and have decided to just put up with the itchy eyes and stuffy head. This is a picture of the start of my outdoor oasis. The glider sets in the shade of our Bradley Pear tree. I still need to do a little bit of leveling, but I'm liking it. We'll see how far I get this summer with adding more of the things I like.

That's all for now. Have a good week!

Week 53 Challenge

#58 Soft Clusters

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

Leisure Arts

Between the really soft yarn and the stitch pattern--I really like this one!

Projects in Progress

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

I haven't had a chance to work on much more than the challenge, snowflakes, and chemo caps. Snowflakes are easy to crochet--but a bear to starch!! Just warning ya!

What I am Reading

I did find a quote this week from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Dumbledore to Harry:

"Ah, Harry, how often this happens, even between the best of friends! Each of us believes that what he has to say is much more important than anything the other might have to contribute!"

Other Stuff

This week's post is short for a reason. It's Mothers' Day. I've spent the better part of today with my daughters and grandchildren and it has been a wonderful day. The weather even cooperated, which was doubtful during last night's thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Happy Mother's Day and have a good week.

Week 52 Challenge

#57 Alternate Mesh Stitch

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

Leisure Arts

An OK block. I love filet crochet and this is somewhat similar. I can't believe this challenge is almost done! What should I do next as a challenge? Suggestions anyone?

Projects in Progress

Dazzling Details Jacket

Designed by Garnstudio/Drops

Crochet! Magazine, September 2009

Yarn: Baby Bee Sweet Delight, Grape Jelly

I gotta say, I love this jacket! It's just too bad that the weather is finally warming up and the jacket will need to be put in storage with my other sweaters.

99 Snowflakes

Leisure Arts

Every year after our Thanksgiving Brunch, all our guests get handmade Christmas ornaments. Last year I gave everyone a set of crochet clothespin angels. This year I am giving snowflake ornaments. No, I don't plan to make all 99 snowflakes!

What I am Reading

After reading Beloved, I need something a little lighter. So, instead of diving into another literary classic, I am reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. I don't have any soul-searching quotes this week; just reading for fun.

Other Stuff

There isn't much else going on in my world. The pollen counts are very high and keeping me indoors. I hate that, because I am a big outdoors person. My garden is calling me! Looks like it is time to get a mask I can wear when working outside.

On another note, my work area is a mess. I have so many projects going right now that it is time to stop starting new projects and get the old ones completed. I, at least, have good intentions.

Please visit my shop on Etsy.

Have a good week!