Exquisite Thread Crochet Dainties

Shower Progress

2012-01-24T12:04:00.002-06:00

The hubby is doing an EXCELLENT job!!!

It's SO pretty and I'm SO proud of him!!!

Go RETROHOUND!!!

Got a little crazy with the scissors today!

2012-01-20T12:47:00.001-06:00

4 Little Doilies by Patricia Kristoffersen

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have finished 4 (and started a 5th, he he) of PK's Little Doilies! So great!!! You can get one done in an evening or 2. Fast and BEAUTIFUL!!! EXQUISITE!!! DAINTY!!! So, it's love, love, and more love on my part. :)

Here's some pictures of them getting blocked and the finished product. Let's do the 'Ta-Daa' first, shall we?

Had to show the ever-present light saber clearly once. Homes with all boys have a few standards like this one, along with toy cars, stacking plastic blocks, army men to name a few. :)

The edging on the heart gave me a few tough moments. The directions were lengthy, and I was tired... Besides, on a PK, I usually have one row I have to think a little harder about because of her complexity. But it is SO worth it! Because her designs are BEE-U-TEE-FULLLLL!!!

:)

My New Books

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited to try out some of these projects. Most of them are small and use up remnants which is GREAT!!!

Baby Sweater

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here is the little girl I take care of:

And here is the sweater I made for her:

It is for a 12 month old. I used Caron Simply Soft yarn. The pattern was from Hooked on Crochet (Oct. 2006) and is called, "Bright Stripes". I modified the edges and hood somewhat.

Check out Anna!

2012-01-10T13:44:00.005-06:00

I love what Anna is doing over at Annasimplecrochet

SO beautiful!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!

Tile Up / Decor Idea!

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

The last wall has been tiled.

Now for cleaning and grouting and cleaning and sealing and cleaning. (You get the idea!)

AND I went to Hobby Lobby and found new drawer pulls for our cabinet and a lightswitch plate to match. SO EXCITED!!!

My towels are burgundy. I may have to use a little brown as well, to tie in the countertop and flooring. (Neither of which I like, but changing them will have to wait for a new day and a new set of $$$.)

SO many cute things in black! I plan to pick things up here and there as I spot the perfect touches.

It is so fulfilling to turn a house into a HOME!!!

Promised Pictures

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

The sweater I am making is one of Kay Meadors from her Fashion Collection, Leisure Arts #3083. The pattern is Crewneck Cardigan. I am using burgundy thread which is quite lovely. It is very difficult, however, to get a good photo of its true hue.

Here is the swatch I made:

It measured right. But you would NOT believe the number of times I have started and re-started this sweater. Grrr!!! But it is SO pretty, that I am persevering. I am. I decided this last round, that if it is too small, I will just try to add more to the edging.

The purse is from a free pattern I got from Patons to use with their Grace yarn. I have several skeins left from a baby dress I made my niece, which is posted here and here. Plus, there is the perfect linen colored material in the stash from my mom to use as a liner. I plan on customizing pockets for my own personal needs. I have about 1/2 of the motifs done now.

The little doilies are for gifts. I REALLY need to get them finished so I can send them off and be DONE with Christmas officially. I also have to send our family picture out. Plus school started Monday. I'm sure it will all get done. I pray it won't take me too long.

Whew! Now all I need to show you is that little 12 mo. sweater...

More Crafting

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

I will start this post with my new bag holders. For these, I used free material from my mother. Several months ago, she gave me ribbon. Then, in December, she brought me a bag of fabric and lace.

I knew just what I needed to do with a couple of the pieces!

Besides these items, I also started a couple of crochet projects for...(gasp)...MYSELF! And I got FOUR NEW CROCHET BOOKS for Christmas from my mother. So I have picked a few out of one, Patricia Kristoffersen's 99 Little Doilies, to try. These are great short projects. The doilies are 5" or 6" in diameter. SO FAST! I have finished 1, am almost done with another, and have started a third. Here's a preview pic:

(You'll have to come back for the detailed photos.)

Crafting Galore!

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

I was VERY proliferous in the month of December in the crafty department. I made many Christmas presents (and I'm still not quite finished with that holiday even though it is over).

In addition to the crazy amount of food I made, I also made non-food gifts.

For my moms' ministry girls, I made potpourri bags. I made sunflower dishcloths for several family members. I made doilies for some. I made a yarn sweater for a 1 year old in one week. I also am working on a purse and a sweater for myself. I also got my mending done (hemming 7 pairs of pants and sewing up 2 stuffed animals), plus I sewed 2 new bag holders for my closet. One for Wal-mart bags and one for bread sacks.

I will put some pictures in this post and some later. (Somehow I forgot to take a picture of the 12mo. sweater before I gave it to her. I will get one, but for now all I have is a picture of me working on it.)

For the potpourri bags, I used potpourri I found at a garage sale for .25/bag. The ribbon was from the stash from my mom, remember that? And I bought thin gold netting for less than $1.

And this is what the dishcloths look like:

Don't worry; more to come!

More wall progress...

2012-01-01T20:37:00.001-06:00

Slowly, but surely...

Soap dish-check!
One corner shelf-check!

Derailed! Tile project takes precedence.

2011-12-29T18:44:00.001-06:00

As you know, I intended to craft and photograph and share with you over my break. I have crafted somewhat. But we had a home repair usurp the relaxation plan. I'm sure you've encountered the same from time to time.

So I will share some pictures from that 'creative' project that is still underway and probably will be for awhile. My husband has spent his vacation doing it, instead of relaxing and blogging and working on his booth at the antique mall. What a guy! I'm so grateful to him. He has, over the years, saved us SO much money by being both handy and willing to do things himself. I appreciate and love him so much for the way he takes care of our family and our home.

Here are some 'before' shots:

I am the clean-up crew and sometime assistant tile and spacer hander.


Old tile we thought we might re-use in the other shower when we re-do it. BUT, after 2 hours of cleaning off the back and only getting 14 tiles cleaned, we gave up. New tile will only cost around $100, and it isn't worth the hand and back damage.

Old wallpaper. Interesting! (Yes, I decided to re-do the walls, since tiling a shower isn't a big enough project! Nuts!!!)

Number 2 Son karate chopped the old sheetrock out. Boy heaven, permissive destruction!

New plumbing! While we were at it...

New tile design.

This is my WONDERFUL husband who always figures out how to do amazing things we need done by reading books. Librarian by trade, home repairman extraordinaire.

I am WAY impressed with my Man!

More to come on this...

I promise I WILL get my crochet projects photographed sometime soon. God willing!!!
So, stay tuned...

Crafty Time is Almost Here!

2011-12-08T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hello Cyber Friends!

I have been busily working away on the home front over the past month trying to finish the semester strong. School is progressing as smoothly as it can, and we have today and tomorrow before we are finished for the Christmas season. During our 3 weeks off, I intend to craft and prepare Christmas presents as well as get a few projects done on the home front. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in some time to photograph said craft and misc. projects to share with you. I also fondly hope I will have time to work on my songwriting.

So, here's to hoping...

Lezlie

Leaving a Legacy

2011-11-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

I attended a women's event at our church this morning with my sweet mother-in-law, Kay and my youngest sister-in-law, Amanda, and my good friend, Katie. Many of my church friends and their family members were there as well.

Our speaker was a family member of our event organizer, Holly. The speaker showed us her prayer journal and talked about how to get organized in your prayer life to life up people more frequently and to be more effective in prayer. She also said she saves past prayer sheets to hand down to her children so they can see how she prayed for them through different life stages. A legacy of prayer!

I want to become a prayer warrior. But somehow the busyness of life gets in the way. I get up early most mornings to spend time with Jesus, but often my thoughts wander in meaningless voids.

The speaker, Debbie, shared about praying out loud as a technique for focusing thoughts and keeping away from rabbit trails. She had an organized prayer notebook, splitting different people groups among the days of the week as a technique for making time for prayer for all those who need it. She even puts pictures of those she prayers for regularly by their prayer requests to bring them more personally to mind during her prayer time.

I loved it, but the thought of accomplishing all that is, to be honest, a little overwhelming. So now I will take what I learned and pray over how God wants me to use some of it in my time with Him. Debbie encouraged us not to make it a taskmaster over us, but a tool to help us.

Balance.

Funny how so many things in life

come back to this one word for me.

The speaker also talked about writing in a journal to the Lord. She says she writes out all her thoughts, feelings, and current life events. But she only does it once a week. I thought that was a good goal. When I think I have to do that everyday, again, I get overwhelmed. Debbie says she plans for her journals to go to her children some day so that they can know her and her heart when she's gone. A legacy of transparency!

Finally, we were encouraged to write down memories of special things our children say and do to enjoy as we get older and need help remembering. I'm sure the children would enjoy reading those as well. A legacy of memories!

I hope I will successfully leave these legacies myself.

I want to grow in my spiritual life. I'm always trying to do whatever I can to stay close to Jesus. So maybe I will pick up a nugget to use from today. In any case, it was a good time, full of laughter and a few tears. Women sharing together always have to have elements of both.

Current Thread Crochet Projects

2011-11-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't had time to blog much lately. But I have been working on crocheting, though not as avidly as usual. My shoulders and neck have been stiff, and the chiropractor thinks crocheting and being on the computer are contributing factors. So I have pared down, and most of the work I'm showing here today has been worked other than the past couple of weeks. When things settle down, I'm sure I'll get back to crocheting/blogging more regularly, although not for long blocks of time. I get started crocheting, and the 'just 1 more row' syndrome kicks in. And we all know how the computer sucks us in to a time void. Well, I guess my middle-aged body is rebelling at my overdoing tendencies. So I must learn to work smarter.

That is probably more than you wanted to know, so I will get on with the crochet.

This doily I have shown before, but I had to re-block it after washing. So I thought it would be good to show it again with the other things I'm working on.

I crocheted this for my husband originally, so I thought it fitting for him to take it to his booth at the flea market to cover some shelving flaws.

I'm trying this black doily due to my friend Vikki over at ByHooks4U. I loved hers, so...

These little motifs are due to 2 of my favorite crocheters. Again, Vikki, because she had the motif book I was asking about a while back in duplicate and was kind enough to sell her extra to me. And my mother, who is always on the look out for ways to bless me. When she visited for the 16 year old's birthday, she brought me a bag of goodies filled with thin crochet threads and ribbons. Woohoo!

There is not much of each color of thread, so I decided that these balls were PERFECT to try out with my new book, 101 Motifs for Thread Crochet.

Thanks Vikki and Mom!!!

Last but not least, I made a Santa hat and beard for my 14 year old's Halloween costume per his instructions and have sewn stripes onto karate belts.

A crafter's work is never done!

New Venture

2011-10-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

My husband just opened a booth at a local flea market. This weekend has been full of him researching prices and labeling items. We took some stuff over to get started yesterday. I washed some old glasses for my contribution. While he's been doing most of the work on that, I've still been doing the usual shopping, cooking, grading papers, sewing, and baking of my job.

He's been wanting to do something like this for years. I pray it is a successful venture for him. I know it will be fun. His dad is an antique dealer (www.woodenheartantiques.com). So he grew up going to flea markets, auctions, etc. He loves to 'collect' and to buy unusual things. Now he will have an outlet, and my house won't have to hold it! :)

If you're curious as to what types of things he likes, go to www.retrohound.com.

Who knows? I might even put some of my work out, if I ever have time to do any extra.

My 'baby' is turning 16!

2011-10-21T18:57:00.001-05:00

Sixteen years ago, on the 23rd of October, my 1st son was born. So wonderful. A long road with many challenges and much love. And now he is nearing 6' and almost grown.

I can hardly believe it.

Crochet Thread Floral Baby Bonnet and Bootie Set Re-cap

2011-10-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

I thought you might like to see all the variations I have done of this pattern together. I will put the post link with each picture so that you can go read the details about each if you would like to.

The 1st attempt: Ava Elizabeth

Apology for bad picture. Best one I had.

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/07/avas-outfit.html

2nd attempt: Caryn Rae/Aidan

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/07/caryns-bonnet.html

3rd attempt: Allison Kay/Eliza Jane

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2011/09/crochet-thread-floral-baby-bonnet-and.html

4th attempt: Baby Reeder

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2011/09/crochet-thread-floral-baby-bonnet-and_27.html

I wish I had a good picture of the all white set

so that you could compare them.

It was really sweet,

but the COLOR

makes this set

FABULOUS!!!

The pattern is in my

The Complete Guide to Thread Crochet

book.

If you'd like to look at it, click on my favorite resources page at the top and then click on the book. Amazon might have some of the pages up for you to look at. The book has one baby set, the beige sweater I made, as well as lots of other fine projects.

Thread Crochet Ponytail Holders Series (4)

2011-10-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

CROCHET ACCESSORIES FOR KIDS

Ponytail Band Toppers: Ten Designs to Crochet

"Ruffles"
(pattern #10)

There are also some pattern options
using beads which are very sweet.
But I do not have any beads

yet...

A song I wrote

2011-10-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

I have been writing songs for about 5 years. I just recently figured out how I can get them on here recently. It is just an audio file and only me singing. Nothing fancy. I don't play any instruments, or I'd tried to make it sound better. Anyway, just thought I'd share it with you. The words are below the video box.

"Entrust Yourself"

Chorus

Entrust yourself to the One Who judges justly.
Give your life to the One Who holds you dear.
Realize that He is always with you.
Never give in.

Verse 1

Never give up, never give in
Though you must start all over again.
Though you may fall, though you may fail,
Run to His side. He will prevail.

Chorus

Verse 2
Hard times will come. Hard times will go.
Satan will stand against you as foe.
Run to the Father. Run to the Son.
Run the good race; it’s already won!

Chorus (repeat)

Tag (last line of Chorus twice)

Does anyone know

2011-10-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

where to get this book?

101 Motifs for Thread Crochet (American School of Needlework #1231) by ASN Publishing (Jul 21, 1996)

It is on Amazon for $600. Is that NUTS or what?

Thread Crochet Ponytail Holders Series (3)

2011-10-10T08:30:00.003-05:00

CROCHET ACCESSORIES FOR KIDS

Ponytail Band Toppers: Ten Designs to Crochet

"Southern Charm"

(pattern #5)

Last, but not least,

a variegated pink

is coming soon.

Thread Crochet Ponytail Holders Series (2)

2011-10-06T08:30:00.003-05:00

CROCHET ACCESSORIES FOR KIDS

Ponytail Band Toppers: Ten Designs to Crochet

"Pink Carnation"

(pattern #3)

Next comes another purple!!!

What I was up to yesterday...

2011-10-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have 4 boys.

They are all rough and tumble.

This trampoline belongs to boy #3.

He did this to the net one day.

Now I have fixed several more minor tears in the netting:

(Some of which could not be fully repaired.)

But they have out done themselves.

I told them, "The net is there 'just in case';

it is NOT there to rebound off of."

I took pictures as I made progress:

This is NOT the kind of craftiness/sewing

that I particularly enjoy so...

Here's to hoping!!!

Thread Crochet Ponytail Holders Series (1)

2011-10-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

CROCHET ACCESSORIES FOR KIDS

I made these using small ponytail holders.

The patterns are from a book called:
Ponytail Band Toppers: Ten Designs to Crochet
by Liz Edmondson

This particular pattern is "Spring Lace" (pattern #1 in the book)

I used size 10 thread with a size 6 (1.80mm) thread crochet hook.

3 more ponytail patterns

are on their way!

COURAGEOUS

2011-09-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

If any of you possibly can,

go see this movie!

It will only be out for a few

days in the theater.

This is probably the best movie

I've seen. It makes a person

really think about what it means

to be a parent and to do an

excellent job in the sight of

God Almighty.

Here's a preview:

I so hope you will make time for this.

It is more than worth the price

of admission (and I never think

that with today's trumped up prices).

Frog It Friday

2011-09-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

Here is the doily that I

originally intended for

the Give-Away:

It, too, is a PK.

The pattern is "Penny Lane."

But as you can tell,

something went awry.

This doily has been blocked,

but...

I was not able to work the warp out.

I decided that I would have to frog

it to the point before the warp starts.

I just kept wondering what happened.

and wondering...

(I don't usually have this trouble.)

and wondering.

Then I saw the hook I had been using.

I KNOW I started this doily

with a size 7 (1.65mm).

But lo and behold,

this hook was a size 4!!!

Girls, I have

IDEA

how I did that!

So...

a frogging I will go,

a frogging I will go.

High-ho the derry-o,

a frogging I will go!

NEW WINNER!!!

2011-09-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

THE PRIZE HAS NOT

BEEN CLAIMED!

So a new name

has been drawn.

VIKKI

from By HOOKS 4U

You're the NEW WINNER

of the Pineapple Passion Doily

in the

Exquisite Thread Crochet Dainties'

give-away!!!

Please email me with your snail mail

address and full name.

mamalezlie@gmail.com

I will try to send it out

within a week of

receiving your info.

If I haven't received a reply by next Wed.,

October 5th, 2011,

then I will try one last time.

If unclaimed that time,

I will end the give-away.

Thanks for participating!

And welcome to 4 new members:

Mindy, Beth, hakelnerd, and Sandy!

God bless you!

Crochet Thread Floral Baby Bonnet and Bootie Set-Purple

2011-09-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

TA DA!!!

Sooo sweet! :)

And the winner is:

2011-09-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

(insert drum roll)

SHERRI!!!

Please send me an email:

mamalezlie@gmail.com

and give me your full name

and mailing address.

I will do my best to mail

the doily to you

this week.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

PK Doily Give-Away Details

2011-09-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

Here it is!

Patricia Kristoffersen's

Pineapple Passion

design from

Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies

I have made this as a celebration gift,

because my blog has reached the
50 FOLLOWER mark.

All you have to do to

enter the drawing to

win this piece

of thread crochet artwork

is to be a FOLLOWER
AND to make a comment on

THIS POST.

After 1 week,

Sept. 19th,

the entries will

be CLOSED.

I will draw the

WINNER

at random.

I will post the

WINNER

on Sept. 20th.

The WINNER

then needs to contact me
BY SEPT. 27TH

with the name and
snail mail address to which

I can send the doily.
(If I am not contacted by 9/27,
I will draw a new name
from the comments list.)

Here are a couple more pictures
so you can see the raised detailing
more clearly, I hope.

Besides the center, the base
of each pineapple has a
raised portion.

EXQUISITE!!!

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!

New Thread Crochet Blog List

2011-09-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Since this blog is mainly focused on thread crochet projects, I decided to make a new blog list dedicated to other bloggers who work with my favorite medium.

So far, I have:

Annasimplecrochet
Bella Crochet
Belle fleur de lis
By Hooks 4U
Floral Arrangements and Crocheted Flowers
Lia's handwerkblog
Linda Crochets
Nica Croche
Pink Rose Crochet

If you like to work with crochet thread or like to see projects using it, then check out my sidebar.

TODAY'S THE DAY!

2011-09-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

50 FOLLOWERS!!!

I have a couple more rows to go

on my Give-Away Doily!!!

So stay tuned for the

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

of the Give-Away and the details!

Welcome to Kristine, Silvia, and Sherri!!!

Venture into Yarn Land

2011-09-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

You know that I LOVE THREAD CROCHET, right?

(As my oldest son would say,

"Thank you, Captain Obvious.")

But...every once in awhile there is a project which compels me to venture into

Yarn Land.

And in one of my many visits to Bella Crochet, I happened across a free pattern that Ann offers.

A VERY cute Sunflower Dish Cloth made with cotton yarn.

It is SO bright and cheery that I really wanted to try it.

And it has turned out so cute!

SEE:

The pattern called for a size I hook. Which turned out nice, but sort of large for my little hands.

So then I tried it with size H, and then settled on G.

I like the results!!!

Besides being so cute,
the pattern is quite easy
and is a quick
gratification
project.

You can make one easily while
sitting in your doctor's waiting room.
(I started one and got all but two small sections
of the yellow finished when I was waiting on
my chiropractor last Friday.)

Happy Crocheting!!!

Thread Crochet Give-Away Update

2011-09-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

So close to being finished with

my Give-Away Doily project.

Here is a teaser picture:

I'm sure you can tell

it is a Patricia Kristoffersen

design if you are at all

familiar with her work.

47 Followers and Counting!

Welcome to the 5 newest followers:

Debi Y., Carmelina, Barbara,

Pradeepa, and Shari!

Glad you could join me here at

Exquisite Thread Crochet Dainties.

Crochet Thread Floral Baby Bonnet and Bootie Set-Pink & Black

2011-09-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited about the colors I used

this time with the Baby Set in the

Complete Guide to Thread Crochet

Leisure Arts #3225.

And I will continue

to experiment with colors for it,

so STAY TUNED!

This is how it all started:

I chose this one:

And here are the end results of

this thread crochet decision:

The bonnet is assembled in an interesting

manner, beginning with a rectangle and

working decreases to create the back.

I think the black ribbon sets off

the flower motifs nicely!

In the words of Lightning McQueen

(which my boys just happen to be

watching right now),

KA-CHOW!!!

I was SO excited about this color

combo that I made TWO sets.

One for Allison Kay,

my new great-niece.

And one for Eliza Jane,

daughter of a family friend.

Out of the great loves of my life,

thread crochet and fresh babies

are in the top 10 list.

So when I can combine both,

YIPPEE!!!

As I said, STAY TUNED

for future color installments.

Up next, PURPLE COMBO!

(All thread is size 10
used with a size 7 hook.)

Butterfly Doily Extravaganza

2011-08-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

Over the course of this blog about thread crochet projects, I have completed several doilies that have butterflies in them. These butterfly doilies seem to be popular pages, so I thought I would re-cap them into one post for those butterfly lovers out there.

Three of these doilies were created for my lovely mother, Leona, for various gift opportunities. A few of her favorite things are butterflies, hummingbirds, flowers, crochet, and red. So these crochet thread projects were perfect choices for her!

I will post the pictures in the order in which the gifts were given. For more information on the projects, feel free to check out the links to my prior blog posts.

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/04/beautiful-butterflies.html

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/10/beautiful-birthday-butterfly-is.html
http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-birthday-butterfly-wip.html

http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/12/mystery-project-revealed.html
http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2010/12/mystery-project-reveal-coming-soon.html

The final doily with butterflies also has flowers. But this one was for ME!!! I thought it would be such a cheery feast for the eyes on dreary winter or rainy days. I love my flower garden, and I love my Thread Crochet! So this is the perfect doily for me.

If you haven't seen my other 2 posts about this project and would like to, here are the links:
http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2011/08/vintage-floral-doily-ta-daa.html
http://exquisitecrochetdainties.blogspot.com/2011/04/springtime-floral-doily.html

Every doily except the small stand alone butterfly are the designs of Elizabeth Ann White.

The Patch Lady

2011-08-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight begins our church's 4th year of hosting the AWANA Club program. My 2 younger boys finished in it last year and are moving on to our church's next level, Cross Training. My good friends, Tim and DeLane, run this age group, and they are EXCELLENT. The boys are thrilled to finally move to them.

But me,

I am not leaving AWANA

because I am

THE PATCH LADY.

I sew on all the patches that the kiddos earn from their hard work of studying God's Word and hiding it in their hearts. (Psalm 119:11 in action!!!) One of the kiddos specifically called me "The Patch Lady," and it has kind of stuck.

This year a lot of the workers are getting new shirts. I am not. So me, being me, I decided to RE-NEW my shirt. And since I am

THE PATCH LADY,

I decided to RE-NEW it with...

what else?

PATCHES!!!

It turned out so cute, and since this is my crafty blog, I thought I'd share the RE-NEW with you.

As I said, I am

THE PATCH LADY!!!

Crochet in Seattle

2011-08-20T08:30:00.002-05:00

My bff went to Seattle to move her youngest to his new life.

Her mind was occupied with sadness and being courageous.

But...she used some of her precious mind space to think about me when she was gone (which I feel is an honor).

She even took a picture with me in mind:

Just look at all those hats and wonderful crochet eye candy.

What a treat!!!

Thanks MB!

Dreaming of a Doily Give-Away

2011-08-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

I have been at this blog thing for over a year now. I can hardly believe that. And it has been fun. There has been a little waxing and waning, especially waning of late, but I keep plugging away. It is fun to be creative. And it is even more fun to share your creativity with others. Thank you for all your appreciation of my creations. I have loved see many of yours as well.

I am approaching 50 followers.

Wow! That is SO cool!

To celebrate, I am crocheting up a GIVE-AWAY doily
to be gifted upon the big 5 0 being reached!

I already tried one, but I wasn't satisfied.

So I am doing a different one.

When I am finally done, as well as finally satisfied,

I will post pictures and procedures.

I am SUPER THRILLEDISH about this idea.

It will be a treat to bless someone since I have been so blessed by your support.

I will tell you that the doily will be one of Patricia Kristoffersen's designs from the Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies thread crochet pattern book. I LOVE HER WORK!!!

So...

STAY TUNED!!!

Have a great weekend!

Doilies in Mod Decor

2011-08-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

Ladies, Anne over at BellaCrochet

posted a link on Facebook

to this wonderful decorating blog

wherein the DOILY

is used to decorate a modern home.

It gives the vintage doily a modern twist.

CHECK IT OUT!

Mod Vintage Life

Have any of you run across this blog before?
Be sure to vote in my poll!

I'm going to ask CrochetBlogger. :)

Vintage Floral Doily Ta-Daa!

2011-08-15T21:31:00.001-05:00

The Springtime Floral Doily replete with rose, posey, daffodil, and butterfly motifs is finally done! (Check out the link for the crochet motif pieces and parts separately.)

It was a great project to use up some of my crochet thread stash. I used some green and white variegated crochet thread for the base that I, personally, wouldn't have chosen for a bootie or bonnet project. So this doily was a great way to use it up. I also used some dark pink, light pink, creamy yellow, as well as the remainder of a lavender spool.

All I had left to do was the ironing and

the sewing of pieces onto the main doily base.

AND IT HAS TAKEN ME MONTHS TO

GET MOTIVATED TO FINISH!!!

4 to be exact.

But it was well worth the wait.

I truly do think this will be a fine keepsake.

I sewed the flowers on instead of the recommended glueing. I know I can wash it and iron it if it is held together solely by crochet thread. Whereas, I was not sure what would happen if I washed it with the glue.

Once again, kudos to Bella Crochet designer Elizabeth Ann White. I so enjoy her work.

Honorable Mention by CrochetBlogger

2011-08-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

I was honored to discover this week that I was mentioned by the CrochetBlogger in one of her posts in June. She was listing 25 of crochet blogs to check out. I had not previously known about her blog, Crochet Concupiscence, and was pleasantly surprised to find my blog listed among so many other fine options.

So a big THANK YOU to CrochetBlogger!

She has a lot of great information about crochet over there. I'm going to have to check it out!

And I'm going to have to check out the other 99 blogs! (Actually some of them listed on the same page as Exquisite Thread Crochet Dainties I already know are awesome!
Like Crochet by the Sea, Crochet Galore!

Finally!

2011-08-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

So much for getting to post

more during my break.

Now we are back to school.

With the return of routine,

comes renewed organization

and motivation to get things done.

So I put the finishing touches

on a couple of pairs of booties

and took some pictures to show

you friends.

Thank you for being faithful friends.

And welcome to a couple of new friends!

Sweet Pink Booties

2011-06-23T16:32:00.000-05:00

I did these sweet booties for my friend's 11th blessing

(and 10th girl). I love to crochet for girls!

They fit her so perfectly!

Summer is here!

2011-06-11T21:44:00.000-05:00

I'm finally FREE!!!

School is out!

Hopefully, now I will have

time to photograph my

projects and post them.

And maybe finish a few of them.

Joplin, MO Tornado

2011-05-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

Friends, we live about 40 miles from Joplin and are so sorry for this community. We are lifting them up in prayer. We are thinking about how we might help. If you know the Lord Jesus, please join us in prayer!

A 1/2 mile swath was pretty much wiped out, including a lot of schools and one of their hospitals.

So sad and difficult a time.

Thank you!

Baby Boom!

2011-05-16T16:50:00.000-05:00

I am in full baby gift production. I have 8 babies I know of to be born before the year's end! Woah!

The 1st one arrived yesterday. It's a GIRL! She is the 10th of 10 girls and the 11th child altogether. She is beautiful. And she was a surprise, since they don't find out ahead of time. So... I've got to get right on that.

Another one is due any day, a boy.

The next 2 are in August, 2 girls.

Then a boy in September, and another 2 in October.

The last baby I know of will arrive in December.

Plus, I have started a doily in looking forward to reaching 50 followers. I plan to have a give-away to celebrate. There should be plenty of time to get that done. A year into blogging, I'm almost to 40 now.

With all that, it is probably a good thing that I've frogged a couple of projects, and that I couldn't get my new sweater started right yet. It will stay 'paused' while I take care of God's gracious bundles of blessings.

My husband's 45th birthday is Thursday, and our 19th Anniversary is a week from today. So we are looking forward to those celebratory events.

I hope this post find you and yours happy, well, and blessed!

Frog It Friday

2011-05-13T12:57:00.000-05:00

I made my decision.

THIS ONE

is going too.

Say good-bye.

I just never could find the color that

should come next, and

I'm tired of thinking about it.

So...

Springtime Floral Doily

2011-04-25T21:04:00.000-05:00

While waiting on a fresh baby to arrive so I can size 1 project and waiting on smaller hooks for the sweater, I have finally been working on my floral 3-D motif doily. I have all the motifs done now.

(When these pics were taken, I didn't have quite

enough daffodils made. But they're done now.)

So now all I have to do is iron/block the doily

Then sew on the roses

And the daffodils

And the flowerets

And the butterflies (which also need their bodies and antennas)

And I will be done!

It will look a like this except for a couple

more daffodils and butterflies with

some black bodies and antennae.

This doily pattern is from my book,

Vintage Floral Doilies

by Elizabeth Ann White

New Project Reveal

2011-04-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

Friends, I have frogged the burgundy sweater AGAIN.
I re-sized it, and
it was STILL 3" too big.
So I'm putting that on hold until
I get a smaller hook.

So, I thought I would give you a glimpse
of a different project:

Color Experiments 1 & 2

More to follow on these in the future.

More will be upcoming in the
SWEATER SAGA
as well!

Frog-It Friday

2011-04-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

Well, remember this?

Let's see if I'm making progress.

The PK doily is complete. Check.

The beige sweater is complete. Check.

Only 2 left, right?

WRONG!

See this little girl?

Well, I'm unsatisfied with the color combo.

So, instead of suffering through something

I'm not thrilled with, I decided to

FROG IT!

I mean, after all, there are SO many projects

that ARE thrilling. And a hobby is supposed

to be FUN, not a drudgery.

So...you've got to know when to rip them, right?

I may just do that to the last one too. ;)

However, my project list isn't any smaller.

Currently, I'm working on 2 baby gifts, 1 burgundy sweater,

AND

which I REALLY do want to finish.

But I wasn't doing so well on the rose

motif sizing and quit in frustration.

I'm not over it yet.

So...

Glutton for Punishment

2011-04-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Friends, you would think after taking 2-3 years

to make 1 sweater, I would not be quick to

start another. But...

I found this beautiful burgundy thread.

Somewhere in between these pictures is the

beautiful color. I wish my camera were

more true to real life.

And I have another beautiful Kay Meadors' pattern to use with it.

So...

I feel compelled to begin again.

As a matter of fact, I've already started.

But I ran into a glitch.

I made the small and it is TOO big for me.

And there is no extra small.

So...

I have to figure out the counts for extra small.

At 1st I was wondering how I could ever do this,

but I've discovered a pattern in the size-growth.

So I will soon be ripping out what I have

and trying again with the new count.

Beige Pullover Thread Crochet Sweater

2011-04-12T14:59:00.001-05:00

I can hardly believe I am finished!

After 3 years, off and on:

I love it!

The neckline was warpy, but I redesigned it
a little, and now it lays flat.

Insert SMILE!

So close...

2011-04-06T07:35:00.001-05:00

Well, I THOUGHT I was going to do a Ta-daa! today.

But I'm not satisfied with the neckline.

It is a little bunchy.

So...I'm taking it back out and reworking it

until it lays flat. I've worked too hard, too long

on this project to be unsatisfied with the

end results.

Maybe tomorrow...

Almost Finished!!!

2011-04-03T06:36:00.000-05:00

Friends, I am almost done with my beige sweater! I am working on the trim. I'm not sure, but I think this thing has been in the works for about 3 years. The pattern is VERY repetitive, and I have not enjoyed that until recently. So I worked on it only after I would finish being 'sick of the pattern'!

Now, with all my busyness, my brain likes the repetitiveness because it doesn't have to THINK!

So...stay tuned for a Ta-daa!

Life is Full

2011-03-20T05:39:00.000-05:00

I've been busy with homeschooling and church and have made little progress in the crochet world. I don't know when I'll have time to post new items, since I don't have much time to make them right now. I'm thinking things will be more sporadic on this blog. I hope everyone is doing well. God bless you.

Project Update

2011-02-14T11:55:00.000-06:00

Slowly, but surely...

Pillow Cover #1, side #1.

V-neck Pullover Sweater:

On the hook: the beginning of Sleeve 1.

My man working with my littlest man.

He just turned 9 on Saturday.

Progress

2011-02-07T20:38:00.000-06:00

I don't have any new pictures yet. I am working away on my sweater. I got the right front piece done and then had to frog it. So I counted more carefully and started over on that. Finished that during the Super Bowl. Today I started the left front piece and am working away on that.

I also am still at work on the pillow covers. I have the front of one at least 1/2 way done. The yarn is so soft and such a rich color. Loving that. The yarn doesn't hold together super tight which makes knitting it a little more difficult. I keep getting the needle stuck through the yarn or I leave a little piece of it somewhere it ought not be. But the overall look is fine. I won't know if I'm keeping it or frogging it until I get done basically, so...

I haven't worked any more on either pink doily. So 1 out of the 6 projects is done and 2 more are making progress. Not too bad.

It's my week off from teaching my boys. I had a lovely lazy day of reading a book and watching My Fair Lady. I did also dust my living room. My wonderful husband helping me do the shopping this evening. I found my youngest son a new coat for $5 and a hat for $.50!

My primary goal this week is to relax. My other goal is to get my house clean by doing 1 or 2 rooms per day. This allows me to get it done without actually overworking. Hopefully I can stick to my plan. I'm always happier going back to school if the house has an overall cleaner feel to it.

PK Ta-dah!

2011-02-02T11:14:00.000-06:00

Here she is,

PINEAPPLE ROUND

in all her glory:

As you can see, ironing does help!

And here are a few pictures from our winter storm:

We got around 18" yesterday.

Thank You, Lord, for no power outage

and for a warm home.

We are blessed.

Knitting with Yarn - Me?

2011-01-28T10:50:00.000-06:00

Well Ladies, not only did I NOT reform,

I BOUGHT NEW YARN

(yes, I said YARN)

AND

I'm not even crocheting with it.

(Lion Brand Homespun acrylic yarn is SO soft!)

I'm ATTEMPTING to KNIT!

(yes, I said KNIT)

I am way out of my element here!!!

And I guess it is better to have

yet ANOTHER new project

sitting here on my doily than this:

Grrr!!!

And yet, I don't kick her off.

Why is that?

Anyway, I want to make a cover for some of my sofa pillows, and I wanted the weave to be close. So, I decided to blow the dust off my knitting needles. I reviewed the basic steps, picked a simple pattern called 'seed and stockinette stitch ribs', and dove right in. I didn't let my rudimentary skills stop me. ;) (I figure that if I don't do it well enough, I can always frog it and start over again in crochet.

W.I.P.s are Multiplying

2011-01-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

Friends, LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!

KA-POW!!! W.I.P. Explosion!

I know you remember this:

And, as I told you,

I'M STUCK!

I can't decide what to do next

color-wise or if I should just start over.

So what do I do when I don't know what to do

on one project? I start on a different one. :)

(I also do that when I get bored with a project.)

(The stitches on this sweater can get A LITTLE monotonous!)

I remember that I have to make a gift for someone:

And before you know it,

KA-BLAM!!!

I have too many projects going at once!!!

(I just remembered this one. Oops!)

Does this ever happen to you?

Eleanor's Booties

2011-01-24T11:27:00.001-06:00

Well, you might remember these from months past.
(See posts here and here and here.)

And they finally have an owner!

Plus, I finally made the shoelaces!

I had a very fun time helping to host Eleanor's shower yesterday.

She is a sweet, pretty girl!

Congratulations Mama!

Let's Blog Hop

2011-01-21T16:45:00.000-06:00

I was over at AnneMarie's and decided it would be fun to participate in her blog hop. It is so great to see everyone's projects!

JOIN IN THE FUN!!!

My Favorite Movies

2011-01-20T12:19:00.000-06:00

My husband is making a list of his 50 favorite movies and reviewing them on his blog, http://www.retrohound.com

I thought, "What a good idea!" But I'm not going to all that trouble.

So I thought I'd just make a list of my favorites so far. I'm no 'movie critic'. So these are just movies that I think are really good.

These make my Top Ten:

The Lord of the Rings series
Knight and Day (Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz)
Blind Side (Sandra Bullock)
While You were Sleeping (Sandra Bullock)
The Family Man (Nicolas Cage)
My Fair Lady (Rex Harrison, Audrey Hepburn)
The Incredibles
Anne of Green Gables (Meghan Follows)
Anne of Avonlea (Meghan Follows)
The Court Jester (Danny Kaye)

Then these are the others I could think of off the top of my head:

What's Up Doc? (Barbara Streisand)
Singing in the Rain (Gene Kelly)
Jane Eyre (BBC w/ Timothy Dalton)
Robin Hood (Errol Flynn)
Lady Hawke (Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer)
The Journey of Natty Gann
Maltese Falcon (Humphrey Bogart)
Casablanca (Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman)
Sound of Music (Julie Andrews)
The Grinch (animated)
The Last of the Mohicans (Daniel Day-Lewis)
Raising Arizona (Nicolas Cage)
The Princess Bride (Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright)
Driving Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy)
Fried Green Tomatoes (Jessica, Tandy, Mary-Louise Parker, Mary Stuart Masterson)
The Lake House (Sandra Bullock)
Raising Helen (Kate Hudson)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Nia Vardalos)
The Reluctant Debutante (Rex Harrison)
The Philadelphia Story (Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart)
The Hunt for Red October (Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin)
The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara)
McClintock (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara)
Parent Trap (Brian Keith, Maureen O'Hara, Haley Mills)
Somewhere in Time (Christopher Reeves,
You've Got Mail (Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks)
Return to Me (Minnie Driver, Bonnie Hunt)
Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews, Dick VanDyke)
National Treasure (Nicholas Cage)
Gone in 60 Seconds (Nicholas Cage)
A Few Good Men (Tom Cruise, Demi Moore)
The Ghost & Mr. Chicken (Don Knotts)
Sahara (Matthew McConaughey)
The Master and the Commander (Russell Crowe)
The Holiday (Queen Latifah)
Kate & Leopold (Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman)
Sleepless in Seattle (Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks)
50 First Dates (Drew Barrymore)
Legally Blond (Reese Witherspoon)
Mighty Joe Young (Charlize Theron)
The Gods Must Be Crazy 2
Toy Story 2

WHAT MAKES YOUR TOP TEN???

Arrrggghhhh! Help!!!

2011-01-13T13:33:00.000-06:00

Well Friends, I need help.

I am TRYING to use color

on a PK doily.

Trying being the optimal word.

Here it is:

This pic shows the colors the truest,

though still not accurate.

(Stinky camera!)

The pattern has 2 obvious flowers designed in

though the overall look is that of a Peacock

feathery look. Hence the pattern name:

Peacock Pride

Can you see the petals?

This, of course, is one of the 2 flowers

in the pattern, but when I've tried

to continue onto the second,

I have NOT been pleased with

the blending of my hues.

I even consulted my wonderful decorator

friend, MaryBeth. She didn't like

the combo I had, but she didn't

know what to used instead.

(She's not a threadie.

But she is wonderful!)

I have ripped it out completely once.

I have frogged it partially several times.

I cannot decide on a complimentary color

for the last 2/3 of the doily.

My pinks DO NOT match the pinks I've already used.

ANY IDEAS???

A color besides pink that will blend?

The white in the variegated thread

is off-white, but not beige.

Adeline's Booties

2011-01-12T10:16:00.001-06:00

Kay Meador's All Stars Pattern

PINK!!!

Adeline's parents are avid Converse wearers.

Hook: size 7

Crochet Thread: size 10 (white; carnation pink)

Christmas Dinner Photos Found

2011-01-10T10:39:00.000-06:00

Well Friends, I had intentions of sharing our Christmas tradition of a Stuffed Shell dinner with you. Then I never got the pictures off of the camera and forgot all about it.

Well, I just uploaded pictures I took of some booties I made (coming soon) and there they were. So, I thought, well I'm just going to share them anyway.

Now I know that Stuffed Shells are not a traditional Christmas meal, but I served them one year, and my boys insisted that they were so good they should be served EVERY year. So they have. Probably for the last 5 years at least.

First comes the table pictures:

Then the food:

The strange color of the pie is due to the fact

that we used real pumpkin, not canned.

My #2 son had saved his from Halloween

so that we could make a pumpkin pie from it.

From the can is much easier!

Either way, they think it is tasty.

I, myself, do not care for pumpkin pie.

These are potato bread rolls.

The only thing to say about this is:

YUM!!!

A Look into My World

2011-01-03T11:43:00.000-06:00

I love my nice kitchen window

through which I can look out into
the backyard.

It makes dish washing so much more pleasant.

I love my little shelves and

the scallops above the window!

My dear mother gave me these cutie pie

flower sitters. I have 2 more in

another spot in my kitchen.

They make me smile!

The sweet Beatrix Potter planter

came to me with the birth of my

last son. The plant has long

since expired, but I love

this keepsake.

Just though I'd share a little of 'my world'.

My Gift from My Mom

2010-12-31T08:41:00.000-06:00

My mom gave me a

beautiful gift this Christmas.

Isn't it sweet?

I have never seen this particular

variegated color combo before.

So earthy.

I decided it was the perfect

centerpiece for my table,

along with the dried apricots

I made last fall.

May God's glorious grace

be apparent to you today!!!

The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls

2010-12-29T11:47:00.000-06:00

OH MY WORD!

GIRLS, YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE

CINNAMON ROLLS (click here).

My friend, MaryBeth, assured me they were

FABULOUS

and she was RIGHT!!!

Her recommendation to chill the dough

if you want beautifully uniform rolls

was absolutely right on.

These have to be the best-LOOKING

cinnamon rolls I've ever made.

They are also, hands-down,

the best-TASTING.

Did I say

FABULOUS?

Well I'm NOT exaggerating!!!

They were SO rich,

I could only eat 2.

But the good news is:

There is another panful

for tomorrow morning!

Note: I halved the recipe,

which, as you can see,

still made 2 9x13 pans full.

Christmas Snowflakes

2010-12-27T09:55:00.000-06:00

Some Christmas gifts for tree decor:

I used hook size 7 and thread size 10.

I tried a couple with white thread with sparkly silver intertwined.

I liked that!

Made from patterns in Leisure Arts Leaflets #255 and #363.

If you want to look at the designs of 255, they are displayed on the cover found at the link below.

The second link does not have a picture to display.

Snowflakes Bells & Ornaments: 21 Designs to Crochet (Leisure Arts, No. 363)

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

2010-12-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

~ From our home to yours ~

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

(My mom showed me how to make this angel out of an old hanky. And my boys are following in crafty tradition by making Christmas ornaments like this bead and sequin bulb.)

And a Happy New Year!!!

Mystery Project Revealed

2010-12-23T08:52:00.000-06:00

The moment we have all been

WAITING

for!!!

That is a MAGNIFICENT design!!!

Elizabeth Ann White has
outdone herself with the
Hummingbirds and Roses Pineapple Doily!

It was the perfect gift for my mom.

Her favorite things are hummingbirds

and butterflies, and her favorite

color is red. She also loves

to crochet doilies.

PERFECT!!!

I was SO excited to find this pattern

over at Bella Crochet.

I used a size 7 hook and size 10 thread.

My dark green was a different color choice

than Ann's, but I think the royal green

worked well also.

Mystery Project reveal coming soon!

2010-12-21T10:19:00.000-06:00

From pieces and parts:

To the WHOLE!

Stay Tuned for the BIG REVEAL tomorrow!!!

Mystery Project Metamorphosis #2

2010-12-20T12:31:00.000-06:00

Things are often

not what they seem.

Remember these:

They morphed!

Aren't they cute?

A Star is Yours

2010-12-17T09:12:00.000-06:00

Decorative Crochet magazine, pp 34,37-38

March 1997 - Number 56

I love the wintery snowflake look to this doily.

Christmas Funk

2010-12-15T12:33:00.000-06:00

Why is it that just when you need your creative energy to be at an all time high to finish creating in time for a DEADLINE that your creative energy peters out and keeps its indicator on low?

I have a few more things to make and then I need to get to my Christmas wrapping and disciplining myself to do it is HARD!!! Finishing school well for the semester is HARD!!! I just want to sit around and play Sudoku. NUTS!!! :-(

SO CRAZY!!!

Well, my feelings are NOT in charge. The Holy Spirit of God is my Boss and my Resource for strength and overcoming power.

So I will not give in to holiday apathy.

I WILL NOT!

I will go to the One Who can Help me to persevere. It is not like anything is really wrong. It's just a funk. Good grief!

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH

HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH,

FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!

Mystery Project Metamorphosis #1

2010-12-14T12:54:00.001-06:00

Remember this:

and this:

Well these, plus

these

turned into these!

Beauty can be layers deep.

Mystery Project Photos ~ continued

2010-12-10T08:05:00.000-06:00

What???

For the Birds

2010-12-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

A few years ago, my husband fell in love with

BIRD WATCHING!

He took many pictures of birds.
Here are a few of those:

Then for his birthday, I conspired with my mother,

who has more free time than I do as well as more

patience and perseverance, to make him a

cross-stitch bird collection throw.

Top:

Bottom:

Each square has a different bird type represented

and most have a scripture blessing.

So it is a doubly blessed endeavor of love.

I paid the money.

My mother did the labor.

And my husband received a double portion of love! :)

For any bird-lovers out there,

here are some of the individual squares:

God bless you and have a BEAUTIFUL day!

Scallops

2010-12-02T16:11:00.000-06:00

by Claudette Sguazzini

Decorative Crochet magazine, pp. 29-31

July 1997 - Number 58

I didn't know this doily was the same

designer as the Good Manners doily

until I was writing out the details for

this post. I crack myself up!

I do seem to gravitate toward

the designs of particular creators.

As my husband would say,

"You like what you like."

I did have a little trouble
getting the scallops to
lay flat. But that may be
due to using different sizes
of thread and hook than
called for in the pattern.

Good Manners

2010-12-01T06:42:00.000-06:00

by Claudette Sguazzini

Decorative Crochet magazine, pg. 43

July 1997 - Number 58

I used a size 7 hook and size 10 thread.

When I have time to experiment,
I think it would look good with some
color to highlight the center flower.

Wow! Christmas is getting close!

2010-11-30T12:04:00.000-06:00

25 DAYS!!!

As you may recall,

I have been

occasionally

posting pictures

from a

MYSTERY PROJECT.

I stopped for a time because

I can't keep the final product

a secret if I reveal too

much and there was too

much time left.

But now there is not!

So here is a new picture:

Summer Breeze is Finished!!!

2010-11-29T14:45:00.000-06:00

Summer Breeze Edging

2010-11-18T19:39:00.000-06:00

Closer and closer!

I have the sleeves done

and stitched in and edged.

Now I am working on the edging of the body

of the sweater. I must also 'place' buttonholes

in the second edging row, before finishing

with a final row of picot edging.

So close...

Almost Done!!!

2010-11-15T11:53:00.000-06:00

FRIENDS, I HAVE ALMOST

CONQUERED

Summer Breeze!!!

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only have one sleeve to finish

and then the edging.

HOORAY!!!

(I'm rejoicing early to motivate

myself to FINISH!)

Pineapple Song - TaDaa!!!

2010-11-11T12:58:00.001-06:00

Patricia Kristoffersen ROCKS!

Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies

Worked with size 7 (1.65mm) hook and size 10

cotton crochet thread.

Next time: COLORIZED!

Stay tuned!!!

MercyMe - Beautiful!

2010-11-07T17:38:00.001-06:00

This is an AWESOME song.

It is about how God, the Father

sees us and that He loves us

so much that Jesus was willing

to give His live for us.

I hope you will take the time

to listen to it.

It will really bless you.

WIP - PK Pineapple Song

2010-11-02T12:44:00.000-05:00

At least 2/3 of the way finished.

I did have to frog the entire pineapple section when

I was near the end of it. Lack of attention early on.

Patricia Kristoffersen doilies are SO pretty.

One could stop crocheting on one of these at many

different points and have a beautiful work of art.

I love their exquisite intricacies!

W.I.P. - Pineapple Song

2010-10-26T10:38:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Birthday Butterfly is FINISHED!

2010-10-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

I about gave myself away early when I posted this:

Do you see it in the corner?

I deliberately left this photo out because I had forgotten
to hide the butterfly before the photo shoot:

And here's a close-up:

For details see: Beautiful Birthday Butterfly-WIP

2010-10-22T08:32:00.001-05:00

MY MOMMY IS COMING

TO SEE ME THIS MORNING!!!!

Our Cat, Callie

2010-10-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

This is our cat:

While I am the Queen ;), she is the Princess

(who thinks she's the Queen).

She takes over all territory and makes it her own

personal sleeping space. No place is safe or too

difficult to squeeze into.

She especially likes to be wherever I want to be working

and to thwart my progress by laying right on top

of the things I need to work on.

What can I say? She's a cat.

Sewing Projects are well underway:

2010-10-19T12:16:00.000-05:00

Last night, I promised you pictures of the sewing progress. I have completed 1 black vest and have another vest 1/2 done. I need to have it done by SATURDAY (yikes!); because it is a birthday gift, and Saturday is THE day! So I stayed up until 11:00pm working on it (said son doesn't go to bed until 9:00pm which doesn't leave much private working time). Now that may not seem late to some, but for me, uggghhh! Five o'clock am comes REALLY early when you don't hit the sack by 10:00pm. Why does 1 extra hour make such a difference??? I want to know!

Here's the 1st success!

Here's a close-up of the front fabric texture:

The glossy black of the back was hard to capture.

Maybe I'll be able to get a better picture later.

I was SO excited at how well it turned out.

Maybe I'll get better pictures later when I don't

have to hide in the bathroom while taking them.

(No prying eyes in there! Finally!

When they were younger, I wasn't

even safe in there!)

Now before I show you progress on the 2nd vest,

here's proof that I did actually do this myself! :)

I have this one together. I just need to clip the curves

and turn it. Sew the side seams together and

sew a finishing edge all the way around

the perimeter of the vest.

I hope to have it done by Wednesday

so I will have time to clean the house

before Saturday for the birthday guests!

In case you forgot what the front looks like:

Stay tuned for this one.

The Cowboy will LOVE it!

(Yes, that is his nickname, given him by his friends.)

Mystery Project Explanation

2010-10-18T20:30:00.000-05:00

As my readers have seen, I am occasionally posting a picture and not saying what it is for or what I am making. For those of you just tuning in, I thought I'd better explain what I am doing. I keep getting questions in the comments, so I decided to write up my idea clearly. It seemed like it would be fun to do a "Mystery Project". I think it is interesting to see just the pieces and try to guess what they might develop into.

I will only be posting these pictures occasionally. I'm quite busy sewing right now and, of course, taking care of the home front and the home school. I hope to get a picture up of one completed sewing project tomorrow! I finished it tonight, and I think it turned out BEAUTIFULLY!

Any way, stay tuned for more mystery project pics and eventually the grand finale revelation moment.

Remember: Jesus loves you!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him

shall not perish but have everlasting life!

John 3:16

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called the children of God!

For that is what we are! 1John 3:1