Early on in Doily-Making

Here is a doily from among the first I made:

You can tell it is one of my early doilies

because it will not iron out flat on the edges.

It has a uneven, fluted look.

But everyone has to develop their skills.

No one starts out perfectly.

I think it is good to show the learning process,

as well as beautiful outcomes.

It always encourages me when someone else

will let me see their mistakes.  Then I know

they're not perfect either and it helps me

to relax about myself.  :)

So be a real friend by being REAL!!!

My First Crochet Project

My mother has crocheted for as long as I can remember.  She works with yarn and thread equally well.  She is a retired school teacher and actually taught middle school science to me.  But my favorite thing that she taught me is, of course, crocheting!

I tried crocheting a few times as a child but didn't have enough perseverance.  Then, when I'd been married a year or two, I decided to try again.  And, of course, I can't do anything small.  I always seem to leap in with both feet.  So not only did I decide to make a full-size afghan for my first project, I also decided that I was going to plan my own color scheme and pattern (even though I'd never done that before either).  My mother saved me by giving me a very easy stitch pattern to learn.

Well, this time, I did have enough perseverance.  See:

Since then, I have made only 1 other afghan.  Not too long after I began to crochet, I decided to try out crochet thread instead of yarn.  And I fell in love with it.  It started with clothespin angel Christmas tree ornaments.  Then on to other crafty items.  Then, to doilies (which are among my favorite things to make).  And, needing inexpensive baby shower gifts, I was spurred on to making layette items (booties, bonnets, sweaters, etc.).  I do creep back over to yarn occasionally, and usually briefly, before I leap back to my beloved threads.  I don't know why my preference is so set.  But it is. 

As my beloved husband knows, 

I just like things the way I like them!  :)

I think, with so much to do in other areas of life, the projects I make with thread are fairly quick going and I get more immediate results.  I'm a list maker and I love crossing things off the list.  Booties and doilies are done in a few evenings.

 Afghans?  Not so much.

Floral Beauties - Daffodils

I like to think of my dainty flowers as girls.

Friends to keep me company and to talk to.

Flowers bless me mightily!

Floral Beauties - Tulips!

God makes wonderous variety, even among the same

type of flower.  He amazes me with His creativity.

My creativity comes from Him, but is,

definitely, but a poor reflection.

Crocheted Sneakers by Kay Meadors

Well, I finished my 1st pair of 

Crocheted Sneakers

by Kay Meadors

They turned out pretty cute, I think.  :)

Size:  0-3 months

Colors:  Denim and Cream 

(Pace - wool blend)

Hook:  E

Next, I'm going to try them in Pink 

and make them for a 3-6 month old

with a F Hook.

Stay tuned for a preview of these as well as other upcoming

Kay Meadors designs.

This is my first time of helping someone with their pattern

testing, and it is a nice challenge.  Thank you, Kay!

My Family

The cat and I are the only females at our house.  My husband and I have 4 boys who are eating A LOT and growing fast.  I take care of a little boy for a friend and even the dog is, you guessed it, a boy!  A friend once told me that I was woman enough for this household.  I'm not quite certain that sounds entirely like a compliment, but I choose to take it that way!  :)

I've been wanting to share the family with you a little bit, and like Lucy at Attic24, I think it best to be discreet for safety reasons.  So here are some glimpses.



Here the 3 youngest are watching popcorn pop in an oil popcorn popper for our End-of-School Party last week.  (We homeschool.)  You would have thought it was the Comedy Hour.  There was much excitement and giggling and screaming as the kernels popped.

Here is my second born pretending to be the Hulk.  (He took these pictures from here on down himself, except for the last one.)

Here is the dog.

And here is the other 'woman-of-the-house':

With my oldest petting her.

I saved the BEST for last.

The D.H.:

Crochet Limited by Produce

Hmmm....I haven't been able to crochet much lately.  Why?  Everything else is demanding my attention.

Today it was these:

Yum!  We had our first fresh batch of Green Beans on Monday night.  Now I have some more for tonight and tomorrow plus some for the freezer!!!

Our cherry tomato has given its first fruits as well.





Next, I will be moving toward the apricot tree.

Because LOOK:

Again, YUM!!!


 I think slowing down on crochet production is worth these yummy other endeavors.  Plus, my growing boys get more out of the fresh vegies and fruit than my crochet!  :)


I have worked in a little hooky time.  And I'm nearing the end on these:

Stay tuned for the finishing touches!