Monday, January 16, 2012

4 Little Doilies by Patricia Kristoffersen

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!!!

:)

Friday, January 13, 2012

My New Books




















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


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Baby Sweater

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.


Monday, January 9, 2012

Tile Up / Decor Idea!


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!!!



Saturday, January 7, 2012

Promised Pictures

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...



Thursday, January 5, 2012

More Crafting

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.)


Red Mary Jane's