Continued Journey into Dishcloths ~ Saturday AM, July 14th, 2012

 Saturday AM, July 14th, 2012

I plan on having a simple kind of day.  Dishes, etc.  ha ha.  I do have a new recipe that I want to try today.  Publix was demonstrating it the other day and so I grabbed the recipe. I really need to go to the store, but I don't feel like it.  Maybe later today, or even tomorrow.  I also have another pattern for a dishcloth that is a retro one that I want to try my hand at.  That may happen today too. ha ha.

I am on a roll.  I love this pattern for the dishcloths, which can also be used for washcloths as they are cotton, and so soft. 

If anyone has a pattern they would like to share with me, I would love it.. 

Here is the pattern for the ones above if anyone is interested in it.

Simplicity Dishcloth

Materials: Worsted Weight Cotton: Multicolor – 1½ oz, 75 yd (45 g, 68 yd); Pink – ½ oz, 25 yd (15 g, 23 yd) (Peaches & Crème)
Crochet Hook: Size G-6 (4.25 mm)

Special Stitches
Shell: (sc, hdc, ch 3, sl st) in same st or sp indicated.

DISHCLOTH

Row 1: (Right Side) With Multicolor, ch 31, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sc in next ch] across. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc now and throughout), turn, [hdc in next sc] across. (30 hdc)

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout), turn, [dc in next hdc] across. (30 dc)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc across. (30 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (30 sc)

Rows 6-21: Rep Rows 2-5 four times.
At the end of Row 21, finish off and weave in ends.

Edging

Rnd 1: With right side facing, join Pink with sc to first sc on Row 21, (hdc, ch 3, sl st) in same sc, [ch 1, skip next 2 sc, Shell in next sc] across row, * working in sides of rows, evenly work (ch 1, Shell) 9 times across *; working in unworked lps of starting ch, ch 1, Shell in first ch, [ch 1, skip next 2 ch, Shell in next ch] across; rep from * to *; ch 1; join with sl st to first sc. (40 shells) Finish off and weave in ends.

http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/2011/06/09/160-simplicity-crochet-dishcloth-maggie-weldon-maggies-crochet/#

Until next time.................................
 

Crocheted Baby Booties - Start of TS Beryl - May 27, 2012

I am so proud of myself.  I am actually learning to crochet and it feels so good to make things.

As you can see from the picture, I made baby booties.  I was beside myself.  I grew up never thinking I could do much, and so to be able to do this makes me very happy.  And I love my crochet buddies. 

We are making baby booties, hats, and afghans to donate to a Pregnancy Center locally.  It feels good to be part of a community and to be think that tiny little feet will be filling my booties..ha ha.  As I've said a hundred times, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I will post the directions at the end of this.

We are in the midst of waiting for Tropical Storm Beryl. We have had lots of wind, wind gusting pretty good at times, rain bands that are heavy when they happen, and thunder.  As I am writing this it is bright and sunny out there right now.  It is sort of raining about every half hour or so, then the sun shines.  Beulah will need to learn to walk between the raindrops.  ha ha.

Here is the baby bootie pattern and the website

Bev's Very EASY Newborn Booties
www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevsbooties2.html

Newborn bootie size measurements
Foot Length = 3 1/2 - 3 3/4"
Height from sole to top of bootie is about 4 - 4 1/2"
Instep (from sole to ankle bone) = 1.75" - 2.25"

Size H hook ( For preemies I used G hook)
1 oz of soft 4 ply worsted weight yarn (Simply Soft works great!)
Bottom of bootie foot -- Ch 26(for other ones I used 30 chains)

ROW 1: HDC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (25 hdc) Ch 2 (counts as a HDC on next row), turn

ROW 2 - 3: HDC in each hdc across row (25 hdc). ch 2, turn.

ROW 4: (you can change colors here if desired) DC in each hdc across row (25 dc) - do not chain 3 at the end, just turn

ROW 5 (top of bootie) : slip st in the first 5 dcs, ch 3 - in that 5th st- (counts as one dc) dc in the same st and then in each dc across leaving 4 unworked at the end.. (17 dcs) Chain 3, turn

ROWS 6 and 7 : (change colors back) DC in each dc across the 17 sts being sure to DC into the very last stitch, ch 3 and turn (17 dcs)

ROW 8: Girls top: Sc into 1st st near hook, ch 3, sc in next st, repeat across to make a ruffle on the top.

ROW 8: Boys top: Alternate making a *FPDC and *BPDC across row, working the stitches in the front or back of the sts in the row below.

Finish off. ~Fold piece in half and whip-stitch up using yarn and big eyed needle - this is the wrong side of the bootie. Flip booties right side out and shape them with your hands to make them more puffy and rounded. FOLD TOP DOWN.

~ * ~ IMPORTANT: Weave a length of ribbon in and out of the row above the heel to tie booties. Or crochet a contrasting colored chain of about 60 chains. ~ * ~

* FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet. Meaning you go down into the stitch below, in the front and make a dc in that stitch
* BPDC = Back Post Double Crochet. Meaning you go down into the stitch below, in the back of the stitch and make a dc in that stitch

**As I stated above I used a G hook for the preemies

**For the other ones I used the H hook and chained 30 and adjusted for it.  Like in row 1 it would be 29, In row 2, 3, and 4  it would be 29, 5 I did the same, etc.  Any questions, just ask.  I am learning, but I know what I did.  ha ha

Until next time....

Beginning of the V Afghan (Nu Nu) and ramblings March 23, 2012

                                           THE YARN I AM USING FOR THE V AFGHAN

                                             A CLOSER LOOK AT IT IN THE BEGINNING

AFGHAN (NU NU) WITH THE YARN JUST STARTING

What a morning.  I can't stand going for these epidurals.  8 total today, 4 on each side.  I am still hurting from them.  The last 2 times it wasn't like this.  He said he went deeper because they didn't work 2 weeks ago.  Lucky me..  Yeah...  ha ha.

The only good thing about it is that I got some reading done while waiting, and then it was off to Dunkin Donuts for coffee.  That ALMOST made it worthwhile to have the shots.  The good thing is that after going 3 times every 2 weeks, I get a month off.  Now all the side affects will kick in. 

I was trying to rest my back, but Miss Beulah here keeps wanting to go out.  Any other day she would sleep all day, but not today.. Poor baby.  Maybe she doesn't feel well.

I am having to write this in spurts as it hurts to sit here and type this for any length of time.

I have been laying on the the couch (yes Beulah is sharing today) ha ha, and doing some reading and crocheting.  I took pictures of my afghan in progress.  I guess I should call is my Nu Nu.  That's what my dad used to call his.  He would ask us to bring him his NuNu.  And what did he use it for?  To cover the dog on his lap.  ha ha.  So I do come by some things honestly.  ha ha..  And it's funny to remember this as today would have been my mom and dad's 65th anniversary.  Happy Anniversary.  Love and miss you both.

This afghan is called the V stitch, and I am really liking it.  I crochet tight so I am working on "loosening up" some.  Hope I'm not doing it to loose.  It kinda looks good to me. Thanks goes to Mary for teaching me the stitch.  There are so many great ideas that I get from the group and the web, and You Tube.

Leave me a note or comment if you feel like it.  I love reading your messages.

Until next time.......

                                       

Journey into dishes #1 plus more - March 14, 2012

                                                   1.  Ribbed Crochet Dishcloth

 

Pattern at end

 

 

I don't know why I set myself up for failure, but I always do.  I need to learn to finally follow through.

 

I have set a goal of reading at least 25 books this year.  As of today, I have read 8 since January 2012. So, I am on my way.

 

I was reading some blogs today, just because I love to read what others are doing or saying.  What?  Me nosey??  ha ha.  I saw one that was a crocheting blog and she did 365 washcloths in 365 days.  Sounded good to me until I remembered that I am just learning, so that's an awful big undertaking especially since I want to work on Christmas gifts and make an afghan for myself. So I got off the subject.  Very easy for a scatterbrain like myself.  My decision was to make 52 dishcloths in 52 weeks.  That seems a little more doable and just think of all the dishcloths I will have to keep or share or sell or whatever....I looked through some patterns and decided to make one that us called The Ribbed Stitch.   So I will call it my Journey into dishes.  Oh wait....I think I'll use that as my name for them and then number them as I go along in pictures.  Note to self **Need batteries for camera**

 

A "friend" of mine, Vicky.  that I met on the internet related a story this morning about being out and having a bird do his business on her.  She knew what kind of bird it was.  Well honest to pete, what are the odds that the same exact thing would happen to me.  I was sitting outside this morning.  It was gorgeous out, not hot like it is now, and I was enjoying my cup of Maxwell House coffee with Italian Sweet Creme creamer, and reading.  Started a new book ~Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr~and it is very good.  Anyway, Beulah was just laying out there enjoying the cool air, and I was sitting on the steps reading.  All of a sudden I felt something on my left arm.  I looked and there it was, "Yellow Stuff".  Ewwwwwwww.  I tied Beulah up really quick and ran in to wash the crap, literally, off my arm.  ha ha.  Then I remembered Vicky and started to laugh.  Of course I had to e-mail her about it.

 

Well, this is my  first dishcloth so I can get it on here.  I'm excited.  Sad that it doesn't take much to make me happy.  ha ha

 

Until next time............

 

Directions for Ribbed Crochet Dishcloth

 

7.5 x 7

4.5 mm - Size 7 hook

***I didn't have a 7 so I used an H hook which is a #8

 

I used Sugar & Cream  Hot Green

 

1. Chain 29.  SC in 2nd ch from hook.  SC in each ch along foundation (28 SC)

 

2. Chain 1, turn.  SC in lst stitch.  SC in next 26 stitches in back loop only.  SC in last stitch  through both loops.

 

Repeat another 22 times.

 

3. Stitch next row through both loops and fasten off.

I am doing another 10 of 100 ~ February 13, 2012

I have neglected my blog.  Shame on me.  I am doing another 10 of 100.

 

It has been so cold these past few days.  Yesterday morning it was  31 with a wind chill of 21.  High today will be 61. Remember, this is Florida.  But in true Florida fashion, it will be back up to 80 on Wednesday. Went and got some really nice produce from the farmers market here this morning.  Beautiful green peppers (and I don't even like them).. ha ha..  some pears, fresh green beans, lettuce, onions, cauliflower, all for $5.00.  Not bad huh..... ha ha

 

I have been having so much fun with my crocheting.  I found a pattern for a head thingy, and I am trying to read the pattern to do it.  I think I can.  I hope I can.  This will give me so much confidence if I can do it. 

 

I am in desperate need of a 12 step program for pinterest.........................It is sooooooo addicting I can't get off it.  My eyes burn from being on this computer so much.  ha ha.  It reminds me of when I first joined facebook and we were all playing farmville with a fervor that matched none other.  My goodness, planting and harvesting before your crops spoiled.  ha ha.  I had a friend, who shall remain anonymous, that would set her clock to make sure she harvested her crops on time.  ha ha.  I wasn't far behind her in the obsession.  I finally got over it, and have replaced it with pinterest.  There are so many people on there and so much to see. 

 

 

10 Reasons To Save Money

 

 1. Vacation to see the grandkids

 2. Train or Cruise to Alaska

 3. Beulah to the vet

 4. New Mattress

 5. New Couch

 6. Buy yarn and more yarn and more yarn

 7. Buy more card/scrapbooking supplies...Like I don't already have enough.  ha ha

 8. Redo extra room

 9. Carpet the living room ~ I am sorry I just put down this wood floor.  Beulah slides all over it and since it's just been about a year I can't do it now.  But if I could, I would

10. So I don't have to worry every month.

I guess I forgot to post a picture of the scarf that I made the other day,  Just finished crocheting another scarf.  This one came out so pretty.  The other one did too, but I like the colors of this one too.  It is a variegated one just like the blue one was. I need to thank my neighbor and friend Michelle for modeling it for me.  

I am also selling them for $8.00.  If they need to be shipped the postage will be extra, but only the amount, nothing over.  I am not out to make a killing, just want to be able to buy a little more of the essentials that I need.  Disability doesn't take you far.  So, any extra money I can make, won't really be extra, but it sure will help, and I love making them.  I am also selling the scrunchies for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. Again, shipping would be extra.

 

When did I become a napkin???  I could not believe that Beulah took a drink and proceeded to come over to me.  She put her head down on my lap, and proceeded to wipe her mouth.  Both sides.  I had to laugh.  She looked up at me like, see, I did it myself.  ha ha..

 

I am trying to do to much at once.  I can't wait for The Biggest Loser to come on tonight.  Only problem is I don't have anything to snack on.  I know, it's an oxymoron to watch a show about weight loss and me sitting here with a bag of chips.  But, no snacks in the house, so it's just plain old water for me.  I am also still reading The Litigator.  It was real good in the beginning and now it's getting to be more of the lawyering stuff.  ha ha

 

Well, I have bored you enough.  Until next time

Saturday January 28, 2012

Just a lazy kind of Saturday.  I went and picked up my mail today and 2 more birthday cards were there.  Keep them coming and I'll celebrate it all year.  ha ha.  I really did appreciate them.  Then off to the library to pick up my books before they returned them to shelves.  One is a crochet book (my newest obsession) and John Grisham's new book "The Litigators".  I only read a few pages and was totally hooked on it.  I have never been a fan.  I read the Firm many many moons ago, and may have read another one of his, but can't be sure.  This one grabbed me right away, and that's what I like in a book.  So I am anxious to read it.

 

Along with reading, I am almost done a wavy kind of scarf.  When it's done, I am going to see if my neighbor will "model" it so I can take a picture of it.  I love the way it is coming out.  And the color is so pretty.

 

I would like to turn my hobby into a business if at all possible.  Living on my disability gets really hard sometimes, and a little extra money would be welcomed. 

 

My brain goes so much faster than my hands,  ha ha. I always have good intentions, but sometimes have a hard time doing something with them. ha ha. 

 

I got this from another blog and really wanted to put it on here so I could refer back to it.  This is from Crochet with Raymond

http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/the-third-wheel/  For me, this is great. You might want to check out his blog.  He does wonderful work.

 

The Stitches and Abbreviations!

yo= Yarn over (hook).  Bring yarn over hook from behind.

ch= Chain. Make a slip knot, insert hook and pull firmish but not tight.  yo and pull loop through.

slst = Slip Stitch.  Insert hook into stitch, pull through loop, pull loop through stitch on hook.

sc= Single crochet.  Insert hook into stitch, pull loop through, yo, pull through both loops on hook.

hdc= Half double crochet.  Yo, insert hook into stitch, pull loop through, yo, pull through all three loops on hook.

dc= Double crochet.  Yo, insert hook into stitch, pull loop through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops on hook.

htr= Half treble.  Yo twice, insert hook into stitch, pull loop through stitch, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 3 remaining loops on hook.

tr= Treble. Yo twice, insert hook into stitch, pull loop through stitch, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through last 2 loops on hook.

Picot= ch3, slst into 3^rd ch from hook.  (Picot made)

Here Kitty Kitty ~ January 24, 2012

I had so much fun today.  My crochet group celebrated my birthday today.  Cake that was delicious and a beautiful home made shawl.  It is eggplant color and absolutely beautiful. 

 

With the help of Debra (poor thing, broke a nail too), I made my first cat.  I am sure as I dare to do more, I will get better. The picture above is my lavendar and white cat.  I love it.. This is before I groomed her.  Have to make her all she she looking. ha ha. 

 

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life, both family and friends.  It really means a lot to me and I am learning to surround myself with people that matter, and not ones that bring me down.  Been down that road, and I am choosing not to go down it again.  My problem is that I am to trusting and open.  I don't want  to change who I am, just want to hone in my skills.  ha ha..

 

Got lots of mail.  Haven't been to the mailbox in over a week, and I'm surprised that they could shove in another envelope.  ha ha...  So I have pile to go through.  First things first.  Happy Hooking won....ha ha....

 

Beulah is so cute...  I pulled up and before I got to the door I could hear her errrrr'ing me already. Very low.  Then it increased as I walked in the door.  You would have thought I was gone forever.  In all fairness to her, I don't think she knows the difference between 4 hours and 4 minutes.  All she knows is that we are not attached at the hip at that moment.  HA HA.  Remember...she owns me, not the other way around.....So, until next time.

Hooking and Pattern and Joke ~ January 17, 2012

Well, here it is Tuesday, January 17, 2012 and lo and behold, no doctor appointment.  Yeah  ! ! !  I had a good time with my fellow Happy Hookers.  This picture is how many it takes for me to make something.  Lots of help.  ha ha.. Still can't get that pom pom cat, but I will.  Made a new scrunchie, and I really liked it.


Scrunchie 2


1. Single Crochet around rubber band (40-50)
2. Use only back stitch, chain 5 and single crochet in the back all the way around
3. Use only front stitch, chain 5 and single crochet in front loop all around.


I really like this one better.  It seems to be much lighter.  I will get the pom pom cat done at some point.  After seeing how it should be done, compared to what I did (yup...a first grader would have done better) I have some practice in my future.  ha ha..


Tomorrow I go to physical therapy.  Oh joy... ha ha....I am just Mary Sunshine aren't I.  And I am already dreading the shots in my back on Friday.... I mean really dreading it.  

You know you're a  Floridian if....
 

Socks  are only for bowling.

You never use an umbrella because you know the  rain will  be over in five minutes.

 A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the  store, but everything to do with  shade.

 Your winter coat is made of denim.

You can tell the difference between fire ant  bites and   mosquito bites.

You're younger than 60 but some of your  friends are over  80 

 

Anything under 70 degrees is chilly.

You've driven through Waldo, very  slowly.

 You  know that no other grocery store can compare to  Publix. 

 

You  know that anything under a Category 3 just  isn't  worth waking up for.

You  dread love bug season.

You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They weren't Hurricane Charley or Hurricane Frances. You
know them as  Andrew, Charley , Frances , Ivan and Jeanne.

You know what a snowbird is and when they'll  leave.

You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.

'Down South' means Key West

Flip-flops are everyday wear. Shoes are for business meetings and church, but you HAVE worn flip flops to church before. (more
than once!)

You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.

You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.

A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.

You have a bumper sticker: 'This car climbed Mount Dora', and you know where and what Mt Dora is.

You know the four seasons really are: hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season and summer.

You've hosted a hurricane party.

 

You can pronounce Okeechobee and Kissimmee and Withilacoochee

 

You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat than have a boat  yourself.

You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas and New Years.

You recognize Miami-Dade as ' Northern Cuba

So,can you guess where I was today? If you guessed Popeye's you would be wrong. ha ha. I was at my crocheting group at Half Off Books. I love that place and the group of gals and guys are wonderful. I really am learning. I was so glad that my friend Pat decided to come today. I sensed she really enjoyed herself... Hey Pat. It's Yolanda.... ha ha That is if you even read this. ha ha

Below is the hat I crocheted for my brother to match the scarf I made him.

I look like a convict that just went into a gas station bathroom, colored my hair, stuck on a hat and took a picture to make sure no one would recognize me. ha ha... I have no idea what those marks are. Oh wait. I think it was that pen thing when I tried to resize the picture.

As you can see, I am really enjoying my latest endeavor, and will be able to cross that off my bucket list. My list is more on the practical side. Next need to get a coloring book so I can color every page. Don't ask. ha ha. Just as a kid I only colored the ones I liked. Now I want to do all of them, even if I don't want to. ha ha...

That's it for today. Until the next time.....