Count Your Blessings Tuesdays

I don't know if you've  noticed I haven't done a blessing post in a while.  I am eternally grateful but just can't think of a few to write about.  Between work (a new class that I have to constantly be planning for) and grad school... plus home, I'm drained.  At least I know that my energy is being used for important things!  I'm putting the blog on the back burner for now until I have something to write about ;)  Sorry folks!   

Crochet Galaxy Stitch

Video Tutorial: Crochet Galaxy Stitch - Snowflake

The multiple for this stitch is 3 + 3. Unfortunately the video tutorial has it incorrect. It can be done as 2 + 3 but it may turn out a little fuller.

The amount of stitches will remain the same for each row. Each center joined segment of the stitch will be offset each row, which creates the unique effect of this stitch. It reminds me of those little 6 point plastic beads.

Working on chain foundation: This stitch is worked with 3 stitches joined. It will be a combination of a single crochet and 2 half-double crochet joined. You put the hook through the next chain, draw up a loop. Leave the two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, skip one chain and in the next put the hook through the chain and pull through the yarn; you will have 4 loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over your hook, Skip another chain and in the next chain insert your hook and draw through the yarn. You will have 6 loops on your hook. Draw the yarn through all 6 loops. Pull the yarn through one more time to secure the loops. Continue on by drawing your first loop through the previous center joined loop. The rest of the stitch is worked the same for the chain foundation. Half Double Crochet in the last stitch, CH 2 turn.

Row 2: You put the hook through the chain next to the hook, draw up a loop. Leave the two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook, put the hook through the center joining of the stitch in the previous row and pull through the yarn through the loop; you will have 4 loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over your hook, put the hook through the center joining of the stitch in the previous row and pull through the yarn and pull the yarn through the loop. You will have 6 loops on your hook. Draw the yarn through all 6 loops. Pull the yarn through one more time to secure the loops. Continue on by drawing your first loop through the previous center joined loop. Half Double Crochet in the last stitch, CH 2 turn.



 8/27/08   3:07 PM

Tip for trying a new #Crochet Stitch, Pattern or Technique

We all know that crochet can be frustrating at times when trying a new stitch, pattern or technique. What has worked for me in the past is to stop for a few hours or even a few days.  Most likely it will make more sense at a later time.

I am providing two playlists, the right and left hand version, that will provide the beginner crochet stitches.

Right Hand Crochet Stitch Video Playlist








Left Hand Crochet Stitch Video Playlist

Joined Crochet Swirl

Joined Crochet Swirl

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  How to make a Crochet Thread Swirl Joined

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand How to make a Crochet Thread Swirl Joined

Skill Level - Intermediate

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Materials
Size 1 Steel crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Stitch Instructions 
You will join each motif with right sides facing each other.  They will be joined with a slip stitch.  See symbol diagram from details. Diagram is only through round 5 but still represents how to join each motif together.  You can make the motif larger if you prefer larger pieces.




Chain 4, join.  You can also use the magic circle to start. 

Round 1:  CH 1, This will not count as a stitch, only the step up. Work *3 DC, CH 2, Complete 5 times total from *, join with the beginning stitch.

Round 2: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch and 1 DC in the next stitch, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 2, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 2 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 2, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 3: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 3 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the same space as the last DC, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 4 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the same space as the last DC, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 4:  Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 5 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 6 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 5: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 7 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 8 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 6: Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 9 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 10 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Round 7:  Slip Stitch to the next stitch. CH 1, Work a DC in the same stitch, Work 1 DC in ea of the next 11 stitches, Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Skip 1 stitch, *Work 1 DC in ea of the next 12 stitches. Work 3 DC in the next CH 2 space, CH 3, SC in the next CH 3 space, CH 3, Continue around from *. When you get around to the beginning, join with the first stitch.

Joining Motif:  Work a Slip Stitch in each double crochet on the opposite motif.  Diagram is only through round 5 but still represents how to join each motif together.

Facebook Drama

So the Facebook Drama that I had mentioned before continues.  Yesterday my nephew posted that he wishes he were dead and that his life sucks.  My brother, HIS DAD, "liked" his status.  There is so much anger welling up in my right now I can't describe it.  I don't care what your child does in this life, you have no right to wish them dead.  The reason my nephew is the way he is now is mostly because of choices my  brother made.  I must say that now my nephew is accountable only to himself  since many have tried to help him... but he did not have a great start in this life.   That post was followed by 21 comments mostly my sister, niece, sister-in- law (nephew's step mom), nephew's girlfriend and niece's husband.  Really... Facebook is not the place for all of this and I am SO glad that I took my nephew off of my Mom's page so she won't have to see all of that.

Pics by C ;)

When we went to the sunflower field, I set the camera up for C to take a few pictures of me there.  I have NO idea what happened but the pictures have an odd "effect" on them... almost artsy.  Anyway... they're not bad.  Check them out!

A book!

My uncle's biography was finally finished and published.  Check it out on Amazon.  You can "see inside" and check out the intro.  Uncle Eugene was an awesome person and I miss him... especially when I hear a piano playing or I read a book that he recommended a while ago.

TOUCAS EM REDE

Em lâ branca sedificada e pérolas nas flores.

Executada em 2 fios de linha Anne, um preto e outro preto e prata.

Linha com mini lantejoulas da Anne. Em 2 fios também.

Fiz para a bela Gigi, do Rio de Janeiro. Falta ela escolher qual das pretas quer. Seguindo para aí amanhã viu Gi...

Crochet Earring - Paula

 













Crochet Earring - Paula

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet Earring - Paula

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Crochet Earring - Paula

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Materials
Size 8 Steel  crochet hook
Size 10 Crochet cotton
Small Tapestry or Sewing Needle
Earring Finding


Work a chain of 40, join with the beginning stitch.


Round 1:  CH 1, Work 50 Single Crochet around the chain 40, join with the beginning stitch.

Round 2:  CH 1, SC in the same stitch, *CH 4 skip 1 stitch, SC in the next stitch. Continue around from *.  For the last chain, work a chain 2, DC in the first stitch to join. There will be a total of 25 chains.


Round 3: CH 1, SC in the same chain. *CH 4, SC in the next chain. Continue around from *.  For the last chain, work a chain 2, put your crochet hook through the center of the earring, pull the thread through the center of the hook.  Work 2 final chains.  Join with the beginning stitch.  Secure the thread, cut and give it a tug.  Sew in all the tails.

September 2010 -Viewer Crochet Work

Share Your Work in a future video - You can submit a link to your image, website, or blog on the link below.
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/p/share-your-work-in-video-networking.html

1) http://minlillerosaverden.blogspot.com/

2) http://twenty-something-sherbet.blogspot.com/

3) http://gata-bordadeira.blogspot.com/

4) http://www.etsy.com/shop/babysquares

5) http://www.etsy.com/shop/bubbihund

6) http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecomfyconnection

8) http://pontinhosmeus.blogspot.com/
http://pontinhosmeus.blogspot.com/p/my-shop.html

9) http://www.hevinlee.com/

I Spy Bag

Although I was unable to join Beeps and S on their sewing date, I did do some sewing yesterday after my day with hubby.  I made a few bean bags for some colleagues and then I made T an I Spy bag!  I don't have a picture of the bag because T snatched it right up and SLEPT with it.   It's SO easy to make and I want to make another one for myself ;)

What you need:

sturdy fabric -- I used leftover fleece
thin clear vinyl
sewing machine
clear polyfil pellets (I had a hard time finding this... found it at Walmart in Towson yesterday!)
trinkets (my bag had a google eye, a broken mail key, plastic heart bead, penny, butterfly charm, macaroni noodle, 1 red Mike n Ike, seashell, sequin, pearl, broken cat earring, plastic pink turtle, small plastic tire, blue lego, rubber band, paper clip, silver letter blocks .. I think that's it)

1. Cut fabric so that you have a square or rectangular shape that will fit in your hand easily.
2. Cut an oval(or any other) shape into one piece of fabric... this will be your "window"
3. Cut your vinyl to overlap a bit of the window.. place on wrong side of fabric.
4. Sew the vinyl to the fabric using a zig-zag stitch or other reinforcing stitch.  In retrospect, I would have sewn twice to make sure that it's sturdy enough for the abuse of a toddler.
5.  Put right sides facing each other and sew around, leaving an inch opening.
6.  Turn right side out and place your trinkets inside.
7.  Fill with polyfil then shake the bag around a bit, keeping the hole closed.
8.  Stitch the hole closed... go over it twice to ensure that it will not come loose!

Enjoy :)

Edited to add photo:  (ignore the frayed edges... I wanted a "rustic look" and then I had to fix a leak near the window)

PARENT YOUR CHILDREN!

Today was the SECOND time I had to run after a ONE year old little girl that was left to play outside with her FOUR year old brother with no parents in sight.  These parents have already had CPS called on them because they had this happen before with the son... they'd just leave him to play outside alone.  They say it's cultural (they're from Turkey) and they are not neglecting their children.  Last time I checked, this is NOT Turkey and they live in a house without a fence and the closest thing to it is a PARKING LOT.  I know there are kids playing in the neighborhood but they're SEVEN... seriously.. a little different and they're playing together.

The girl was walking today in the houses behind ours... alone.  She saw me and just stopped, let me pick her up and carry her back home.  ANYONE could have picked this little girl up and the mom is lucky it was me that picked her up.  I told her this and she just laughed and thanked me for getting her.  SHE DOESN'T GET IT!  There are crazy people out there that can pick up your kid... a car can hit them... they can fall and hurt themselves... play in the opened drain hole and get stuck down there.. ANYTHING can happen.  If I find this little girl on the street alone again, I'm bringing her home with me and calling the police.  This is ridiculous and scary.

Count Your Blessings Tuesdays

Today I am grateful for:

• three day weekends followed by three day weeks :)
• organization!  I feel like I'm SO on top of things this year and I'm determined to continue in this path.  I think I finally figured it out!
• laundry done and put away and clothes PURGED.  I told you... I finally got it together!
• freshly mowed grass thanks to hubby and the teamwork of T and myself sweeping up the sidewalk ;)
• LOVELY weather this weekend.  If I had my way, the weather would be like that AAAAAAAALL the time.  
• a wedding already booked for next June.  Yay for photography :)
• C -- he really goes out of his way to make me feel like a princess!

How to Crochet an Edging with Pomp-A-Doodle Yarn

Dirty Clothes

There's a saying in Spanish:  "La ropa sucia se lava en casa" and it SO applies to all the drama that's going on in my family right now on Facebook.  I totally understand that people are angry and upset but there is NO need to put it out there on someone's wall.  Especially when it's not going to make a point for this person.

Oh and if you're wondering what that saying means... it means, you wash your dirty clothes at home... aka.. keep your business to yourself.

Closed - Giveaway Crochet Hooks and Gel Grip - August 30 thru September 8th - Drawing the next Day

NOTE: Comments are on moderation thanks to spammers, so comments will not show up right away.  I will approve them each day, throughout the giveaway.  Once the giveaway is over, I will hide the existing comments.

I am going to try this again.

Two people will receive a set of crochet hooks and a set of gel grips.
I will draw the winners on September 9th.

1) Everyone from around the world is welcome to participate.

2)  If you are under the age of 18, please have your parents permission.

3) Not eligible if you have won crochet hooks in the past.

4) I am leaving this open for anonymous participants.  If you are anonymous, please provide some sort of contact information like an email address or I will have no way to contact you should your name be selected.  Do no post phone numbers or mailing addresses.

5)  You are welcome to leave 10 comments per day. 

Thank you for your participation.

Post just for Beeps

Since I don't get to talk to Beeps much anymore I wanted to let her know that I have kept the plant she gave me last January alive... and I have proof :)  I also have proof of  a bunch of plants that have survived living in my house for two years!  Woo!  I know she'll be proud ;)

Freak Gerbera Daisy plant that came with "twin" flower heads... still alive!

And budding, might I add?  Check out the flower bud near the tag.

Alive plants :)  The one on the left looks sad but it's because it keeps growing long, not full... I'm trying to force it back up.

Christmas cactus alive well past Christmas...also budding.  Hey buddy, Christmas is not around the corner... yet!