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Monday, September 29, 2008

Blue Monday



For this weeks Blue Monday, I present Sunbonnet Sue in blue....
she is my favorite pattern of all.. I'm sure with all the little kitty kitties she has around her..the little white dress may be in danger.. She is one of the first pillowcases I embroidered after years of no embroidery...I think I like little sue...
Happy Blue Monday to everyone and a big thank you to smilingsally.blogspot.com/ for hosting.....Now I'm off to visit sally and the rest of the blue mondays....

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Handbag Pincushion





This, being my first attempt at a handbag pincushion, I'm not sure if I should post or not. Then I decided, perhaps not so perfect things should be posted sometimes as well. And that maybe this pitiful little lined purse, should go on exhibit for all to see....it stands tall..(well leans ) and appears a bit lopsided (which I think is just maybe the way it tilted when it's pic was being taken),,,but in all its glory, stands testament to the one thing that has whipped me to the mat, repeatedly, for 2 weeks. * sniffles and sobs quietly lest the pincushion purse hear me and smirk. It looked so easy to make and should have been..
should have been..
famous last words.
I may yet take it apart and use it as a needlecase and scissors holder......maybe..

Friday, September 26, 2008

Pink Saturday


This is one of my favorite music boxes, given to me by my grandaughter. At four, the age when this was given me, she had eyes that flashed and little feets that danced...and she was insistent this was the very music box I should have. We both love music boxes and carousel horses..a love we share with my sister and a niece...
Many thanks to Beverly of http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for hosting Pink Saturday..Thanks Beverly !!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Ripple Afghans


This is the ripple afghan I'm currently working on.. I seem to get caught up in too many projects at any given time...sure wish there were more hours in the day..:)

Another ripple

And lastely..yes, another ripple afghan. These are but a few of the ones I've made..using the Navajo ripple pattern and other ripple patterns. I've made enough now that I don't need a pattern, I just make the chain the size I need for that particular afghan. They always work up so pretty and are so snuggly...it's my favorite for a quick afghan project...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Vintage Ripple Afghan in Knit

* Approx. Size: 48" X 60"
Use Size 9 long knitting needles or size needed to achieve gauge...
Gauge:
4 sts = 1"; 7 rows = 1"
Check gauge carefully throughout to ensure having sufficient yarn
Buy enough yarn of same color lot for afghan, to ensure correct color throughout
Yarn:
2 skeins color A
4 skeins color B
2 skeins color C
~~~~~~~~~~~~
With color A, loosly cast on 191 sts. Purl back.
Row 1:
Knit 5, * yo, k 1, yo,k 4, k 3 tog through back loops, k 4. Repeat from *, end last repeat yo, k 1, yo, k 5, = 193 sts.
Row 2:
k 1, purl to within 1 st of end, k 1.
Rows 3 and 4:
Knit
Row 5:
k 1, sl 1, k 1, pss sl st over k 1, k 3,* yo, k 1,yo, k 4, k 3 together thru back loops, k 4, Repeat from * end last repeat k 3, k 2 together thru back loops, k 1.
Row 6:
K 1, purl to within 1 st of end, k 1.
Rows 7 and 8:
Knit
Repeat rows 5 - 8 for pattern. Work in following sequence. Work in pattern changing colors following chart:
Color Chart:
* 16 rows A
16 rows B
8 rows C
8 rows A
8 rows C
8 rows A
16 rows B
8 rows A
28 rows C
8 rows A
72 rows B
* 8 rows A
24 rows C
Repeat between *'s in reverse color sequence.....Bind off loosely

Navajo Ripple Afghan

This pattern and the one for the knitted ripple afghan, was passed to me a few years back by a friend of my sisters....I have made so many of these afghans..in so many sizes and colors and it's still one of my favorite patterns. My sister has made the knitted one also and it's lovely..I have not attempted the knit version, I am just a very basic knitter..:) The colors are of course your choice..you will need 3 colors for this one
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTE:
The approximate size for this afghan will be 40' X 60"

Size G hook or size required to get the gauge given
Gauge: 6 rows = 2 1/4 ", 1 chevron = 21/4"
Work in back loop of stitches throughout
Work thread ends in when beginning or ending a color
Buy eneough yarn to complete your afghan, checking color lots to make sure all yarn will have same color dye..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yarn Needed:
2 sheins color A
4 skeins color B
2 skeins color C
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With color A, loosly chain 197
Row 1:
1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each of the next 3 chs, * 3sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 4 chs, skip 2 chs, 1 sc in each of next 4 chs, repeat from * across, end 3 sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of last 4 chs; turn.
Row 2:
Working thru back loops of sts only, ch 1, skip 1 sc, * 1 sc in each of next 4 sc, 3 sc in next sc,1 sc in each of next 4 sc, sk 2 sc; repeat from * across to within last 5 sts , end 1 sc in each of next 3 sc,sk 1 sc,1 sc thru BOTH loops of last sc; turn.
Repeat Row 2 For Pattern
NOTE: ****
Work in pattern, changing colors by working off last 2 loops of last sc of old color with new color.
Follow chart below for Color Sequence:
*5 rows color A
5 rows color B
3 rows color C
3 rows color A
3 rows color C
3 rows color A
5 rows color B
3 rows color A
10 rows color C
3 rows color A
28 rows color B
* 3 rows color A
8 rows color C (center)
Reverse color sequence between *'s
~~~~
When you've completed the last row..check back to make sure all loose ends are woven in....
Thast's all there is to making this beautiful afghan..when you have completed one..I betcha you make another and maybe another..this is a really pretty and easy afghan, for a beginner or a more experienced crocheter...

Friday, September 19, 2008

Farm Girls Sunbonnet Sue #1


These sweet little ones...Sunbonnet Sue, Molly and Hannah seem to be having great fun..dancing about and playing. They are some of my favorite patterns..I love the little dresses and the pouffy bonnets. For myself, I've taken these patterns and drawn them off with a transfer pen..and transfered them onto pillowcases to embroidery. As soon as I gather up the courage, I want to try them in watercolor paints as these little ones need to be done in either the softest pastels or the prettiest feedsack fabric. I am the proud owner of some vintage fabric and soon...will begin some Sue's and her friends on something. Ideas abound..deciding is a different matter however.. for now, I remain content to embroidery.... I hope you enjoy these patterns...there will be several more to follow....

Thank You

A note to say a big Thank You to my sweet friend Alicesg...She sent the last 2 awards to me and I love and appreciate them.
If you want to see truly beautiful sites, you must check hers out. They are alicesg and yummyfoods...listed under friends blogs. She is a most talented blogger and crafter friend..and she is a sweetie. Thanks for being my friend Alice...

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Little Owl??


Is it a walnut shell or is it a little owls face?????
( is a walnut shell ) : )

Red Chicken Scratch Apron



This pretty apron was brought to me by Denise..a friend that happened upon it in a thrift shop and being the sweetie she is, she picked it up for me. I just love this pretty half apron with the long ties and another plus is..it's an extra long apron (which I love). The pattern is repeated all across apron at bottom..(the back of stitches are hidden there with a deep hem), pattern is also worked on waistband and is repeated on the last 6" of the ties. It's a really sweet. pretty apron.. ......p.s. now I owe Denise a pincushion

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Blue Monday

My Blue Monday.....








is my little ironing board..(my favorite).....

and my blue yoyo bowl...this sits beside me tv watching and as I finish yoyo's, they sit here, waiting for just the right project...

Included in the bowl this time..a soon to be handbag pincushion, yoyo's and bows forSunbonnet Sue's little hats and dresses...
* * * *
Thanks so much to SmilingSally for hosting Blue Monday

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Metric Ribbon Width Conversion

3/16" = 5mm
1/4" = 7mm
3/8" = 9mm
1/2" =12mm
5/8" = 15mm
3/4" = 19mm
7/8" = 23 mm
1 7/16" = 37mm
1 1/2" = 39mm
2 3/4" = 70mm

Metric Conversion Guide
Yards x .9 = meters
inches x 2.5 = centimeters

No Reason

Contemplating life at 3:29 a.m., on a Friday night, with everyone in bed but for me ... ( I am a born worrier, and tomorrow hurricane Ike will bring his wrath all the way up to my neck of the woods..so CC get everything ready, just in case..check your list, check your list !!!..but I digress.....
Lists !!! Earlier I had become engrossed with this older book of lists laying on my desk.
This book has tips for everything..list to make, things to do..to completely organize my life and my home. And I am stopped in my tracks, so to speak, because for the umteenth time this week, I realize that while the rest of my home is fairly neat (if you don't look too close), my craft area is a danger zone. My desk area is no better. I once saw on a blog where a young lady had taken a photo of her desk..complete with a lovely flower on the end. I almost wept...I can't see my desk top and I have no lovely flower. To my right are stacks of fabric, beautiful lovely fabric just waiting and 2 bookcases filled with vintage recipe books and recipes.., 1 bookcase filled with vintage crochet books and patterns, knitting patterns..Christmas patterns..(you get the idea)..to my left are stacks of felt, a mini ironing board, my sewing machine..mounds of ribbons and laces all safely put away in hatboxes..and buttons..lots and lots of tins and jars and various holding containers of beautiful buttons..(did I say I love buttons?)
Sooooooo, on to this little book to tell me how to organize my life...

Tip 234..
basket saver..as follows
"One decorative and unusual way to keep your kitchen clutter-free is to hang things in baskets from the ceiling; teas, bananas, herbs, dried flowers, pot holders, bibs, etc. This method is especially helpful if you have children."
A question ?????
How many children fit in a basket ???????
or do we leave them on a clutter free floor ??????
Thanks for listening to my rambleings (sp?)....and now I'm off to bed. Tomorrow (rather today) will be a busy day

Yellow Wild Flowers


Maybe I just needed to see something cheerful, Ike is coming ashore on Galveston and Houston........ I have friends and relatives all along the coast and into Louisiana, and while I pray for their safety, I also send up a prayer for all the other families. We are not in a direct path, and I am thankful..we will get a lot of high winds, rain and maybe tornados.... however, compared to the coastline..we are being spared..now it's time to begin to get things together to bring to the Red Cross and Salvation Army and to the volunteers who will be rushing with food, fresh water, with chain saws to cut the trees that are in yards and on houses..to all the volunteers, I say thank you..and God Bless...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Pinecone Ornament/Pincushion


Offray Ribbons
C.M.Offray & Sons
Chesteer, N.J.
*Note: not sure as to the age
Review: * * * * *
In sofar as explanations for a project go, this is a wonderful handout pattern. I'm not sure if it was one I got for myself, or one that I found along the way with other patterns..I just know I'm happy I kept it. I think I may make some for Christmas ornaments..hmmmm, gingham ribbon and lace ?? ribbon with lace and more lace ??? just ribbon ??

Coming across this little pinecone,..I just had to have it. I thought at first was a pincushion, but with being made on styrofoam, I quickly changed my mind. Then I thought to take it apart to make a pattern for myself..happily I never did...as you can see, in my attempt to clear up at least a small part of my craft area...I came across this handout from Offray..Yyayyyyyyyyy, now there is a clear consise pattern for us all to follow. Thank you Offray, you are a wonderful company..............

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Brocade Shoes Pincushion..(soon to be pincushion, that is)..:)


My next project..that's been patiently waiting it's turn to be finished..
I haven't found the so perfect fabric as yet, but I have much to search through. My fabric is also waiting patiently to be color sorted, and folded properly for best storage...
I wish I could add 3 more hours of craft time into my day..
just stretchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh a few more minutes into my day ... :)

My Chicken Pincushion


This is Julep....my little chicken pincushion..all bedecked with a facelift, errr eyelift.
Julep was in desperate need of repair and help arrived in the form of my son. I couldn't get her eyes repaired properly and he said.."look mom...see this knot and thread, see how to thread and loop to hold?".
Well, mom (me) tried to follow, but he may have to show me once again.
In any case, Julep is happy with her repaired "facelift" and so am I...

Sunbonnet Sue in Blue and White


My latest Sue....I like her in blue...........

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Embroidery on Gingham (Enlarged)

SOURCE:
Issued by the Educational Bureau of Coats & Clark Inc.
Coats & Clark
Zippers
"O.N.T." Threads
"Red Heart"Yarns
Milwards Needles
1960 Coats & Clark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review: * * * * * * *
This is a brochure put out in 1960 by the wonderful company..Coats & Clark..This is the source and all and full credit shoul;d be given to them..they had and have wonderful patterns..all handouts. I have always loved them, the embroidery ones in paticular.








Thursday, September 4, 2008

Close up of the Apron of the Week


Tho the apron of the Week doesn't need to be repeated here...in this case I thought it was a good idea.
This pink and white gingham beauty, with both cross stitch and ric rack work, is a favorite of mine, even with the stain, that thus far has been unmovable.. I wanted anyone interested to be able to enlarge and see the pattern...making it possible to work apron magic of their own... I'm not sure of the age of this apron..it's been well used, has a stain...but now has a happy home with me...

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Chicken Scratch Pattern of the Week.."Butterfly,Border and Star"


This pattern and a few others, was found in an old stationery box filled with patterns and "send in's". There were more boxes on other tables at the yard sale..wish now I had time to look and gather up more.....tho maybe, there would have been no more patterns in them..

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

A Place to Rest


A shady place to rest...to lean back and relax with a soft breeze blowing....a place to refroup, to think and plan, to daydream and let your mind be at peace and to just wander, this is my soft place and I love it especially when the sun is just beginning to set...

1930's Pet Milk Recipes.."Ribbon Sandwiches"


I think this little 1930's recipes book has some of the prettiest photos and graphics.. the food is so homestyle..I can't wait to try some of the recipes.

1930's Pet Milk Recipes "Lunch or Supper Page"


This page was loose in the 1930's Pet Milk Recipes book. Don't you love the hair styles of the two ladies pictured..and I would have loved to hear the radio demonstration of delicious foods...