Crochet, Knitting and African Violets

2009-01-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

In Loving Memory

You are forever in our hearts

Guy Thomas Willmon

September 15, 1978

January 9, 2009

Beloved son & brother

My darling son, I love you more than words can say.

Your are the light that fills my heart.

You are my pride and joy.

May you find peace.

May spirit support you.

May your spirit soar.

My son, Guy was killed on Jan. 9 in a work related accident.

I hurt more than I ever thought was possible.

This is my worst fear come to life. Everything else seems so trival now.

He was a happy, healthy 30 year old with a lifetime of hopes and dreams to look forward to. Guy was cheated out of those hopes and dreams. And the ones of us who love him were robbed. We will never again hear his voice, see his smile, or hear his laugh, or feel his touch.

The opening song at his memorial service was the original theme song from The Dukes of Hazzard (the original series) by Waylon Jennings. Guy would have liked that. I can see him saying "Hell, Yeah!"

Protect our Arctic Refuge

2009-01-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

My Projects & Swaps

2008-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of the cute Snowlady I received in the Snowman Swap at Amigurumi Swaps and More. My partner Christine made and sent this to me. Thanks Christine!

I also finally finished this shawl for my friend that I had to rip out countless times. I am still not 100% satisfied with the way it turned out. I had to make some size adjustments to the pattern and should have made a size adjustment to the overall size of the Goddess design in the middle. I will have to figure that out before I make another one of these. Anyway, here's the pic.

And there is also this Round Ripple Christmas Tree Skirt that I made. I am pleased with the way that it turned out.

There are a couple of small things that I have made for some Secret Santa Swaps that I am participating in. I haven't taken pics of those things yet and I still have some more things to make for those swaps as well.

After that I need to get started on some Holiday projects. It will be here before ya know it!

Thanksgiving Ami Swap

2008-10-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today I received a darling turkey wearing pilgrim hat from Debbie for the Thanskgiving Ami swap at Amigurumiswapsandmore.

Thanks, Debbie!

Towel Topper, Halloween Mini Cloth, & Dishcloth

2008-10-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

A towel topper that I made as a swap item.

I have pics of more items that I made but they haven't reached the person they are going to yet, so I am holding off on posting the pics until they arrive at their destination.

I received another mini cloth and Dish towel from my C'ville Secret Pal. Thanks, SP!

It's difficult to tell in the pic, but the mini cloth has a pumpkin on it.

She also bought me the pattern for the mini cloths. The pattern contains designs for the witch, the pumpkin, Frankenstein, a bat, a tombstone and a ghost. Too Cool!She also bought me the pattern for the mini cloths. The pattern contains designs for the witch, the pumpkin, Frankenstein, a bat, a tombstone and a ghost. Too Cool! thanks, SP!

More Swap Items

2008-10-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received more swaps items in the mail. The first one is from myautumnSecret Pal at Crochetville.

Here is a pic of what my pal sent:

The mini dishcloth has witch flying on her broom on it. Too cute and right up my alley!

I tried to enlarge the picture so the witch would show up better, it's a little better.

Then I also received this little guy for another swap. Isn't he cute?

Thanks Ladies!

Witchy Doll and more

2008-10-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today I received my Halloween Swap today from Sue for the swap at Denises Crochet Group.
Sue sent me a lovely Barbie Witch doll with a beautiful black witchy dress that she crocheted with thread and the cutest witch hat with spiders on it. Too cute!

She also send a skein of orange yarn, (perfect for this time of year) and a cute Jack o Lantern candle holder with candles.

Thanks Sue!

Halloween Goodie Bag Swap

2008-10-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

I just received my swap items from the Halloween Goodie Bag Swap at Crochet Cafe

Everything is just too cute. Thanks, April!

Here is a close-up pic of the bag so the jack o lantern beads will show up better(hopefully).

Happy Crocheting!

Halloween & Christmas Crochet

2008-09-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

I've been busy on Halloween items and Christmas Squares.

Here is a pumpkin patch pillow that I made for an Autumn Swap at Crochet Swap Buddies.

Another swap project was this Halloween Bag and little Boo Ghost that I made for the Halloween Goodie Bag Swap at Crochet Cafe.

Run for your lives! The Mummy walks the earth once more! Tee hee hee.

Somehow he really doesn't look all that fierce, does he?

The Mummy was for another Halloween swap.

See below what I received from my swap partner in this swap.

A kewpie doll in a cute cat costume. Isn't it just adorable? My wonderful Swap Partner Debbie sent this to me.

And here is the lovely corpse bride and her beloved ready to tie the eternal love knot.

I really had fun making all the Halloween items.

And here is another Christmas Square that I made for a swap (don't remember which swap.)

I'm off now to work on more projects.

Happy Crocheting!

Christmas Squares

2008-09-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

I've been working on Christmas Squares. Some I didn't take pictures of before I sent them off, but this last batch I decided to take pics of.

So here's my parade of squares. all of them are in Victorian Colors, except for the last square pictured that one is in Traditional colors.

I also made a dishcloth last weekend. In the picture it looks blue, but in reality it is purple!

Cheyenne's Poncho

2008-09-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the poncho for my granddaughter, Cheyenne. I think she will like it.

It would look better on on a person so it would fall correctly. But I don't have a live model available. LOL!

I have been working on swap items, some Halloween things, Christmas Squares, etc. . .

I am terrible about remembering to take pictures and I am working to do better with that. I relaly like being able to see what I made, what yarn I used, who it went to, etc. . . This is the perfect place to log all that info along with a pic.

Well, I'm off to take the dogs out, water my plants, and then do some crochet today.

Halloween Crochet

2008-09-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have been working on items for Halloween Swaps on various groups.

Here is a pic of a ghost, Pumpkin and a pumpkin fridgie. I sent the ghost and the big pumpkin to Sue at Denise's Crochet Group.

I am still working on more Halloween items and will post a pic when they are finished.

It's in the bag - Purse/Tote Swap at C'ville

2008-08-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I received my tote bag from my partner Stephanie at the "Ville.

I just love this bag, so pretty.

She also included some extras goodies.

Here is a pic of the bag I made for her. Unfortunately, the color looks all washed out in this picture. It is reallya nice Midnight Blue.

Dragon King Daylilies Blooming

2008-06-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

My Dragon King daylilies are blooming. I saw the first open bloom this morning when I took the dog out. It wasn't long before I was outside with my camera taking a pic of that gorgeous flower.

Bela Lugosi Daylily

2008-05-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

My "Bela Lugosi" daylilies are starting to bloom. My camera batteries are dead, so I took a pic with my cell phone. I am impressed, the pic turned out really well.

The blooms on this plant are just so lovely. Too bad the blooms don't last long.

I have another named Daylily, "Dragon King" but it hasn't bloomed yet this year. I want to get a pic of it, too. I will post the pic when I get one.

I planted some Amaryllis bulbs, but most likely won't see any blooms this year.

I got some herbs a 2 or 3 weeks ago. I planted these in containers and I have them sitting on my porch. I have sage, sweet basil, catnip, spearmint, hyssop, lavender and echinecea (Cone Flower).

My First African Violet Wasp Bloom!!

2008-04-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited Blue Tail Fly has a bloom!! This is my first wasp to bloom. I couldn't resisit taking a pic of the bloom.

As the picture shows, the plant has other buds, but they are taking their own sweet time about opening. I hope to get another pic with several buds open at once.

At our last AfricanViolet club meeting I aquired Optimara Little Moonstone - full of blooms!

and Episcia Checkboard - in bloom as well.

and Orchard's Bumble Magnet not in bloom. So I won't bother with a picture.

Happy AVing!

Baby Blanket

2008-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

I got so far behind in posting pics of my finished items.

Here is a baby blanket that I completed back in January. I just realized that I never posted a pic of it on here.

I used Joann's Sensations yarn for this project.

Lapghan Finished!

2008-04-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

I am really late in posting this one. I finished and shipped the lapghan I made for my Secret Sister, Elizabeth. And of course in all the excitement I forgot to take a picture of it! LOL! Go figure!

But Elizabeth came to my rescue and sent me the pictures she took of it.

So here is the lapghan I made for my SS.

Below is the laghan that Elizabeth made for me.

Below is a closer shot of the stitches in this lapghan.

Thank you, Elizabeth, you really do lovely work.

Progress on my Log Cabin Afghan

2008-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

The second picture showing my progress on my Log Cabin Afghan.

I wanted a colorful afghan, now I am not so sure about all the different colors, but perhaps it is too soon to tell yet. I will do a few moe logs and if I decide I am not liking the color scheme I will finish it off as a blanket for the dog and start another one with a more structured color scheme.

I would like to have a purple one, all shades of purple or maybe purples and pinks.

Newest Projects

2008-02-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the items I've been working on lately.

A soap or sachet bag done in Sugar N' Cream for a Swap.

A plastic bag keeper in Bernat Twists for a Kitchen Swap.

Two pink and black 12" squares for a square swap.

Angel dishcloth for a Kitchen Swap

I'm also still working on my Log Cabin Afghan and I making a lapghan for my Secret Sister on the Secret Sister Forum

I will have to post a new pic of my Log Cabin soon. I haven't had as much time to work on it as I would like, but it is a year long project.

Swap Goodies from Swap Swap Gals

2008-01-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

I received my swap goodies from Christina at Swap Swap Gals. She sent a load of really nice items. Thank you, Christina.

Let's see we have two dishcloths, a scrubber pad, cooking untensils, 2 towele, 2 dress decorations, a package of cookie mix andsome crocheted strawberries. (the strawberries are too cute!)

Thanks again, Christina. I love it all.

Happy Crocheting,

Sabrina

My Log Cabin post #1

2008-01-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have started my Log cabin Afghan and have decided to chart my progress here.

So here is the first 3 logs.

Log Cabin Afghan

2008-01-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

Over at My Knitting Circle we are having a year long Kal for a Log Cabin Afghan. I started mine on Saturday night and got the center block finished up last night. I am now ready to add the next color.
I haven't taken any pictures yet, but will soon as I want to chart the progress of this project.

On the Crochet front I am still working on a baby blanket for charity and 12" squares fro a exchange.

My plan is to settle down to crochet and finish the last square tonight while watching Medium. However I have my two grandsons tonight so my plans may be somewhat altered.

I hope to remember to take pics of the squares before I sent them out. I almost always forget. LOL!

Wish List: Swap Swap Gals

2008-01-02T16:32:00.001-08:00

I am trying to join Swap Swap Gals and I am supposed to post these questions to my blog so here goes.

Wish List: Swap Swap Gals

Hobbies? crochet, knitting, reading,
Crafts? crochet, knitting, candle and soap making
Favorite Colors? purple, burgundy, blue, green, yellow
Favorite Animal? dogs and cats
All Dislikes? traffic jams, nuts, hard to understand patterns
Favorite Candies? M & M's Plain
Favorite Smell Goods? lavender, rosemary, cinnamon
Other things you may like or may not like? Like candles, tex-mex food, love the old Dark Shadows gothic soap opera, love to read mysteries and suspense thrillers.

2008! What to crochet? What to knit?

2008-01-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally made it to 2008! Yipee! Good riddance to 2007!

So now what I am going to crochet in 2008? Well, I am already working on a baby blanket that will go to charity, a shawl and a round ripple afghan that I seem to have hidden from myself. LOL! oh well, it will turn up eventually. Aside from that I really want to make some of those plastic bag keepers, an afghan for myself and a shawl for myself. Somehow I never seem to end up making anything for myself. Hmmmm. what's wrong with this picture?

On the knitting side of life I really want to work on my knitting skills this year and finally get that Reader's Wrap done. I had to frog it again all the way. So that means starting over AGAIN! BUt now the pressure is off since I am not in a hurry trying to make it as a holiday gift so perhaps I can work on it bit by bit over the year.
I also really want to do a Log Cabin Afghan.
Other than that whatever else that comes along that strikes my fancy, I suppose.

CrochetMania Secret Santa Strikes!

2007-12-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

Today I received a box of goodies from my Secret Santa at CrochetMania. It turned out to be Pricsstrish. She sent a wonderful box of stuff.

I got a green m & M box (with M&M's inside of course)
a rubber ducky
snowflake socks
2 hot pads
1 dishcloth
small purple stocking with Hershey's Kisses, a lavender Sharpie, and a snowman ornament inside it
a lighted crochet hook (size "H")
lavender eye mask
pine scented candle
package of fresh scents sachet

Thanks for everything, Secret Santa (a.k.a. Pricsstrish)!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas Coasters, and a Seraphina Shawl

2007-12-08T03:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some Christmasy Coasters that I made from the Cocoa & Cookies pattern in the issue of Crochet World. I didn't embroider the suggested candy canes on the coasters as I don't like to embroider. Perhaps next time I will put some crocheted holly leaves and berries or a snowman on the coasters.

And here's an icicle snowman that I made.

I need a bit more experience with the fabric paint as it looks like it smeared a bit on the snowman's mouth. Oh well, everyone has to start somewhere, right?

And last, but not least is the latest Seraphina Shawl that I made.

I completed this shawl last month, but this is the first chance I have had to take a pic and post it. This is the third Seraphina that I have made and I have yet to make one for myself. Perhaps, after the holidays I can get around to making one for myself.

Happy Holidays,

Sabrina

C'ville Holiday Swap 2007

2007-12-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

On Monday I received, not one, but two boxes of goodies from my partner in the Crochetville Holiday Exchange.

Here's a list of what I receivced:

2 pkgs of sticky notepads with a holiday theme

A crocheted zippered bag (to carry crochet accessories in)

scissors

a row counter

5 afghan pattern books

21 tear off patterns

a stuffed snowman

Crocheted black purse (too cute! Ilove it!)

2 cute button pins

cute Halloween type pin

a bag of treats for my dog

2 packages of cat toys for the kitties

Box of Russell Stover CandiesBag of Christmas candy

box of cocoa mix

box of peppermint sticks (candy canes)

10 skeins of yarn (2 of which are Alpaca!)

3 Christmas dishtowels (one with a crocheted top)

Wow! I think I got everythign listed! Boy, do I ever feel spoiled.

Thanks to my wonderful exchange partner!

Happy holidays,

Sabrina

Holiday Swaps

2007-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I've jumped off into the deep end of the pool and signed up for not one but two Holiday Swaps! One is the Secret Santa Exchange at Crochet Mania and the other one is the Holiday Exchange at Crochetville. I think both of these will be fun and I could sure use some fun right now. I am getting some ideas already about what to get for my partners in these two exchanges.

Aside from that I am plodding along slowly on the Reader's Wrap, it seems to be coming along nicely at the moment.

I also started the Pentacle Shawl and it is coming along just fine so far. I am still not totally comfortable with filet crochet.

Reader's Wrap - Can you spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R?

2007-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

I started the knitted Reader's Wrap and it was coming along nicely, until last night.
Tired and just needing to find some moments of calm uninterrupted time (after babysitting since Friday Evening) I retired to my room and proceeded to work on the Reader's Wrap. I got about 5 rows into when I noticed that the first row I did then had a gaping hole in it where I dropped a stitch. Well, now I have to admit that while I can knit adequately, I can't mange to fix a boo-boo without froggin' the piece. I make an attempt to correct the mistake which didn't work, so I tried to frog it back to where the mistake was. Well that was a huge mistake. I lost more stitches and now just need to frog the whole thing and start over. I am not really looking forward to starting over, but I don't have much of choice as I can't figure out how to continue with it as it is now. Aaaaaarrrrruuuuuggggghhhhhhhh!

I would like to work on it now, but I still have the boys and knitting or crocheting is difficult at best when I am keeping them. Especially if it is a project that requires concentration.
I plan on starting it again this evening if I am not too tired once they leave. Which is doubtful because I am exhausted and sleepy now and it's only 2:04 p.m. and their father won't get here to pick them up until probably somewhere between 4:30 and 5:00. The way I feel right now I may go straight to bed once they leave (and sleep for 3 days! LOL!)

2007-10-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

I recieved my invite to Ravelry a couple of days ago. My ID there is Sabrina. And I have to say that I am spending far too much time on Ravelry looking around, adding things to my account, etc. . .

I haven't posted in a while, mainly there hasn't been anything really worthy of writing about. I did complete a shawl for a swap I was in . I used TLC Essentials yarn in Fall Leaves (autumny colors - variegated). And of course I packed it up and sent it out without taking a picture of it. Oh well!

I noticed while working with the TLC Essentials yarn that it split very easily. It was very irritating. This is the first time I have used TLC Essentials yarn and I am wondering if all of their yarn splits that easily. I still have enough skeins of this yarn to make another shawl and I do love the colors. I am thinking of making a autumn shawl for myself, but I am not looking forward to battling the splitting yarn.

I have a couple of items that I need to complete for a Christmas Swap that I am participating in and then I will be on to the Holiday gifts I plan on making. As usual I am running behind, but should be able to start in a day or two.

Ok, I'm off now to go do something productive now.

Goddess Shawl

2007-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the goddess Shawl I finally finished!

It is going away today as a birthday present.
I am pleased with the way it turned. It looks black in the pic, but it is really Royal Blue.

Next on my list is finishing up some items for a Seasonal Exchange. Then on to Holiday Gifts!

Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

September Already?!

2007-09-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is September alaready! This is one of those years that has both seemed millions of years long and yet has flown by. Truthfully, I am more than ready to see 2007 ride off into the sunset never to be seen or heard from again.

I finally finished the Goddess Shawl I hope the sizing is right on it. I am still worried it might be abit on the small size, but tons better than it was and I don't have any more time to re-do. The birthday celebration is tomorrow. I will post a pic of the shawl later today or tomorrow. I still need to weave in a couple of loose ends and take a picture of it.

Other than that I haven't been doing much else. Well, I also finished a 12" square for an exchange on my group Crochet Swap Buddies.

I still have a couple of things to work on for an exchange on an other group.

So Much For Good Intentions

2007-08-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Mandy's Candy Bag is still on the needles. My main project this past weekend seemed to be sleeping, I felt as if I had taken a giant sleeping pill (which I didn't do), then of course after all that I did nothing but toss and turn last night. Go figure. LOL!

I did work some on the Goddess Shawl and am finally into the image part of it. It's a higher priority than anything else right now, so unless I just can't stand to look at it a second longer I will keep on with the Goddess Shawl in an effort to get it finished in time. Well, I can dream, can't I?

Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

Goddess Shawl & Mandy's Candy Bag

2007-08-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

I had to take the shawl apart again! It was still too small. I mean the thing would be the perfect size for my 9 year old granddaughter, unfortunately I am making it for an adult lady! So now I believe that I am finally on the right track with it. I had hoped to be finishing it up this weekend, but I think it will take longer to complete now. After all the size issues I am really ready to be done with it. LOL!

I am just about finished with Mandy's Candy Bag, but have laid it aside to work on the previously mentioned shawl. I do plan on completing the Candy Bag this weekend, I will post a pic of it when I get it done.

Happy Friday!
Sabrina

Mandy's Candy Bag

2007-08-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

I am attempting to knit Mandy's Candy Bag. LOL! Wish me luck! You can get the pattern here. I will post a pic when I get it finished.
There is a contest on NH Knitting Mama blog ( the bag's desinger). Knit the bag, post it on your blog with a link back to the NH Knitting Mama blog and let her know that you have done this and you will get 5 chances to win.

Or if you don't want to knit the bag (but it's so cute so why wouldn't you want to knit it?) Make a mention on your blog with a link back to Mandy's blog and get one chance to win.

Happy Candy Bag Knitting!
Sabrina

Started Goddess Shawl

2007-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

I finally started the Goddess Shawl. I am doing it in Royal blue. So far so good.
Although I had to alter the pattern somewhat, it was coming out too small so I made some adjustments to make it bigger. It seems to be coming along quite well now. At the rate I am going with it I anticipate having it finished by the end of week (if not before).

I must remember to take a picture of it before I give it away. (It is destined to be a gift for someone.)

I think that my next project will be the Reader's Wrap. I want to get that one finished, although it is to be a Holiday gift I really want to get it completed early.
Then after than I think I will give the Pentacle Shawl another try. My first experience with it was not a good one. LOL! But I think I am finally (with the help of the Goddess Shawl) figuring out the filet crochet pattern.

Happy Knitting, Crocheting and AVing,
Sabrina

C'ville Summer Secret Pal Swap 2007 - Reveal Package

2007-07-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

I received my reveal package from my Secret Pal on Monday. My Secret Pal turned out to be Briana and she sent me loads of great stuff.

I received:

a pattern book for knitted Summer Throws
6 skeins of dusty pink TLC Essentials yarn
#10 circular knitting needles
2 Halloween dish towels
1 ball of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn
A paperback book "Nightmare House by Douglas Clegg and a book mark with a dragon on it
A pendant yarn cutter
2 crocheted dishcloths and the pattern
A rubber stamp with a cat, a dog, a bone and a mouse on it
A stamp pad for the stamp
A pkg of Halloween buttons
A small denim bag with a wrist strap
2 skeins of Bernat Camoflouage in Hunter Orange
A bag of Life Savers candy
Lemonade mix in a lemon shaped container
A skein of Caron One Pounder in Country Rose
A crocheted Sunglasses case
A crocheted tote bag (love this bag!!)
A bottle of Lavender fragrance oil
Size "G" crochet hook
A needle container

I think I listed everything. It's all great! I feel so spoiled! Briana was a great Secret Pal.

Happy Crocheting!

Round Ripple Afghan & My Plants

2007-07-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

I started a Round Ripple Afghan a couple of days ago. It is progressing very well and I really like it.
I am making in Caron Simply Soft Autumn Red, Heather Grey and Black. I will post an in-progress pic soon.

I haven't been crocheting much over the last month, but am starting up again now. I still have a couple of shawls that I need to finish, the cream one and the grey Seraphina. Actually, the Grey one won't take much to finish it, I could finish it off in one evening if I would just commit to working on it. I haven't had a lot of motivation or energy for much of anything lately.

My poor violets and other plants are suffering as well. I spent time yesterday grooming and watering my plants. My Episcias are growing like crazy, despite my recent neglect. They need trimming badly, I know I won't get to that today, but it's on my list for the coming week.

Happy Crocheting!

Violets Blooming

2007-06-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have two more violets blooming for the first time since I have had them. I love it when my violets bloom, but it really special when it's the first time.

This is a pic of Aca's Curious George in bloom.

This is Rosie Ruffles. Such a beautiful bloom!

There's not much else happening on the AV front. The rest of my plants are doing fine.
My Episicas are really growing. I have them in a mini greenhouse. I think that's what they are called, basically it's a plant shelf that has a plastic zippered cover. It really helps with the humidity and my Episicas love it!

I love Streps, but for some reason they seem to be more of a challenge for me than the African Violets or Episicas. I lost most of what I had over the winter, got a few new ones, tired wicking them and some are doing great and others are falling by the roadside. It's so frustrating! Arrruuuugggggghhhhhh!!!

Happy Av'ing!

Crochet Swap Buddies

2007-05-23T11:54:00.001-07:00

Sign-ups for the Spoil Me Cuz I Deserve It Swap are underway at my Crochet Swap Buddies Group. Come on and join us for loads of fun.
Don't miss out, Sign-ups will close May 24th at midnight.

I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

Thanks Secret Pal!

2007-05-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a package from my C'ville Secret Pal.

Thanks Secret Pal!

She sent me two Knitting Magazines. These are great I found several things in each magazine that I want to knit. A book on plant propagation. Cool, I learned some things I did not know from just skimming through it last night. Can't wait to read it through.

My SP also sent a big handful of tear off patterns. And of course I want to make all of those as well. LOL! Don't know when I will ever find the time to make all the items I want to make,but it's fun just thinking about it.

Here's a pic of my loot!

Once again Thanks Secret Pal!

Crochet Swap Buddies

2007-05-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have started a crochet swap group called Crochet Swap Buddies. The first swap is in sign-up process right now. Click on the link above to get the details for the Summer "Spoil Me, Cuz I Deserve It" swap! Sign-ups will be accepted until midnight May 24.
The swap will begin on May 26 and finish on July 28th.

Check it out and come join the fun!

Crochet Swap Buddies "Spoil Me, Cuz I Deserve It" Swap

Crochetville Summer Secret Pal Swap!!

2007-05-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Summer Secret Pal Swap at Crochetville has begun. I received my Known Secret Pal yesterday and also heard from my Unknown Secret Pal yesterday.

My unknown Secret Pal sent me the cutest e-card. Thanks, Secret Pal!

I am looking forward to this round of the Secret Pal Swap.

Happy Crocheting!

Rectangle Granny Afghan

2007-05-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

I finally completed the Rectangle Granny Afghan.

I made this afghan for my boyfriend. He seems quite pleased with it. Now he's asking for another one! LOL!

I have been working on 12" squares for exchanges and knitting on a couple of dishcloths. One for an exchange. I did join a purse exchange on the At My House yahoo group. I plan on starting on that as soon as I get the exchange squares completed.

As always I have been working with my plants. I received some trade plants and leaves in the mail yesterday. I have leaves to pot up today so I'm off to do just that.

Happy Crocheting, and AVing!

Dishcloth Delights!

2007-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today I received my dishcloth / scrubby package from my partner at the Texas Two Stitch forum.

I love everything in it! Thanks Sonia!

Nice big dishcloths and several tear off purse patterns (one can never have toom any purses, ya know!) and one cute flower rug that I think I may make for a little girl I know.

I am almost finished with the Rectangular Granny Afghan, I hope to finsih it tonight unless my boyfirend decides he wants it a little larger. Frankly, I'm hoping he's happy with the size, so all I have to do is put an edge on it ande done with it. I'm sick of looking at it! LOL!

I wonder how many other crocheters or knitters get sick of the bigger projects before they are done with them. I know I sure did with this one and I didn't even work on it everyday.

Regarding my plant addiction. LOL! I got three new Episicas today.

Hartford Renick
Chocolate 'n' Cherries
Grey Lady

One is bigger than other two are smaller, but they all look healthy and they will grow.

I also got one African Violet, a wasp named Neverland Dreams.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting and AVing.

Crochetville Spring Secret Pal Reveal Package

2007-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

I received my Reveal package from my not-so- secret pal on Friday. I say not-so-secret-Pal because we were paired up together as each others secret pal and also ended up paired up together for the Pet Swap on Crochetville as well. So it wasn't hard to figure out! LOL! But it was fun and I recieved a wonderful box of goodies on Friday from Jimmie Lu.
Thank you, Jimmie Lu! I love everything you sent.

My package included a skein of Bernat Camouflage yarn, a skein of Bernat Cott'n silk, an adorable stuffed snowman, pattern books, a box of herbal teas, a crocheted hook holder with 3 hooks, a plastic needle and a pair of scissors in it, a large Hershey bar, a small star soap (too cute!), and a lovely yeloow/blue/green crocheted dishcloth and apackage of large needles.

Happy Crocheting!

Violet Time!

2007-04-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

I get plant fever in the Spring. The only thing I want to do is work with my plants. Needless to say I haven't been doing much crocheting or knitting lately. I did finish up the items I needed for April swaps that I am in, but that's about it.

When my AV club its show at the beginning of March I didn't have a violet (or anything else for that matter) with even one bloom on it. Let's not even mention blooms for show. Now a month and a half later my violets are starting to bloom.

This is Buckeye Calico. You can't really tell from the picture, but it has BIG blooms.

Next is Raspberry Crisp and she is just starting to bloom. I couldn't resist taking her picture

and putting it on here.

Let's see who else? Oh yeah Optimara Dali.

And last but not least, Tommie Lou

I have only had Tommie Lou a short time. I bought the plant at the end of March when my AV club had sales booth at the local botanic gardens Spring Sale. Of course I bought quite a few plants that day. Some violets, a couple of Streps, a Kohleria, 3 begonias, and several Episcias. Oh How I love Episcias! Unfortunately I lost most of the ones I had over the winter.

I did a leaf swap and recieved some Nemathanthus. I am thrilled to get these cuttings.
I got Nematanthus Christmas Holly, Santa Teresa, Black Gold and Freckles. I can't wait for these guys to take off, grow and bloom!

I have some other leaf swaps planned, if memory serves me correctly those are all for AV leaves. Hey, one can never have too many plants, books, or too much yarn or too much chocolate. Now my BF doesn't agree with me on that, but hey I could have worse vices than plants and yarn, Actually, I think he tolerates my yarn stash much better than my plants. LOL!

Happy AVing!!

New Violet Leaves!

2007-04-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

I received my leaf order from Cedar Creek Violets today. I spent part of the afternoon putting down the leaves. My order was all Wrangler leaves.

They are:

Wrangler's Jealous heart
Wrangler's Dixie Dawn
Wrangler's Hey Day
Wrangler's Jackpot
Wrangler's Winter Hawk
Wrangler's Gaudy Lady
Wrangler's Branding Time
Wrangler's Honkytonk Blues
Wrangelr's Ghost Rider's
Wrangler's Red River
Wrangler's Gambling Fever
Wrangler's Candyland
and a gift leaf of
Alamo Sunshine

I have been spending alot of time lately working on my violets, Episicas and Streps. Most of them needed re-potting and of course I am not finished yet.
I got all of the Episicas re-potted, still have the Violets and some of the Streps to do and my Chiritas. My poor chiritas need re-potting so badly. I think I will do them next.
So many lovely plants, so little time! LOL!

Happy AVing!

Here's what I have been up to

2007-03-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well work is keeping me busy and insomia is keeping me tired and cranky. But still in the midst of all that fun, I found a few moments to do some knitting and crochet.

Here is the Bunny Dishcloth I knitted in the Monthly Dishcloths March KAL. The bunny is a
little difficult to see, but trust me he's there! I can't wait to see what the Mid-Month KAL will be.

I am also crocheting some dishcloths for a Dishcloth Swap I am doing at the TexasTwo Stitch Forum

Hmmm, let me see, what else? Oh yeah! The Full Moon Squares I am doing for a swap at Crone's Crochet Circle That would be this one.

I am also doing a Sabbat Square Swap with the Crone's Crochet Circle, but I don't have one ready to photograph yet.

In today's mail I recieved a lovely crocheted bookmark from my Crochetville Spring Secret Pal! Isn't it pretty? Thanks, Secret Pal!
I guess that's about it for now. Happy Crocheting, Knitting and Av'ing, Everyone!!

Goodies arrived today!!

2007-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

It's not my birthday, but I recieved two packages of goodies today!
First the mail man left a package on my porch. It is my bingo prize from LuvtoExchange list.
The package contained a wonderful book of Granny Squares! A crocheter couldn't ask for anything more!

A couple of hours later I made the trip to the mailbox and found more gooides there! A package from Crochetville Secret Pal was there, I could hardly wait to get back to the house to open it.

In that package was a lovely mint green crocheted bookmark, card, several tear-off patternss, and Quick Crochet Afghans pattern book. Wow! Thanks, Secret Pal!

A wonderful day of surprises. I am thrilled with everything.

Happy Crocheting!

Is It Spring Yet?

2007-02-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

It feels like Spring in Texas the last couple of days. I couldn't be happier. So I guess that Spring is my simple pleasure today and everyday!

I am ready for the March Swaps to begin. I am in several and am chomping at the bit to get started on them. I like to wait until I get my partner and see if they have any color preferences before I begin. Let's see, what swaps am I doing in March?

12" Square Swap at Grannie Group.
Crochetville Spring Secret Pal Swap
At My House - March Scrunchie Swap
At My House - March Coaster Swap
Texas Two Stitch Forum - Dishcloth Exchange
Crochetville Pet Swap

That should keep me busy for a day or two. LOL!

I am working on my second Seraphina Shawl. I am doing this one in Caron's Simply Soft Heather Gray. I am anxious to see how this one turns out.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting and AV'ing!

My First knitted Dishcloth

2007-02-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

I finally accomplished my first knitted dishcloth. It is finished! WOOHOO!

I really had a struggle trying to remember how to knit and even then just doing it, but after the beginner knitting class I took and a little bit of help from "Stitch N Bitch: the Knitter's Handbook" everything is coming together very nicely. I also have the knitted scarf that I made in the class that is still on the needles. LOL! Yeah, I'm bad. I guess the thing is I am just not too excited about the scarf and I have no idea what I am going todo with it. Now I love the yarn I picked for it. It's colorful and I love color. But I live in Texas, it rarely gets cold enough to use a scarf, but anyway, since it was the absolute first thing that I have knitted in 30+ years I suppose I will keep it. Of course there is always the possibility of it going to one of the grandbabies should the Navy send my son-in-law to a colder climate.

On the crochet front, I have been working on a rectangular granny afghan. And I finally finished and cmailed off the last of the Squares for Swap 78, that I was participating in. Now I am waiting patiently for the March swaps to begin.
I am participating in a Secret Pal Swap at Crochetville. This is the first secret pal swap I have done and I think it is really going to be fun.

Next weekend my African violet club is having their annual show and sale so I will be all wrapped in the excitement of that.

I am really looking forward to Spring. I am not a Winter person. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times of the year.

Seraphina Shawl - Finished At last!

2007-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

WOOHOO! I finally completed my first Seraphina Shawl. I used Yarn Bee Icelandic Jewels yarn in Rose Quartz and I very pleased with the yarn and the way that the shawl turned out.

On the crochet home front I have crocehted a couple of scrunchies and some granny squares for an exchange I am in. One of these days I will remember to take pictures of the things I make for exchanges. It seems I always think about that after I mail off the exchange item.

I took a beginner knitting class last month and it brought back a lot of what I once knew about knitting, but there is still a lot that I don't know or remember. So it is one step at a time. I used bamboo needles for the first time ever and they are wonderful. I love them! At this point I can't see myself using anything except bamboo needles. The class project was a scarf in garter stitch. I can see why that would be a good project for a beginner, but I wasn't overly thrilled with making a scarf. Hey, I live in Texas, it doesn't often get cold enough here to need to bundle up with a scarf and all that other garb that is needed in colder climates. So I have this scarf, but don't know what to do with it. Mostly likely will give it away. I just don't feel that I have a need for it.

My simple thing for today would have to be the day itself meaning it's Saturday. No work pressure, no appointments or schedules to adhere to, just a day to relax and do the things that I want to do. Hey, it can't get any better than that!.

Actually I plan on spending some time today tending to my violets and other plants, then organizing my yarn stash where I can find things. Then this evening I will most likely work on either squares for the exchange or the Pentacle Shawl that I am frogged back severely and am re-doing.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting or AVing to all!

Sunny Sunday Morning!

2007-01-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, after over a week of dreary rainy dismal weather the sun is shining this moring. It's still rather cool out, but that's ok. . . the sun is shining again! WOOHOO!

So my simple thing for today is the sunshine.

I had decided that I was going to try to make this year less stressful, try to eliminate as much as possible the things that stress me out. Well, nice thought, I don't seem to be doing very well on that so far. I did however realize something this morning and have made decision I began doing this year of simple things in an attempt to become more aware of the simple pleasures in my life, to be grateful for them and to fully realize the joy in them. Nice thought, except that some days I forget or don't have time to post, then I get stressed about not posting or recognizing my simple thing for that day, so I have made the decision that I will do it as it comes. I will not force anything and I will not stress over not doing it. I want this to be a pleasurable experience, not just another thing I feel like I "have" to do. And with that one small decision I feel liberated and feel that now I can have more enjoyment with this.

On the crochet frontier, I worked on my Seraphina Shawl yesterday and it is coming along quite nicely (Finally!). It has been a struggle, but I believe that the end result will be worth it. It is a very lovely shawl.

All of my plants look like death warmed over. I hope that with a little extra pampering that they will rally around. I lost almost all of my Streps, but it was my own fault. I got too busy and my plants got neglected. It happens. Oh well live and learn.

Simple Thing for Yesterday and Today & Crochet Progress

2007-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

I got a little sidetracked yesterday and didn't post my Simple thing . But I knew what it was. . .
Chocolate. You can't beat rich creamy luscious chocolate melting in your mouth. Definitely one of life's simple pleasures.

And for today, well it snowed today in Texas, not something that we get too often in this neck of the woods. Now I have to admit that I don't care for the cold at all, but there's just something about the ground covered in white. I love to sit and watch out the window as the snowflakes fall to the ground to create a gorgeous winter wonderland. Snow definitely makes the cold easier to take. So my simple pleasure for today is snow!

I was supposed to attend a knitting class today. I tried to call to see if it was being postponed or whar and I assume that it is postponed as nobody answered the phone at the shop. I was a little disappointed about not getting to have the class today because of the weather but on the flip side it was also ok. Now I still have it to look forward to.

On the crochet frontier I have completed all of the 12" squares that I needed to make for the January Exchanges I am participating in. Yay!
I still have an angel item to make and some 10" Snowflake squares for the rest of my January Exchanges. Things are moving along quite nicely.

A Year of Simple Things

2007-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

I saw this on the internet, in someone's blog and thought I would give it a go. My silent vow to myself for this year was to distance myself from the things that stress me, and so far I don't seem to be doing too well on that.

Anyway I came across the Year of Simple Things idea and figure perhaps it might help in some way, even if only in s small way, it would be something. I vow to post more often and make an attempt to find the simple things or simple pleasures in each day.

So for today my simple thing that I am grateful for and find pleasure in is my dog, Jasmine. Here's a picture of her in her favorite spot.

As far as my crochet goes, well, I have made some squares for some exchanges that I am in, a couple of scrunchies, a potholder, and I am working on a Seraphina Shawl. I thought I was making progress, but I was wrong. I discovered a mistake and now have to frog it back about 8 to 10 rows and start over from there. I feel as if I am never going to get that blasted shawl completed. I was hihgly frustrated and put it away for the moment. I just need to step back, take a deep breath, and then after some time away from it start work on it again.

BAH HUMBUG!!!

2006-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

OK, I am so sick of all this holiday crap. I just want it over with and gone. The family tradition Christmas crap is today, whoopdeedoo! I am not in the mood for this, it is not possible for me to care any less about this than I do. Yes, I have an acute case of Scroogitis (sp?) this year.

And the pentacle shawl I was making I had had to rip out, not completely, but still severely last night. And I actually thought I was making progress on the thing until I held it up for a closer look and noticed that the pentacle design was wider on one side than on the other. Arrruuuuugggghhhhhh!!!! All I wanted was to make a nice gift for my friend, it shouldn't be this friggin' difficult! The stitch is super easy, but obviously I got the count off in a big way. *Sigh*
I am so frustrated with this that I don't even want to look at it right now and there's no way I can have it finished in time. (Orignally we were supposed to exchange gifts on Yule (last Thursday), but postponed it until after Christmas, but with that after all the froggin' I did on it last night, there's just no way. I will put it aside for now, pick it up again after all this holiday mess is over and work on it for my friend's birthday. That will give me more time to figure out where I went wrong, plus allow some cool-off time so I don't throw the thing down and stomp on it! LOL! Hey, I like that thought!

Anyway, now I need to come up with another present. Oh the thrill of it all. I have no idea what to get. Ugh! Ok, deep breath and keep reminding self that this stupid holiday crap will pass.

Froggin' it!!!

2006-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

I discovered that all my work while waiting for my car the other day was all in vain. somewhere I made a big enough boo-boo to have to frog not only everything that I got accomplished on the shawl that day but all the way back down to the second row. Arrruuugggghhhh!!! And the real butt kicker is that I still am not for sure what it was that I did wrong!! I made a minor adjustment and am crocheting on it again. We shall see how it goes. I feel as if I will never get this completed. It is to be Yule gift and I need to have it completed for our Yule Celebration on Dec. 21st. Can you spell S-T-R-E-S-S?!!!!

Ok now I am really grateful that it is something that can be taken apart and re-done. There the screw-up was not permanent.

OK, taking a deep breath, going off to meditate and de-stress for a while.

Takin' it with me when I go

2006-12-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

I got a little extra time today to work on the Pentacle Shawl while I was sitting for almost 5 hours in the waiting room at the Dodge Dealership while they attempted to locate the place where my beloved Intrepid was leaking coolant from.

Well, while the news on the car was not so good. I did bring along the Pentacle Shawl to work on and got quite a bit done on it. I am really anxious to get it finished, I can't wait to see the finished product.

Fortunately , I don't often have to go places where I have to sit and wait, but it does happen occasionally and I will be certain in the future to always have my crochet along to keep me occupied while waiting.

I had to smile, I was sitting there crocheting and this older gentleman entered the waiting room, looked at me and said. "So you decided to knit while you're waiting, huh?"
I just smiled and said "Yes, it beats just sitting here." I didn't bother to mention that I wasn't knitting.

Other than that bit of crochet I didn't get much else done today. Ah well, there's always tomorrow.

Happy Crocheting!

Holiday Gift Crochet

2006-12-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

I finally started on the Pentacle Shawl. It is an interesting pattern and initially I thought I was doing something as the ends of the rows were turning out uneven giving it a stair step effect. I contacted the person that wrote the pattern (a really sweet lady) and she verified that it was supposed to have the stair step effect. Ok, well, that's good, but I still had to rip out 3 rows as one ove end of the rows had the stair steps. Ooops! So I did mess up, but now I have it under control at least for the moment. LOL!

My next hurdle with this pattern will be the Pentacle design in the middle of the shawl. I've never done a pattern like this. It is done in filet. Looks somewhat simple, the main thing being keeping track of the number of blocks made for the pattern.

I will post a pic when I get it completed.

I also have several bookmarks, dishcloths, potholders, and hotpads to crochet. Oh, yeah and another shawl to finish. I am a little over halfway done with that one. But, I am beginning to wonder if I will get it all finished in time. Yikes!!

One of these days I will get organized and not wait until almost the last minute to do things. Yeah right, like that's gonna happen!! LOL! Well, it's a nice thought, anyway.

Happy Crocheting!!

Winter In Texas

2006-11-30T10:18:00.000-08:00

This morning we have sleet falling and creating a slick icy covering on my porch and most likely the cement patio as well. I haven't ventured out and don't intend to . I am staying inside where it's warm and crocheting! Now where's that hot chocolate?

I am more than a little irritated this morning. I placed an order with a well known company for some yarn and other items a week ago. I expected delivery of this order today or tomorrow, at the latest by next Monday. I need this yarn for a Yule gift that I am making. Well, I checked on my order status this morning and it's still classed as "being processed"! A week later? Also checked and discovered that they have not yet billed my credit card either.
I wonder if they are always this slow, if so I will not be purchasing anything else from them online.

Anyway, on a more pleasant note. I reworked the dishcloth I posted about in my previous entry, it is now finished and looks much better. I ended up altering the pattern somewhat in order to get it to lay flat instead of being ruffled. I also completed 3 other dishcloths and several book marks. I have one slipper made that I need to create a mate for.

I still have a load of things to work on for Yule/Christmas gifts, I hope that I can get everythigtn finished in time.

I'm off now to get a cup of hot chocolate and do some crochet.

Dishcloth Dilemma & more

2006-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I crocheted the round dishcloth pictured above and I am trying to discern what (if anything I did wrong) as it does not lie flat, but rather is wavy with parts standing up.It still needs the finishing edging on it, but if anyone can tell me what is going on with it, I would appreciate it.

I have been working on Christmas/Yule gifts for family and friends. A couple of shawls, dishcloths, slippers, a rectangular granny afghan, bookmarks, and the list goes on.

I am also preparing to start a Square swap. This particular swap is for 7" squares crocheted in variegated colors with the last round in solid black. I went and got variegated yarn in mostly bright lively colors and they will all look great with the solid black.
I can' wait to see how the squares turn out when all put together, but I have a couple of months to wait on that .