10.12.07

A Poem For Jaden

Sweet Little Boy sent from above.
On a mission from God,
hearts to transform.
Smiles to bring,
Joy to give,
Unselfish love,
Love given freely.

Sweet Little Boy gone from this earth.
Your mission acomplished.
You touched many hearts,
and changed every one.
No words needed said,
you reached out in love,
your eyes were your words.

Sweet Little Boy we miss you so much.
We will keep you forever
in hearts that you touched.
No words can be said
your smile will be missed.
You'll remain in our hearts
a bright shining star.

6.12.07

In Memory of Jaden


Yesterday when I got home from work, my husband had some sad news for me.

Our niece Mikera's son had been hit by a car and killed yesterday.

Jaden was a real delight to all that knew him.

24.11.07

Confessions of feeling Stupid!


Well, I have to admit... I feel pretty stupid. After all of this, I decided to go back and and count my chains another time. I counted when I made them, counted as I sc and counted at the end of the row. However... I had extras. I ripped everything out and fixed the chain and tada! it works. I really feel dumb. I can't believe that I didn't catch it when i counted one of those times. Oh well, lesson learned. I am so in love with the look of this sweater. I can't wait until it is finished.

21.11.07

I recently purchased the book Positively Crochet, mainly because I fell in love with the sweater on the cover. I started it last night and am having an interesting problem.

I made a swatch and may gauge is spot on.

The instructions start... with g hook loosely chain (my number is 110) Single crochet back, = 109 sc. Then it states... This row should measure approx 231/2 inches. Mine measures 26 hmmm The next row is a shell dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc etc... There are supposed to be 18 shells... I have 19!

So what am I doing wrong??? This is maddening since for this sweater gauge is supposed to be real important.

The only thing that I can think of is that I am using a different yarn?? It calls for Berroco Softwist, Carron Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft. Pattern states that if you use Red Heart or Simply Soft you need to use a larger hook to get correct gauge (K). The yarn I chose to use is closer to a DK I think... it is called accord by Sierra Pacific Crafts.

O.K. so here is a side by side comparison of the yarns...

Berroco Softwist

Accord

FIBER:

59% Rayon, 41% Wool

HANK WEIGHT:

1.75 oz / 50 g

HANK LENGTH:

100 yds / 92 m

GAUGE:

5 sts = 1"

20 sts & 28 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:

8 (US) / 5 mm

FIBER:

100 % Acrylic

HANK WEIGHT:

100 g

HANK LENGTH:

348 yds / 320 m

TENSION

21 sts & 29 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:

6 (US) / 4 mm


So what the heck am I doing wrong? (I am off to remeasure my swatch).

20.11.07

Socks aren't too bad...


Well the socks that I made weren't to bad. I two evenings. So if you had a full day I would think you could easily complete them. Once you get the hang of the pattern it goes by real fast. While I really wanted to get the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns I couldn't find it here locally. So, I settled for Stocking Feet (which I paid full price for... I just realized). I made the first one in the book. They are worsted weight, out of yarn from my stash. When you look at the cover, they are the ones in the bottom left corner. I like them. I am currently wearing them as slippers since they are to thick for shoes. I will be trying to make another pair soon. Different pattern, different yarn, but I think I like these...

16.11.07

Intimidated by a project

Why is it that even after 35 plus years of crochet experience I am intimidated by a project? It seems to me that with that much experience I should be able to look at any project and say "let's do it".

However I find myself intimidated by a simple thing. Socks. I want to make a pair of socks that I can wear in shoes, but I find myself at a stand still.

There is a part of me that knows I can do it, and another part of me that says, "yeah you can do it but they will be so bulky they will be like slippers". And that is exactly what I do not want.

If you google crochet sock pattern, you will end up with some great looking patterns, but they are all done in worsted weight yarn. I did find one that was done using sock weight yarn, so that might be a possibility.

The book "Crocheted Socks: 16 fun to stitch patterns" seems like it might be a possibility. I think I am going to head over to Michaels and get it since I have a %50 coupon.

So what else intimidates me as far as crochet projects? Not a whole lot... I have done sweaters and mittens so this should not intimidate me. I've decided that I will conquer socks. I will not be intimidated any more by a project that some of my friends say is easy.

11.11.07

Veterans Poppy Pin Patteren

I have had many people ask for the pattern to my Poppy pin. This is the first time in about 6 years that I have posted a pattern due to people stealing my creations. Pleas Please Please respect the copyright on this pattern. Give me credit if you sell them. Thanks, Lori


Veterans Poppy Pin Pattern

Supplies:

Small amount of brown thread for center. (you could also use black)
Small amount of red for petals. (Orange could work also)
1 Small safety pin
I used a size 6 steel crochet hook, use what you are comfortable with since there is no gauge. The pin is about 5 inches when it lays flat.

Center:
ch 6 sl st to close ring. ch 2 11 hdc in ring to make total of 12 hdc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Petal:
1. ch 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. continue across (5 hdc) ch 3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next st 2 dc n next repeat across ending with 2 dc in last st. ch 3 turn
3. repeat row 2 ending with ch 3 turn
4. increase 1 st at beginning of this row and end with 2 dc in last stitch. 1 dc in all other st across. ch 3 turn
5. work 1 dc over first 2 st, 2 dc over next 2, 2 decrease clusters over next 4 st, 2 dc in next 2 st. end with 1 decrease over last 2 st, ch 3 turn.
Noter: at this point the petal should start to cup slightly...
6. work 1 decrease over first 2 st, 1 dc in next st. repeat this pattern across. DO NOT CHAIN, turn
7. in first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 5 of these petals.

Half Petal:
1. ch 5 work hdc in 3rd ch from hook across. (3hdc) ch3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 st, ch 3 turn (4 st)
3. dc in first 2 st (3 dc) increase in last st, ch 3 turn
4. 1 dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in top of next st, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc over next 2 dc ch 3 turn
5. work 2 dc over first 2 dc (ch 3 counts as first dc, decrease over next 2 st. 1 dc in next st and decrease over last 2 dc ch 3 turn
6. work 1 decrease , 1 dc, 1 decrease at end of row. DO NOT CHAIN, turn.
7. n first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 1 of these half petals.

Assembly: with either red or brown (it is going to be on the underside so it doesn't matter) sew 3 petals on the back of the brown disc. The brown needs to be raised and in front of all petals. In the spaces left sew on the remaining petals ad half petal. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Shaping: Most of the petals should cup toward the center of the flower, however one or two from the back row should be turned back.

Using safety pin fasten on clothing and get compliments.

Hope you enjoy this pattern. I have many others that I have designed over the 38 years I have been crocheting.

Lori

10.11.07

Thanks Veterans

I don't know what it is about a person in uniform that makes me so proud to be an American. Many times I just want to stop them and tell them thanks for all you are doing. Sometimes I do, and others I don't. So today I just want to tell all of you serving overseas, wherever that may be, as well as all of you who have served our country... Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I have reason to be proud also of the fact that I have 3 nephews serving in the military. Shane is an Air Force pilot and has served several tours in Iraq. John and Anthony are both in the Marines, both are currently in Iraq.


To honor our Veterans I created a "poppy pin" to wear. It worked up real easy and didn't take much time. Here is a picture of it.

My son works in a nursing home, I may give it to him to wear...

9.11.07

From my collection of recipes

Today in chat we were talking about home made soups and I mentioned I had the best recipe for corn bread...

Several years ago our Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant went out of business. When they did there was a request for their recipe for corn muffins. they are awesome... rich yet sweet. Our local paper found the recipe and printed it. So here is it is.

Kenny Rogers Corn Muffins - (I make them as corn bread)

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow corn meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen corn

1. Preheat oven to 400*
2. Cream together butter, sugar, honey, eggs and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add flour, cornmeal and baking powder and blend thoroughly. Add milk while mixing.
4. Add corn to mixture and combine by hand until corn is worked in.
5. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan and fill each cup with batter. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until top of muffins start to turn brown on top.
Makes 12 muffins.

Note: We usually will grease a cast iron skillet and put some oil in it and get it hot in the oven while that is preheating. then when we are ready to bake the corn muffin mix, we will put it in the greases skillet instead of making muffins. Getting the skillet hot makes a nice crunchy side, and you still get the soft yummy center.

this recipe used to be on Top Secret Recipes but it looks like it is no longer there. The recipe I have was originally posted in the Post Register several years ago.

16.6.07

Insomnia

Well it is almost 4:30 in the morning ans I can't sleep. My back is hurting something fierce despite Hubby giving me a back rub last night. It's not the general pain that bothers me, but the nerve pain that just about drives me nuts.

It doesn't help to be on your feet for 7.5 hours at work either. I work at a job that is fairly demanding physically. since I hurt my back it has been a lot more difficult to manage. I have awesome co-workers, but not being able to lift really adds a burden to their jobs.

I do as much as I can and then try to be creative as far as the rest of the lifting.

As far as crochet, I have several things I am working on.

I have designed a 24 point round ripple afghan that I need to get finished. After I get the AC put in for the summer, I can start working on that one again.

I have a top that I would like to make for myself.

Then I have some Christmas and Birthday gifts to get done.

I will have to post the links to m projects at another time.

4.4.07

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs Part 3

Part 3

As they sipped tea, the whole story unfolded. The Ambassador told about the frogs who had beautiful colored clothing and the ones who had gorgeous handmade clothing and how each was jealous of the other. He told how the fighting had gotten out of hand and how the were not just fighting with each other, but the unhappiness had affected the whole universe. He told about the problem of just having one color of yarn to crochet with, at which Edgebert and Threadnick nodded sympathetically. He told the story about the evil fairy and the frog prince, how they had been cursed forever to only have yellow yarn to crochet with.
“Oh, I almost forgot, I have a urgent message from the King for you.” The Ambassador exclaimed, fumbling in his jacket pocket. “Ah, here it is.” He said handing an Irish crocheted letter pouch to Edgebert. As Edgebert and Threadnick read the letter the Ambassador sighed and leaned back in his chair. The letter read: “Please Sir's Edgebert and Threadnick can you help? My citizens are waring. They fight each other for a coat of many colors, and a multicolored afghan they will... well, lets just say it is unpleasant. Please help me I want my citizens to be happy, but they are so mean and vindictive I can not leave them alone to come and plead with you. We have heard of your great diplomacy and skill in negotiations, I am sure you can help us resolve this situation. Please help me we are desperate. Signed King of Green land, Chief of frogs”.
Edgebert and Threadnick pondered this for a while. At last Edgebert said to Threadnick, “Something must be done. But what?” “All we have is white to crochet with.” Said Threadnick. “So true, my esteemed colleague”, murmured Edgebert, “However they have yellow, and that is quite a charming color combination.” “Why that is so true my friend”, exclaimed Threadnick

30.3.07

Book Review

Last week I ordered the following books and have received them and had a chance to look at them. Here are my thoughts on them...

Lion Brand Yarn Vintage Styles for Today - WOW! this is so cool. First I love the patterns, but what I really APPRECIATE in the front of the book is a chart that gives the standards for crochet and knitting... It tells you everything from bust sizes for XS - 2x as well as sleeve length to underarm, cross back, back length, center back and it gives the same for men. there is also a head circumference chart for hats... preemie to men. Then (I LOVE) this there is a chart that super fine to super bulky yarns sock, fingering baby up to super bulky... gage estimates needle/hook sizes. Right there that is enough for me to buy the book... and I haven't even gotten to the patterns. Since I also knit, that is not going to be an issue for me. there are so many patterns here that I can't wait to finish up a couple of doilies to start on these. I love the jacket on the front of the book and I think that is one of the first things I will make.

300 Crochet Stitches (The Harmony Guides, V. 6), 220 More Crochet Stitches (The Harmony Guides, V. 7) I honestly don't know way I waited so long to get these books. These are now a valuable part of my crochet library. I sat and read through them and am very impressed with how well written they are. I highly recommend these to any aspiring designers.


Crochet Celtic Afghans - There are 5 patterns in this booklet... Hmmm, I debated about this one for a long time. While I think the idea is cool... I don't like the way the patterns look. I guess I was expecting something a bit more Celtic in look? I am a big fan of the middle-ages and this just doesn't work for me. It will be going back.


Bead Crochet (Easy-Does-It) 10 projects... I can find these patterns and ideas on the Internet for free as well as better looking projects in my opinion. I am returning this book as well.

19.2.07

Internet Abreviations

I decided, what the heck... I have time to waste (ha). I am actually putting off working on a doily that I really don't want to make anymore. (short story)- It started as a tablecloth, but is now a doily because the girl I am making it for is mean spirited and continually rude to me at work. However, I am friends with her mom, so...

Anyway, I went to several different sources and have compiled a list of all kinds of internet abbreviations. If you want it in PDF and I'll post it to you. As soon as I can figure out how to, I will make a clickable PDF download thingey. (I am not a technical person). If you know of some I am missing please let me know. I would love to add them.

.02: My two cents worth
*poof*: definitely stopped watching the monitor now (or even turned it off)
2: to, or too
AAMOF: as a matter of fact
AAMOF: As A Matter Of Fact
AFAIK: As Far As I Know
AFK: Away From the Keyboard
AISI: As I See It
AM: above mentioned
ASAP: As Soon As Possible ASL Age, sex, location
ATM: at the moment
ATSL: Along The Same Line
AWHFY: Are We Having Fun Yet?
AYOR: At Your Own Risk
B4N: Bye For Now
BAK: Back At Keyboard
BBIAB: be back in a bit
BBFN: Bye Bye For Now
BBL: be back later
BF: Boy Friend
BFN: bye for now
BIF: Before I Forget
BION: Believe it or not
BOT: Back On Topic
BRB: be right back
BRB: be right back
BRT: be right there
BTAIM: Be That As It May
BTHOM: Beats The Hell Outta Me
BTOBD: Be There Or Be Dead
BTW: by the way
BWL: Bursting With Laughter
BYKT: But You Knew That
BYOB: Bring your own booze/beer/beverage
C: see
CBA: can't be asked
CCB: can't be bothered
CMIIW: Correct Me If I’m Wrong
CU: See You
CU2: See You, Too
CUL: See you later
CUL8R: See You Later
CWYL: Chat With You Later
CWYS: converse with you soon
CYA: see ya (or it could also be: cover your a*s)
CUL8R: see you later
CUZ: because
DIIK: Damned If I Know.
DIKU?: Do I Know You?
DILLIGAD: Do I Look Like I Give A Darn?.
DIY: Do It Yourself
DK: Don’t Know
F2F: Face To Face
FCFS: First Come, First Served
FISH: First In, Still Here
FITB: Fill In The Blank
FOAF: Friend Of A Friend
FS: For Sale
FTASB: Faster Than A Speeding Bullet
FTF: Face To Face
FTL: Faster Than Light
FUBAR; Fouled Up Beyond All Repair
FUBB: Fouled Up Beyond Belief.
FUD: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt
FURTB: Full Up Ready To Burst
FWIW: For What It’s Worth
FYA: For Your Amusement
FYI: For Your Information
G: Grin, or Giggle
G2G: Got to Go
GA: Go Ahead
GAL: Get A Life
GD&R: Grinning, Ducking and Running
GF: Girl Friend.
GFN: Gone For Now
GG: gotta go
GIWIST: Gee, I Wish I’d Said That
GLGH: Good Luck and Good Hunting
GMTA: Great Minds Think Alike
GOWI: Get On With It
GTG:Got To Go
GTSY: Great To See You
H&K: Hugs and Kisses
HAK: Hugs And Kisses
IAAL: I am actually laughing
IAC: In Any Case
IAE: In Any Event
IANAL: I Am Not A Lawyer (but) A disclaimer which is usually followed by a legal opinion
IAW: In Accordance With
IBTD: I Beg To Differ
IC: I See
IDC: I don't care
IDK: I Don't Know
IIRC: If I remember/recall correctly
IIWM; If It Were Me
IJWTK: I Just Want To Know
IJWTS; I Just Want To Say
IKWUM: I Know What You Mean
ILY: I love you
IMA: I Might Add
IME: In My Experience
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
IMNSHO: In My Not So Humble Opinion
IMO: In My Opinion
IMPOV: In My Point Of View
INPO: In No Particular Order
IOW: In Other Words
IRL: In Real Life
ISS: I’m So Sure
ISSYGTI: I’m So Sure You Get The Idea!
ISWYM: I See What You Mean
ITFA: In The Final Analysis
ITSFWI: If The Shoe Fits Wear It.
IYSWIM: If You See What I Mean
JAM: Just A Minute
JAS: Just A Second
JC: just chillin'
JFI: Just For Information
JIC: Just In Case
JMO: Just My Opinion
JTLYK: Just To Let You Know
K: Okay
KEWL: cool or awesome
KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid
KIT: Keep In Touch
KK: ok cool (often to emphasize k)
KLL: cool
KTHBYL: (also sometimes kthxbai) - okay, thanks, goodbye
KTHXL: okay? thanks! (sarcastically)
KMAL: Kiss My A**
KWIM: Know What I Mean?
KYFC: Keep Your Fingers Crossed
L: Laugh
L8R: later
LABATYD or LAB&TYD: Life's A B**ch And Then You Die
LDR: Long Distance Relationship
LJBF: Let’s Just Be Friends
LLTA: Lots and Lots of Thunderous Applause
LMAO: laughing my ass off
LQTM: Laughing quietly to myself
LOL: Laughing Out Loud
LSHMBH: Laughing So Hard My Belly Hurts.
LTHTT: Laughing Too Hard To Type
LTNS: Long Time No See
LTNT: Long Time, No Type
LTS: Laughing to Self
LY: Love You
MEGO: My Eyes Glaze Over
MLA: Multiple Letter Acronym
MOF: Matter Of Fact
MOSS: Member Of Same Sex
MOTAS: Member Of The Appropriate Sex
MOTD: Message of the day
MOTOS: Member Of The Opposite Sex
MOTSS: Member Of The Same Sex
MTFBWY: May The Force Be With You
MYOB: Mind Your Own Business
NAVY: Never Again Voluneer Yourself
NBD: No Big Deal
NFW: No Friggin' Way!
NHOH: Never Heard Of Him/Her
NM: nothing much or never mind
NO WAI!!!: no way!
NOYB: None Of Your Business
NP: No Problem
NQA: No Questions Asked
NSFW: Not suitable/safe for work
NTIM: Not That It Matters
NTW: Not To Worry
NTYMI: Now That You Mention It
O: oh
OAUS: On An Unrelated Subject
OATUS: On A Totally Unrelated Subject
OB: Obligatory
OBO: Or Best Offer
OBTW: Oh, By The Way
OIC: Oh, I See
OMG: Oh My God
ONNA: Oh No, Not Again
ONNTA: Oh No, Not This Again
OO: Over and Out (end of communication)
OOTC: Obligatory On-Topic Comment
O RLY?: Oh really?
OTF: On the Floor (laughing)
OTFL: On the Floor Laughing
OTL: Out To Lunch
OTOH: On The Other Hand
OTOOH: On The Other Other Hand
OTP: on the phone
OTT: Over The Top
OTTH: On The Third Hand
OTTOMH: Off The Top Of My Head
PABG: Packing a Big Gun
PCMCIA: People Can't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms
PD: Public Domain
PDS: Please Don't Shout
PEPS: people
PITA: Pain In The A**
PLZ: please
PMBI: Pardon My Butting In
PMF: Pardon My French or Pure Freaking Magic.
PMFBI: Pardon Me For Butting In
PMFJI: Pardon Me For Jumping In
PMIGBOM: Put Mind In Gear, Before Opening Mouth
PMJI: Pardon My Jumping In
PMSL: P*ssing Myself Laughing (a common UK expression)
PNCAH: Please, No Cursing Allowed Here
POSSLQ: Person Of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters
PPL: People
PTMM :Please Tell Me More
Q: question
R: are/our
R U THERE?: Are you there?
RAEBNC: Read And Enjoyed, But No Comment
RHIP: Rank Has Its Privileges
RL: Real Life
RLCO: Real Life Conference
ROFL: Rolling On Floor Laughing
ROFLAS: Rolling On Floor Laughing And Screaming
ROFLMAO: Roll On Floor Laughing My A** Off
ROTF: Rolling On The Floor
ROTFL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing
ROTFLMAOTID: Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off Till I Die
ROTFLOL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud
ROTFLOLAPMP: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud And Peeing My Pants
ROTFLTIC: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Till I Cry
RRQ: Return Receipt Request
RSN: Real Soon Now
RSVP: Respondez S'il Vous Plait - please reply
RTBM: Read The Bloody Manual
RTFAQ: Read The Frequently Asked Questions
RTFF: Read The Freaking FAQ
RTM: Read The Manual
RTWFQ: Read The Whole Friggin' Question
RYS: Read Your Screen
S: Smile
SAL: - Smiling A Little
SAPFU: Surpassing All Previous Foul Ups
SCNR: Sorry, Could Not Resist
SEC: Wait a second
SFLA: Stupid Four Letter Acronym
SICS: Sitting In Chair Snickering
SIF: As if
SLM: See Last Mail
SNAFU: Situation Normal: All Fouled Up
SO: Significant Other
SOL: SH** Out Of Luck
SOS: Same Old Stuff or Help!
SOW: Speaking Of Which
SRSLY: Seriously
STBE: Soon-to-be-ex, as in ex-husband or ex-wife
SWIM: See What I Mean?
TAFN: That’s All For Now
TANJ: There Ain’t No Justice
TANSTAAFL: There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
TARFU: Things Are Really Fouled Up
TBH: to be honest
TBQH: to be quite honest
TBYB: Try Before You Buy
TDM: Too Darn Many
TFTHAOT: Thanks For The Help Ahead Of Time
TG: thats gooey
THX: Thanks
TIA: Thanks In Advance
TIC: Tongue In Cheek
TINWIS: That Is Not What I Said
TLDR: (also sometimes tl;dr) - too long; didn't read. Used in discussions when the reader refuses to read the other person's opinion because it is too long.
TMMS: that made me smile, used in some forums across the globe
TNSTAAFL: There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
TNTL: Trying Not To Laugh
TNX: Thanks
TNXAM: Thanks A Million
TOBAL: There Oughta Be A Law.
TOBG: This Oughta Be Good.
TOY: Thinking Of You.
TPTB: The Powers That Be
TRDMC: Tears Running Down My Cheeks.
TSR: Totally Stupid Rules.
TTBOMK: To The Best Of My Knowledge
TTFN: Ta Ta For Now
TTYL: Talk To You Later
TTYS: talk to you soon
TTYT: Talk To You Tomorrow.
TYCLO: Turn Your CAPS LOCK Off
TYVM: Thank You Very Much
TX: thanks
TY: thank you
TYT: take your time
U: you
UOK: Are You OK?
ÜBER: Über is a gaming term for a player or object that is considered superior, originating from german meaning "greater" or something of the sort
UR: your/you're
WAEF: When All Else Fails
WB: Welcome Back
WDYMBT: What Do You Mean By That?.
WDYT: What Do You Think?
WE: Whatever
WIBAMU: Well, I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle
WIBNI: Wouldn’t It Be Nice If
WMMOWS: Wash My Mouth Out With Soap
WNOHGB: Where No One Has Gone Before
W/O: without
WOA: Work Of Art
WOTAM: Waste Of Time And Money
WRT: With Regard To, or With Respect To
WT: Without Thinking
WTB: Want To Buy
WTG: Way To Go!
WTGP: Want To Go Private?
WTH: What the hell?
WTTM: Without Thinking Too Much.
WYGISWYPF: What You Get Is What You Pay For
XOXOXO: Kisses and hugs
Y: why
YABA: Yet Another Bloody Acronym
YAOTM: Yet Another Off-Topic Message
YA RLY: yeah, really
YES WAI!!!: yes way!
YGLT: You're Gonna Love This
YGTI: You Get The Idea?
YGWYPF: You Get What You Pay For
YIU: Yes, I Understand
YKYARW: You Know You're A Redneck When
YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary (or your experience could be different)
YW: you're welcome

11.2.07

Pineapples Everywhere

A symbol of welcome, a slice of pineapple was presented to Christopher Columbus when he reached the shores of Guadeloupe in 1493, to quench his thirst after so many days on salt water; pineapples were even hung near the entrances of huts as a sign of hospitality.

"It is shaped like a pine cone, but it is twice as large and its flavour excellent. It can be cut with a knife like a turnip and it seems very healthful." Christopher Columbus

He noted that in Guadeloupe the islanders even made wine from the juice. (Hmmm that's a thought.)

I have always loved to crochet pineapples, almost as much as I love eating chocolate. there is something magical for me in chaining and making single crochets that turn into pineapples that fascinates me. I know there is something mathematical about it, but I can't figure that one out. Hey, I just learned to do Sudoku puzzles, so maybe there is hope for me.

To make the fascination even go a step further, there is some fiber made from pineapples. If you head to the kpixie website, look for the yarn called Fique. I have not had a chance to try this thread but gosh I sure want to.

This is the latest doily I have finished (to the right). The finished size is 24 1/2 inches. It is not the largest doily I have ever done. I believe that one was about 36 inches. It was a gift for my sister (pictured below). Both doilies are from old Magic Crochet magazines.

9.2.07

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs (part 2)

Part 2

Let me continue with my tale...

Way far away on the very peaceful planet of Yarnie,
Edgebert and Threadnick were getting bored. It is true
they were cozy and enjoying sipping tea and and crocheting
away quite happily every day, none the less, they were getting
bored. One day Edgebert said to Threadnick, "you know my
dear friend, we seem to have used all of the colored skeins
of yarn, and are now left with all white". "That is true my
eloquent friend", said Threadnick. "We must formulate a
plan to replenish our stock of glorious colors, or become
increasingly bored and despondent" he continued. Edgebert
sighed and said, "I do believer that we need and
adventure". Threadnick was about to reply when he was
interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
On the doorstep sat a small multi-colored frog.
“I have an urgent message for an Edgebert, keeper of
patterns and Threadnick, keeper of yarns and threads”,
he croaked in a raspy voice. “Which one do you happen
to be?” “I am Edgebert, this is my esteemed colleague
Threadnick,” replied Edgebert, staring incredulously
at the small frog, which upon furtherer inspection was
wearing an exquisitely hand-made yellow jacket in
free-form. “Please, come in and refresh yourself”,
exclaimed Threadnick, “You do look parched”. “Why thank
you kindly, sir's”, the frog exclaimed, “I am quite dry”.
As Threadnick poured some Chamomile tea, Edgebert
served the frog some Lavender muffins. As the trio sipped
the tea, the story unfolded.
The frog was from the kingdom of “Green”, two
solar stars away, and they were in great crisis. The frog
explained and he removed his verdant green coat. He was
the Ambassador to the planet “Yarnie”, a newly appointed
position. He had been chosen because of his long
distinguished service to the King, Chief of Frogs.
Edgebert and Threadnick gasped, “FROGS?” “Do I understand
correctly that you have an affiliation with the vile
creatures that cause us to “frog” and “rippit”? Threadnick
demanded. “If you indeed are affiliated, you may excuse
yourself” chimed in Edgebert in horror, “We have no use
for you and your kind”. “Oh please,” exclaimed the frog,
“I mean you no harm and it truly is not in my my fellow
green brothers and sisters hearts to cause you distress.”
“We are in crisis, and I was told that you are the only
two who can help us come to peace”, he continued. “Well”,
said Threadnick, pondering this information, “I do suppose
it would not hurt to listen”, he said to Edgebert. “We
are open minded and a compassionate twosome” said Edgebert.
“I don't suppose it would hurt to listen”. “Oh thank you”
exclaimed the frog with great relief.

6.2.07

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs (part 1)

 Well it seems that in the land of Near and Far, the
"Yarn Faeries" live. Tis truly a magical place to be.
Full of glorious color and wondrous skeins of yarn from
the yarn factories. They had one critical problem
though you see... All of the roads were horribly
clogged with yarn. The fairies however, had no
problem - you see they fly. But no visitors could
come and visit because the roads were impassible.
Not to far away in the neighboring warring kingdom
of "Green" lived fanciful green frogs. Truly down deep
inside they didn't like to be at war. I do believe upon
refection, they were just very unhappy. For though in
the neighboring kingdom of Near and Far the Yarn Faeries
had many glorious shades of yarn, the frogs were stuck
with just one color, yellow.
How this terrible tragedy happened, no one truly
knows. Some think is was a dye job gone bad, others
believe it was an evil Yarn Faerie who was jilted by a
young frog prince. However none of that story has anything
to do with this one... perhaps at a later date I will
relate that tale to you.
For the most part they were a vain lot of frogs.
Some of them dressed quite gaudily in rare imported yarns
and clothing crocheted and knitted in foreign countries.
For though they were stuck with crocheting in only yellow,
finished garments imported from foreign countries did not
turn yellow upon arrival in Green-Land. the tragedy of it
was that if they imported some of the glorious yarns, as
soon as they arrived within the borders of Green-Land, they
would turn yellow. Others dressed fairly simply yet in
exquisite hand-made clothing that they had made themselves
in the only color of yarn they had, yellow.
The two classes of frogs just couldn't get along,
they were just miserable. The frogs who dressed in multicolor
were jealous of those who knew how to make their own clothing
and the glorious patterns and stitches they use. And the frogs
who made their own clothes were insanely jealous of the gorgeous
colors of yarns and threads the other frogs clothing was made of.
So being miserable they set out to make all others
miserable by seeking out yarns through out the known world
to twist and wind up into knots. Perhaps they have visited
your yarn basket at one time or another, or perhaps they visit
on a regular basis?

17.1.07

Off My Hook





I have finished 2 doilies that I really like. The first one on the left is from Thata Pang. Thata's is called White Classic Doily. The second one is from an old Decorative Crochet magazine. Both worked up easy and both need to be blocked, but here they are.

Doilies are something that I love doing. I am planing on starting another one today.