CAL is finished, and name thingy..

 Good morning everyone.  I finished the CAL that Stitchy had going.  I made this doily with a #2 hook, which is a large hook for thread work.  I used much less thread than the pattern called for..about 1000 yards less.  And there were a few mistakes in the pattern, maybe just editing mistakes, maybe not.  Oh and the doily is a few inches bigger than the pattern said.  I tested my gauge at the beginning and it was right, so another mistake?  I don't know.  I made this with DMC Cebelia..what else..#842, I call it a coffee color...available in my shop..Had to throw a plug in there...See the doily off to your right?  Click on it and it will take you to my Etsy shop.  You know you want to...

 I wasn't sure how I felt about this doily about halfway through.  So many popcorns....but it came out ok..I found pattern problems at the tops of the hearts..which really irratates me..as I get paid for testing patterns and fixing them..so when I make something already published I don't want to have to work, but just enjoy..so if you are working this same pattern, row 27 is where the problem is..add another dc after the 2nd tr.  I also do not like the way the rounds join..so I changed that about half way through..and I also didn't go in the ch to make the popcorn..I went in the ch sp...hope that helps whoever else is making this..will I make it again?  I may but I will be making dc clusters instead of popcorns, and maybe do something different on the last couple of rows..it feels unfinished to me.  

Hallie,

Your name thingy is done...I hope to get it to you by the weekend...

I am hoping that you all have a wonderful and blessed week.  May you find joy in all that you do today and tomorrow.  No I didn't win the powerball so I am stuck doing my own laundry, and cleaning my house. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my stuff...love hearing your comments..so for now my dear friends...Have an awesome week.

Update on CAL

 Good morning, I have started a doily along a few others in a CAL.   I decided to go with a coffe color #842 in DMC color chart.  The pattern called for a #2 hook...which I thought sounded big.  And that is what got me hooked on trying this CAL.  I started it with a #7 hook and decided to go ahead and do it with the suggested hook and suggested gauge.  Well I am so happy I did.  I should have taken a pic with the other hook before frogging it.  Getting ready to start row 19....

 This is going to be about 24 inches across when completed...hopefully in the next day or two..no hurries though.  I have one more order to finish up, and another that doesn't have to be done until the end of October.  So I am feeling pretty good about things.  I have a list of projects, a pile really...ok a couple of piles of things I want to make...I have this habit of putting things I want to make into piles..and I usually have 2 or 3 different piles of patterns at any given time.  So right now I have 3 piles..a pile of patterns that I have to make(customer orders), a pile of patterns that I want to make, and yet another pile of patterns that I might want to make, but don't have what I need from start to finish.  Oh yeah and another pile of patterns that have to be put away.

And finally the 4 chair sets are blocked and ready to go to their new home.  This is the last of my big orders that have deadlines.  I am now wearing a rubber band on my wrist so I can snap it if in the near future another large order comes my way.  I have to take some time for me..to make what I want to make in the colors I want to make for a little while.  It seems I have been pretty busy and for that I am grateful, but I think I need to take some time, just a little for me to just enjoy moving the hook.  LOL I am laughing at myself, because you all know if someone calls, texts, or emails me...I will take the order...I love the challenge and sometimes I like not having to decide what pattern or color of thread..It takes me as long sometimes to decide what to crochet in what color as it does to make the item...anyone else like this?

Well my dear friends, it is after 11:00 and I am not dressed, still in my pj's.  I have laundry to do, a kitchen that needs to be cleaned up, a floor that needs to be swept.  I know yesterday was Mother's day, but this is the monday after, and all those things that didn't get done yesterday, because it was our day...well they are here today...so I need to get off  this computer, and get myself moving.  Have a great week my dear friends, may you find the joy in all you do.  Blessings

Answering a few questions

Good Morning everyone.   I have been asked many questions through my blog and would love to answer them one by one making it personal.  However I can't as I am not left with a way to get back in touch with you.  So today I will try to answer as many as I can remember right now.  I was also asked to list 5 things that you all do not know about me..I might do that and then maybe not..we will see how this goes.

One question of the questions that is asked of me is where do I get all my patterns.  I am a hoarder when it comes to patterns.  If I like it I will find it somehow.  I am blessed with many blogger friends that will help me on my quest for a certain pattern or pattern book.  I prefer to have the entire book and not just the pattern if at all possible.  I will not buy a pattern that has been ripped out of a book, strictly on principle.  Seems such a waste to tear up a pattern book.  My favorite designer is Trish Kristoffersen, she designs wonderful doilies, although, Ann White of Bellacrochet, Kathryn White, and Mary Werst  I enjoy also.  I have found most of my pattern books on the internet.  Some have been found at garage sales, but not many.  Oh and hand me downs from older crocheters who can't for some reason or another can't crochet anymore.  I meet many of them at my yearly show.

Another question is how I block my doilies..My husband made me some boards from those foam insulations boards you can by at Lowes or Home Depot.  He cut them to the sizes I needed.   I simply wet my doilies, squeeze, never wring, out the excess water.  Then I pin them out using a yardstick to make sure everything is symmetrical.  I won a set of bowls of different sizes, and I use those to make sure the center is circular if I am having problems..I use those quilters pins with the yellow heads, I haven't had a problem with rusting, wig pins work well too, if you can find them.  I do not use the spray starch, but instead make my own.  That way I can starch something really stiff or really soft.

I use only DMC cebelia thread.  I just recently started selling the thread because I was having a hard time finding it in the stores around here.  I also am trying to keep the price low as low as I can.  I am doing that just to get this wonderful thread into as many hands that want it at a reasonable price.  Feel free to visit my store..just hit the doily up on the right to check it out.  I guess that answers another question..where do I get my thread....

I was also asked if I would do some tutorials to show how to do certain stitches..I would if I knew how to upload and make videos..so for now if you have questions on how to do a stitch or need help with a pattern, leave me question along with the instructions on the part you have trouble with and I will get back to you as long as you leave me an email address...the only problem I have with this is copyright violations..I am big on copyright violations for various reasons..so please do not send the entire pattern.

I like the written patterns better than the diagram patterns..I tend to lose my place on the symbol or diagram patterns.

Well I think that answers most of the questions I have been asked recently...I am sorry I wasn't able to get back to each and everyone of you personally, but this seems to work as I get asked alot of the same questions.. I guess I will disclose the things you don't know about me at another time and another post.  Thanks for stopping by my dear friends.  Have a great week and find the joy in all you do.

Chair sets headed to California

 I finally decided on a pattern for the chair sets.  I made 3 different patterns, and one with #20 thread.  This is the pattern I finally decided I liked the most.  I used an older pattern at first but it called for #30 thread and the size was way to small.  Then I tried it with #20..way too big.  I didn't like this one at first, but after I blocked it I changed my mind.  So this is the one I am going with.  There were a few problems with the pattern, but nothing big.

So now I just have 3 more sets to do.  The next sets should go quicker as I have found the pattern and the mistakes so the rest of them should go rather smoothly.  Famous last words.

You know I feel like I just straightened my little office/craft room, and it is a mess again.  What is wrong with me that I cannot keep it picked up?  I tell myself that I am going to put things up as I use them, and I think that I do.  However I tried to sit down and write this blog and I had to move so many books, patterns, and papers just to have room to write.  It would have been easier just to grab the laptop and go to the dining room. As I look around I see patterns that need to be put away..pens, calculator, and more patterns, pins, tape measures, tape, thread, pencils,  beads( why they are out I do not know), doilies that need to be blocked ( I thought I was blocking as I made them..apparently not), and finished doilies...And to top it off there is a doll barely hanging onto a shelf, ready to fall.  How she got there I haven't a clue. She is my model for the baby beanies, that I will make sooner or later. Speaking of which..have you seen those life like dolls..They look so real..I want one!!! but goodness they are kind of pricey..But I still want one..Hey if any of my girls are reading this...Mother's day is right around the corner..and you could all go in together..How is that for a hint?  Think it will work..Doubt it..I don't think they read my blog..Anyway it is worth a shot.

So to all my dear blog followers, new and old, I am so glad you stop in from time to time just to see what I am up to.  I have met some really great people here and hope that you will leave me a comment or two once in awhile..Blessings my friends, and may you always have enough..

I did it again!!!

 Well this week I made a couple more doilies in what I call Christmas green..a pineapple runner and

This spiral doily,  This is a Trish Kristoffersen design and can be found in the book Doilies with a Twist.  I think you can still get it on her website.  I think this color looks really awesome in the pattern.  I think the pattern would look good in a hot pink..for those who love shabby chic decor.  I started on an oval in this same color (remember from last post a lady wants a bunch), however I had to frog it as my hubby was home and insisted on talking while I was counting.  I should have put it down, because now I am on row 23 and the stitches are not coming out right..tore out to 21..recounted still not right...I know the row I messed up on..because I remember trying to work the stiches..and that row happens to have split fp treble clusters and alternating 3 and 4 stitiches between, working over and under top and bottom of stitches...so I really needed to put it away for now as I am so frustrated...ok..why the I did it again title......well as I was trying to figure out my mistake my stupid phone kept ringing...I ignored it as the number was a California number..I don't know anyone in CA..so I ignore it..they keep calling a couple of times finally leaving a voicemail....what do they want I ask.  After being so frustrated having frogged the oval I go into my little room and begin to look for something to make.  I decided on just making some little coasters as it would go quickly as ease my frustration.  Before leaving my room I decided to listen to the voicemail.....through word of mouth and looking at my Etsy shop she (they?) decided to contact me to see if I could make a chair set..you know those things on the arms and back of chairs.  Now I am wondering how they got my phone number..I only use a cell and my number I thought was not listed.  I am on do not call lists.   I say to self..you need to find out how they got your number and one chair set ..easy peasy I say.   So I call them back..we talk about what they want for the chair set and how much I am gonna charge.  We agree and then she says..we want 4 sets!!!!! I told myself I wasn't gonna do anymore big orders..this is now like making 12 medium size doilies.  And they want them all in the same pattern....and they want them all by middle of June..So as I am trying to pick my jaw up off the floor, I think that if I increase my price to something that I considered to be like a crazy price they won't want them.......well that didn't work..so now I am in the process of making 4 chair sets...or 12 med doilies.   I did it again.....

So now you know what I will be making for the next few weeks...Argh!!!!  To top it off..I forgot to ask how they got my number!!!! Can you say movie studio..?    yep....I am gonna be on tv or in the movies..  Thanks for stopping by my dear friends and I hope you have a week full of blessings.

Last weeks finished projects

 Good Morning my fellow bloggers..what a wonderful weekend..warm, sunny and just what a spring day could be..until all the mowing and the allergies kick in.  I don't even think the grass was long enough to mow..they just wanted to be outside doing something I am sure.  The top doily is a Trish Kristoffersen design..heck they both are..but the top one is called Debbie and can be downloaded from her site www.pkcrochet.com  I used DMC Cebelia #10..go figure as that is what I am selling in my shop..anyway the color is just white.  I think it looks so elegant.

Now this one here I made in green..just Kelly or Christmas green, yes size 10 and yes my Cebelia..It is from a book called  Simply Delightful Doilies..Kristoffersen design.  I had a lady call me..she wants anything I make from this color..I didn't think I would like it, but I gotta tell you it looks really good.  I am looking forward to finding out what other patterns would look nice with this color..I am thinking a pineapple runner, and oval, and maybe some victorian centerpiece.

Ok I gotta gripe..why does blogger have to keep changing stuff..I think it is working why mess with it.  I know I haven't been doing this as long as some.  But for the 3 years I have been doing this blogger has continually changed stuff.  Now I don't mind change..I just recent being made to change.  I like to keep things simple..and now they gotta go change stuff...again..ok rant over.

I hope all is well in your world. Thanks for taking the time to stop by..hey I want to say hello to my new followers. When I started this blog..kicking and screaming...my mom and sister said I "Needed"
to do this I never thought I would have any followers besides them..Now they don't even blog anymore.  I am amazed at the talented people who follow me, who encourage me and challenge me.  I have met some wonderful people here and wish that we could just pull up a chair, grab a hook, and just visit.  Although I have noticed..when crocheters get together..if we are working the hook we don't talk much..too busy counting..unlike knitters I know.  If it were not for this blog thing..I don't think I would have my Etsy shop..I was encouraged by my friends on here...I wouldn't be showing my doilies ...they would just sit in the closet...I wouldn't have taken the steps to sell my favorite threads..I want to thank each and everyone of you for encouraging me to grow and have the confidence to show my craft off....Thank you from the bottom of my heart..You all are very special to me..

Finished over the weekend and blocked today

 Now that I have all my orders caught up and sent out I can work on something a little different.  I have 2 runner patterns that have been screaming at me since Christmas.  This is the first one.  I made it in a Cream color #712 on DMC color chart.  I think the pattern looked better in the pic or it could be that I am so used to working with a pattern that is a little more solid.  I am not sure how I feel about it.  What say you?

D

I was almost distracted away from doing it as one of my dear blog friends ( you know who you are) tried to lure me away to do a Pineapple CAL...well I did start it..I made myself work it until there were some problems...I already didn't like the pattern so anyway long story short..I frogged it...so Stitchy you are on your own.

I am working on getting a thread order together..there are a couple of empty spaces on the shelves.  I had quite a few orders last month for thread.  Even the hubby noticed the bare spots.  He wondered if I had given up.   LOL..like that is going to happen.

The weather finally feels like spring here in Southern Indiana..windows are open and the heat is off.  I hope you all are feeling it too.  Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts and look at my pics.I have the best blog friends...Blessings

We found the sun!!!!

 This is where we spent our Easter!! Hubby and I went to Pensacola Beach for a few days...The weather was perfect and the food was awesome.  It was such a wonderful getaway...didn't want come home.

I didn't grab a hook, a spool of thread, or a book....For those that know me know how much unlike me that is.  We were just enjoying to be together and just being us.  Yes, there will be another trip and more time spent there.  I could live there.

Now that I am home and back to reality..there is some laundry to do..and putting things away.  This trip is just what we both needed and that it is only a 9-10 hour drive is the icing on the cake.  Life is good.  Blessings my friends

Yippee!!!! Order for wedding is complete!!!

I am finished with the "wedding" tabletoppers.   Now I can hook whatever I want in whatever color I want.  This was the largest order I have ever taken.  And I wanted them all to be perfect for a wedding be held in Greece.  She said she would send pics.  I would love to see how she is going to use them.   I will be honest though.....For those that know me and have been following my blog for awhile, know that I can only have one project going on my hook as it really drives me crazy if I have more than one project going.  It almost brings me to a stand still and nothing gets done.  That is probably why I didn't do homework as a child growing up...overwhelmed.  Anyway..once I started in on this wedding project I had to not get sidetracked..and I will tell you...I have some blog friends..you know who you are..that are always showing new patterns, new threads, new magazines, that they are going to do..let alone some CALs that I would love to have done.   But I perservered (spelling might be off) but you know what I mean.  I am so happy!!!

My hubby is taking me away on a mini vacation....pensacola beach Fl.   Going to be fun!! Hopefully there will be sunshine and some warmer temps.  We are only going to be there a couple of days..but yeah it will be fun!!

Enjoy your Easter and remember to enjoy the Son Rise!!!! Blessings

 This Pattern is called Debbie.  It is a Trish Kristoffersen design.  I downloaded it from her site.  www.pkcrochet.com   I think it is just gorgeous!!

I am on doily #9 on the order of 10.   Yipee..I can almost see the finishing line.  I have a stack of patterns that I want to make after I finish this order.  A couple of new runner patterns, some old favorites, I am so looking foward to making something different.  My dear hubby doesn't understand my logic..He says I will still be crocheting..still using thread..so what is the big deal....you will still be doing the same thing..What does he know..

I have a new grandson!!!!  I will post pics as soon as I get over there with a camera..I have some on my phone only I cannot for the life of me get them on the computer...anyway..he was given to us on Saturday..Dane was born on Thursday..8 pounds 10 ounces.  My daughter was invited into the birthing room by the birth mom..and Jake had to wait in the hall.  I am so grateful that this young girl has so much love in her heart for her son, for my daughter and her husband, that she was able to gift them so unselfishly. Jake was the first to feed his son.  I am in awe of this young girl.  She will forever be in my prayers, my heart and in my family.

You all know blogger is changing and your reading list is going to disappear as are your followers

I got nothing...

Good Morning my dear blog friends.  Wow..I am so sorry for not posting sooner, but I really got nothing to show.  I am still working on the 10 for the wedding..I am working on #8..so when this one is done I will have 2 more to go.  I could take pics of the pile of doilies to be blocked, but that is just depressing.  I am hoping to have this order done by the end of March.  This used to be my one of my favorite patterns..now..not so much.   My dear sweet man hung me a sheet of peg board in my craft/office..but in order to do that I had to pull stuff out into the dining room..so now it is a mess..I will take pics to show you why I wanted to peg board after I get the room back together.  Might take awhile though.

Update on Buddy..well we are just going to leave things be with him..if we can find a female to breed him with that would be cool.  I know this sounds awful, but the price I was quoted to fix buddy all up was out of this world..It would be cheaper to just buy another dog.  I know that sounds cold, but it is realistic.  I will just keep an eye on him and love him for now, but if it  gets to a point that he is hurting and can't get around..jeepers I don't even want to think about it..I will deal with it when the time comes.  I am starting to think purebred dogs have alot of problems...I might be better off with a mixed breed.

ON a more happy note...I think our NEW baby will be here by next weekend..The birth mom is being induced next thursday!!! and so far the adoption is still a go.  Bless her heart..what a gift she is giving to my daughter and son-in-law.  Please pray for a healthy baby, an easy labor, and a special prayer for all those involved.  Such an exciting time!! I am probably not going to be here when the baby comes..I have a birthday party to go to for my grandaughter who will be 8 years old..so I am spending next weekend up north.  It is funny how we don't see ourselves getting older, but we see our grandkids growing up right before our eyes..I wonder if we look older everytime they see us?  That is scary...Wouldn't it be just awful if they starting telling us what we tell them....you are looking so grown up..they say you are looking old.....we way my you are getting taller, they say you are shrinking...Goodness I think I will just give them hugs and be grateful.

Well my friends, I am starting to ramble..and I have things that must get done..so I must depart from this computer, which by the way will suck hours away before you know it..It just sucks you in..Thanks for stopping by and I hope you guys always have more than enough..Blessings my friends

Good evening my dear blog friends.  I have finally completed an order..well almost.  I still have a name thingy to do..and a couple of chair sets, but I am getting there.  I am working on the 6th one of the 10..only 1 is blocked.  I guess I should get started on the blocking..So I am working the hook trying to get everything done that I obligated myself into doing.  I am hoping to get the all completed by the end of March.  And then I can start working on things I would like to do.  I am wanting to do a couple runners..as I have new patterns and my hook is screaming at me to let it have at it.  Then I want to make some baby booties and caps, as I have found some cute buttons for the booties..and then there is a couple of Trish Kristoffersen ones that I love and I want to try them in different colors..and then there are the potholder dresses..I found itty bitty clothespins for them just today..and I have a couple of aran afghans patterns I set out that I would like to do..So I really need to get all the things done that are ordered.  I am seeing an end to the orders and that is making me feel a little better.  Don't get me wrong I love special orders, but I think making 10 of the same thing is wearing on me..if I could spread them out over a year probably wouldn't bother me as much.  

On the home front..the kitchen and dining room floor is finally done.  I like the tile..I just didn't realize all the work and how much time goes into it.  I am glad I did it though..So a new roof is the next money eating project..We are thinking about a metal roof..we will see.  Buddy went to the dr..his ears again.. His vet said that I really need to think about getting him Nuetered because he only has one testicle and that predisposes him to all kinds of health problems.  I really would like one of his puppies, but I guess that won't happen.  Vet is concerned because Buddy has some unusual growths on his belly.  She will remove those when we remove his ball (s) hopefully it isn't cancerous or anything..  I hope you all are doing well..Thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to read what is up with me.  Blessings to you all my dear blog friends..

Just off the hook

 If you have been following my blog long, you will know that I am a thready through and through..I love this. This is a pattern of http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com    There are 3 different sets of booties that come with the beanie.  I just happen to prefer these.

I had to find a doll that has a newborn size head just so I could see how the beanie would fit.  Perfect..as long as the baby doesn't have a big head...But the pattern is just sized for newborns..I am going to see if I can add a few stitches here and there to size it for an older infant as we all know they grow so fast.
While looking for a model for this hat...i found a site..can't remember it now, but this woman makes these dolls that look real..I mean they look just like a real baby.  I would love to have one to use as a model, but the price is out of my comfort zone for a doll.  I think maybe I am going to make sets of these and put in my Etsy shop, and for my one show.  

My floor isn't finished yet..before the sealer and enhancer can be put on the grout has to dry or cure for 2 weeks...so my house still isn't back together, soon.    I can walk on it..just can't spill on it.  Now I am a clutz..so I am hoping I can go another week without a problem.  Buddy can't go in there cause the dog hair would be too hard to try and get up.  I sure don't want any dog hair sealed up.

I really don't have much going on...5 more doilies to make for the order of 10, 3 more to make of another..and one Christmas doily and all my stuff will be caught up.  Then I can focus on my show..if this keeps up I won't have much.  My Etsy shop has been busy..more so with special orders than anything else...the thread is moving a little.

For those of you whom are digging out from the storm out east..be safe, keep warm and go grab a hook...To all my blog friends...Blessings and may you always have enough..

Ask and you shall receive!!!

Good Morning...God is good is he not?    I am so excited!! My daughter, Meg and her husband, Jake, have been in the adoption process for awhile.  They are working with a Christ centered organization, where the mother looks at portfolios of hopeful parents, meets them, and decides if she wants to gift these people a baby.  Meg and Jake have been picked before and the birth mother changed her mind after giving birth. I am happy the young woman chose to parent her child, but sad for my daughter. I know that God has a plan for us all...so with that being said....Meg and Jake have been chosen by a young girl to be the parents of her son.  Meg has went to many dr appts. with this awesome girl..the girl has given meg a gift of a lifetime.  Meg has been invited to be present during the birth.  This young woman has given Meg the sonogram pics, Meg goes with her and her mother to the dr. appts, and out to lunch afterwards.  I want to hug and thank the girl with all my heart.  So I am asking 2 things from my friends in blogland...first and foremost...I need you to pray for Meg and Jake and the young lady who has become part of our family..I believe in the power of pray.  It is the strongest weapon out there to overcome..My second request is this ..If you can afford it, if God puts in upon your heart would you please buy a t-shirt from here..  www.facebook.com/events/408641265894004/      It is not cheap to adopt..although next year on their taxes they will have an adoption credit...The total cost of the adoption is close to 15 grand!!!  They are a little short, so they are selling T shirts at 15 a piece. Meg and Jake are believers, Jake is the worship leader at their church, Meg is involved with the youth group, They both lead the college bible study group at their home for the church. Jake and Meg work hard at keeping the food pantry stocked in our small community.   So I am asking that you pray and open your hearts and if you can would you please buy a t shirt?   If you can't afford to buy a shirt..please pray..heck even if you buy a shirt..please pray....My new grandson will be here next month!!!!!  Blessings   I have been told the link isn't working.  The shirt is $15.00 and you can purchase through paypal user id to use is jacobweihrauch@gmail.com   be sure to include the size you want up to 3x in the comment box.  Again thanks so much for your prayers and generosity.  The link is working for me..you have to manually enter the entire thing and all the backslashes..

 Hello my blog friends.   I am cut off from getting to my craft room/studio/office.  I am having a new kitchen floor put in.  We had a water leak shortly after we moved in, ruining the wood floor in the kitchen.  The people we bought the house from wedged the fridge under a cabinet, causing a water leak under the fridge..we think it was the water line to the icemaker.  Anyway we noticed we had water and a spongy floor...yikes.   So anyway today the contractor is tearing all the wood out and  the carpet in the dining room out.  With having a dog..Buddy..my 120 pound German Shephard, we needed something a little more durable than wood..so we are going with ceramic tile.  Now my office is off of the dining room..I had the foresight to grab the laptop, but forgot to grab the cable in order to download any pics..silly me.  I will grab it when the guys go on lunch or something..surely they will take a break.  I am hoping I will be able to get in there today but they said once the tile was down I couldn't walk on it for a couple of days..Guess who isn't cooking?!!!OH my..I better make sure to grab some thread too...better make a list..

Ok I have a question for my fellow threadies..I bought some thread online..never used this thread  before, but loved all the variety of colors offered.  I know..I sell Cebelia at my Etsy shop..but there is only 25 colors and I needed a burgundy..not the deep red.  So I bought Elizbeth thread size 10.  Now that is some expensive thread..only 122 yards on a ball...I digress.  I am not liking working with this thread at all..it seems to tangle up as it comes off the ball..my question is this..does this happen with every ball or did I get a messed up ball?  I have only used one ball and about to go into a second, if it tangles like the first I am going to be an unhappy camper.   This thread is stiff kind of reminds me of Southmaid in how it works up.  I am so not liking it.  Which leads me to a second question..how will it wash up?  Will it fade onto white or is it as colorfast as Cebelia?  I don't want to offend anyone out there..but I don't think I will use this thread again unless I absolutely have to...for a number of reasons..first it is more expensive than the Cebelia..yes, the ball is cheaper, but there is less than half the thread..second I don't like the tangles, third I am not liking the results..and fourth..it is made in China.   I should have done more research, but I was sucked in by the variety of colors..I avoid buying things made in China strictly on principle.  So my fellow threadies....I am sorry if I offended anyone, I didn't mean to.  Just my opinion..I would love to hear your thoughts and experience with this thread.  Maybe I got a bad ball..Blessings to you all and may you all have enough..

Crochet...ART or CRAFT?

 I was reading another blog..http://gocrochet.blogspot.com  and I got to thinking about this.  She asked if crochet was an art or a craft..maybe art because we might use a design created by someone else and all we are doing is making a copy?  Or is it a craft because face it not everybody can crochet beautifully at first.  It takes time to learn to hold your thread.  You have to learn the stitches.  You have to learn to read the patterns, whether from a diagram, symbols or written.  And even if you get it all down to where you think you know what you are doing there is going to be a pattern that has a mistake or something is going on and you just have to rip it out and say it all out loud as you go.  Everyone in the room thinks you have went nuts.  And then the counting..yes you have to know how to count.  I am sure there is a clown in your house that when they hear you counting..want to help you count..any way I digress..And even when you have all these things down you have to practice, practice and practice.  So now I ask you is this crochet thing we do and art or a craft?  

OK I know I am going to make some people upset when I say what I am going to say...just know this..it is tempered with love..Hey speaking of nice nice..I want to say hi to my new followers..I am so happy to have you ..Ok digressing again..Some people just can't crochet, at least well...Just like I cannot knit..ok I can knit...just not well..I can make a dishcloth.  Notice I said dishcloth..that is it..all it is good for is doing dishes and sopping up spills ( cotton thread is the cat's meow for dishcloths).  So I really do not consider myself a craftsman or an artist when it comes to knitting.. But here is the thing..if I spent more time doing it, if I enjoyed it more like I do with my hook..could I be an artist or a craftsman?  Would I be able to knit as well as I crochet?  I don't know.   I have an older sister..everything she does turns to gold.  She is so talented in whatever she puts her hand to.  I don't know if she has ever tried to crochet..maybe she leaves it alone as she knows this is my thing I do well.  My sister can paint, can mold clay, can do needlepoint, can draw..anything she does..turns out beautifully...as a child it was hard to take an art class or home ec class as I followed behind her in school..and yes compared to her...didn't take the instructors too long to realize I was not as talented..oops digressing again..So does that mean I am a craftsman and her the artist?    Hey Terri if you are reading this..I love you and am very proud of my big sister (xoxo).  If I were to frame the above doily and put it in a show..would it be considered art or craft....what say you?   Thanks for stopping by..would love to hear your thoughts....

What I truly treasure

Hello, my friends.  I have realized that I have never shown what I truly treasure.  These are all of my grandkids.  It is not too often they are all together.  I love them all so very much.  Wish we lived closer so I could see and visit them more often.  I am grateful and so very blessed to have them in my life.  

On the crochet front..slow going.  Still working on the huge order..7 more to go.  I don't know I think it is the gray days slowing me down. The hook just isn't flying.  I need to really get moving.  

Today is another gray day, and quite chilly.  Hubby started a fire in the fireplace..guess he was feeling the chill too.  I am still in my pjs and it is one in the afternoon..why bother getting dressed now?  I think I will just go grab the hook and zone out under the ott lamp.  I hope you all are staying warm and finding the joy.  Blessings my friends.

Fiber Retreat!!

Ok this is just a quick post...to let everyone in on some really cool information...I have contacted the person for more info..I will post it as I get it..if you want to make sure you get all the info drop me your email and I will send an email as soon as I get information.  I am thinking this might be really cool as I have never done anything like this...

Fiber retreat...Feb 1-3 at the Kordes Center, Ferdinand Indiana
like minded people who love to knit..spinners and crocheters welcome..Cost is 200.00..includes room, meals, goodie bags, free classes, vendors.... that is all the information I have at this time.  For more info contact winterwoolyweekend@gmail.com  

What color is this?

 HI you all..I have a question...what color is the above doily?  I know what I think it is, but who knows..anyway this doily was an order from my etsy shop.  I don't think they are happy with the color..the colors I used were mocha, white and what DMC calls maroon/burgundy.  Now I thought I knew what color burgundy was, and when I googled (yes I googled it) what color is burgundy..it said a shade of red...like maroon..hmm...so is this doily burgundy or red?  It doesn't really matter to me if the customer takes it or not.  I prefer they don't take it if they are not going to be happy with it.  I am wondering if there is another thread maker..like Elizabeth threads (good thread) that makes a "burgundy" that is a different color.  I know DMC only makes this one for Cebelia.   Speaking of Cebelia thread...

Sales of thread are slow..I am hoping it picks up..if not I may have to rethink my strategy on selling it by the box.  My idea was that I could keep the price lower because of listing fees and selling fees, for 5 instead of one ball at a time.  And I could insure dye lots..but I am thinking maybe most people (not me) prefer to buy one or two balls at a time and not 5.  I am a hoarder so I buy stuff in quantity...so as to not run out.  I hate running out of a thread and then having to run out just to finish a project and find out the store doesn't have it, or the dye lot is off..may be it is just me..what do you think?  I am not going to make a decision on that until the listing for most of the thread expires..until then we will see how it goes..I would have to raise my prices per ball..to like $5.00 a ball..maybe more I will have to do the math.  Oh well I will just put that decision off for awhile

On the crochet front..I have 2 of the 10 doilies done for the one order..only 8 more to go.. I have 1 pineapple doily done of the 6..only 5 more to go..so I am hooking away.  As for blocking as I go..well that isn't getting done..so tomorrow my plan is to block some of the things I have finished..I get lots of things done tomorrow..favorite day of the week..tomorrow..Any way I would love to hear your opinion as to the color of the doily on this post and what say you about selling the thread by the ball instead of the box...Blessings my dear blogger friends..

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all my blog friends.  I hope everyone got through the holidays safe and sound. All my girls and their families were here over the weekend.  My house and my cup runneth over.  Even Buddy had company.  Now that the house is quiet it is time to pack away all the Christmas decorations..that is a job in itself.  I am not sure I will tackle it today as I have a terrific headache and I think the only thing I will do is run out to CVS show my ID and get some sudafed.  I feel like such a criminal when I have to buy the stuff.  

ON the crochet front....it has been slow going..I have so many orders that I have overwhelmed myself...I need to learn to say no.   You all know I have 10 large tabletoppers to get done for a wedding,  2 chair sets,  a set of three pineapple doilies, 1 name thingy, and another 3 color doily that was ordered just the other day.  If I didn't have these to do I would be making something else so I guess it really doesn't matter in the long run.  Hmm..it might even be better this way as I don't have to go and decide what pattern, what color and change my mind.  The decision is already made.

OK..I do not make New Year's resolutions as I usually do not keep them.  The only thing I am going to make myself do this year is keep my little craft room organized..if it kills me.  I am going to put patterns up as I complete them instead of putting them in a pile to put up later.  I am going to find somewhere to get rid of the leftover balls instead of hoarding them.  I am going to block finished items as I complete them instead of putting them in a pile for some other time.  Sounds like a plan right?   I need to get a little more organized and a little more disciplined..LOL..right  anyway thanks for stopping by and reading my new year thoughts..may you always find the joy..

 Good Morning!! We have snow..and alot of it.  Here in Southwest, Southern Indiana we under a Blizzard Warning!! yep...so I think I will stay hunkered down.  I wonder what ever will I do?

 Ok..poor Buddy..this is the first snow he has ever seen.  I couldn't get the back door opened..too much snow..had to push and push the snow back..after awhile I got enough space so Buddy could wedge his way out.  Good thing the yard is fenced in or there would have been more snow in the back yard..The wind is really whipping it around.  I don't think he really likes this white stuff..I had to give him the boot in order to get him outside..and he really had to go..

Finished this up last night..I know, I know...This isn't on the list of to do's..but I needed a distraction..Well I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  My girls and their families are supposed to come down for New Year's.  However if the weather is bad I think I may tell them just to stay home and we will catch up with them later when the weather is better.  I don't like the idea of them being on the roads because they feel like they have to be here.  I would rather them just be home and then I wouldn't worry about them..oh well..I will deal with that later in the week. You guys have a wonderful week and a Happy New Year if I don't get back before then.  May you always find the joy..Vikki

A Rambling thought..or two..

Just me and my thoughts today.  My heart cries out for the families that lost so much on Friday.  I am not sure if there is anything any of us can do to help them with their grief, their anger, and their loss.  I think the best thing any of us can do is pray.  Pray for acceptance, pray for mercy, pray for love, pray for hope, and pray for peace for all of those affected by this evil tragedy.  And leave it in Jesus' care.  Jesus tells us Whatever is pure, Whatever is Holy on these things dwell..and that is what I am going to do.  If thousands of Christians unite in prayer and hold vigilance over our thoughts is there nothing that our God cannot do?  So I ask that we do not dwell on what is truly ugly, but rejoice, sing, dance and pray In Jesus name..

Went to Joann's Friday..had lots of coupons, 50% off...love the coupons. Rich, the hubby, came with.  Usually I roll my eyes when he says he wants to come..and you all know why...but I gotta tell you we had a great time.  I don't know if it is like this in every Joann's superstore, but mine, yes, Mine..all mine, had all of their crochet pattern books on clearance.  I don't know what that means..are they discontinuing them or just making room for new ones?   I hope it is the latter.  Anyway you know I was all over them.  I didn't find any doily books that I don't already have..I have more than any store around here as far as doilies go.  But I did find  a baby set pattern made with thread,  a rug book and an afghan pattern book..the afghans look really cool..someday I plan on really making myself one.  I have made all my kids one or two..but never made myself one.  What is up with that?

I hope you all are well..and I am truly grateful for my blog family.  I don't know what most of you look like, or even where you live, but I have found some really good people and friends here.  May you all have a week filled with peace, hope and love

What I have been working on for the last few weeks

 This is a special order for a blog reader.  It is made with DMC Cebelia #712

 And then I couldn't size down the larger swirl so i found this pattern..It is a Kristoffersen pattern so all three are designed by the same designer.  I think it makes a wonderful set.  So now I can breathe..until

Breathing until this.  You all remember this one.  Well I sent it to Greece..first time ever shipping overseas..anyway...The person that bought this wants 10..yes 10 more.  She is going to use them in a wedding.  I don't have to have them done until June..I am going to be busy.  I have a rather large order for 2 chair sets, a pineapple centerpiece, and 2 pineapple doilies that  I have to have ready to go in March, but she said she wasn't in a hurry for the pineapple stuff..so I may have to remind her of that.

So if you don't hear from me for awhile...come looking for me as I may be either buried in thread or just plain tangled up.  May you find the joy in all you do Blessings my friends..

hair cut

Got my hair cut today..Lost 3-4 pounds...My hair is still below my chin..so it is not like I got scalped..almost..anyway it is being donated to Lock of Love..Have a nice evening everyone.

My Grandma's gifts

 I wasn't going to post this morning, as I really didn't have anything to say..but Faith at http://crochetbythesea has a wonderful post and linky going about some of our grandma's treasures.

 I don't think my grandma treasured this towel..but I do.  It is on my wall in a shadow box.  My grandma I am sure never thought that one day one of her grandaughters will treasure one of her dishtowels..I miss my grandma, and often wish her and my grandpa could have met my husband..They would have loved him...I think how great it could have been if we could have played cards..my husband and grandpa would have had fun I think..My husband even has the same name as my grandpa...

 This doily was made by my Great Grandma Bollie,  her real name was Annabelle..Isn't that a wonderful name?  Those are her scissors in the left hand corner...My mom was hesitant to give them to me..Bollie was my mom's best friend I think..Mom still uses Bollie's crochet hook to this day.  Bollie is the lady who sat down with me in the closet and taught me how to make my first chain...Mom told me that Bollie didn't have alot of money so she would save string and get left over balls of thread from my Aunt Agnes and use those.  I don't have any of Agnes' creations.  I wish I did so she could be on my wall.   What great gifts my mom, my grandma, and my great-grandma have given me..because of these women, I am never bored..I have a hobby I really enjoy, and have learned to live life one single crochet stitch at a time...May you find joy in all that you do today my friends.

'

 I want to thank everyone for their encouragement when I asked your advice as to start selling DMC Cebelia thread.  I have decided to take the plunge.  I just hope I am not my best and only customer.  I can live with me being my own best customer I think...Ok here is what I am doing.  In order to sell Cebelia cheap enough I need to sell it in 5 ball lots for $20.00.  If I don't do it that way..the fees involved with selling one ball at a time makes it almost impossible to sell it for a decent price.  The price would be about $5.99 a ball...I wanted to make it more affordable.  All 5 balls would have the same dye lot.  Dye lots are important to me..I assume they are to most crocheters.  As of right now, until I see how it goes I am only going to carry size 10 thread.   That is what I use so in case this thing bombs I can use it.  If it goes well I may carry size 20 if there are enough people that ask for it.  Also DMC traditions..but it only comes in 5 colors.  DMC also make another thread cordinate or something like that.  It is a wonderful thread, but is alot more expensive because the balls are smaller.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with DMC Cebelia let me give you the run down...DMC Cebelia is a superior quality crochet thread made from combed cotton.  DMC Cebelia is 100% Colorfast and fade resistant.  During the manufacturing process the thread is combed,singed by flame, and then double mercersized.  Double Mercerizing give it brillance and strength.  Cebelia is a 3ply thread, 50 grams to a ball.  Size 10 thread has 284 yards to a ball.  Do I sound like a salesman?  I don't mean to..just wanted to let you know what I am carrying in my Etsy shop.  If you want to go to my shop..just hit the button at the top right of my blog...brown doily..that should take you there..if not  try this    www.etsy.com/shop/byhooks4u    Thanks for stopping by.  Blessings to you all

My trees are up!!

 Ok I know this is not a tree.  This is Buddy, with his new deer antler.  My hubby hit a deer with a train the other day.  Deer antlers make awesome chew toys, so my hubby "recycled or reused" the antlers for Buddy.  He looks like he has a huge front tooth.  He is so very proud of it.

 My fireplace and mantle..Love my nutcrackers, Hubby went out to the store to pick me up some hooks to hang ornaments, saw these, knew I wanted some, and bought them for me..Happy Happy Happy

 This tree is in my dining room ...see the horse?  My dad carved one of these for each of his kids..there are 5 of us, and mom has I think two.  I love my horse..he stays out all year long somewhere in my house.  The plaid teddy bear(cut off on the photo) was made by my daughter.  Love the handmade gifts so very much.

 These  3 trees are also in my dining room (I have a big dining room) they are kitty corner in a corner on my sewing machine table.

 This tree is 4' tall is on an end table in my living room...the tablecloth was one of the first things I ever crocheted with thread...so it is a keeper.

 My daughter was going to throw this tree away,because the lights weren't working.  It was one of those trees that already have lights on them.  It took most of the day to tear off the lights and wire.  I just couldn't see throwing it away..Now it is a tree in my living room and I like it alot.

 I know I need to make a mantle scarf..I just haven't had time this year and I thought about it way too late.  So maybe in the spring I will make one and leave it up all year.

This tree is a little over 4' and it is in my entry way.  I think this one is my favorite that I have made.  I have one on my hook, but am not so sure I will get it finished before Christmas....If I do I will be sure to post a pic.

Hello and welcome to my new followers..I am so happy that you have decided to follow me and my randomness.  I will try to answer some questions that were asked in the comment box..here we go...the tree pattern is one from1989..the designer is Judy Valkner.  It is out of print, but copyright protected..Once in awhile you can find her book on Ebay or Amazon..Demis Products Inc. PO Box 348, Lithonia Ga, 30058...is the address inside the cover..hope that helps.

The pattern used for the tabletopper in the last post was designed by Trish Kristoffersen, and you can find her pattern in the book Exquisite Table Toppers.. and the pattern is called Majestic Pineapples.  Trish has a website  www.pkcrochet.com  I really need to get busy as I have some projects that need to get going, finished, and mailed out.  Blessings to you all..

Now it is time for me and my projects.

Good morning all.  This is going to be a quick post because today is pie day.  Going to make some pies..pecan, pumpkin, and cherry.  Got to get the pie dough made..don't like the bought pie crust..doesn't do my taste buds justice.  Any way..I finally got caught up on all the special orders..this is the last one.  It gets mailed out to Greece (expensive) upon payment.  I used DMC #437(tan) or at least what I call it.    She picked the color and I gotta tell you it looks awesome.  I am going to make some large doilies and tabletoppers with that color.  I never would have thought it would look so well.   So now that all the orders are taken care of  I am going to work on a couple of things for me...like a big Christmas tree...and a star runner.  The star runner I am going to use as a Mantle Scarf.  Hopefully I will get them knocked out fast.  I want to let all my blog followers that I am thankful I got to know some of you quite well..I am thankful for my blog friends.  I hope you all have a very blessed Thanksgiving.